Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News May 2023

A.C. Towing 613-284-3465 24/7 Service

Owned & Operated By:

Local & Long Distance Lockouts Boosts Ogilvie's Telephone: 613-283-7444

Vol. 10

No. 5

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

MAY 2023

Learning fueled by good food at Duncan J. Schoular Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pd gmedia.ca Some kids trade up for fruit and veggies. They come to school with empty back packs and head straight for the fresh food stash.

“Our kids are hungry,” says Nancy Holman, principal at Duncan J. Schoular on McGill St in Smiths Falls.

Often the food bins are empty by early afternoon “and then we start to see fights and regulation challenges,” she adds.

The school provides nutrition bins for more than 380 students every day, as well as running a full breakfast program.

So the $1000 cheque from Smiths Falls Friends of the Library will help the school get through the food shortage until the end of the school year.

Holman says there’s always a stash of food in her office — food the teachers have bought — and it’s

kept there…just in case. “On the weekend, we buy extra. We keep it here because the kids are hungry, and we want them to eat nutritious food. We want to make sure they’re content coming to school…and they want to come to school.

“We love them, and do things to keep them engaged.”

Because if they’re hungry, she adds, “they make poor choices, and it impacts their learning and their social skills connections.”

Jenni-Lee Crogie says the school has gone through more food than anticipated this year.

“There’s been a huge influx of students accessing our program.”

Crogie, Breakfast Club co-ordinator, explains the process: “Funding originally started with Food for Thought, a government program. We were allotted so much money over the course of the school year; we order on Tuesday for the next week, but if

their supply runs down then so does ours, and all of a sudden we have 12 kids without any lunches” — so they head to the stash and toast up English muffins.

“The price of food has gone up which also affects us. Running out to buy a few extra things blows the budget. It’s not expected or anticipated…”

For more information about the breakfast program, or to support or donate, contact Holman at the school at 613-283-1367 or by email at djschoular@ucdsb.on.ca Holman thanked Christine Nayar, Chair, for the generous cheque. “It’s not generosity,” Nayar explains, because “Friends of the Library has a mandate of promoting literacy and it goes hand-in-hand. It might be pushing the envelope a little (literacy and food) but the trends we’re experiencing these days — it makes sense.”

Nancy Holman, (second from left), principal at Duncan J. Schoular Public School, accepts a $1000 cheque from Christine Nayar, chair of Smiths Falls Friends of the Library. The cheque will extend the food program until the end of the year. With Holman and Nayar are Sarah Rudge (far left) vice principal, Jenni-Lee Crogie, Breakfast Club co-ordinator, and Kathy Deutekom, book sale coordinator for Friends of the Library. Photo credit: Submitted.

CPR Training "a vital first step in survival" Dummies used in CPR/AED course.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pd gmedia.ca

Pierre Pierre Blais demonstrates CPR at a First Aid/CPR/AED Training program at the Marlborough Community Recreation Association April 22.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

FIND US ONLINE

Facebook/HometownnewsPerth

Willow & Co. is a lifestyle boutique specializing in home décor, interior finishes, apothecary and specially curated artwork.

willowandcompany.ca

38 Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls

Pierre Blais captured more than a dozen participants’ focussed attention with his presentation of the Ottawa Paramedic Service’s CPR and AED course April 22.

During the four hour course at the Marlborough Community Recreation Association Centre in North Gower, men and women took turns working on adult, children or baby dummies, and sometimes were the dummies themselves.

Facebook/HometownnewsCarletonPlace

Saving a life is a sobering act.

Blais’ practical and matter-offact attitude made the course interesting and do-able; there was no hesitation on his part about going over life-saving steps more than once. He hammered the points home…even while admitting CPR only works 75 percent of the time.

Tina Rudkoski, one of the participants, said “the course was well paced, delivered by an excellent, experienced trainer.”

She added that it gave her confidence knowing if ever in an emergency situation that what she learned could be “a vital first step in someone’s survival.”

Sarah Thorenton, another participant, agreed, saying the course was “both practical and informative” with a “dynamic” teacher.

A few things to think about: Look around and make sure you’re safe when confronted with a situation. For example, when entering a room, if people are lying on the floor, don’t go in — possible gas exposure. Or, if someone is swinging a baseball bat, back away.

Get consent from the person (if

possible). If the person is a baby or child, ask for consent from a parent.

When doing CPR, push 30 times, take two breaths; do this five times (two minutes). Make sure someone has called 911.

There are three priorities, Blais says: assess the level of consciousness (ask questions: who are you, what time is it, where are you…), is there bleeding, is the person breathing. If the person is not breathing, start CPR. Near the end of the course, Blais opened a small compact defibrillator and explained how to attach it; however it’s done — back and front (child), top left and bottom right, or top right and bottom left, make sure the heart is in between. The defibrillator will tell you how to do the rest.

