Feature Article -February 1, 2007

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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

Feature Article - January 18, 2007

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Januay 11, 2007

Letters

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Thanks Homesense

As the teacher for the grade 4/5 class at Hinchinbrooke PS,I would sincerely like tothank The Homesense Storeat the Rio Can Mall in Kingston. Through their unexpected generosity, theydonated two mugs for each of my 26 students, plus candy and decorations so that each child would have gifts for their parents. They have offered to donate other items also. I would suggest to your readers to help us return their generosity by shoppingin the Homesense Store.

Secondly, we have an amazing mom who supports our class by adding so much to ourlearning and fun! Mrs. Julie Goodfellow is absolutelywonderful. She bringsthestudents treats, learning aids for our subjects, she fundraises forour activities and is always available to lend a hand (or a finger -- inside joke!) Every class would be envious of us if they knew all the things shehas donefor us! Many thanks, Julie.

- Debbie Jones, teacher

The Bull Moose

In the October 12, 2006 issue of the Frontenac News we have a photo of Harold and Neil proudly posing with a moose rack, apparently taken two weeks previous. There was no season before October 12 in the area. The AAFNA does not have a hunting agreement with the MNR.

At this point the article stops. I’m curious, did Harold and Neil get a fine? Were their guns taken away? Or are they in jail?

Apparently the native community is going to push all the buttons - build wherever; hunt and fish whenever - that will be next I’m sure.

Be careful, this could be the beginning of an Oka and Caledonia. I’m not 76 or 86 and not native. I do know where there are some moose. Maybe I’ll go hunting, maybe I’ll send you a photo.

There are people out there deliberately adding fuel to this fire and a lot of stupid people watching the pot boil over.

Dennis Hannah

Re: Zealand Road by Jean Lewis

I’ve been a rural mail courier for over four years now in the Maberly area. While most of the roads I travel are in the LanarkTownship area, I do cover some of Central Frontenac.

I have never seen the Central Frontenac roads in a sorrier state than in the last few months. After repairs to struts, ball joints etc. etc. (the list goes on and on) I sometime feel compelled to send all the bills to the township office!

Canada Post pays RSMCs a limited amount each month for vehicle expenses but when you have to constantly have your vehicle in for repair at over $80 an hour labour, plus the cost of the parts, the figure paid back to us just does not compare. I know the residents are in the same predicament, as I am one of them. I live close to Jean but usually I head to work in the opposite direction so that I can enter a different township first. Even though I have run into situations in LanarkTownship, they seem to be resolved in a timely manner.

The weather was beautiful for such a long time and I thought I would see a grader on one of the most terrible roads of my route. It’s been a mess for months. I really feel for the residents. This particular road has not been touched for months. Some people may think that if we don’t like the roads around here, well, we should find another place to settle. How sad is that? No one would live here at all! Most of this area is farming. We need farming, families (young and old), businesses and folks like Jean to speak out and let everyone know what’s happening in our little parts of the township.

Kudos to Art Teal and Frank White for lending a hand, but Jean is right -- they’ll see no compensation. Seems that Bob Pollard had the same problem several years ago when he took it into his own hands to help out and grade part of Brewer Road. If I remember correctly, he was actually reprimanded for his efforts.

All I really have to say is, “Shame on this township!”

Well, I’ve said my piece and I hope others will voice their opinions, whatever they might be, via this newspaper---the mainstay of our community!

- Carole Cannon

Articles from this week

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. 16Biosphere, 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: EditorialLetters

Feature Article -February 1, 2007

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February 1, 2007

Overwhelmed by unexpected utility costs? Unable to cover the mortgage? Help may be available ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Jeff Green

Jillian Manning has a daunting job. As the Family Services Coordinator at the Rural VISIONS Centre in Sydenham, part of her time is devoted to helping low income people access financial support when they are in dire straits.

“My job is to point people to services and to help determine which ones can apply to them,” she said last week, in describing her job.

Funding for the “Maintaining Housing for Rural Residents” program has recently been approved, and it is being administered through Rural VISIONS Centre for residents of FrontenacCounty. There are three streams to the program, which is intended to serve 24 families in the county. There is money for mortgage arrears; assistance with first or last month’s rent for those seeking new accommodations; and grants for heating and utility upgrades.

The funding is being targeted at people in crisis.

“These programs will improve access to and connect households that are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless with the system of community services available through Central Frontenac Community Services [Rural VISIONS Centre] …” is how the programs are described in a City of Kingston publication.

