Posts Tagged ‘SFDCI’
Cenotaph chosen for planting of Vimy oak
By Chris Must
chris@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls’ own “Vimy Oak” will be planted beside the town cenotaph, town councillors have agreed.
Making a presentation to council Monday, Nov. 21, Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) students Jordan Drummond and Ben Seward provided an update on the progress of the project and asked for help in finalizing the preferred site to plant the oak.
After the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, a Canadian officer gathered some acorns from an oak tree destroyed in the fighting and sent them home to Canada. After the war ended the following November, Miller planted those acorns on his family farm in Scarborough as a way to commemorate the battle.
The acorns later grew into majestic oaks, of which just eight remain today. A volunteer group, the Vimy Oaks Legacy, is working with contacts in France to commemorate the centennial of Vimy Ridge by replanting the oak forest destroyed a century ago. Cuttings were taken from the Vimy Oaks in Scarborough last January. The grafted oaks are growing at Connon Nurseries in Ontario, and 100 will be shipped to France for planting next year, next to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Another 150 saplings will be planted in communities across Canada to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
A small group of SFDCI history students was enlisted to help plan both the planting of the Smiths Falls sapling, and the dedication ceremony and permanent marker. One of the group’s tasks was to recommend a location, and they started with six potential sites. Drummond told councillors the list had been shortened to just two potential sites, the park beside the town hall, and the cenotaph.
Because of the ongoing Town Square project to make improvements to the site next to the town hall, Art Manhire, manager of community services, said town staff were recommending the cenotaph as the “safest” location for a tree planting. He also said the soil at the cenotaph is favourable.
Smiths Falls band formed by high school friends releases new CD
By Chris Must
chris@pdgmedia.ca
It was a long time coming, but it was worth it! Deep Fried, a band formed 30 years ago by a group of Smiths Falls high school students has just released a brand new CD of 10 original songs.
The CD, released on Friday, Nov. 4, serves up a solid blast of good old rock ‘n roll. “It’s blue collar rock and roll,” said lead singer Jamie Lavier. “It’s different than anything that’s out there. It’s great driving music.”
Many of the songs on the CD take the listener back to the days of ’70s and ’80s rock, reflecting the band members’ original influences, which include Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
The members of Deep Fried are vocalist Lavier, lead guitarist Bill Pepper, rhythm guitarist and bassist Kevin Salter, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Campbell, who handles drums, bass and keyboards. Now in their 40s, they started playing together when they were students at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute. Pepper acted as producer and arranger in the production of the new CD, entitled “High Cholesterol.”
The musical project began in May of 2015. The other band members had recorded some instrumental tracks, and turned to Lavier for help in writing lyrics. The process of putting the CD together was complicated by the fact that although Lavier and Campbell still live in Smiths Falls, Salter and Pepper have moved to Richmond and New Market, where they have set up their own recording studios, Salty Sounds Studio, and Ghost Pepper Studio. Facilities at both studios were used in the production of the CD.
Modern recording technology means that a band can record songs without ever being in the same room together – something that Lavier joked was an advantage in this case, as members occasionally clashed over how the songs should sound. “We weren’t even in the same room, and we could have killed each other,” he said.
Thanks to modern recording software, said Lavier, “They’ve got the equipment where Bill’s guitar can sound like any guitar you want, going through any amp you want.”
Lavier ended up writing “99 per cent” of the songs on the CD. He recalled that when he started writing he and his wife had just separated, and some of the emotional turmoil he was going through is reflected in the music. “There’s a tear-jerker on [the CD],” he said. “Happy endings are for fairy tales.”
Lavier recalled that one song, Pablo the Carney, seemed to come out of nowhere. “I wrote it going up the steps to have a shower.”
Like many songwriters, Lavier gets ideas just from observing other people – and he’s not out of ideas yet. “We have tunes in the bank that could have gone on this one,” he said, adding that he would like to continue recording.
Of the current CD, Lavier said, “We were kind of happy and surprised with the way it turned out.”
The band decided that their work should be shared with more than just their friends. The songs are available on CD Baby, an online music store.
The band has a Facebook page (@deepfriedrocks) and a YouTube Channel. A video for the song Here We Come Running can already be viewed on YouTube.
“I’d like to ask everyone to like, share and subscribe to our YouTube channel,” said guitarist Pepper.
Photo credit: Deep Fried rocked the community centre recently during Smiths Falls Old Home Week. The band hopes to stage another appearance in their home town in the near future.
Smiths Falls council to meet at high school Oct. 17
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls Town Council will help to celebrate Local Government Week in Ontario by holding its Oct. 17 meeting at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute.
Smiths Falls weekend guide: September 23 – 25
Smiths Falls weekend guide: September 23 – 25
Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
The Valleymen’ in Concert
7:00pm
Doors open at 6:00pm Proceeds to Trinity’s General Fund.
