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FEBRUARY 2024
Former Smiths Falls rock and roll band featured in RCA Victor showcase paper dream memorabilia featured in rca victor showcase at cornelia court
A poster, 45 record and CD from the 1960s rock and roll band The Paper Dream can be seen in the RCA Victor showcase at 91 Cornelia Court in Smiths Falls. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Band members Dennis Staples (lead guitar), Jim Knapp (bass), and Rick Frizell (drums) said they were honoured to be remembered in such a way. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but it’s close. For three members of the former band The Paper Dream having their 45 record and poster join other memorabilia in the RCA Victor showcase is “a real honour.” Dennis Staples said it was nice to be remembered in such a way. Their record was pressed at the RCA Victor plant in the late 1960s. “After 55 years, to be part of the RCA era’s history, it’s a real honour,” Staples said. “And it should be here until this building is demolished,” said Jim Knapp. Staples, who played lead guitar, along with Rick Frizell on drums, and Knapp on bass, gathered at Cornelia Court on Monday, Feb. 4, to tell stories of their lives in this popular rock and roll band when psychedelic prints and hippy vibes were all the rage. Harold Frizell (lead vocals), Claire Porter (replaced Knapp on bass in later years) and Greg Brook (keyboards) have all since passed away. “We always wanted to do a record,” Frizell said. These three men are all in their 70s now. They grew up in town and played instruments as young men, as they lived close to each
other off Queen Street. They said there were a lot of kids back then who enjoyed playing instruments as much as they did any sport of the season. There were about a dozen guys who all lived within a block of each other who played various instruments, including the Doherty Brothers. “We recorded it in Toronto in 1968 at Sound Canada,” Staples said of his first time going to Toronto. It took them 10-12 hours to do one side. He thought they’d get it all finished in one day, but the cost prohibited that. Small Faces' “My Mind's Eye” was the last record ever issued on Sir John A. The B side – “She’s No Good” written by Harold Frizell — was recorded in the basement of the Frizell home in Smiths Falls. “If you listen closely to the record, you hear a washing machine going in the background,” Staples said, and with a laugh, nodded to Frizell, “You played loud enough to drown it out.” The band was originally called “Purple Haze” but there was already another band by the same name. They had to change it to record. The band was a crowd favourite at the Rideau Ferry Inn – a popular place
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where young people hung out. They performed at a variety of high school dances, and also enjoyed entertaining at Hanley Hall in Smiths Falls and at Scott’s Ballroom in Westport. “We did a lot of teen dances,” Knapp said. “We were popular enough, I think.” He met his wife Marilyn through a friend. She said she was only 14 at the time. “It wasn’t until I went away then came back and then all of a sudden, I was noticed,” she said. Some of the band’s influences included the Doors, the Platters, the Drifters, and the Trogs. The two songs on their 45 are also on a CD, “Ottawa Rocks,” produced in the mid-1990s. There are 26 songs on the CD and their two songs are the only ones from a band outside Ottawa. Frizell said he’d love to still play “but I’ve never been asked!” Knapp has not played for some time, but Staples still performs with a band, the Continentals. The only thing left standing of that former plant is a memorabilia showcase located at 91 Cornelia Court. On the walls of the halls – which now houses physicians, Service Canada, a restaurant, and a Life Labs office — there are photo-
graphs of the inner workings of the old plant that employed about 400 people, three quarters of whom were women. The plant opened in 1953 and closed 26 years later. In its heyday, there were eight million records pressed annually, including those of Elvis Presley and the Beatles.
Members of Smiths Falls rock and roll group the Paper Dream, (circa 1960s) were recognized this year with their memorabilia going into the RCA Victor display case at 91 Cornelia Court in Smiths Falls. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Perth Mayor Judy Brown on leave of absence after taking a tumble Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca The Perth mayor will be on a leave of absence for one month while recuperating from a fall. During the regular meeting of Perth council on Tuesday, Jan. 30, Mayor Judy Brown informed everyone that she took a tumble while visiting her daughter. She was on vacation at the time. “I went away for holidays to visit my daughter and fell on the stairs and incurred quite a few injuries,” Brown said. “I also have a concussion. At the encouragement of the CAO and the deputy mayor I decided with reluctance to take a leave of absence.” As always, the mayor said she has the best interests of the citizens of the
Town of Perth at heart. “I wouldn’t want to speak with my comments because of my concussion. I really wasn’t saying what I thought I was saying. I have every confidence in the deputy mayor to fill in for me. I will be sitting in on meetings by Zoom as much as I can. That will be somewhat limited by how much I am in pain … it is with regret that I have to take a leave.” Brown took in the council meeting via Zoom, and said she’d try to stay abreast of what is happening in town virtually while she recovers. In the meantime, Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson said the mayor calls herself “an old farm girl,” and “everybody knows that people who grow up on a farm are hard workers and don’t want to back down no mat-
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Perth Mayor Judy Brown. Photo credit: Submitted.
