Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News December 2021

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Vol. 8

No. 12

YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE

DECEMBER 2021

North Pole at North Folk Cafe Perth - Janelle LaBelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The spirit of the season is alive and well at North Folk Cafe & Gelato in Perth. This cafe is decked out for Christmas with festive decorations, a holiday drink menu, and an old-timey postbox for mailing letters to Santa.

Owner Dasha Smolentseva writes, "[I've] been dreaming of this since the inception of North Folk Cafe! I envisioned creating a North Pole post station at North Folk Cafe where kids could come in and drop off their Santa letters!

Get a hot cup of cocoa and simply get immersed in the festive atmosphere of the holidays!"

Smolentseva, who also owns Artizen Kombucha with partner Sebastien Armand, remembers writing letters to Santa as a child.

"These are some of my favorite childhood memories that I wanted to recreate at North Folk."

For those who wish to bring their children in

to send letters to Santa, there is a beautiful red and white North Pole mailbox at the North Folk Cafe. Simply write your letters to Santa, pop all the letters from one family into one envelope (don't forget your return address), and slip your envelope into the mailbox. If you send your letter by December 10, the elves will whisk it away to the North Pole and the Jolly Old Elf himself will mail back a reply before Christmas.

Smolentseva is thrilled to share a bit of Christmas magic from the cafe. "Nothing feels better than creating magic for our visitors!"

There is also a gorgeous gingerbread barn on display at North Folk, equipped with real lights, sugar Christmas trees and a roof made out of shreddies.

"Countless hours and a whole lot of patience went into building this edible work of art by Perth resident Faith Hutton."

It's on display now at North Folk Cafe until

December 5th.

If you want to take this home with you, you can bid on the Gingerbread Barn as part of an auction, with part of the profits going towards Stewart Park Festival.

Starting bid is $80.

This is Chestnut! North Folk Cafe's furry friend hanging out this Christmas season. His favourite drink: the classic candy cane hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed candy cane.

Photo credit: facebook.com/ northfolkcafe.

Dasha Smolentseva was excited to share that she found the perfect North Pole Mail box and a Hot Cocoa sign at a great shop downtown Perth called Treasure Lane. She has been dreaming of this since the inception of North Folk Cafe. Photo credit: facebook.com/northfolkcafe.

New non-profit “Pivotal Help Community Association” provides funding for in-person counselling services Regional - Shannon McLellan editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Pivotal Help Community Association: providing compassion, connection & change.

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Pivotal Help Community Association is a brand-new non-profit organization that launched on December 1 as a means to provide accessible funding by application for local counselling and guidance for those in need. The non-profit organization aims to aid in improving the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults in small communities, beginning with its focus on Smiths Falls,

Perth and Lanark, with the potential for growth in the future.

The board for Pivotal Help is made up of four women who share the same vision; to create compassion, connection and change in the lives of those in their community. Executive Director Breanna Bedor along with her fellow board members Haley Bowes (registered social worker), Veronica Felizardo (registered clinical social worker) and Tammy Edwards, bring a diverse

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amount of both professional knowledge and personal experience to the table.

Pivotal Help’s Executive Director Breanna Bedor shared with us that the process of bringing the project to life, “was a huge team effort, and I am lucky to have such strong women on the board. They are powerhouse visionaries who all share the same goal”.

Founder and Executive Director of the association, Breanna Bedor, created the non-profit organization as counselling was something

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that she did not have access to in her greatest time of need: when she lost her mother to cancer at the age of eighteen. Her hope is that Pivotal Help will make a positive difference in the lives of others and that this will have a ripple effect in small communities. Bedor, who has been an educator for 16 years, has witnessed many of her students, friends, and family members struggle with their mental health.

Continues on page 4 www.Hometownnews.ca

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

2

December 2021

Page Two Twas the Eve of Christmas Round’ the World

By Shannon McLellan

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle

Holiday spirit across the region see page 6 for santa appearances across the region

SMITHS FALLS Christmas in the Courtyard Davidson Courtyard, 7 Russell St. W. Friday December 3 3:00pm - 8:00pm Ambre McLean Christmas Concert Smiths Falls Station Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave Friday December 3 8:00pm Tickets $25 Holiday Bazaar Saturday December 4 10:00am - 3:00pm Settlers Ridge Centre, 275 Brockville St. Holiday Photobooth Saturday December 4 11:00am - 3:00pm Smiths Falls Public Library, 81 Beckwith St. N. North Pole Express Saturday December 4 12 noon - 6:00pm Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St., W. - Train Tickets (ages 4 & up) $5.89 Tickets must be purchased via www.eventbrite.ca

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Holiday Heritage House Saturday December 4

1:00pm - 4:00pm Heritage House Museum, 11 Old Sly's Rd - Horse drawn wagon rides, seasonal music and activities - Adults $10; Youth (5-12) $5; 4 and under free; Family Rate (max 4) $25 NOTE: There will also be an Outdoor Photo Booth with professional photographer.

Must pre-book on eventbrite.ca - Cost $15 Ambre MacLean Christmas Concert Saturday December 4 7:00pm Smiths Falls Station Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave - Tickets $25 Santa’s Workshop Christmas Market Sunday December 5 9:00am - 3:00pm Lombardy Hall, 6 Kelly Rd. Smiths Falls Santa Claus Parade Saturday December 11 5:00pm ending at Settlers Ridge Centre

MISSISSIPPI MILLS Pakenham Annual Santa Claus Parade Saturday December 4

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Almonte Night Parade Sunday December 5 5:00 pm

CARLETON PLACE Winter Wonderland December 10 – 12 Live entertainment, festive activities, delicious food, and more!