Aside from these new initiatives, the existing rent and utility bank programs are still in place. Jillian Manning also has information about the Winter Warmth Program, which is funded by the United Way, and the Share the Warmth program, which is provincially funded. South Frontenac residents may also be eligible for funding from the Caring Community initiative.

Eligibility requirements for all of these programs are based on demonstrated need. Eligibility is limited to individuals who earn less than $23,000 per year, or $27,500 for two people, $32,500 for a family of three, $36,500 for a family of four, and $39,900 for a family of five or more.

“The programs are all designed for people in different circumstances, and there is documentation required. I usually have a meeting with people in their home to assess their situation, and try to help them get the supports they require,” said Jillian Manning.

“These programs are not for people who receive a large hydro bill and don’t know how they are going to cover it. It is more for people who are facing having their hydro being cut off because they are behind in their payments,” said CFCSC Executive Director Beth Freeland. Freeland pointed out that her agency recently received $54,000 for the homelessness initiative, but it is always a struggle to administer programs because the agency does not receive sufficient administrative support.

Jillian Manning is now working only three days a week because of funding shortfalls. She worked four days a week until the beginning of this year.

“We struggle to receive the administrative funding we need,” Beth Freeland said. “We can only get people the funding they need to maintain their housing because we have people like Jillian on staff to work through the issues and application procedures.”

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 - January 18, 2007

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Januay 11, 2007

Election year again (editorial)

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If it feels like it’s been election year every year, that’s because it has been. At least once a year there is a flurry of speculation, followed by the sprouting of election signs by the roadside. Then comes a vote, and it’s over for a time.

Four years ago in the fall there was a provincial election. A year later there was a municipal election. The next year there was a federal election. A year later the federal government fell and we had an election over Christmas, and then there was another municipal election this past fall. If the activity among riding associations is any indication, we could be having another federal election within months, and there will be a provincial election in the fall.

Federal elections have become so common that a Scott Reid supporter has left an election sign up on Highway 7 for the past three years.

But there is good news for those among us who wish the politicians would stop knocking on our doors and asking for our support. There will be no election for at least three years after this year. At least that’s how it looks right now.

Federally, the Conservatives are poised to either win an outright majority or come pretty close to doing so, close enough that a stable regime will be established.

Recent events have made this even more likely. When the Liberals lost one seat to the Conservatives earlier this month, it gave the NDP the balance of power. The NDP has nothing to gain in an election, but in order to demonstrate their relevance they need to show they can move the government on an important issue, either a budgetary or an environmental issue. The NDP will have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, and the Conservatives will then have an opportunity to say no, bringing on an election when they are most likely to win one.

And they will win, unless some outside event changes a dynamic that has been at play in federal politics ever since the sponsorship scandal broke several years ago. The electorate lost faith with the Liberals years ago, but have been slow to accept the Harper Conservatives. The Liberals were reduced to a minority; then the Conservatives got a minority, and with each election the Liberals have had less to campaign on.

Although Stephen Harper has shown himself to be anti-democratic in some ways, by shutting down his ministers and caucus members and refusing to follow the established protocol with the national media, he has shown himself to be competent, and highly political.

His handling of the contentious same-sex marriage debate, a potential problem, was masterful. He allowed a free vote, satisfying an election promise, lost the vote and then said the matter is settled. When asked if he would revisit it if he won a majority, he re-iterated that the matter is settled. This will not be popular with same sex marriage opponents, but they have nowhere else to go with their vote. All the other parties support same-sex marriage. What Harper has done is taken away an issue from the opposition. He has harmed the one line of attack the Liberals have had: the fear of a hidden Conservative right wing agenda.

The only real vulnerability the Conservatives have is on the environment, but there is quite a crowd of parties fighting for the status of champion of the environment. The Conservatives can allow themselves to be pushed quite a long way on this, probably far enough to satisfy the 40% of the population whose votes they seek, and still say with conviction that theirs is the only policy that won’t diminish the economic prospects that Canadians remain most interested in.

The environment might be the “number one issue” for Canadians, but that is because the economy keeps humming along and employment is at historic lows. Fear of an economic collapse is still stronger in most people’s minds than fear of environmental collapse. The Conservatives know this, and can play it to their advantage as long as their environmental policy moves towards the mainstream of Canadian thinking over the next couple of months.

