Feature Article - October 25, 2007 - October 25, 2007 Christmas for Kids Gala a Great SuccessBy Inie Platenius

Kudos and Huzzahs to Susie Ralph and the Christmas for Kids Committee for a spectacularly successful Christmas for Kids Gala. From the first glass of champagne (opened effortlessly by Al Parkin) to the last dance of the evening, the Lions Hall hummed with happy people, chatting, laughing, and opening their wallets to raise thousands of dollars for Christmas for Kids. Throughout the evening a crew of handsome young waiters – Lee Casement, Matt Hopkins, Rob McDougall, and Steve Ruskay served with grace and flair an array of delicious finger foods prepared in the kitchen by Joyce Casement and JoAnne Abrams of J & J Catering, Tim and Stasi Lloyd of Kelseys and Montana’s, Bev Brooks and Joan Goodwin. Meanwhile, Nicki Van Camp, Jen Bennet, and Marilyn Hopkins sold hundreds and hundreds of tickets on an array of 50/50 and raffle packages while the bidding heated up on the silent auction packages donated from near and far. A particularly inspired touch was the auction of wreaths, swags, and table arrangements by local artists and crafters. Anne Archer opened the evening as a wandering flute player, followed by Carolyn Stewart, founder and conductor of the Blue Skies and Perth Celtic Fiddle Orchestras.

As the crowd warmed up to the spirit of the evening, The Limestone Chorale – composed entirely of educators, took them to the next level with a cappella numbers ranging from jazz to Celtic. John McDougall could begin a second career as auctioneer. He kept the bids flowing fast with humour and just the right touch of coercion, so that autographed bottles of Dan Ackroyd wines, a picnic basket of expensive goodies, a five course dinner for four at Craig Trails, and other donations raised many, many hundreds of dollars. The evening heated up even further as Bill Kendall and Tom Revell took the stage as R K’d. They were soon joined by Bill Lansdell, Ryan Bowes and Kurt Campbell of Still Standin, and the dancing began in earnest. (Bill L. says that the band’s fourth member, Dennis Pachecko, was very sad to miss the event and the band sends him all its best wishes as his family deals with a major health issue).

We remember the Lions Hall in the late 60’s into the early late 70’s as the place to go for a special dress-up night. You’d get your hair done, find a lovely outfit, and head out for the Valentine or Christmas Dance. In the 80’s and 90’s as people looked more and more to Kingston for their entertainment, the hall faded as a venue for this kind of event. Part of the joy of the Christmas for Kids Gala was watching our community use that hall once again to create its own elegance in its own way. And in that vein, it is notable that at the beginning of the evening four women were called to the front of the hall. None of them knew why they were there until it was announced that they were all wearing Geoffrey Murray original dresses. So not only can we have elegance in our local hall, we can have elegance in locally created outfits. The joy of the evening, though, was that whether you were dressed in a stunning original creation or in slacks and shirt, you were made welcome as part of this caring and fun-loving community.

Feature Article - December 6, 2007

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Feature Article - December 6, 2007 Skatepark gets a new name

Friends and family of Tracy Yeo and Addington Highlands Recreation Club members gathered on December 1 to present to Ms. Yeo a dedication stone to the entrance of the recreation park in Northbrook. A surprise to Ms. Yeo, club members agreed unanimously to name the new park after Tracy as it was her vision to build such a park within the Township.

Tracy Park is located on property owned by the Lions Club of Land O’ Lakes but leased to the Township of Addington Highlands. The park currently consists of a new skatepark, with plans for a new playground and basketball hoops in 2008 and hopefully a renewal of the canteen/ public washrooms in 2009.

In addition to the Lions Club, the township, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and several other major donors have made the park possible. Donors are recognized on the permanent donor board next to the Lions Hall as “gold, silver and bronze” donors. Donors include:

Danford Construction, Spry Site Supervision, Quinte Eco-Consultants, P.A. Miller Surveying, Yourway Home Centre, Northbrook Foodland, 7 Rivers Metis Community Woodland Tribe, Kaladar Northern Construction, Trenton-Wooler Elks Lodge, W & R Stone Carvers, Frontenac News, Lookout Home Centre, Barrington Insurance, North Addington Bus Lines, Hooks RONA, Cloyne United Church, G.D. Jewell Engineering and United Rentals Belleville. Charitable tax receipts are issued to all donors.