Tickets $10. Tickets available at Gemmell’s Flowers – 613-283-7666
Trinity United Church
41 Market St. North, Smiths Falls
www.trinityunitedsf.ca
SMITHS FALLS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION SEMI ANNUAL FISH FRY
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Join us for our second semi-annual fish fry! Featuring crispy, hand-battered English-style Haddock with a side of golden French fries and creamy coleslaw… $12 for a two-piece meal; $9 for a one-piece meal; extra piece of fish $3; Extra coleslaw $0.50; Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks $1; Eat-in/Take out/Delivery. Tickets available from member or at the door!
The Smiths Falls Fire Station
77 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls
613-283-5869
Public Skating
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Come out for some summer skating. Only $2 per person
Smiths Falls Memorial Community Center
71 Cornelia St, Smiths Falls
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Presented by CIBC & SMITHS FALLS CIVITAN CLUB. Dinner, silent auction, dance. Proceeds to CIBC Run for the Cure.$10 per person; Family of 4 $25.
Smiths Falls Civitan Hall
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Fundraiser for Redhawks’ Girls Rugby Team
7:30am – 1:30pm
Come out to support you local high school’s Redhawks’ girls rugby team for their trip to California.
Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute Parking Lot
299 Percy St, Smiths Falls
613-283-0288
8th Annual Harvest Run
9:00am – 11:00am
The annual harvest run is in support of the Local food bank. The registration for the event is 4 pieces of non perishable food. This run, is a grassroots fun run that offers the opportunity to run and compete, or simply for a fun social event. In it’s 8th year, the event is now a staple in the community and something that benefits the food bank greatly.
Sport X and the Smiths Falls Firefighters
11 Chambers Street,Smiths Falls
sfharvestrun@hotmail.com
Downtown Farmers’ Market
9:00am – 2:00pm
Come out to enjoy the Downtown Smiths Falls Farmers’ Market an get some local fresh produce! See you on Russell Street West!
Harvest Time at Heritage House
10:30am – 4:30pm
See the museum change with the seasons, with special harvest demonstrations. Call for details.
Heritage House Museum,
www.facebook.com/HeritageHouseMuseum
heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
Barn Dance & BBQ
5:00pm – 12:00am (midnight)
An amazing supper, live and silent auction items, and entertainment by Doubleback! It’s sure to be quite the party!! This is a fundraiser for the Lombardy Agricultural Society washroom upgrade. Free parking and free dry camping available. Dinner and Dance $25; Under 12 Years $10.Tickets available at: Toledo Store, The Roosteraunt, Echo Tours, Impression Printing, Town & Country Chrysler or by contacting Mary Joynt at 613-283-4730.
Lombardy Agricultural Society Barn
6 Kelly Rd, Lombardy
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
A Day of Discovery- “ Envisioning our Future”
10:30am – 2:30pm
UCW’s Women Sunday Worship Service, Guest Speaker: Nicole Anderson, Susan Shirley Program, Potluck Finger Food Luncheon, folled by a transition team workshop: “Envisioning our Future”. The Transition Team needs your participation and input! Together let’s look at our Living Mission, dream about Trinity’s future, and make it happen. (Let us know that you are attending by signing the sign up sheet in the church foyer or via Facebook message to Trinity United Church)
Church Service: 10:30am – 11:30am
Luncheon: 12:00pm (noon) – 1:00pm
Envisioning our Future: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
www.facebook.com/ TrinityUnitedChurchSmithsFalls/
Take on Tatting – A Tatting Workshop
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Learn the intricate skill of tatting with expert tatter, Tamara Taylor. This form of lace making is incredibly portable and creates a durable lace. This two part workshop session from 1pm to 3pm each afternoon and all materials are provided. The class size remains small to ensure each participant receives personalized instruction. Cost: $ 50/person for two sessions. Registration in advance is required. Please call the museum for more information or to make a booking.
Heritage House Museum
11 Old Slys Rd, Smiths Falls
613-283-6311
heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
The Accessory Sale
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Jewellery, shoes, scarves, belts, hats. All donations welcome (all new or gently-used items can be dropped off at Fringe Studio. Proceeds to Civitan support of community & charity projects.
The Smiths Falls Civitan Hall
12468 Hwy 15 North, Smiths Falls
613-285-5557
Students bring home a piece of World War I history
REGIONAL – HOWAIDA SOROUR-ROBERTS
A majestic piece of history is about to land in Smiths Falls with the help of students from Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI). A single oak tree, descended from oaks that once dotted Vimy Ridge in France will be planted somewhere in town to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge next year.
“I hope that it sparks conversation and interest in younger people ,” said Ben Seward, SFDCI grade 11 student.
The project has been in the works for more than two years, and Smiths Falls gets first dibs thanks to the work of Blake Seward, SFDCI history teacher.
“A year ago, I was contacted by the Vimy Oaks Legacy project to design an educational component for the program, in return Smiths Falls would be a test site,” said Blake Seward, founder of the Lest We Forget Project.
His educational component approved, it’s the students who are spearheading the project. It’s divided into three parts. Phase I, led by Ben Seward, will identify a suitable location for the sapling. Working closely with town staff, his concerns will be how visible the location is, its suitability in terms of soil, history, aesthetic and traffic.
