Frontenac County Lions clubs have been working together to raise money for the “No Child Without Program”, a program that allows each child who requires a Medic Alert bracelet or pendant to receive one free of charge as soon as they enter kindergarten.

The Lions clubs provide money to Medic Alert to cover each school for a number of years’ worth of service, which is priced on the basis of a formula that is provided by Medic Alert.

Over the past few years, the Sydenham Lions have teamed up with the Storrington Lions to cover Perth Road School, have covered Loughborough School themselves, and have teamed up with the Verona Lions for St. Patrick’s school in Harrowsmith. The Verona Lions have covered Prince Charles Public School on their own.

On June 17, the Sydenham Lions held a golf tournament at Rivendell Golf Club to raise funds for Medic Alert services at Elginburg Public School. With 19 teams participating, the tournament was a success, and a 30-minute rain shower did nothing to dampen the spirits of the hardy golfers.

Enough money was raised to cover the cost for Elginburg with some left over for other Lions programs.

But aside from the fundraising element to the tournament, there is a question of bragging rights for the winners.

The winners in the men’s category were the foursome of Gary Goodberry, John Steele, Wayne French, Henry Otenhoff, a team from the Verona Lions Club. The winning women’s team included Jennifer Linton, Muriel Laird, Linda Lauritsen, and Gerri Derue – Inverary Golf Club

Finally, the winning mixed team was made up of Carolyn and Jim Smith and Irene and Ken Johnston from the host Rivendell Golf Club.

A good time was had by all.

(Medic Alert bracelets inform authorities about underlying conditions, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, implants or devices, and special needs or requests.)

Photo: Renay Newhook owner of Kasey's Cookies, all natural pet treats, at the HFMC third annual Fall Fair

Shoppers had a wide array of items to peruse at the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church’s third annual Fall Fair, which took place in their main hall on October 26. Over 60 vendors took part in the church fundraiser with revenue from the event going towards completing the renovation of the church’s gymnasium. Funds will be used to build a stage and acquire basketball nets for the hall. The event, which included a bake table, canteen and a silent auction with a signed photograph of NHL-er Mike Smith, included treats for all. While adult shoppers enjoyed a wide variety of original craft, art and other homemade items, sweet tooths in the crowd had a chance to enjoy cotton candy, popcorn. One of the most popular treats by far were the funnel cakes being speedily prepared to perfection by Wendy Nelles and Marion Nelles.

First time vendor at the fair, Renay Newhook of Kasey's Cookies, offered a wide array of her all-natural home made treats for pets, demonstrating that the annual event is a good opportunity for local businesses to sell their wares. Renay's business was inspired and named for her dog Kasey, an elderly dog, now deceased, that had difficulty digesting store-bought treats. “I started making my own treats and now grow my own produce at home, pumpkins, carrots and apples which I use to make the treats. My goal is to produce simple and all natural dog treats for your pets”, she said. Renay just launched her home-based Verona business eight months ago. Her products are available in Verona at Verona Hardware and Local Family Farms, and in Harrowsmith at Something Cool Frozen Foods. For more information visit her website www.kaseyscookies.com.

As shoppers continued to stream into the gymnasium in a steady flow, event organizer Gerry Wilson, who is a member of the church’s congregation, said she was extremely pleased with the turn out.

Other upcoming events at the church include a Gospel Only Jam on November 11 and December 9 from 1:30-4:00PM. The church will also be hosting a special New Year’s Eve event with a roast beef dinner catered by Ella's Restaurant in Harrowsmith. For more information about tickets call 613-372-12387 or email the HFMC office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bedford Roads

Qasem Mahmud, Manager of Long Bay Camp in Bedford, came before Council with a petition from local cottagers asking that the narrow sections of Burridge and Richie side roads be widened, to make them safer. Neither Council nor Public Works manager were unsympathetic, but as Segsworth put it, “Bedford roads are challenging: the need far exceeds the resources.” He is presently trying to get traffic counts, to help determine the most heavily used roads, which will be given priority in the Public Works capital budget, to be presented to Council in November. One of the biggest issues is the lack of proper drainage: “some of these roads just seem to follow the old cow paths.”

Verona CIP Succeeding:

CAO Wayne Orr reported that the Verona Community Improvement Plan was a little past its half-way point and going well. This program, funded by the township in conjunction with Federal Gas Tax dollars has stimulated a wide range of projects by both businesses and individual property owners, which include new business signs, storefront renovation, painting, porches, windows, awnings, etc. Deputy Mayor McDougall noted that numerous improvements are already evident in Verona. The program has two parts: a grant, up to a maximum of $2,500, and the option of a loan. To date, a program investment of $38,100 had stimulated sixteen projects valued at a total of $612,061. Other interested Veronians are encouraged to consider applying: information is available from the township offices.

