The Orleans Star Sept. 12, 2024 by OrléansStar

Public school board reopens French immersion debate

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board has reopened the debate about the delivery of French language instruction and educating special needs students in a sweeping review of its elementary program.

The review was launched last spring and is the first major attempt to look at how the board is serving its students and families since the former Carleton and Ottawa boards of education were amalgamated in 1998.

The main goal of the review is to find ways to allow students to attend their program of choice at their neighbourhood school rather than have to attend a school outside their neighbourhood based on what program or stream they enter.

The most common example of the latter is French immersion. For instance, not every

school offers Early French Immersion (EFI), which provides a 50/50 split between English and French instruction, beginning in junior kindergarten. This means that parents who wish their children be enrolled in French Immersion must send them to a school outside their area. During the first phase of the program review last spring, parents and teachers were invited to compete a survey on how things could be improved. The answers the board received are all over the map, with some respondents wanting to increase access to EFI, and others wanting to do away with it altogether in favour of the Middle French Immersion program, which begins at Grade 4, in order to give students a stronger base in math and science in their mother tongue.

As an example, some respondents felt that not enough resources were being allocated to

The Orléans Ribfest is on this weekend in the Orléans Fesitval Plaza on Centrum Blvd. Besides delicious BBQ, there will be several poutine vendors on hand to help satisfy your taste buds. FILE PHOTO

Dapo Fun Day

CELEBRATION – The 22nd annual Dapo Fun Day was held on Saturday, Aug. 31, in Blackburn Park and among those present were Gloucester High School student Oluwatise Adeni, second from the right, who was this year’s co-recipient of the Oladapo Award for Peace along with Oriana Mesfin from Lester B. Pearson High School. Adeni is pictured here with her mother and Bashir and Abiola Agoro, far left and right, who are the parents of Oladapo Agoro. Oladapo was stabbed to death in 2002 when tried to break up a fight. He was 18 years old at the time. To honour his memory, the Agoro family established the Dapo Agoro Foundation for Peace. The Dapo Agoro Fun Day is held every year to help raise money for the Foundation. STAFF PHOTO

OCDSB reopens French immersion debate

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the French immersion program while other respondents whose children who aren’t in French Immersion said the exact opposite, inferring that too much is being allocated to the French immersion at the detriment of the students enrolled in English Core French program.

One of the solutions proposed in an interim report recently issued by board staff suggests that every elementary school offer a dual-track program – French immersion and English Core French – making them accessible to everyone. The report does not suggest, however, how this would be done in practical terms. Some schools don’t have enough students to make a dual-track system viable, or the necessary number of bilingual teachers.

The survey responses have also placed a spotlight on the underlying perception by many parents and students that the French immersion program is exclusive and that the regular English Core French program is somehow “lesser”.

In paraphrasing the responses, the report states that many parents and students feel

the English Core French program is “not as valued as the French immersion program and is thus viewed as less important.”

The report does not suggest how this perception can be overcome.

Another area of contention included in the survey is the delivery of education to special needs children and whether they should be integrated into the mainstream classes or continue to be educated in special needs classes which are often in schools far from home. Most parents of special needs students who responded to the survey want the board to maintain the current special needs classes.

The argument against integration is the potential negative impact it would have on the classroom, especially if not enough support and resources are offered to the teachers who may or may not have adequate special needs training.

The 89-page interim report was presented to the board of trustees on Sept. 10. Further discussions will be held over the coming weeks with recommendations on what do and how to move forward expected to be tabled in December,.

The sun shines on Petrie Island community corn roast and BBQ

By Fred Sherwin

The Orléans Star

For the third year in a row, Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and MPP Stephen Blais co-hosted a community corn roast and BBQ on Petrie Island to the delight of the hundreds in attendance.

The annual event was started by Phil McNeely when he served as MPP from 2003 to 2014. It was picked up by Lalonde after she succeeded McNeely as MPP in 2014. She then continued the tradition after being elected to the House of Commons in May 2019.

The event had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID pandemic and was eventually revived last year when it was co-hosted by Blais who was elected to replace Lalonde as MPP in the fall of 2019.

Over 500 people attended this year’s event including it’s originator Phil McNeely.

“Isn’t this marvelous?” McNeely said, basking in the late afternoon sunshine. “You can’t ask for better than this and the turnout is super.”

Those who made it down to Petrie Island were able to visit a number of tables set up by community organizations like the Orléans

Cumberland Community Resource Centre, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, the French public and Catholic school boards and the 632 Phoenix Air Cadets.

The BBQ and corn roast was manned by members of the Orléans Lions Club, which has been taking care of the cooking duties since the event’s inception with fresh sweet corn provided by the Ferme Cleroux on Navan Road.

While everyone was enjoying their hot dogs hamburgers and corn, they were entertained by students from Sing House Studios under the direction of its founder Chantal Hackett.