On November 31, a welcome donation of $500 was received from CIBC Tweed Branch. Ms. June Osawabine, Branch Manager, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank. The funding will go towards the new playground slated for the spring.

Feature Article - June 26, 2008

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Feature Article - June 26, 2008 Verona Lions celebrate new hall renovationBy Julie Druker

Wayne Conway unveils the "Trillium Grant" plaque to Nina Jenkins of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

On Friday night about 100 people gathered for a banquet in the newly renovated hall of the Verona Lions Club to celebrate the completion of the renovation project. The Verona Lions wanted to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the many community volunteers and the local contractors who helped this project come to fruition.

The $150,000 renovation project received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which was used to: update the old electrical heating system to high-efficiency propane; install a brand new cooling system; combine two kitchens into one that meets all fire and safety codes and includes a fire suppression system; and install industrial propane ranges with a new dishwasher.

The grant was received in July of 2007. The work could not start until December, however, since the hall remained quite busy up until that time. The renovation took three months to complete

Nina Jenkins, a representative from the Trillium Foundation who volunteers with the grant review team for Quinte, Kingston and the Rideau regions of Ontario, was present for the unveiling of the plaque recognizing the Trillium grant. She was “pleased to see how happy everyone is with what they have accomplished and to see the whole thing come together.”

The OTF had no trouble realizing how the renovation would improve the hall, making it more “rentable” and better equipped to provide the wealth of services it currently provides to the community. The hall is the only venue in the Verona area available for large, catered community events. It will be better equipped to hold elections, public meetings, blood donor clinics, training programs, weddings, art shows, auctions and dances.

The Verona Lions, who have been serving the community for 60 years, held the banquet to also thank those community volunteers who are so important in making these kind of projects happen. Lions member Inie Platenius, said, “We can’t do everything ourselves internally so we have a group of between 70 and 75 volunteers from the community that help us out. This dinner is our way of saying thanks to them.” None of the money used for the banquet comes from community donations. Rather the Lions raise it internally throughout the year at their meetings with 50/50 draws and fun auction activities.

While the crowd mingled, the evening began with a slide show demonstrating the progress of the renovation from start to finish. After that Kim Perry of Local Family Farms in Verona catered a fabulous dinner that consisted solely of home-grown meat and vegetables and home-baked pies for dessert.

Lions member Wayne Conway presented awards to community volunteers whose building skills were heavily relied upon to complete the work involved in the renovation. At the end of the night Wayne himself was presented with the “Lion of the Year” Award by club members for his outstanding work and dedication to the club and the project..

It was definitely a night to celebrate. The hall looks and feels great. It is money well spent on a project that will continue to serve the community in so many different, positive ways for more many years to come.

Feature Article - July 10, 2008

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Feature Articla - July 10, 2008

Denbigh

Sydenham

Verona

Area Lions: Giving Back Denbigh Griffith Lions Celebrate Hall Renovationsby Angela Bright

The parking lot at the Denbigh Griffith Lions Hall was full on Sunday July 6, as a good-sized crowd made it out to see the renovations to the facility.Guests were greeted with coffee, tea and tables full of delightful things to nibble on while taking in the new look and capabilities of the hall. The interior walls spoke volumes as to the donations the organization has made to various groups, and the services they provide, such as the items the Lions have available to loan: crutches, hospital bed, walkers, humidifier, in room air conditioner. In attendance for the occasion were MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke John Yakabuski, Diane McKinnon representing The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Reeve of Greater Madawaska Peter Emon and Councillor Karen Lehnhardt, and Reeve Henry Hogg of Addington Highlands.

Gary Malcolm, Lions Club President, opened the ceremony. Lion Barry Dicks then took the podium to give detail as to the renovations and some of the stories that happened along the way. Apparently, the kitchen cabinets and hardware came without instructions, which made for a bit of a challenge.Dicks expressed appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the grant money to make the hall fully accessible and expand the kitchen space, and to the people and area businesses that helped make the renovation plans a reality. MPP Yakabuski was pleased to see so many yellow vests around the hall and recognized the purpose of the Lions by saying, "You don't try to improve a facility if you don't have commitment to the community". Diane McKinnon noted how important this grant was for the community, as in more urban areas there are other resources and sources to turn to. The event also gave opportunity to present Lions Barry Dicks and Erwood Reynolds with Community Builder Awards from Greater Madawaska, delivered by Reeve Emon and Councillor Lehnhardt.Congratulations to the Denbigh Griffith Lion's for their ongoing service work in the area.These changes add depth to the Club motto, We Serve.

