Twenty-two seniors shared lunch with the United Senior Citizens of Ontario (U.S.C.O.) Zone representative, Peggy Graham on May 1st. Placemats and buttons were supplied by the Canada 150th committee.

Virgil Garrett showed slides of early members of the Sharbot Lake 39'ers plus his nine grandfather clocks in his home, which is open for anyone to visit. Memorabilia was also on display including the club's photo album and the Zealand Women's Institute album provided by June Kerr. Many of the same members were in both clubs in the early years. Both albums are on display at the library.

Virgil presented guests with honey. The seniors were invited to sign up for a bus trip into Ottawa on May 30th for the Tulip Festival which is showcasing the red and white 150th anniversary tulips from Holland.

Our next meeting is June 6th at noon at the telephone office and anyone aged 50 or over is welcome to attend.

Last fall, Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) surveyed seniors in North and Central Frontenac and Bedford district of South Frontenac on what kinds of recreational, social and wellness type activities people were interested in pursuing.
“Our agency has been focusing our attention on the health of seniors for many years, with the community support services we provide. But now we are wondering what else people are interested in seeing from us. So we did a survey to find out what people are doing and what they would like to be doing if it was available,” said Catherine Tysick, the Manager of Adult Services for NFCS.

415 people responded to the survey, which Tysick found encouraging.

“We really worked to get the surveys out to as many people as we could, and with that number we had enough data to learn quite a bit.”

She said that by using the existing network of people that NFCS is connected with through its services and the monthly diners clubs the surveys went out to people throughout the small communities in the area.

“59% of the people who responded to the survey have never used our services, which is a good thing because it means we have data from people we don’t know and who don’t even know who we are in some cases,” Tysick said.

26% of those who filled in the survey are between 55-64 years old, 41% were between 65 and 74, and 33% were over 75.

The survey results have been tabulated and analyzed since they came in late last year, and Tysick is ready to go back to the community to “disuss and brainstorm and see where we should go from here,” she said.

The first focus group that is getting together to look at the survey is set for Sharbot Lake at the St. Andrews Anglican Church Hall on Elizabeth Street on Friday, May 12 at noon. Everyone is invited to attend and Tysick will be calling the people who she leaned on in every community to try and get a cross section of key people from all the communities in North and Central Frontenac out to the meeting. She will share her report on the survey results and will seek further input. Workshops will then be scheduled in the other communities.

“We want to hear from some of the people on the 12th before setting dates and locations for the other meetings,” she said “they will help us to determine how to bring this to the community.”

At this point Tysick said NFCS  needs to find out if they should bring on new programming to satisfy the desires that were captured in the survey, if someone else is better suited to do so or if those activities are already available.

“The process is pretty open ended,” she said.

Everyone is invited to attend the workshop on May 12. Please phone 613-279-3151 and ask for Catherine if you want to attend as a light lunch will be served.

A report that explores options for a senior’s housing project in Sydenham came to Frontenac County council this week, and will soon go to South Frontenac Council.

The report, prepared by Re/Fact and SHS consulting makes a number of recommendation based on demographic research into South Frontenac which concludes that there is likely sufficient demand for self contained senior’s units on a single level at market or near market rental rates to fill 12 units in the Village of Sydenham. The consultants also looked at a number of potential building sites in the village, and talked to representatives from local agencies.

It concluded that a 12 unit complex, located on Stagecoach Road on a 1/7 acre parcel of land that is currently owned by Southern Frontenac Community Services would be the best location. It also proposes that Loughborough Not For Profit Housing, which manages two senior’s buildings in the core of the village, be approached to manage the new housing stock. Two options for the mix of housing are proposed. Under option 1, a grant from the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) capital funding progam would be sought to subsidise constructions for 6 one bedroom units in the complex. The rents in these units would therefore need to be set at 80% of market rent, in order to be eligible for $900,000 in grant money ($150,000 per unit). The other 6 units, which would have two bedrooms, would have their rent set at 90% of the average market value.