While the event is very much a social affair meant to bring people together, it also affords members of the public the chance to meet their local MP and MPP, many of whom have never met them before.

People like Sam Sourabh who recently opened a new business in Convent Glen.

“I said ‘Hi’ to both of them and we spoke a little bit. They were interested in where we were located and wished me good luck,” said Sourabh, who opened Cosenza Pizza N’ Calzones with his partner Viraj Patel.

While the corn roast and BBQ gives people

Marie-France LALONDE

Orléans

Oﬃce 255 Centrum Blvd., 2nd ﬂoor Orléans, ON K1E 3W3 marie-france.lalonde@parl.gc.ca 613.834.1800

/LalondeMF MFLalondeMP.ca

Marie-France Lalonde chats to some of the people at this year’s community BBQ and corn roast on Petrie Island. STAFF PHOTO

the opportunity to meet their local MP and MPP, it also gives Lalonde and Blais the opportunity to meet some of their constituents face to face.

“It is always nice to see the community come together and this is a terrific opportunity to have that happen,” said Lalonde. “I’ve seen so many familiar faces and I’ve seen a lot of new faces, too.”

“You know this not a political event,” she

continued. “We’re not here for that. People come here to meet as friends and to meet other people from their community. The last thing they want to hear are speeches or to talk about politics.”

Judging by the mood of the crowd and the line-up at the food table, most of the people were at this year’s event to enjoy a hamburger or hot dog and some corn on one of the last days of summer.

A can of worms

Last spring, the Ottawa Carleton School Board embarked on a process to completely review it’s elementary school program with the goal of trying to get as many kids to attend classes close to home as possible.

It is the first broad-based review of how the board delivers education to students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 since the former Carleton and Ottawa boards of education were amalgamated in 1998.

I’m sure the hearts were in the right places of both the trustees who agreed to the review and the administrators who are conducting it, because, as sure as God makes little green apples and it always rains in California, it was bound to open a can of worms that will be difficult to control or appease.

That’s because any review of elementary education and how it’s delivered would have to include a review of French immersion, which has always been one of the most contentious issues, if not the most contentious issue in the board’s history.

And if the trustees or senior staff needed to be reminded of that, they need look no further than the responses to the survey that was undertaken last spring by parents, students, teachers and principals.

The OCDSB currently offers three streams of French immersion, Early French Immersion, or EFI, beginning in Junior Kindergarten, and Middle French Immersion, MFI, which begins in Grade 4.

There was a Late French Immersion which began in Grade 7 but that was done away with years ago.

The responses to the survey are all over the place, from people who feel Early French Immersion should be gotten rid of, to those who feel every elementary school in the board should offer both EFI and regular English Core French, and others who want to stick to the status quo.

But the review has not just opened the French immersion can of worms, it also reopened the debate about special needs students and where they should be educated. Most special needs students are currently attending special needs classes with other special needs students in schools that are often far from home. There are some exceptions, however, for students whose parents want them to attend a mainstream class.

In order to have all students attend a school close to home they would have to all be integrated into mainstream classes, which many parents of special needs students are vehemently against.

While the stated goal of the current review is to allow children to attend a school close to home, the real goal is to cut transportation costs especially for special needs students which is tremendously expensive.

Where the review will lead and how it all ends up is anybody’s guess, but the road to get there is sure to be a rocky one.

– Fred Sherwin

MP joins others in commemorating Merchant Navy Veterans Day

There was no better way for MPP Stephen Blais and me to end the summer than by spending time with more than 600 residents at our Annual Corn Roast & Community BBQ on Aug. 29 at Petrie Island. It was simply amazing to see you all!

I would like to thank the Orléans Lions Club, Friends of Petrie Island, and Orléans Myers, as well as the Venvi Portobello Retirement Residence, for being leaders and partners in our community!

Without your support, we would not have been able to have such a successful event! Moreover, a special thanks goes out to the organizations on site with a booth and to the 632 Phoenix Squadron cadets for your helping with the set up and takedown! To our community police officer and the firefighters present, thank you for coming out and for keeping Orléans safe.

to represent Canada at the Merchant Navy Day Ceremony that took place at the National War Memorial on Sept. 8.

We gathered to commemorate some 12,000 Canadian and Newfoundland merchant mariners who performed during the Second World War a life-saving service, delivering millions of tons of desperately needed food, equipment, fuel, and personnel to Britain and Europe, and for too long, did not receive the recognition and honour they so rightly deserved. Lest we forget.

Jody Maffett Editor

Fred Sherwin Owner and publisher fsherwin@orleansstar.ca

Jean-Marc Pacelli Assistant Editor

The Orléans Star is a bi-weekly publication distributed to over 40,000 residences in Blackburn Hamlet, Orléans and Navan. The newspaper is locally owned and operated by Sherwin Publishing Inc., 745 Farmbrook Cres., Orléans, ON. Inquiries and delivery issues should be sent to info@orleansstar.ca.