PERTH Santa Claus Parade Saturday December 4 5:00 pm Starting at The Factory on Sunset Boulevard Festival of Lights November 20 – January 2 Crystal Palace Nick of Time Craft Show December 4 10:00 pm – 3:00 pm Perth Citizen’s Band Christmas Concert December 19 2:00 pm Crystal Palace

Now hide your good brooms, cause we’re off to Norway, Where it’s rumoured that evil spirits & witches will ride your best broomsticks away.

Over to Caracas, Venezuela we go, Where the folks rollerblade down the city streets, Off to church, then home to a dinner of tamale eats.

Let’s fly off to Sweden and let your eyes behold, a 42 foot high, 3.6 ton Yule Goat.

Now, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But giant lanterns and dazzling lights, illuminating the Philippine sky in the night.

It’s Kentucky for Christmas, here in Japan, Order in advance, or in line you will stand.

For a finger lickin’ Christmas dinner time, “KFC from the Colonel” we all will chime!

"Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

Off to Canada we go!"

In Lanark County, Ontario the stockings are all hung with care, logs stacked in the fire, Christmas magic in the air.

Asleep in their beds the children glimmer with glee, For good ol’ St. Nick to leave gifts under the tree.

Asleep? Me? not yet, Who could sleep when filled with so much excitement?!

It was then I heard a jolly voice exclaim with delight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

MERRICKVILLE Christmas in Merrickville December 4 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Publisher

Photography

Patricia Krotki pmkrotki@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham

Editorial

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editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Community engagement

Reporters

shannon@pdgmedia.ca johnnyfive@pdgmedia.ca

Kathy Botham Sally Smith Chris Must Janelle Labelle Brian Turner John Kessel Shannon McLellan Catherine Poag

Twas the eve of Christmas, when all through Iceland Mischievous creatures were stirring, known as the Yule-Lads.

These tricksy troll characters come out to play, In hopes that in windows the children’s best shoes would be laid.

Special gifts these Lads left for the nice girls & boys, Oh, but wait, hold the toys!

If the Lads heard you’ve been naughty, All you’ll find on your ledge is a potato that’s rotting.

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3

December 2021

community Habitat or waste? Naturalized garden target of complaints

A view of Craig and Beth Sinclair’s St. Lawrence Street property, which they have turned into a naturalized garden. Photo credit: Craig Sinclair.

Naturalized gardens like the Sinclairs' provide habitat for wildlife such as butterflies, moths and this woodpecker.

Photo credit: Craig Sinclair.

Smiths Falls - Chris Must editorial@pdgmedia.ca Does an individual’s constitutional right to freedom of expression take precedence over local bylaws? A Smiths Falls family has decided to take a stand after their efforts to turn their property into a sanctuary for butterflies and other wildlife have made them a target for bylaw enforcement.

Craig and Beth Sinclair began their project to nat-

uralize their property three years ago, covering the ground with cardboard to suppress the growth of grass and weeds, then bringing in 20 dump truck loads of wood chips. Craig has planted close to 150 trees, all native species, in an effort to replicate an old growth forest in miniature.

Although, as Beth stated, “In Toronto you get $5,000 to do this (create naturalized gardens),” at least some of her neighbours would

prefer the Sinclair property to conform to the normal suburban standard of lawn, shrubs and maybe a couple of trees. As a result of complaints to town hall, the family home has received eight to 10 visits from bylaw officers in the past year and a half. This process came to a head Nov. 10, when a written notice was posted on their door making a series of demands including an order to “remove all decayed logs classified as waste.”

Although they have complied with other bylaw enforcement requests in the past, such as an order to raise their bird feeders off the ground, the Sinclairs said this week they have run out of patience. They have appealed the order to the Smiths Falls Property Standards Committee. A hearing on the matter will be held, but no date has been set so far.

In an effort to persuade the municipal government to grant them an exception to the order, or to update the property standards bylaw to accommodate naturalized gardens, the Sinclairs invited all members of town council to visit their property and hear their side of the story.

Three council members, Mayor Shawn Pankow and Councillors Lorraine Allen and Chris McGuire, have offered their support. However, when the matter came up for discussion at an Oct.

12 council meeting, the majority voted to support the recommendation from staff that the bylaw be enforced.

“It is recognized that the property owners are naturalizing their yard and creating a pollinator garden,” stated the report prepared for council by Director of Corporate Services Kerry Costello. “However, their approach conflicts with the Town’s bylaw as currently written.”

An appendix to the report included a letter to the town from a neighbour, whose name was redacted, stating in part that: “These dead logs are considered waste and should be removed under the Property Standards bylaw. This yard is full of them and it ruins the look of our neighborhood.”

Craig said he is frustrated because the bylaw enforcement process is complaint-driven. “It’s not driven by safety concerns or an objective measure,” he said. “Our argument has been that we are in compliance with the bylaw. The logs aren’t lumber.”

Although creating a habitat for wildlife is “the right thing to do, morally and eth-

ically,” said Craig, the town is forcing him to undo the work he has done on his property because someone else objects to the way it looks.

“I’m not going to comply any more,” he said.

