Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News August 2021

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Vol. 8

No. 8

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AUGUST 2021

Music by the Basin kicks off to enthusiastic response Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pd gmedia.ca

The 2021 edition of Music by the Basin got off to a promising start Friday, July 30 at Confederation Park in Smiths Falls.

The opening day of the weekly music series, which continues every Friday afternoon and evening until Sept. 3, was greeted by mild temperatures, sunshine, and enthusiastic crowds. Boaters along the canal, including passengers on the 120-foot Kawartha Voyageur joined local residents to take in the evening performance by headliner Ambre McLean.

In a Facebook post following her show, award-winning singer/songwriter McLean said, “My first show of 2021, and I am so pleased that I could share it with the l’il town that has captured my heart.”

The Music by the Basin series continues this Friday, Aug. 6 with performances by The Continentals (2 to 5 p.m.), Ian and Chris (5 to 7 p.m.) and John Wilberforce (7 to 10 p.m.)

Now in its second year, Music by the Basin is sponsored by Hometown News, Smiths Falls On the Roll, Lake 88, RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Royal LePage Advantage Real Estate, Town and Country Chrysler, Howling Designs, The Pickled Pig, Andress Your Independent Grocer, DJ Johnny Five, and Wills Transfer Limited.

Chris and Ian. Photo credit: AJ Photography.

Ambre McLean. Photo credit: AJ Photography.

Madden Grace. Photo credit: AJ Photography.

Turnout for this year's first Music by the Basin. Photo credit: AJ Photography.

Anne Fergusson: Blazing a trail to the Paralympics Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pd gmedia.ca From just starting the sport of sitting volleyball in 2013 to preparing to leave for Tokyo in just a few days to compete for Canada in the Paralympics, it would be safe to say Anne Fergusson’s journey has been as fast as the sport she excels at. And this sport is fast. You can’t really get a good sense of the action unless you pull up a video or two.

Do it once and you’ll be hooked.

The court used is smaller than a regular volleyball surface and uses a lower net. Players’ torsos mustn’t leave the floor with the exception of

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certain defensive actions.

Anne Fergusson from Beckwith wears number seven and plays the position of attacker. In February 2020 she helped Team Canada secure a spot for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo by winning gold at the World ParaVolley final qualification tournament in Halifax.

She attended the 2019 and 2015 Parapan Am Games. Along with her teammates she won the bronze medal at the 2015 games, allowing the team to make history as the first Canadian sitting volleyball team to qualify for a Paralympic Games.

Anne has been involved with sports from an early age and in her

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teenage years she played badminton, soccer, track, basketball and volleyball at Carleton Place High School. In grade 12, one of her standing volleyball coaches (who had previously worked with Volleyball Canada) told her about the Paralympic sport of sitting volleyball. Fergusson was born without her left hand, making her eligible to play for Team Canada’s women’s team. She was put in contact with one of the Canadian women’s sitting volleyball coaches and given the opportunity to try the sport.

Fergusson fell in love with the fast pace and action of sitting volleyball and has played ever since.

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She told Hometown News that her travels to Tokyo begin on August 13th and the preliminary round games start on the 27th. She’s one of three newcomers to the team and this will be her first Paralympics. During the pandemic she’s kept up with training through virtual sessions and feels good about Canada’s chances in the upcoming games. She noted that they’ve been building and improving since their 7th place finish at the Rio Games in 2016 and are ready to face stiff competition. Her parents Howard Fergusson and Denise Croteau couldn’t be prouder.

Continues on page 2

Anne Fergusson. Photo credit: paralympic.ca/team-canada/annefergusson

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In 2017, Fergusson graduated from Queen's University with a degree

smiths falls circa 1960

Scholarship from Smith School of Business to attend their four-month graduate program. She currently works as an R&D scientist in the biomedical field. She’s also a representative for The War Amps Child Amputee program and is a strong advocate for The War Amps Operation Legacy Program.

There are two sitting volleyball medal events at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with eight

ada, China, Italy, Japan, RPC, Rwanda and the USA make up the women’s tournament. The men’s event will see Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Iran and RPC. China has won three of the four gold medals since women’s sitting volleyball was introduced at Athens 2004; the USA ended their winning streak by capturing gold for the first time at Rio 2016.

Aerial view of downtown Smiths Falls circa 1960. A few of the interesting things to look for: the roundhouse seen in the top centre, the market building still in existence and the Russell Hotel on the corner of Beckwith and Main Streets.. Photo credit: facebook. com/HeritageHouseMuseum

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle

Anne Fergusson. Photo credit: paralympic.ca/team-canada/ anne-fergusson

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August 2021

community Beckwith Street Revitalization Phase 2 to begin this fall Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The intersection of North Elmsley and Beckwith will undergo a major revamp. Photo credit: Janelle Labelle.

Perth’s ReUse Centre in a three-month trial phase Perth - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca Perth residents now have another option for getting rid of unwanted items that still have life in them: Perth’s ReUse Centre is a volunteer-staffed drop-off location for second-hand items. It opened in June of this year at the Landfill site location on 666 Wildlife Road. The ReUse Centre is currently open for three months on a trial basis in order to ascertain whether or not it is a valuable use of time and resources.

The Perth town council intended for this trial run to take place in 2020, but Covid-19 interrupted these plans. Director of Environmental Services Grant Machan commented, “Council directed staff to provide a Re-Use Centre at the Perth Landfill site in 2020; however, the pandemic challenges delayed its opening to June 2021.”

The ReUse centre aims to divert waste from the landfill and prolong the life of reusable items: it is a place where residents can leave items that they no longer wish to keep, and other residents can then browse for items they would like to take home. During a 2020 Committee of the Whole discussion of the matter, town staff pointed out that there are plenty of existing ways for Perth residents to pass on their quality used goods to others.

