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Vol. 10
No. 11
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
NOVEMBER 2023
Almonte entrepreneurs shake up spirits industry on Dragon's Den
Omid McDonald, Neal McCarten and Jenny the cow seeking a Vodkow deal on Dragon's Den. Photo credit: Submitted.
Chimo Elementary student packs a punch as Novice Boxing Champion "Don’t quit before the fun starts!"
Grade 8 Chimo Student Hazel Pevere with her boxing medals and trophies. Photo credit: Submitted.
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Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Hazel Pevere is a Grade 8 student at Chimo Elementary School in Smiths Falls, and after some hard-fought bouts is the new Ontario Boxing Champion in the 57kg Novice Female Division. Pevere has never been one to back down from a challenge in the ring, and she brings this same determined spirit to leadership opportunities within her school as well. Training out of the Comodus Boxing Club in Perth, Pevere has been sparring and refining her techniques for two years, competing whenever possible to build up her experience in the ring. At the Boxing Ontario Novice Tournament, held in Brampton in late October, Hazel punched her way to victory through two fights. Continues on page 4
Regional - Staff writer editorial@pdgmedia.ca Becoming a small business owner is a journey that requires courage, innovation, and the ability to seize opportunities. Almonte business owners Omid McDonald and Neal McCarten exemplify these qualities through their remarkable venture, Dairy Distillery. Their appearance on Dragon's Den Season 18 Episode Eight with their unique product, Vodkow, not only captivated the Dragons but also showcased the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in small communities like Almonte. McDonald and McCarten developed an innovative process that transforms unused milk sugars into high-quality spirits. By utilizing this previously wasted resource, they created a product that not only tastes exceptional but also reduces food waste. The Dragons were intrigued by the concept of Vodkow, recognizing the potential for success in both the spirits market and the
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Left to right: Arlene Dickinson, Michele Romanow, Wes Hall, Manjit Minhas, Vincenzo Guzzo, Neal McCarten and Omid McDonald. Photo credit: Submitted. sustainability movement. innovative ideas. McDonald and McCaWith the support and rten's pitch was effective investment from the and their in-depth knowl- Dragons, Omid and Neal edge of the industry, cou- are poised for future pled with their passion growth and success. The for their product, left the exposure gained from Dragons impressed. By their appearance on Draghighlighting the unique on's Den, combined with selling points of Vodkow their unique product ofand showcasing their fering, positions Dairy commitment to environ- Distillery as a trailblazer mental responsibility, they in the spirits industry. As were able to capture the they continue to expand attention and ultimately their distribution network the support of the Drag- and raise awareness about ons, leading to a success- their sustainable practicful negotiation. es, they are sure to leave a The Dragons recognized lasting impact on both the the potential of Vodkow local and national level. and eagerly embraced the McDonald and McCaopportunity to be a part rten's success on Dragon's of Dairy Distillery's jour- Den Season 18 Episode ney. Their investment not Eight with their innovaonly provides financial tive product, Vodkow, support but also opens highlights the transfordoors to valuable industry mative power of entrepreconnections. neurship. Their passion, The success of McDon- creativity, and commitald and McCarten on ment to sustainability Dragon's Den is not only a have not only impressed personal triumph but also the Dragons but also ina great source of pride for spired communities like the community. Their en- Almonte. As Dairy Distrepreneurial spirit and tillery continues to thrive, dedication to sustainabil- we eagerly anticipate the ity shine a positive light positive impact they will on the potential for small- make in the spirits intown businesses to make a dustry and beyond. Their significant impact. Omid journey serves as a reand Neal have become minder that with deterrole models for aspiring mination and a unique vientrepreneurs, inspiring sion, local businesses can others to think outside the achieve great success on a box and pursue their own national stage.
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November 2023
Page Two Hometownnews PART OF THE DISCOVER COMMUNTIY NETWORK
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Community engagement
Smiths Falls Remembrance Day Ceremony: A heartfelt tribute
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Photo reads: Shine your best, brightest, beautifulest, shine YOU!!! Sparkle like a STAR!!! Glow like a glow stick! BE YOU! We Remember the soldiers that died. World peace. - Kachinvya Labelle.