“I feel like bylaws have been used to harass us into having a green lawn because it’s not aesthetically pleasing,” said Beth. “We love our town. We want to make the world and the town a better place, and we’re doing it with our gardens.”

Because he is unable to work due to a disability caused by an accident 15 years ago, Craig said he spends a lot of time walking.

In his walks around town a few years ago he began to notice that some neighbourhoods in Smiths Falls didn’t have very many trees. In order to give the town data to develop a policy on tree planting, he compiled a detailed street-by-street inventory of existing trees, taking note of how many were unlikely to survive long-term.

This effort was interrupted by the pandemic, and Craig turned his attention to his own property. He began his efforts to make

For Your Information with Kathy Botham

it more environmentally friendly by letting the grass grow longer. He then decided that because the onethird acre property had no overhead or below-ground utilities to get in the way, he would plant trees.

“I had an unlimited opportunity to plant trees, so I decided to turn my lawn into a forest.”

On Oct. 14 these efforts were recognized by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, which officially recognized the property as “certified wildlife-friendly habitat.”

Several neighbours have also expressed support.

Council also received a letter, dated Oct. 18, from Lorraine Johnson, the author of several books on naturalization and gardening with native plants.

“Citizens’ constitutional right to ‘natural gardens’ has been upheld in two court cases (Bell v. Toronto (City), 1996, and Counter v.

Toronto (City of), 2002),” stated Johnson in her letter. “The courts have ruled that this right can be limited for legitimate health and safety reasons, but not for aesthetic purposes.”

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December 2021

community

New non-profit “Pivotal Help Community Association” provides funding for in-person counselling services Regional - Shannon McLellan editorial@pdgmedia.ca Continued from page 1

Pivotal Help board member Haley Bowes stated in an interview with Hometown News that “the organization will be able to serve some people who are currently unable to access some of the social service agencies, as well as those who do not have benefits.” Bowes added, “as a counsellor I feel that mental and emotional health needs to be deemed as important as our physical health.” Board mem-

ber Haley Bowes is a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has experience working with individuals and families - counselling a variety of challenges including sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, addictions, and grief. Haley has previous experience with serving on nonprofit boards.

Pivotal Help’s service options currently consist of counselling, psychotherapy, and coaching.

Those in the supported communities who are

opinion: The US reached a stark milestone this month of 100,000 people dying of drug overdoses in one year.

That is 275 overdose deaths every day. In Canada, 20 people die every day from overdose. It is considered immoral in some circles to demand anything from an addict; this helps neither the addict nor the city.

In Michael Shellenberger’s book, San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities, he writes that by labeling the problem homelessness rather than open-air drug scenes you neglect the fundamental problem which is lack of a system and planned strategy for helping people off the streets. The homeless have a life on the streets high on meth, shooting heroin and smoking fentanyl. No one can coerce them into getting treatment because they don’t want treatment,

seeking financial support for these types of services, can complete an online application, and if they meet the criteria for approval, may receive funding up to $1000 for mental health counselling services. 2022 applications for financial support will be open from January 10-30, 2022. Financial support will be provided for as many people as possible, with all other approved applicants being placed on a wait list until funding is available. Applications to apply for funding can be found on their website

beginning January 10 at: www.pivotalhelp.ca Pivotal Help’s funding is made possible by the generous donations of community supporters, sponsors, donors, fundraising events, and partners who wish to help make an impact. Local businesses have started to jump on board as supporters, such as Sinders Bridal House, and Perthbased business Paaper Studios’ Jaana Brett, who generously donated a brand package to Pivotal Help Community Association. For those wishing to make a general dona-

Pivotal Help Community Association: providing compassion, connection & change.

tion to the fund, or to become a Corporate Friend visit www.pivotalhelp.

ca Pivotal Help can also be found on Facebook & Instagram.

Final meeting as Warden for Mayor Am I the only one? of Mississippi Mills Christa Lowry homelessness Carrie Wynne

and public intoxication isn’t a crime anymore because they don’t want addicts in jail.

Public officials are finding out quickly that ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Shelters have rules and cities should have rules too. If people can’t subscribe to some basic rules to help themselves, they need intervention.

Addiction is a huge and growing problem. Several factors such as covid have contributed to the worsening overdose crisis, including increasing toxic drug supply, increased feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety and lack of accessibility to services for people who use drugs. The opioid and addiction crisis are also partially caused by doctors pulling back on prescribing oxy for pain medication and people turning to the street for fentanyl. I am sure there are good intentions across the board when it comes to helping the homeless but are we lifting people off the streets or is the problem getting worse?

In places like Japan, Amsterdam, and Germany

they have compassionate responses, but they all use discipline in dealing with mental illness and addiction. Addicts need a chance to improve their life, choices that allow them to do it and consequences for bad behaviour.

Hanging onto the hope that one day you might help the addict get clean by giving them an apartment they can magically afford is just pushing the problem down the road and an excuse for letting more people die.

We have patently mediocre officials grappling with half measures on how to fix a decentralized system of government that doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the increasing demands of poverty and all the social issues that come with it. It all feels kind of hopeless and sad and no one seems to be coming up with any solutions.

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.

Cliff Bennet receives his Lanark County Award of Excellence from Warden Christa Lowry.

Photo courtesy of County of Lanark.

