As of January 31, staff and students at Sydenham High School have been holding regular classes in the school’s new 14,000 square foot addition, which they have named the Wellness Wing. The brand-new facility, which cost over $3 million, includes four new components: a 5000 square foot gym facility with change rooms, office and storage space; a new state of the art hospitality/food section that includes an industrial kitchen, a serving area and an attached classroom; a new theatre arts facility equipped with a stage, retractable seating for 90 and a control booth; and a new computer lab.

When I visited the school on February 28 all four of the new components were being utilized.

Earlier that same week a number of activities were scheduled in the new facility by staff member Jeff Sanderson in an event called Wellness Week, which focused on activities to promote the physical and mental well-being of students and to give them an opportunity to explore the new wing and what exactly it has to offer.

Tabitha Kirby, who heads up the hospitality/foods programming at the school, was busy in the new kitchen with her grade 11 hospitality students, who were aproned and preparing a catered lunch for 100 students at Loughborough Public School. The students were assembling over 100 ham and cheese sandwiches as well as preparing hors d'oeuvres -smoked salmon and cream cheese canopies, cheese crisps topped with a bean pesto and Thai shrimp rolls that they would later snack on themselves. Tabitha said she is thrilled with the new facility, which includes a brand new industrial walk-in fridge and freezer, four new six-burner stove tops, four ovens plus one combi and one convection oven, and numerous stainless steel work stations plus an attached teaching classroom. “It's wonderful, gleaming, clean and very spacious and we are really excited since we are going to be able to do a lot of new things here that we could not do in our former classroom. We will also be able grow our own fresh herbs outdoors and will expand our composting as well”, Kirby said.

Grade 11 hospitality student Sam Earle said he is thrilled with the facility and it was part of the reason that he chose to relocate to SHS. “I heard about the new kitchen facility and wanted to come to Sydenham because I heard that it was brand-new and so advanced.”

In the new drama room, drama teacher Erik Rutherford was sitting with his grade 10 drama class in a large circle on the stage floor of the new theatre arts facility and said that the facility is helping to raise the bar for the theatre arts program at the school. “It feels a bit like Harry Potter, where we have moved from the little dark hideaway under the stairs to Hogwarts. This new space offers a great learning environment and the new theatre especially gives students not only a large activity space but also a state of the art theatre facility where they can experience what it feels like to perform on stage in front of an audience.”

SHS drama students will be presenting this year’s school play in the new theatre facility with an original multi-media play titled Macdeath, which is based on the Shakespeare's Macbeth but set in the 1990s grunge scene. Show dates will be announced. Jess Sherman, who will be playing one of the leads, said that the new facility raises the bar for students. “It feels like what we are doing here is more serious and more important because of the new facility.”

The new theatre space is fully wheelchair accessible and can be used by various community groups. It is also fully equipped with audio-visual equipment for presentations.

In the new gym, which boasts a floating hardwood floor, 26-foot ceilings, new change rooms, a storage room and an office space plus lots of natural light, a grade nine volleyball tournament was underway and Vice-Principal Brent Pickering said the new gym will allow more physical activities to take place at the school on any given day. “Before this new gym was built we typically had five phys-ed classes booked at one time and only three teaching spaces. With the new gym we can place all five classes in the two gyms.” Extra-curricular sports at the school will also benefit as a result of more available gym space both before and after regular school hours and the space will also be made available to community groups as well.

Vice-Principal Pickering said the new wing will help both teaching and learning at SHS. “These new facilities are state of the art and with them we are able to offer students more and better programming at SHS, which is exciting for both students and staff here.”

Staff are raffling off the 76 new lockers in the new wing as a school fundraiser for the local food bank and students are flocking in in droves to enjoy their colorful and spacious new wing.

The official public grand opening of the new wing will take place in April and the public will be invited to tour the new facility.

It's not often that one hears the words “art” and “science” in the same sentence. But that is often the case when it comes to painter Aleta Karstad, who spoke on February 22 at the Grace Centre in Sydenham.

