Feature Article - August 10, 2006

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Feature Article - August 10, 2006

FlintonCountry BluegrassJamboree

byJeffGreen

In the winter of 2005 when Duane and Donna Thibault began working with the Flinton Recreation Committee to promote a bluegrass festival, they were hoping that they could develop a small festival that could cover its costs and promote the local community.

The first Jamboree did just that, and for their second annual festival the Thibaults hoped to see some growth in attendance. But the growth that occurred surprised everybody.

“Last year we had 65 trailers come for the weekend, and this year we had over 170. The walk-in crowd was up as well. It was quite something,” Donna Thibault told the News on Tuesday.

The response to this year’s entertainment was excellent as well. “We have booked over 100 trailers for next year already,” Thibault added.

Some of the popular acts on this year’s schedule were White Pine and the Mustangs, who also appeared last year, and the Abrams Brothers, making their first appearance on the Flinton stage.

“The Abrams Brothers have a following, and some people came just to see them, but people liked everything they heard,” Donna Thibault said.

During the Abrams Brothers’ set, John Abrams gave the first performance with a special fiddle that “the boys” will be playing for the next year.

The fiddle was presented to the brothers at the end of a week-long fiddle camp in San Diego that is run by the renowned session fiddler and composer Mark O’Conner (composer of “The American Seasons”).

It was made by American violin maker Jonathan Cooper to honour Daniel Pearl, a journalist with the Wall Street Journal who was kidnapped and murdered while on assignment in Pakistan in 2002. Pearl was an avid fiddler and his family decided to honour his memory by giving the custom-made fiddle to Mark O’Conner, to be handed out each year to a promising young fiddler to play for the year. The goal is to promote violin music and peace by playing the fiddle.

The Flinton Jamboree was the first concert the Abrams Brothers played after receiving the fiddle, and halfway through their afternoon set, John Abrams played the Pearl Fiddle while James sang one of their best-loved tunes, “Can I get an Amen.”

The Flinton Country Bluegrass Jamboree relies on a large corps of volunteers, with Flinton Rec. Committee members such as Carolyn Hasler handling the food, and at least 50 other people lending a hand.

There is little doubt the Jamboree will build on its success next year. The Thibaults like to stick with the excellent bands that come from the local region, and bring in some new talent each year. “It’s a year-round effort,” said Donna Thibault, “we being talking to bands and listening to CD’s they send us, as soon as one year’s jamboree is over.”

They will also be looking at their camping facilities, trying to free up extra space for more campers. Eventually, they might have to open up a second camping site, a few minutes’ drive away from the Flinton Recreation Centre, and set up a shuttle bus, in order to accommodate the demand that might be coming their way.

With such growth in only one year, Donna Thibault wonders what might happen in the next few years. “Word of mouth seems to have brought a lot more people in just one year, so you never know what could happen next year.”

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Feature Article - December, 2006

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December 21st 2006

Habitat for Humanity

by Jeff Green--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Habitat for Humanity is coming to Addington Highlands, with plans to build a house just west of Flinton in the summer of 2007.

It all started when the Chisholm family of Roslin (north of Belleville), decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their lumbering business. They approached the Prince Edward – Hastings County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity with the idea of donating a building lot they own on the Upper Flinton road to be used as a site on which to build a Habitat for Humanity house.

As it happens, the lot is not in HastingsCounty, so the Prince Edward Hastings affiliate approached people in Addington Highlands, and a meeting was arranged in early December to set up a local volunteer group. Ruth Peck, one of members of this group, said, “We have been able to gather a really strong group of about 10 people to get this project off the ground.” The new committee is called the Flinton Build Committee.

Habitat for Humanity was established in Georgia, USA, in 1975, by Millard and Linda Fuller. At that time the couple sold all their possessions and have since devoted their efforts towards helping to house people around the world.

According to Habitat for Humanity International’s website, the Fullers took their inspiration from a passage in the Bible that says “someone lending money to the poor should not act as a creditor and should not charge interest,” and should “choose to build houses on a no-profit, no-interest basis, thus making homes available to families with low incomes.”

