Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News December 2023

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Vol. 10

No. 12

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DECEMBER 2023

9th Annual North Pole Express a huge success inspite of the Grinch Smiths Falls - Chris Uhlig editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The first North Pole Express of the season rumbled into the station at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario Saturday, November 28. Santa Claus was there, Mrs. Claus was there, lots of busy volunteers and helpers were there hustling and bustling, but our old friend, the friendly if ever so slightly overactive polar bear, wasn't. Instead, a fuzzy green badly mannered creature scurried through the hallways - the Grinch, foul mouthed and ill tempered as ever. Maybe he put a sleeping pill into the polar bear's egg-nog and made him hibernate all the way into spring now, we will probably never find out. Nevertheless, the 500 visitors that came to the ninth annual North Pole Express still had a great time, no surprise with the countless family activities for every age offered.

This year stood under the banner of "A Magical Journey to the Heart of the Holidays," and it is magical indeed. Cozy hay wagon rides with Tony,

sending Santa Grams in the Telegraph Office to Santa's workshops, the sweet music from carollers and young violinist Oliver Hart-Craig, vendors offering hot treats and popcorn, outdoor fire pits inviting for a little rest, Stories with Mrs. Claus, face painting, raffle tickets for an original painting, the chance to win an 800$ voucher for VIA, and so much more stands on the program.

Executive director Becky Allen commented: "We were excited to work with C'est Tout Bakery with this event, who offered a promotion to our North Pole Express Ticket Holders of a free latte with purchase. We are trying hard to get our out of town guests to enjoy our great little community while they are here!"

Kids also showed off their artistic talent with Grinch colouring pages (he really hates being depicted with pink fur). For a small fee, visitors had their photos taken with Santa in the dining car, courtesy of Catwood Photography. But the highlight, of course, was the

Photo credits: Chris Uhlig. familiar ride on the decorated trains of yesteryear.

"It was a fantastic day and we had great feedback from our guests!" said Becky Allen.

30th Annual Perth Polar Bear Plunge set to make a splash on New Year's Day Perth - submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Photo of David Lavery, 30 years ago signing the first contract. Photo credit: Submitted.

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And what did the Grinch think of all this festive delight" Well, he had a miserable good time of course and found it absolutely "grinchworthy".

On January 1, starting at 8:30am, cold plunging enthusiasts will once again gather at the Perth Legion to participate in the annual Perth Polar Bear Plunge for its 30th anniversary. The Perth Polar Bear Plunge began in 1994, as a fun idea and fundraiser for Crime Stoppers. Founded by David Lavery, Stan Munro and others at the

Perth Legion, it quickly grew into one of the safest and most successful true Polar Bear Plunges in Canada. To date, it has raised over $385,000 for local non-profit and charity organizations. This year, the Rural FASD Support Network is the recipient.

The Rural FASD Support Network is a non-profit corporation based out of Montague Township and serves over 225 families

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from the counties of Lanark and Leeds-Grenville raising children and adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Research shows 4% of Canadians - or 3000 residents of Lanark County - currently live with this permanent disability. Research also shows 98% of those individuals are not currently diagnosed. Rural FASD would also like to thank the Hillside Church Men’s

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Group from Almonte for running this year’s breakfast and Wanda and Eric Labelle for their organizing of the breakfast which will consist of pancakes from Costco, syrup, sausages, fruit, eggs from BurnBrae Farms, and coffee, tea and hot chocolate from Jarryd Lee of Mighty Valley Coffee. Breakfast is free to pledgers and $10 to anyone else joining this party.

Continues on page 2 www.Hometownnews.ca

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2

December 2023

Page Two

Letter from the editor

Dear Readers,

We at Hometown News would like to take a moment at this special time of year to wish you a Merry Christmas. We love being able to share the stories that make up our community, and we are grateful to you,

dear readers, for eagerly receiving them.

We wish you a season of laughter and closeness with the ones you love. We wish you comfort for each loss, and peace for each heartache. May your happiness be reflected in the faces of

your loved ones. May your eyes be opened to see the beauty in the world, and may your hands and hearts stay strong to create it. May you receive the priceless gifts of love, hope, joy, and peace, today and always.

Merry Christmas.

The Findlay Foundry Cartoon by Patrick Labelle.