Karstad is one of three artists participating in a group show there titled “Local Reflections on Art and Nature”. The show was organized by Southern Frontenac Community Services’ Grace Centre Arts Committee in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the show goes a long way in explaining the close relationship between art, nature and science.

Karstad and her husband Fred Schueler, who is a naturalist, herpetologist, scholar and the research curator at the Bishop Mills Natural History Centre in Bishop Mills, Ontario, are currently working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada surveying the conservancy’s five newly purchased properties in the Frontenac Arch.

Schueler is conducting biological inventories of the sites and Karstad is painting the flora, fauna and landscapes there. The couple have been working as a team for years, with Schueler researching and Karstad painting the natural world. They have published numerous books based on their findings. The work they are doing with the NCC will assist staff with their long-term management plans for the Frontenac Arch lands. Currently Karstad is creating paintings of the Arch lands and she is displaying and selling them on her website (aletakarstad.com), with the proceeds helping to fund Schueler's research. It is these paintings, some still wet, that were on display and for sale at the Grace Centre show and they demonstrate the prowess of this artist, who for decades has been focusing her sights on the natural world.

Karstad received her formal art training at the Central Technical School in Toronto and in 1972 began work in biological illustration with the National Museum of Canada. Since that time she and her husband have published numerous books about their research and findings and in 2008 set up the model of how they work together, which Karstad calls the Art and Science Model. “Though we officially named our model in 2008, in reality we have always worked that way," Karstad explained at her talk. “It is traditional to pay money for completed artworks, whereas scientists must themselves actually pay money to publish their research. We do research linked with art, art linked with research..... and we let the art support the research.”

Not only does the art support the research, but the works themselves stand alone as subtle and masterful depictions of nature’s bounty. Karstad is an experienced and talented painter and has the ability to create simultaneously dynamic and subtle paintings whether portraying a large, expansive vista as with her “Loughborough Meadows” or in her much smaller work titled “Wild Cucumber”, which depicts two delicate pods clinging precariously to their winter vine. Her feel for colour is direct and vibrant and her attention to the tiniest details make for beautifully subtle and delicate paintings.

In a third piece titled “Fern Pelt of the Frontenacs”, Karstad zooms in on a section of mosses, ferns and lichens that grow in the Arch lands. She said it is one of her favorite paintings and she used the subject of that particular painting as a perfect metaphor in explaining her and her husband’s model of working. “In our work, Fred and I depend on each other like the medulla and the alga that makes up a lichen. The alga, being green, makes food from light, and the medulla, which cannot feed itself, supplies a body, like Fred with his scientific body of knowledge, building on his database. This knowledge informs my art, carries me about on field trips, and in return, the art brings in the money for the research.”

Karstad and Schueler are a perfect match for the NCC and their work will go a very long way in helping the organization demonstrate to others the magical and diverse beauty of the Frontenac Arch. The show “Local Reflections on Art and Nature" will be up at the Grace Centre until April 29 and admission is free. The hall is open most weekdays from 10 am – 4 pm but it is best to call the Southern Frontenac Community Services’ office at 613-376-6477 ext. 205 to confirm that your visit does not coincide with regularly scheduled activities there. For those who missed Karstad's talk, a second reception and artists’ talk will take place at the Grace Centre on Saturday March 8 from 1 -2:30pm. The Grace Centre is located at 4295 Stagecoach Road in Sydenham

Feature Article January 6, 2005

Feature article January 6, 2005

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Sydenham Water: Where is requested report on villagers financing options? by Wilma Kenny

South Frontenac Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gord Burns confirmed that its time to revive the Sydenham Water Steering Committee, now that the Federal and Provincial governments have officially agreed to commit a maximum of $4,789,986 to the project.

It has been a year since tenders were last called: Burns said he hopes an updated tender call could be issued by the end of the month. Following this time line, he said Council should be in a position to award tenders by March, with the intent of starting the project in early spring. Because the old tenders are no longer valid, the final cost of the project is not known..

Concerning individual household costs, CAO Burns said that once the new tenders are in, the Township would be able to recalculate the household schedule. He added that such a schedule would not include individual hook-up or well closing costs. It will be up to Council to decide whether to hold an information open house at some point in this process.