It is with great emotion that I joined the Agoro family to mark the 22nd Annual Dapo Fun Day on Aug. 31. It is an opportunity to bring awareness to violence in our community while providing a positive alternative for youth in celebration of the arts, physical activity, and increased youth engagement.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Merchant Navy Veterans Day Act, which designated Sept. 3 as Merchant Navy Day. It was an honour

I want to recognize the Shenkman Arts Centre for celebrating 15 years of dedication to provide opportunities for the community through the arts and for being a creative hub where artists and audiences meet to explore a diversity of arts through live performance, instruction, exhibits, and special events.

Finally, we could all see school buses driving in our neighborhoods in the last few weeks as we marked the back-to-school season. I want to wish all the best to our students in elementary, high school, college, and university who started their school year. Best of luck to all and have a wonderful school year!

**La version française est maintenant disponible sur ma page Facebook**

Marie-France Lalonde Commons Corner

After legalizing gambling and cannabis, what’s next?

So the province of Ontario is finally allowing beer and wine sales in a select number of convenience stores, to which I say: “It’s about time”.

We’ve finally joined a long list of civilized nations which have allowed beer and wine sales in grocery and convenience stores for years. Beer and wine has also been sold in several other provinces for some time including Alberta, which has allowed the sale of spirits in 7-11 stores since 2021 and Québec which has allowed beer and wine sales in dépanneurs for as long as I can remember.

When I was 16 or 17, a friend and I used to ride our 10-speeds 17 kilometres from the west end to a dépanneur across from where the Museum of Canadian History now stands in Gatineau and we would each buy a case of Molson Brador.

We bought Brador because it was the strongest beer available at 6.2% and we bought it at that particular dépanneur because it was the only place that would sell a case of beer to a minor if you slipped them an extra 10 bucks. We would then ride all the back home with a case of 24 beer balanced on our handle bars. It took an hour each way.

Up Front

After we returned home we would sell the beer to school friends at $2 a bottle.

Ahh, those were the days. You gotta love the 70s.

Now where was I? Oh yes, beer and wine sales in Ontario convenience stores.

This is something that is long overdue. For years, the government refused to open up beer and wine sales outside LCBOs and the Beer Store for fear of upsetting the unions.

Grocery stores weren’t allowed to sell beer until 2015. Wine and cider sales were permitted a year later. Ever since then, the province’s convenience stores have been asking for the same privilege. Doug Ford granted their wish earlier this year, and as of September 5, more than 4,000 convenience stores have gotten into the beer and wine business, including several here in Orléans.

There are many who believe that this is just another slippery step down the slope of depravity which started with the province’s decision to get into the lottery business in 1982.

Twelve years later, Ontario got into the casino business with the opening of the province’s first gambling establishment in Windsor.

It didn’t take long for the province to realize the potential revenue that could be made through gambling. It was the golden goose with unlimited potential.

Soon, casinos started popping up across the province. Then came Pro-Line which allowed people to bet on sports.

As more and more people became addicted to gambling, the province became addicted to the revenues being generated by the lotteries and casinos.

With the introduction of the Internet and the world wide web in the late 90s came online gambling. Overnight, thousands of people started playing online poker or betting on their favourite sports team. Since it wasn’t regulated by either the provincial or federal governments, it was illegal, but there was nothing they could do about it.

But as the saying goes, if you can’t beat

them, join them. It took nearly 15 years, but in 2022, the province launched iGaming Ontario which manages and oversees 47 online gambling operators.

In 2018, the federal government passed legislation allowing private operators to sell cannabis in Canada. Within a year, cannabis stores started popping up like dandelions.

According to a 2021 study conducted by Deloitte, cannabis sales topped more than $3.9 billion nationwide that year, with over a third of those sales taking place in Ontario.

The question is what’s next? Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, are currently being sold illegally in stores throughout Ontario including here in Ottawa. The province has so far turned a blind eye to these sales, but it won’t be long before the federal government legalized those sales as well.

After that the only taboo left in Ontario will be prostitution, which is technically still illegal although escort services are allowed in every major city in the province. They’ve legalized gambling and drugs, and now you can buy beer and wine at your corner store. If there’s money to be made, you can be sure the province will consider getting involved – including in the oldest profession in the world.

Fred Sherwin

Corporate donations should be fully transparent with no strings attached

Regular readers may recall my article earlier this year on “voluntary donations”. As a refresher: Council’s first meeting of 2024 turned acrimonious when a debate arose over a “voluntary donation” of $300,000 by a developer to the City, to be earmarked for the local ward.