In his report to town council on the pros and cons of a ReUse Centre in Perth, Director Machan noted that there is an abundance of readily-available options to meet this need already: online options like Freecycle and swap groups on social media and Kijiji; yard sales and giveaways; Worth Saving on Wilson Street in Perth, the Salvation Army in Perth and Smiths Falls, and the REAL

deal store in Smiths Falls.

In order to further assess whether a physical ReUse Centre was something residents would make use of, council decided to run the centre on a trial basis. “This initiative is a three month program to determine its impacts, costs, and uptake,” explained Machan.

The town of Perth offers curbside waste management for town residents; this includes the collection of garbage, two streams of recyclables, and organic waste (compost). There are also drop-off locations for hazardous waste materials (such as used paint cans) and yard waste. The Youth Action Kommittee (YAK) recycles e-waste such as televisions and computers.

This summer, the ReUse Centre offers yet another option for diverting waste from Perth’s landfill.

The ReUse Centre will not accept any broken items, hazardous materials, med-

Phase 2 of the Beckwith Street revitalization project in Smiths Falls is set to begin this fall. This will include a renovation of Beckwith Street from the North Elmsley intersection all the way down to Russell Street. After much discussion, Smiths Falls town council also decided that the intersection at Beckwith Street and North Elmsley will be revamped.

North Elmsley will be widened just before it meets the Beckwith Street intersection in order to make room for a bicycle lane, and a right-turning lane. Smiths Falls town councillor Jay Brennan was concerned the widening of the road might affect residences along North Elmsley Street. James Fookes, Department Manager of Municipal Infrastructure with Morrison Hershfield, who is responsible for overseeing the design assured him that the property most affected would be the Esso gas station, and that only slightly.

Mayor Pankow supports the wider road with

a bike lane option as a forward-thinking decision.

He expects Smiths Falls to continue to grow and to increasingly make use of environmentally friendly infrastructure. “Considering the movement toward cycling, the county paving shoulders and creating a cycling network through our county, we expect the number of cyclists to [increase]. We have to do what we can to enhance safety. I anticipate a day when we see cycling lanes on Elmsley.”

With an eye on safety, council also hammered out a decision to add a signalized right turn from North Elmsley onto Beckwith Street. The right hand lane will continue to be dedicated solely to right-turning traffic, however it will no longer be a free-flowing lane. At a red light, motorists will be required to stop and ensure the way is clear before turning right. Traffic projections show little to no delay would be caused by a signalized right-turn lane, Fookes explained.

Town council had discussed the inclusion of a gateway feature at this intersection but decided money and time would be better

spent elsewhere as it was not strictly necessary at this time.

Councillor Lorraine Allen is excited about the transformation that Phase 2 will bring to Beckwith Street.

“We want Beckwith Street to be a people place - a place where people eat, listen to music, gather and enjoy themselves,” she said.

Eight crosswalks that were left incomplete in Phase 1 of the Beckwith Street revitalization are also planned to be completed. Four crosswalks at the Main Street intersection and four at the Russell Street intersection will be completed with concrete panels. There will be traditional concrete with a broom finish interspersed with sand-blasted panels to denote the crosswalks, which is expected to be a safer, more long-term solution than painted asphalt.

The town council is eager to get started on Phase 2 this fall. Mayor Pankow noted that during Phase 1, Smiths Falls “pushed the limits of winter construction.” A mild winter and early spring made for excellent working conditions, and Phase 1 was completed on time and under budget.

A bird’s eye view of the new Perth landfill site at 666 Wildlife Rd. Photo provided by Grant Machan, Director of Environmental Services in Perth.

ical waste, food waste, electronics, tires, couches, large furniture, clothing, or fluorescent bulbs. Acceptable items include small furniture, sporting goods, toys, tools and hardware,

windows and doors, books, housewares, building materials, clean wood, and craft materials.

The ReUse Centre is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1130am. The town of Perth’s

For Your Information with Kathy Botham

website notes that only Perth residents are permitted to drop off items at this location, and notes that volunteers will assist and direct residents. Proof of address will be requested.

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August 2021

community

Smiths Falls resident exploring support for local Men’s Shed chapter Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca According to the Australian founders of the international Men’s Sheds movement, “Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder.”

Men’s Sheds originated in Australia in the 1980s as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men who may experience isolation and loneliness. In recent years several chapters have been established around Lanark County, and one Smiths Falls resident is hoping to start one in his hometown.

Jim MacPherson told the Hometown News he wants to do something to help other men like himself, who are retired, possibly single, and may feel that because they are no longer working, “they no longer are somebody.”

Now 67, MacPherson said that over the course of the past year he went through a divorce, struggled with depression and was forced to seek the support of mental health services.

“Men’s Sheds are modern, shared versions of the home workshops that have long been part of the Canadian

One of the projects undertaken by the recently-established Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed was the Adopt a Memory Box Campaign for the new Grove Nursing Home.

Men’s Shed members gain valuable social contact while working on community projects. Photo credit: Arnprior & McNab/ Braeside Men’s Shed.

way of life,” according to the Men’s Sheds Canada website.

“The Canadian Men’s Sheds Association is a peer-run group that aims to build relationships between Canadian sheds, help new ones get started, and raise awareness about the friendly, inclusive and creative spaces that sheds can offer.”

MacPherson said although other organizations such as service clubs and church groups do offer opportunities to socialize, that is not their main purpose. He said he believes there is a role for an organization that focuses on filling the emotional needs of its members.

Older men who are retired and alone, said MacPherson, can “end up sitting in front of a television set, or sitting in a lawn chair watching while life passes (them) by.”

Belonging to a Men’s Shed gives members the opportunity to “get out of the house and talk to other people,” said MacPherson.

Members of a Men’s Shed typically work together on various projects to benefit local charitable causes. The Carleton Place group, known as the Hackberry Men’s Shed, was established in 2015 and now has about 20 members, according to group member

Members of the Hackberry Men’s Shed in Carleton Place recently built bat houses so local students could study bat behaviour. Photo credit: Hackberry Men’s Shed.