Option 2 differs from option 1 by not including any of the IAH funds. In this case, rent for the 6 one bedroom units would be set at the market rate, and the rent for the 6 two bedroom units would be set at 90% of the market rate.

Frontenac County has provide $350,000 in seed money for the project, and under each scenario the total estimated building costs are almost $3 million. Under option 1, the proponent of the project (ie the township) will need to invest $350,000 and under option 2 the estimated investment is about $1.1 million.

According to the business plans, once built the buildings should be self sufficient, generating enough money to cover mortgage, maintenance and upkeep cost in addition to a surplus of about $10,000 a year to go towards unexpected costs.

Four years ago, each of the Frontenac Townships made a commitment to work towards constructing a senior’s housing project within their boundaries, and $350,000 was set aside in a reserve fund managed by Frontenac County for each of the builds. For the South Frontenac project to come to fruition the Township of South Frontenac would have to take it on as a township project.

The consultant presentation to Frontenac County, which took place on Wednesday morning at the monthly Frontenac County meeting, was not expected to result in much debate. The rubber hits the road, however, when South Frontenac council looks at the report in early April as they will need to find the money to build it.

Because the proposed location for the housing project is within the boundaries of the Sydenham municipal water service, it can be a 12 unit project, and can even perhaps be added on to in the future. While it will require a large septic system, and the purchase of an additional 0.9 acre  of land adjacent to the 1.7 acres owned by Southern Frontenac Community Services will likely be necessary, it will not require its own water system.

Under provincial regulations, any building project over 5 units on a single parcel of land must be serviced by an expensive to build and maintain drinking water system. That is why the project being proposed for Marysville on Wolfe Islands and future projects in North and Central Frontenac will be limited to 5 units, a restriction that does not apply in Sydenham but would apply anywhere else in South Frontenac.

One-stop event on aging well for seniors, their families and caregivers November 18 and 19

The County of Frontenac is organizing the Frontenac Seniors Expo, a one-stop event on aging well for seniors, their families and caregivers, on November 18 and 19 in Sydenham and Sharbot Lake.

The Frontenac Seniors Expo takes place at the Grace Centre in Sydenham on Friday November 18 between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and at the St. James Major Church in Sharbot Lake on Saturday November 19 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p..m. Admission is free with lunch provided. Keynote speaker is Rhonda Lovell of Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health.
“The County is pleased to support a plan for age-friendly communities in Frontenac so that residents can live fulfilled lives without having to locate to urban centres,” said County of Frontenac Warden Frances Smith.

Earlier this fall, the County of Frontenac retained MMM Group Limited, a WSP consulting company, to assist with the preparation of an Age-Friendly Community Action Plan. This project is funded by the Government of Ontario. An age-friendly action plan sets out a framework for a community to improve its age-friendliness and ensure all residents can remain active members of the community at every stage of life.

For further information about the Frontenac Seniors Expo contact Anne Marie Young at 613-548-9400 extension 330 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) has embarked on an exploration of the needs and desires of seniors in North and Central and parts of South Frontenac.

An online survey has been posted on the agency’s website (NFCS.ca) and will also be available at local libraries, churches, township offices, medical centers, and at the NFCS Adult Services office in Sharbot Lake.

The survey has two purposes, according to NFCS manager of adult services, Catherine Tysick.

“We are looking to see how well the senior population is aware of the services we provide,” she said, “and with a new generation of seniors moving in we would like to know what kinds of programs they are interested in.”

NFCS offers a range of programs for children, adults, families and seniors. Among the programs for seniors that are currently delivered directly by NFCS and through its affiliated agencies are counselling, mental health service, monthly Diners clubs, Meals on Wheels, housekeeping support, personal support, Lifeline, Adult Day Program and others.

Tysick also meets monthly with members of different seniors’ groups in Frontenac County, and in recent times she has noticed that as members of the groups age, the younger seniors who are retiring and those who are moving in to the area are not as interested in joining those groups.