Regional - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca County Warden Christa Lowry presided over her last session of county council on Wednesday Nov 24. The Warden’s position is elected by members of county council and lasts for a one-year term. Nominations for next year’s Warden were finalized this week

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and Perth Mayor John Fenik is to be acclaimed for that position on December 1. Lowry thanked council for the opportunity she has worked at for the last year and noted it was a welcome change to see councilors and staff in the chambers rather than through a zoom meeting as was the case at the beginning of her term.

She made two special presentations at Wednesday’s meeting for the County’s annual awards of excellence. The first went to Environmentalist and naturalist and long-time volunteer Cliff Bennett of Carleton Place in the category of Volunteerism and Community Service. The second, for the Heritage and Ecology category went to Adam Dowdall, also of Carleton Place, for his work in discovering and promoting our area’s history through metal detecting.

Lowry recognized and congratulated Lanark County Children’s Services staff on the news they received a Local Municipal Champion Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA). The award rec-

ognizes the work done in advancing excellence in human services integration and service system management by teams from Consolidated Municipal Services Managers, such as Lanark County, which are responsible for overseeing local municipal social services. It is also in recognition of Lanark County’s early childhood educator (ECE) recruitment and retention initiative as a notable example of the ongoing commitment to both the ECE profession and service system management.

The Warden’s giving continued with the presentation of a cheque for $2,500 to the United Way East Ontario. The donation represented proceeds of the Warden’s Slow Roll event on the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail from Almonte to Pakenham on October 23. More than 50 cyclists took part in the second annual event.

“We are delighted to present this cheque to the United Way in support of the many activities you do to improve quality of life for residents in Lanark County,” Lowry said.

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December 2021

community

Taking the Bull by the Horns during COVID

local artist recognized in international art competition; opens new gallery amidst pandemic

"Bear Pose" by Richard James Hutton, received Finalist in the 2020 Wildlife international art competition held by International Artist Magazine. Photo credit: Richard James Hutton.

Artist Richard James Hutton stands with his iconic subject matter, a painting of a Highland bull. Photo credit: Richard James Hutton.

Perth - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Just as the first wave/lockdown of COVID hit, local artist Richard James Hutton, received the joyful news of achieving Finalist in a worldwide wildlife art competition hosted by International Artist Magazine. Richard, in his pleasant and gentle Scottish lilt, animatedly explains, “Because of my placement in the competition, my art is now featured in their magazine. This is

huge. Seriously. Artists dream of being in International Artist Magazine. It's a resource that we read to further our practices and art techniques, and we consider it almost unattainable to be featured in.” With contest submissions from USA, UK, and Australia, to name just a few countries, and a magazine circulation of 75,000, one can see why. It’s the kind of success that makes an artist’s work more valued, increasing its worth in a collector’s art portfolio.

But in March of 2020, it hardly felt appropriate for him to sing his praises during a global pandemic. So, he sat quietly on one of the most exciting achievements of his career; making it, in a way, an even darker year. Richard, however, is tenacious –strong as an ox, you might say– and did not let it get him down.

He knew that he had to get creative and keep the momentum. Over the year, he found electronic ways to beef up his practice. He got his website back into shape, updated his client/subscriber list, designed an e-newsletter template to brand him, and then wrote to his following to let them know of his achievement. In May of this year, as the province was

slowly re-opening, he got the courage to create an art gallery in Perth, ON. Richard contacted Art & Class, –a downtown business where he had offered private painting lessons before COVID– and proposed

a collaboration. During the pandemic, that shop had to reduce their offering significantly, which meant that a large portion of the space was unused. Richard had the idea to transform that square footage into a gallery. With the help of Marguerite Roberts (the shop lessee), some paint, some rearranging, and a bit of elbow grease, Richard created a tasteful addition to the local art community. The new gallery, Richard James Hutton Fine Art Gallery, opened on July 1st, and is in the front-shop of Art & Class (and next door to iconic Riverguild in Perth, Ontario) at 53 Gore Street East. As the name suggests, the gallery exclusively hosts Richard’s paintings. Oils, acrylics, and watercolours are all available for purchase. “While my art has been seen around the region in various locations

and weekend studio tours over the years, I am pleased to have a permanent exhibition in downtown Perth, and I look forward to personally greeting the public. I love talking to people about art,” Richard said cheerfully.

This year has been different for everyone. For Richard, it’s been a busy one. From international recognition to organized marketing plan to charming brick-and-mortar gallery, Richard has hit a bullseye for local art-lovers. With several impressive sales and a commission already started, it’s looking like it might be a cash cow for him.

Open 3 days a week, Richard James Hutton Fine Art Paintings is in the Art & Class storefront at 53 Gore St. E., Perth, ON. Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 10 AM 'till 4 PM.

Give local youth the “Gift of Mentoring” this holiday season

Anytime Fitness Carleton Place, left to right: Amanda Etherington (AJ), Heidi McNeely, Volunteer Recruiter/Agency Promoter, and Kendra Harrison, Co-op Placement Student from SFDCI. Photo credit: Heidi McNeely.

Regional - Shannon McLellan editorial@pdgmedia.ca If you’re looking for a way to give back in your community and give a local youth the present of your time, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County’s new initiative the “Gift of Mentoring” could be just the answer.

This holiday season Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Lanark County are encouraging members of the community to give the “Gift of Mentoring.'' This brand-new initiative is being spearheaded by their volunteer recruiter, Heidi McNeely, as an innovative way to match the growing list of youth that are currently on a waitlist across Smiths Falls and Lanark County, with a mentor.