ter how badly they’re feeling. It took quite a bit from us to convince her to look after her health first.” McPherson said he’d keep the mayor up to date on what’s happening with the town and council. McPherson has been appointed mayor for the duration of Brown’s absence. @HometownNewsLC
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February 2024
Page Two
Perth council endorses emergency motion for affordable housing
Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
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Affordable housing took a front seat during the Jan. 30 council meeting in Perth. Council supported an emergency motion brought forward by Coun. Gary Waterfield, to issue a request for proposal for the property at 63 Halton St. — land that has been declared surplus in the town, “for many years.” Waterfield said he’d like to get the RFP out as quickly as possible. The motion calls for staff to issue the RFP upon completion of the appraisal for this property, which is almost complete. The motion states that the lands will be offered at a nominal cost of $1 to solicit bids and proposals from interested parties for the cre-
ation of affordable housing. Proposals shall be evaluated based on the number of affordable housing units being proposed, timelines, previous experience of the proponent, and proof of financial capacity to complete the project. Rental costs shall be at or below the defined rates as set by the County of Lanark to be deemed affordable housing. The successful applicant will also agree to enter a site plan agreement to guarantee the units will remain as affordable housing for a period of no less than 30 years. “The town is not in a position to provide any further relief of property taxes, permit fees, development charges, or infrastructure funding,” Waterfield noted in the motion. “Proponents will acknowl-
edge this as a condition of submitting a proposal.” Proponents will be encouraged to see further supportive funding from other levels of government to support this project, the proposal reads. “I really have a sense of urgency,” Waterfield said. “I’m thinking of the many citizens who need affordable housing, and this is our opportunity as a municipality to provide that.” Coun. Isabel Anne McRae said she appreciated the motion and agreed with it but would like to see accessibility addressed – not just a parking space, but washrooms, and showers. “I would appreciate if that could be added to the mix of this proposal,” she said. Coun. Jim Boldt agreed
but didn’t want to set a precedent of giving away land without some “real strong parameters. We have to be careful as to how much we’re committing.” He asked about other town owned lands and development opportunities. Joanna Bowes, director of development services said the town owns other lands, but they are in a flood plain, or have contamination issues. This would be about the only property they could offer for development. Boldt said it would be interesting to see what kind of feedback they’d receive on this RFP. The motion was unanimously supported and will come back to a future council meeting for final approval.
Residents struggle with water rates increase Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca During the town council meeting in Smiths Falls on January 29, Manager of Water and Wastewater Jason Barlow presented the fourth quarterly report for 2023 to council. In this quarter, the town has reached its goal of reducing water waste down to 30%, which council was pleased to hear. “Our team’s goal is to be as efficient and effective as possible,” Barlow said. Councilor Peter McKenna brought up the town’s recent budget surveys, “where people really did question the cost of water and wastewater. I would really encourage them to read these reports,
and if they have questions to talk to staff. It’s complicated and it is expensive.” The budget surveys are anonymous, but the comments are included in the January 29 budget feedback report. Two of the comments pertaining to the water rates are as follows: “The Smiths Falls water bill is the very definition of extortion. Folks I know in Ottawa are paying $60 every two months for their water, so why the heck am I paying almost $200 when I'm only using $30 worth?? Is the water laced with gold or something?? There is ZERO reason for the water "fees'' to be so exorbitant - please review the math because it
truly doesn't add up.” “The cost of water and sewage in town. For me, now it costs more than my natural gas, or hydro bill. It has become one of my most expensive household items.” Councilor Dawn Quinn urged people to see what they are getting for their dollars. “I know that we have comments that our water rates could be high, but I urge people to please come out when Manager Jason Barlow does a tour of the water treatment plant. See what’s there, see how much work goes into producing the clean, safe water we have in Smiths Falls.” Councilor Stephen Robinson agreed. “If people saw the colour of the water go-
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ing into the plant, and saw it coming out of the plant clear as a bell and safe, I think they’d appreciate that.” Mayor Shawn Pankow took a look at the larger picture. “The manager of that department has made really incredible inroads. We’ve really reduced the amount of non-revenued water, the amount of water we need to produce has come down significantly. We’re saving on chemicals and overall it’s being managed very effectively. At the same time, there’s a cost to producing clean water. We need to make sure it’s sustainable, and the rates have to reflect that.” The water and wastewater rates have been increased by 5.5 and 3.5% respectively.
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February 2024
news Perth’s Andre Hissink, Second World War Vet, passes away Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Andre Hissink, a 104-yearold veteran of the Second World War, died on Jan. 1. He lived in Perth at Perth’s Aspira Carolina Retirement Living complex. According to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canada, Hissink was a Dutch hero, flying 67 wartime missions over Europe in the B25 Mitchell Bomber. During an attack on German troops in the Belgian Ardennes, Hissink and his crew had to leave the plane by parachute, which killed one of the gunners. After the war, Hissink worked for KLM in Switzerland and New Zealand and then in Montreal, Canada, he continued his career at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). He was guest of honour at many reunion events in England and The Netherlands and he spoke frequently about his war years and his time with
the Dutch 320 Squadron. He also always spoke with reverence about his English wife Janet, who followed him everywhere from 1941 at the risk of her own life. Hissink was a bearer of the War Remembrance Cross with the clasps War Flights 1940-1945, Netherlands May 1940, and Java Sea 19411942 and the Flying Cross. Sue Doran, a member of the Perth-Upon-Tay Royal Canadian Legion and founder of the Veterans’ Banner Program, said she was saddened to learn of Hissink’s death. “So honoured to have met Andre on several occasions,” she said. In June last year, Doran helped initiate a drive-by birthday salute the veteran, which included a parade of dignitaries: MP Scott Reid, Mayor Judy Brown, piper Casey Cerson, Town Crier Brent McLaren, legion president Ivan Cole, as well as the Perth Fire Department, veterans on motorcy-
cles, and many friends and family who came out to offer celebratory greetings on his 104th birthday. In September, Hissink visited his banner for the first time as it was hung at the Tim Hortons parking lot on Highway 7 in Perth to kick off the Remembrance Day program. It was 10 years ago when Hissink represented the Dutch veterans of the Second World War during the 70th anniversary of D-Day. He was flown to Paris with his daughter, to lay a wreath. In 2022, Hissink was presented with his Dutch citizenship after having to give it up in the 1950s when he joined the New Zealand government, something he said at the time, “really irked” him. During the Jan. 30, 2024, meeting of Perth town council, Coun. Isabel Anne McRae spoke of attending a celebration of life for Hissink, on behalf of Mayor Judy Brown. “Many of the speakers, including the Ambassador of
Andre Hissink’s banner flies in Perth during Remembrance Day activities in town. Photo credit: Courtesy of Sue Doran/Facebook.