The developer was offering money to support affordable housing, and new traffic calming measures in the community. Unbeknownst to us, this offer came after months of closed-door negotiations between the local councillor and the developer; all while Council was still weighing whether to approve the developer’s application.

included, found the lack of transparency, and potential conflict of interest, a bridge too far. Toronto closed this loophole over a decade ago. In their policy, staff are actively involved, and any conversations about donations cannot happen with anyone who has an active application, or anyone with a potential application with the City are expressly prohibited. This prohibition even extends until after any appeals period following a decision.

Ontario’s Planning Act, the legislation that regulates how all development applications are processed, does not prohibit such donations or conversations; it is silent on the matter. This policy vacuum is what ultimately split members of Council. Some Councillors saw no problem soliciting donations for the community; arguing that the benefits warrant it, and it could be separate from their decisions on applications. Others, myself

Toronto’s long-standing policy offers a tested solution for Ottawa. It is a compromise that allows councillors to advocate for communities and organizations to donate community benefits; but in a transparent manner completely separated from decision making. We need unambiguous rules. Ones that allow for Councillors to still advocate for communities, but to do so transparently, and not behind closed doors with organizations looking for municipal approval on multimillion-dollar projects. Trust in politicians is at an all-time low. Rebuilding trust and integrity at City Hall is a priority.

Come home to Willowbend Retirement Community in Orléans

Special to the The Orléans Star

There is a common misconception when it comes to senior living. You may have heard someone say that they are too active, too independent or too young to move into a retirement home. The thought process behind this comes from the idea that people living in retirement homes are not leading purpose filled lives. This is simply not the case. Living in a Retirement Community brings opportunity and a new life.

Making a move is always a big decision especially when you have been in your home for years. This can be a huge lifestyle change for most and change is never easy, but should not be feared, but looked forward to. A great way to elevate any jitters is discovering all the positive aspects that can come from residing in a retirement community like Willowbend.

Health & Wellness – Exercise and nutrition are so vital as we age. The body’s ability to fight and prevent illnesses is heightened and the risk of falls is greatly reduced with proper movement and healthy diet. Not to mention, adequate nutrition and exercise are associated with a better quality of life and aid in giving seniors more autonomy. Whether it be a delicious balanced meal prepared for you by a trained kitchen staff, or routine fitness classes to stay on track there is something for everyone to lead a healthy

lifestyle in retirement living.

Our Retirement Community offers a full range of amenities from fitness, indoor heated swimming pool, cooking classes, weekly concerts and everything in between.

Support is always available – Retirement living can offer support that living on your own cannot provide. From trained health professionals working round the clock and measures put into place such as medical pendants for residents’ safety, it is reassuring for seniors to know they are in an environment where they are top priority and assistance is available quickly and around the clock. Additional care and support are always available and tailored to you when you need it.

Be at peace – There are a staggering number of seniors who feel isolated living at home. Many variables can be considered such as not being part of the workforce anymore, the loss of loved ones, the hard Ottawa winters or simply not feeling comfortable driving any more. In a Retirement Community, you truly feel a sense of community as there is always someone there to talk to or listen to. There is never a dull moment. You are always free to organize your day as you like, taking part in as many or as few group activities you desire.

Seniors in a Retirement Community have everything they need for their safety, comfort

and enjoyment. It’s so nice to be surrounded by others going through the same phase of life as them. When people are able to relate to others, friendships and deeper connections can be fostered.

Rediscover your interests and passions – We should all enjoy life a little more. Especially our seniors who have worked hard their whole lives! They deserve to indulge in their hobbies without the hassle of day-today chores. In Retirement Living, dedicated housekeeping staff take care of the tidying and cleaning so that more of the day can be spent doing things that are enjoyable. If that be revisiting an old interest, volunteering within the home or discovering a new skill, seniors are fulfilled and happy being able to

spend their retirement doing something they love worry free.

Willowbend Retirement Community offers all of these great benefits. A retirement community located at 1980 Trim Road in the heart of Orléans, helping seniors shed a new perspective on senior living.

We invite you to see all of the positive benefits for yourself at Willowbend’s Open House on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come for a tour, and stay for a delicious lunch and live entertainment in the afternoon. This will be an eventful day. A great way to see our residence and meet our wonderful residents. Please contact Laura Sloan at 613-907-9200 to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Orléans Busy Fingers knitting club in search of new members

By Jody Maffett

The Orléans Star

Last December, the Busy Fingers knitting club in Orléans put out a call for donations and the community came through in spades, donating over 1,000 balls of wool and yarn. Now they have another issue: they need more knitters and crocheters to turn all that wool and yarn into scarves, mitts, afghans and socks.

The club currently has over 200 members, some of whom are in far-flung places like Tamiskaming, Petawawa, the Beauce, Ile d’Orléans and Québec City.

In fact, they are now branching out to senior homes and area schools where students are also interested in knitting.