The next big event for the Lions Club is the Show & Shine on Saturday, August 16, from 10 am to 4pm at the Lions Hall. There will be music, a BBQ, door prizes and more. Special attractions for the day will include the fire department, OPP, antique gas engines, and the Matawatchan Market will also be on site with spaces available for vendors.Admission is by donation. If you would like to be a part of the Show & Shine or for more information, please contact Gail Holtzhauer at 613-333-5551. Rain date is set for Sunday, August 17.

Sydenham & District Lions support soccer

By Julie Druker

Photo: Lions President Jim Kelly presents cheque to FSA president Tracy Holland with U5 soccer players.

On Monday night, behind the Harrowsmith Public School, money changed hands when Jim Kelly, president of the Sydenham and District Lions Club presented a cheque for $500 to Tracy Holland, President of the Frontenac Soccer Association.

When Holland initially approached the Lions, they did not need much convincing. Kelly explains, “We immediately recognized the need and thought it a great opportunity to support the association.”

The much appreciated and needed donation, the first of two installments, will go a long way in helping to support a sport that continues to grow both in popularity and expenses every year.

Tracy Holland was thrilled and thankful for the Lions’ donation and will put the funds towards purchasing brand new nets for some of the FSA’s youngest players.

She explains that Jude Aiken, convener for the mini-soccer U5-U8 divisions has spent a great deal of time educating the entire executive of the FSA about the importance of the youngest players developing skills at 4, 5 and 6 years old rather than later on at 10, 11 and 12. Jude insists that for this to happen, every single player on the field needs to be touching the ball regularly and not standing idly in the net.

The solution: small nets, not wide enough for the young players to fit inside. These nets will be purchased and used instead of the regular larger nets or pylons.

In effect, there will then be no actual “goal keeper” and each child can spend more time handling the ball and developing their skills.

Currently more than 840 children, ages 4-18, in the South Frontenac area are participating in the sport, more than double the number of those playing hockey.

This rise in popularity has also increased the FSA’s costs. Holland explains the FSA’s present strategy in dealing with the increase in expenses. “Our current goal is to keep the sport affordable. Donations allow us to get the things that we need without having to increase our fees.”

She elaborates on the current goals of the FSA. “We are working right now on an awareness campaign in the two districts of Loughborough and Portland to educate the public about the kids, soccer and the need for funding support.” She is anxious to make the public aware of the facts, namely: 1. The large number of kids currently playing the sport

2. The benefit to the community as a whole to keep these kids involved

3. The importance of raising funds to keep up with the increasing expenses as the sport gains popularity.

Holland cites the increase in participation as largely due to the 175 volunteers who put in countless hours helping to organize the players, line the fields, organize equipment, medals, games and gear.

She is also in the process of developing a sponsorship package that will allow members of the community to donate to the FSA, an organization that has seen an 11% increase in players over the last four years.

Lions president Jim Kelly understands that kids playing their hearts out on the soccer field, developing their skills and talents is definitely a positive community program to invest in. Holland is working hard to ensure that others in the community will also see the light.

To help out, or for more information, visit www.frontenacsoccer.com

Another great Jamboree in Verona By Julie Druker

The Verona Lions Annual Jamboree was a great success this year partly due to the great weather through out the three consecutive evenings that it ran.

Ken Harper, Canteen Chairman and a Lion himself since 1966 explained that the event is, “The Lion’s largest effort for the year and the biggest single income event that we put on.”

Harper spends each evening of the event in the canteen with 10 other volunteers keeping the hungry folks fed. Burgers are sold with the much loved addition of parboiled and fried onions.

Locals from in and around Verona and area spent the evenings playing games, riding the midway and enjoying a meal. It’s always a joy to see the excitement that the rides bring to the faces of the kids. Congratulatuions Lions on another successful Jamboree.

Oct 9/08 - AH Council

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Feature Article - October 9, 2008 Addington Highlands Council –Oct 6, 2008By Jeff Green

Plans for revamping of Highways 7 & 41 intersection

Two engineers from Genivar Engineering attended a meeting of Addington Highlands Council this week (October 6) to discuss plans for improvements to the intersection of Hwy. 41 and Hwy. 7.