LOOKING FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS Hometown News has been covering local community news across Lanark County for the past 10 years. We pride ourselves on being a trusted source of information for the communities we serve. As we continue to expand our coverage, we are seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team of writers for our readership area. This is a freelance position.
RESPONSIBILITIES: • Conduct thorough research to gather information about local events, issues, and developments in the Lanark County/ Smiths Falls Area. • Attend community meetings, events, and interviews to gather firsthand information for news stories. • Compile accurate and engaging news articles within deadlines. • Maintain a keen understanding of the local community and its dynamics. • Collaborate with the editorial team to brainstorm and develop story ideas.
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Honoring the Heroes: A solemn moment at the Smiths Falls Remembrance Day ceremony, 2023, as the community gathers to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Photo credits: Kathy Botham.
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November 2023
community Portland's Skate the Lake adapts to climate uncertainties Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Volunteers of a popular skating event in the village of Portland, Ontario in the township of Rideau Lakes are working on reinventing the way they have organized races for 20 years. Traditionally, Skate the Lake was held on the last weekend of January, but the pandemic and climate change have organizers reconsidering that approach. “Twenty years ago we picked the last weekend of January to organize an exciting weekend of speed skating races on Big Rideau Lake because it is traditionally the coldest weekend of the winter here, but the weather is so unreliable that it doesn’t make sense to plan so far ahead anymore,” says John Bongers, president of Portland Outdoors, the volunteer group that is behind Skate the Lake. “To deal with the reality of frequent
warming spells and rain we are going to experiment with pop up style events where we will decide on races only a few days in advance when we have a clear picture of short-term weather forecast,” Bongers said. Every year, Portland Outdoors prepares a spectacular one-kilometer oval on the shallow bay in front of the village. It hosted the North American Marathon Speed Skating Championships in 2006 and 2014. During the pandemic, Portland Outdoors volunteers switched focus from being a mostly Skate the Lake weekend focused group to an organization focused on opening the oval as early as safely possible and keeping it open as long as possible. The formula of offering a safe and healthy physical outdoor activity proved a very successful combination and the Skate the Lake Chal-
lenge was introduced. The Skate the Lake Challenge is open as long as the oval is open and individual skaters track their total kilometres throughout the season. January 2023 was the first time in three years that a Skate the Lake weekend was planned due to the pandemic, but the event had to be canceled because of poor ice conditions, the same reason that the Ottawa Rideau Canal never opened for skating. “We are taking our twentieth anniversary to try something new. Instead of picking a date months in advance we will look at the short term forecast and make a call to host races when we are sure the weather is favourable, much like pop-up events are called at the last minute,” said Bongers. Portland Outdoors is hosting a meeting for any new volunteers who would
like to get involved. The meeting will be at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #231 at 2314 Harlem Road on November 27 at 7 p.m. Volunteers with marketing, writing and social media experience as well as volunteers with experience in running and timing events are particularly needed. Website - www.skatethelakeportland.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/skatethelake Twitter - www.twitter. com/bigrideauskate Strava - www.strava.com Log in and search for the
Skate the Lake club Skate the Lake sponsors include: Andress’ Independent Grocers, C & M Superior Docks, Canadian Tire Smiths Falls, Country Roads Community Health Centre, G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction, Herlehy Home Hardware, Jamesview Builders & Electrical, Kudrinko’s, Leeds Transit, Leisure Days RV Center, Len’s Cove Marina, Levac Propane, McNichols Electrical and Plumbing Ltd, Raymond Marine, P3 Panel, RBC Royal Bank, RCL Automotive and Tire
Photo credits: Shared on Skate the Lake Facebook page [facebook.com/skatethelake].
For Your Information with Kathy Botham
Discounter, RE/MAX, Recess Café, Rideau Realty, Rideau Valley Landscaping and Supplies, Scotland Funeral Homes, Smiths Falls Nissan, Smith Petrie Carr and Scott Insurance Brokers, SSP Cabinetry and Millwork, The Review Mirror, Tim Hortons Smiths Falls, Township of Rideau Lakes, United Edge - Structural Components, WC Gas Works and WTC Communications. For more information, contact Skate the Lake at stlportlandoutdoors@gmail. com or 613-207-1950.