Holland, (Ines Coppoolse) were there,” McRae said. “They shared heroic and heartwarming stories of his life, courage, and resilience, and the heroic role model he was for this community.”
Andre Hissink was honoured during a drive-by salute last year during Remembrance Day in Perth. Hissink died Jan. 1, 2024, at the age of 104. He was a Second World War veteran – a Dutch hero, flying 67 missions over Europe in a B25 Mitchell Bomber. Photo credit: Courtesy of Sue Doran/Facebook.
Perth council pulls plug on grant application for EV charging stations
The Town of Perth defeated a motion for staff to apply for a grant worth $450,000 to bring four EV charging stations to the Perth Museum parking lot. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Perth council pulled the plug on an application to help fund four Level 3 EV charging stations.
It was a project that could have seen a grant, if successful, pay for 75 per cent of the total cost. During a regular meeting of council on Jan. 30, Brian
Burns, director of corporate services/treasurer, proposed that staff apply for a grant for $450,000 through the EVCharge Ontario that could help pay for four high level electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Perth Museum parking lot. The remaining $150,000 would come from the capital reserve. The Ministry of Transportation has created the Electric Vehicle ChargeON Program to support the installation of EV charging stations in Ontario in underserviced areas. The program offers a 75 per cent grant for eligible costs related to the installation of high-speed charging stations. The Ministry of Trans-
portation has created the Electric Vehicle ChargeON Program to support the installation of EV charging stations in Ontario in underserviced areas. Burns noted in his report that the investment would support the expansion of EVs in Lanark County as there are no non-Tesla high speed charging between Carleton Place and Norwood. “Because of this, it can be expected that this investment will also support tourism and business development in the downtown,” Burns noted. Staff obtained preliminary confirmation from Hydro One that the pad mount transformer in the lot has the required capacity, with a
Land dispute process in Perth heads to second case management conference the feb. 12 virtual meeting will start at 10 a.m.
Perth - staff writer editorial@pdgmedia.ca The second Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Case Management Conference (CMC) is set to unfold on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at 10 a.m., regarding the appeal brought forth by CAIVAN (Perth GC) Limited regarding the proposed 940-unit development surrounding the Perth Golf Course. The public is invited to tune into the virtual case management conference by using the access code 558-
205-565. Interested parties are urged to join the session at least 15 minutes prior to its commencement. During the CMC, stakeholders will dig into the revised Draft Procedural Order and Issues List, as well as address an outstanding Party Status Request. An extensive four-week hearing, scheduled from Monday, Aug. 19 to Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, (excluding Mondays Sept. 2 and 9), is anticipated. The Town of Perth has been gearing up for the event
as staff, in collaboration with legal counsel, undertake steps in the process, including: Exchange of witness lists. Formulation of an Agreed Statement of Facts. Completion of an exchange of witness statements, expert reports, and participants' statements. Exchange of responses to witness statements and visual evidence. In a release from the town, it states that Perth remains committed to keeping the public informed throughout the OLT hearing.
Updates will be accessible via the town's website and social media platforms. “Given the legal nature of the case, town staff and council are refraining from offering comments on the matter,” the release states. Questions pertaining to the process can be directed to the CAO, Michael Touw, at cao@perth.ca. For a deeper understanding of the Appeals Process and Hearings, readers are encouraged to visit the Ontario Land Tribunal website.
three-phase supply and the appropriate voltage. “It is expected that a stepup external transformer will be required for the AC/ DC conversion needed for the stations and once the electrical demand for the stations is confirmed, staff will work with Hydro One to confirm the capacity of the existing network.” The initial investment would be funded from the capital reserve, “with an expected payback of seven years, so it all goes back,” Burns noted. Coun. Jim Boldt said he felt they were being forced into the electric vehicle era. “My concern is, here we go again with downloading and supplementing the cost of running someone’s car … If we are going to be forced into this, if the initiative is from the federal government, then (they) should be paying 100 per cent of the bill for putting in these charging stations.” Boldt’s other concern was cost. Burns said the cost was not being downloaded to the municipality, or any percentage of the cost. “We are just temporarily financing it but we’re expecting to make all that money back over the period or time,” Burns said. Based on usage of the current EV stations at Crystal Palace, Burns said they expected to have “very good usage” of the four proposed Level 3 stations. Burns said this could also benefit the Downtown
Business Association as it would help draw people into the core. Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson was not in favour of the motion. “I think this is the beginning of the future of car charging stations, but I’m not sure Perth has to be the one to look after cars between Ottawa and Norwood or Toronto … I’m hoping these things come down in price over the next few years.” Boldt said he needed more time to digest the role of the town when it comes to financing EV chargers, as this proposal was only recently thrust upon them. “I’m not against applying for the grant,” Boldt said, but he wasn’t comfortable with proceeding with the little bit of information he had. Burns said there wasn’t a downside to applying for the grant, as they would still need to go through a lot of technical discussion if their application was successful. The town would be competing with every other municipality for the funding. Coun. Isabel Anne McRae said she’d like more information – like how this would be revenue generating, and what costs are involved for maintaining the chargers. Burns said it would be a learning experience if they were successful with the grant application. “We will have to figure out a lot of details, such as that,” he said. The timeline for the application was Jan. 31. The motion was defeated.