The second phase will be led by Catherine Poag. It will involve the design of the monument or plaque that will be part of the display, its material and the wording of the memorial. And the last phase, led by Jordan Drummond, will involve designing a commemorative event tailored to the site and hopefully tied in with the Canada 150 celebrations.
“We’re all tied in together, each one of us is doing more of one phase than another but we are still working as a group, just with specialists in the group,” said Drummond, grade 11 SFDCI student.
The significance of these trees dates back to 1917 when Lieutenants Leslie H. Miller, a soldier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, sent oak acorns back to Canada that he had gathered from a half buried tree he spotted on the shelled remains of Vimy Ridge. He later planted those acorns on his farm, which is now home to the Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church.
Then in 2014, Monty MacDonald, who had worked on Miller’s farm and knew the story, brought attention to the oaks in a radio phone-in because when he had visited France he had been surprised there were no oak trees growing on Vimy Ridge. A project was born.
“The ice storm of 2013 stunted production of acorns in 2014 and we had to come up with a Plan B which got a great number of skilled horticulturalist and silviculturist, engaged. There are probably about 600 grafted Vimy Oaks saplings growing and most of the grafted 600 are going to France [for repatriation] April 2017 except for a very, very few key sites in Canada,” said Patricia Sinclair, Vimy Oaks project coordinator.
By then, the saplings will be about 2.5 meters tall, big enough to survive public planting. For the students, it’s an opportunity to plan, to collaborate and make decisions and wow the town. “We hope it will get the community involved and interested in the Vimy Oaks project and finding out more about it’s significance,” concludes Poag.
Smiths Falls Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19
Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Yoga in the park
9:00am – 9:45am
Yoga in the Park
June 16th – July 16th, 9:00 – 9:45am
Come out Sunday mornings for a FREE yoga class along the canal. Hosted by Yoga & Wellness. Weather permitting. Centennial Park
Healthy Living Festival
10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us in downtown Smiths Falls for a free day of fitness and health fun. Try ziplining, rock climbing, check out the Hockey Circus Show, browse local businesses, festival vendors and more! Rain or shine, Beckwith St
The Man Cave The Ultimate Show for Men
10:00am – 6:00pm
Beckwith Park, 1319 – 9th line Beckwith
Admission $5.00
Tall boys & Tall Tales
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Heritage House Museum
Join the museum in welcoming local author, Larry Cotton, and local brew masters from the 4 Degrees Brewery. The event will feature beer history and trivia, a tasting of the latest brews from 4 Degrees, and a fascinating presentation from Larry Cotton on the latest book in his Whiskey and Wickedness series. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Doors open at 12:30 pm. Must be 19 or older to attend.
Contact: Keely Maddock
Phone: 613-283-6311
Email: heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Happy Father’s Day
All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
Country Jamboree at the Royal Canadian Legion
1:00pm – 6:30pm
Open Stage Sun. Dinner served at 5pm. Cost for both is $14 and for entertainment only admission is $5. Entertainers eat free, all welcome
FRIDAY
Family Movie Night: Hook
7 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Free-will offering.
Things My Mother Taught Me
7:30 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
SATURDAY
Annual Paint Powder Run for Mental Health Awareness
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cataraqui Trail
3km & 5km runs – Participation in the run is free . Organized by the Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) group, SFDCI’s Difference Club.
Things My Mother Taught Me
7:30 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
SUNDAY
Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Daniel Street between Library and Town Hall
35th Anniversary Lawn Party
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Heritage House Museum (11 Old Sly’s Road)
Things My Mother Taught Me
2 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
Smiths Falls key in Vimy Oaks Project
By Howaida Sorour-Roberts – Smiths Falls
The Vimy Oaks Legacy project aims to find a suitable home for one of 150 Vimy oak saplings that will be coming to Smiths Falls.
“We want to try to engage the community in a project we’ve been working on for a couple of years,” said Blake Seward, teacher and youth engagement advocate.
The project builds on the actions of one Lieutenant Leslie Miller who survived the Battle of Vimy and collected acorns from the ridge to plant at his orchard in Southern Ontario.
Today, several of the original oaks he planted survive but there are no original oaks on the Vimy Ridge site.
There are now 300 saplings available, and between 100 and 150 will be planted next year in France, leaving 150 to be distributed in Canada.
As the teacher tasked with writing the project into the curriculum, Seward has secured one such tree for Smiths Falls.
“Smiths Falls is the test site for the project to get the students engaged in history, and it’s a three phase project,” said Seward.
The first phase will be to identify a suitable location for the commemorative tree, that meets the criteria of visibility, aesthetics, accessibility, safety and suitable soil, Ben Seward, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) student told council members.
The second phase will be to design a monument or plaque for the site of the tree.
The third phase will be to plan a suitable festival or event to commemorate the planting of the tree, Jordan Drummond, SFDCI student told council members.
All the council members supported the initiative and directed staff to identify suitable locations for the Vimy Oak.
Read more about this interesting project in the June issue of HomeTown News, in your community on June 9.
