FREE VOL.1 NO.2
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
YO U R LO CA L , I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S PA P E R
We Remember
Dennis Staples stands at the Smiths Falls Cenotaph as hundreds of area residents observe the 2014 Remembrance Day ceremonies, paying their respects to members of the military.
Smiths Falls elects first new mayor in 20 years Amy Hogue With one term on Council under his belt, Smiths Falls Mayor Elect, Shawn Pankow, is ready to take the final step he’s been preparing for since August – into
the role of Mayor of Smiths Falls. On Dec. 1, Pankow will officially take the reigns from current Mayor, Dennis Staples, who has been a fixture at Town Hall for nearly thirty years, and will be a
difficult act to follow. A new mayor marks a big change for the town, but Pankow said feedback from the community following his election to Mayor has been “incredibly positive.” “People are excited.
They’re very hopeful for the future in Smiths Falls…they expect that I, along with Council, will be the impetus of change in Smiths Falls,” Pankow said. The new position of Mayor will be one that will also require some personal adjustments for Pankow, who operates his own business, Pankow Financial Solutions, as well as juggling the needs of his family – a wife, three young children, and four adult children.
Undaunted, Pankow said he recognizes it will take some adjustment to the expectations of his new office, but is fortunate to be self-employed, which allows him to balance his work schedule with his new role in the town. He stressed that time management will be the most important key to a successful integration, and he will be joining the ranks of the mayors of neighbouring municipalities who also operate full-time
RYAN HOLLAND/PHOTO
jobs. “It will definitely create some challenges with free time, my family and I will need to create balance to ensure I still have time for family and community responsibilities,” Pankow acknowledged, but added that many of the social obligations don’t have to fall solely on the Mayor’s shoulders, noting that “all of Council can share in some of the community work.” See Page 8
Community
lifestyle
culture
Community
Local WWII veteran sits down with HomeTown News to share his life during WWII and beyond.
Smiths Falls Bears: An update on the team’s rollercoaster season.
The Ivy on William: A yoga studio with a twist. Read our story on the new multi-purpose facility in Smiths Falls.
We sat down with new hospital President & CEO Beverley McFarlane and talked about the new philosophy she’s beinging to Smiths Falls & Perth.
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25 Ferrara Drive, Smiths Falls
S’
ES ANDR
• Groceries • Produce
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283-2999 Pharmacy • 283-1855
• Fresh Flowers • Fresh Fish • Fresh Deli • Bakery
Andress’ cover banner
• Butcher’s Counter • Salad Bar