Each participant came away with a card stating they were certified in CPR and AED; the card is good for a year. Each also received a CPR/AED Manual.

For information about First Aid/ CPR/AED training or the Public Access Defibrillator Program, call 613-580-2424, ext. 32434. The website is www.ottawa.ca/cpr.

Facebook/HometownnewsSmithsFalls

www.Hometownnews.ca

2

May 2023

PART OF THE DISCOVER COMMUNTIY NETWORK

Hometownnews

Page Two Publisher

Sales & Advertising

Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

advertising@pdgmedia.ca tara@pdgmedia.ca

Reporters

Community engagement

Kathy Botham Sally Smith Janelle Labelle Brian Turner Shannon McLellan

shannon@pdgmedia.ca johnnyfive@pdgmedia.ca

Photography

Editorial / Contact

Kathy Botham

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Submit an Event events@pdgmedia.ca

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle.

opinion: Am I the only one?

Carrie Wynne

gambling

Frost & Wood Company Head Office

Butcher’s Counter

Salad Bar

Hometown News is available at Your Independent Grocers

across the region. Pick up your copy at:

Fresh Fish

Andress' (Smiths Falls) • Barnabe's (Perth) Mitchell's (Carleton Place) • Patrice's (Almonte) PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. esh Flowers

Produce

Groceries

Fresh Deli

Bakery

Head Office of the Frost & Wood Company, Smiths Falls, Ontario - 1910. The company was one of the largest manufacturers of farm equipment for over 116 years, founded in 1839 by partners Ebenezer Frost and Alexander Wood. The business closed in 1955. Photo courtesy of Arlene Stafford-Wilson.

You might win, but you probably, and most certainly, won’t. Even when the great one, Wayne Gretzky lies to us saying, “with the right attitude and positive outlook you can win too.” In the long run, the chances of successfully coming out ahead are really, really, pathetic. But Connor McDavid and Austin Matthews, two of the best young hockey players in the NHL today, don't mind filling their over-flowing pockets to coerce you into trying it.

Pretty sad when they’re targeting younger generations.

Gambling advertisements are plastered everywhere on TV, sports broadcasts, billboards, and social media. It’s a total disaster. Yet, the Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey, said “We are truly proud of this strong, responsible, competitive online gaming model.”

The government continues to bolster this industry at the expense of the next generation's well-being and prosperity. Even my husband admits

he would have been in trouble at that age. Meanwhile, Paul Burns the President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association said we have nothing to worry about. "People will change the channel.

I don't think any companies are intentionally trying to do anything untoward towards influencing or targeting young people."

The “tsunami” of advertising makes me wonder if we don’t already have enough problems without adding compulsive gambling to the mix? I don’t remember voting for more gambling problems in Ontario. Aren’t we supposed to be helping the bottom, not creating the bottom? Gambling is a crippling addiction that rips through entire families and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp (OLG) is promoting its app like it’s a public service.

Am I the only one?

They used the pandemic as an excuse to move the gambling online. They throw words around like “safe and protected,” such as here, where iGaming Ontario (iGO) Executive Director Martha Otton states, “every player who places a wager with a legal operator is doing so in a safe, regulated, and protected environment.”

Safe and protected from what? iGO, citing concern about the "grey market" is a page right out of the tobacco industry’s playbook.

The U.K. changed its advertising gambling regulations when the parents of addicted gamblers who died by suicide pushed back. Meanwhile in Ontario there’s a TV screen pointed directly in your face to purchase lottery when you enter places like Esso or Circle K. Retail lottery sales reached an all-time high of $4.5 billion during 20212022. $1.6 Billion in net profit to the province. Where did all that money go?

Last year there was $7 Million directed by OLG to its responsible gambling programs, a small pittance for ruining a marriage, a family, a life. I will continue to lament about these atrocious disasters for society until someone starts using their brain. That includes you, Doug Ford, and all your less than brilliant colleagues at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

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.

Smiths Falls Horticultural Society annual plant sale and auction Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Weather is co-operating.

Fingers are itching.

Plants are growing.

And in barely a week, the Smiths Falls Horticultural Society is hosting its annual plant sale and auction.

It starts early at 8:45 at the Smiths Falls Legion;

first on the agenda is a plant auction with John Joynt.

Look for him outside at the front (weather permitting), or inside on the main level in case of rain.

The date is May 13 and for those who don’t know, the Legion is located at 7 Main St. E. The choice is wide — a variety of annuals, peren-

nials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, vines, bulbs, corms, and tubers at great prices from 50 cents to $5…rarely more than that.

So come meet other wildly exuberant gardeners, say hi to friends, make new acquaintances.

Both the auction and sale are great ways to build your gardens.