30th Annual Perth Polar Bear Plunge set to make a splash on New Year's Day Town Crier for opening the event, the Town of Perth for marketing, Councilor Erin Rose of Beckwith Township for plunging, Parks Canada for hosting, the incredible Rural FASD Youth Group for volunteering, plunging and sharing their voice and to everyone pledging. Prizes including toques, gloves, and gift baskets will also be given to the top pledgers thanks to sponsorship from Wills Transfer, 3M, Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Barnabe’s Independent, Metro and Jersey’s

Perth - submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from page 1.

Founded in 1860 by David Findlay, the Findlay Foundry served as a prominent industry in Carleton Place for 112 years. Initially crafting cast iron pots, wagon boxes, plows, and farm implements, the Foundry expanded its offerings to include stoves by 1876. During World War II, it shifted production to ammunition boxes and gas mask components. Many Findlay products, including the enduringly functional stoves, continue to be utilized to this day. Photo credit: Shared by Arlene Stafford [facebook.com/arlene.staffordwilson]

We also thank the Perth Legion for hosting, the Perth FireFighters Association for ensuring everyone’s safety, MPP John Jordan for providing a signed certificate of participation, MP Scott Reid in supporting our entry of Pete the Polar Bear in the Perth, Almonte and Carleton Place Santa Claus parades, Lake 88 for providing media coverage, Perth’s own

Joes in Perth, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, and Andress Independent in Smiths Falls, and Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger and Wal-Mart in Carleton Place. Due to the generosity of Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth, all Perth Polar Bear pledgers can receive a tax donation slip by going to https://www. polarplunge2024.ca/register and registering to participate or donating to their preferred plunger. On January 1, let’s make the 30th anniversary of this incredible event the best one yet!

Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham

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Perth Polar Bear Plunge, January 1, 2023. Photo credits: Kathy Botham.

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December 2023

community Used books raising funds for secondhand chickens Regional - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

When Liz and Craig Wheeler bought their first home, there was something unusual in the backyard: a chicken coop.

Many new homeowners would remove it, or perhaps repurpose it, but for the Wheelers it was a catalyst for making a dream come true. They had long wanted to be a hands-on part of rescuing animals, and their home-buying experience catapulted them headlong into becoming a sanctuary for chickens.

The previous owners of the home had no plans to take the coop’s chickens with them, so the Wheelers kept those too.

In the past year and a half since moving in, the Wheelers have built five more coops, and have welcomed

thirteen rescue chickens to their home, with five more coming this month.

What brings a couple to the point of wanting to run an animal sanctuary?

“Well, in a ‘which-camefirst-the-chicken-or-theegg’ scenario, it was the bookstore that came first.

Secondhand Stories started as a fundraising initiative for our friends at The Sweet Sanctuary in Mississippi Mills,” Liz explains, “We started an Instagram page in 2020 selling books and donating all the profits - raising over $25,000 for them.”

“The Sweet Sanctuary inspired us to look for a property so we could rescue our own animals one day. Once we moved out to Rideau Lakes from Ottawa City Center we had to transition the business model a bit, but we found four amazing businesses (Strawberry

Blonde, Copper Branch, Happy Goat and Art of Bean) that opened their doors and shelves to us so that our customers can pick up their books in the city. We have a volunteer who helps us with the deliveries every Thursday and we'd be lost without her!”

In November, the Wheelers raised over $3200 for their sanctuary.

Their newest addition, Potato, is a 4-month-old Silkie Frizzle rooster. “He's being isolated in our spare bedroom while we finalize the insulation of his very own coop,” Liz says.

“For now, he enjoys his important job of watching the squirrels climb trees through his window perch and telling us which snacks he likes (blueberries) or dislikes (lettuce).”

Ellie is another special rooster. “He is a one-year-

Loyal Orange Lodge contributes generously to community initiatives

R.W. Brother Calvin Yeo, Provincial Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Association of Ontario East, Margot Hallam, CEO Perth Smiths Falls Hospital Foundation, M.W. Sister Edith White, Worthy Mistress of Star of the East #584, Smiths Falls, of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association of Ontario, M.W. Brother William Bradley, Loyal Orange Lodge #88, Smiths Falls.

Donation of $1,000 and $500. Photo credit: Submitted.

Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca At the annual dinner meeting of Loyal Orange Lodge # 88 Smiths Falls and Orange Young Britons Lodge # 120 Smiths Falls

there were several donations given out.

The Perth Smiths Falls Hospital Foundation was given $1,000 from LOL #88 and $500 from Star of the East #584, Smiths Falls of the Ladies Orange Benev-

olent Association to help with their $6.1-million fund raising drive toward the new MRI machine.

Margot Hallam, CEO of the Foundation, informed us that the first patient will be seen on November 13, 2023.