Cemeteries Report:

Presently, the township has three cemetery boards, which operate a total of eight municipal cemeteries. Record-keeping is inconsistent, rates vary between districts, and the revenues do not cover the costs of operation. Staff and the Corporate Services Committee presented a report recommending that one cemetery board be created for the township, having one set of by-laws, and new rates sufficient to fund the administration of the cemeteries. Also, separation of the three service components into administration, grounds and excavation. This would not prevent one person from tendering for all three areas, but would provide an option for the work to be separated.

Council directed staff to discuss these recommended changes with the three cemetery boards and report back.

 by Jule Koch and Jeff Green

It was not an auspicious beginning to a meeting in Sharbot Lake for adjacent landowners of the proposed K&P Trail, when right at the start of the meeting, County of Frontenac staff were made aware that they had failed to send letters of invitation to a number of landowners between Tichborne and Sharbot Lake.

The meeting was hosted by the county at Oso hall on Sept. 17, and it was intended to be a forum for landowners whose properties will be directly affected by the trail to air their views and concerns. As such, although the meeting was open to the general public, it was only publicized through invitations to adjacent landowners.

However, some Central Frontenac landowners showed up who had not received invitations and had only heard about the meeting from friends. Ann and Keith Howitt were among those and they said that when they heard about the meeting from a neighbour, they were concerned that the county “was holding secret meetings.”

The meeting was chaired by Frontenac County Economic Development Officer Anne Marie Young and South Frontenac Councilor Allan McPhail, who is chair of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and a member of the K&P Trail Committee.

Young said the failure to send the invitations was an oversight and apologized. She said that another meeting to correct the mistake would be held.

Both Young and McPhail responded to the numerous concerns that were raised during the evening by saying that many more meetings would be held in the future and that there would be plenty of time to work out the issues.

In explaining the phases of the trail development, Young pointed to a green line on a map at the front of the room, and said that the green section, which runs south of Tichborne, is all owned by the county, with few exceptions.

This prompted landowner Daryl Kennedy, whose land is south of Tichborne, to say that he has checked with the registry office and the county does not own the section that crosses his land. “It will not cross there. Find another route,” he said bluntly.

Kennedy also spoke about expropriation, saying that land cannot be expropriated for recreational purposes, to which McPhail replied that although newspaper reports have mentioned expropriation, “I cannot see that any political leader would go for expropriation for the trail …. We need good neighbors or we can’t have a trail.”

McPhail’s stated position stands in direct contradiction to a recent decision by Frontenac County Council, which voted earlier this summer to commence expropriation proceedings in order to extend the trail. The County has been unable to come to a purchase agreement with Bob Leonard, who owns a small piece of the trail that runs through his property near Hartington.

Frontenac County Bylaw 2012-0019, which was passed by a vote of 7-1 on June 20, reads in part: “1.The Corporation of the County of Frontenac be and is hereby authorized to apply for approval to expropriate the following lands … Registered Owner: Robert Rodney Leonard;

2. The purpose of the application to expropriate the lands described in Section 1 shall be to link two sections of the Frontenac K&P Trail and thereby ensure its continued long-term viability as a public trail within the Frontenac County Trail System in accordance with the County of Frontenac Trails Master Plan.”

One of the issues of concern in both the Leonard case and in some the northern sections of the trail that were being discussed at the meeting in Sharbot Lake on Monday night and at a similar meeting in Verona last Thursday, September 13, have to do with situations where the trail effectively splits a piece of property and the owners of the property are concerned about access in the portion of their property that is blocked by the trail.

At the Sharbot Lake meeting, Allan McPhail said that the county was not going to limit farmers’ access to their properties.

The County has developed a trails master plan. It includes the following statement about access issues:

“Few landowners can access their property (bush lots, cottages, mobile homes, farmlands or hunting and fishing, etc.) only by crossing over trails. Access should continue where no other alternative can be provided. However, this access will be controlled via policy requiring permits/licenses, agreements and third party liability insurance. Working with the Townships’ planning departments, appropriate signage, gates and/or bollards will be erected. Future uses that require access over trails should not be permitted.”