Similar to the Angel Tree campaign, decorated trees can be found at several locations across the region, but instead of choosing a child to purchase a gift for, the trees are adorned with

tiny yellow stars that list non-confidential information for each child who is currently on the waitlist for a big brother or big sister, as well as a QR code which links to their website for details on how to register to be matched with the youth.

To date, there are approximately forty children on the waitlist for a big brother or big sister across Smiths Falls and Lanark County.

The “Gift of Mentoring” campaign kicked off at the end of November, with trees being delivered to Settlers Ridge Centre, and Cornelia Court both located in Smiths Falls, Code’s Mill in Perth, Anytime Fitness in Carleton Place, and Lanark Landing. The trees can be found in almost every community throughout the region this holiday season until the end of December.

According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County’s website, it’s noted that “many young people find themselves in

vulnerable situations, and face adversities such as mental health issues, family violence, identity issues, or poor living conditions, which put these youth at risk of not reaching their full potential." When McNeely was asked in an interview with Hometown News about her experience in working as the BBBS volunteer recruiter, she stated.

"As someone who has been employed with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County for over 4 years, I truly have learned the tremendously positive impact of mentoring on youth. As we have not had a Volunteer Recruiter in the past, I jumped at the chance to take on the position when it became available earlier this year. I have been working diligently to develop the role and run county-wide campaigns that will get volunteers in our door, and get the kids off of our waitlist and matched up with mentors. I truly believe in the difference that having a mentor makes, and want that for every child who has indicated that they would like one."

The goal of the campaign is not only to match the waiting youth with a mentor, but to also help raise awareness of the importance and value young people will gain as a result. Interested members of the community who would like more information on becoming a mentor to a child on the waitlist, or who are looking for more information on the services offered, and additionally, businesses who would like a tree at their location this holiday season, are encouraged to contact Heidi McNeely at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County’s office at (613) 283-0570, or visit their website at: www.lanark.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

6

December 2021

All around the region Santa is making his appearance Regional - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca Santa Claus is coming to town! All around the region, Santa is making his appearance in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

There will be an old-fashioned Christmas parade in Pakenham on December 4 at 1pm, and a night parade in Almonte on December 5 at 5pm. Spectators are asked to pre-screen for Covid-19 and only attend the parade if everyone is feeling well.

Be prepared to wear a face mask if not with members of your own household.

Perth's Children’s Santa Claus Parade will also be held on December 4, starting at 5pm from Sunset Boulevard. The theme is A Western Christmas.

In Montague, Santa

Claus will visit on Saturday, December 11th, 2021.

Santa will depart from Rosedale Hall located at 657 Rosedale Road with members of the Montague Fire Association and members of the Montague Recreation Culture Committee.

The Santa tour will start at 3pm and return to Rosedale Hall for a special visit with Santa starting at 5:30pm.

Children will be able to visit with Santa in a socially distant way and have their photo taken. Bring your letter addressed to Santa and he will be sure to take it with him to the North Pole.

The Montague Recreation Culture Committee will be serving up hot apple cider and hot chocolate and Santa will be handing out candy canes. The Montague Recreation Culture Committee will

also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Food Bank in Smiths Falls.

In Lombardy, on December 4 from 5pm - 7pm, there will be a Drive-Thru Santa Parade & FOODraiser, an opportunity to donate food in support of the Smiths Falls Food Bank. This is hosted by the Lombard Manor Retirement Home 844 Hwy 15 South. "Mark your calendars and pack the car! Bring non-perishable items while you stop and say hi to the big guy from the comfort of your own car."

In Smiths Falls, the Santa Claus Parade will be held Saturday, December 11th, 2021 commencing at 5:00 pm. It will begin at the Youth Arena and end again this year at Settlers Ridge Centre.

This year's theme is Disney.

Santa will also be making an appearance at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, at the North Pole Express. The final North Pole Express runs December 4 from 12pm to 6pm at 90 William Street West in Smiths Falls.

Train tickets (ages 4 & up) cost $5.89, and tickets must be purchased via https://www.eventbrite.ca/ RMEO writes "we look forward to welcoming our many friends once again and ask that patience and a spirit of cooperation sur-

rounds this year’s events.

There are a limited number of tickets available per ride. Rides will be every 20 minutes, with 3 round trips per hour. All riders, 4 and older must have a valid ticket. Children, 3 and under, sitting on a parent’s lap, do not need a ticket.

Ticket holders are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled ride time so Covid-19 vaccination status and ID can be confirmed.

Covid-19 restrictions in place for those dates will be followed, includ-

ing proof of vaccination for those 12 and older.

Attendees will be required to confirm proof of vaccination when booking tickets and will be required to present a QR code or paper copy of having received both shots.

Our Gift Shop will be open but access to the rest of the station will feature some restrictions. There will be a craft bazaar on the station breezeway.

Santa will make appearances but will be limited to distanced Christmas wishes."

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December 2021

merry christmas

Grateful family delivers Christmas cheer Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca Denise Hayes lived on Maple Grove Unit at Fairview Manor for two years, until she passed away last March. Her family says they are very grateful for the care she received - and they wanted to give back.

Recently, Denise’s husband Thomas and other family members stopped by Fairview Manor to deliver 28 handmade advent calendars – one for each of the residents on Maple Grove to enjoy this Christmas!

Last Christmas, the Hayes family made an advent calendar to share with Denise.

Each date was filled with chocolate, pictures of family and/or a personal message.