When asked for comment, Richard Munroe of the Sydenham Safe Water Association made reference to a resolution passed by Council on October 5/04 requesting the Clerk and Treasurer prepare a report for Council exploring financing options for the village share of the Water Project costs. It was to: "list and evaluate the options to allocate portions of the local costs to other payers than just the village residents,...eg costs of future growth capacity may be allocated to future residents and financed by the Township until the growth occurs." It was also to list possible alternative sources for long term financing of the local share, such as financing from township reserves, or accessing new provincial capital funds, or attaching the costs to the property rather than the current homeowner. The resolution passed, with Councillors Barr, Robinson and Mayor Lake opposed. To date, this report has not been tabled at a Council meeting.

Munroe said there are a number of other unanswered questions. He pointed out the need to review the $600,000 project savings that have been identified by Guy Laporte of TSH Engineering. Munroe questioned whether, in the long run, there was any money to be saved in drastically cutting or removing contingency costs, using lighter weight materials, or cutting back on the numbers of fire hydrants. He also wondered how the Township proposed to pay for expansion costs, as no portion of these will be covered by Federal/Provincial funding.

Feature Article February 3, 2004

Feature article February 3, 2005

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Sydenham Residents Solidly Behind Safe Water Association

by Wilma Kenny

February came in like a lion for South Frontenac Council. Januarys meetings had been short and uneventful, but the first of February meeting saw fireworks and drama.

Councillor Robinson left the meeting when the Sydenham Safe Water Associations delegate rose to speak. Richard Munroe presented a petition signed by 215 of the 244 Sydenham homeowners in the area designated to be served by the proposed Sydenham water system. (Of the remaining homeowners, the SSWA wasnt able to contact 21, and 8 did not sign the petition.) The petition asked the Township to provide three pieces of information to individual homeowners PRIOR to the Townships committing to construction of the proposed waterworks. The three questions are: (a) What portion of the capital cost of the plant and distribution system will I have to pay? (b) What can I reasonably expect to pay for hook-up? And (c) What are the estimated on-going annual costs?

Discussion centred on the question of hook-up and well closing costs: the Association submitted a detailed proposal describing how the municipality could help the homeowners estimate these expenses before approving tenders, and asked for a response from the Township by February 8. Mayor Lake said that Council was trying to move forward and work with the residents, and suggested that some of the SSWAs actions were holding up progress. He said that until the tenders were in, there was no point in trying to guess at costs. Alistair Lamb pointed out that the current project being tendered did not include hook-ups: that was a separate cost, and surely the consulting engineers could begin to work on estimating this. Mayor Lake asked why they should spend more money until they knew whether the project was going to run, and this wouldnt be known until tender bids were received. After many angry comments from the floor, the Mayor closed discussion, and Councillor Robinson returned to the meeting.

Zoning By-law Amendment

After much discussion, Council passed a by-law rezoning a property on the corner of William and Amelia Streets from urban residential to Special Urban Commercial, to allow Dan Vandermeer to operate his engine repair business from his house and property. Neighbours expressed concern about the noise and increase in traffic that this would cause in a residential area. Councillor Smith agreed that it would be unlikely that all repairs and motor testing could be confined within a closed building, and that an engine repair business would be noisy. Several other village residents spoke in general support of small businesses. In passing the zone change, Council placed a number of requirements and restrictions including: no outside storage, hours of operation Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, the workshop must have sound insulation, and screening must be provided by shrubs and fencing. Councillors Smith, Roos and Stowe opposed the zone change.

Alcohol Ban at Fire Halls?

Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough brought forward a proposal that alcohol not be permitted at or around any of the firehalls during fundraising activities or other functions. He based this on six incidents that have occurred in the past six months, and on concerns about liability and public perception. He said that three of the four district chiefs agreed with an alcohol ban. Neither OPP nor ambulance services have alcohol on site. Councillor Robinson said that he was not aware of alcohol-related problems at bbqs or fish fries, and spoke in favour of preserving a "rural tradition." A motion will be brought to the next council meeting for decision.