“We are looking to find out what people are interested in seeing in their communities to help us design programs for the next 10 or 15 years,” she said.

The survey, which takes only minutes to fill out, includes an opportunity to enter a draw. Three of the people who fill it out will receive a $50 gift certificate to be used at a local business.

Anyone who is 55 or older can fill out the survey, which will be available throughout the month of November.

The Seniors’ Fitness and Lifestyle Program will be starting up on Monday September 26 at the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre in the Community Room. This free program consists of aerobic and strengthening exercises instructed by a Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging certified seniors’ fitness instructor, monthly healthy lifestyle education sessions, seasonal social activities, and more! There will two moderate-vigorous level classes held twice per week from 9am-10am and 10:15am-11:15am on Mondays and Thursdays. There will also be a gentle chair-based class held once per week from 11:30am-12:15pm on Thursdays. For more information or to register please call 613-279-2100.

After a hot summer and our July and August barbeques, it’s time to resume our regular meetings. The next one will be on Tuesday September 6. We meet downstairs at the North Frontenac Telephone office at 12 noon. It’s time to discuss our fall trip. The Brockville Aquarium has been suggested and I’m hoping that we can settle on a date to accommodate the majority. Membership is only $7 a year, and that includes belonging to the United Senior Citizens of Ontario. They hear, and act, on what seniors are facing in their daily lives. They do ask for input from the smaller clubs. Sharbot Lake was commended for sending two proposals, which were presented to the Ontario government. Anyone 50 or over is welcome. Come, and bring a friend. For information call Shirley Crawford at 613-279-2990 or email Dorothy Fraser at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phosphorus Levels

Victor Castro, a senior aquatic scientist from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) out of Kingston, made a presentation to Council on Thursday on phosphorus and its effect on the area's water systems. He also provided direction on the best management practices for future development on lakes. Castro explained that phosphorus, and nutrient enrichment, are the primary water-quality concerns for Ontario's inland lakes. An increase in phosphorus can result in algae blooms in lakes as the nutrients stimulate the production of algae.

Phosphorus is found naturally in all aquatic eco-systems but can also come from surface runoff, upstream lakes, the agricultural industry, and atmospheric depositions such as rain, snow, or dust. Sewage treatment plants and septic tanks can also provide a significant source of phosphorous, although technology has improved dramatically in sewage treatment over the years, lessening the negative impact these systems can potentially have.

Castro also told Council that climate change, invasive species, and shoreline development are some of the other threats to Ontario lakes.

Removing trees along a shoreline, or building roads allows water run-off to occur more easily and this can increase phosphorus levels. Castro related this to the benefit that larger waterfront lots can have, because typically, landowners leave more of the shoreline in a natural state, which helps cut down on phosphorus getting into the water system.

Castro explained that a lake is considered vulnerable to water-quality issues if it has over 20 micrograms of phosphorus per litre of water and that the MOE has designed a model to map current water quality as well as predict future water conditions. He explained that they also use the model to predict the current amount of phosphorus in the lake. They then can confirm the model’s accuracy by testing the water and making sure the numbers are consistent. If a lake is under-capacity, as far as phosphorus levels go, the model can predict how much more development the lake can take before it becomes vulnerable.

“Mazinaw Lake,” Castro explained, “you could pound that lake with development and never see a change. You could develop that lake; you could put thousands of cottages on that lake and never see anything. … We've done capacity assessments on the most significant lakes in North Frontenac. We're the only jurisdiction in Canada that will set a limit and say that's enough (development).”

Castro explained a few different ways that a property can still be developed on a “capacity” lake. “If the tile bed of the septic system is set back greater than 300M to the waterline, or the property drains to a non-sensitive watershed, or the land is re-developed with no net increase of phosphorus levels.”

Private Roads Study

Joe Gallivan, the director of Planning and Economic Development for Frontenac County, presented his report on private roads to Council. The report was commissioned by County Council in 2015 after the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) put restrictions on new developments on private lanes across Ontario.

“The results of the study is that we now have the facts,” Gallivan said.