There will be no tidal wave of support coming to the Conservatives when they orchestrate an election this spring. They don’t need one. They only need the waters to keep moving steadily in their direction, and there is nothing to indicate this won’t happen. Nothing has happened since the last election to alter the basic voting trends. Most ridings will see no change. Our own riding, which has become a Conservative stronghold, belongs to Scott Reid for as long as he wants it. He is popular, especially in Lanark, where he has been the MP for about 7 years, and he is devoted to providing federal services to his constituents.

The only scenario under which Reid could lose would be one where the local electorate turns on the Conservative Party as a whole. That only happens when people tire of a government, such as they did in Ontario with the Harris Tories. The federal Conservatives have never really been in power yet. It is way too early for a “throw the bums out” movement to kick in. We need to elect the bums first.

Provincially, the Liberals should be able to hang onto their majority, because even if they aren’t particularly popular as a government, they have demonstrated political competence. People say nasty things about them, but most of those people are affiliated with other parties. Ontario isn’t quite ready to throw them out. They spent at least half of this past term dealing with the fiscal and policy hangover from the previous government. They should have four years to make their own mark.

So, if my predictions come true, the two elections we will be subjected to this year will lead to governments that will remain in power for their full mandates.

Remember, you heard it here first. - JG

Articles from this week

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. 16Biosphere, 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: EditorialLetters

Feature Article - February 22, 2007

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Feature Article - February 22, 2007

New Leo Club at SHS

Amanda Edgar, a grade 12 student at SHS, is hoping to start a new service club at Sydenham. Leo Clubs are junior affiliates of Lions’ Clubs, intended for people aged 12-18, who are interested in meeting new people and contributing to their communities, both local and international. The club motto is: ‘Leadership, Experience and Opportunity ," and their goal is "to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community."

Edgar, who belonged to a Leo club in Chalk River before moving to South Frontenac, said club participation can count as community service hours, and described various events the Chalk River group had organized, including dances, roadside garbage pick-ups and cancer fundraisers.

The SHS Leo Club will be sponsored by the Sydenham and District Lions Club: they plan to meet every second Tuesday evening: the first meeting will be Tuesday, February 27, 7:00 pm, at SHS: everyone welcome.

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

Bolingbroke chapter ofVictoria's Quiltsby Paula J. Clark

Our quilting group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the ABC Hall in Bolingbroke. Our chapter was formed in May 2005 with five members and has grown to a membership of 23 to date. Our purpose is to make cozy, flannel-backed quilts to donate to people living with cancer. Since May 2005 we have delivered a total of 34 quilts to recipients in and around our communities.

Some of our members are seasoned quilters, some are new quilters, some don’t even sew, but still, they come to help with pinning, ironing, washing fabric, etc. etc. because they believe in our cause. Many hands make light work. The thank you responses we receive from our recipients are most gratifying. Giving some comfort to those who are going through a time of need makes the endless hours of sewing all worth while.

Our executive holds a short meeting on the first Thursday of each month to keep everyone up to date. Our fundraising committee reports their efforts to raise money to purchase needed material and supplies. Other areas to report on are presentations we’ve conducted at various establishments within our communities to bring awareness to our group and let people know how they can request a quilt through us or give a donation.

Since we are not connected to the Cancer Society, our only means of financial support is through donations. Monetary donations are most welcome to enable us to purchase the materials and supplies we require for each quilt. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so through local funeral homes in Perth , Carleton Place , Almonte, Gananoque and Westport . Just ask them for our cards. Other donations of 100% cotton material and cotton flannelette is greatly appreciated.

People with an interest in supporting this cause are very welcome to join the group. There is no membership fee; just bring your lunch and join in. For further information, call Ann at 613-273-8255, Paula at 613-279-1095 or Jane at 613-267-4508.

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

Two Women

(The past two weeks have been difficult for our little communities. Many people have succumbed to disease, and accidents have claimed two lives and put another in peril. Below are some thoughts about two women from the Parham area who both succumbed to cancer last week.)

Stefania Dignum The ultimate Shepherdess

When Stefania Dignum moved to Parham with her husband Ray, she was probably the first Icelandic farmer to come to Hinchinbrooke Township .

After a few years, Stefania started to bring more of Iceland to Parham. She imported the first ever flock of Icelandic sheep to Canada in 1986, transporting a few animals in a Cessna airplane.

Twenty years later, after struggling with disease, coyotes, and other hardships, the flock has survived, and there are now over 6,000 Icelandic sheep, all derived from the original herd, scattered throughout Canada and the United States.