Two $100 donations were made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

An additional bursary of $200 was given to a recent SFDCI graduate to further her education in Veterinary studies.

And finally, a $100 donation was made to Right Worshipful Brother Calvin Yeo, Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Lodge of Ontario East, for his charitable project: Testicular Cancer Society.

In all, $2000 was donated that night.

We, the Orange Association, challenge all other fraternal organizations to match or beat our donation to the Perth and Smiths Falls Hospital foundation MRI fund.

Craig, Liz & Ellie. Photo credit: Submitted. old blind rooster who is surfaces of his food and just the sweetest thing. He water dishes,” Liz explains. loves being held, cuddled Roosters don’t deserve and whispered to. He's be- their bad reputation, she come so affectionate that says, “Roosters get such a we'll often bring him onto bad rep for being loud and the couch for movie night mean, but in our experior bring him in the ham- ence of caring for them mock for a little nap. He's and paying them the atthe one with the loudest tention they deserve, that purr of them all and, don't couldn't be further from tell the others but, he's the the truth. They are really smartest. He knows how intuitive and we're lucky to find his way around by to have the opportunity to taking careful steps and rescue such gentlemen.” using his beak to find the Secondhand Stories is a

registered non-profit online used book shop based out of the Wheeler’s home in Rideau Lakes. They accept donations of gently used books from the community and resell them on their website to raise funds for their sanctuary.

It is a passion project that aims to bring the reading and animal-loving community together to make a positive impact. They can be found online at secondhandstories.ca.

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December 2023

community

Almonte's unique cohousing dream takes shape

Vancouver Cohousing opened in late Feb 2016. This is a site in an old traditional neighbourhood, walkable to a vibrant commercial center with coffee shops, preschools, and amenities. They have a mixed community of 31 units with many young children, parents, seniors and single folks. Photo credit: cohousing.ca /communities/bc/vancouver/.

Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s moving forward slowly… but it’s moving.

The hope is by 2026 Almonte will have a ‘done and finished’ cohousing development in town; Nancy Mucklow wants to be part of it.

She says she’ll be ready to head back from Windsor, Nova Scotia, and take up retirement years, as well as be closer to family. She adds, with a certain delight, that this particular cohousing project is “the only one in a town in Ontario. The rest are in cities… this one’s in a “sweet” town by a “sweet” river… really unique.

“Cohousing is usually very urban.”

So, what is cohousing?

How is it different from an apartment building, a so-

rority house, a commune?

Cohousing isn’t co-living, says the Ottawa Cohousing website https:// www.ottawacohousing.ca/ what-and-why-cohouse.

“Everybody owns their own private home and coowns the shared interior and exterior spaces, which are collectively maintained.”

Seniors live there, so do young families, families with babies and teenagers, millennials, maybe Gen Zers… anyone who takes an interest in “semi-communal housing consisting of a cluster of private homes and a shared community space.”

“Everybody owns their home,” Mucklow further explains, “…but with things in common like laundry rooms, kitchens, meeting rooms.” She gives, as an example, depending how

routines are set up, someone might cook dinner and many could share.

Outside activities would be attacked in a similar way — not necessarily “mowing” she adds with some acerbity (maybe a particular bugbear with her?) but keeping fit and healthy with baseball diamonds and garden plots.

When is this particular cohousing project getting underway?

“The group is still forming,” she says. “We’re looking for a piece of property.”

When the property is found, the price can be figured out.

How is that done? She explains it this way: There are always permissions to get through and a lot of planning to get done. Once that’s complete and a formal decision is made on property then interested buyers can fill out an intake form.

The form helps develop a budget — what possible owners can and can’t afford.

“We realize that young couples, families, and individuals often can't make commitments to housing until closer to construction and move-in.

“But, even so, Fiddlehead Cohousing is actively looking for these individuals to join the project now.

Their input influences decisions and makes sure the project includes what young families need.”

And that is “households of diverse ages, family sizes

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and background to create a future home — a multigenerational community.” Go to https://www.ottawacohousing.ca/town-cohousing for more information As for cost, the architect, says Mucklow, “knows what things cost.” Rosaline Hill, of Rosaline J. Hill, Architect Inc., she explains, will look at individual budget statements and design cohousing for this particular group with their

express budgets in mind.

Which brings her, she says, to one of the most crucial reasons for adopting cohousing: alleviating isolation. “You can have company when you want,” in a common room, or if you don’t, you can sit quietly in your own home.