SFDCI students honoured by Ontario Heritage Trust for Juno Beach Project
Photo: Student winners in the youth category are pictured recently during the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards ceremony at Queen’s Park.
Students from Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) were recently honoured with a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for their work on the Juno Beach Project.
Students Matthew Falkner, Breanna Cristobal, and Ainsley Scott received the honour on behalf of the school in the youth achievement group category during a ceremony February 27 at Queen’s Park. They were recognized for a project that traced the journey of 359 Canadian soldiers who died on D-Day and the days shortly thereafter, and produced a cell phone app that easily displayed detailed information on their sacrifices so others could learn from the project.
Thomas Symons, chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, told those gathered at the ceremony they had all made an important contribution to preserving Ontario’s heritage.
“Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate exceptional contributions to conserving Ontario’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” said Symons.
“These remarkable individuals have demonstrated creativity, leadership and excellence. Their commitment to preserving Ontario’s tangible and intangible heritage deserves our highest praise.”
SFDCI teacher Mason Black, who led the app portion of the project, said the ceremony brought home for his students the magnitude of what they had accomplished and the relevance of their learning.
“I think once they got into the legislative building and they were on a tour they kind of had their eyes opened to see how significant the award was,” said Black.
“And the impact the app had – trying to honour Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice – also gave them a positive feeling that they had done something good outside the classroom as opposed to a teacher just telling them what they needed to know (in a traditional class setting).”
The Juno Beach Project was a major research effort involving Grade 10 history and Grades 11 and 12 computer science students that chronicled the experience of Canadian servicemen who died on D-Day and the days shortly after the landings. Students also created a Microsoft cell phone application to access the database.
The app, created for Windows 8 cell phones, features high-grade graphics. It opens up on a poppy graphic through which a visitor can touch the screen and access maps of the battlefields and details on the hour-by-hour progression of Canadian regiments into Normandy. The app also offers details on the German positions, and a listing of regiments that fought on D-Day.
As part of the project, four SFDCI students were also sent to France this past June to chronicle the 70th anniversary of D-Day celebrations through photos, video and a blog.
Two other Ontario high schools also assisted with the Juno Beach Project and were also honoured for the project during the ceremony.
The award received by SFDCI was one of 16 presented at the ceremony.
Source: UCDSB
Healthy Living Festival committee modifies ambassador criteria, seeks vendors
Plans are well underway for the 2015 Healthy Living Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2015, in downtown Smiths Falls. This year’s event will feature an expanded line up of exciting games and activities, including several new water-based activities, along with many of the favourites from past years like the rock climbing wall and obstacle course.
The 2015 Cardio Move-a-Thon will once again raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, but this year’s event will feature an 80’s theme, with prizes for best 80’s outfit, and an exciting selection of retro 80’s music. Other new components for the festival will include a basketball tournament organized by SFDCI basketball coach, Todd Spencer.
Each year as part of the festival, an award for Healthy Living Ambassador is handed out on the day of the event. The Healthy Living Ambassador is selected following nominations of individuals from the community who best promote a healthy lifestyle within their community. The 2013 recipient was Corey Turnbull, while Melissa Hillier was selected in 2014. Both are excellent examples of individuals who promote a healthy lifestyle in their community.
For 2015, the committee has modified the criteria to broaden the eligibility and make it easier for members of the community to vote for people they think would be an ideal selection. The ideal candidate will be the individual who best promotes healthy living within the community, but this has been expanded to identify those promoting active living, healthy eating, healthy sexuality, mental health awareness and education, safety and injury prevention, substance abuse education and prevention etc.
The Healthy Living Festival committee considers the achievements of nominees who have served as a positive role model or who have made outstanding contributions to the community in the area of healthy living. Some examples of these contributions could include showing dedication to working with others, being a good peer influence, involvement in community projects that promote healthy living, and demonstrating a commitment and leadership in supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles at the community level.
If the nominee is a business owner or a professional working in a healthy living related industry, the nomination could include examples of how the business has had a positive impact on the community, descriptions of the specific activities in which the business or professional engages that have had a positive impact on the community.
Community members are encouraged to nominate their choice for Healthy Living Ambassador by visiting www.healthysmithsfalls.ca and clicking on the link to the form on the home page, or by submitting nominations via email at dba@smithsfalls.ca or in person at 77 Beckwith St. N. If delivering a nomination in person, please mark clearly on your envelope “Healthy Living Ambassador 2015.” The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. on May 1, 2015.
The committee is also seeking vendors for the 2015 event, and the vendor’s package is available on the website at www.healthysmithsfalls.ca. Last year’s event drew more than 3,000 visitors to downtown Smiths Falls, and featured approximately 70 vendors. For more information about registering as a vendor, please call Downtown Business Association Coordinator, Nicola Thomson, at 613-283-4124 ext. 1114 or email her at dba@smithsfalls.ca.
Posts Tagged ‘SFDCI’
Cenotaph chosen for planting of Vimy oak
By Chris Must
chris@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls’ own “Vimy Oak” will be planted beside the town cenotaph, town councillors have agreed.
