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It’s trivia time. Answer the following questions. Check your score to see how clever you really are….

Which Christmas movie is based on a children’s book that was first published 60 years ago?

Which story was published in 1960 on a $50 bet that an entire book could not be written using only 50 words?

What author combined his experience as a World War II veteran, cartoonist and writer to pen more than 40 children’s books?

Keep in mind that if your score is 0 you are in the company of thousands who have fabulous readiness to learn skills! A score of 1 means you are ‘in the know’. A score of 2 or 3 means that either you are a librarian or you’ve read “The Seuss, The Whole Seuss and Nothing but the Seuss” by Charles Cohen.

Let’s discover the answers to these little known and rarely asked questions.

Though still enjoyed by thousands of readers, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” children’s book has become a classic Christmas movie. I am reminded of the popularity of this story every December at my friends’ annual carolling party. It is our tradition to sing “You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch” around the bonfire before our voices give out and our stomachs give in to food and treats indoors.

The character of the Grinch first appeared in 1955 as an eleven-line poem called "The Hoobub and the Grinch”. Two years later that same self-serving Grinch re-appeared, this time in the lives of the Whos down in Whoville. “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” was published by Random House in 1957 – 60 years ago.

Leo Geisel is best known by his penname Dr. Seuss. His ability to write with very few words was put to the test in 1960 by Bennet Ceff who bet Seuss $50 that he could not write an engaging children’s story using only 50 words. Seuss won the bet with the publication of “Green Eggs and Ham”.

Seuss began his career as a cartoonist and writer. During World War II he entered the army and created documentary films for soldiers. These life experiences flavoured his work as a children’s author and illustrator. Many of his children’s stories contain a gentle moral message using expressive cartoon images and playful words. Seuss wrote and illustrated more than 40 books for children. He wrote many more stories as well that were illustrated by others.

Dr. Seuss engaged early readers with storylines that bounced with rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and humour – elements we now recognize as highly effective in helping children learn to read. His stories were also infused with his passion for creative thinking, empathy, and kindness to others and the environment.

More than hundred years after Leo Geisel was born, the movie industry, the book industry and readers of all ages still feel the impact of this one man. We find ourselves inspired to say along with Seuss…

“The more that you read,
The more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
The more places you’ll go.” (Excerpt from “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut”)


 Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in Early Literacy
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 13:07

RKY Camp Revitalization

RKY Camp of Eagle Lake near Parham has officially launched a $1 million capital campaign to support the RKY Revitalization Project.

To kick off the campaign,  a very special recognition plaque was presented to  the camp’s biggest benefactor, Brit Smith and Homestead Land Holdings. Brit Smith has provided the camp with a legacy of support and a recent $485,000 contribution to seed the overall Revitalization Project. The uniquely crafted wood and glass plaque was designed and created by the staff of RKY Camp and Fort Glass.

The primary goal of the RKY Revitalization Project is the construction of a new 5,000 sq. ft. welcome centre. Having outgrown the current building, this new barrier-free facility will contain a new dining hall with seating for 260, a new commercial kitchen, washrooms, a boot/multi-purpose room and administrative areas. Construction of the new welcome centre will commence in Fall 2019 giving the fundraising team the time they need to seek out support for the project.

Upon completion of the new welcome centre, the overall RKY Camp Revitalization Project will turn its attention to the renovation of the current dining hall and kitchen known as the Homestead – named after its construction leader, Brit Smith, in 1979. A renewed Homestead outdoor education centre will provide barrier-free washrooms and showers, staffing spaces and a much needed out tripping centre.

RKY Camp was named after its Kingston service club founders, Rotary, Kiwanis and YMCA, and was formally established in 1930 as a camp for kids. Today RKY Camp provides traditional overnight summer camp experience and outdoor education each year to over 3,000 children and youth from all over Eastern Ontario. RKY Camp is committed to providing electronic-free traditional camp experiences. Programs focus on leadership development, social skill building and good old fashion summer fun through ropes courses, environmental education, and a whole range of waterfront activity on beautiful Eagle Lake.

To learn more about the RKY Camp Revitalization Project, people are encouraged to visit the RKY Camp website at www.rkycamp.org/revitalization or on facebook where they can also make a donation to the project.