Alan Brown. One of the group’s first projects was to build wooden bat houses, to be donated to a local school so students could study bat behaviour.

“It’s community-based,” said Brown. “(Members) just want to gather, to socialize.”

The Carleton Place group is currently building a large wooden scale model of the Sopwith Camel used by Canadian World War I fighter pilot (and Carleton Place native) Roy Brown to shoot down German ace Baron

von Richthofen. The model will form part of a memorial and tribute to Roy Brown.

The Hackberry Men’s Shed has helped sponsor other area chapters, including the Naismith Men’s Shed in Almonte, and the Arnprior & McNab/Braeside Men’s Shed which is now in its second year of operation. A group in Renfrew is also working to establish a Men’s Shed in that community.

MacPherson said he has already spoken to May-

or Shawn Pankow and Smiths Falls Police Community Services Officer Aaron Tompkins about bringing Men’s Sheds to Smiths Falls. A local museum has expressed interest in offering meeting space and other support.

MacPherson is asking anyone interested in helping to establish a Men’s Shed in Smiths Falls to email him at jimmacpherson19545@gmail.com or call 613-485-0174.

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Appointment of Indigenous governor general pleases local supporter Perth - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca The recent appointment of Canada’s first Indigenous governor general has at least one local connection.

Terry Stewart, Perth business owner and key organizer of the record-setting Perth Kilt Run, had written to the Prime Minister urging the appointment of an Indigenous governor general shortly before the historic announcement was made.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced July 6 that Inuk leader Mary Simon would become Canada’s 30th governor general, following the troubled tenure and resignation of previous office-holder Julie Payette.

In an open letter to the PM dated July 1, Stewart ex-

plained that, “Like many, if not most, Canadians I have had my awareness raised recently of the longstanding and continued mistreatment of Canada’s Indigenous people by the recent findings confirming some locations of the Residential School children’s grave sites.” Stewart went on to call on the “Prime Minister to make the right choice for this critical moment and appoint Canada’s first Indigenous governor general.”

Although Stewart told the Hometown News this “isn’t much of a story,” because it is certain that the PM had already made his choice, with the letter being sent so soon before the announcement was made.

However, Stewart’s letter to the PM does have an interesting story to tell.

The Perth resident, a dedicated runner and hiker, related that on Canada Day he set out from Kingston to walk the Rideau Trail toward Ottawa, “as a time to reflect on the injustice we have bestowed on our Indigenous people.”

At the start of the trail, beside the Kingston city hall, Stewart unexpectedly encountered a Mohawk fire keeper who was maintaining a sacred fire. According to Stewart, the fire keeper “told me stories of the Mohawk people, and of his own personal story in struggling as an off-reserve person, to finally realize his true place as a First Nations person.”

Just another 10 kilometres into the hike, the Rideau Trail passed through the Cataraqui Cemetery, resting place of Sir John A.

MacDonald, Canada’s first prime minister. “I cannot say I was shocked to find that his gravesite has recently been defaced with red paint - symbolizing the blood of Indigenous children,” Stewart wrote.

Also bearing in mind that the most of the trail passes through the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin nation, Stewart said that his conviction that the next governor general should be an Indigenous person was strengthened. He noted that New Zealand recently took similar action by appointing a distinguished Maori woman as governor general.

Stewart said he is looking ahead now to other projects, including a local event to commemorate Orange Shirt

Terry Stewart of Perth has lobbied Ottawa for the appointment of Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, and wants to continue working to promote Indigenous causes in the region.

Photo credit: Terry Stewart Facebook page.

Day on Sept. 30. The Rideau Trail ends at the Parliament Buildings, and Stewart would like to see the trail

marked with orange triangles all the way to Kingston, to recognize that it passes through Algonquin land.

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August 2021

community

What will this housing price bubble mean to your property taxes?

Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca We’ve all watched with our jaws touching the floor as local, regional, and national housing prices have erupted over the last 12 months. The average Canadian home price in April of this year was $696K, a whopping 41.9% increase over April 2020. Potential home owners are getting tired and frustrated with bidding wars that drive costs well past asking prices, and they’re regularly forced to make their offers unconditional. It all seems absolutely bonkers to overpay on the largest investment of most people’s lifetimes and to take that risk without benefit of a home inspection or legal due diligence.

But did you ever consider how these high price trans-

actions may affect property taxes? Are they doomed to take a meteoric rise to the stratosphere just like home prices? To get some answers, Hometown News contacted the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), an Ontario independent not-forprofit corporation that has since 1998 been responsible for assessing the value of all properties in the province; residential, farming, commercial, industrial, and institutional. These figures for over 5.4 million properties are used by Queen’s Park and local municipalities, as well as regional and upper-tier governments to determine property taxes.

MPAC is mandated by the Ontario government to complete new assessments on buildings as they

are constructed as well as reassessing all properties every 4 years. The last reassessment was done in 2016 and Queen’s park suspended the 2020 assessment.

This past March, they also put a hold on completing such a review this year. We spoke with Carmelo Lipsi, Vice-President, Valuation & Customer Relations and Chief Operating Officer for MPAC. He reported MPAC continues to add new construction, including major property additions, but that it was being assessed as if it was built in 2016, subject to the market forces of that time. So for example, a $696K new home might have its taxes based on a value of less than $300K. MPAC, like many businesses last year, was forced to move into the digital world

Lanark County: Leading the way in plastics use reduction Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca On July 1st of this year, Lanark County followed through with its council’s motion to institute a single-use plastics ban targeting bags and drinking straws. But rather than the usual enforcement, the County has opted to create an education program and business support to achieve the goal of improving our environment.

The County’s Climate/ Environment Intern Hillary Fleming noted a Lanark County Climate Action information page has been created on Facebook to share information and news of initiatives currently taking place in the county, including Climate Action Plan updates. An educational plastics reduction campaign was published throughout February and March that urged people to #breaktheplasticpattern

and increase use of reusable items, such as bottles and bags. It also promoted the #SustainableLanark cause in the community by offering window stickers for businesses to remind people to bring reusable bags.