Bob Leonard attended both the Sharbot Lake and Verona meetings. Although neither Anne Marie Young nor Allan McPhail would address his case directly, they offered assurances that the county would work with the landowners to settle their concerns about access and other issues. This prompted Leonard to reply several times that he wanted to see those assurances in writing.

Concerns were also raised about fencing, with several people pointing out that Bell Canada, the previous owner of the trail, had fixed the fences at no cost to the landowners. Anne-Marie Young replied that different options were possible, including that the county would supply the materials and the landowners do the installation.

Some Central Frontenac landowners voiced their support for the trail, including Ian Cameron, who said at one point, “The trail will go through, and it should go through.” Mike Thompson and Dave Raymond of Tichborne also said they supported the trail.

Frontenac County is planning to complete the trail section between Petworth Road (where it meets with the Leonard property) and the Craig Road north of Verona, in the next phase of development. Aside from the Leonard property issue, bypassing Prince Charles School in Verona is another issue that will have to be dealt with, as is the construction of a bridge over Hardwood Creek.

The current plan is for the trail to be non-motorised (with the exception of snow mobiles in winter) until it reaches Craig Road and then proceed as a multi-use trail permitting ATVs but not dirt bikes all the way to Sharbot Lake.

The K&P trail has been designated as part of the Trans Canada trail, which already runs east-west through Sharbot Lake. The Trans Canada trail is supposed to be completed by 2017, which is putting some pressure on the K&P process.

Photo: Sofia and Natalia Tippin of Perth Road at the Local Beef Promo Day in Verona

Dave and Kim Perry of Perry Maine-Anjou Farms and the Local Family Farms store in Verona once again hosted the Frontenac Cattlemen's Association (FCA) Local Beef Promo Day at their Verona store. Visitors had a chance to meet members of Frontenac 4H Beef Club, to sample and purchase local beef products and to get up close and personal with a few of the Perry's award-winning herd, which recently won numerous awards at the Napanee fair including first place in the breeders herd category. Kingston radio’s KIX FM-93.5 was on site all day and interviewed many of the personalities involved in producing and promoting local beef in the area. Dave Perry is past president of the FCA and director with the National Farmers Union Local 316. He spoke of the importance of the public knowing of the availability of local beef as way to support local farmers, who this year have been facing extra challenges due to the serious drought conditions, a situation Perry said he has not seen since back in 1965, when part of his farm burned as a result of the dryness. “People tend to think that this drought has affected only farmers, when in fact it affects everyone in the community. It's not just the farmers and the gardeners who need rain; it’s everyone who eats food that needs rain. Now more than ever it makes sense for people in the area to buy beef and other produce that is produced and processed in this area. The food miles traveled are much less; the beef and other produce tastes better, and you are supporting local farmers.” Perry said that there is enough beef in the area to satisfy the consumers’ demand and enough processing capacity here as well. He also warned that if the processing plants are not utilized, ultimately they will close down.

Perry, like all local producers, was affected by this summer’s drought. One of the two wells at his farm in Hartington temporarily went dry this year, which meant he had the extra job of hauling water to make sure that his cattle were properly watered. “I know of one farmer in Renfrew who had to sell his 230 head because he couldn't afford to feed them due to the sky rocketing price of grain as a direct result of this drought.”

On a more positive note Perry said that the public is now beginning to source out locally produced food, which is a good thing for him and other local growers in the area. Local Family Farms not only sells a wide selection of local meats and produce but also a wide variety of prepared foods and other locally made products. The store is located on Hwy 38 in Verona.

Photo: Young turtles, toads, tadpoles were front and center at this year Verona Cattail Festival parade.

Green was the colour of the day at this year’s Verona Cattail Festival and kids dressed as various pond dwelling creatures were front and center at Saturday's parade. The festival, which relocated last year to the Verona Lions Centre, had activities for the whole family and as usual a stellar line up of musical entertainment.

New to the festival this year was an environmental display in the Lions hall, aptly renamed Cameron's Cattail Centre. It housed representatives from numerous groups and organizations promoting local environmental awareness and health. Hands-on educational displays were set up inside, with reps from the Toronto Zoo promoting frogs; from the Ontario Geological Survey highlighting local geography and minerals; from the Gould Lake Conservation Area displaying an array of live pond creatures; as well as reps from Frontenac Provincial Park, and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.

Gerrie Baker, a.k.a. "The Worm Lady", was also on site promoting her worms and composting, as was salamander conservationist Matt Ellerbeck with his display of four live salamanders. Wilma Kenny demonstrated how to make cattail visors and hats and was also promoting the book “Cattails and Bulrushes-Wetland Neighbours”, which was written and illustrated by Dionne Nolan and gives a detailed explanation of the plant and its many uses.