“There’s an epidemic of loneliness out there; there’s no place to meet and gather. Cohousing is a basic

remedy for this.”

British Columbia is wellknown for cohousing with 15 projects completed, four in development and seven forming; Ontario stands next with two completed, three in development and seven forming.

For information about the other provinces and cohousing in general, go to https://www.cohousing.ca/ communities/.

New grassroots fundraiser boosts The Table Community Food Centre

Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

A new grassroots fundraising initiative has been bringing in donations to The Table this holiday season. Toonies for The Table received wide support from local businesses in Perth as well as the Downtown Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce. Spearheaded by volunteer Anne McCrae, over 100 mason jars were repurposed to collect donations and placed at local businesses. Perth's generous community spirit is clear from the results with $3,758 collected to date. The effort also caught the attention of Howard McRae of Topps Environmental Solutions.

The company will donate $10,000 to the Table to be split between their Perth operation and their expansion into Smiths Falls with the Falls Food Hub. Ramsey Hart, Executive Director of The Table noted that “the Table is extremely grateful to Anne for devel-

Photo credit: facebook.com/thetablecfc. oping the concept and suc- 16th, at 11:20 am at the Cryscessfully implementing the tal Palace, representatives of Toonies for the Table cam- The Table, the Chamber of paign. At this time of rising Commerce, the DBIA and food costs we can certainly Topps Environmental Soluuse the increased financial tions will be meeting with support. The campaign also Anne for a The Toonies for improved our exposure The Table campaign celebrain town and allowed us to tion and cheque presentation.

Toonies for The Table continreach new donors."

On Saturday December ues until December 22.

5

December 2023

lifestyle What if it’s NOT the most wonderful time of the year?

Photo credit: Submitted.

Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

This time of year has many joyous, merry times, gatherings, and events. No matter where you go, in every store, on television, radio, social media, or talking to friends and family, it’s all you hear, see and smell. But for many people, it may feel anything but joyous. If you or a loved one is managing a serious or palliative illness, or are bereaved, it will be different, no matter what it is that you normally celebrate.

If you are trying to simply “get through” this time of year, remember…

• Be kind to yourself.

• Do what feels right; it's ok to feel happiness or sadness.

• There is no right or wrong way to feel, it’s your way.

• Allow space for yourself, you may feel all different emotions.

• Acknowledge others may be grieving and processing differently than you.

• Recognize that some people are trying to help and may not know how to.

• Do what feels right for you and your person; you don’t have to do it all.

• If you prefer not to talk, and can afford it, get out of town. Stay at a local hotel for a couple of nights, take a trip, or simply hunker down at home and pretend it’s just another day. There are no rules!

Honouring a loved one can look like…

• Sharing a prayer or poem • Lighting a candle • Setting a place for them at the table • Having a non-traditional meal or creating their favourite dishes • Sharing stories • Creating gifts made with something significant — i.e., a pillow cover made out of your person’s shirt, or an ornament with something they wrote on it.

• There are many ways to honour our loved ones; either alone or with family and friends.

How to create a perfect holiday…

• DON’T! • Try not to add extra pressures • It’s ok to ask for or accept help • Creating memories and being together is a gift, especially if it may be the last.

• Don’t be afraid of tears… or laughter.

• Connect with the important people in your life Supporting someone who is struggling can look like…

• Reach out to people who have had any of these things happen recently.

• Understand that for many, it’s not just the first Christmas that may be hard…it may be every Christmas for the rest of their lives. Respect that.

• Try not to talk about all of your happy plans too much.

Friendships don’t always need to be “even.”

• Listen. Let them be sad… don’t try to jolly them up, and above all don’t tell them to “do it for the kids” or anything like that.

• If your friend is grieving, don’t be afraid to say their person’s name! Talking about them can be a gift.

(But do be sensitive to their response. If they change the subject, follow their lead.)

• Be aware that some losses are very complicated.

Always follow the grieving person’s lead.

• However they choose to deal with the season, show your support.

• If you plan to give them a gift, consider something that offers self-care — a massage or spa day, takeout meals, or an event such as a musical performance or dinner date with you.

The internet is full of hints and tips that may speak to your particular situation. Whether it’s dealing with illness, or the loss of a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling, child, or friend, these can all result in very different responses.

We at HHNL wish you peace, and hope you will be surrounded by love and support.