Currently Highway 41 cuts through Highway 7 at an angle, and Steve Taylor from Genivar explained that there has been a history of collisions at that location.

Genivar conducted three public meetings last fall and this spring, in which they presented several options before coming up with a recommended plan.

The recommended plan involves jogging Hwy. 41 to the west at Oliver Road (on the north end) and rejoining it to the existing road south of the hamlet of Kaladar.

In order to make the plan work, the province will need to purchase part of the lands of the former Kaladar Hotel.

“One of the virtues of this plan is that it does not require any changes to the Trans Canada Trail, which is important to the township,” said Steve Taylor.

Although the plan includes provisions for exit lanes and will make the intersection viable for traffic signals, it does not call for traffic lights at this time.

“The numbers are not there, according to MTO guidelines,” said Taylor.

Taylor said that the plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation. There will be a 30 day period for people to comment on it, and then it will be left to the ministry to slot it in for implementation at some time in the future.

“It will not be for immediate implementation,” Taylor said.

He asked that the township pass a resolution in support of the plan before he submits it to the ministry. Council complied.

There is no expectation that these changes will come about in the near future, however.

“You and I won’t be alive to see this,” said Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath to Reeve Henry Hogg after Council passed the resolution.

Township to receive land from Lions Club – For the cost of a survey, the township will assume lands it currently leases from the Land O’Lakes Lions Club in Northbrook.

Build Ontario – The township has decided to allow Jewell Engineering to prepare an application to the $200 million federal infrastructure Build Canada fund for the replacement of the Wager’s bridge near Flinton.

Jewell will prepare the application for free provided they get the engineering job if the application is successful.

“We need to replace the bridge in any case,” said Reeve Hogg, “and it would be nice to get 2/3 of the cost paid”.

Build Canada pays 2/3 of the cost for approved projects, but funds are limited and there will be many applicants.

Oct 2/08 - Sydenham Lions receive grant for DARE

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Feature Article - October 2, 2008 Sydenham and District Lions receive OPP grant for DARE programBy Julie Druker

Gardiner's Road A&P assistant manager Ron Wells presents a checque for $900 to Mayor Gary Davison with OPP Constable Natalie McDowell, and Sydenham and District Lions members Wray Gillespie and Allan McPhail.

Last week in Kingston at the A&P grocery store on Gardiners Road, Constable Natalie McDowell of the South Frontenac OPP detachment in Hartington and Ron Wells, assistant manager of the A&P, presented a cheque for $900 to the Sydenham and District Lions Club.

The funding for the grant was obtained through the sale of the magazine, “Not for Adults”, which was sold at all A&P, Dominion and Food Basic stores throughout Ontario.

The magazine is targeted to tweens and focuses on their culture but also covers other topics like health and bullying.

The grant is to be used to teach the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE), a program in its fourth year that is taught at various elementary schools in Frontenac Township, including Storrington P.S., Perth Road P.S., Loughborough P.S., Harrowsmith P.S., Prince Charles in Verona and St. Patrick’s in Harrowsmith.

Constable Natalie McDowell explained, “The grant is completely for kids and is to provide prevention and awareness to youth.”

Cst. McDowell teaches the series of eight classroom lessons for youth in grades 5 and 6. The lessons focus on showing the students how to resist negative peer influences and how to live productive drug and violence free-lives.

The teaching materials include a booklet that outlines the negative affects of bullying, tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use. It also stresses the benefits of respecting other people’s choices and focuses on what defines true friendship.

Part of the grant will be used to purchase “fatal vision goggles”, goggles that the children can wear to show them what it is like to try to accomplish simple tasks (like throwing a tennis ball into a basket), while under the influence of alcohol.

“It really helps to bring the point home to them.” says McDowell.

The program targets students in grades 5 and 6 in the hopes of getting the message across them before problems start. At this age students can understand the issues and hopefully have not yet been pressured into using substances. Educators advised that waiting until grade 7 & 8 can be leaving it too late.

The Sydenham and District Lions Club have been on board with the DARE program since its inception in the community four years ago. The Lions specifically applied for the grant that was available from A&P to support the DARE program in the local schools in the area.

Gary Davison, Lions member and mayor of South Frontenac Township, commented, “We saw the potential (through DARE) to have some diversion…so why wouldn’t we be involved in that?”

McDowell admits that, “Not all OPP detachments are as fortunate to run the program. We’re really very blessed.”