Over that time, Stefania not only developed the skills that led her stepdaughter to describe her as the ultimate shepherdess for her prowess in caring for her flock, she also became expert in spinning and knitting the wool from her sheep.

Ten or 12 years ago, Stefania gave a long interview to Vickie Gabereau on the CBC. She described many colourful experiences from the farm, recounting how her husband had said that they might as well lose money with Icelandic sheep as any other breed. She also admitted that she was convinced that her Icelandic sheep were smarter, and that Icelandic lamb is better tasting than other lamb.

Stefania died last week, after developing cancer last summer. At her funeral her daughter Louise described her devotion to family and her love of animals, and her zest for life.

Betty McCumber more than a receptionist

When Betty McCumber died last week, very soon after being diagnosed with lung cancer, two of the most affected people were men that she worked with, Wayne Robinson who worked with Betty at Northern Frontenac Community Services 25 years ago, and Dr. Peter Bell from the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre, where Betty worked until last September when she retired.

Both spoke at her funeral, describing Betty’s exceptional ability to understand the needs of the people that are served by the two institutions. Betty not only made appointments, and helped people navigate through the social services and the medical establishment, no mean feat in itself, she genuinely sympathised with the conditions people found themselves in, whatever kind of pain they were feeling.

Reverend Patsy Henry, who also spoke at Betty McCumber’s funeral, described her as someone who had been given a double dose of sympathy and love when she was born 61 years ago. The overflow crowd at Betty’s funeral testified to the truth of Reverend Henry’s words.

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

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Feature Article - February 15, 2007

Rift develops over North Frontenac Council's role at Pine Lakeby Jeff Green

North Frontenac Councillor Wayne Cole presented a brief to council last week on the situation at Pine Lake , where the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFNA) has been developing two sites for use as a Pow Wow grounds, a band office and a parking lot.

Accompanying his brief, which Mayor Maguire described as being “painful to read, it was so full of inaccuracies”, Cole proposed a resolution instructing “the Mayor to arrange a meeting as soon as possible with INAC [Indian and Northern Affairs Canada], MNR [the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources] and all members of North Frontenac Council, to resolve this challenge”.

Maguire immediately said that the federal government “will not get involved in this, I can tell you that for certain.”

Cole’s proposed resolution led to an extraordinary two-way debate between himself and the mayor. Wayne Cole explained the intention of his resolution, asserting that the township should remove themselves from the matter, saying “this is not a North Frontenac Issue, it has been passed over from the MNR, and we should send it right back to them.”

“These people,” he added, pointing to the crowd of 20 or so people in attendance, “are wondering who you are working for. Are you working for AAFNA or are you working for North Frontenac?” Cole then went further, saying of AAFNA “These people are squatters. They are breaking the law.”

“The law was broken by Canada when this area of Canada was developed prior to a treaty being signed,” Maguire answered. “What I have been doing is in the interest of the municipality. Do you prefer confrontation?”

“I’m not afraid of confrontation,“ Cole said.

“What you are proposing is not in the best interest of the municipality,” Maguire said, “it will put an end to something that is designed to ensure that the environment and the building code are respected, and that aboriginal rights are respected. If this goes to a vote, I won’t support it. It would be far better to come to an amenable agreement between AAFNA and the MNR. They are a legitimate community.”

Wayne Cole then referred to a meeting that took place on New Year’s Eve between himself, Ron Maguire, and David Rose, the President of the Pine Lake Property Owners’ Association. The association, which opposes the AAFNA project at Pine Lake , has been seeking a response from Ron Maguire to a letter they sent to the township outlining their concerns.

“You promised you would get a response to him,” Wayne Cole said to Ron Maguire, before reiterating one of his main themes, “Are you representing NF, or are you representing AAFNA?”

“You’re getting way out of line here,” Maguire angrily responded.

“There is the electorate to consider,” Cole concluded.

The motion was passed, with Mayor Maguire and Councillor Fred Perry casting the only dissenting votes. Councillor Wayne Good was not in attendance.

Councillor Perry explained to council and the public that he had opposed Wayne Cole’s motion because he felt it undermined a process that was the best way he knows of to bring this to an acceptable conclusion for all involved, including the Pine Lake residents.

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Feature Article - February 8, 2007

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Feature Article - February 8, 2007

"Project End Zone"selling bricks and mortarby Jeff Green

“Project End Zone” has been having a good run of late. This campaign to fund an addition and improvements to the North Frontenac Arena received municipal support from both Central and South Frontenac Councils, and is hoping to hear soon from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation about funding for the blueprints for the addition.