Contacts: David Crane - Board Chair 613-767-3626, D’Arcy Munn - Camp Director 613-539-0036

Daniel Shipp - Revitalization Project Manager 613-583-0853

Located on Eagle Lake in Parham, RKY Camp has officially launched a $1 million capital campaign to support the RKY Revitalization Project.

To kick off the campaign,  a very special recognition plaque was presented to the camp’s biggest benefactor, Brit Smith and Homestead Land Holdings. Brit Smith has provided the camp with a legacy of support and a recent $485,000 contribution to seed the overall Revitalization Project. The uniquely crafted wood and glass plaque was designed and created by the staff of RKY Camp and Fort Glass.

The primary goal of the RKY Revitalization Project is the construction of a new 5,000 sq. ft. welcome centre. Having outgrown the current building, this new barrier-free facility will contain a new dining hall with seating for 260, a new commercial kitchen, washrooms, a boot/multi-purpose room and administrative areas. Construction of the new welcome centre will commence in Fall 2019 giving the fundraising team the time they need to seek out support for the project.

Upon completion of the new welcome centre, the overall RKY Camp Revitalization Project will turn its attention to the renovation of the current dining hall and kitchen known as the Homestead – named after its construction leader, Brit Smith, in 1979. A renewed Homestead outdoor education centre will provide barrier-free washrooms and showers, staffing spaces and a much needed out tripping centre.

RKY Camp was named after its Kingston service club founders, Rotary, Kiwanis and YMCA, and was formally established in 1930 as a camp for kids. Today RKY Camp provides traditional overnight summer camp experience and outdoor education each year to over 3,000 children and youth from all over Eastern Ontario. RKY Camp is committed to providing electronic-free traditional camp experiences. Programs focus on leadership development, social skill building and good old fashion summer fun through ropes courses, environmental education, and a whole range of waterfront activity on beautiful Eagle Lake.

To learn more about the RKY Camp Revitalization Project, people are encouraged to visit the RKY Camp website at www.rkycamp.org/revitalization or on facebook where they can also make a donation to the project.

Contacts: David Crane - Board Chair 613-767-3626, D’Arcy Munn - Camp Director 613-539-0036

Daniel Shipp - Revitalization Project Manager 613-583-0853

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 22 November 2017 14:23

LOLPS students visit Sherlock’s Escapes

Last Wednesday, students in Barry Harding’s grade 6-8 class made the trek down to Kingston to be the first class in the Limestone District to problem solve their way out of four Victorian style rooms. The goal of an escape adventure is to work as a team to find clues, answer questions and solve riddles to escape the room in under 60 minutes. Sherlock’s Escapes uses infamous characters such as Jim Moriarty and Irene Adler to help paint a picture of what it must have been like to be Sherlock Holmes.

 

The class was split into two groups. One group at a time would begin in Moriarty’s photo lab, filled with vats of chemicals and photos as clues to help them enter the next room, Irene’s Kitchen and then into a store room. Clues from one room would often transfer to the next room. The rooms have an escape rate of around 20% for adults. And while neither team finished, they were each only one room away.

 

While the other group was waiting for their turn in the rooms, they split into another two groups and created mini treasure hunts for each other. They used cards, a bunch of different kinds of locks the decor of the rooms they helped each other solve the 10 minute mysteries. In one of these puzzles, candy was locked in a box, and the key to the box was placed on a book. To find the book the students had to find hidden letters that led them to a combination lock that led them to a map where the title of the book (China Tides) was marked on a globe.

 

 

Makenzie Drew, Erika Wood, Izzy DeSa, Allison Chacon (above), Bella Uens, Keyana Whan.

 

Erika Wood solving the combination lock.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 15 November 2017 10:06

NAEC Remembrance Day Assembly

North Addington Education Centre’s Remembrance Day Assembly was attended by Elementary and Secondary students, alumni, representatives from the Legion, members of the community, and a group of soldiers from 2 Service Battalion, Garrison Petawawa.

The M.C.s were Alyssa Borger, Julia Cuddy and Ally Maschke, and they remained cool in the face of sudden changes in the proceedings.

The NAEC choir led the assembly in the a capella singing of “O, Canada”, including some lovely harmony.

“In Flanders Fields” was read in English by Eloura Johnson and Levi Meeks, and in French by Jazmin Marcotte and Yanik Drouin. Kaden Snider read “We Shall Keep the Faith”, a response to “In Flanders Fields”. Avery Cuddy and Rachel Cumming read two very different accounts of the experiences of women in World War II.