In 1985 Habitat Canada was formed, and it now encompasses 70 affiliates and 30,000 volunteers, and has built over 1,000 homes.

The Prince Edward-Hastings affiliate has sponsored 8 houses since being formed in 1995.

The Flinton project will follow the protocol that all Habitat projects use. A selection committee, including representatives from Addington Highlands, will look for an appropriate family.

“The family selection process is extensive, following a strict set of guidelines,” said Habitat board member Nigel Sivell of PrinceEdwardCounty. “They need to be employed; be a family that doesn’t normally qualify for a traditional mortgage; and have inadequate housing.”

The home that is being built will be fully funded through donations and will be built by volunteer labour, including 500 hours from the recipient family.

The family will then take on an interest-free mortgage, with payments geared to their income. All of the mortgage payments received by Habitat must be spent on building new homes. According to Nigel Sivell, once the Prince Edward Hastings affiliate has 20 houses built, the mortgages will be sufficient to fund a new home every year.

Much of the Flinton house’s costs are being funded through the generosity of the Chisholm family. A part from donating the land, complete with a good well, they will be clearing the building site, providing $20,000 worth of building materials courtesy of the Timbrmart store they own in Roslin, and are helping to source other in-kind donations from their suppliers.

Locally, North Addington Education Centre has already expressed interest in getting students involved, and other volunteer recruitment and fundraising will begin in the New Year.

The township has waived fees for the use of the Flinton Recreation Centre for a public meeting to start the project locally. That meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th, at 7:00 pm.

For further information, contact Cheryl Hartwick at 613-336-8439.

For general information about Habitat for Humanity, go to habitatpeh.org or habitat.ca.

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Feature Article - FEbruary 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

Citizen Clayton returns to Council (and other notes from North Frontenac Council) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Jeff Green

Mayor Ron Maguire did not exactly roll out the welcome mat for former councilor and mayoral candidate, Bud Clayton, who appeared before North Frontenac Council last week on behalf of Gail and Larry Tufford.

The Tuffords have been seasonal residents on the Head Road near Little Marble Lake for over 50 years, staying in cabins that are over 100 years old.

The land on which the cabins stand is a township road allowance, and the Tuffords have been leasing the land from the township all these years. In 1999, they signed a five-year lease which ran out in May of 2004.

Last summer, citing environmental and safety concerns, the township informed the Tuffords that they must vacate the land by May 1 of this year.

The major issue for the township appears to be the proximity of the cabins to the road, and the danger posed by the sightlines for vehicular traffic which comes from three different directions.

In his presentation, Bud Clayton asked council to reconsider its decision. He said that he “couldn’t find any official complaint about safety” and that a query with the Kaladar police detachment did not reveal any motor vehicle accidents at that location. He also noted that if the cabins are removed and the Tuffords leave, the location will become public domain, and there will be no way to stop people from using it for picnicking and swimming, thus increasing rather than eliminating any potential safety hazard.

Ron Maguire responded by telling Clayon, “You were a part of the council that, from a safety perspective, went through with this last year. You were part of it. This was classed as a safety hazard by staff. I will have staff look at it again, but I can tell you nothing has changed.”

“When can I expect an answer?” Bud Clayton asked.

“In two weeks,” Maguire replied.

2007 LOLTA map and experience planner – Terry Shea and Jo-Anne Cuddy from the Land O’ Lakes Tourist Association brought a supply of maps and planners for the township to hand out. Shea talked about the partnership that LOLTA has enjoyed with the township and outlined the organisation’s plans for the coming year.

Frontenac Accessibility Commitee – the township is seeking a resident who is willing to sit on the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee. Mileage and a per diem will be paid, but the committee member must have some form of disability, such as diabetes or another condition.