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February 2024
community A gift of nature: Land Trust receives New emergency department property donation for Christmas nears completion at CPDMH Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Not everyone can say they received a new property for Christmas! However, such was the case for the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) this holiday season. In late November 2023, Kay Cartwright approached MMLT with a vision to protect her 256-acre property in Frontenac County from future development. Kay came to the right place; land trusts like MMLT work on behalf of the people and communities in the region to preserve ecologically valuable areas for the long term. Fueled by Kay’s determination and the dedicated efforts of MMLT staff and directors, the transition from initial inquiry to a sealed transfer was completed in less than a month. MMLT is now the proud owner of Marl Lake Nature Reserve, an ecological gem located in North Frontenac Township, near the small village of Ompah. The property borders the Palmerston-Canonto Conservation Area (244 acres) and is near two Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Its wetlands con-
tribute critical ecosystem services to the Mississippi River watershed. On a chilly visit in December, members of the MMLT team explored the property’s bedrock ridges, vegetated wetlands, and upland forests. The forests boast a full range of tree species typical of the area, including eastern hemlock, basswood, sugar maple, large-toothed aspen and more. While a more extensive biological survey is planned for the spring, initial records already highlight at least 10 species-atrisk in the vicinity, such as the Snapping Turtle, Evening Grosbeak, and Eastern Wood-pewee. Looking ahead, MMLT plans to open Marl Lake Nature Reserve to the public for hiking and nature
experiences. Future property stewardship plans may involve the development of trails, informative signage, and a designated parking area. If you’re feeling inspired and would like to contribute to the long-term stewardship of MMLT’s new acquisition, you can make a donation online at www.mmlt.ca or by calling the office at 613-253-2722. The MMLT team expresses immense gratitude to Kay Cartwright for her generous donation of lands for MMLT to protect in perpetuity. This donation expands MMLT’s portfolio to 12 protected properties, covering 3,384 acres across the Mississippi River watershed, extending north to the Madawaska River watershed. Here's to more conservation triumphs in 2024!
Photo credits: Submitted.
Carleton Place - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Construction on the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital’s (CPDMH) new Emergency Department is on track with dozens of workers on-site working on multiple projects. “A lot is happening with many moving parts,” explains Randy Shaw, Integrated Vice President of Corporate Support Services and Capital Projects. “It’s exciting to see everything coming together.” In addition, work on mechanical and electrical systems is well underway inside the new building. The emergency power generator has arrived and work on the new elevator will begin soon. “The contractor anticipates having the building complete by the end of May or early June. Once construction is complete, work to install the equipment will begin,” adds Randy Shaw. “Thank you to our patients, neighbours and the entire CPDMH team for your patience and understanding throughout the construction period,” sums up President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider. “The new Emergency Department will
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In December, staff, physicians and Board directors had the opportunity to check out the new space. Randy Shaw, Integrated Vice President of Corporate Support Services and Capital Projects, leads a tour. Photo credit: Submitted.
support us in providing the very best care close to home.” The new ED will be linked to the hospital and will address current space challenges and enhance infection control standards. It includes 11 treatment spaces, which is an increase of five (or 83%) over the current ED. The new ED is being designed to improve patient flow for both walk-in patients, as well as patients arriving by ambulance. It includes barrier-free entrances for patients and ambulances. There will be a private family room inside the ED and more washrooms. Additional parking will also be provided. “The CPDMH Founda-
tion team is working diligently at collecting the remaining pledges from donors and working behind the scenes at finalizing the new Donor Wall, Physicians Wall of Honour and preparing for the grand opening celebrations this summer. We are so excited to share your NEW Emergency Department with you. This would not have been made possible without the dedication and commitment of our donors, our community, the hospital staff and our hardworking Campaign Cabinet," adds Linda McGreevy, CDPMH Foundation Board Chair.
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February 2024
community
Lanark County OPP Detachment Commander to retire Feb. 9 insp. karuna padiachi took over reins in 2019
Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca The time has come for Insp. Karuna Padiachi to hang up his shield after 30 years in policing. The Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment commander released a statement on Friday, Feb. 2 that Feb. 9 would be his final day before retirement. In an email, Padiachi stated that it has been a rewarding career. “I have always said that having worked in several areas across the province, Lanark County has been my favourite,” he wrote. “The collaborative work by all community agencies, partners and Police Service Boards within this county are second to none. As a result of these combined efforts, Lanark County OPP is renowned for our Victim Advocate Program, our Mobile Crisis Response Team, our Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, amongst other initiatives, at the OPP provincial and regional level.” Brianne Luckasavitch is the Victim Advocate and Public Education Coordinator at Lanark County Interval House and Community Support. “It has been a pleasure working alongside the La-
nark County OPP, with Inspector Padiachi at the lead,” she said. “His dedication to keeping survivor voices heard has made a positive, long-lasting impact in our community and we are truly grateful.” To Padiachi, Luckasavitch said, “On behalf of the women and children we serve, the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, we thank you, Karuna, for your commitment to our partnership. Congratulations on your retirement. You will be missed.” Stephanie Gray is the coordinator for the Lanark County Situation Table and Community Safety and Well-being. She said Padiachi has made important contributions to the many programs offered in Lanark County that support victims and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. “His willingness to have Lanark OPP as a strong partner in these initiatives, including the Lanark County Situation Table and the Community Safety and Well-being Plan, has been an important part of the collaborative work that Lanark County is known for,” Gray said. “Thank you for your hard work and congratulations on your retirement.” Padiachi replaced now Supt. Derek Needham,
Director - Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership (OPRIL), in the fall of 2019 when Needham left Lanark County for a new position within the OPP. “Karuna brought passion to his role,” Needham told this publication. “As he had been a part of the design and start of collaborative approaches to help the most vulnerable members of our community, he was able to champion and improve both existing and new programs. Karuna's dedication was a model for other officers. He leaves behind a legacy of helping others, particularly those who need help the most.” In a follow-up phone interview with Padiachi, he thanked everyone who made him feel welcome when he arrived in Lanark County five years ago, “and for working alongside me over the course of the past few years – the partnerships and the friendships that I will miss most … it has been enjoyable. Together, we accomplished a lot of things.” He said he’s most proud of his detachment members, and the work and effort they put into making the communities in Lanark County a safe place. “They continue to do that,” he said. “I think we have a very good detach-
Lake 88.1 radio flips to MyFM
Lake 88.1 has a new name as the local radio station has changed to Lanark & Leeds 88.1 MyFM. Photo credit: Google Maps screengrab.