When the family couldn’t be there to open the day’s treat, staff were there to help. The advent calendar gave Denise such pleasure and the family decided to share that joy even further.

The Hayes family remembers last Christmas: “Our family enjoyed our window visits every Sunday from Mom’s window (with Dad

inside by her side). It was a gift to see Mom’s smile when she received her chocolate and message of love or photo from the advent tree with Dad by her side. During our visits, we would sing Christmas carols, make snowmen, and just be silly adult children enjoying the Christmas month together.”

“Mom’s spirit is on each tree for the other residents, represented by a sparkly butterfly,” adds the Hayes family. “Fairview Manor is

Happy Holidays! The Hayes family delivers 28 handmade advent calendars to the residents on the Maple Grove unit. Photo submitted.

Carleton Place ringing in the season in style Carleton Place - Brian Turner editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Denise and Thomas Hayes with children (l-r: Curtis, Carol-Ann, Sandra, Rachel and Christine) during the Christmas 2020 season.

Photo submitted.

an amazing residence that provides care, love, hugs, and joy to our loved ones on a daily basis. We are happy to bring some more smiles this Christmas season.”

“This is such a kind and loving family, and they were so dedicated to Denise,” notes Amanda Becking, Director of Care at Fairview Manor. “This is such a lovely story, and we want to thank Thomas, Curtis, Carol-Ann, and the entire family for their generosity.”

With the countdown to Christmas already begun, there are plenty of not-tobe-missed holiday events happening in Carleton Place for children of all ages.

The Santa Claus Parade happens on Saturday November 27 starting at 5pm.

The parade will form up this year on Lake Ave West near the high school and then travel north on Bridge Street to its final destination just north of Townline Road at the Carambeck Community Centre. This year’s theme is favourite Christmas stories. The Carleton Place and District

Civitans will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Lanark County Foodbank, the Hunger Stop and cash donations for the Christmas basket and Angel Tree campaigns.

The North Pole’s most famous couple themselves, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will once again be found in their local Christmas workshop window display at 136 Bridge Street (in the middle of the beautifully decorated and holiday-lit downtown area). Health-safe visiting and picture opportunities will be held on Thursdays December 2, 9, & 16 from 6pm to 8pm and on Saturdays December 4, 11, and 18 from 1pm to 4pm.

A brand new event, the Carleton Place Winter Wonderland Festival, is set to warm things up at the Carleton Junction Park with 3 packed days of music, games, activities, and food vendors running from December 10 to 12.

This event is brought to you by the town’s culture and recreation department. All-day passes run $10 each and children under 7 get in for free. Fabulous entertainers such as the Bowes Brothers, Jaxstraw, and Junkyard Symphony are certain to keep everyone enthralled.

Tickets are now on sale at the Neelin Street Arena, or online through

the festival’s website at cpwinterwonderland.ca.

The Capt A. Roy Brown Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Carleton Place will host a Candy Cane Bazaar and Craft show on Saturday December 11 from 10am to 3pm at 177 George Street.

The Waterfront Gastropub will host a free Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, from noon to 4 pm.

Full COVID protocols will be in effect and no reservations for dining in are required. But those wishing to pick-up a take-out meal are asked to call the pub in advance at 613257-5755 (no earlier than December 18).

8

December 2021

lifestyle Smiths Falls Rideaus

player profiles: ben beasley, brett costello and eric witzel

Smiths Falls Rideaus' December schedule. Photo submitted.

Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Photo submitted.

The Canton connection is making a splash for the Smiths Falls Rideaus so far this season. Brett Costello, Eric Witzel, Ben Beasley, and the Rideaus are at the halfway mark of the season holding an impressive 10-1 record.

The trio were looking to build the program’s positive trajectory coming into this season. Beasley and Costello are locals, set to officially return to their careers this season in the den, while Witzel, the Smiths Falls newcomer has lessons to pass on after finishing a pro career and reconnecting with the duo last fall.

The dynamic duo of Costello and Beasley knew their time together with

the Bears likely wasn’t done when the year came to an end. Both had committed to NCAA DIII Canton at that point, sparking daydreams of Roo’s success translating to championships. “I feel Ben and my chemistry together has made for success.

We played together as partners with the Bears then at school," Costello said.

Costello and Beasley moved in to their college house with well known CCHL rival Eric Witzel who played for the Ottawa Jr Sens.

Costello and Witzel were no strangers to one another, fighting twice in their junior careers against one another.

“Pretty awesome experience to have my roomies from college together and playing on the same team

again,” said Witzel.

“The connection we made and friendship we created in college definitely led to the chemistry we have now and to our success as teammates because we fight for one another which is clear on and off the ice," Eric Witzel said.

“Brett and Ben were big influences on me coming to Smiths Falls to play because I knew what type of team they were trying to put together and the bond we had through college would be a great time night in and night out.”

“We weren’t always close - in juniors we had a rivalry to the point of despising each other and had a few fights in the process. Our college coach thought it

was a good idea to put us all together to live under one roof - we wanted nothing to do with that. But we owe a lot to that coach and ever since we’ve been great friends and it’s translated into our current playing situation with the Rideaus," Witzel stated.

This rivalry has turned into a brotherly love and a Rideaus 9-0 streak to begin the season.

Costello currently sits with 16 points in 11 games.

Beasley has 15 points in 10 games.

And Witzel has 8 points in 9 games played so far.

Be sure to watch out for this triple threat out there as they all have one thing in common: they want to bring this town a championship.