Mileage rate – A survey of neighbouring municipalities and the federal government has led the township to up their mileage rate to $0.45 per kilometre, which is the same rate as is paid by Frontenac and LanarkCounties. The rate was last raised in 2005, from $0.35 to $0.42

On-site Wastewater Disposal System Inspection Program – Under this program, which used to be called a septic re-inspection program, 102 properties were inspected on four lakes: Kash, Marble, Mazinaw and Big Gull. The program was hindered somewhat, according to a report prepared by Jamie Saunders, by the fact that the township was unable to send out advance questionnaires to property owners whose properties were to be inspected, because of staffing changes at the township. Nontheless, the inspection revealed that “the condition of the on-site wastewater treatment systems for shoreline properties in North Frontenac was fairly good.”

About 15% of the properties inspected had issues that were of serious concern to the inspectors. The most serious problems seem to be at KashLake. After inspecting 102 properties over two years, inspectors have found 10 systems that are too close to the water, 7 that have tanks in poor condition, 6 with excessive plant growth, 6 with surface discharge, and three with roots in the septic tank.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article - February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

Friend of the Salmon comes to Counciland other items from Central Frontenac Council - January 23 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------by Jeff Green

FRIENDS OF THE SALMONRIVER – Gray Merriam, who lives at the mouth of the Salmon River by KennebecLake, appeared at a Central Frontenac Council meeting this week with an update of the activities of the Friends of the Salmon River, a group he founded in the spring of 2004.

Merriam pointed to a map of the Salmon River Watershed, and pointed out that it includes a large amount of territory in Central Frontenac, including areas to the north of KennebecLake, which drain into that lake, BigClearLake, and the Salmon River itself.

The Friends of the Salmon River have received grants of $65,000 in 2004 and $55,000 in 2005, which they have used to do an evaluation of the watershed and a flora and fauna inventory, and to produce a report on their findings.

“By and large, the Salmon River watershed is not in bad shape, we are happy to report,” Merriam said.

There are concerns about drainage from some roadways, and about the impact future bridge replacements will have on the watershed. Merriam said that the Friends of the Salmon River will be available to help the township, the Quinte Region Conservation Authority, and the Ministry of Transportation (who have said they might be replacing their bridge over the Salmon in the coming years).

Merriam, and the Friends of the Salmon, took part in the Lake Management Plan for KennebecLake, which is being held up as a model for both Central Frontenac and Quinte Conservation.

Of particular concern to the Friends of the Salmon is the Arden-Tamworth Road, which runs along the river bank, and is liable to leach road salt, gravel, etc. into the water. “It’s a sensitive part of the river,” Merriam said, “We’ve inherited the road; we have to live with it. Let’s see if we can maintain it without doing any damage.”

He invited council to give the Friends of the Salmon a call any time.

CranberryLake bridge – Council is applying for funding support to do required work on the CranberryLake bridge. All of the preliminary work for the project, including engineering and environmental assessment work, was done last year, making it a suitable candidate for funding from a one-time provincial infrastructure funding program. The deadline for applying to the $70 million program is early February, and the township will hear back by late March. If the application is not successful, the township will have to budget for the project this year.

Tendering for gravel – The township is tendering for the crushing of 40,000 metric tonnes of Granular “A” and 20,000 metric tonnes of granular “B” gravel. The gravel will be used in road projects planned for this year, including final road preparation for the remaining 4 km of the Arden Road, and for Tryon Road, Babcock Road, Cronk Road, Forty Foot Road, Godfrey Road, Fourth Lake Road, Echo Lake Road and Second Lake Road.

Posting agendas – Council agreed to post the agendas for committee of adjustment meetings, which deal with zoning and minor variance matters, on the township website, much as council meeting agendas are posted.

Surplus equipment – The township is selling off some old fire equipment; including a 1967 Ford Pumper, a 1967 International Pumper, and a 1976 GMC Pumper. The equipment will be advertised for sale by tender.

Aggregate Resources Open House – The Ministry of Natural Resources will send a representative to an Information Open House regarding the new Aggregate Resources Act, which will be held on February 17 (location TBA). This session will be of particular interest to existing gravel pit owners in Central and North Frontenac, who have until the end of June to register their pits if they want to be “grandfathered” into the act.