Regional - Staff Writer editorial@pdgmedia.ca It’s a “new coat of paint” for Lake 88.1 as the local radio station has changed its name to Lanark & Leeds 88.1 MyFM. My Broadcast Corporation’s (MBC) president Jon Pole said some things will change, but much of what listeners have grown to love over the years will remain the same. There will be more community event cover-
age, and information on charitable events. “The synergies of what we do every day across the province are ideas we can share here,” Pole said. “All of that is only as good as the commitment of the station to be active in the community. We’ve always done that here. The new MyFM will be the exact same and hopefully we’ll be able to take it to new heights,” Bob Perreault wrote on Jan. 29. Perreault is the operations manager at the station,
which is located in Perth. New voices will be heard on the air, as well as the introduction of a new contest where listeners can win $10,000. You’ll still hear Perreault, along with Grant Deme who does a lot of the hockey talk and council and community news, as well as newcomer Adam Weekes, who is heard across MyFM stations. Perkin and Norm Wright started Lake 88.1 in 2007; in 2021 Perkin sold it to MBC.
ment. Our officers in Lanark County are excellent. It has nothing to do with me – it’s all their contributions.” The next chapter for Padiachi includes volunteering more and getting to those projects that have accumulated at his cottage, “all those ongoing never-ending projects that I enjoy doing.” Karuna said. “I’m looking forward to getting to do a bit more of the things that I wanted to do.” He’s confident that the detachment in Lanark County will be in good hands. “Our OPP members at the detachment have and will continue to provide the best services to our communities and I can assure you that (the Lanark County detachment) is considered one of the best detachments within the East Region,” Padiachi said. Padiachi became a member of the OPP in 1994, initially stationed in Iroquois Falls. Subsequently, he served in Perth County Detachment in West Region, then as a computer forensic examiner in the Investigation and Support Bureau in Orillia. He then transferred to Kemptville Detachment as a sergeant. Padiachi came to Lanark County as a staff sergeant in 2014 for a year before being seconded to the Royal
Insp. Karuna Padiachi has announced his retirement on Feb. 9, 2024, after nearly five years as the Lanark County OPP detachment commander. Photo credit: Courtesy of the OPP..
Canadian Mounted Police from 2016 to 2019 where he contributed to the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in Ottawa, showcasing his versatility and dedication. Padiachi returned to the Lanark County Detachment as its commander in 2019. The Interim Detachment Commander for Lanark will be A/Insp Kerlous (Kerly) Tawdrous. “Most, if not everyone, will know Kerly, as he has been the Staff Sergeant at Lanark for the past few
years,” Padiachi said. “For those that do not know him, Kerly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as the Interim D/C. Additionally, Kerly is fully versed and knowledgeable about the various programs, police service boards and community partners throughout the county and as such, I have full confidence that your detachment will continue to build on the community-oriented foundation that my predecessors built.”
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February 2024
lifestyle Smiths Falls’ athlete making a splash in Special Olympics Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A recent import to Smiths Falls, Victoria (Tori) Snell is on her way to Provincials as part of the Ottawa team in Special Olympics Swimming.
Tori began swimming in an after-school program in 2012 in Uxbridge, Ontario. One of the volunteers recognized the potential of a few swimmers and asked if they would be interested in training for Special Olympics
A change of shoes can change a life Regional - submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County (BBBSLC) is excited to once again be partnering with the local Tim Hortons restaurants for the Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake event on February 24, 2024. Last year this event raised more than $70,000, with more than 600 bowlers coming out to support the event. Title and Corporate sponsors ensure that all funds raised through event pledges go directly to fund mentoring programs right here in Lanark County. The event is a straight forward fundraiser - interested participants can call the Big Brothers Big Sisters office and register their group. Each team receives a kit that includes pledge sheets, and is encouraged to raise funds to support the agency’s mentoring programs. Teams book a lane through the agency and then come out and bowl on the February 24th in one of three locations generously supporting the fundraiser: Gratton Lanes in Smiths Falls, Chasin’ Turkeys in Carleton Place and Spare Room Bowling Lanes in Perth. Don’t worry if you’re not a bowler – it’s a fun time where neighbours come together for a great cause! Remember – It’s not about the bowling! Your team can be as small as two people or as large as your whole company or large family. There is no minimum amount to raise. There is room for everyone, and every dollar matters. For teams participating in Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake, funds can also be raised online, which
makes asking for money a whole lot easier. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is a not for profit volunteer driven organization which helps children develop to their unique potential through consistent, dependable and unconditional adult friendship. The agency has been a part of the Lanark County community for more than 50 years. It will be a celebration year as the agency reflects on the impact of its mentoring programs over a half a century. Over that time thousands of children have seen the benefit of a caring adult; someone to share their lives with, someone that they can confide in and look up to. Local Corporations have covered all the overhead costs of the event, which means that all funds raised by teams go directly to fund mentoring programs for local children. These sponsors include; Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Hinton Dodge Chrysler, Eaton, Campbell's Trucking, Ogilvie's Auto, Kinsmen Club Smiths Falls, Rideau Home Hardware, Mike Fair Chevrolet, Cogeco Your TV, Country 101.1, Rob Garvin Remax, Ascend, Rob Roys Pub, Hunt and Dopson Insurance, TD Bank, and John and Brenda Gray Remax. Please support businesses that support mentoring in Lanark County. For more information about getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County or participating in The Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake, please contact the agency office at 613-283-0570 or check out their website at www.lanark. bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Smiths Falls Kinsmen Club. Photo credit: Submitted.