There was a plethora of hands-on activities to take part in around the grounds, great food and a stellar line up of musical entertainment to enjoy on the stage all weekend long.

Debbie Lingen and Dick Miller were joint emcees and they held down the stage area at the Lions site, keeping visitors informed of the ongoing events. A shuttle bus ran every half hour transporting visitors from the Lions Centre hub to the beach, where other popular events took place over the weekend. As always the duct tape boat races held at McMullen beach on Saturday afternoon were a huge draw and not surprisingly the Olympic theme was front and center for the boat builders of all ages. Wayne Conway, who co-managed the festival year along with Ron Bruyns, said the steering committee took on added responsibilities this year, which made for a broader and better organized festival. Also new this year were 50 birdhouses donated by RONA for kids to build, and the motor bike and boot and bonnet displays, which drew a steady crowd. Back by popular demand were the horse drawn wagon rides. Though rain forced the entertainment to go inside the Lions hall on Friday night, the festival enjoyed clear skies for Saturday and Sunday. Hats off to all of the organizers and volunteers who made the weekend a memorable one for all who attended.

Photo: New Leaf Link volunteers, staff and clients l-r, Cathy Palmer, Jo Lyon, and Joel and Julie Hunt in Verona

Staff, volunteers and one client at New Leaf Link (NeLL), a non-profit charitable organization and educational program dedicated to the community inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities, were at Foodland in Verona on August 11 raising money for the program.

The organization, which describes itself as “a special initiative for special adults”, runs in South Frontenac and the surrounding vicinity and aims to link clients to different sectors of living, learning and working in the community. The program receives no government funding. It was founded by its executive director, Dr. Karin Steiner, as a way to meet the gap in programming for rural residents with developmental disabilities and their families, who find that after leaving high school there are few if any local opportunities for continued education, growth and connections in the community.

The program includes three educational components designed to meet the needs of the individual clients and includes functional skills and literacy, arts and craft, and health and recreation. The organization welcomes new volunteers to support fundraising and/or the adult learners and also offers tax receipts for donations over $15. For more information about the program or to make a donation visit their website at www.newleaflink.ca or call 613-374-3451.

Photo: front Debra-Lyn and Zachary Willard with Karen Young and Beth Willard of SF Scouts Perth Road and Verona

Local members and volunteers of the South Frontenac Scouts of Perth Road and Verona are hoping this year to raise enough funds through various events to send 15 scouts aged 11-14 and their leaders to the Canadian Scouts Jamboree 2013. The national event will be held at Camp Woods in Sylvan Lake, Alberta from July 6-13. The Jamboree happens only once every six years and is an event where Scouts from all over Canada gather to participate in a number of activities, programs and educational workshops.

Karen Young, assistant group commissioner for SF Scouts of Verona and Perth Road, and Cub leader Beth Willard organized a yard sale in Harrowsmith on August 4 in support of the upcoming Jamboree trip. Young said, “Our goal is to try to get all of our Scouts to the Jamboree next year, which would be great. We have been fundraising all year long to make that happen. These Jamborees are known to be very memorable and important experiences for the scouts who are able to attend, and many will remember the experience long into adulthood.”

The next fundraising event for the cause will be a charity golf tournament at Westbrook Golf Club in Kingston on August 17. The cost is $85 for 18 holes with a meal included and it will be a four-person scramble format. Tee off time is at 11am. Other activities during the event will include a 50/50 draw, a putting contest, heckle hole, and silent auction. For more information call Bruno Albano at 613-374-3583. The SF Scouts are also raising funds through Regal Gifts (www.sfscj2013.shopregal.ca). The company offers more than 1000 products for sale and the SF Scouts will earn 30% of every order purchased. Those without Internet access may contact Maggie Dalmas at 372-2050.

Photo: The Camp Fire Boys of Kemptville, Jon and Jeff, delighted listeners at McMullen Park in Verona on July 15

There is no better way to relax on a summer Sunday than by kicking back in a lawn chair with a view of the lake nearby and enjoying the sounds of live music. So says Joyce Casement, who founded and organizes the VCA 's Music in the Park, a free summer concert series at McMullen beach in Verona. The concert series is now in its fourth year and continues to draw performers and a sizable audience from far and wide. This past Sunday on July 15, it was the Camp Fire Boys, an acoustic duo from Kemptville made up of two talented singers and guitar players, Jon and Jeff, who took to the outdoor stage under the McMullen park pavilion. Their campy antics and mastery of countless classic camp fire sing-along tunes had listeners tapping their toes in time. They covered numerous classics like Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, numerous Beatles tunes and favorites by Cat Stevens, James Taylor, John Denver. These songs with their easy-going lyrics and melodies have come to define the classic sounds of summer.