Fleming outlined the federal plan to ban bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and plastic food ware by the end of 2021, which is part of their plan to reach zero plastic waste by 2030. She noted ban compliance in 2021 would be hindered

by COVID-19 challenges and the need for disposable sterile supplies.

Strategies for the ban include continued targeted education and awareness, purchasing and distributing reusable grocery and produce bags, providing bring-your-reusable-bag stickers for businesses and providing support for local businesses through the Sustainable/eco program.

"We're making our July 1st ban compliance voluntary, where we're really going towards this as an opportunity to educate, to bring awareness, to try to work with our businesses," said Christa Lowry, Lanark County Warden and Mississippi Mills Mayor in a recent interview with CTV. She added, “climate action, it's a major priority for the county and one of our goals is to reduce plastics for single-use plastics, and the reason for that is we are reducing waste in our landfills. We're going to be reducing methane; we're going to be reducing carbon, which is a major source of greenhouse gases. Certainly, plastic bags and straws are not the end of the single-use plastics, there's a long list of them.

What we're encouraging to eliminate the use of is only a portion of what the federal government is putting into play at the end of this year."

in a big way as public health restrictions, as well as concern for staff safety, reduced in-person property inspections. Now new software and protocols allow MPAC to view building plans and construction progress digitally allowing them to have successfully added $37.3B worth of new construction last year alone.

So when will the next reassessment occur and what will it mean to taxpayers?

Lipsi replied that the timing of the next reassessment is up to the provincial government and he’s not into speculation of what values that review might find.

There are safety valves in the system to prevent some sticker shock. Any increase in assessed value is phased in over 4 years, while any decrease is applied immediately. But the assessed value of a property is only one factor of property taxes. Municipalities review their revenue needs when determining their annual budgets. Then they apply those needs across their tax-base to determine the final tax rates. In most cas-

es this means an increase in the range of the inflation or the consumer price index.

For 2021 the latter figure has been pegged at around 2.0%. But those pandemic effects that have skyrocketed home prices have caused increased costs in materials and labour that are required for municipal services. Depending on the amount of infrastructure work being done by a town or township, they may require 6-10% more than the previous year. Will Queen’s Park call for a reassess-

ment next year, or will they wait? When will this bubble burst and how close to pre-pandemic values will we get? At least we should know that a politician’s promise of a 0% tax rate increase means nothing, it’s the raw dollars they want from us that really matters.

So if a town’s assessed values for all of its properties go up, say, 15% and they only need a 6% increase to balance the budget, all of its tax rates should go down but owners will pay more money.

Willow & Co is a lifestyle boutique in beautiful downtown Smiths Falls specializing in home décor, apothecary, gift items and specially curated artwork.

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6

August 2021

community

Shop Local ALMONTE EDITION

Almonte Antiques and Collectibles

Doree's Habit

Tin Barn Market

Photo credit: Doree’s Facebook Page

Photo credit: Tin Barn Market’s Facebook Page

Photo credit: Almonte Antiques & Collectibles’ Facebook Page

Doree's Habit is a super trendy clothing store located in downtown Almonte. Filled to the brim with the latest styles from bags to clothes, it is the perfect back to school shopping place for those trying to stay with the trends.

Tin Barn Market is your one shop stop for all things plants. Pick up a cute new cactus and a beautiful pot to match your home decor or pick up a new throw pillow to spice up your old bedding or couch.

Almonte Antiques and Collectibles is a great place to find comics, jerseys, and glassware.

This huge store is filled to the brim with cool antiques. You'll be sure to find what you're looking for.

Mill Street Books

Big Vintage

Pêches & Poivre

Photo credit: Mill Street Books’ Facebook Page

Photo credit: Big Vintage’s Facebook Page

Photo credit: Pêches & Poivre’s Facebook Page

Mill Street Books is your one shop stop for all things books! Full of local authors and fan favourites, this book store has all the books you need for your well-deserved vacation, or just a good book for night time reading.

Big Vintage is a vintage store filled with records, clothes, and glassware. This awesome store has something for everyone. This store is a cross between an antique shop and a thrift store and I highly recommend it!

Pêches & Poivre is your local kitchen shop.

The store is filled with local products to use in the kitchen as well as cute kitchen organisers and utensils.

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7

August 2021

lifestyle Smiths Falls incredibly proud of Olympian Bailey Andison Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca During the town council meeting on July 26, Mayor Shawn Pankow took a moment on behalf of the Smiths Falls council and community to recognize Olympic swimmer Bailey Andison for her incredible effort in Tokyo that day.

Andison competed in the women's 200 metre individual medley on Monday morning (EDT), and came in 6th place with a time of 2.12.52. “I know she probably wasn’t pleased with her

time, but she represented our town and country with great grace and dignity, and incredible commitment as an athlete,” commented Mayor Shawn Pankow.

“We are incredibly proud to have her as a hometown girl representing our community and our country at the Tokyo Olympics.”

Andison, 23, grew up in Smiths Falls and enjoyed swimming as a member of the Perth Stingrays swimming club. She started swimming competitively at the age of 10 and

has been winning medals since she was 12 years old.

In 2019, Andison was part of Team Canada in the PanAm games in Lima, Peru.

There she won bronze in the 200 metre individual medley (IM). In August 2020, Andison was added to the Smiths Falls Wall of Fame, and just this summer was awarded the Brooke and Brittany Henderson Award for Youth.

During the Olympic trials in Toronto June 21 and 23, Andison won 3rd place in the 400 metre IM with a

speed of 4:38.66.

There was nothing but praise for Andison on Smiths Falls social media sites. Residents shared their joy in her achievement online and on their lawns: all around town you can spot signs cheering on our two Olympians, Bailey Andison and Brooke Henderson.

(Henderson’s Olympic success is yet to be determined at the time of printing.)