Oak Flats Road – Deputy Mayor Bill Snyder, who has long advocated for improvements to the Oak Flats Road, has decided not to wait until budget deliberations this year. He presented a notion of motion to have a portion of the Oak Flats Road worked on this year, and paved in 2008. The motion will be considered at the next meeting.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article - February 1, 2007

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February 1,, 2007

Bringing the Ballroom back home-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Anne Elvins and Jeff Green

John and Lynda Trommelen took up ballroom dancing when they moved to Harrowsmith from Toronto in the mid-eighties as a way to meet people and to keep fit. John was working for OHIP, and he had been transferred to the office in Kingston.

That old one-liner, “May I have this dance” has kept more than one couple together. However, little did John and Lynda know the impact it would have on their lives.

In 1991 they were invited by the Kingston Ballroom Dancers to be one of the local couples participating in an international competition in Kingston, and they enjoyed it so much that since then they have danced at the championship level in competitions across Canada.

“We have always placed in competition, but the only time we won was at the national competition in Montreal,” says Lynda, “We always danced for the sheer fun of it; winning competitions was never our goal.”

Their feet have touched the floorboards at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall for the past five years, as part of the Seniors Jubilee.

But the highlight, thus far, of their dancing career came in 2004 when they were approached by a talent scout from the Cirque du Soleil.

“It was an absolute fluke,” Lynda recalls, “A lady came up to us at the Kingston competition in ’04 and asked if we would ever consider going to Las Vegas with the Cirque du Soleil. We thought it was a practical joke orchestrated by some of the other dancers, but it turned out she wasn’t kidding. We went to Montreal for an audition. One of their shows needed an older couple to fill in for two older acrobats, one of whom was injured.

“We were whisked off to Las Vegas, where we ended up performing from October until mid-April. Cirque du Soleil was a wonderful company to work for. They gave us an apartment five minutes from the hotel, and treated us like full cast members.”

Who said retirement has to be boring!

John and Lynda have decided to retire again, this time from competitive dancing. But they aren’t about to slow down. They retired so they could teach others how to dance.

The Trommelens can be found on Thursday nights at the S&A Club on Colebrooke Road (Harrowsmith) where they conduct lessons. The next session starts on Thursday, February 16 from 7 until 8 p.m. So if you want to have some fun while learning the waltz, social foxtrot, jive, cha-cha or Salsa give Lynda or John a call at 613-372-2313.

Don’t be shy if you’ve never danced. Lynda says that part of the fun is to work with real beginners.

How do we get so lucky in this village? Just when ballroom dancing makes a comeback, a couple of professionals offer to teach us all how to dance. And remember ladies ~ Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire could do, only she did it backwards and in high heels.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article - February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

As it Happens mines FrontenacCounty -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by Jeff Green

CBC radio’s flagship current affairs interview show As it Happens has discovered the thorny issue of prospecting, courtesy of some of the Frontenac News’ favourite mining rights activists: Marilyn Crawford from the Bedford Mining Alert, and Gloria Morrison.

A week ago tonight Gloria Morrison was featured in an interview about the staking by Frontenac Venture Corporation that has taken place on her property near the Ragged Chutes Road between Snow Road and Ompah.

(www.frontenacnews.ca/2006/November_23_30/uranium.html)

Among the many responses As it Happens received was a message from our old friend Marty Cadieux, who has been fighting for reclamation of his land in TayValley after a mining exploration company did some major trenching.

On Monday of this week As it Happens broadcast a talkback call from Marilyn Crawford, which is only fair since the show’s producers haven’t be shy about calling on Marilyn for leads as they pursue this story.

As it Happens has since followed up by interviewing a representative of the Ontario Prospectors Association last Friday, and on Tuesday night they talked to an 80-year-old rancher from BC, who is in favour of mining but is fed up with repeated incursions on his land by a series of prospectors over a 15-year period.

As it Happens promises to bring more stories on this issue forward in the coming days.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.