3

May 2023

community Perth artist inspired by high school teacher and nature

Elise Abrams-Ogg stands in front of one of her spiral design creations. Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Perth - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca “Come in,” she said, continuing to sweep the floor.

“Glad you found me.”

It was a bit of a hunt, but finally, after a couple of wrong turns, the last one around the corner at the back of the Perkins building in Perth, there was a door with a sign — Perkolater.

I pulled it open and Elise Abrams-Ogg welcomed me to her studio, one she shares with several others. The ceiling rises two storeys, it’s sunny and bright and we sit on two, two-seater couches (one a plushy pink colour), and talk.

Elise works with cedar shingles.

She didn’t start out in shingle art but it’s become a natural progression for her; it fits her beliefs, her wannabe lifestyle and just basically who she is.

A hippie? Maybe…but not really.

An artist? Yup. A young woman who cares passionately about what she’s doing with her space on earth? Yes. This is where good teachers come in. “My art teacher in high school introduced creativity to me and made me think about self-expression and spirituality in a way I hadn’t considered before.

“She really encouraged me to go deep and figure out what really inspired me from the core.”

In her short 28 years she’s worked in a chicken barn collecting 24,000 eggs a day, traveled with her sister to Greece and Italy, excavated sites in Turkey, discovered permaculture, and answered an ad for an organic farming internship at Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph.

She fell in love there — not with a fella but with the Jesuit philosophy; it fit her “reverence for places and growing spaces.”

And by then the allure of

an academic career was beginning to fade so she started on a hunt for something to spark her interest; the Algonquin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery course beckoned.

She says with a grin she “grew up with tools. We built all sorts of things in the backyard.” So not only did carpentry appeal, but working with wood did, too.

That brings us to now — she’s both building her own business in Perth — Cedar Spiral Design — as well as working full time as a finish carpenter with Kealey Tackaberry Log Homes out of Carp.

The discovery of art and carpentry was propelled by a small hidden hummingbird shape she discovered on a cedar shingle in one of the cabins which sits permanently on the Algonquin campus property. With the bird in mind her work with eastern white cedar became more focused.

Shingles, as opposed to shakes, she explains “are milled with a saw to get

flared shapes; shakes, traditionally, are just split and end a bit rougher and thicker.”

So when Covid hit and classes were cut back she used space at the college to make “wild things.” Her love for art nouveau drew on both architecture and carpentry, and the snail motif in her logo has been a muse her whole life.

When she was a kid, she laughs, “I brought snails into the house, and ran around with them stuck them to my head.

“I absolutely love them.”

As she grew older she learned and understood the math “that makes the spiral.”

It became a symbol, she adds “of the order and connectivity” she was looking for in life and has stayed with her since then. “It’s a pattern I love.”

The spiral pattern and

her keenness working with eastern white cedar cemented the business plan in her head. She took those two muses and put them to work.

And she’s succeeding.

She’s careful, though, not to get too cocky, always taking a moment when she’s finished just to “sit and smudge and be grateful for the tree.”

She admits it’s “hard to hold that reverence in my mind every second. I work with a tree I love…and I don’t want to exploit it, but that’s the issue with any visual art.”

She keeps forging ahead.

She’s working on getting her Red Seal in carpentry, and gearing up for spring and summer shows like Art in the Garden on Father’s Day weekend, June 16, 17 and 18 at Kiwi Gardens in Lanark County.

She stops for a moment,

For Your Information with Kathy Botham

putting her words into place…and then laughs.

“Sometimes I think I have no idea what I’m actually doing! There’s a lot floating around in my mind. I don’t know how to tell people who I am right now.”

But she has plans for the future, she’s doing something she loves, working with wood she loves and settling into her art. Visit her Cedar Spiral Design booth on Father’s Day weekend and take home a small kit she’s pulling together (a shingle-by-number art project.)

Some of her larger works haven’t sold, but she’s still hoping. “No one’s bitten yet,” she grins.

To find Elise Abrams-Ogg, go to Facebook or Instagram; or, you can email her at eliseabramsogg@gmail.com.

4

May 2023

lifestyle Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation project underway Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Kemptville Quilters’ Guild has received a grant from North Grenville Municipality for an Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project.

Quilt historian Bethany Garner of Kingston will be on hand to help

volunteers document the rich history of quilters and quilt owners in North Grenville and area.

Historically, quilters understood and practiced the concept of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ when creating quilts for their families.

They used sugar and flour sacks, leftover scraps of fab-

ric from clothing projects as well as repurposing wellworn clothing and bedding to make warm quilts for their families.

If you are the proud owner of an old or antique quilt or have a significant quilt that you would like documented in the Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation

Project, please contact Nancy Grundy/Teresa Harrison to make an appointment to have your quilts photographed and documented on May 30 and May 31. To register, go to documentation.ngquilts@gmail.com or call Nancy Grundy 613791-7505 for questions.