Making a presentation to council Monday, Nov. 21, Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) students Jordan Drummond and Ben Seward provided an update on the progress of the project and asked for help in finalizing the preferred site to plant the oak.
After the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, a Canadian officer gathered some acorns from an oak tree destroyed in the fighting and sent them home to Canada. After the war ended the following November, Miller planted those acorns on his family farm in Scarborough as a way to commemorate the battle.
The acorns later grew into majestic oaks, of which just eight remain today. A volunteer group, the Vimy Oaks Legacy, is working with contacts in France to commemorate the centennial of Vimy Ridge by replanting the oak forest destroyed a century ago. Cuttings were taken from the Vimy Oaks in Scarborough last January. The grafted oaks are growing at Connon Nurseries in Ontario, and 100 will be shipped to France for planting next year, next to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Another 150 saplings will be planted in communities across Canada to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
A small group of SFDCI history students was enlisted to help plan both the planting of the Smiths Falls sapling, and the dedication ceremony and permanent marker. One of the group’s tasks was to recommend a location, and they started with six potential sites. Drummond told councillors the list had been shortened to just two potential sites, the park beside the town hall, and the cenotaph.
Because of the ongoing Town Square project to make improvements to the site next to the town hall, Art Manhire, manager of community services, said town staff were recommending the cenotaph as the “safest” location for a tree planting. He also said the soil at the cenotaph is favourable.
Smiths Falls band formed by high school friends releases new CD
By Chris Must
chris@pdgmedia.ca
It was a long time coming, but it was worth it! Deep Fried, a band formed 30 years ago by a group of Smiths Falls high school students has just released a brand new CD of 10 original songs.
The CD, released on Friday, Nov. 4, serves up a solid blast of good old rock ‘n roll. “It’s blue collar rock and roll,” said lead singer Jamie Lavier. “It’s different than anything that’s out there. It’s great driving music.”
Many of the songs on the CD take the listener back to the days of ’70s and ’80s rock, reflecting the band members’ original influences, which include Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
The members of Deep Fried are vocalist Lavier, lead guitarist Bill Pepper, rhythm guitarist and bassist Kevin Salter, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Campbell, who handles drums, bass and keyboards. Now in their 40s, they started playing together when they were students at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute. Pepper acted as producer and arranger in the production of the new CD, entitled “High Cholesterol.”
The musical project began in May of 2015. The other band members had recorded some instrumental tracks, and turned to Lavier for help in writing lyrics. The process of putting the CD together was complicated by the fact that although Lavier and Campbell still live in Smiths Falls, Salter and Pepper have moved to Richmond and New Market, where they have set up their own recording studios, Salty Sounds Studio, and Ghost Pepper Studio. Facilities at both studios were used in the production of the CD.
Modern recording technology means that a band can record songs without ever being in the same room together – something that Lavier joked was an advantage in this case, as members occasionally clashed over how the songs should sound. “We weren’t even in the same room, and we could have killed each other,” he said.
Thanks to modern recording software, said Lavier, “They’ve got the equipment where Bill’s guitar can sound like any guitar you want, going through any amp you want.”
Lavier ended up writing “99 per cent” of the songs on the CD. He recalled that when he started writing he and his wife had just separated, and some of the emotional turmoil he was going through is reflected in the music. “There’s a tear-jerker on [the CD],” he said. “Happy endings are for fairy tales.”
Lavier recalled that one song, Pablo the Carney, seemed to come out of nowhere. “I wrote it going up the steps to have a shower.”
Like many songwriters, Lavier gets ideas just from observing other people – and he’s not out of ideas yet. “We have tunes in the bank that could have gone on this one,” he said, adding that he would like to continue recording.
Of the current CD, Lavier said, “We were kind of happy and surprised with the way it turned out.”
The band decided that their work should be shared with more than just their friends. The songs are available on CD Baby, an online music store.
The band has a Facebook page (@deepfriedrocks) and a YouTube Channel. A video for the song Here We Come Running can already be viewed on YouTube.
“I’d like to ask everyone to like, share and subscribe to our YouTube channel,” said guitarist Pepper.
Photo credit: Deep Fried rocked the community centre recently during Smiths Falls Old Home Week. The band hopes to stage another appearance in their home town in the near future.
Smiths Falls council to meet at high school Oct. 17
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls Town Council will help to celebrate Local Government Week in Ontario by holding its Oct. 17 meeting at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute.
Smiths Falls weekend guide: September 23 – 25
Smiths Falls weekend guide: September 23 – 25
Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
The Valleymen’ in Concert
7:00pm
Doors open at 6:00pm Proceeds to Trinity’s General Fund.
Tickets $10. Tickets available at Gemmell’s Flowers – 613-283-7666
Trinity United Church
41 Market St. North, Smiths Falls
www.trinityunitedsf.ca
SMITHS FALLS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION SEMI ANNUAL FISH FRY
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Join us for our second semi-annual fish fry! Featuring crispy, hand-battered English-style Haddock with a side of golden French fries and creamy coleslaw… $12 for a two-piece meal; $9 for a one-piece meal; extra piece of fish $3; Extra coleslaw $0.50; Coffee, Tea, Cold Drinks $1; Eat-in/Take out/Delivery. Tickets available from member or at the door!