You can reach out to us by email at info@hhnl.ca, by phone at 613-406-7020 or 343-262-0902

Comprehensive Mental Health Resources: Finding Support Online and After Hours A FEW AFTER-HOUR RESOURCES A FEW ONLINE RESOURCES • https://champlainpalliative.ca/ for-caregivers-patients/grief-ten-thingsto-keep-in-mind/ • https://thepsychologygroup.com/ how-to-cope-with-grief-during-theholidays/ • https://whatsyourgrief.com/ https://mygrief.ca/

The Warmline Open 4 pm to midnight 7 days a week.

For anyone feeling lonely, isolated, depressed or in need of a friendly ear https://www.warmline.ca 1-888-768-2488 Mental Health Crisis Support hotline for Lanark, Leeds and Grenville 24 hours 7 days a week https://llgamh.ca/247-crisis-line.php 1-866-281-2911

Local Boards of Health investigate possible merger Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Board of Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District (LGLD) Board of Health, and the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Board of Health endorsed investigating the feasibility of a potential merger between these local public health agencies (LPHAs).

This consideration has been brought forward in response to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s announcement in August 2023 to strengthen the public health sector. This announcement

also included one-time funding, resources, and supports to LPHAs that decide to voluntarily merge.

The province has indicated that any cost efficiencies realized by a merger would be retained by LPHAs to further support the local delivery of programs and services.

The province has set objectives for public health mergers.

• A minimum population base of 500,000.

• Improve organizational performance.

• Sustain leadership structures.

• Sustain competencies and capacities for specialized positions.

• Support alignment and coordination with partners.

• Support alignment and partnerships within communities and priority populations.

“Our agencies have the same goal to support progress on improving population health outcomes while reducing health inequities in the communities we serve,” said Wess Garrod, Chair of KFL&A Board of Health.

“If a voluntary merger offers a chance to strengthen our public health capacity to meet unexpected surges in demand and fully deliver core public health services, then it is an opportunity worth exploring.”

“We continue to work positively with our neighbouring health units,” said Peter McKenna, Chair for the LGLD Board of Health. “We look forward to continuing conversations about how a voluntary merger could enrich local public health service delivery in our region.”

“Over the past several weeks, we have had productive conversations with neighbouring public health units, exploring potential partnerships that could build on our existing strengths and meet the province’s objectives to strengthen public health,” said Jan O’Neill, Board Chair at HPEPH. “We are

open to possibilities to improve capacity and coordination, and the community should be reassured that when exploring any such decision, we will prioritize our ability to maintain front line service to meet local needs.”

Feasibility of a potential merger will be considered, and each Board will independently decide whether they wish to move forward. If the Boards approve moving forward with a voluntary merger, they must submit a proposal to the Ministry of Health by March 2024. This proposal is then subject to approval by the Ministry of Health.

6

December 2023

lifestyle

Cruise vacations surge into 2026 amidst rising prices Regional - Brian turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Cruise vacations are selling into 2026 now. Almost 35.7 million passengers are expected to take a cruise in 2024, up from 31.5 million in 2023. Cruise lines have increased capacity by 5% but are still struggling to meet demand. Popularity is booming as travelers look for cheaper travel options, but prices are set to go up in the coming months. My wife and I began ocean cruising in 2000 and have even taken a couple of river cruises so far. We love it for all that is included and the price value of always having a comfortable room each night after a day in a jungle, or in an expensive city where hotel rooms cost a fortune. My wife will tell you that I would never be a good gambler (which she is on the nickel slot machines), and she would be right. Case in point.

I predicted just before Covid hit the world that the cruise industry was building, what I thought to be, too many new ships, and that the industry would crash. And then as Covid was upon us, I thought that I had made a sage prediction. As it turns out, boy was I wrong! Look at the state of the cruise industry today and the reasons for its success. One basic reason is the human spirit and reaction to

bad times. We were stuck in our homes and couldn’t get together with folks or travel where and when we wanted to. Well, just as predicted by sociologists, as soon as restrictions were lifted, people flocked back to cruising and are booking even more! Why then should we not be surprised that cruise prices are actually rising? The following excerpts from an August 2023 Reuters article nicely summarizes the situation.

Cruise operators plan to hike prices as costs rise, demand swells by Doyinsola Oladipo and Granth Vanaik.

Cruise vacations in the past year have emerged as a popular option among consumers in search of cheaper ways to travel, but U.S. cruise companies are signaling that itineraries will get costlier in the coming months. After discounting aggressively following years of Covid testing requirements and restrictions, cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL.N) and Carnival Corp (CCL.N) are looking to raise prices as occupancy levels approach pre-pandemic levels. “Cruise vacations before the onset of the pandemic were on average 15% to 20% cheaper than a land-based vacation,” Truist hotel and cruise analyst Patrick Scholes said. That gap has widened to 50%, he added. “(We are) working

hard to close the outrageous and unwarranted 25% to 50% value gap to land-based offerings over time,” Carnival Corp CEO Josh Weinstein said on a post-earnings call in June. Cruise operators lowered prices to lure passengers onboard following the pandemic, banking on onboard spending that has now reached record levels.