The DARE program originated in the United States and spread rapidly to other countries.

McDowell enjoys teaching the program and believes that it is having a positive affect on the children it reaches.

Asked if drugs and alcohol are an issue in South Frontenac, McDowell replied, “No they are not and we’re hoping to keep it that way through prevention.”

She added, “I received a letter of thanks from a child who I taught who thanked me and said that the message got through. This is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Feature Article - August 21, 2008

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Feature Article - August 21, 2008 I scream, you scream, we all scream for garlic ice creamBy Julie Druker

Ted Mazcka a.k.a., the Fish Lake garlic man.

For all of you garlic lovers mark Saturday August 30 on your calendars, the day the Verona Lions will be holding their annual Garlic Festival at the Lions Hall in Verona.

This year’s festival, organized by Linda Willis, will feature a number of delectable items for those who crave everything garlicky including the Lions’ own Garlic Egg McLion, BBQed garlic sausages, and for the ice cream lovers…garlic, lemon and ginger ice cream.

Several local garlic growers will be selling their produce along with local artisans who will be displaying and selling their creations.

There will be entertainment at noon with Dr. Kaboom’s Circus. There will be seminars by Ted Mazcka a.k.a., the Fish Lake garlic man, and by the “Garlic Guru”, Paul Pospisil.

The Irish Disorders will be playing live music to get everyone’s appetites going.

The event will also be hosting the 2008 Eastern Ontario Garlic awards which is sponsored by Verona’s Local Family Farms. Garlic growers from all over eastern Ontario will be competing in four categories and the event is open to all garlic growers in Eastern Ontario.

So to all of you garlic growers out there, this is the opportunity to show off your bulbs.

For further information please contact Ken Willis at 613 374-3081 or email: holyverona @hotmail.com

Feature Article - August 14, 2008

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Feature Article - August 14, 2008 Sharbot Lake & District Lions announce new recordBy Bill Pyle

Although there are no regular meetings of the Lions Club during the summer months, members are kept busy with a variety of activities. In early June several Lions volunteered their time for the Relay for Life activities in Parham, a great cause that we are very happy to support. Later in the month the club spent many hours painting and repairing the facilities at the Oso Beach Park in preparation for the upcoming Canada Day Festivities. In the middle of June we were honoured to be asked to provide barbequed hot dogs and hamburgers for the Sharbot Lake Seniors Home. It was an enjoyable time spent with the residents of the home despite the poor weather conditions. And thanks to all who came out to our Gas-O-Rama held at the local Petro-Canada station on June 20 & 21. We spent two full days pumping gas and washing windshields. And with the support of the Basra family and local motorists, we realized a very good return for our time.

The Canada Day Parade was marshaled by Lions volunteers and some also marched in the parade to show off our colours. Later in the week we once again set up our barbeques, this time at the ball park in support of the Street Dance hosted by the Recreation Committee.

Our July Blood Donor Clinic was our most successful ever. A new record was set for the Sharbot Lake clinic with 48 volunteers from the local area coming out to give blood. Sincere thanks to all participants in this very worthy cause. Three lives can be saved with each pint of blood donated. What a great feeling to know that you have made such a difference in someone else’s life. It was a very successful clinic but there is always a need for more blood. Have you given blood lately? Our next clinic will be held October 6 at St James Major Church. Call 1-888-2-Donate.

Some of our members gathered by the shore on a beautiful holiday Monday August 4 for the drawing of the winning ticket in our “$500 Gasoline Draw”. Congratulations to our winner from Tichborne and many thanks to all who supported the Lions Club through the purchase of these tickets. We always appreciate your support. We hope to have another draw with an equally exciting prize coming up soon.

Last year’s Murder Mystery Dinner was a such a hit that we are planning another for September 27 this fall. Advance tickets can be purchased from any local Lions member or by calling 613-375-8190. Tickets are still only $35 per person and include your entertainment, refreshments and a delicious dinner. No tickets will be sold at the door.

September will also see a return of regular Lions Club meetings with the first one being held on September 10. We have a very active fall season coming up with lots of fun and plenty of hard work toward some very worthwhile projects. Would you like to make a difference in your community and have a lot of fun doing it? To get involved with your local Lions Club contact any Lions member or call 613-375-6318 or 613-375-8190 for more information.

THE LIONS CLUB - WE SERVE!