Chesebrough also brought a motion concerning reimbursing township employees who are Volunteer Firefighters. During work hours, these individuals are to respond only to serious calls, and only with their supervisors permission. They will receive their regular pay for a fire call during work hours, and this cost will be paid, as a journal entry, by the district where they are serving.

Council approved a motion to install fire/intrusion alarm systems in the fire halls that do not have them at present.

Storrington Recycling

Council agreed to exercise the option to extend for one year the contract for recycling collecting in Storrington. Councillor Barr complained that the Sustainability Committee wasnt moving fast enough. Councillor Smith defended the committees work, and things became quite noisy for a few minutes.

Provision of Sand to the Public

Council approved a policy for provision of sand: it will not be sold or provided to any contractors other than those with whom the Township has contracted for winter services on Township property. Small amounts (equivalent of two 5-gallon pails) of free sand will be available to Township residents from a sandpile just inside the yard gates under no circumstances will the public be permitted to enter the Township sand storage facilities.

Library Board Report

One of the few non-controversial items of the evening was a brief report from Warden Bill MacDonald and Wilma Kenny, Township representatives on the Kingston Frontenac Public Library board. They reminded Council that the Librarys recently adopted 25-year plan called for Storrington library to remain much as it is, Hartington Branch to be moved to larger facilities in Verona, and Sydenham branch to be enlarged. Councils allocation of a portion of development fees to the library is a positive step toward eventual enhancement of library facilities in the township.

Feature article February 17, 2005

Feature article February 17, 2005

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Sydenham Water: How Much Is Too Much? by Wilma Kenny

Alistair Lamb spoke to South Frotnenac Council on Tuesday Night (February 15) on behalf of the Sydenham Safe Water Association. He reviewed Councils letter to the association, which stated that the capital cost of the plant and distribution system would be known in early March, and that the engineering firms estimate of ongoing maintenance and service costs should be available soon. Lamb said the SSWA would be willing, as suggested, to help the township work out an estimate of the cost of individual hook-ups and installations.

Then Lamb reminded Council that, from the beginning, village residents had been told that "if the project cost estimates are too high, the project will be terminated."

"How high," asked Lamb, "is too high? Has Council an overall maximum budget beyond which the plug will be pulled?" He pointed out that before one bought a car, a person decided how much they could afford to spend. Likewise, village residents wanted to know how much Council was prepared to commit to the water project. Mayor Lake refused to give a number, saying only that they would have a better idea in early March, once the tenders had come in. Councillor Hahn said Lambs questions "assumed there were no other sources of funding," but he did not elaborate on this statement.

The SSWA left the meeting at this point, and Councillor Robinson arrived shortly afterward.

Other notes from South Frontenac Council

Strategic Plan for Frontenac County?

Consultant Jim Slavin gave a brief presentation about a strategic planning process that he has been contracted to develop with the County. He proposes setting up five committees of staff and residents to identify and examine key issues in the areas of transportation, administration, health, social networks, economic development and environment. Council asked about cost and value of this exercise. Slavin said it would help link the four townships through common issues and concerns, and might help get additional funding. When asked about his contract with the County, Slavin said he had a verbal contract with the CAO, but was unsure as to the exact amount he would be paid. Later, Mayor Lake expressed doubt that County Council had fully approved this project yet.

Harrowsmith Zoning By-law Amendment Deferred

A zone change that would allow Stephen Bowes to sell used cars from a commercial lot on road 38, at the top of the hill in Harrowsmith, was deferred until a site plan is submitted. Councillor Smith expressed concern about outside storage of vehicles, saying the water situation in Harrowsmith is fragile, and he didnt want to approve anything that might pollute the groundwater.

Fire Halls Dry

Council passed a by-law forbidding possession or consumption of alcohol at any of the South Frontenac firehalls.

Performance Bond Requirement Cancelled

In response to the Sustainability Committees request for direction from Council, Council voted against asking for a performance bond or other security equal to the value of 25% of the value of the first year of a contract for waste collection.