The event will be held at Grenville Mutual Insurance located at 380 Colonnade Dr., Kemptville and is being sponsored by the Kemptville Quilters’ Guild and the North Grenville Historical Society.

Bethany Garner, a quilt historian and restoration consultant, specializes in the conservation of heritage textiles and is the curator for the Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project (EOQDP). This project is on again after the Covid

shutdown. During Richmond’s 200th Anniversary in 2018 several quilts were documented and logged in the database.

Bethany will lead a training session for local volunteers to learn the process of documenting quilts in preparation for documentation days — May 30 and 31. She will explain the importance of preserving and documenting family quilts as they tell important stories of the lives of the people who lived here.

There is much to learn from dating fabrics and pattern designs which help estimate when a quilt was made and where the fabric might have been sourced.

It is important to collect information about the owners and the quilters who created these quilts.

Forms will be used to collect details about the quilt maker, quilt description and quilt history. It is the intention of the group to create a book for the library and historical society to celebrate the quilts and their history for future generations.

Look in your closet.

Maybe you have a quilt that was made for milestone events and special celebrations that could be part of our project.

The Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project is interested in learning the stories behind the quilts. We are especially interested in quilts made or brought to North Grenville in the early days of settlement and/or quilts made by local groups such as signature quilts.

The Barrel Boys and the Ukeladies Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca

This quilt was made to be raffled at an air cadet fundraising auction about 20 years ago.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

Your complete Auto & Truck repair facility

Call for your quote

IT’S WORTH THE DRIVE!

714 Kilmarnock Rd, Jasper

WITH THE PURCHASE OF FOUR TIRES WE OFFER • Free tire rotation

613.283.7444 OGILVIESAUTO.COM

They’re good.

There’s no doubt in my mind…nor in the minds of the church-full of people listening.

It was a good night to be out, rain about to start, brisk breeze, and everybody we saw on the way Saturday night was headed there too.

It’s a big, old church, the pews have cushions and if a sitter moved slightly left or right it was easy to see The Barrel Boys in the chancel.

Campbell Woods opened the evening; we’d heard him before when my guy was doing lights and sound at The Station Theatre. That night I got to sit in the sound booth and push/pull knobs at my guy’s instruction. (I think he actually turned everything off going to that console. I have a tendency…)

So Campbell sang — a bit of a throaty voice, great songs, and then welcomed the Boys to the stage…dobro, banjo, bass, fiddle and guitar.

We’d never heard or seen a dobro before; it looks like a guitar with a big tin plate stuck on the front. It’s played flat and described as “an acoustic guitar with a metal resonator built into its body.”

We knew the other instruments.

It was a guys’ band — no women in sight…and my mind wandered a bit to the lessons I was taking every Wednesday night with a group of eight women.

The dobro player, Kyle, is teaching us to play the ukulele.

And we are getting pretty good, too; we know at least four chords, we’re learning strumming and fingering, we like to sing, and the room resonates with sound when we’re all on key.

That’s where my mind was going…how come no ukuleles with The Barrel Boys?

How come no women?

That first night at our first lesson, all standing in the front room of The Arts Hub on Main Street in Smiths

• 1/2 price alignment • Seasonal tire storage • Reset tire pressure monitor lights • Modern tire equipment to protect your expensive wheels • Complimentary car wash with every service

Sally Smith playing ukulele. Photo credit: T. Watkiss.

Falls, someone suggested we needed a name for our group before heading to Bowie’s for our world debut.

The young woman at the cash threw out ‘Ukeladies’.

(I suggested Banjo Beauties but got disgusted looks…)

So we’ve become the Ukeladies…a catchy name.

Now my mind, still wandering, wondered how the Ukeladies could tag along with The Barrel Boys.

Just think of the evening that could be…great music from the Boys, great uke strumming from the girls.

We’d have to have outfits, of course, and someone to look after our guys and children when we are on the road, practicing our ukes on cramped buses, sleeping in dingy motels, eating diner food.

But what a life!

So Bowie’s, we’re waiting.

We’ve got another eight lessons and maybe four or five years of gigs before we can even touch The Barrel Boys — but we’re getting there fast!

Keep us in mind…

May 2023

5

Food & Drink

Beer, Wine and Spirits 4 Degrees Brewery

Brian Preston | The Travelling Sommelier | brianpreston@hotmail.com We had a chance recently to sit down with Nick Ritchie of 4 Degrees brewery, at opening when the place wasn’t yet rockin’, to do a tasting and talk about the line of beers they now make.

When last I was there, it was to feature their opening with a few stalwart beers that are still popular and in the lineup. Beers like: Livin’ North of 7 – which they describe as North of HWY 7 where you can escape into the outdoors to unlock your inner wildness, unload and find your true primal self.