4
November 2023
lifestyle Reading fosters literacy and community Perth - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca
“Here it is,” she said, handing me Terry Fallis’ latest book — A New Season. When I took it, I felt the pristine cover that’d never been opened; it was just waiting to be read. “Thanks,” I said, looking at Leslie Wallack, owner of The Book Nook in Perth. I love books, especially new ones. I haven’t been reading much recently, so getting back to it.” Books go hand in hand with reading. Many read from tablets now, but a book — the feel, the font, the flow
— all add to the tale. A tablet’s probably easier to carry but you have to turn it on; you don’t have to turn a book on. Many read off a phone, but phones (when in the middle of a story) are distracting. They ding and ring and play music; a book has one purpose — to tell a story. Of course, you have to be able to read, and take the time to read in order to finish a book; lots don’t have that time anymore. Reading is one of the first things we learn to do; for some it’s easier than others. I remember reading at
the top of the stairs in our house in Ottawa sitting beside my older brother; he was 7, I was 5. He thought it was fun to teach me. I’ve read forever since. First on the stairs, then at the cottage, then university, through marriage, kids, now as a senior. I anticipate it as the evening rolls around. On occasion I even take an afternoon just to read… My last book was Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay. It hooked me from the start because as the book begins, Lulu’s driving the back roads of Lanark. Leslie is surrounded by
Chimo Elementary student packs a punch as Novice Boxing Champion "Don’t quit before the fun starts!" Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from page 1 The referee stopped the first fight in the 3rd round in favour of Hazel, and the second bout gave her the championship with a nerve-wracking split decision. “I just like it,” stated Hazel. “I started two years ago kind of out of nowhere, then
I started sparring with people and I really liked that!” For those looking to get started in boxing or a similar sport, Pevere offered some words of encouragement: “It’s not as much fun when you’re just learning the basics, but when you get to go in the ring, then it gets really fun. Don’t quit before the fun starts!” Jason Pevere, Hazel’s father, is proud of her accomplishments. “I just love that she has something that she’s passionate about. As long
as she’s enjoying it, that’s all that matters,” he said of his daughter. “She’s so competitive! She goes for a 5 km run most days before the bus picks her up!” Out of the ring and in her school, Pevere often helps younger students and gets involved in a variety of school-wide initiatives. She was eager to step up and emcee the Grade 8 Graduation last year and was part of the team that planned and organized the successful Chimo Dance-a-Thon this fall.
books on a daily basis; she handles them, takes in the covers, sometimes has a quick look-through; she says she has about 10,000 at her store… “a little bit of everything.” She sells what her customers like. As a kid and a teen she was a “book-a-day” reader. “I had quite the home library,” she grins, borrowing books from friends and family. Today she reads about a book a month, her latest being Uri Kaufman’s book 18 Days in October about the Middle East. “Thank goodness there are crazy people out there who do these things (in books) so we can live vicariously. “Reading takes me to places I know I can’t go.” When the chance came, she decided to do what she loves: she went from reading to selling. Here are a couple of her book and reading observations: the first is she feels that “people are going back
Leslie Wallack stands with a few of her ‘friends’ at The Book Nook in Perth. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
to small bookstores,” leaving behind the big ones like Amazon and Chapters. There is an excitement, she says, a comeback after Covid of people talking to each other, recommending to each other… She says she gets great delight watching perfect strangers chat over books in her store - “people who have never met having a conversation.” And, the second, in her
opinion, is that “readers make better critical thinkers, more empathetic.” If she wrote a book, what would it be? “An historical romance,” she says, no hesitation. She’s a researcher at heart and history is her passion. Her final thought on our conversation is that literacy and literature should be shared… and she, through The Book Nook, can share both.
opinion: Am I the only one?