Powerboat Races on Sydenham Lake?

The Canadian Boating Federation has asked to hold powerboat races at the Point in Sydenham on August 27 &28. They also asked the township to provide adequate portable toilets for 300 people for the event, and requested sole access to the launching ramp for both days. Councillor Davison commented that the boat racers were a self-contained group, not providing much benefit to the village. The boaters request was forwarded to the recreation committee for consideration and recommendation to Council.

Editorial, February 17, 2005

Feature article February 17, 2005

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Of Sex, Politics, Religion and....Drinking Water?

Editorial comment by Wilma Kenny

If you want to have a civilized dinner party in Sydenham these days, youd better add water to the good old list of sex, politics and religion, as topics forbidden at the table. Nothing leads to indigestion faster than the mere mention of Sydenham water. So if you arent one of those 245 village households, youre probably glad you dont live in Sydenham right now, and can be outside the controversy......and yet, hows your water supply doing?

At this weeks South Frontenac Council meeting, Councillor Smith referred to the fragility of the Harrowsmith water supply. What about Verona, Inverary, Battersea: villages with houses close to each other, also with wells and aging septic systems? Or the rural areas where its hard to get water without salt or sulphur, or a well that doesnt run dry in summer? Sooner or later, one way or another, like it or not, were all in this water business together.

Sydenham residents arent looking for a free ride. We know that if the water project goes through, well have to pay a lot from our own pockets, or sell and move. Sure, our homes may go up in value, but then so will our taxes. Most of us live in the village because its safe and affordable, not because we have a lot of cash to spare. Once the full cost of the water project is known, well all have difficult decisions to make.

South Frontenac sends out over 16,000 tax bills. An extra $12.50 per tax bill, or $25. per year would bring in $400,000 a year. If that were invested in a fund to help individuals throughout the township finance the cost of clean, adequate water, wed all benefit in the long run.

Clean, adequate and affordable water for all? Surely in Canada, of all places in the world, this should be possible.

Letters February 10, 2005

Letters February 10, 2005

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Roads for the Future

First I'd like to thank the roads crew of Central Frontenac for the great job they've been doing for the last month. With all the sand put down on the roads I drive, travelling has been much safer. This was an excellent response to the concerns expressed by the many people who attended the CF Council meeting on January 10, 2005. However, we need to think more about the long-term future of our roads, not just about how we deal with the immediate problems presented by one ice storm.

I hope CF taxpayers will also get involved in making sure that Council gives roads the attention they deserve. They are the network that makes life possible. They are the largest single financial commitment for the Township. As Mayor MacDonald said, quoted in the January 27th edition of the Frontenac News, "I say you can have the best hospitals and the best schools in the world, but if you don't have decent roads to drive on you'll never get to either of them."

I understand that Councillor Logan Murray has a motion prepared for the February 14th Council meeting, proposing the establishment of a Roads Committee. Some Councillors, I'm sure, will think "oh no, not again" since they have rejected similar motions in the past. Other rural councils, in our area and beyond, recognize that roads are so important that they require concentrated attention by a committee of council. Please come to the February 14th meeting of Council to show that you support this motion, and want to see Council start a process that aims to improve the operation and development of our road system so that it meets our needs for the present and the future.

Gail Burgess

Thoughts about marriage between same-sex couples:

Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, excluding all others. Lets listen to what God says in His Holy Word:

Genesis 1: 27 God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them, male and female created he them.

Genesis 2: 21 - and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man.

I Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife and let every woman have her own husband.

Romans 1:18; and 1:24, 25, 26, 27 tell us that unions of same sex are wrong and Gods judgement will be upon them.

Marriage is mentioned in the Bible 589 times. Marriage between man and woman was God ordained.

If this paper is passed, God help us all.

Oh, Canada. Beware!

- Muriel Phillips

Sydenham wants answers, NOT excuses

At the last council meeting, Richard Munroe of the Sydenham Safe Water Association (SSWA) presented council with a petition, signed by 85% of the properties impacted by the proposed water project. This petition demanded that council give us the total estimated cost for each property before signing any contracts for construction of the waterworks. The people want to know 1) the capital cost, 2) the hook-up costs, and 3) the annual maintenance cost and water rate. Clearly, the people are entitled to know how much they will be required to pay for this water. But our Mayor could only find excuses why council can't help us.