True North of 7 is an easy drinking Helles* Lager with subtle hoppy flavours and a crisp finish. *‘Helles’ simply means a bright, malty alternative that retains the crispness of a lager without the spicy hops found in a Pilsner. Like all lagers, Helles is made with a unique yeast

variety, so it’s distinguished from ales during the fermentation process.

Livin’ South of 7 – on the other hand represents South of HWY 7 embracing a world measured in city blocks and cross streets, a place humming with power and endless possibilities. True South of 7 was designed with the urbanite in mind and is bolder in flavour and colour, with amber hues and a smooth caramel flavour.

Frost & Wood ’55 – Known worldwide for manufacturing state of the art farming equipment and munitions during World War II, Frost & Wood helped to place Smiths Falls on the map from 18391955. Frost & Wood ’55 is an oak infused lager with 5.5% abv and 62 IBU. This is a tricky lager to make using 3 long spiral oak pieces to

give just the right amount of oaking without overpowering the brew. They have done a great job and it is a balanced lager with pleasing craft beer balance.

Old Slys ’69 – Flowing through town and connecting communities together, the Rideau Canal has offered over 180 years of hometown pride and adventure. Old Sly’s lock station and all the others along the Rideau Canal are time capsules of technology and beacons of pride for anyone who has ever witnessed the cranking of the crab. Old Slys ’69 is a hoppy IPA with 6.9% abv and 65 IBU. Hill 70 – On August 15, 1917, the Canadian attack to capture Hill 70 opened with a massive artillery barrage. The Primary objectives were taken in 5 hours. German troops counterattacked no

Call for a FREE Hearing Test

613 718 0708

Debbie Boehm

Janica Roberts

Smiths Falls Clinic

1A Main St. E Smiths Falls www.greatwaterwayhearing.com Locally Owned and Operated

Tasting with Nick Ritchie at 4 Degrees brewery. Photo credit: Brian Preston.

less than 21 times over ten days. Each time they met a wall of Canadian bullets and shells. Canadian efforts kept large German forces pinned down in defense of the town of Lens. When the major fighting came to an end around August 25, 1917 Canadian casualties (missing, wounded and killed) were nearly 10,000 men but the Germans were expelled and the high ground dominating Lens remained in Allied hands.

The Battle of Hill 70 is, unfortunately, one of Canada’s forgotten victories. Hill 70 is an easy drinking Belgian blonde ale that is dry and crisp with notes of apple, pears, banana, cloves and spice, and a sweet, fruity, complex background with a clean finish; 7% abv and 21 IBU. This one you can find in LCBO! Trash Panda - A limited season run, Trash Panda is a high gravity Oatmeal Stout (“Gravity” refers to higher sugar content meaning more food for the yeast to consume and turn into alcohol). It uses Victoria malt and Chocolate malts and Munich light oats. It is dark in colour, and easy drinking with a smooth

finish at 5.9%abv. It was gorgeous: deep dark chocolate cereal nose with a touch of caramel on the palate, full bodied but not heavy. Nick smiled with pride when I said that I liked it better than another locally produced version! By the way, ask Nick the back-story about how he named this beer; I shouldn’t give up family secrets!

Then there was Spunky Monkey Smash*, an American Pale Ale with another very creative original label produced by a local artist. *Smash IPA is an acronym for (Single Malt and Single Hop). Only one type of malt and one type of hop is used in an attempt to showcase the single hop variety. It was Citra hop and that light citrus nose and taste profile came through. It was medium yellow in colour with a fine mousse/head and it is a great, light summertime brew coming in at 4%abv.

Lanark Highlanders Rugby - A smooth lager, similar to their Helles Lager, with cereal grain and honey notes on the finish. 5.0% abv and 18 IBU. 4 Degrees Brewery also supports local causes and local sports teams as in the case of this local rugby club. They

Kemptville Family Restaurant:

also support other local small businesses and carry Mighty Valley Coffee, roasted nearby and available for sale at the brewery! (340 grams for $21) And for fans of St Patrick’s Day, we even tasted their seasonal Paddy O’Furniture, a golden summertime lager meant for the patio and easy drinking with friends. I even broke my rule and tried their green beer Northern Leprechaun, a light lager at 5.5%abv which was pale green and quite light and refreshing.

I was impressed with how Nick labeled cans of beer as we spoke. It looks like a hot dog roller and the label simply sticks and rolls around the can! I had never seen this method before. They also have new ideas and are currently hosting Trivia to support the Heritage House Museum every fourth Friday. Soon they will be starting Snack-cuterie and Chocolat-cuterie – a take on charcuterie boards to accompany beer tastings – and live music on Saturdays!