swim meets. She was thirteen at the time and the youngest competitor in her region. Her love of the water didn’t start naturally. As a baby, her mother tried a “Moms and Tots” swim program where Tori fought back every step of the way. Early swim lessons were the same. One summer, however, at a friend’s cottage she decided she was ready to go and life jackets were required any time she was near water after that. She would just jump in. After many years, her swim club, The North Durham Otters, grew to include many ages and capabilities of athletes where Tori shared her skills and continued to improve under some great coaching. She embarked on private lessons two different summers learning to do the butterfly and earning her Bronze Cross certification.She participated at Regional Qualifiers in 2019 and won a place
at the Provincial Games in May of 2020 in three events. This was such an exciting time for her and her whole family. Sadly, that was shut down just a few months before the competition with the closures due to Covid. She missed swimming for two more full seasons with continued lockdowns. Tori arrived in Smiths Falls with her family in the summer of 2022 and found the Smiths Falls Starfish in the fall with a new home of welcoming and dedicated coaches and volunteers. It took some time to settle in with new teammates and coaches but those initial nerves dissipated when she got back into her element in the water. In Special Olympics swimming she moved to a new age category and lost some of her skills and stamina with the long twoyear break but still qualified for three events again in the 2023 Regional Qualifying
TOP: Tori and her gold, silver and bronze medals from a qualifying event held at The Nepean Sportsplex in April 2023. RIGHT: Tori Snell glides effortlessly through the water, proving that dedication and perseverance know no bounds. Photo credits: Submitted.
Meet in Ottawa. She is preparing for the Provincials again, which will be held May 23-26 in Waterloo. She
will be joined by two teammates from the Smith Falls Starfish team, Trevor Mains and Destiny McDougall.
Brooke Henderson kicks off LPGA Tour with 3rd place finish at Hilton Grand Vacations
Brooke Henderson speaks during a media scrum on Wednesday, Jan. 17, ahead of the opening LPGA Tour in Florida, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Photo credit: Screengrab/Laurie Weir.
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Sunday, Jan. 21 was a breezy final day for the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on the LPGA Tour where Brooke Henderson earned a third-place finish. The 26-year-old defending champion from Smiths Falls had a bogey-free final day where she carded a 4-under par, 68. This year, it was Lydia Ko of New Zealand who hoisted the championship trophy after having a rough 2023 on the Tour. “Lydia is the best. I've always really looked up to her,” Henderson said following the event. “She's such a great person, and obviously, an amazing player as well. To see her back at the top is great, especially after she didn't have quite the year she wanted last year. Definitely got it going now, so we all better look out.” Ko carded a 2-under par 70 on Sunday to win US$225,000 with 14-under
par for the tournament. She had rounds of 69-70-67-70. In her 11 years on Tour, this was her 20th win. American Alexa Pano, 19, who turned pro last year, was just two shots back to take second place and US$165,659. Henderson picked up US$120,174 on rounds of 69-70-71-68. 16TH PLACE FINISH It was a playoff for Nelly Korda of the United States and Lydia Ko for the LPGA Drive On Tournament at Bradenton, FL., Jan. 25-28. It was Korda, the hometown hero, who held on for the win through the two playoff holes to earn $262,500. For Henderson, it was a T16 finish with six other players. She had rounds of 71-69-69-73 to take home $21,585. OFF SEASON Prior to the tournament Henderson shared some insights during a media scrum. With her left thumb taped, she said she’s been having difficulty with it since 2017. She’s been undergoing phys-
iotherapy to keep it loose as it bothers her most while using her driver. The rest of 2023, she “probably didn’t play quite as well as I would have liked,” but coming into the new season she was excited to get it started again. Henderson said she’d like to lower her scoring average this year “which will hopefully put me in contention more times … That’s all you really want, is an opportunity to win, or an opportunity to be great.” With new irons late last fall, new fairway woods, a driver, and putter, she said she’s geared up for success. “I really loved them a lot,” she said of the new irons, as she works to be more consistent. “It’s been a really big change the last two months, but all very positive and I feel like they’re going to enhance my game. Hopefully I can start off by putting them to good use this week and throughout the rest of the season.” She said TaylorMade came “with some stuff that is just so good. It was really easy for a quick change. I love being a part of Team TaylorMade. I feel like it’s been a great change for me and being alongside other amazing athletes has been pretty cool.” She tried the new driver for the first time while doing a shoot for TaylorMade last November, alongside Tiger Woods, she said, and the first time she swung the club she said she was impressed. “It went immediately into my bag,” she said, as it gave her a little more distance. After having to go down to a 46-inch driver two years
ago, (from 48 inches), she said she was impressed with the yardage she gained with the new driver. “Anytime I can try and gain a couple yards back, I’m all for that,” she said. Henderson has a busy schedule this year with the Olympics (July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris) as well as the number of majors she’s planning to take part in. “It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to playing in some different events, like the Olympics … it’s a great feeling to go and represent your country.” She said it will take some planning and scheduling to ensure she will be “peaking for some of those top events.” This is Henderson’s 10th season since turning pro in December of 2024. “It’s been a lot of fun for me and hopefully the best is yet to come.” NEXT UP The LPGA swings to Asia with three tournaments during February and early March. • Feb. 22-25: Honda LPGA Thailand, Chonburi, Thailand at the Siam Country Club Old Course with a $1.7M purse. Lilia Vu of the US is the defending champion. • Feb. 29-March 3: HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore at the Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course with a $1.8M purse. Jin Young Ko of South Korea is the defending champ. • March 7-10: Blue Bay LPGA at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club in the People’s Republic of China. This tournament’s purse hits $2.2M. The defending champion is Gaby Lopez of Mexico.