Frontenac Heritage Festival

It's Election Year, again: Editorial Letters

Feature Article - February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

What does prohibitive to repair mean? LDSB wants to know -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------by Jeff Green

In November, the Limestone District School Board received word from the Province of Ontario that eight of its schools have been designated as “prohibitive to repair”; but according to School Board Chair Ann Goodfellow, as of yet the school board is unclear as to the implications of this designation.

Among the eight schools listed are PrinceCharlesPublic School in Verona and SharbotLakeHigh School.

The “prohibitive to repair” designation for the eight schools came about after a two-year accommodation review initiated by the Ministry of Education. The review included a complete inventory of schools by the board, and as well, the ministry itself sent a team to look at each school.

As a result, the board received $23 million for capital repairs in 2005, and they were expecting a further $14 million in 2006, but only received $6 million.

Ann Goodfellow said that the province considers a school as “prohibitive to repair” when the “total cost of bringing the school up to today’s standards is more than 65% of the cost of replacement.

“Just before Christmas they came out with a directive to go through all of our schools again, and with the ministry’s criteria we assessed them again. We found over 20 schools that we felt were prohibitive to repair and reported that to the ministry. The average of schools in our board is 40 years, so it isn’t surprising that some of them are in need of replacement.”

The school board has no inkling thus far what the province intends to do with the schools on the list. They could fund replacement buildings or leave them as they are. Board Chair Goodfellow said that the schools are all in safe condition and if there are any health or safety concerns the board will carry out necessary repairs.

Meanwhile the school board has been spending the $29 million in capital funding that they have received in the past two years on construction projects throughout the region, choosing projects from a priority list.

“Last summer we had over 80 projects on the go,’ Ann Goodfellow said. She wants to assure students and parents from Verona and SharbotLake that the “prohibitive to repair” designation does not imply school closings.

The province recently ended a moratorium on school closings, but Goodfellow said, “Our board is not rushing into anything. We have not yet looked at school closings as a possibility anywhere in the board, and if we do, it will be a long and very careful process. Enrolment levels, the role of the school in the community, and distance are all issues we would have to address. It is not in our board’s tradition to close schools.”

Ann Goodfellow: first Limestone chair from “the north” –

As she begins her third term as a school board trustee, Ann Goodfellow has become the Board Chair.

She has been preparing for this new role for several years, heading several committees and serving as Vice-Chair, but taking on this new role does bring its challenges. It all came into perspective for her when she chaired the first board meeting last week.

“I must say I found it exhausting,” she recalls, “It was a whole different leadership role. We have four new trustees out of the nine on the board, so they will have some learning to do, but there is a good atmosphere on the board, which is exciting.”

In the short time she has been Board Chair, Ann Goodfellow says the board has been “primarily concerned with capital issues; program issues have fallen by the wayside, which I regret. There are so many things that we are doing that should be celebrated.”

Examples of this are the building internship program, and the visual Paradise Art Show at the Frontenac Mall, where students from the focus program on the arts at Queen Elizabeth Vocational Institute are showing their work.

“Everybody is just raving about it” Ann Goodfellow said, “and our building internship program is finishing their 60th house this year. We are not able to talk about these accomplishments because of the tough money issues we are facing as a board. But we need to find a way to get the word out about these great accomplishments.”

As the first Limestone Board Chair representing the so-called northern schools, Ann Goodfellow says she is happy to bring a rural perspective to the board, which is based in the City of Kingston, where many of the schools are located.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article -February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