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December 2021

10

Food & Drink

Beer, Wine and Spirits Let's Eat Maverick Donuts: Elevating a simple pleasure to new heights

Cartwright Springs Brewery

Photo credit: Brian Preston

I came across this brewery recently and was intrigued by the fact that the owner/ brewmaster, Andre Rieux saw spring water coming out of the ground near Pakenham on a walk one day. He said, "I stuck my face in it and tasted it." It turned out to be pure spring water, which is one of the most important of the 4 ingredients in beer, so he bought the land two days later and started the brewery just a few years ago! He has made beer for over 20 years and now he has a long line of brews, all of which are exceptional. I ordered a flat of 24 and he agreed to come down one fine Fall afternoon with the case on his motorcycle as they do not have a delivery system in place right now. So he was also the 'delivery guy'. Who else do you know that would do that? We went through a few of his favourites on the deck while enjoying the view of Big Rideau Lake. The others I have tasted since then and my notes are below.

He sells beer for returning customers at the brewery for $7 per litre bottles and $4 for 473ml cans. Price includes HST. Bottle deposits are $5 extra. Kegs: 30 and 20 litre also available for 120$ / 85$.

Honey Lager ABV 3.8%, IBU 10 Made with real honey

from a local beekeeper, this sessionable lager has floral and tangy notes that make it very refreshing. It is light yellow with a fine, short lasting head; clean and refreshing with a background hint of clover honey matching the cleansing finish.

Hopping Jack’s ABV: 4.8% IBU: 50 This seasonal wet hopped IPA uses organic Chinook hops from Marco in Smiths Falls! This easy drinking IPA has fresh apricot and pine on the nose with a delightful grapefruit finish.

Crème CaramAle ABV 5.1%, IBU 10 A rich Cream Ale with plenty of smooth malty flavours. The mouthfeel of cream is due to the nitrogen used in other cream ales and not lactose. Andre uses carmelized malts instead to get the creaminess which is also sweeter. The slight bitterness with gentle mint and grassy finish pair nicely with the caramel flavours of the malt.

I’d Tap That: Pilsner ABV 4.8%, IBU 11 Their spring water has a great mineral content that gives this refreshing Pilsner a spicy character with a hint of tropical fruit.

Coffee Stout ABV 5.0%, IBU 30 The beer is complex with coffee, heavily roasted malts and chocolate

Brian Turner

Brian Preston

The Travelling Sommelier brianpreston@hotmail.com

notes. He uses local coffee from Ottawa Valley Roasters and it was a perfect match for my Sweet Chili chicken wings one night.

It also paired beautifully with a dark Scottish fruitcake for dessert, matching the malted coffee flavours with the sweet chili and the fruit notes on a creamy mouth-coating finish.

Pakenham Bitter ABV 5.2% IBU: 35 This English Bitter is their most hop complex beer, and it is less bitter and more complex than Hopping Jack's. The roasted caramel notes are complemented with 8 different kinds of hops to offer a complexity of citrus, spice and tropical fruit flavours. Andre is especially proud of this creation! It has a beautiful golden amber colour with a small head and hops on the nose; nice bitter tanginess with a creamy mouthfeel.

Really good bitters!

Ginger Ale ABV 4.5%, IBU 10 This refreshing Ale, which he started making 2 years ago, has subtle ginger and citrus flavours that provides a fun flavour profile that would match with Asian food too.

André Rieux Owner – Brewmaster Cartwright Springs Brewery info@csbeer.ca tel: 613.295.3377 E-mail or text Andre to order at 239 Deer Run Rd., Pakenham The online store is open so you can pre-order before pick-up at the brewery. They also have walking trails and seasonal overnight accommodations with a cabin and trailers on site run by Cabinscape.com and Astrid Park (www.astridpark.co).

The best way to get updates on their latest news, seasonal beer releases, and events is to 'like us' on Facebook.

If you ever wonder if we obsess on donuts, consider that Canadians consume more of them per capita than any other country in the world. Like hockey, maple syrup, and moose, we’ve adopted them into our national identity. So, it really isn’t a surprise that when Shannon and Paul Devon decided to open the sixth very popular Maverick’s Donuts Company location, they were overrun. They turned on the fryer and opened the doors at 37 Lansdowne Ave, Mews Mall, in November and have instantly gained an appreciative and growing following.

Everything is made in store from fresh ingredients and cake-based mixes, not yeast, giving them a fresh moistness loaded with flavour that retain their edge for hours. Not that Maverick’s ever sees their creations out on the counter for very long. The menu is divided into classics and signatures with Mini Mav donut holes and fritters to boot. The classics contain such all-time favourites as honey-glazed, powdered and cinnamon sugared while the signatures are a step up in topping wizard-

ry. Drool-inducing creations such as the top selling maple-bacon (yes with real bacon), lemon ricotta, and s’mores look more at home on a pastry cart in a 5-star restaurant than in a donut shop, but they also travel well to your table in a Maverick box (if they make it home at all).

Don’t be taken aback by the lack of a multitude of coffee equipment behind the counter. Maverick’s CP uses a state-of-the-art Swissmade system which grinds each serving of Morning Owl coffee before brewing it to perfection. The coffee selections are varied from straight espresso to flavoured lattes and cappuccinos and even hot chocolate. And we can’t neglect to mention the broad selection of vegan donuts with unique flavours such as apple-caramel and pecan-pie.