Dec 18/08 - Lions Present Cheques

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Feature Article - December 18, 2008 Sydenham Lions present chequesBy Julie Druker

Peter Stewart, Jim Stinson, Lion's Treasurer Wray Gillespie and Tracy Holland

On Monday night at the Sydenham Townhall the Sydenham and District Lions Club met for a potluck supper and a meeting and also to make their bi-annual cheque presentations to local community groups.

A total of three cheques were presented to various recipients all leaders of important programs that serve the community in a number of ways.

The first cheque for $500.00 was presented to Peter Stewart, Logistics C-coordinator of the Loughborough Christmas & Emergency Relief Fund that will be used for their Christmas Food Basket program.

The second cheque for $1000.00 was presented to Jim Stinson manager of the Frontenac Community Arena and will be put towards the debt incurred by their recent renovation project.

This is the second of three donations that the Lions have put aside to fund the arena project which included new and improved dressing rooms and washroom facilities.

Stinson thanked the group and mentioned that the Lions name is one of many on the new sign that hangs in the arena’s main foyer.

The third cheque for $500.00 was presented to Tracy Holland, president of the Frontenac Soccer Association, the second of two installments that went towards the purchasing of new portable nets to replace the older dysfunctional nets made from PVC piping and also the makeshift pylon nets both of which hindered the performance of the players and the flow of the games.

Holland pointed out that the new nets serve over 800 children from the Frontenac counties and directly result in the improvement of skills especially in the younger players.

Lions president Jim Kelly stated, “Being able to turnaround and present the fruits of our labour to those people in the community who are making a big difference for others is something that we all enjoy.”

The donated funds were raised at various events put on by the Lions throughout the year including their poinsettia and Easter chocolate sales along with the annual BBQ raffle that is held at Point Park in Sydenham on Canada Day.

The three cheque recipients present at the presentation were not the only ones reaping the rewards of the Lions fundraising efforts. Cheques were also sent out by mail to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Lions Camp Dorset and Lions District A-3 Youth Outreach Program.

The Sydenham and District Lions group was founded 4 years ago and in that brief time they have donated over $12,600 to a wide range of community groups and organizations.

The Lions present cheques twice annually unless there are pressing urgent emergency funds needed by community groups or members at certain times during the year

The Sydenham and District Lions continue to honour their commitment to serving the community and their work continues to benefit many community members in and around the Sydenham area.

NIHI (No Internet Highspeed Insight), Ed Nowicki

Lions Vision Screening, Bill Robinson

Bear Shock, Andrea Dickinson

Re:  Letter “Patriot Missiles”, Chantell Nixon

NIHI (No Internet Highspeed Insight)

I can understand why North Frontenac wants out. South Frontenac keeps getting all the improvements in most all situations. High speed internet has been dangled in front of us internet users for years now and we are still being left out. 

If the latest promise from Barrett Xplore and Actionable Intelligence is to placate Arden and Kennebec Lake users with cheap satellite service (Highly Discounted), why not have satellite everywhere? The reason for going wireless was that satellite service was inferior and unstable as quoted in many public meetings, articles and township promises. The service will be as predictable as the weather. Bad weather = Bad service.

Now it seems it is North Frontenac Telephone Company who is to blame because they serviced Parham. It is a free market and if our leaders chose a company that cannot compete and offer affordable service, then maybe we should change that arrangement.

The reason for going with these people was because we were going to share wireless from north to south. It looks like this is another thing gone south. If we are making fair and equitable policies an issue in our region, then let us be fair and equitable.

Now we have a dangle of greatly discounted rates. No details have been provided and the fine print is nowhere in sight. My insight from years of use and working in the industry is that the prices are and will be an elaborate shell game; $49 per month is not a great price. What are the installation fees going to be?

Looks like Dial-Up is still the most reliable and cost efficient way to go. Maybe if all the township administrators had to use Dial-Up until the whole area was dealt with honourably, the results could be different.

My basic feeling is that we have been euchred again by bad deal-making and broken promises. The inability to deliver on promises by all involved is a shame. Not sticking to the plan is a failure in public administration and again an example of regional inequality. Talk about developing an election platform - looks like I have at least one issue. 

Maybe all those involved in this plan should have under-promised and hoped to have over-delivered as opposed to over-promised and under-delivered. Now I know the meaning of the word “scorned”. 