Onboard spending in the second quarter rose 49.9% for Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), compared with the same period in 2019, before the pandemic. Onboard spending rose about 36.8% for Royal Caribbean Cruises and 17.2% for Carnival in the same period. "There's a lot more nickel-and-diming than there used to be,” said Bob Levinstein, CEO of Cruise Compete, a marketplace for cruise quotes, not-

ing charges for room service and other amenities used to be free. Still, companies like Norwegian and Carnival say labor costs, marketing, and port and freight expenses are on the rise, offsetting gains from robust demand and higher ticket prices. "We're looking at growth with respect to price increases as we get to 2024, 2025 and 2026," Carnival's Weinstein said.

Royal Caribbean's CEO Jason Liberty echoed Weinstein's view on the value gap to landbased vacation and said on a post-earnings call late in July that it would help the company raise ticket prices further.

It is cheaper to sail and get better value for your dollar than going to Disney World!

A seven-night all-inclusive Carnival cruise vacation that sails to the Caribbean costs $3,988.80 for a family of four,

while a seven-night theme park vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida costs $5,810.79, according to data provided by travel agency Premier Custom Travel.

People are responding to the savings proposition, with about 73% of those who have never cruised saying that they would consider such a vacation, according to data from Cruise Lines International Association.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean said the percentage of guests who were new to cruising surpassed 2019 levels. "There doesn't appear to be any problems with the price raises taken so far,” said Barclays analyst Brandt Montour. They've raised prices 10% to 15% for 2023, compared with 2019 levels, and it doesn't seem like the consumer is pushing back on

that latest price hike, he said.

Well, after canceling a February 2024 cruise because of our poor experiences with airport delays, gate changes and broken planes in Fall 2023, we are glad that we have kept bookings for Summer and Fall 2024 having purchased the cruises before the prices rise any higher. I have been monitoring online prices for the same cruises over several months, and the prices are not dropping as you get closer to a cruise, like they used to. All this to say, if you are contemplating taking a cruise, book it when the price is right and don’t wait for a last minute deal unless you are ready to travel on very short notice and take what is left in cabins onboard.

Cheers and happy sailing!

Mainstream cruises are cheaper than land-based theme park holiday Mainstream Cruise (CCL)

Theme Park Land Vacation (Disney World)

Room

$2,788.80

$1,315.49

Food

Included

$1,920.00

Shows

Included

Some Included

Activities

Most onboard included

$2,575.30

Shore Excursions

$1,200.00

$0.00

Places Visited

3 countries

Stays in the same place

Perks

$50.00 onboard credit

$0.00

TOTAL

$3,988.80

$5,810.79

Note: Costs are calculated for a 7-night vacation for family of four based on September 2023 pricing.

Source: Premier Custom Travel | By Granth Vanaik

December 2023

7

Food & Drink

The Travelling Sommelier KIN Vineyards

Column by Brian Preston | brianpreston@hotmail.com

Brian Hamilton is a graduate of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, and was previously a winemaker at Malivoire, Southbrook Vineyard and Tawse Winery, all in Niagara Peninsula, and he brings the same focus on organic and biodynamic winemaking practices to KIN Vineyards west of Ottawa. Brian worked at wineries in California and New Zealand where he further developed experience and expertise in the creation of cool-climate wines. I attended the grand opening in 2017 and with a recent

re-tasting I can say that the wines are very good, ranging from entry level at $25 to their next level at $38.

2019 KIN Vineyards Chardonnay based on VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara, 13.2% abv, was a dry, aged on lees version that had a pale golden colour with a nose of fresh apple and a touch of melon that, while light, had some body due to the fermentation process of stirring (battonage) leaving the dead yeast cells mixed with it (on the lees) in oak barrels which added another dimension of flavour and body to the wine. This wine is sourced from Beamsville Bench using Niagara Peninsula grapes, but it was made by the KIN winemaker, Brian Hamilton. It is not uncommon for a new vineyard to source grapes from elsewhere when the local vines are quite young and not yet producing the volume needed for full commercial operation. Many Prince Edward County vineyards started this way and some still use Niagara grown grapes. The grapes were hand harvested, then whole cluster pressed

to release only the highest quality juice, which was cool settled and racked to French oak, Burgundy format barrels (20% new) for cultured yeast fermentation and lees aging. Total elevate of nine months with periodic battonage and gentle bentonite fining and minimal filtration prior to bottling. Tasting Notes: Medium lemon in colour, this wine presents a nose of citrus, almond and subtle toast notes. The palate is full and rich yet fresh and cleansing with a long finish.