Chimo Elementary School posted their Olympic pride on Facebook. “A huge congratulations to

Chimo grad Bailey Andison on her fantastic performance this morning at the Tokyo Olympics. She represented Smiths Falls and Canada and made us all so proud. Way to reach for the stars, Bailey!”

“Bailey, we look forward to seeing you when you return and we look forward to celebrating your success at a future date,” assured Mayor Pankow. Smiths Falls town councillors clapped and cheered for Andison, and Councillor McKenna pointed out that she will be

known forever as “Olympian Bailey Andison.”

Smiths Falls Director of Community Services Art Manhire has announced that the town is planning to throw a party for Andison and Henderson when they are both able to come home for a celebration. This would be ideally at the end of August or early September. Details have yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: Smiths Falls will be celebrating our Olympians loudly and proudly for many years to come.

opinion: Am I the only one?

Carrie Wynne

personal agency

Smiths Falls’ own Bailey Andison. Photo Credit: Sombilon Studios, via Swimming.ca

My siblings and I were raised in a no-pain-nogain, fix your own mistakes blue collar home. Nobody was catering to us and, although my parents might argue this, coddling our feelings was absolutely off the table. I made a lot of mistakes and course corrections along the way, but I put myself out there and developed some valuable life lessons, resiliency, and much-needed grit to live in this world. So, it is no wonder that I am a strong proponent of personal agency

and delayed gratification as the keys to a satisfying life.

Are we playing it too safe? Some people need to be reminded that we live in a free society. We have a lot of different choices available to us. If you don’t feel free one has to ask themselves why? While I empathize with those who are less fortunate, we shouldn’t be blind to the fact that practical philosophy for physical, mental, and financial health do exist.

We must always believe we can write our own destiny. I know too many people who have not made a go of it. They will not make the necessary changes to fulfill their desires and destinies.

I’m curious about that and it frustrates me sometimes.

As Zig Ziglar says, ‘people don’t wander around and find themselves at the top of Mount Everest.’ Every choice you make will create an outcome. If you don’t like your outcomes you have to make other choices.

Taking matters into our own hands requires a will to do so. Believing that you are inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment sets you up for a lifetime of struggle. ‘You owe me’ is not a good mantra to have. I’ve learned I cannot live someone else’s life for them.

Am I the only one?

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

Get your Smiths Falls

SWAG merchandise!

LIMITED EDITION DESIGNS INCLUDE:

Mug, key chain, enamel pin, art print, ball cap, toque, utensil set, sticker, cooler bag and four t-shirt designs. www.smithsfalls.ca/experience for list of participating vendors

8

August 2021

lifestyle

Food & Drink

Let's Eat

It’s exciting to witness the rebirth of retail businesses after a long disruptive period of time. No sector has felt pandemic punches like our treasured restaurants and it’s great to see them fill up again (within public health limits) with smiling happy customers. Many residents are approaching dining out with more conservative expectations, knowing that staff and material shortages may cause delays. Fortunately for Carleton Place and area diners, Zak’s Diner uses a proven process to open and support a new location. Their newest member of their family, located in the retail cluster on the southeast corner of McNeely and Hwy 7, was able to hit the ground running with seasoned veterans in key positions. The CP Diner is the fourth in a well-known Ottawa group started in the Byward Mar-

Zak’s Diner in Carleton Place: the family grows!

ket by founder John Borsten. It’s made its mark in a very competitive market by offering great menu choices in a very welcoming family and community oriented atmosphere.

They’re famous for their all-day breakfasts, so my wife, son, and I dropped in on a Saturday morning which happened to be only the second day of inside-dining as we entered Stage three of the province’s reopening plan. We were instantly greeted by a great waitress, shown to our table, and supplied with menus and coffees. I opted, as a first-timer, for their top item, Zak’s Big Breakfast.

And it didn’t disappoint.

From perfectly cooked eggs, to generously sized sausages to crispy and flavourful home-fries, it was a hit, and arrived piping hot in record time. So much for lowered expectations!

The breakfast menu is expansive and includes alltime favourites like French toast, pancakes, 6 types of omelets and some surprises such as lox and bagels, and 3 choices of eggs Benedict.

Their lunch menu (also served all-day) is replete with a substantial choice of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and soups, not to mention their legendary milkshakes. And they also offer vegan versions of their shakes made with a banana base. But great food that people are clamoring for, served well in a comfortable diner, doesn’t necessarily make a great restaurant. Kate Rutledge, manager at Zak’s Kanata, says their most important ingredient is their staff. She notes that Zak’s employees have a much longer tenure than average and founder Borsten makes it a practice to enable long-serving staff

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

to be able to earn their way to diner ownership as well as paying fair wages and supplying industry-leading benefits. And it works!

Beer, Wine and Spirits

Photo credit: mcauslan.com.

Summer is half over!

Where did it go? To help quench your thirst for the rest of the season, here are some 'summer samplers'

Brian Turner

to choose from. In wines, how about a versatile Rosé.

It goes with such a range of meals or simply as a patio refresher. There are

1 Chambers Street, Smiths Falls

a number out there from dry to sweet but two really good ones on the drier side from France are Ogier Cote Du Ventoux Rosé, LCBO#134916 at $14.95, with a floral bouquet tasting of raspberry, plum and juicy melon which is great sipping on the deck.

Or there is another Southern Rhone (from Ventoux as well) La Vielle Ferme Rosé, LCBO#622134, $12.30, extra dry and medium-bodied, with watermelon and red fruit flavours. Both of these have enough body to pair well with ham, chicken or pork dishes. On the sweeter side, try Australia's Jacob's Creek Moscato Rosé from the Barossa Valley, LCBO#367276, $13.75.

The Moscato grape creates a fragrant, off-dry, spritzy or frizzante wine, great as

Zak’s Diner is located at 515 McNeely and is open Sunday through Wednesday from 8 am to 9 pm and until 11 pm Thursday

through Saturday. You can contact them at 613-4920200 or check out their mouth-watering menu choices at zaksdiner.com.