McMullen Park is the perfect setting for the series with its numerous shade trees, the beach right there and the very well maintained grounds thanks to the Portland and District Recreation committee. Anyone who missed the Camp Fire Boys, have no fear. They will be back in Verona performing on Friday August 10 at the Verona Cattail Festival, which runs from August 10-12.

Music lovers will also not want to miss the final free concert in the series, the pop/rock group from Harrowsmith, “Bellfonix”. They will perform at the park on August 19 from 2-4pm. In case of heavy rain the concert will take place at the Verona Lions Club on Verona Sand Road. I saw Bellfonix perform in Harrowmith earlier this summer and they are not to be missed.

Prior to the July 5 meeting, Council hosted an open house and tour of the freshly renovated Township hall and office spaces. With the exception of Public Works (at Keeley Road), all the township services are now located together in Sydenham. Mayor Davison complimented staff, particularly CEO Orr, for their hard work and patience during renovations. Council chambers have been rearranged with Council sitting at a horseshoe table, thus providing considerably more space for delegations, spectators,etc.

Council members have elegant new chairs, but the spectators’ gallery is back to using the familiar orange plastic: we’re going to miss those comfy library chairs!

Severance/Parkland Fee Policy Needed

Darlene Clement of Storrington District came to Council on behalf of her father, who owns and wishes to sever two adjoining farm which have been merged, although the properties still have separate roll numbers and tax bills.

At issue is the Township’s requirement of a fee of “up to 5% of the value of the severed property, in lieu of parkland.” Ms Clement’s argument is that the fee, which could be substantial, is unfair because two old farms are simply being separated again.

While not common, this is a situation that occurs from time to time: after discussion, Council asked staff to draft a parkland fee policy for properties which have merged through common ownership, and are being re-severed.

New Three-way Stop in Sydenham

Stating, “It’s more good fortune than good management that there hasn’t been an accident,” Public Works Manager Segsworth proposed a by-law which would create an all-way stop at the corner of Church and William Streets in Sydenham. This will come into effect as soon as the signs are posted.

Sydenham Water System Operation & Maintenance

Council accepted Segsworth’s recommendation that the Township extend the contract of the current water plant operator (Kingston Utilities) until December 2014, in order to gain ‘operational experience.” Much of the focus to date has been on improving the water treatment plant, and addressing the THM (trihalomethane) issues. The emphasis is now shifting to the distribution system: “New development and infrastructure repair and maintenance around the distribution system are creating new demands. We are still at the early stages of the learning curve...our focus for the next year or so should be on connecting all properties located within the existing Water Service Area,” Segswoth said.

Township Entrance Signs

Council selected a design for new road signs which will include the township motto and population. There was unanimous agreement on a design clearly featuring the township name in an oval that some may find a bit reminiscent of a popular coffee shop chain. But what’s wrong with appearing familiar, Canadian and welcoming?

New Use for Hartington’s Stone School House

Representatives of Portland and District Heritage Society were delighted with Council’s agreement to enter into a fixed-term renewable lease which will permit the Society to use the old Hartington School House for storage of historical materials. The Society will look after routine maintenance, and the Township will continue to provide heat, hydro and insurance. The previous tenants, Neighbourhood Sharing, have relocated to the adjacent Princess Anne building.

Verona Lions Plead for Consistency in Township Support

Deputy Mayor McDougall read a letter to Council, signed by himself, outlining the many benefits provided the community by the Verona Lions’ Club’s Hall and adjoining ball diamonds, etc. Over the years, the Township has charged taxes for the property, but also provided varying levels of support, recently in the form of mowing part of the playing fields. The letter asked for a township commitment to a consistent level of support, so the Lions would know what to expect and be able to plan their annual budget accordingly.

Before setting policy about support of non-township owned facilities (Storrington’s Ken Garrett Park is in a similar situation) Council asked for more information from staff.

Expansion of Latimer Cemetery

Council approved the purchase of land to expand Latimer Cemetery, in Storrington District. It’s been agreed that the Township will acquire one-quarter of an acre on behalf of the cemetery, in exchange for: “$10,000, two grave lots, four cornerstones, and HST.”

No more meetings in July

Council will meet next on August 7. There are no Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for the summer.