I hope someone steps up to the plate and rectifies this situation. I know living in the country has some disadvantages and realize this is not the most important thing on most people’s agenda. What bothers me is that it has been put on the agenda and not been dealt with properly, equally, fairly or honourably. It is how you do it and not what you do.

Ed Nowicki, Arden

Lions Vision Screening

Thanks for printing my article "Eye See so that Eye Can Learn". As an addendum to this article I am hoping you will let families know about the incredible support there already is in the area for children's eye health through the Lions Club.

I received a phone call from Dawn Hansen, the president of the Lions Club in Sharbot Lake, to let me know that their Lions Club has been involved in screening children for vision problems in Senior Kindergarten and Grade One since April 2005. Through their Vision Screen, they are able to red flag children who might otherwise be missed. Many children who need glasses or corrective measures through an optometrist have been caught through their program. Years ago Helen Keller inspired Lions Clubs across the province and around the world to be knights of the blind. The Lions Club in Sharbot Lake and surrounding area, in Kingston, Napanee, Tamworth and indeed many other parts of the province, are fulfilling this request with energy and enthusiasm through Vision Screen.

Families may contact Dawn Hansen to learn more about Vision Screen by calling 613-375-6318.

As well as initiating this and many other family-oriented programs in communities, some Lions Clubs are also involved in hearing screening at school entry. Locally, the Lions Club identifies children who need medic alert bracelets so that they can find support though the medic alert program.

Thanks for letting your readers know.

Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist,Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington

Bear Shock

I was shocked to see this bear hanging from a tree on Sunday afternoon. I am unclear as to the rules surrounding bear hunting or killing - and I am as nervous as anyone about running into a black bear on my daily walks in the woods. Our family and neighbours have taken steps to ensure we don't leave rotting garbage out in order not to attract them. I just want to know why this poor guy is hanging in a tree, gutted, right on County Road 38 for all to see. It just seems so disrespectful to nature.

Andrea Dickinson

Re:  “Patriot Missiles”

I can’t believe the council paid more attention to the style of Dave Winney’s letter rather than the content. After all, it was written by a resident of North Frontenac, and taxpayers have every right to comment on the state of their municipal government. Anyone reading both the initial letter and the responses from council members might deduce that council DOES NOT have taxpayers’ best interests at heart. Dave is concerned about what council isn’t doing for taxpayers, and he voiced his opinion…how is this threatening? This is, after all, a free country…thanks in huge part to the sacrifices made by people like Dave. In fact, he’s been to Afghanistan to work alongside our men and women who are fighting this war. And he was retired at the time! Nobody forced him to go; he did it willingly for his country, his family and his friends. How DARE Councilor Wayne Good threaten him for speaking his mind.

Let me outline some points of interest, using as little humour as possible so council members can understand:

1) Why does the Township of North Frontenac have so many FULL TIME employees when Addington Highlands can function with only a "skeleton crew"? We already know that North Frontenac wants to build a new municipal building to house all those “necessary” employees…where is that money going to come from?  I bet they could find a few employees that aren’t really necessary.  After all, if Addington Highlands can run a township with a handful of people, I bet North Frontenac could do it with half the number they have now.

2) Electric fencing to keep bears out of the dump? The bears help reduce the garbage by eating whatever is edible. Dump employees can carry bells, whistles, pepper spray, rifles, etc. as protection. If you keep bears out of the dump, they will eventually go in search of other options…such as people’s homes and cottages. There have already been more bear sightings on private property since they erected the bear fencing. The township will have to lay off all their employees when they’re sued for bear attacks on their taxpayers. In addition, the fencing will require continued maintenance…another expense for the taxpayer.

3) Clear plastic bags? They already offer incentives for recycling (one bag of recycling = one free bag of garbage). Anybody interested in saving money should be recycling. If you make it more difficult for people to dispose of their refuse, they will stop trying. I’ve noticed the garbage along our roadways is much worse than previous years and it’s always in non-clear plastic bags. If council is truly concerned about the environment, they should be lobbying the federal government to come up with affordable alternatives to plastic garbage bags, and then giving taxpayers incentives to buy and use them.

When is council going to address the CONTENT of Dave’s letter? Perhaps that’s the real “threat”…they don’t want to deal with the suggestions, which he clearly outlined at the end of his letter. I think, with elections coming next year, council members may want to keep in mind that it’s taxpayers who elect them…they need to listen & respond to the voters.

Chantel Nixon, Seasonal & Concerned Resident