The Smiths Falls Fire Station
77 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls
613-283-5869
Public Skating
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Come out for some summer skating. Only $2 per person
Smiths Falls Memorial Community Center
71 Cornelia St, Smiths Falls
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Presented by CIBC & SMITHS FALLS CIVITAN CLUB. Dinner, silent auction, dance. Proceeds to CIBC Run for the Cure.$10 per person; Family of 4 $25.
Smiths Falls Civitan Hall
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Fundraiser for Redhawks’ Girls Rugby Team
7:30am – 1:30pm
Come out to support you local high school’s Redhawks’ girls rugby team for their trip to California.
Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute Parking Lot
299 Percy St, Smiths Falls
613-283-0288
8th Annual Harvest Run
9:00am – 11:00am
The annual harvest run is in support of the Local food bank. The registration for the event is 4 pieces of non perishable food. This run, is a grassroots fun run that offers the opportunity to run and compete, or simply for a fun social event. In it’s 8th year, the event is now a staple in the community and something that benefits the food bank greatly.
Sport X and the Smiths Falls Firefighters
11 Chambers Street,Smiths Falls
sfharvestrun@hotmail.com
Downtown Farmers’ Market
9:00am – 2:00pm
Come out to enjoy the Downtown Smiths Falls Farmers’ Market an get some local fresh produce! See you on Russell Street West!
Harvest Time at Heritage House
10:30am – 4:30pm
See the museum change with the seasons, with special harvest demonstrations. Call for details.
Heritage House Museum,
www.facebook.com/HeritageHouseMuseum
heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
Barn Dance & BBQ
5:00pm – 12:00am (midnight)
An amazing supper, live and silent auction items, and entertainment by Doubleback! It’s sure to be quite the party!! This is a fundraiser for the Lombardy Agricultural Society washroom upgrade. Free parking and free dry camping available. Dinner and Dance $25; Under 12 Years $10.Tickets available at: Toledo Store, The Roosteraunt, Echo Tours, Impression Printing, Town & Country Chrysler or by contacting Mary Joynt at 613-283-4730.
Lombardy Agricultural Society Barn
6 Kelly Rd, Lombardy
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
A Day of Discovery- “ Envisioning our Future”
10:30am – 2:30pm
UCW’s Women Sunday Worship Service, Guest Speaker: Nicole Anderson, Susan Shirley Program, Potluck Finger Food Luncheon, folled by a transition team workshop: “Envisioning our Future”. The Transition Team needs your participation and input! Together let’s look at our Living Mission, dream about Trinity’s future, and make it happen. (Let us know that you are attending by signing the sign up sheet in the church foyer or via Facebook message to Trinity United Church)
Church Service: 10:30am – 11:30am
Luncheon: 12:00pm (noon) – 1:00pm
Envisioning our Future: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
www.facebook.com/ TrinityUnitedChurchSmithsFalls/
Take on Tatting – A Tatting Workshop
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Learn the intricate skill of tatting with expert tatter, Tamara Taylor. This form of lace making is incredibly portable and creates a durable lace. This two part workshop session from 1pm to 3pm each afternoon and all materials are provided. The class size remains small to ensure each participant receives personalized instruction. Cost: $ 50/person for two sessions. Registration in advance is required. Please call the museum for more information or to make a booking.
Heritage House Museum
11 Old Slys Rd, Smiths Falls
613-283-6311
heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
The Accessory Sale
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Jewellery, shoes, scarves, belts, hats. All donations welcome (all new or gently-used items can be dropped off at Fringe Studio. Proceeds to Civitan support of community & charity projects.
The Smiths Falls Civitan Hall
12468 Hwy 15 North, Smiths Falls
613-285-5557
Students bring home a piece of World War I history
REGIONAL – HOWAIDA SOROUR-ROBERTS
A majestic piece of history is about to land in Smiths Falls with the help of students from Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI). A single oak tree, descended from oaks that once dotted Vimy Ridge in France will be planted somewhere in town to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge next year.
“I hope that it sparks conversation and interest in younger people ,” said Ben Seward, SFDCI grade 11 student.
The project has been in the works for more than two years, and Smiths Falls gets first dibs thanks to the work of Blake Seward, SFDCI history teacher.
“A year ago, I was contacted by the Vimy Oaks Legacy project to design an educational component for the program, in return Smiths Falls would be a test site,” said Blake Seward, founder of the Lest We Forget Project.
His educational component approved, it’s the students who are spearheading the project. It’s divided into three parts. Phase I, led by Ben Seward, will identify a suitable location for the sapling. Working closely with town staff, his concerns will be how visible the location is, its suitability in terms of soil, history, aesthetic and traffic.
The second phase will be led by Catherine Poag. It will involve the design of the monument or plaque that will be part of the display, its material and the wording of the memorial. And the last phase, led by Jordan Drummond, will involve designing a commemorative event tailored to the site and hopefully tied in with the Canada 150 celebrations.