Stay tuned as this is a happenin’ place, and you won’t be disappointed as they now have a large selection of beers to suit all tastes!

Let's Eat no special occasion needed, but you’ll feel special anyway The Kemptville Family Restaurant on Hwy 43 in Kemptville has definitely earned the title ‘institution’ by marking 30 years in business this year and from the patronage of thousands of happy diners that have graced their spacious facility. Their secret to this rare success is really no secret at all: they make you feel special anytime you walk in and take a seat. I discovered this in person during a recent spring Sunday visit. I read a positive online review before I headed out; something I try not to do, to avoid creating any preconceptions. The reviewer noted how welcoming their server was and how the service and food was first-

rate. I put that in the back of my mind when I sat down, but it didn’t take long for me to receive my own warm greeting which started things off the right way.

Something else that sets the Kemptville Family Restaurant apart is their extensive menu with cuisines from just about every corner of the world.

From a full list of Chinese dishes and dinners, to burgers, wraps and sandwiches, to souvlakis, salads, ribs, pizza, pasta, and fish, they truly do have something for every appetite and taste. Some might question how good each dish could be when there are that many choices but no one who has tasted the cooking would

worry. As it was lunchtime, my partner and I opted for some sandwich platters, but I kept an eye out and ear open to gauge the reactions from other patrons who chose pasta dishes, brunch plates, and some Chinese specialties: no one was disappointed with their choices.

Our sandwiches were piled high with delicious fillings and, even during a busy Sunday lunch rush, came to our table in record time.

I really don’t think they have much of a lull anytime during their open hours and over the years their staff has perfected the process in skillfully preparing and delivering great food

without any wait. Portions are generous, so about the only thing you need to bring is your appetite.

Diners like the Kemptville Family Restaurant are a rare gem. They’re independently owned, offer an almost endless menu, provide great service and generous portions at extremely competitive prices and bring back the era of true family dining that’s missing in so many areas of our region. They’re a great idea no matter which day of the week it is or whether or not you’re marking a special occasion.

And like the business, they have staff that has worked there for multiple decades; that in itself speaks volumes.

So if you need to celebrate nothing in particular, except maybe the day of the week it happens to be, get over to the Kemptville Family Restaurant; they’ll make it a celebration to remember. They’re open 7 days a week from 8 am

Brian Turner

to 8 pm (until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) at 2794 Hwy 43. You can reach them at 613-2586821 and they’re wheelchair accessible with plenty of parking. Check out their menu at kemptvillefamilyrestaurant.ca.

Fur, Feathers & Scales Quinn the Potcake

Quinn is a tan-coloured little dog with two big ears and an eager, alert expression on his face. He is quick to bark, and nervous around other dogs.

“He had to fight for every single thing he got in his life,” Brenda King explains, tenderness in her voice. King is gentle with and protective of Quinn. He began his life in Bogota, Colombia, a wild street dog who stole scraps and scrapped with dogs to survive. This type of dog is commonly called a potcake, so named for the scraps they live on - the leftover rice from the bottom of pots thrown out for dogs to scavenge.

King wasn’t planning on adopting a dog, she says, laughing a little at herself, “I

just wanted to have a look.”

But it had been a year since her former dog died, and “it’s so nice to have someone greet me when I come in the door.” And when she met the little rescued street dog from Colombia, her heart went out to him. He had “scars all over. Ligature marks on his hind legs, maybe from when he was caught. And he had hunks missing out of his ears.” She took him to the vet, who said he was in good shape, considering the life he’d come from.

He was very wary in the beginning, and unwilling to be caged, King says, showing me pictures of the metal cage he broke out of - twice. When he started showing signs of aggression, King’s son was wor-

ried. “You’ve got to get rid of him,” he told her. Instead, she telephoned Perth dog trainers, the Stewarts. They weren’t holding training classes at the time, due to Covid-19, but they gave her some simple tips. “After a month of giving him good direction, he was a different dog,” King says.

“My son came to visit and couldn’t believe it..”

The potcake from Colombia has turned into a true Lanark County dog. He doesn’t like to swim, but “he loves the kayak. The minute I get my life-jacket on, he’s running down to the water.” He likes to play at the cottage, and run free in the dog park.

He’s still very wary of other dogs, but he has made three doggy friends.

Janelle Labelle As for food? “He likes to eat everything,” King says.

“He’d eat 24/7.” Every morning, after she feeds Quinn, King sits down to enjoy her own breakfast. He squeezes in beside her on her chair and snuggles up close, wanting to be with her.

When she goes to work, Quinn waits patiently for her to come home. After she got rid of the crate (she sold it to another pet owner), he never chewed another thing.

King works at the REAL Store, where old items are given a second life with new owners. "I have this thing about not throwing things out,” King says, smiling, “I like to make them better.”

At her feet, a happy dog agrees.