Carrie Wynne
Follow the Money
Money's influence on politics is age-old. Lobbyists contribute, host fundraisers, or offer jobs to politicians to gain support for their interests. This practice is questionable and should not be tolerated. Big Tech, influenced by wealthy donors, sometimes implements government-backed policies, as evidenced by censorship of opposing views on platforms. This quid pro quo is undeniable: they imply, "Nice platform you have, it would be a shame if anything happened to it." Small businesses are squeezed out by industries profiting from sickness, like tobacco, healthcare, and
pharmaceuticals. Money in the media erodes public trust too, with selective coverage of news events that cater to sponsors and specific narratives. There’s an old saying “follow the money” for a reason. Recognizing the reality of quid pro quo is important because it allows us to understand and address potential ethical concerns and conflicts of interest. Let’s hold our leaders accountable. Public service and the common good should take precedence over personal gain and financial interests. Make sure they represent the people's interests, not special interests. Big Tech may be influenced by the government or wealthy donors. Each claim should be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine their accuracy and impact. It's crucial
to have open discussions and transparent mechanisms to address these concerns and protect democratic values. The interconnectedness lies in the recognition that quid pro quo, whether in political contributions or Big Tech actions, can have a detrimental impact on democracy and the principles of free speech. Both instances involve financial interests influencing decision-making, which underscores the need for transparency and regulation to ensure the public's interests are prioritized over self-enrichment and the influence of the donor class. 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.
5
November 2023
lifestyle
Jill Heinerth awarded Canada's Polar Medal for fearless exploration
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Jill Heinerth (left) and Brian Preston (right). Photo credit: Brian Preston.
Carleton Place - Brian Preston editorial@pdgmedia.ca Jill Heinerth grew up in Cooksville (now Mississauga) near Toronto and she has always been curious about the world. In fact, she can often be heard commenting that she has an advanced degree in curiosity. She is one who wants to explore the most dangerous nooks and crannies of the last unexplored places on earth: underwater caves. (As just one example of how dangerous it can be, watch this video of her experience under an Antarctic iceberg: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=mLTxB7RTBXw.) Her career has spanned several decades and she has been all over the world in pursuit of her passion to discover, learn and share with the world. She has been to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Sahara (yes, believe it or not), Siberia, Antarctica and the Arctic, to mention a few places she has been while covering environmental stories or animal and sea life stories, being an advocate for protecting our natural environment while at
the same time enjoying it all and bringing it to us in books, presentations, films and talks at schools across Canada in her role as the first Explorer in Residence for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She has logged over 7,000 dives in her career and traveled more than three kilometres into a cave on a single dive — farther than any other woman in history. Of her exploration, film director James Cameron has said, “More people have been to the moon than to places that Jill Heinerth has explored deep inside our watery planet.” Cave diving is one of the most dangerous things you can do. It is very easy to become disoriented in closed underwater caves or wrecks and when that happens, you lose the ability to know which way is up or down. I first interviewed Jill several years ago for Hometown News when she moved back to Canada living near Carleton Place. Jill is a cave diver, underwater explorer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker, and adding to her well deserved accolades she is now the recipient of Canada’s pres-
tigious Polar Medal and is a Fellow of the International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame. Jill has made public presentations in our region, the most recent that I attended being at the Rideau Lakes Public Library in South Elmsley in June 2023. Jill has written a few books but one not to be missed is “Into The Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver,” a memoir of her life's work to date. She told me, “the book is really about fear and risk.” Jill told me about diving through the tunnels of an iceberg which closed their entry path so they had to keep calm and find another way out. It was a close call! “People say you must be fearless. I am not fearless at all. Of course I am afraid. I try to deal with all those potential risks and fears before I descend, so that I kind of leave that behind and just focus on making good safety decisions while underwater.” What’s next? After doing some local dives in the region, she is now in Peru on another adventure. As the saying goes about very active people, I have modified it to apply to Jill, “No barnacles grow under her feet!”