How much pent-up demand was living in Carleton Place before Maverick’s CP opened? Consider that Shannon and Paul were inundated with staff applications prior to opening, including some highly qualified bakers who they snatched up quickly. Their

online pre-ordering system has been busy and in-person shopping is made easy, quick, and safe thanks to a well-executed shop design and ever-helpful staff.

Paul and the bakers start early at 5 am to meet the morning demand.

Shannon can often be found at the front counter, and both are amazed at the public response and acceptance, magnified by new Ottawa transplants who were already hooked on Maverick’s donuts.

They’ve grown to a staff of 12 very quickly and are proud to have used local businesses for the facility retrofit. Paul adds that they can offer larger customized orders for office parties or family festivities. After trying a few varieties of Maverick’s donuts I can confirm you will be the stuff of legends when you arrive with a few boxes.

The shop has plenty of lot parking and easy access. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can reach them at cp@mavericksdonuts.com or tempt yourself beyond the limits at mavericksdonuts.com.

Photo credits: Brian Turner

Photo credits: Ted Outerbridge

11

December 2021

culture Smiths Falls History & Mystery

When we moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths Falls, we decided that the 1960s chandelier with space-age globes hanging in the front hall had run its course. Retro was replaced with Gothic in the form of a three-foot-tall, hexagonal lantern with translucent gold glass. A local antique store was the source of this wonderful piece of history. While electricians were suspending it from a heavy-duty fixture box, they explained that this Gothic lantern was used to light Trinity United Church—formerly known as Trinity Methodist Church. The architect who oversaw the rebuilding of the church in 189495, and the architect for the Keyhole House built in 1892, were one and the same… George Thomas Martin! Is it just an eerie coincidence, or was this lantern destined to illuminate the Keyhole House?

Born in 1844 in Surrey, England, George Thomas Martin immigrated to Canada in 1870. He settled in Toronto, where he worked as a carpenter and builder. His new life there began with heart-

break. After only two years of marriage, his first wife, Anne Maria Trotter passed away at the age of twenty-five. His son, George Frederick, passed away when he was less than a year old. In 1877, at the age of 35, Martin restarted his life, and married Grace Burt. They had five children together. In 1879, they moved to eastern Ontario where Martin was involved in the construction of stations and bridges for the Canadian Pacific Railway. By this time, Martin had begun working as an architect and contractor.

In early 1889, he moved to Smith's Falls and opened an architectural office. He frequently ran an ad on the front page of the Rideau Record newspaper which read: G. T. MARTIN, ARCHITECT, VALUATOR, OFFICE-OVER UNION BANK, MAIN STREET EAST, SMITH’S FALLS. Martin became the architect of choice in Smiths Falls and the surrounding counties of Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville for nearly twenty-five years. He was renowned for his brusque Romanesque Revival style when it came to institutional and ecclesiastical creations. When possible, he made use of the ample supply of building stone found in the Hughes quarry near Perth. He frequently worked with local contractor, Matthew Ryan, and bricklayer, Herbert Allen.

A partial and very im-

G.T. Martin: Architect extraordinaire

by Ted Outerbridge

ted@tedouterbridge.com

Photo credits: Ted Outerbridge

pressive list of his architectural accomplishments in Smiths Falls includes: South Ward Public School in 1889, rebuilding of McLaren House Hotel on Beckwith Street at Russell Street in 1889, Wood’s Factory which was a woolen factory and oatmeal mill in 1890, reconstruction of St. John’s Anglican Church in 1890, Rideau River Bridge on Beckwith Street in 1890, commercial block of three stores on Beckwith Street for Dr. J.S. McCallum in 1891, Beckwith Street store and apartment for J.M. Clark in 1891, Public Market in 1892, Keyhole House in 1893, Union Bank on Main Street in 1893, McGillivray Block on Main Street in 1893, Main Street at Market Street hotel for Andrew Burrows in 1893, Beckwith Street residence for John McGillivray in 1894, complete rebuilding with major additions to Trinity Methodist Church

in 1894-95, Main Street commercial block for J.M. Clark in 1899, extensive alterations and repairs to the residence and stables of Elmsley Hall for F.W. Ashe in 1900, hotel at Beckwith Street and Russell Street for John McLaren in 1901, Masonic Hall for George Dart in 1902, Residence on unnamed street for A.L. Ferguson in 1902, Chambers Memorial Hospital on Elmsley Street South in 1910, major addition to C.P.R. Engine Round House and addition to C.P.R. machine shop building in 1912. This list was taken from the Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada and does not include his many projects in surrounding counties.

Martin was passionate about developing a transportation system to connect all the summer resorts on the Rideau River with an electric railway.

He was also an inventor, and held patents in numerous countries for a range of inventions such as “a method to improve the construction of railway coaches.” An 1898 edition of the Ottawa Citizen writes about his invention of “a variable bicycle gear… which is easily adjusted while the rider is in motion.”

Martin’s wife Grace passed away in 1907, at the age of 60. They had been married 30 years.

Martin’s third wife was Susannah Wilson whom he married in 1909, when

he was 65 years old. He designed and built the house at 41 Daniel Street in Smiths Falls where he was living when he died at the age of 81 on March 4, 1925. He had fractured his hip 11 months prior, which contributed to his death. The DDGM on his gravestone refers to his Masonic Rank of District Deputy Grand Master.

George Thomas Martin is buried at Maple Vale Cemetery in Smiths Falls.

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

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