Each member can knit at their own pace and they can have as much wool as they need, along with knitting needles. The only rule is that they have to bring back all the wool once it’s been knitted. And the club currently has no shortage of wool and yarn thanks to the wool drive initiated last winter.

“I never thought we would get so much wool,” says Busy Fingers president and guiding force Eileen McCaughey, “My basement is full.”

Besides donations from the general public, the club also receives hundreds of balls of wool every year from Wool n’Things on Youville Drive.

And as quick as it all comes in, it goes out just as quickly in the form of socks, toques and mitts

Last year, the club’s members knitted over 3,000 items which were donated to 31 different organizations including women’s shelters, the Perley and Rideau Veterans Hospital, CHEO, retirement homes, the Ottawa Mission and community resources centres.

“We’re getting quite well known thanks to the Orléans Star. We’re getting requests left and right,” says Eileen. “We give stuff to anyone who asks. Our only rule is that the items can’t be sold. Everything is free.”

Just recently, the club sent over 1,000 items to humanitarian organizations in Haiti and Guatemala, which then distributed them to villages in the mountains where it gets quite cold in the mountains.

Besides giving members something to do in their spare time, it also gives them a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment knowing that the items they knit and crochet

The Busy Fingers knitting club is looking for new members to help them knit and crochet the more than 3,000 items the club donates to community organizations across the city. FILE PHOTO

will go to people who really need them.

Members of the club meet at Eileen’s house in Fallingbrook twice a month to socialize and knit together, although attendance is not necessary. And there is no age limit. In fact,

three of the members in the club are over 90, including McCaughey who just turned 90. The youngest members are in their teens. Anyone interested in joining club can call Eileen at 613-841-3641.

FALL 2024

Visit Sound & Sight: your total Smart Home store

By Fred Sherwin

The Orléans Star

The Sound & Sight audiovisual store on St. Joseph Blvd. is celebrating their second anniversary this month and they’re inviting Orléans residents to celebrate with them.

Over the past two years, Sound & Sight has helped a number of customers upgrade their home audiovisual experience with state-of-the-art TVs from Samsung and Sony and impeccable sound systems that bring the visual experience to the next level.

They carry all the leading brands of audio equipment you’ve heard of, including Totem Acoustic, Denon and Sonos, along with some leading brands you may not be familiar with such as JL Audio, Lexicon amplifiers, and Martin Logan.

Beyond the audiovisual, Sound & Sight is a licensed dealer for Panasonic and Human Touch massage chairs.

They also specialize in Smart Home systems and components. They sell and install motorized blinds, security and surveillance systems, Smart Home HVAC controls, lighting controls, home networking

systems which can be operated from your Smart phone.

It’s been six years since Sound & Sight owner Jason Miller left StereoPlus where had been working since he was just 16 years old. It didn’t take long before many of his former clients at StereoPlus started calling on him for advice in designing and equipping their home theatres. As a result, Jason decided to start his own consulting business. That was four years ago.

In 2022, fulfilled the dream of opening his own store after purchasing the property at the corner of St. Joseph and Orléans Blvd..

Today, Jason has clients across the city thanks mostly to the quality of the audio visual equipment in his store, the knowledge he possesses, and the fact that he personally stands behind everything he sells.

To get a taste of all Sound & Sight has to offer and to take advantage of their anniversary deals, you should visit their showroom. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.

If you can’t make it to their showroom,

Visit the Sound & Sight showroom on St. Joseph Boulevard and experience the difference quality makes for yourself. FILE PHOTO

you can check out their website at www. soundsight.ca which has several links to videos on their Blog page which are bound to spark your imagination, or you can visit

their Facebook page @soundsight.ca. The website also has a page where they post all of their price-reduced, clearance sale items.

Decoration Inspiration from RANDALL’S!

A beginners guide for the unitiated backyard gardener

TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP BLINDS – A RANDALL’S FAVOURITE!

A guide for beginner gArdeners

(NC) Have you ever wanted to make a salad from vegetables you grew yourself? Or give a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh flowers picked from your own garden? Now is your time to shine and grow like a pro with a few tips to get you started:

RESEARCH

Randall’s, Ottawa’s leading familyowned, independent paint and decorating store, has been helping people beautify their living spaces for more than 75 years…inside and out. They can help you beautify yours, too! Here are some decorating tips, trends and special savings events that can help you stretch your decorating dollars.

DRESS UP YOUR WINDOWS

you make at Randall’s.

These versatile blinds can be positioned in a variety of ways. For example, let light in through the top of your window while maintaining privacy at the bottom. Reposition them however and whenever you like to meet your changing light and privacy needs.

ReseaRch

TOOLS

If you already know the colour you need, Randall’s is the go-to place in Ottawa to match a paint colour, even a fabric sample, or a floor, cabinet or furniture stain colour.