“We’re all tied in together, each one of us is doing more of one phase than another but we are still working as a group, just with specialists in the group,” said Drummond, grade 11 SFDCI student.
The significance of these trees dates back to 1917 when Lieutenants Leslie H. Miller, a soldier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, sent oak acorns back to Canada that he had gathered from a half buried tree he spotted on the shelled remains of Vimy Ridge. He later planted those acorns on his farm, which is now home to the Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church.
Then in 2014, Monty MacDonald, who had worked on Miller’s farm and knew the story, brought attention to the oaks in a radio phone-in because when he had visited France he had been surprised there were no oak trees growing on Vimy Ridge. A project was born.
“The ice storm of 2013 stunted production of acorns in 2014 and we had to come up with a Plan B which got a great number of skilled horticulturalist and silviculturist, engaged. There are probably about 600 grafted Vimy Oaks saplings growing and most of the grafted 600 are going to France [for repatriation] April 2017 except for a very, very few key sites in Canada,” said Patricia Sinclair, Vimy Oaks project coordinator.
By then, the saplings will be about 2.5 meters tall, big enough to survive public planting. For the students, it’s an opportunity to plan, to collaborate and make decisions and wow the town. “We hope it will get the community involved and interested in the Vimy Oaks project and finding out more about it’s significance,” concludes Poag.
Smiths Falls Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19
Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Yoga in the park
9:00am – 9:45am
Yoga in the Park
June 16th – July 16th, 9:00 – 9:45am
Come out Sunday mornings for a FREE yoga class along the canal. Hosted by Yoga & Wellness. Weather permitting. Centennial Park
Healthy Living Festival
10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us in downtown Smiths Falls for a free day of fitness and health fun. Try ziplining, rock climbing, check out the Hockey Circus Show, browse local businesses, festival vendors and more! Rain or shine, Beckwith St
The Man Cave The Ultimate Show for Men
10:00am – 6:00pm
Beckwith Park, 1319 – 9th line Beckwith
Admission $5.00
Tall boys & Tall Tales
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Heritage House Museum
Join the museum in welcoming local author, Larry Cotton, and local brew masters from the 4 Degrees Brewery. The event will feature beer history and trivia, a tasting of the latest brews from 4 Degrees, and a fascinating presentation from Larry Cotton on the latest book in his Whiskey and Wickedness series. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Doors open at 12:30 pm. Must be 19 or older to attend.
Contact: Keely Maddock
Phone: 613-283-6311
Email: heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Happy Father’s Day
All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.
Things my mother taught me.
7:30pm – 9:45pm
Location: Station Theatre
Station Theatre “Things My Mother Taught Me” by Katharine DiSavino, directed by Sheila Jasiak.
Rollicking, tender comedy, Tickets $20 adults; $10 students at www.smithsfallstheatre.com and Special Greetings, cash only.
Contact: Lynda Daniluk
Phone: 613.283.0300
Website: http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com
Country Jamboree at the Royal Canadian Legion
1:00pm – 6:30pm
Open Stage Sun. Dinner served at 5pm. Cost for both is $14 and for entertainment only admission is $5. Entertainers eat free, all welcome
FRIDAY
Family Movie Night: Hook
7 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Free-will offering.
Things My Mother Taught Me
7:30 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
SATURDAY
Annual Paint Powder Run for Mental Health Awareness
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cataraqui Trail
3km & 5km runs – Participation in the run is free . Organized by the Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) group, SFDCI’s Difference Club.
Things My Mother Taught Me
7:30 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
SUNDAY
Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Daniel Street between Library and Town Hall
35th Anniversary Lawn Party
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Heritage House Museum (11 Old Sly’s Road)
Things My Mother Taught Me
2 p.m.
Smiths Falls Station Theatre (53 Victoria Avenue)
$20 for adults, $10 for students.
Smiths Falls key in Vimy Oaks Project
By Howaida Sorour-Roberts – Smiths Falls
The Vimy Oaks Legacy project aims to find a suitable home for one of 150 Vimy oak saplings that will be coming to Smiths Falls.
“We want to try to engage the community in a project we’ve been working on for a couple of years,” said Blake Seward, teacher and youth engagement advocate.
The project builds on the actions of one Lieutenant Leslie Miller who survived the Battle of Vimy and collected acorns from the ridge to plant at his orchard in Southern Ontario.
Today, several of the original oaks he planted survive but there are no original oaks on the Vimy Ridge site.
There are now 300 saplings available, and between 100 and 150 will be planted next year in France, leaving 150 to be distributed in Canada.
As the teacher tasked with writing the project into the curriculum, Seward has secured one such tree for Smiths Falls.
“Smiths Falls is the test site for the project to get the students engaged in history, and it’s a three phase project,” said Seward.
The first phase will be to identify a suitable location for the commemorative tree, that meets the criteria of visibility, aesthetics, accessibility, safety and suitable soil, Ben Seward, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) student told council members.
The second phase will be to design a monument or plaque for the site of the tree.
The third phase will be to plan a suitable festival or event to commemorate the planting of the tree, Jordan Drummond, SFDCI student told council members.