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November 2023
6
Food & Drink
The Travelling Sommelier
The Beers and Wines of Collingwood Column by Brian Preston | brianpreston@hotmail.com
Consider this Part 2, as last month I wrote about Side Launch Brewery, one of what I consider to be the two top breweries in the Collingwood area. This month I will cover the other one – Thornbury Craft Cider and Brewery located just north along the beautiful blue-green waters of Georgian Bay in Thornbury. They started in the 1800s as a fruit growers building and then became a cidery in the early 20th century, finally in 2016 Thornbury came under the Colio Winery family doing ciders and beers. We then continued a bit inland up into the rolling hills to Roost Winery where we had the pleasure to sit on the patio on a warm and sunny day overlooking the hills and valleys with trees just beginning to change colour. Thornbury Craft Cider and Brewery Thornbury Blue Mountain Light Lager, 4%abv, clean, dry and refreshing pale lager with aromas of low malt and light floral
hop (Hallertauer), and moderately grainy malt flavor in a well balanced dry, crisp finish. LCBO just doubled its order of this one. Nano IPA, 3.2%abv, pale yellow colour, light melon notes with faint citrus – a low key entry crowd pleaser IPA. 20th Anniversary King Pilsner, 4.8%abv, from an award winning recipe, bright and gold coloured, full-bodied and dry finish; hop forward spice and floral aromas with a malt backbone. Well-balanced and crisp, the Bohemian Pilsner malt and Saaz hops come together to create a classic Czech-style Pilsner. Ladder Run Amber Lager, 4.8%abv uses Vienna malt and Noble hops and has a light golden colour with some head/mousse, medium mouthfeel, smooth texture; tasted malt and subtle balancing hop bite notes to cleanse the palate with a crispy richness and toffee-malt. Coffee Pale Ale, 5%abv, light golden colour where they steeped local dark-roast coffee in
this smooth pale ale producing an intriguing mix of floral citrusy hops and roasted coffee aromas, all nicely balanced on the palate giving way to a dry, refreshing finish. Dam Dark Lager, 4.8%abv, an authentic Munich-style Dunkel, light chocolate red in colour, with a rich, complex taste that is still light and refreshing; malt forward with subtle hop flavours and hints of nuts, toast and caramel. Clark is in Session, 4.5%abv, is a nod to local history. An old poster advertises the nearby 1912 Clarksburg Fair - a poster featuring a dapper gentleman riding a very large black pig. That was the day that Clark the Pig was born and the pig features on many cider and beer labels. Clark gives this beer his ‘squeak’ of approval! Golden colour and unfiltered, this Session IPA Is hop-forward with a dry finish; aromas of citrus, melon and tropical fruit combine with palate-pleasing hoppiness, spicy tangerine-zest and
Thornbury Craft Cider and Brewery, Thornbury, ON. Photo credit: Thornbury Craft Co. Cider & Brew House [Shared on Google].
a soft hint of pine. Haze and Dayz, strong beer at 6%abv, is a golden yellow coloured Hazy IPA with a long lasting head/mousse and a hoppy bite and finish which is restrained but predominant allowing the citrus and stone fruit flavours to emerge in the pleasing finish. For a dessert in a glass try the Vodkow Cream Liqueur, $29.95 for 750ml. coming in at 16%abv. It is a beautiful cream liqueur balanced off with Colio Wines spirits. Mix with coffee or take a shot over ice. It has a mouth-coating flavourful creamy and vanilla, butterscotch taste with only a touch of alcohol finish in a balanced blend that keeps it from being cloying or too sweet. They have a very good tasting range of quality products and are located at 90 King East, Collingwood, (519)-599-2616. Their brewmaster is James Wilson. https://thornburycraft.com/ Roost Winery Roost Winery (519) 599-6269 is located in Clarksburg set in the Blue Mountains, part of the Niagara Escarpment that begins in the Niagara wine region and ends at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to the north. This cold-climate region grows grape varieties like Marquette, Frontenac, L’Acadie, Marechal Foch, Siegerrebe and Lucie Kuhlmann, which I just discovered, an early-ripening grape variety from Nova Scotia that is a crossed sibling of Marechal Foch. Lucie Kuhlmann ripens reliably but tends to have high acidity and an herbaceous character and here is used as a blend with Marquette to make their Sparkling Red, $32.75, harvested early
Photo credit: Brian Preston.