Students were pleased to have a visit from 2 Service Battalion, Garrison Petawawa. Master Corporal Juneau placed a wreath on behalf of the visitors, and Master Warrant Officer Barrett spoke to the students about the need to remember the efforts of the past.

The soldiers enjoyed a lunch prepared by the cafeteria, and also chatted with students who were having their own lunches. Various groups of soldiers visited a range of classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12, answering questions about their experiences, as well as playing volleyball with some of the students.

Ms. Ohlke, one of the Kindergarten teachers, said of their classroom visit, 'The soldiers got a chance to see the students being good listeners in their own environment. These wonderful young men answered so many great questions and put the icing on the cake when they demonstrated a military retreat with perfect precision, complete with barked orders, stamped boots and salutes. They looked as happy doing it as the kids watching. I think they just got 20 new recruits'.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

Southern Frontenac Community Services is launching a new program this fall. The Youth Volunteer Program is aimed at fostering connections with students at nearby Sydenham High School with the clientele of the agency.
Andy White, newly arrived in South Frontenac, has a wealth of experience working with youth. She will be running groups at Sydenham High School on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:00.

“The groups will learn a bit about the agency and what opportunities there are to volunteer, and they will have a chance to explore for themselves and decide what they would like to engage in” she said.
The youth will also be able to count the volunteer hours towards their 40 hour requirement to graduate, but White says there is more to it than that.
“It is an opportunity for young people to make a difference, to take leadership roles in events they would like to support.”

SFCS runs a meals on wheels program, diners clubs, a food bank, and many other services and special events out of the Grace Centre, which is located just up the hill from Sydenham High School.
“It is an ideal location for students to help out at,” said White.

Some of the students who have already come forward, have built centre pieces for a dinner this week.
The project is funded by a Township of South Frontenac Community grant, and if it sees some success, the agency will look for some further funding to keep it going. They are looking for some interested high school students who want to make a difference in the local community.

To contact Andy White at SFCS call 613-374-6477, extension 307 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC

One of the more popular programs the Kingston Frontenac Public Library has been bringing to area events in the past few years has been its StoryWalk program. And last Saturday, they brought the most recent installment to the Sharbot Lake Farmers Market.
“The story is Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett,” said KFPL programmer Margi McKay. “Like all our StoryWalks, you follow the signs and each sign has a page of the book and an activity for kids and their parents to do.
“This story has 13 pages/signs.”

For example, at one sign, participants are invited to measure themselves to see if they are as tall as an emperor penguin. At another, they are asked to hop to the next sign like a kangaroo.
“By the time you’re done, you’ve read a book and you get a button,” she said. “Then kids are invited to sit on the blanket and read other books.”
It’s designed to be fun, of course, but there’s a method in this madness.

“Any time we can get books in the minds and heads of kids, we like to take that opportunity,” McKay said. “If parents aren’t buying books, we like to put them in the kids’ minds.
“We like to add elements of fun — as a way to engage young minds.”

And it also gives them a chance to talk about the various programs and services the library offers.
“We’re always expanding our programs and have a wide variety for both kids and adults,” she said.

For example, she said, they have a labs program for the sciences and one aimed at the younger crowd called STEM Punks (STEM standing for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as Books for Babies, Rhythm and Rhyme and Play and Learn.
More information on the KFPL programs is available on their website.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 30 August 2017 16:26

Ride, James, Ride!

Pedalling and singing ‘Little Red Wagon” (the pop version, not the nursery-rhyme one), nine-year old James Potvin has reached Sydenham, the mid-point of his journey from Whitby to Ottawa. His destination is the big new Giver Playground in Mooney's Bay, Ottawa, and he plans to get thereFriday evening.

“It was just a month ago when I asked James what he would like to do to celebrate the end of summer holidays” James’ father Chris explains, “and he said he wanted to bike to Ottawa, to the Giver 150 playground.” Chris told James that if he could bike from Whitby to the CN Tower in one day, they’d consider heading for Ottawa. They not only got into Toronto, but even biked through the downtown; “When I saw my nine-year-old cycling down University Avenue, I realized he was definitely up to a much longer trip.”

Their route follows, as much as possible, the Waterfront, Cataraqui and TransCanada trails, and has included a loop down through Prince Edward County. So far, the Cat Trail has been the smoothest ride. Unfortunately there is no designated cycle trail from Smiths Falls to Ottawa, so they will be following the roads along the Rideau canal.