• Wheelbarrow – Investing in a wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners. You’ll likely need to purchase some gardening soil to mix in with your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold.

WALLPAPER ADDS REAL “WOW!” FACTOR …

PAINT PACKS A PUNCH!

While your first attempt may not be as beautiful as Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, it can certainly serve as inspiration as you begin to visualize how you would like your garden to look. Hop on the web, take a stroll through your neighbourhood or head to your local garden store for some creative inspiration

Window treatments add to the comfort, style and security of your home. The options may seem overwhelming, but a Randall’s FREE in-home consultation can guide you on style, fabric and the manual or automated lift system to suit your needs. Plus, Randall’s takes care of measuring, installation and guarantees the fit.

GARDENING GEAR

so that the paint, stain, epoxy or sealant that you apply adheres properly and, therefore, lasts longer. Fortunately, Randall’s has the know-how and is ready to share.

GET IT RIGHT…

To make easy decorating changes with max impact, paint a room, a feature wall, or your front door. Randall’s exclusive C2 Cabinet and Trim paint works wonders in kitchens and bathrooms! Randall’s is continually striving to provide customers with premium paints which is why Farrow & Ball, a favourite of decorators, has just been added to their lineup of first class paints. Plus, Randall’s has in-store colour experts to help you find the perfect colour.

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

Tools

This fall, take advantage of the special pricing that’s available on HUNTER DOUGLAS window treatments at RANDALL’S!

A powder room, entryway, breakfast nook, dining room, bedroom feature wall are just a few of the places Randall’s customers have used wallpaper to add texture, warmth and impact. Today’s wallpapers are easy to install and remove. Randall’s has the LARGEST SELECTION in the area, including Farrow & Ball handcrafted wallpaper. Plus, Randall’s wallpapers are well organized for your shopping convenience.

Renovations, big or small, can significantly contribute to both the pleasure you derive from your living space and its value. There are two things that really stand out about the support you can expect from Randall’s. One, Randall’s selects only the highest performing products. And two, they have a team of well-trained, knowledgeable specialists who can help you sort out which of their products and services will work best for your projects.

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

• Footwear – You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are anti-microbial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day in the dirt.

GaRdeninG GeaR

AMP UP YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL...

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

Perhaps, you want sheers, side panels, drapes or darkness while you sleep? Randall’s has a wide variety of designer fabrics and are experts in custom drapery.

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

Even better, hire one of their decorators to give a colour consult right in your home… and while they’re there, they can consult on furniture placement and selection or on any other décor ideas that can add comfort to your home. To top it off, when you work with a Randall’s decorator, you are eligible for discounts on the purchases

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

• Wheelbarrow - Investing in a wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners. You’ll likely need to purchase some gardening soil to mix in with your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen.

Exterior wood surfaces like siding, porches, decks, railings, fences, furniture and other exterior surfaces including metal, cement and stone materials will last longer and show off their beauty if they are well maintained with quality products like Randall’s exclusive C2 Guard. What’s most important is to prepare your exterior surfaces in the right way

You can do the work yourself or Randall’s can help connect you to the right professionals. Whether you are a new or repeat customer, you’ll appreciate the value and convenience of this ONE-STOP-SHOP at 555 Bank St. (Exit 417 at Catherine St.; FREE parking behind store, off Isabella St) and their online Shopify store at randalls.ca with next business day paint delivery.

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

• Footwear – You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are antimicrobial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day in the dirt.

You don’t have to have a green thumb to have a green back yard. All you need are some seeds, the right tools and plenty of and patience. FILE PHOTO

(The preceding article is provided as paid content to the Orléans Star by the folks at Randall’s.)

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen.

M Greer Glass can take care of everything from mirrors to shower stalls

A beginners guide for the unitiated backyard gardener

STAR STAFF – Thinking of renovating your bathroom and want to put in a new glass shower stall? Then you should call Marty Greer at M Greer Glass Solutions, who has over 40 years experience in the industry.

he was able to accept jobs while following the proper COVID protocols like wearing a face mask at all times and social distancing.

A guide for beginner gArdeners

Marty will work with you on the design and then work with your contractor on the installation to make sure your vision becomes a reality.

RESEARCH

But MGreer Glass Solutions does a lot more than just shower stalls. They can replace virtually any type of glass in your home from windows to glass table tops and everything in between. When possible, the products are locally sourced and manufactured.

Marty also secured a major contract with three of the four area school boards to replace broken windows and glass doors which has kept him very busy.

But his most fulfilling job is working with residential clients to meet their needs.

ReseaRch

TOOLS

Marty worked for a number of companies before finally starting his own mobile business in 2010. In his words, “to provide an honest service at a fair price”.

GARDENING GEAR

Marty can replace fogged up and broken thermal glass in your existing windows and doors as well as mirrors in bathrooms and gym mirror walls. He can also design and install glass railings, floor to ceiling wine chillers and replacement glass for wood stoves and fireplace doors.