Summer Samplers

The Travelling Sommelier

an aperitif with pear-blossom aromatics and a mix of light spice and apricot.

BBQ season, so why not try a dark beer with the beef or pork ribs instead of the usual big red wines? My choice would be St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, LCBO#398677, $3.00 (473ml and 5%abv). This is a beautiful Quebec example by McAuslan Brewing Inc. with noticeable aromas of chocolate, roasted coffee and malt; creamy texture with a long finish. It pairs exceptionally well with caramelized, sweet roasted meat and complements the sweetness without being cloying as the frothy head and just enough hops cleanse the palate for your next bite.

I've talked about all the new fruit-based spritzers

sweetscoops.ca

and mixed drinks lately, so this time how about trying some of the great ciders we make in Ontario and Canada. I came across this one from Toronto's Brickworks started in 2013 when, as LCBO notes state, "Adam and Chris set the wheels in motion by launching Brickworks Cider House. Found in Toronto, Ontario their main focus is making smallbatch, premium cider.

Made with fresh Ontario apples and peaches, expect aromas and flavours of peach, apple, pear and a floral note. It is medium-sweet with a crisp, clean finish" at 4.5%abv.

They have several other varieties to try too.

OK, some of you are saying, OK but I want a wine that is light for sum-

Brian Preston

brianpreston@hotmail.com

mer drinking but with enough weight to go with a meal including lightly spiced BBQ chicken and beef. Well, try the Château des Charmes Gamay Noir, LCBO#57349, $15.95 from Niagara Peninsula. Paul Bosc was the first in Ontario to grow this varietal and his pricing has always been very reasonable. But as other Niagara producers started producing and selling at $19.95, he has had to raise his price. Don't let price fool you. Paul still produces the best in Ontario as far as my palate is concerned. Gamay is a light-bodied and fruity wine with fresh plum and red fruit aroma with a note of cedar and cherry in flavour, medium body, and a clean dry finish.

9

August 2021

lifestyle

Rockport: Heart of the Thousand Islands maintains its charm

Photo credit: Brian Turner.

Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca Rockport is a unique village. It’s situated on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, off the Thousand Islands Parkway just a few kilometers from the International Bridge Crossing at Ivy Lea, between Brockville and Gananoque. It boasts some of the most beautiful views of the region and hence has been a tourist draw for decades. But it’s tiny in physical size, occupying less than a square kilometer, and has faced challenges in welcoming an increasing number of visitors while keeping its charm intact. It’s home to a number of food facilities, marinas, and of course the famous Rockport Cruise line, offering scenic tours of the islands.

The sales and servic-

ing of all manner of watercraft is a major business along this stretch of the river known as the Heart of the Thousand Islands and the team at Huck’s Marina seems to have found a perfect balance in their recent facilities expansion by satisfying increasing demands while respecting and honouring the beauty of their surroundings.

Huck’s history in Rockport goes back to 1889 when founder Fred Huck moved to Rockport with dreams of opening a boat-building business.

In 1905 he bought an 11-acre site which would become home to the Marina. It crafted one and two-cylinder engines and wooden boats along with the legendary St. Lawrence Skiff. Three generations later, Huck’s Marina celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2019 and today a total-

Huck's Marina. Photo credit: Brian Turner.

ly renewed facility with ultra-modern buildings and amenities welcomes travelers and neighbours, no matter what their mode of transport.

Inside the Gerald H Huck building on the waterfront, you’ll find Cassies by the Pickled Pig, a great place to recharge yourself while your watercraft is getting refueled or if you’re simply dropping by to enjoy the views. Like its parent facility the Pickled Pig in Smiths Falls, Cassies (named after a Huck fam-

ily matriarch) is a cafe/ deli offering a wide variety of fresh & delicious food such as artisan sandwiches(hot & cold), pizza, charcuterie, cheese, olives, crackers, baked goods, specialty coffees, Italian sodas, Kombucha, real fruit smoothies, deli salads and so much more.

I grew up in this area and one of my summer jobs involved calling on marinas and boat-rental facilities from Brockville to Kingston. I’d never seen a marina with food service before and

it makes perfect sense.

It’s a great way to keep customers happy when they’re waiting for a repair or refueling and a smart method of introducing visitors to all that you may have to offer in terms of water-travel necessities, equipment, and recreational gear.

And of course Huck’s has all of that and more in a spacious and welcoming show-room sales facility right next door to Cassies. They have a roomy covered outdoor seating area just perfect

for watching the river world go by as you enjoy your lunch.

Rockport is also located next to one of the longest cycling trails in the region. The North Lane, as locals refer to it, is a wide, paved path that runs the entire length of the Parkway, perfect for cyclists of all abilities and it brings some breathtaking views of the river. So whether your day-trip involves a boat tour, boat shopping, or some world-class cycling, Rockport has to be your destination.

Keep on moving…keep on moving registered for the parkinson’s superwalk?

Smiths Falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca

There’s a comforting familiarity to Shirley Anderson’s life.

She was born in Smiths Falls, lived most of her life here, attended the same church forever, many of her friends are here, and she and the man she eventually married were baptized by Dr. Joseph B. Lattimore, on the same day, in the same church, at the same time, 75 years ago.

The comfort is bumpier now, though; she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2017. Today she has a bit of an attitude.

Like that drone Jack won at a church bazaar, the one that’s still sitting in the basement, the one they’re not sure what it does or what to do with it.

Shirley has some thoughts: “It takes pictures…is that what it does? I’d like it to dive right down in the water and keep on going!”

Jack doesn’t go alone to church bazaars anymore.

In the beginning, Shirley graduated from nursing

and Jack as a funeral director. From there he went on to get a History degree at York University in Toronto intending to teach kids but found teaching history was not to his liking so returned to funeral directing. Shirley kept nursing.

They came back to Smiths Falls in 1976 and have been here since.