Gallivan spoke about the complexities of private lanes in Frontenac County. The shift to taxpayers becoming permanent residents instead of seasonal residents puts added stress on these roads.

Gallivan explained that of the 981 private lanes, or “cottage roads”, in Frontenac County, 189 of them exist in North Frontenac and that 95% of them lead to water. He also explained that North Frontenac has higher quality lanes than the other three townships in the County.

Gallivan said the study revealed 178 vacant waterfront lots in North Frontenac. He also said the study projects that they will have a need for 380 units over the next 20 years and so the current supply does not meet the projected demand. This included potentially creating over 30 units from infilling and extending some existing private lanes.

Gallivan suggested some potential policies for the township to develop including new private lane construction standards, infilling and extending existing lots, and even the township assuming responsibility over existing private lanes.

The private lanes study offers Gallivan and the County new data to fight the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the development restrictions they are trying to put in place. “We've done some analysis and the total assessment of the County is $5 billion,” Gallivan said back in February of 2015. “$2 billion of that is on private roads...[Development] means a lot to the financial stability of the townships.”

“The positions the ministry takes sometimes are blanket positions,” Gallivan explained. “They're applying it across the province the same way and that's just not right.”

“There are a number of things that are happening in Muskoka that might happen here,” Councilor John Inglis said. “Land prices are extremely high, the density on the lakes...It will happen if we don't take steps to prevent it. ..We are going to need help if we want to avoid this becoming a Muskoka.”

“The significant advantage that we have is the amount of Crown Land,” Gallivan said. “Almost 2/3 of the area is Crown Land. This area, relative to other areas like Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Muskoka, is different as it's still going to have that protected area.”

“How do you make sure that the Crown jewels that have lake development are protected?” Gallivan said “because it will be a very unique place 100 years from now if it's well done.”

Council to give $5000 honorarium to consultant

Council, in a recorded vote, decided on Thursday to pay Terry Gervais, a former Napanee Fire Chief, $5000 for mentoring work he did for the township. Gervais acted as a volunteer consultant to Eric Korhonen, the North Frontenac Fire Chief, while Korhonen prepared his Operational Review of the fire department recently.

“I don't feel this is proper,” Councilor Victor Hermer said. “I recall when Eric was hired, Terry Gervais volunteered his services and I specifically asked at the time 'what will this cost the township?' and he said 'absolutely nothing.’”

“I don't really know where this is coming from” Councilor Inglis said. “$5000 is a good amount of money. I'm kind of against it based on its lack of transparency.”

“The reason I put this together was I really appreciate the effort he put into this,” Mayor Ron Higgins said. “This is not being solicited by him. It was lots of travel, off-hour time, more of an appreciation of the volunteer work.”

In the recorded vote, councilors Hermer and Inglis voted against the $5000 and Councilor Gerry Martin, Deputy Mayor Fred Perry, and Mayor Higgins voted for it. The motion was carried.

Senior of the Year

“I do what I do because I like doing it,” Eileen Flieler.

Eileen Flieler was presented with the Senior Of The Year Award by Mayor Ron Higgins to a full house of family and friends at the June 30 council meeting in Plevna.

The 15th annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 25th at Hunter's Creek Golf Course on Hwy. 506 near Cloyne. As in previous years, this year's tournament was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and community members, raising over $17,000. These funds are used for a variety of items at Pine Meadow, which cannot be included in their regular budget and which enhance the lives of the residents at the nursing home.

Funds raised this year will be used to subsidize the monthly excursions planned for the residents and to purchase an Arjo Maxilift, patio furniture and concrete pathways for the new courtyard, as well as raised garden beds and curtains and tablecloths for the activity room.