Mountain Grove fire hall receives tentative approvalby Jeff Green--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A new fire hall in Mountain Grove had been planned for this year, and now it seems almost certain that it will be built, perhaps by the fall. Central Frontenac Fire Chief Mark MacDonald approached council this week to talk about the potential savings that would come with approaching Cornerstone Contracting, the company that is building a fire hall south of Sharbot Lake, and offering them the contract to build in Mountain Grove, if they can match the specifications and price per square metre of the Sharbot Lake building. In a written report, he said “There has been interest expressed by both the fire department and some members of council to expedite the construction process for the fire hall in Mountain Grove, rather than wait for final budget approval, which could be as late as May.” A motion was prepared by interim Chief Administrative Officer John Duchene, which stated that the matter will be brought up in preliminary budgetary discussions next month, and if approved, Cornerstone will be granted the contract, provided they agree to the stipulated terms. Mark MacDonald pointed out that the Sharbot Lake building is what is called a “pre-engineered” building, and the one in Mountain Grove will be essentially the same as the one in Sharbot Lake, except it will have one less bay. Councilor Philip Smith raised a concern over spending several hundred thousand dollars “without going to a tendering process”. This concern was echoed by Councilor Gary Smith, who said, “I am concerned about bypassing the tender process in this case. I would like the opportunity to go back to the tender process.” John Duchene said, “We got competitive bids last year. The thinking is, with this proposal, that if Cornerstone would match that price, it might be acceptable to Council.” “I should point out that Cornerstone was the lowest bidder last time around, by a significant amount. I appreciate the concerns of council, but I am concerned about delays. We could be looking at another year,” said Fire Chief Mark MacDonald. Councillor Norman Guntensperger asked MacDonald “Is your thinking that, by moving quickly, we are going to have savings?” “That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” agreed Councillor Frances Smith, “I think if we go back to tender, we will not get as good a price as we have now.” MacDonald nodded. In a split vote, council approved the motion, paving the way for construction to begin within the next few months.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article -February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

Local confirmed influenza cases make flu shot more vital -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kingston-With significant influenza activity in the KFL&A area, the area's Medical Officer of Health is urging residents to get their influenza immunization-the flu shot-at their earliest convenience. As of January 26, 2007, there were 12 confirmed cases of Influenza A in the KFL&A area, including one institutional outbreak of 7 cases. The five other cases of Influenza A are considered sporadic cases. Since most people with influenza are not tested, these cases represent dozens or even hundreds of cases of Influenza is in the community. While the schedule for local community clinics in shopping malls, community centres, and libraries concluded in December, residents can still get the free flu shot from their family doctors or at KFL&A Public Health's Immunization Clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. at 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston. "While we can never predict what kind of influenza season it will be, it is always important to receive this protection each year, using the most recent vaccine to protect against the current circulating viruses," said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Medical Officer of Health with KFL&A Public Health. "Getting a free influenza shot is important for a number of reasons, including lowering one's own chances of getting sick from influenza, but perhaps more importantly, not to pass it on to family and friends, especially those at high risk of complications, hospitalization, and death." Data from KFL&A Public Health's Syndromic Surveillance Program-a web-based early warning system that monitors data from emergency department visits to create a real-time, community-based health barometer by using spatial representation to pinpoint hot spots of common emergency department complaints such as gastrointestinal outbreaks, influenza like illness or asthma exacerbations-has shown that influenza activity is moving from west to east. Hastings Prince Edward Counties Health Unit HPECHU reported its first influenza cases in mid-December and has seen an increase in emergency department visits for febrile respiratory and influenza-like-illness over the past month, consistent with reports of outbreaks in long-term care homes. While some of this increase is also likely owing to other circulating viruses, it was confirmed that influenza was in the area mid-December. The confirmation of 5 influenza cases in KFL&A residents suggests that the heightened activity to the west is headed this way. This west to east pattern is consistent with the Public Health Agency of Canada's FluWatch reports of Influenza Activity where influenza typically begins in the Western Provinces and moves east towards Ontario. While many myths exist about immunization, the flu shot is the safest way to protect yourself and your family and friends from the influenza virus. "Influenza vaccine is the safest, long lasting, and most effective way to protect one's self against influenza. It does not contain any live virus," said Dr. Gemmill. "Most people have no reaction at all to their vaccine, while some first time recipients report getting a slight fever, soreness at the site of injection, and muscle aches that last only a couple days."

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters

Feature Article -February 1, 2007

Back toHome

February 1, 2007

Letters February 1

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Good Samaritans

Pay it forward…pay it back…we’ll be helpful anyway

Last Sunday I pulled into Sharbot Lake Gas Station to fill up my windshield washer fluid. Imagine my surprise when my engine was smoking and it wasn’t a hot day in SharbotLake. Mr. Basra, the proprietor, was kind and sent out Ray to take a look. This story could be a long one. I was driving from Ottawa to Toronto and the four and a half hours was going to be long enough and I didn’t want any hold ups. Time moves differently in SharbotLake and everybody seemingly has time for everyone. Had I walked into an episode of Corner Gas?