James and his Dad decided to make their Odyssey a fundraiser for the Grandview Centre which provides services in Durham Region for 6,000 children with special needs, and their families. James, who is on the Autism spectrum, is on the Grandview waiting list, along with 3,000 others. Already, James has exceeded his original goal of $1500, and is now heading for double that. “One dollar for every child on the waiting list,’ says Chris. James has been surprised and delighted by the encouragement and support offered by people in Whitby and all along the route. They have been camping in peoples’ backyards, and people keeping track of their progress on Facebook and Twitter (#RideJamesRide) often come out to cheer them on.

James’ energy and spirits remain high, despite a broken chain in midtown Picton, and a few bandaids on his legs. His trip logo, on his shirt and his bike, is a puzzle piece. Chris explains: “We’re also trying to raise awareness of Autism; the puzzle piece signifies that people on the spectrum ‘have all the pieces, but sometimes find it hard to fit them together.’ He said he had noticed that since the trip began, James is developing more confidence in his own ability to solve problems without being overcome with frustration.
To follow James or add a donation, go to #RideJamesRide.

Published in FRONTENAC COUNTY

For the first time ever, and as a Canada 150 project, North Frontenac Little Theatre held a theatre camp this summer. All they really needed was a place to perform.
“Louise (Moody) said ‘why not piggyback onto our barbecue’ and we said ‘sure,’” said artistic director Brian Robertson, who organized the camp with help from Andrea Dickenson.
Thirteen students participated in two weeks of three-hour afternoons as part of the theatre camp, Robertson said.
And of course, once you’ve done all that rehearsing, you want a place to perform.

“So, I ‘borrowed’ a number of different stories floating around and localized them,” Robertson said.
The result was Way Back in Oso Township (& Kennebec), which ostensibly tells a tale of pioneer life in the area. (The scenes featuring the Oso-Kennebec Township Committee for Proper Action and Civilization, while quite entertaining, had an eerily familiar ring to them.)

And the kids performing certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Robertson, who provided the musical accompaniment on guitar. “A lot of kids love hamming it up.”
Robertson does too and he’s hoping they can continue on with future theatre camps.
“I was completely delighted with the community support and the support of RFCs and this event,” he said. “I was proud that NFLT was able to participate and we have the Tichborne Hall which proved an excellent venue for the camp.
“I would like to see the partnerships and the camp continue.” And of course Robertson is quite willing to be a big part of it.

“I’ve dedicated my life to teaching children and the best part of that has been plays,” he said. “I love doing what I do and the best part is seeing the shy, nervous ones coming out of their shells.”

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC

Conservationists of Frontenac and Addington in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, introduced children to fishing last week.
August 16th was an ideal day for being in beautiful places and learning to appreciate our natural surroundings.

Each August some children are selected who do not have the opportunity to get out fishing. We had three wonderful kids this year. Thanks to Ed Yanch for organizing and transporting them.
Each child was presented with a fishing rod, reel and some tackle by COFA. After learning the basics of using their new fishing equipment they were taken out on the lake by Steve Lawrence and Barry Wilson of the MNRF and Fred Perry of COFA. These are experienced anglers who enjoy this opportunity to pass on their love of fishing and skills to some new youngsters each year.
Fred, Barry and Steve did a great job of getting Zack, Austin and Josh over fish and helping them learn how to successfully catch and land them. Many fish were released and some were kept for lunch. The kids were very proud of their accomplishments

Thanks for the great meal boys, and thanks to the chef Wayne “Swampy” Marsh of COFA

Published in FRONTENAC COUNTY
Wednesday, 02 August 2017 14:03

Frontenac minor hockey registration

Hockey season is just around the corner and we have some important information and dates we need you to be aware of. Remember to register prior to August 31st to avoid a $100 late fee. Registering early helps us plan practice times, number of teams and coaches required for the upcoming season so please be sure to register as early as you can. We will kick off this year’s season on Saturday September 23rd with our annual 3 on 3 tournament fun day. Guaranteed 1-1.5 hours of fun and a t-shirt for only $30. Conditioning Clinics and Goalie clinics will start the week of Monday September 25th. House league evaluations will start Saturday Sept 30 Register NOW at www.frontenachockey.ca

Published in FRONTENAC COUNTY
Page 4 of 16
With the participation of the Government of Canada