This year, 69 golfers participated in the tournament on a beautiful sunny day at Hunter's Creek Golf Course. Raffle prizes included a beautiful quilt made by Treadle Quilters and valued at $1100, which was won by David Thain of Napanee and a Smoker valued at $1000 donated by Lookout Home Hardware, which was won by Austin Sharp of Aurora. There was also a 50/50 draw with a prize of $165, won by Greg Wise, who donated $50 back to the

fund. The microwave, donated by Smitty's Appliances, was the prize for the chipping contest and was won by Cory Andrews. Hunter's Creek donated a prize of 10 golf games, valued at $250, which was won by Miller Hodgins.

The members of the first place team at the tournament (pictured) were Paul Andrews, Hailey Andrews, Marty Lessard and Matt Lessard. The second place team included Randy Andrews, Mike Sagriff, Derek Maschke and Cole Maschke. Both teams donated their winnings back to the Pine Meadow Special Needs Fund.

The men's closest to the pin was won by Jamie Tryon and the women's closest to the pin was won by Donna Peters . The men's longest drive was won by Greg Wise and the women's longest drive was won by Sue Tobia.

The raffle sales brought in over $6000 and we are especially grateful to the many ticket sellers, who gave of their time and enthusiasm. Special thanks to Mike and Candy Donahue and the staff at Hunter's Creek for all their hard work in support of the Pine Meadow Golf Classic.

The Frontenac OPP have partnered with the local community agencies, including the Township of South Frontenac, Southern Frontenac Community Services, the KFL&A's Health Unit, Kingston Community Legal Clinic and Rural Kingston Family Health Organization to create the committee known as Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, or S.A.L.T.

The committee's focus is aimed at seniors living in the Township of South Frontenac, and their goal is to increase seniors' communication with the local police and other service agencies. The committee will provide support and information to seniors in South Frontenac, with the aim of improving their safety and overall well-being.

The committee launched their first safety information session on April 19. Presentations were held in Sunbury, Verona and Sydenham and attracted seniors from across the township.

The free sessions were comprised of three presentations: Keeping Healthy, Falls Prevention and Scams and Frauds.

The first was delivered by two registered nurses: Meredith Prikker from the Sydenham Medical Clinic, and Annie Campbell from the Verona Medical Clinic, both of whom specialize in the management of chronic diseases with the goal of keeping seniors living at home longer.

They covered numerous health-related issues, like medication reconciliation, tips to avoid medication mistakes, advanced care planning, and creating a coordinated care plan. They informed guests about two free self-management workshops on the topics of Living Well with Chronic Disease, which runs from April 20 to May 25, and a second workshop in the fall on Living Well with Chronic Pain, with dates to be announced.

Rhonda Lovell, a registered nurse with KFL&A Public Health, gave the second presentation on Falls Prevention. She spoke about the leading fall risks to seniors, how to prevent them, and how seniors who fall represent 58% of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related emergency department visits. Lovell highlighted the personal costs associated with a fall, which can include bone fractures, chronic pain, loss of independence and a decreased quality of life.

Lovell also spoke of the fears related to falling and how a “Cycle of Fear” can increase the potential for a fall. She ended her presentation on a positive note, stressing that most falls are preventable and can be avoided by making smart choices, remaining active, and planning ahead.

Community services officer with the Frontenac OPP, Roop Sandhu, made the final presentation on the topic of Scams and Frauds. He spoke of the myriad of cons that exist, including door-to-door scams involving water purification, driveway sealants, and energy and hot water tank services. He spoke at length about telephone frauds, where con artists pose as grandchildren in a fix, needing immediate cash; various prize and money scams, like free travel awards, fake charities, credit card fees; and online frauds, like fake letters from Nigeria and West Africa.

He spoke about fraudsters imitating officials from the Canada Revenue Agency and demanding payments. He also gave tips on how to avoid identity theft. In summary, Sandhu quoted the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

The S.A.L.T. Committee will be holding future workshops and members are hoping to hear from seniors about the topics they would like to see covered at the sessions. Active seniors in the community who want to become involved with the committee are invited to commit to just one hour a month of meetings. For more information about how to get involved can contact Roop Sandhu at 613-372-1932 or David Townsend at the Southern Frontenac Community Services at 613-376-6376.