And now they are starting to sell the bricks for the new walls.

Hockey families and other community members are being invited to purchase bricks, at a cost of $100 each, in support of the project.

For each $100 donation, an inscribed plaque will be mounted on a brick that will form part of the interior arena wall.

Under the slogan, “Buy a brick … build a Future, one brick at a time,” “Project End Zone” is providing an opportunity for families to celebrate their special memories related to the arena or to celebrate important individuals.

Even before the campaign was officially kicked off last Saturday at the arena, several people had come forward expressing interest in purchasing bricks.

“People began responding well to this when we passed out information to hockey families during games over the past few days. Most were trying to decide what to write on the plaque.” said Brad Heyman, past President of the North Frontenac Minor Hockey Association. Some families that have had several children go through minor hockey programs at the arena are considering purchasing several bricks to help support the project.

The Buy a Brick campaign has the ambitious goal of 500 bricks, or $50,000.

“Project End Zone” has an overall goal of $530,000. Plans are in place to begin construction this spring on a 40 foot extension to the west side of the arena. The addition will house 4 new dressing rooms, an officials’ room, a new skate sharpening room, and a storage and meeting room. In addition, the front lobby, the bleachers and current dressing rooms will also be renovated.

The arena is over 30 years old, and one of the changes that has taken place in that time is the rise of girls’ and women’s hockey. The renovations are needed not only to spruce up the building, but also to make it more suitable for current use.

Throughout its 7 months of operation each year, the arena is in use most of the time: for public skates, children and adult league play, and by the Frontenac Flyers.

Two hundred and sixty thousand dollars has been raised for Project End Zone thus far, including $200,000 from Central and South Frontenac and $60,000 from corporate and individual sponsors.

The fundraising committee is working on other fundraising applications, including ones to the Bell Sports Fund and the Trillium Foundation.

“But public support is crucial” says Arena Manager Jim Stinson, “Funders want to know that the people who use the facilities support them. It is great to see the “Buy a Brick” campaign get off to a good start.”

In addition to the “Buy a Brick” initiative, a fundraising skate will be held on March 25th, and planning is underway for a golf tournament on July 26th. The fundraising committee will be releasing more information on those events in the upcoming weeks.

For further information, contact the arena (374-2177) or Carole Sparling at 376-3354.

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

Bill MacDonald to seek provincial Liberal nominationby Jeff Green

Former Central Frontenac Mayor Bill MacDonald is attempting a political comeback four months after being defeated in a municipal election. MacDonald served 18 years on municipal council, the last nine as mayor, and has served as Warden of Frontenac County on two occasions, the most recent being 2005.

Throughout his municipal career, Bill MacDonald avoided any over-affiliation with provincial or federal political parties. “As a municipal politician, I had to deal with whichever party was in power, so I stayed away from party politics, but I have always been a Liberal supporter,” he said in an interview earlier this week.

“I have met people from throughout the riding over the years, and I feel I have an understanding of the issues that matter to people in the rural areas. I’d like to bring that perspective to Toronto.”

MacDonald also said that Central Frontenac has done well under the provincial Liberals.

Bill MacDonald owns his own logging and educational sales businesses.

Ian Wilson, of Amherstview, who announced his intention to seek the party nomination in February, has also served on municipal council, in Ernestown. A career educator at St. Lawrence College, where he rose to the position of Dean of the School of Business, Wilson has been active in various Kingston-based volunteer bodies over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce, Kingston Area Recycles (KARC), and others. Most recently, he has served as the inaugural chair of the Southeast Ontario Local Health Integration Network.

A date has not yet been set for a nomination meeting, although one is expected by mid-May

The date of the next provincial election is known, however. In a break with tradition, the election date has been set in advance. It will be held on October 10th.

The date of the next federal election, on the other hand is extremely uncertain.

In order to be prepared, the federal Liberals will be naming their candidate this Saturday at the Piccadilly Hall. With the nomination deadline approaching, only one candidate has come forward so far, former parliamentary assistant and one-time Mayor of Napanee, Dave Remington.

The Conservative and Green Parties have already named their federal candidates for Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington. They are three-time incumbent MP Scott Reid, and newcomer Chris Walker, respectively.

A date for a federal NDP candidate selection meeting is expected shortly.

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