My overall favourite.

2020 KIN Vineyards Carp Ridge Pinot Noir, 11.5%abv, $38. This wine has a pale garnet colour and is made from hand-selected grapes fermented and aged in French oak barrels. The nose presented a perfumed complexity of red currant, earth, and spice nuances of cinnamon and star anise.

The palate was midweight with an elegant presentation of bright red currant and spice notes and fruit acidity on the palate, with elegant soft tannins and oak framed by a dusty yet soft tannin structure that led to a medium long, fresh finish.

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THEPICKLEDPIG.CA The 6 acre Kinburn Block includes hardy French hybrid varieties Marechal Foch, Frontenac, and Vidal Blanc, and on 10 acres of the Carp vineyard, where the winery is located, they harvested for the first time their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in 2016. The grape varietals have truly taken hold and now they are in their seventh harvest.

In this part of the Ottawa Valley, like Prince Edward County, they have to bury the canes for the winter, and then set them up in Spring again.

Kin Vineyards Civil Grit Marquette VQA, 12.5%abv, $25. The Marquette grapes for this wine were handpicked from an organic vineyard; bright garnet in colour showing aroma and flavours

of black raspberry and blueberry with subtle earth and cinnamon tones. The palate was lively and bright, with jammy fruit on the finish.

These and their other wines are available at various LCBO stores. Check out the website at https:// kinvineyards.com/ The wines were delightful and while everyone's palate is different, I particularly was impressed with the Chardonnay. This makes for a great day trip from Westport, Portland and Smiths Falls. For me, the tour is not to drive straight there and back, but rather to explore Eastern Ontario on the way. I guess you could say that the journey and the destination are equally important. That is why I went by way of Pakenham to see the historic five-arch

Pakenham Bridge that spans the Mississippi river. It is the only one of its type in North America and it was built in 1901 by O'Toole & Keating, Scottish masons from Ottawa, at a cost of $14,500, before Henry Ford had cars on the road! With a parking lot and rapids right at the bridge, it is a popular picnic spot.

Well I arrived home in good spirits and made sure that my wine sampling and driving was within legal limits!

If you have any comments or suggestions for new places to feature, please get in touch with me. As a double-certified Sommelier for over 20 years, I cover beer, wines and spirits of all types, and I like to convene tastings with foods to match in a fun and sociable setting.

Cheers!

Penny, Grizz, and the dynamic dozen OPINION - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Just saw a new litter of 12 squirmy, squeaky pups.

Mom, Penny, is doing fine, and the dozen puppies are doing what puppies do — eat, sleep, poop and pee.

Mom noses into them, pushes them around, keeps count…although one night a forlorn yelp had her scurrying to find the problem: one little guy had inched his way behind a door and was kinda cold…

Penny is an American breed of Great Dane, brindle in colour; Dad, Grizz, is a fawn European Dane, harder to find. Both are about two years old.

There are six boys and six girls in the colourful litter; this litter has brindle, fawn, blue-silver, mantle, and one spotted. The smallest has been tempo-

Momma Penny and her litter of 12. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

rarily named Mouse and two others have taken on Chocolate, and Chip.

The 12 arrived in two batches — six on Nov. 2 through the night and another six moving into Nov. 3.

Penny went for her first ‘after’

walk without babes on Nov. 5.

Great Danes are known to be gentle giants but are alert when strangers come into their space to look at babies; Penny’s low growl told me not to come too close.

8

December 2023

culture Sing Your Heart Out Choir: creating music and community in Smiths Falls

The Sing Your Heart Out Choir performing at the Station Theatre Saturday, December 9.

Photo credit: Submitted by Ruth Anderson.

Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle right in Smiths Falls and that ceral and physical experieditorial@pdgmedia.ca the Hub: Music and Art was ence, and you don’t need to promoting the Arts in many be an expert to explore your One warm September ways,” said Joni Thornley. voice as an instrument.” evening, about two dozChoir Director and She knew she’d createn people gathered in the singer-songwriter Ambre ed something special on upstairs room at The Hub: McLean has been lead- the first night of Sing Your Music and Art in Smiths ing a youth choir for a few Heart Out. “There were Falls. They had heard about years now. “When I started goosebumps and tears and the new group from friends thinking about running a laughter as we all realized or they saw an ad on Face- choir, I considered many that we were becoming a book about a brand-new things. First and foremost, team. No voice was more adult choir called Sing I wanted it to be accessi- important than the next, Your Heart Out. ble to singers of all levels. and in that space, everyone “I joined this choir be- Not everyone knows how had a chance to shine.” cause I loved the idea that I to read music, and I didn’t “From the first SYHO would learn more from Am- want that to deter anyone gathering, I felt I belonged,” bre, as she wanted to teach us from joining and enjoying said Carol Lyng, a new resmore about how to use our the experience of singing ident of Smiths Falls who voices to sing. I appreciated with other voices,” she said. joined the choir to meet peothat the choir was practicing “Singing can be a very vis- ple in her new community.

“Choir night has become the highlight of my week,” said Gail Dajenais, “what surprised me the most was how supportive and connected our group has been from day one.”

The choir members agreed. “I think what we have created together is awesome,” commented Linda Pipher.

“We just kind of came together so easily,” said Kathryn McKeigan. “Also, singing is such a release and every time I leave there, no matter how hard the day was, I always feel so good.”

Instead of assigning parts and places, McLean encouraged the choir members to be active participants in creating parts and finding their natural fit in each song.

“Ambre allows everyone the freedom to be creative,” said Ruth Anderson, “Nothing makes you feel better

than to sing your heart out!”

Allison Kelly said that was the best part for her as well. “Those shared moments of laughter while we figure out a song or the goosebumps after we know we nailed the harmonies … to see it all come together was really great.”

“In the beginning, I assumed that we would be directed on how and what to sing. Not the case. We all have input in some form or another. It totally gels everyone together and creates a feeling that it’s not just a choir but ‘our’ choir. SYHO is truly my music therapy,” added Julie Bush.

Sing Your Heart Out’s inaugural performance was the night of the Holiday Train in Smiths Falls.

They gathered on the steps of the Station Theatre and sang Christmas carols to

the delight of merrymakers who were lined up for hot chocolate. Led again by Ambre McLean on guitar, the choir also led the town’s carol-singing at the festive lighting ceremony under the water tower in Centennial Park. Their term-end recital was held at Station Theatre on December 9.

They sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Tennille Townes’ Beautiful Things, and of course, the Trews’ Sing Your Heart Out. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Singing in front of an audience at the recital was terrifying but also so exhilarating,” Kori Bigelow said.

The choir will run again from January to April 2024. Sign-up is open on The Hub’s website: thehubmusicart.com.

Mom's Christmas traps:

memories of yuletide shenanigans opinion - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Mother set traps at Christmas — not to catch mice — but to catch errant children sneaking into the living room to count presents, maybe even to open and then rewrap some, especially those that had their name on it.

The trap was elaborate… a 6’ wooden step-ladder set behind a heavy blanket which covered the wide door-arch into the living room where the tall fir tree stood.

On top sat a bucket of water with a trip-wire at the bottom which off-loaded the full pail onto the sneaky child’s head.

And she told us she’d done this… to put the fear of God into us maybe… or just to plain make us fearful.

Thinking back, I doubt the bucket was full.

And no matter how hard she tried to foil us, and how dire the consequences were, we got in.

Brothers and sisters worked together; we girls, being much smaller, were cajoled by older and bigger brothers, just to sneak under the corner of the

blanket and have a look.

We were old enough to read and got our own back reading off the names — five for me, one for Nick, one for Ian, four for Jo (sister).

On Christmas Day, one of the kids would crouch by the pile of presents under the tree and hand them out. Father sat in one of the old low comfy chairs, mother on the sofa with the dog (or cat) and we three others waited for our name.

Great Uncle Bill was invited. He lived at the Glebe Senior’s Home. As we all became old enough to drive, one of us got to drive him home; he was always silent

in the car, so a quick-enough, quiet-enough drive.

When we got there, we parked and walked him to the door — then the dreaded cheek kiss. A nice gesture…but there was the inevitable nose drip. We could see it coming but leaned dutifully forward, kissed his cheek, felt the dribble down our own cheek, and on the return to the car, scrubbed it off with our mitts.

And then, Christmas dinner… the turkey with the paper ruffles around its legs, and, of course, the fiery plum pudding with hard sauce.

Great memories…

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