There’s a son and a grandson…and now, at 75, Shirley sometimes wonders, looking back, where time has gone. She worked with Dr. Brian Penney for many years and in 2017 when she noticed her hand shaking, she went to him, and he sent her to see a neurologist.

Of the Parkinson’s exam, she says: “There’s no blood work, you know. They just ask you to walk up and down a hall, make your hands do this,” demonstrating. “Yep. You’ve got Parkinson’s, he said.”

Her neurologist is Dr. David Grimes. “He’s very good looking,” she says with a bit of a naughty smile, glad to find out she isn’t the only one who thinks so.

In the four years since her diagnosis she “sees changes happening.” And she knows what could come because she has a book she frequently goes to — Parkinson’s Disease: An Introductory Guide. From it she’s learned that for people with Parkinson’s, exercise is so important.

She used to ride a bike (and really misses it — but she’s fallen off a couple of times), she’s taken up boxing, plays bridge, sings in the choir, Twilight Golf (which hasn’t started yet this year) — and next winter, if she skates, she’s pushing a chair.

Smell, and therefore taste, are both affected by Parkinson’s, she’s learned, but she read in ‘the book’ that what helps is Club Soda.

And what’s that other thing she asks herself, and answers with a grin “…gin and tonic…no, just tonic!

— tonic or club soda.”

Parkinson’s isn’t something Shirley thinks about a lot but she knows from her nursing background that even while moving forward and staying active

“the disease is always going the other way. It’s a progression. It’s not going back to what you were.”

Her symptoms have changed a bit, she doesn’t jump in and out of the car as quickly. Her walking is slower, getting things done around the house takes longer, and stairs can be a problem.

But while the future holds uncertainty, and she knows there’s no silver lining, Shirley has her house in order: “I saved my mother-in-law’s walker and wheelchair,” she says with a certain glee. “They’re both in the basement. I’m going to get ready but I’ve got to keep my legs moving!”

This attitude ”keeps me doing things I want to do.

I’m going to stick with that…keep on doing it.” …and she laughs a lot with Jack.

The Lanark North Leeds Parkinson Canada SuperWalk takes place on Saturday, September 11 this year with a Virtual Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m.

At 1 p.m., registered par-

Shirley Anderson sits in her sunroom and reflects a bit on the future. Photo credit: Submitted.

ticipants are welcome to join an Exercise Class in Carleton Place (Entrance to the Mississippi RiverWalk), Smiths Falls (Centennial Park) or Perth (Conlon Farm), or Walk Your Own Way in your

neighbourhood. To register, donate, or for more information and details, visit donate.parkinson.ca/ lanarknorthleeds or call 1(800) 565-3000. All activities will follow Provincial COVID Guidelines.

10

August 2021

culture Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Outerbridge Station Theatre Magic

by Ted Outerbridge

The Smiths Falls Canadian Pacific Railway Station was constructed in 1887.

The structure was built on what was once swampland belonging to John McGill Chambers. The town was experiencing a population boom during the construction of the station as CPR workers arrived in abundance to work on the new train line connecting Smiths Falls and Montreal. The station was closed in 1966 when passenger train service was no longer in vogue. On December 7, 1999 CP Rail’s Peter Ballachey presented the keys to the Smiths Falls CPR Station to Mayor Dennis Staples along with a cheque for $50,000 to help convert the building into The Station Theatre. The transformation from a dilapidated railway station to a world class theatre involved some very dedicated and passionate volunteers and

multiple fundraisers.

My wife Marion and I moved to Smiths Falls in 2018 and we were delighted to discover that this small town housed a former CPR Station which was now the home of an exquisite 140 seat theatre. We have attended some wonderful performances in this venue. During the summer of 2019 we had the privilege of delivering ten sold out performances of Outerbridge-Clockwork Mysteries, our illusion show which has taken us around the world. Much to our delight more than half of our audience members were “day trippers” from out of town who combined our performance with a great meal and other Smiths Falls attractions. We are delighted to be back onstage as of August 6, 2021 at the Station Theatre for 20 performances. Small towns in the Ottawa Valley are now being papered with posters, rack cards, and even a 16-foot billboard. Lisa Weitz, our awesome publicist has written this spectacular press release to spread the word with the local media.

Clockwork Mysteries set to begin performances August 6

Ted and Marion Outerbridge. Photo credit: Submitted.

ted@tedouterbridge.com

Smiths Falls Station Theatre. Photo credit: Submitted.

World-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries is returning to The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls from August 6 through September 5, 2021. (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm, Sundays @ 2:00pm -- $20/$30 plus HST, 613-283-0300, www. smithsfallstheatre.com).

Provincial guidelines will allow up to 70 people at each performance.

Critics across the globe have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as "champions of magic" (Bergedorfer Zeitung, Hamburg, Germany), described their performance as "A visual feast" (Jinhua Daily, China), “A master of Illusion” (CBC-Radio Canada), and exclaimed “An astonishing performance” (Ottawa Life Magazine).

It is the most successful illusion show in Canada, and it wouldn’t be an over-statement to say that OUTERBRIDGE is

Canada’s reply to America’s Copperfield, having received both the 2011 Award of Excellence from Ontario Contact, the Touring Artist of the Year award from the B.C. Touring Council, and setting box office records, one of which generated a call to a Fire Marshall to get permission to expand seating!

After years of performing around the world, including Europe, China and the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Outerbridges have recently relocated to Smiths Falls, and are delighted to be performing minutes from their new home in the Ottawa Valley! Says Ted Outerbridge, "Years ago doing a theatrical show comparable to something in Las Vegas, in a town of 9,000 would not have been possible, but TV shows like America's Got Talent have created a renaissance in the magical arts."

Just as magic is experi-

encing a renaissance, tourism in Smiths Falls has been growing, mostly due to the interest in cannabis tourism fueled by Tweed headquarters. OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries provides a rare opportunity for residents and visitors alike to see a performance in this economic and cultural hub.