Regarding hook-up costs, which are a significant portion of the total cost for the property owner, the Mayor used the excuse that he doesn't want to put resources into exploring these costs until they establish the cost of construction. His reason being that the tenders may come in too high to proceed. This begs the same question we have wanted an answer to for over two years, "What is too expensive?" Why won't council DEFINE this number? Is there a limit to what they are willing to make us pay? If so, then why avoid disclosing it? And further, if council doesn't act now on the hook-up costs, scheduled constraints will not allow them enough time to do the estimates after the tenders come in. That would be a convenient excuse to avoid determining the hook-up costs and revealing the real total cost?

The Mayor also discounted the extent of our concerns by commenting that they are really busy and have to attend to all the other issues concerning the residents of the township. We agree council should be responsible to all residents. But council forced this expensive project on us and is now trying to wash their hands of their responsibility to us. We have repeatedly tried to get answers to fundamental questions that even people outside the water area want answered. These people are concerned they could be next in line for water and sewage and they don't want the same neglectful treatment and excuses that the people of Sydenham have endured.

Finally, the Mayor blamed the people for the delays in the project. Mr. Mayor, get your facts straight. The engineering firm that council hired started this whole delay when they grossly underestimated the cost of the project. All the delays since then have been around getting more money. And to make matters worse, Mr. Mayor, the engineering firm now wants MORE money for themselves because of the delay that THEY caused. Isn't that a little bit ironic, Mr. Mayor? Your energy would be much better spent finding answers instead of excuses for the tremendous number of problems the mismanagement of this project has created.

To work WITH the people, like you claim to have tried to do, you first need to LISTEN to them - at least 85% of them, in this case.

- Cathie Waugh, Sydenham

Letters, February 24, 2005

Feature article February 24, 2005

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Small business not wanted

In Nov/04 an article was printed in our daily newspaper about big box stores like Wal-Mart ruining small retailers. For every Wal-Mart that comes into a community several small stores close up.

We seem to welcome these big box stores that force others to renovate and increase or discontinue business. Wal-Mart is based out of Canada and it appears Canadian governing bodies would rather deal with other countries. Small business is not wanted.

The beef industry is suffering greatly but the Canadian government allows beef to be imported here and sold here every day It forces farmers to almost give their beef away. With the lack of federally inspected processing capacity causing the real problem, we are helping the United States take advantage of our hardship. Our government leads people to believe the US border closing is the real problem while they are doing nothing to help our beef producers over-supply.

Thanks go out to Rev. J. Craig, who has helped organize a mini-market in Hartington, providing success until the government finds a problem with it.

Transportation is no different. Our local school board took several of our routes and gave them to other companies major ones based out of Canada, leaving those who provided service for a lifetime with no retirement.

Even our local council has disputed for months over an entrance to our property that would have provided a service to people. This discourages Canadians to do business at every turn.

I repeat Small business is not wanted in Canada.

J. Kerr

Letter to the editor

Same-sex marriage

It seems to me that the Bible was written quite a time ago. For example: What does the Bible say about the 39,000 kids that die (every day of the year) of malnutrition? Did those bad homosexuals make those children?

Does the Bible say that only white Christians have the right to life? It seems that the Right to Life President of the USA sure doesnt think twice about killing people.

What does it say about the millions of women who have been abused, or raped, or even gang-raped and cant even look at a man without wanting to puke. Maybe they dont want to spend their whole lives alone.

Gays contribute more than their share to this world. Newsweek calls them the richest and best educated of ANY minority. Example: nice or not, Michael Jackson has given more than a billion dollars to charities. Liberace probably gave half a billion. Dont forget they could have lived pretty good on their first couple of millions and not put up with the verbal abuse they got.

