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THURSDAY

JANUARY 4, 2018 Councillor Eli El-Chantiry Ward 5, West Carleton-March 5670 Carp Rd., Kinburn 613-580-2424 ext 32246 eli.el-chantiry@ottawa.ca www.eliel-chantiry.ca

Life-changing gift from GM for Carp farmer BY TARA GESNER

tgesner@metroland.com

Three years after losing both arms in a horrific farming accident, a Carp dairy farmer has received a life-changing gift. Ken Paul, 71, was at Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. in Carleton Place on Dec. 21 to pick up his new truck – a specially equipped 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. His son, Barry Paul, accompanied him. “The truck has a special calibration to increase the power steering boost at low speeds,” Donnelly Baxter said. He is General Motors’ (GM) assistant brand manager – Chevrolet trucks. The work performed on Ken’s truck was a gift from GM. Every couple of years, for the last three decades, Ken has bought a new GM vehicle, Baxter explained, and “this was a great way to thank a lifetime, loyal customer.” “His family is all GM too,” dealer Keith Bean added. Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. reached out to GM this past March. “When we heard Ken’s story we thought he was very deserving,” Baxter stated. “It was a way for us to thank him for his continued support.” While attempting to connect a forage wagon power take-off shaft to his tractor on Dec. 18, 2014, a section of Ken’s clothing became caught, pulling his arms into the machinery.

Tara Gesner/Metroland

Ken Paul of Carp sits in his new truck at Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. in Carleton Place on Dec. 21. It is a specially equipped 2017 Chevrolet Colorado truck which has a special calibration, a gift from General Motors, to increase the power steering boost at low speeds. “I can tell you it happened when we were feeding our group of heifers,” he said. One of Ken’s arms was severed at the shoulder, with the other detached below the elbow. Ken and Barry run Appaulo Farms on William Mooney Road in West Carleton, raising primarily pure-bred Holsteins. It has been in the family for five generations. Chuck Novak, GM’s district manager – Chevrolet trucks, joined Baxter

for the truck pickup. Other VIPs in attendance included Carleton Place Deputy Mayor Jerry Flynn and dealership staff. Owing to the truck’s special calibration, “it makes it easier for her to corner, and it is much easier to park her,” Ken noted. Bean admitted, “I thought it would be really easy for the computer to be changed, but it was not.” “Engineers in Detroit, Milford and Korea worked on this,” he continued,

and it had to go through a whole bunch of GM validation testing.” “Thank you very much!” Ken exclaimed. “I really appreciate the effort these guys have put forth, giving me the ability to drive this truck ... providing me more freedom.” Baxter noted, “For now, this is more of a one-off situation ... a lot of effort and resources were involved.” Ken was also gifted with a Chevrolet jacket and hat, and for his truck a SiriusXM package and complimen-

tary OnStar navigation for five years. “We have a lot to give,” Baxter said with a smile. The farm accident in 2014 was not the first for Ken. He lost his foot decades ago. However, someone who never gives up, after receiving a prosthetic he resumed working. With regard to his new truck, Ken, a past president of the Carp Fair, told everyone on Thursday he could “not wait to drive her home.”

KANATA CENTRAL BIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Meet your business neighbours, and your Board members. Find out the highlights from 2017, and plans for 2018. Enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers!

FREE Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 • 6pm – 8pm Velvet Room, 625 Kanata Ave., Kanata Centrum next to Fat Tuesday’s


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