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February 2024
lifestyle
Overcoming Parkinson's disease with determination and support Regional - sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca She eventually knew, when her clothes weren’t fitting properly, that something was wrong. She couldn’t put her finger on it, it had been going on a while, but her dogged Nurse Practitioner listened and sent her for test after test. At one of these appointments in Kingston, a neurologist watched her walk down a long hall. That’s when he saw it — the slight shuffle. Mary Bowlby was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in May 2022. Since then her feeling of
something ‘wrong’ has disappeared, she’s gained some of the weight back she’d lost, and hallucinations seem to be at bay — the medication has “worked like a miracle…an absolute miracle.” Mary, 77, takes Levodopa three times a day. “Sometimes,” she says ”…it doesn’t seem enough,” and so she can take a fourth if needed. She adds, with a bit of a smile, she hasn’t needed it since asking. People with Parkinson’s will tell you that nothing good comes with a diagnosis of the disease. But today people often tell Mary she’s never looked healthier. That’s because she exercises a lot, walks at least three
kilometres a day, goes to an exercise dance class, eats well, and has increased fluid intake for improved absorption of medication.. Her exercise dance class is a new venture. Everyone remembers the wiggle maneuver of the cha cha cha, she grins, “but I have difficulty when [the teacher] starts to do creative movements.” Gait disorders are common in people with PD. To make sure she eats, her husband, Gary, “started doing the cooking.” She’s gained 15 pounds back of the 40 she lost. It’s coming up on three years since her diagnosis. In the past 36 months she’s pulled a team together,
something, she says, you have to do yourself…“make your own team.” And the team should interact, not just send reports back and forth. On her team are a Nurse Practitioner, a psychiatrist (for memory) — he’s the one who recognized the gait shuffle — and the most valuable member is a neuro-physiotherapist. “She’s been taking care of people with Parkinson’s for 30 years,” Mary adds. For instance, when Mary told her she had difficulty getting in and out of the car, the neuro-physiotherapist, Ali Muir of Neurologic Physiotherapy, immediately took her outside “and gave me a couple of lessons. “ ‘Take big steps,’ she said, and now there’s no problem,” Mary grins. “She doesn’t hold your hand,” warns Mary, but leaves it up to the person to take the initiative and do the exercises. There’s also the book she and her husband rely on — the Canadian edition of Every Victory Counts — a manual for Canadians affected by Parkinson’s. “It’s our Bible”… along with exercise, wellness workshops and a lot of friends. “I surround myself with smart people…and everyone’s so
Mary Bowlby says goodbye as she leaves the parking lot. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
patient,” Mary adds. Back to those hallucinations which haven’t happened for a long time. She laughs and remembers the Cirque de Soleil in particular with “people swinging all over the place.” Another was in her living room when there were “all kinds of sweet animals” running around. She doesn’t let hallucinations worry her. If it’s something scary, “I just tell it to get lost…and it does.” She does admit she’s scared sometimes, doesn’t know what the future will bring but with her team behind her she says (with a dare in her eye) that she might just outlive everyone after all. Mary and her husband
also participate in a Support Group and other initiatives which bring the Parkinson’s community together. For many who don’t have ‘the team’ Mary has, it can be a big challenge to get needed help. The Parkinson’s Community Network (PCN) was established in 2023 to increase access and improve services for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease in Lanark Leeds and Grenville. One of the PCN’s first initiatives is the creation of a fund for families who could benefit from respite services. For further information about applying for this fund, contact Beverley Bennett at bbabennett@gmail.com.