All the council members supported the initiative and directed staff to identify suitable locations for the Vimy Oak.
Read more about this interesting project in the June issue of HomeTown News, in your community on June 9.
SFDCI students honoured by Ontario Heritage Trust for Juno Beach Project
Photo: Student winners in the youth category are pictured recently during the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards ceremony at Queen’s Park.
Students from Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) were recently honoured with a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for their work on the Juno Beach Project.
Students Matthew Falkner, Breanna Cristobal, and Ainsley Scott received the honour on behalf of the school in the youth achievement group category during a ceremony February 27 at Queen’s Park. They were recognized for a project that traced the journey of 359 Canadian soldiers who died on D-Day and the days shortly thereafter, and produced a cell phone app that easily displayed detailed information on their sacrifices so others could learn from the project.
Thomas Symons, chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, told those gathered at the ceremony they had all made an important contribution to preserving Ontario’s heritage.
“Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate exceptional contributions to conserving Ontario’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” said Symons.
“These remarkable individuals have demonstrated creativity, leadership and excellence. Their commitment to preserving Ontario’s tangible and intangible heritage deserves our highest praise.”
SFDCI teacher Mason Black, who led the app portion of the project, said the ceremony brought home for his students the magnitude of what they had accomplished and the relevance of their learning.
“I think once they got into the legislative building and they were on a tour they kind of had their eyes opened to see how significant the award was,” said Black.
“And the impact the app had – trying to honour Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice – also gave them a positive feeling that they had done something good outside the classroom as opposed to a teacher just telling them what they needed to know (in a traditional class setting).”
The Juno Beach Project was a major research effort involving Grade 10 history and Grades 11 and 12 computer science students that chronicled the experience of Canadian servicemen who died on D-Day and the days shortly after the landings. Students also created a Microsoft cell phone application to access the database.
The app, created for Windows 8 cell phones, features high-grade graphics. It opens up on a poppy graphic through which a visitor can touch the screen and access maps of the battlefields and details on the hour-by-hour progression of Canadian regiments into Normandy. The app also offers details on the German positions, and a listing of regiments that fought on D-Day.
As part of the project, four SFDCI students were also sent to France this past June to chronicle the 70th anniversary of D-Day celebrations through photos, video and a blog.
Two other Ontario high schools also assisted with the Juno Beach Project and were also honoured for the project during the ceremony.
The award received by SFDCI was one of 16 presented at the ceremony.
Source: UCDSB
Healthy Living Festival committee modifies ambassador criteria, seeks vendors
Plans are well underway for the 2015 Healthy Living Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2015, in downtown Smiths Falls. This year’s event will feature an expanded line up of exciting games and activities, including several new water-based activities, along with many of the favourites from past years like the rock climbing wall and obstacle course.
The 2015 Cardio Move-a-Thon will once again raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, but this year’s event will feature an 80’s theme, with prizes for best 80’s outfit, and an exciting selection of retro 80’s music. Other new components for the festival will include a basketball tournament organized by SFDCI basketball coach, Todd Spencer.
Each year as part of the festival, an award for Healthy Living Ambassador is handed out on the day of the event. The Healthy Living Ambassador is selected following nominations of individuals from the community who best promote a healthy lifestyle within their community. The 2013 recipient was Corey Turnbull, while Melissa Hillier was selected in 2014. Both are excellent examples of individuals who promote a healthy lifestyle in their community.
For 2015, the committee has modified the criteria to broaden the eligibility and make it easier for members of the community to vote for people they think would be an ideal selection. The ideal candidate will be the individual who best promotes healthy living within the community, but this has been expanded to identify those promoting active living, healthy eating, healthy sexuality, mental health awareness and education, safety and injury prevention, substance abuse education and prevention etc.
The Healthy Living Festival committee considers the achievements of nominees who have served as a positive role model or who have made outstanding contributions to the community in the area of healthy living. Some examples of these contributions could include showing dedication to working with others, being a good peer influence, involvement in community projects that promote healthy living, and demonstrating a commitment and leadership in supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles at the community level.
If the nominee is a business owner or a professional working in a healthy living related industry, the nomination could include examples of how the business has had a positive impact on the community, descriptions of the specific activities in which the business or professional engages that have had a positive impact on the community.
Community members are encouraged to nominate their choice for Healthy Living Ambassador by visiting www.healthysmithsfalls.ca and clicking on the link to the form on the home page, or by submitting nominations via email at dba@smithsfalls.ca or in person at 77 Beckwith St. N. If delivering a nomination in person, please mark clearly on your envelope “Healthy Living Ambassador 2015.” The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. on May 1, 2015.
The committee is also seeking vendors for the 2015 event, and the vendor’s package is available on the website at www.healthysmithsfalls.ca. Last year’s event drew more than 3,000 visitors to downtown Smiths Falls, and featured approximately 70 vendors. For more information about registering as a vendor, please call Downtown Business Association Coordinator, Nicola Thomson, at 613-283-4124 ext. 1114 or email her at dba@smithsfalls.ca.