Two hours later we admitted we were beaten. Ray had given me two hours of his time. He had struggled with the screwdriver and I had held the flashlight. He had demonstrated his wit, sense of humour and his dexterity with the vernacular as well as his mechanical expertise.

Stranded in SharbotLake. No Way. It was a great afternoon. I learned a lot. Everybody came out to help. Les told me the story of his life helping people with his tow truck. Mike offered sound advice on what I should best do and Mr. Ray Fletcher was just the Good Samaritan.

It's people like the ones I met yesterday that we need more of in this world. Thanks, everyone

- John Turner, Toronto

Re: Salmon River

Your coverage from the Central Frontenac Council meeting of January 23 states that The Friends of the Salmon River received two grants for environmental assessment of the Salmon watershed.

I failed to make clear that the actual recipient of those funds from the Canada-Ontario Agreement was the Stewardship Councils. The Friends of the Salmon River supported the Stewardship Councils and was a partner in accomplishing the work.

- Gray Merriam, president

Friends of the Salmon River

Open Letter to Reeve Kerr, Tay Valley Township Council, and area residents:

My question at all candidates meeting last fall: Do you think that the people of Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke wanted their name changed to the current name, TayValleyTownship?

My answer: The people did NOT want this name change. I think this is the general consensus (Public meeting, newspaper reports, letters, and conversation).

The Geographical Names Board of Canada recommends names with “long-time local usage by the general public” or new names pertaining to local history (pioneers, war dead, aboriginals, and people associated with historical events).

Bathurst, Burgess, and Sherbrooke have been in local usage since the settling of the townships (land records, births, deaths, marriages, school records, township records, and newspaper items). The names, particularly of Henry Bathurst who was the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, reflect the events and reasons that this area was settled. TayValley does not have local usage as the name of a populated place.

In 1816 the Scotch Line pioneers arrived followed by soldiers of the De Watteville regiment. Irish immigrants left a troubled homeland. The military settlers represented many regiments, the navy, and many nationalities (English, Scottish, Irish, German, French, and others). Most fought in the War 1812. Many fought in the Napoleonic wars. Some were Loyalists. Tay, a Scottish name, is not reflective of this diverse group of first settlers.

Naming isnot about creating a new name to attract tourists. The township has another tourist signage project to tell tourists about our history. I suggest that heritage begins at home. If the township wants to preserve and promote our heritage, then I advocate that residents and council have the courage to restore the name “Bathurst Burgess Sherbooke”, and then proudly tell our story.

Catherine McCann (Bathurst)

Smoking mad

I get so mad I want to scream when I see any teenager smoking. It could be stopped, or certainly curbed, if we could do the following:

Adult smokers should have to get an ‘Addiction Card’ from their doctor and have to show it every time they buy smokes. Whenever a teenager is caught with tobacco, they would be fined $100 if they reveal where they got the product, or $250 if they fail to reveal their source. Then the adult would have to give up their card and pay the $250 fine. Of course, if bought in a store, the fine needs to be huge. (The Addiction Card would need a photo).

All the money from the fines should go to OHIP – which is where we all have to pay for their smoking, anyway.

- Carmel Gowan.

Articles from January 18

Third time lucky for South, North Frontenac:The 3rd and final intake of submissions to the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) resulted in funding support for relatively small initiatives in South and North Frontenac.

Flinton Habitat build: Executive members from the Prince Edward Hastings Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity met with the newly formed Flinton Build committee and the public at the Flinton Rec. Hall on Jan. 16

Biosphere, Committees, and the bridge: South Frontenac Council meetingThree strikes at Comrif for Addington Highlands: Addington Highlands Council meeting of January 15.Frontenac Heritage FestivalIt's Election Year, again: EditorialLetters