and made in the charmat method, expect a dry red sparkling with fruit, light tannins and beautiful berry flavours. These French hybrid clones are used in more northern climes where ‘noble grapes’ like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc., do not grow to maturity. The winemakers Jessica and Michael Maish, produce a range of wines including their best selling wine 2022 Sparkling Rose - Bunch'a Trouble, $28.75, a multiaward winning wine, and their most rewarded wine, recently winning Double Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2023. Fresh aromatics and notes of warm butterscotch and green apple with hints of offdry tropical fruit balanced by lively acidity and rich mineral undertones from the hillside limestone beneath the vineyard’s roots. 2022 L’Acadie Reserve, $31.75 at ten dollars has far more fruit extraction than their regular L’Acadie with a slow, wild yeast fermentation at controlled temperatures followed by some aging in French oak barrels. The finished wine is unfiltered, unfined and hand-bottled. Expect a dry wine but with a smooth complexity and minerality, and a hint of apple
on the palate, similar to Chardonnay. Two Wrongs Make a Right, $19.75 is, in my opinion, their best white wine blending Semillon and Riesling. Surprisingly aromatic but also benefits structurally with notes of orange peel and cedar, it was light yellow in colour with pear and stone fruit aromas and some complexity notes of vanilla and butterscotch in an off-dry style. We tried several red wines but the best one, as far as my palate and pocketbook are concerned, is the 2022 Foch, $28.75, 100% Marechal Foch from Four Wheel Farm in Creemore. (BTW try Creemore Lager from their nearby brewery; it is very good). The vines are the oldest in the area and have been cared for meticulously for over 16 years. The fruit is very forward, lightly oaked with notes of currants and black liquorice, and while still a relatively young red, it is already standing up for itself and will only improve with age. It won Silver in the 2023 All Canadian Wine Championships. Check out their website to see their entire portfolio of wines: https://www.roostwinery.ca/, and to contact them at https://www. roostwinery.ca/contact/.
7
November 2023
culture Local artist Carol Richardson finds joy in finding the weird stuff
Surrounded by her artwork, Carol Richardson stands proudly in front of the display. Explore her creations at Artisan Village in Smiths Falls. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Greta with the garter belt. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca She carefully brushes and shakes the chair off. As an artist working in glass, safety counts. And getting glass…well, you know, stuck in your underside…wouldn’t be a good way to start an interview. Walking through the front door at Artisan Village in Smiths Falls, look to your right. Carol Richardson’s work, Heritage Mosaics, is there — on the wall, sitting on the floor — very visible. She’s a mosaic artist; she works in tiny pieces of glass or ceramic. Sometimes she covers a wooden shoe form; at the moment she’s designing on a glass window. There’s a small ironing board, and an old ukulele waiting for colour and quirky designs. The uke,
she thinks, “needs a theme song, something like Every Rose has its Thorn…ceramic roses, a keyboard… “Usually my stuff has to do with something else, something people would never think of,” she says. She picks up a small china piece. “To me, this looks like a monocle. I have a styrofoam head at home. This will be her monocle,” she grins. If a form catches her imagination, she’ll cover it. Or, she’ll make a form and cover it, like Greta, the bottom half of a female form that sits upside down outside her sliding entrance door. She laughs a bit and points out that Greta is wearing a garter belt, so not naked, nothing inappropriate. One of her hanging works has a small Christmas cactus growing from it; another is Bat Girl. She explains: “We
learned we had a maternal bat colony in our house; they come in, have babies, go out and hunt at night, then come back and fly through the house. “My husband,” she laughs, “became very good with the fishing-net.” Carol’s interest in mosaic was sparked “years ago in Spain” by Gaudí. Gaudí was a “Catalan architect, recognised as one of the most prodigious experts in his discipline, as well as one of the top exponents of modernism https://www.casabatllo.es/en/antoni-gaudi/. “His interest,” she says, “was in stuff that was outside reality…sounds a bit like The Twilight Zone,” she laughs. But it wasn’t until years later, after a career lobbying around the Canada Health Act for Labour Organizations and Nurses Unions, and then Children’s Aid in Ottawa for five years working with palliative children giving them the “best quality of care” they could get, that she took a deep breath, felt if she had to write one more brief she would “throw up,” that she retired.