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

He can also cut mirrors to whatever size and shape you want and he can repair and replace window screens and screen doors.

Tools

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

It wasn’t until 2021 that he decided to incorporate and MGreer Glass Solutions was born. It was also in the middle of the pandemic which presented its own set of unique challenges.

To find out more about the various products and services MGreer Glass Solutions can provide, you should visit their website at www.mggs.ca.

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

GaRdeninG GeaR

At M Greer Glass Solutions in Orléans, they can do everything

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

Fortunately, glass installers were deemed an essential service during the pandemic, so

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

And, if you already have an idea about what you want, you should contact Marty for a free consultation by either calling 613-715-3856 or email Marty@mggs.ca.

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen.

You don’t have to have a green thumb to have a green back yard. All you need are some seeds, the right tools and plenty of and

– You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself

Upgrading your kitchen can be as easy as refacing your cabinets

By Jody Maffett The Orléans Star

Is your kitchen looking old and tired and in need of a facelift? Why not consider changing your cabinet doors and drawer facings and replacing your countertops?

Futuric Kitchens, located at 830 Industrial Avenue, Unit 4, has been specializing in cabinet refacing since 1976.

Cabinet refacing is by far the most affordable way to upgrade your kitchen and you can save thousands of dollars in potential renovation costs in the process.

At Futuric, they have hundreds of different colours and finishes of cabinet doors and drawerfronts to choose from including acrylic, 3D laminates and melamine..

Cabinet refacing can bring a whole new look to your kitchen in very short order. When you reface your cabinets, you keep the existing structure while upgrading and replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. The front edges, ends and kick-plate are all covered in the same material to match your new doors.

With cabinet refacing, it is easy to coordinate a new floor or wall paint with the result being a beautiful new room for a much lower cost than a full remodel.

The first step is to visit the Futuric design center on Industrial Avenue and talk to one of their design specialists who can walk you through the pros and cons of different finishes and hardware, such as drawer slides, hinges and handles.

The next step – which can often be the most difficult – is choosing a colour. Once you select the finish and colour, the rest is up to the Futuric team of installers.

Refacing your cabinets and drawers can often be done in three or four days. In rare circumstances, if you are also installing a new countertop and new construction, they may need an extra day or two.

If you do decide to reface your cabinets, you can opt for a variety of add-ons such as a center island, new drawer boxes, crown molding or a light valance at the same time. Microwave shelves, wine racks and corner shelves can also be installed and made to match your new cabinet doors.

Should you want to take the next step from resurfacing to remodeling, Futuric has the expertise and know-how – from design to installation – to help make your dream a reality. Futuric was recently named a Platinum Winner in the Home, Builders and Contractors category in the 2023 Ottawa Community Votes competition.

To find out more about how Futuric can provide you with a kitchen cabinet makeover, visit www.futurickitchens.com or drop by their showroom at 830 Industrial Avenue. Owner Michael Teggart is often there, especially on Saturdays, where he is more than happy to provide you with his expert advice.

When it comes to custom fireplaces, Romantic is the place to go

A beginners guide for the unitiated backyard gardener

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

A guide for beginner gArdeners

RESEARCH

With more than 60 years of combined experience in selling and installing fireplaces of every type and model, the father and son team of Mike and Jason Pilon have a well-established reputation for meeting and often exceeding their clients’ expectations. It’s one of the reasons why they have a 4.9 star rating on Google with 200 reviews. It’s also the reason why so many of their new clients are referred to them by existing customers.

Their after-sale service is also second to none. In fact, Mike and Jason make it a point to check in with their customers from time to time to make sure everything is working to their standards and the customer’s satisfaction.

The first step to buying a new fireplace at Romantic is to visit their showroom located in the Canotek Business Park. You can drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday. (The showroom is closed on weekends.)

ReseaRch

“It’s probably the most rewarding part of the job,” says Mike Pilon, who sold fireplaces in Cornwall for 31 years before moving to Orléans in 2009. “When someone says, ‘Oh, so-and-so told me I should come here,’ you know you’re doing things right, especially when you think a fireplace should last a lifetime. We don’t get a lot of repeat customers, unless they move to another house and want another fireplace.”

TOOLS

GARDENING GEAR

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

Since the owners are the salespeople, you will be greeted by either Mike or Jason, who will be happy to explain the pros and cons of the different types of fireplaces in meeting your needs and your budget. In most cases, they will give you three options – good, better and best. The decision is then up to you.

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.

Mike can also help you design an enclosure for your new fireplace to fit into your existing decor or your new home.

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

Tools

The biggest advantage to buying your next fireplace at Romantic, besides their selection of quality natural gas, propane, pellet, wood fireplaces, and wood stoves is the fact that they do their own installation, including mantles and hearths. There are no sub-contractors involved.