Within seconds of taking the stage, the Outerbridges fuse their revolutionary illusions with split-second artistry to hold viewers spellbound.

A fantastical event that is at once magic, dance, theatre, and a dash of wonder, the audience is invited into a mysterious clock tower equipped with a variety of timekeeping devices. With the help of an elaborate Victorian time machine, the performers and spectators become part of a race against time.

They experience time accelerating and slowing down and participate in predicting the contents of

a time capsule. Keeping their audience enthralled from the first astonishing illusion to the spectacular finale, the Outerbridges create an experience that far exceeds the expectations of every spectator.

Indeed, in one of Ted’s illusions, he vanishes from the stage, appearing seconds later standing in the audience. One evening, he recalls, “I reappeared in the audience, but someone was upset with me because I was blocking their view of the show. So they hit me. “They were yelling at me to get out of the way.

Then they realized it was me.” Outerbridge wasn’t injured. “I was amused.”

Ted Outerbridge & his wife Marion are currently restoring a Smiths Falls heritage home built by Matthew Ryan in 1893. They are also being swept away by local history & mystery. You can follow them at The Keyhole House on Instagram & Facebook. ted@tedouterbridge.com

MUSIC BY THE BASIN LINE-UP F R O M J U LY 3 0 - S E P T E M B E R 3

P R E S E N T S :

AUGUST 6TH

AUGUST 13TH

THE CONTINETALS @ 2PM - 5PM IAN AND CHRIS @ 5PM - 7PM JOHN WILBERFORCE @ 7PM - 10PM

ROSALYN DENNETT & ROB MCLAREN @ 2PM - 5PM CHRIS & IAN @ 5PM - 7PM TOM WATSON @ 7PM - 10PM

AUGUST 20TH

AUGUST 27TH

MIKE KERR @ 2PM - 5PM CHRIS & IAN @ 5PM - 7PM DALLAS ALEXANDER @ 7PM - 10PM

BLACK CHERRY @ 2PM - 5PM CHRIS & IAN @ 5PM - 7PM MATTHEW RUNAWAY @ 7PM - 8PM KHLOE B @ 8PM - 10PM

SEPTEMBER 3RD THE DOHERTY BROTHERS @ 2PM - 5PM KONTRAST @ 5PM - 7PM LANARK COUNTY REVIVAL @ 7PM - 10PM

CENTENNIAL PARK SMITHS FALLS UNDER THE WATER TOWER

MEDIA PARTNERS:

DJ Johnny Five

11

August 2021

business your one stop Branding shop!

Howling Designs in a new location to serve you better

Vehicle wraps

Signs

Custom Apparel

Banners

Promotional Items

Murals

Now Located at 88 Cornelia St. W. Unit F, Smiths Falls 343-881-4695

Photo credit: Howling Designs.

Advertorial - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Howling Designs, Smiths Falls’ one-stop branding shop, has moved to a new location to serve you better.

The graphic design, signage and custom apparel firm run by Sara and Rob Foley is now located at 88 Cornelia St. West, in the same plaza as Service Ontario.

Sara, native of Bancroft, Ontario, studied graphic design in school, but the craft remained “more of a hobby than a business” at first. While serving as a volunteer firefighter in Bancroft in 2008, Sara offered to help the local fire chief in his campaign for town council by producing signs and vehicle graphics.

Sara met her future husband Rob, who was living in Smiths Falls. Married in 2016, the couple ran their design business out of Rob’s garage until 2017. Howling Designs started as a basic sign company, then expanded to vehicle graphics and wraps, custom apparel and promotional items.

“In 2008 Sara started with a little 30-inch cutter,” said Rob. Decals and signage are produced by printing directly onto rolls of vinyl, which are then cut

to the appropriate size.

Today Howling Designs offers a full range of custom apparel, and can print your company name or message on a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and hats from brand names including North Face, Columbia, Nike, Puma and Under Armour.

Messages can be printed directly on the garment, or embroidered. Howling Designs uses modern equipment to print all orders in high resolution and uses premium vinyl for all decal jobs.

Howling Designs has undertaken some high-profile projects in Smiths Falls, including a large portion of the materials for the rebranding of the Town of Smiths Falls, and printing of murals at the town hall. They also produced all the murals at Boston Pizza, including the one Sara hand-painted in the entrance.

“The continued support of the community and growth has led us to invest in a larger space, allowing for the acquisition of a CNC router as well as a screen-printing press, to expand our product offering to our clients,” added Sara.

For more information, visit www.howlingdesigns.ca.

howlingdesigns.ca

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS:

Welcome to ontrac Employment Resource Services! ontrac Employment Resource Services has been providing free professional in-person, local employment services to the community of Smiths Falls since 2002. Our team of dedicated staff provides services to job seekers, supporting individuals to achieve their employment and training goals and to employers, supporting businesses with their hiring and training needs.

How can we help?

• Are you looking for

help finding and keep ing a job?

• Have you been laid

off? Are you thinking

about re-training?

• Do you need help

looking for work?

• Do you want help making career deci sions and identifying goals?

• Do you want some

support and guidance

in your job search?

• Are you a student or

do you know a student

looking for work?

• Do you need help connecting with em-

ployers and available job opportunities?

• Are you an employer

who needs help meeting

your hiring needs?

• Are you an employer interested in support

to help you find and

keep staff?

• Are you an employer

interested in investing in training for your

staff or new hires?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions give us a call, we are here to help!

Our office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. We offer servicesin-person (by appointment) and remotely, making accessing services as flexible and easy as possible. Please call or email the office to get started. We look forward to working with you!

Photo credit: Submitted.

ontrac Employment Resource Services 52 Abbott Street North, Unit 2 Smiths Falls, ON 613-283-6978 smithsfalls@getontrac.ca www.getontrac.ca

the marketplace directory Advertise Here - $45 per issue. For more information call 613-206-0708 or email us at advertising@pdgmedia.ca GOLF COURSE

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