Meet Maxi & Tiger

Quinn. Photo credit: Janelle Labelle.

Meet Scully

visit: ittakesavillagedogrescue.com

visit: furry-tales.ca/adoptable-cats/

Imagine this for a moment, if you will! You're happily going about your life with your best friend or partner and suddenly everything you've ever known comes to a screaming halt. After a long carefree history, Maxi & Tiger were surrendered to Furry Tales, due to something

completely out of their control.

Their adoption fee is being sponsored by their wonderful foster family, so today Maxi and Tiger are hoping for a new home and you can make that happen.

Maxi and Tiger are easygoing, incredibly handsome, long-haired, 12-year-

old best friends. Both boys love boxes, playing with one another and grooming each other. They’re seeking a quiet, loving home.

Maxi and Tiger are not fussy or difficult in any way; they love dry and wet food almost as much as cat treats and they have meticulous litter box habits.

Maxi makes an occasional soft meow and Tiger will famously roll over to expose his tummy for belly rubs. They happily greet their fosters with leg rub-ups and outstretched heads that are eager for pets. Both boys enjoy a good, deep brushing and are gentle in every way.

Their favourite pastime is to lay next to or directly on their person's lap and are content to nap while humans pet them and watch TV. Both boys MUST find their forever home together.

They would prefer a quiet home without other pets or small children.

Maxi and Tiger’s foster family are deeply invested in their happiness and have kindly offered to sponsor their adoption, so bringing them home will be at no fee for the right family.

Is your quiet, relaxed home the right fit for these gorgeous, mature, calm and polite companions?

If so, please make further inquiries at furry-tales.ca

Gender: Female | DOB: 2016 | Breed: Bulldog Mix Well hello there! don't run if I try to check My name is Scully. I’m just them out, otherwise it's a quiet, content, and affe- game on! ctionate girl looking for Quiet, laid-back environmy forever home. My fo- ments are my thing. I ster mom says I’m a swe- don’t have much exposure et, gentle girl who loves to kids and I love to chase lounging. I’m fully house- cats so would probably do trained, I love to be with better in a house without my humans, and I love to them, especially if they go on car rides! don’t like me back.

I will require a home If you think you can where I am preferably give me the home of my the only pet, and I can dreams please let the team have all of your attenti- at ITAV know! on. I don't enjoy having Love Scully! other dogs in my space. Please note that only Cats may be ok if they those being considered are super dog-savvy and will be contacted.

Jen’s Dog Grooming jensdoggrooming.ca • 613.876.0362 • 551 9th Concession, Westport

7

May 2023

culture Smiths Falls History & Mystery:

The vanishing swimming pool

by Ted Outerbridge

Evening strolls through Victoria Park often lead to a large stone adorned with a bronze marker laid in 1923. The marker reads “This swimming pool erected by the corporation and citizens of Smiths Falls under the auspices of the Rotary Club”. Antique postcards featuring beautiful images of the Rotary Pool are relatively common. An old black and white film produced in the 1930s, includes footage of happy children diving, splashing, swimming, and playing poolside—but where is the pool?

I have practiced the art of magic and illusion for forty-five years. I can levitate my beautiful wife Marion in the air with ease. I divide her into two pieces and restore her on a regular basis.

On a really good day, I can even vanish from the stage where I am performing and reappear in the middle of the audience. When I realized that a massive concrete swimming pool just down the street from our house had vanished, my attention was piqued. I began consulting old newspapers and made some phone calls.

Here is what I discovered.

The Rotary Club of Smiths Falls was chartered as the 1189th club in 1922.

It was unique at the time as it was the only group in town that permitted men of different denominations to meet socially. It was a service club that provided

ted@tedouterbridge.com

Rotary Marker. Photo credit: Ted Outerbridge.

fellowship, networking opportunities, and a chance to engage in public service— but unlike the Freemasons and other organizations active at that time, without secrecy and bizarre rituals.

Within a year of being organized, they had built a very impressive public swimming pool for the town. A pool house with separate changing rooms for men and women stood beside it.

The attraction was built on Wood Island east of Beckwith Street and north of Canal Street, across from the War Memorial Cenotaph. In A History of the Smiths Falls Lock Stations, 1827-1978 Peter DeLottinville tells us that this site was formerly Robert Wesley Joynt's blacksmith shop.

Swimming in the Rideau Canal can present many dangers. In 1923, when the community could finally swim safely in a luxurious swimming pool, it was cause for celebration. The Rotary Club employed two swimming instructors and a lifeguard. The caretaker was employed by the town. Children and adults alike received

the benefits swimming can deliver including the self-confidence of progressing through different levels of swimming lessons. Many beautiful childhood summertime memories were born at the Rotary Pool. Opposite the pool were sandboxes, swings, and a playground.