The Travelling Sommelier Non-alcoholic Beers
Column by Brian Preston brianpreston@hotmail.com
Food & Drink
Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way since I last wrote about them in 2017. Non-alcoholic beer (or NA beer, as it's sometimes called) starts life as a normal beer. In fact it goes through almost the full process, ie, a mash, boiling the wort, adding hops, and fermenting. But then non-alcoholic beer has to have its alcohol removed. There are several different methods a brewer can use to make non-alcoholic beers: • Dealcoholization through evaporation (e.g. vacuum distillation) The beer is heated under vacuum and distilled to remove the ethanol. This reduces the alcohol content of the beer, but can also strip some of the volatiles (such as yeast esters). This method has been used for many decades to produce non-alcoholic beers. • Dealcoholization through membranes (e.g. reverse osmosis) This method uses fine membranes to separate the alcohol molecules from other soluble molecules, similar to how a reverse osmosis device operates. Since pressure is used rather than heat and the separation can be more precise than some older vacuum distillation methods, membrane dealcoholization
can be an effective way to produce full-flavour dealcoholized beer. The tradeoff for this higher quality method is the higher costs of production that usually only large commercial breweries can afford. • Cold contact fermentation Cold Contact Fermentation (CCF), or Cold Contact Process (CCP), is one of the several methods of producing beer with little to no alcohol content through a combination of low fermentation temperatures and extended fermentation contact times. Non-alcoholic beer first started popping up in the U.S. in 1919. Why? Prohibition. It was decided that the strongest a beverage could be is 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (abv) and this still applies today. A wide variety of these products are available in most grocery stores across Eastern Ontario, and they are Canadian, US or European in origin depending upon the brand. The following are available in LCBO. Heineken 0.0, 0%abv, 330ml, Netherlands Great taste and zero alcohol crafted by the master brewers using the vacuum distillation method for the beer drinker that is unwilling to compromise on taste. All natural, zero alcohol
beer that delivers all of the quality you expect from Heineken. Enjoy its soft, malty, toasted grain and refreshing fruit character. Serve anytime as the perfect palate refresher. One of my top favourites! Guinness 0 .05%abv, 440ml, Ireland Guinness 0 is brewed just like the Guinness Stout, using the same natural ingredients, before removing the alcohol through a cold filtration method. It is relatively new on the market and pours with the familiar dark liquid and creamy head, with hints of coffee, chocolate and bitter-sweet roasted notes, providing all the flavour you expect without the alcohol. Peroni Nastro Azzuro 0.0, 0.01%abv, 330ml, Italy Brewed and bottled with Italian passion, probably by cold contact fermentation method, it delivers the crisp, smooth and refreshing taste and distinctive fresh hoppy flavour you expect from this iconic brand. Enjoy ice-cold straight from the bottle or pour it into a tall pilsner glass. Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA, .5%abv, 355ml, United States Athletic Brewing was started in 2018 by two guys in Connecticut, USA, using
a patent-pending method that they say is neither by vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. Run Wild is a multi-award winning session craft IPA brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops. It has approachable bitterness that is balanced by good maltiness, and it is refreshing and clean with only 65 calories. Pairs well with pizza. Clausthaler Premium Non Alcoholic, .01%abv, Germany Award-winning non-alcohol lager that's brewed in accordance with the German Beer Purity Law. Crafted with the finest ingredients and a brewing method that reduces the alcohol but not the flavor, it is crisp with lightly sweet bread notes, smooth palate, balanced by grassy hops. Also highly rated in beer reviews, serve when you want great flavour without the alcohol. Beck's - imported from Bremen, Germany and comes in a six pack of 330ml bottles listed at 0.0%abv, with 50 calories and zero sugar. I don’t see this one in the LCBO just now, but it is one to get if it comes back. Like all beers, the ingredients were water, malted barley, and hops according to the traditional
Run Wild IPA non-alcoholic brew. Photo credit: Courtesy of Athletic Brewing Company/Facebook [facebook.com/AthleticBrewing].
Bavarian Law for brewing beer. Beck's poured a golden colour with a full head that lasted several minutes. It had that European aroma that I love (dry, clean with a touch of bitter steely character) which was indiscernible from a regular Beck's. It was medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and a dry, pleasantly hopped taste with a less sweet profile common to North American beers. This one was my favourite back in 2017. A Valentine’s Wine recommendation From a deeply complex amarone della valpolicella, produced in Verona,
Italy, the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet, or to a less expensive versatile lighter local Rose like: The Speck Brother’s Three of Hearts Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Vintages#552562 $19.95 12%abv Fresh and elegant, this wine displays vibrant aromas of white peach and strawberry with subtle floral notes. Medium-bodied mouthfeel with balanced acidity and flavours of fresh raspberries and honeydew melon on the palate, it is quite versatile on its own or with a range of foods.
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February 2024
culture Downtown Smiths Falls' Annual Winter Carnival hits the mark Smiths falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A bright, sunny Saturday was a beautiful setting for the winter carnival in downtown Smiths Falls on Saturday, February 3. Hordes of young people flocked to the Town Hall Visitors Centre to collect their Scavenger Hunt forms, which sent them solving riddles and collecting coins all over town. Next door, the town square was the site of a free laser-tag game, hosted by Marked: Ultimate Family Adventure Park. A team of glossy black horses drew carriage-loads of carnival-goers through the downtown. On Main Street, crowds of people lined up to purchase Beavertails and to try their hand at throwing an axe at The Axe Shop Inc’s mobile axe-throwing cages. The Smiths Falls Firefighter’s Association hosted a barbecue, and the Falls Food Hub partnered with Sip in Davidson Courtyard to serve free bowls of chili. The Smiths Falls Sr. A Rideaus Hockey Club hosted a hockey clinic in the parking lot on Russell Street East, and a game of street hockey carried on the fun in the same location after
the hockey clinic. Many local restaurants offered a Winter Bites menu, with smaller offerings at reduced prices for festival-goers to carry with them and enjoy on the go. During the town council meeting on February 5, Director of Economic Development Julia Crowder thanked town staff, the
Downtown Business Association, and the Chamber of Commerce for all the work they poured into putting on the winter carnival. “We had a great, wonderful day. We had lots of people come out, and we’re hoping to continue this event next year. I want to recognize them and say thank you for their hard work.”
Pascal Labelle enjoyed axe-throwing during the winter carnival in downtown Smiths Falls. Photo submitted.