After the initial consultation, either Mike or Jason will visit your home to see where the fireplace is being installed and to further ensure that you are making the right purchase and to give you an accurate final quote. Once the fireplace is installed, you can enjoy it for as long as you remain in your home.

GaRdeninG GeaR

To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:

The Romantic Fireplace showroom is located at 5380

You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.

• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen.

– You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are antimicrobial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day

– You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself

Cumberland Panther gridiron teams remain undefeated

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

It’s been a great start to the minor football season for the Cumberland Panther football ball club. Three of it’s teams are undefeated and a fourth team only has one loss.

The U12 squad is now a perfect 3-0 after reeling off three straight wins over the Orleans Bengals, the Bel-Air Lions and the Cornwall Wildcats.

In their 54-0 win over the Bengals in their opening game of the season, the U12 Panthers were led by Carter Cain on offence and Nolan Boonstra on defence

who had two solo tackles, six assisted tackles and three tackles for a loss, including a sack to pick up player of the game honours.

In the team’s second game against the Bel-Air Lions, it was Mavrik Poirier’s time to shine on defence with five solo tackles, five assisted tackles and one fumble recovery in helping lead the team to a 58-0 victory.

Not to be outdone by his teammates on defence, running back Carter Cain picked up the first player of the week honours for the offence with a 177-yard, three touch-

down performance against the Wildcats in Week 3.

The Panthers’ U14 and U16 teams have had a similar start to the season.

The U14 squad beat the Bengals in 28-0 in their season opener, largely thanks to Antoine Drouin’s five solo tackles and an interception on defence.

In Week 2, they beat the Lions 61-36 behind Johann Atonfo’s stellar performance on offence. The running back had 15 carries for 290 yards, a couple of catches for 70 more yards and four touchdowns to earn his first layer of the week honours.

In the U14 team’s third game of the season, Zach Ninbar carried the ball seven times for 137 yards and scored three touchdowns in his first ever game on the field. The result was a 40-0 win over the Wildcats.

Like their younger clubmates, the U16 Panthers have also had a perfect 3-0 start to their season beginning with a 92-0 win over the Orleans Raftsmen in which Tristan Plante had five solo tackles and two assisted tackles. Of those seven tackles, five were for a loss including two sacks of the opposition’s quarterback.

In week two of the season, the U16 Panthers beat the Bel-Air Lions 860. In this game it was Israel Mufuta’s time to shine on defence as the teenager made 11 tackles and three interceptions, including a pair of pick sixs for touchdowns.

In week three, the Panthers had their toughest game of the young season against the Cornwall Wildcats but still emerged victorious with a 54-14 win.

This time it was Stephen Blais’ time to shine with a trifecta of touchdowns on the ground, through the air and on special teams.

Last, but by no means least, the U10 tyke team is also off to a great start to their season with a 2-1 record. Their only defeat was a hard fought 40-30 defeat to the Wildcats in week three.

The Panthers are hoping to repeat the success they had last season when all three of the four teams made it to the A-Cup championship weekend.

Israel Mufuta

Stephen Blais

Carter Cain

COMMUNITY BILLBOARD

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

TAPROOM 260 presents Terrence O’Brien live from 8 to 11 p.m. at 260 Centrum Blvd. For more information visit taproom260.com/events/.

SEPT. 13 - SEPT. 15

ORLÉANS RIBFEST AND POUTINE in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Trim Road. Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 13 from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

CUMBERLAND FARMERS’

MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena, 1115 Dunning Rd. in Cumberland Village featuring fresh vegetables, specialty foods and homemade treats.

TAPROOM 260 presents Cara Q live from 8-11 p.m. at 260 Centrum Blvd. For more information visit taproom260.com/events/.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

ORLEANS TERRY FOX RUN in the parking lot at Sir Wilfrid Secondary School on Tenth Line Road. Registration will open on site at 7:30 a.m. Open start is anytime between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Bicycles, rollerblades and strollers are all welcome. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Preregistration and donations can be made at terryfox.org/terry-fox-run/.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

ORLÉANS FARMER’S

MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex on Tenth Line Road featuring local food vendors and producers.

TAPROOM 260 presents Ryan MacIntyre live from 8-11 p.m. at 260 Centrum Blvd. For more information visit taproom260. com/events/.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

TAPROOM 260 presents The Back Beat live from 8-11 p.m. at 260 Centrum Blvd. For more information visit taproom260. com/events/.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

THE STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY presents The Wooden Nickels live and in concert at 8 p.m. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. For more information visit facebook.com/ StrayDogBrewingCompany.

Royal Lalonde, 86 Passed away on September 4, 2024

Ena Karolyn Hayes, 80 Passed away on September 3, 2024

Mario Faucher, 84 Passed away on September 1, 2024