Swimming classes took place every morning and a 4-year-old Jean McNeill was likely one of the first students. Her father was Stanley McNeill, manager of the Rideau Theatre, later the Capitol Theatre.

Her grandmother was Alice McNeill who lived just down the street at the Keyhole House.

Ron Stronski is a wellknown personality who says he grew up at the Rotary Pool. He remembers that the pool had two sections with a concrete divider separating the boys from the girls. “The lifeguards were high school students, and they could walk along the divider,” Ron explained.

On several occasions Ron “accidentally” found himself in the girl’s section which resulted in his being

sent home for the day, in a state of devastation. He explained that the pool was fed by the Rideau Canal and water entered through steel grates and then discharged into the canal behind the pool. “The pool was tremendously popular with kids. It was extremely well maintained and there were sandboxes, benches and at least 15 swings on the property.” Ron reminisced. He would return at night and sit on the swings facing the Frost & Wood plant. He loved to watch the bright blue flames produced by the forging facilities which would dance and reflect on the Rideau Canal.

The Ottawa Journal re-

ported that in 1953, the steady expansion of Smiths Falls had caused the Rotary Pool to become too congested. Another site had to be found. “The pool had become outdated.” Ron Stronski added. After 30-years of service, the pool was retired and filled in with earth. A photograph from the Francis Minnie collection taken in the mid-1950s documents the outline of the pool in the park after it had been filled in.

The Water Commission moved an intake pipe to make a long stretch of water on the canal, near the centre of town, safe for swimming.

525 truckloads of rock and sand poured into a cribwork

of logs resulted in 400 feet of sandy beach. The new Smiths Falls Municipal Pool opened on Coronation Day, June 2, 1953. The new site was at the foot of George Street in Hydro Park, now known as Murphy Park. The wellequipped facility continues to generate beautiful summertime memories to this day.

Ted & Marion Outerbridge are currently restoring the Keyhole House, a Smiths Falls heritage home built in 1892. They are also being swept away by local history & mystery. You can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok @thekeyholehouse or email ted@tedouterbridge.com.

Rotary Pool. Photo credit: Ted Outerbridge, from the Keyhole House Collection.

8

May 2023

Theatre Night in Merrickville presents works by local playwrights Regional - submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Theatre Night in Merrickville (TNIM) continues their tradition of exceptional stage performances this May with a trio of one-act plays by two local playwrights that promise something for everyone. The production includes: Making Friends, by Guy Newsham; The Green Thumb Gang, by Peter Paylor; and The Black Chair, also by Peter Paylor.

This three-in-one theatre treat comes with combined comedic and sentimental tones as actors and stage crew are still processing the recent loss (in April) of Margaret Shearman, who was instrumental for TNIM and a force for the local theatre community. Margaret was working to reprise her direction of The Black Chair, which she presented at the Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL) Festival in 2022. TNIM president, Helen Steenburgh, will assume directorial responsibility for this production of the play. Also in the directors’ chairs are Omar Simonyi (for The Green Thumb Gang) and Barry Patrick (for Making Friends).

In Making Friends, actors Ron Porteous and Brad Smith have mastered their portrayal of the main characters. The scene opens on David, a divorced, middle-aged man who is in danger of becom-

Actors rehearsing the TNIM production of Making Friends (left to right) Ron Porteus (as David) and Brad Smith (as Michael).

Photo credit: Submitted.

ing a reclusive alcoholic. In a desperate act of self-preservation, his psyche summons up his childhood imaginary friend, Michael. The plot unfolds to show that Michael has taken a different path to maturity, and has an agenda of his own – that’s when the laughs start rolling in and continue on throughout the next two plays. The Green Thumb Gang highlights the fast-talking antics of two “misunderstood” residents from the local seniors home, and The Black Chair that follows introduces some unique characters posing for their photographed portraits.

The audience will be gleefully entertained throughout the production. Theatregoers should get their tickets quickly away as they are sure to sell out fast. Shows will take place

at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street on May 11, 12, 13 at 7:30pm, and on May 14 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at merrickvilletheatre. org or at the door. Inquiries can be directed to hfrommerr@gmail.com. TNIM is thankful to Complete Real Estate Pros with local Realtor® partner Kristy Morrison for their sponsorship of this trio of performances.

Are you a theatre buff like us? TNIM runs on enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for acting, directing, set design, etc. We are always ready to welcome new members to join in our productions and day-to-day fun. If you’re interested or curious don’t be shy to contact us! (Helen: hfrommerr@gmail.com)

COMFORTABLE, MODERN SUITES AND BRIGHT, WELCOMING SPACES To attend the open house event, please call 613-285-9242 or email bayfieldrh@southbridgecare.ca

www.bayfieldmanorrh.com

4.92 x 7.75