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She traveled to Arizona and took a course at the Mesa Art Center — “traditional mosaic stuff.” She workshopped with a fellow from Britain and through her learning and training concluded that mosaics is a “twoclass system — people who are up-cycling like I do, and then people who work in traditional material like smalti.” Smalti is “the glass used for reproducing religious icons, antique mosaic art, or making modern interpretations of classical designs. Tessera, on the other hand, is an individual tile. Carol finds her pieces at the
Salvation Army or REAL, and “people bring me broken pieces. I visualize what I think it would be. It’s my vision,” she adds with definite firmness. “I can do portraits…but it’s very boring. I’m not interested. What she is interested in, she adds “is looking for and getting weird stuff — that’s part of the hunt. I only will pick up stuff I can visualize as something else…and that I can carry,” she says with a certain practicality being a small woman. Tools for a mosaic artist include glass cutters, nippers, a grinder to take off rough edges. The work is “time consuming,” Carol says, and yes, she cuts herself all the time, so if artists at Artisan Village need bandaids, she has them. Circling back to the beginning of the story, she’s very much a safety nut. She wears both mask and safety glasses. Her space at Artisan Village boasts a huge window so light flows in, good for close-up work. Her favourite colours, obvious in her work, are blues and green. A little quirkiness on Carol’s part — when you look at her display pieces in the wide hall at the Village, there are no prices on them. Not that
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she doesn’t want to sell…but “it’s hard to part with stuff,” she grins. You have to ask. More reflectively, she slows down and considers for a moment which is something she doesn’t often do. She admits, laughing, she has two speeds — fast and stop. Her most marked characteristic, she says with a bit of a boast, is she’s creative.” She’s perfectly happy when she’s working, she loves her space where she is now, and she can bring her little ‘bad’ dog with her as she’s nipping and grinding. Her last thought in this more reflective mood is a wish for “people to understand the value of visionary stuff, and to value non-traditional ways, to understand they are just as viable.” But, she sighs a bit, “people don’t think like I do…” Realism, she ends “has no emotional content.” It’s not something she’s interested in doing. Go and meet Carol Richardson at Artisan Village, 10 Maple Ave., Smiths Falls. As you come in the front door, she’s the first on the right. The Village is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 to 4, Friday from 11 to 7 and is closed Tuesday.
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8
November 2023
culture
opinion: Mittens? Two cozy thumbs up We’ve had snow now, a wintery blast; living in Canada we expect it about now. No longer just hooking the dog’s leash to his collar and setting out the door for a walk; now it’s boots, winter jacket, mitts, hat, then leash and out the door. First time out maybe you can get away without mitts but as days grow colder, as snow accumulates and winds blow, mitts are a must. Remember when Mom used to attach mitts to a long cord, maybe twined or twisted wool, thread it through one arm of your
jacket and out the other so the mitts hung out the bottom? Sometimes the wool cord wasn’t long enough, sometimes too long. You could feel it pulling along your back if it was too short. And if you got hand-medown mitts from an older brother, they were misshapen, probably smelly, boy-colours, and holey. I have lots of mitts now, lots of colours, a bit big so I can add an extra pair inside if I need; they’re knitmitts with a flannel lining. My guy sometimes wears mitts — leather — but only if he’s stack-
ing wood, otherwise it’s gloves. (He’s a bit of a dandy, that way.) His Dad asked for mitts last year as he trekked his way around the home he was living in; having extra, I lent him a pair. Gloves, for me, aren’t warm. Each finger gets cold and often I pull all five of them into the palm of the glove to stay warm — which entirely negates the reason for gloves. He says you get a better grip on the steering wheel with gloves; I don’t buy it. A mitt-grip is just as tight. I only remember wearing gloves when I was very
young, about five. White gloves, and a hat, to go to church. The hat was a straw hat with a black ribbon band. There was always an elastic under the chin, which held the hat when it slid off and down your back. The gloves, of course, didn’t stay white long — too much to do as a fiveyear-old… scrabbling for pebbles outside church, rubbing (picking!) my nose, patting dogs, getting in and out of a dusty car… things that most five-year-olds do. I admit I wear gloves today, boxing gloves; otherwise it’s mitts for the coming cold weather.
Photo credit: Sally Smith.
There are lots of places to get mitts around Smiths Falls, lots of sizes, colours, wool or otherwise, and they make great presents for
grandchildren. Give ‘em a try; you might like them. Article by Sally Smith
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