A lot of kids have no parents in this world and a lot of gays sponsor or even adopt needy children. The best minds on earth, Nobel Laureates, are worried about over-population and the steady destruction of this earth and all of the species that God made. They surely couldnt care less about the word Marriage. Sadly the best minds dont always win in politics.

- Carmel Gowen.

Letter to the editor:

Upkeep of Central Frontenac roads

I am responding to the residents who believe the township is doing a good job on the upkeep of our local roads. Obviously they do not travel on the same roads that I travel on. The current council needs to step up to the challenge of taking the responsibility of the ongoing issues. If this problem is not the fault of the council, then could it be possible that the contractors who work on the roads do not have the expertise and proper training to enable them to do the job? In the past, I have noticed workers filling in potholes and then about a month later they were back filling them in again. Is it common practice to throw money away in this manner? Have they considered outsourcing the work to companies that have the experience and the

knowledge when it comes to maintaining the roads? Would the local council consider requesting bids from companies to have the privilege of maintaining and preserving our local roads? The idea is not necessarily to give the job to the lowest bidder, but to give the job to the company that provides the most cost effective and efficient means of completing the task to our satisfaction.

The last few years my taxes have tripled. If this has happened to everyone in Central Frontenac, then we should be able to afford to pay for proper repairs and maintenance on the roads. The taxpayers in this community are paying the council to do a job; surely they can come up with a good solution to solve some of our problems without raising our taxes even further.

Some people feel we need a new council. If this is not the case, then please prove to us that we are wrong.

- Jim Kirkland

Letter to the editor

Farewell from a paramedic

In April, 1990, I arrived from Toronto to begin my first shift with the Parham Ambulance Service. Fresh out of college, I came to the Frontenac area to pursue my career as a paramedic, and had absolutely no idea what life would be like working in rural Ontario.

At that time, David Hansen was the operator of the service. We worked long hours, much of it on standby (read: volunteer), and I began to learn about rural emergency services, and life in general, in this part of the world. There have been many changes over the years, in the service and in the community with new partners, a new operator (David Gemmill), and the downloading of paramedic services to the county.

Some things have remained the same I still feel privileged to be accepted by the communities of Frontenac County, and I am still in awe of the sense of community one finds here.

Some things never change, though. Yesterday I worked a 16-hour shift! It was just like the old days.

Today (February 17) is my last scheduled shift in Parham, and Ive been reflecting on what a wonderful experience Ive had. From childbirth to tragedy, Ive been fortunate to share your lives and to see the people and the communities around here at their best, and I cannot express what a joy it has been, most of the time. Id like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made my time in the north such an adventure, and although Im sure well cross paths again, wish you all happy trails.

Thanks so much.

- Dave Parkhill, Kingston

Fair, Open, Accountable

Three simple but important words. And three words the Township of South Frontenac council needs to learn and start to practise. We elected this council to SERVE us and to be responsible to US.

It is hoped that other communities in the township are learning from Sydenham's experience. We continue to be amazed at the blatant disregard for our

democratic rights, and the inability of our council to listen to the people that elected them - the people they claim to be working for, and with.

Once again, the people impacted by the Sydenham Water Project went to a council meeting and tried to get our point across. Once again, council stonewalled us.

Our township runs an annual budget. Once a year, they estimate the costs for all sorts of projects in the township for the year. And they estimate the revenue they will get from taxpayers - you and me. Then they cut things from the budget until it balances, so the revenue equals the expenses. Also known as a balanced budget. Responsible behaviour for elected public officials.

So, someone please explain why council thinks they are exempt from being fiscally responsible to the residents of Sydenham. This Council has NEVER

established a budget for the Sydenham water project! What that means is that there is no definition of what is too much for the people to pay. And we have seen the estimated costs of this project rise multiple times through the course of this fiasco, and we know they are going to rise again. This means that the people of Sydenham are being set up for a FINANCIAL DISASTER.

Mayor Lake admitted at the last council meeting that there is no definition of too much. This is beyond comprehension. How can anyone in their right mind claim to be managing in the best interest of the public, when they haven't defined an upper limit for the financial impact to the people?

How would you like it if next year council decided not to do an annual budget, but instead they spent whatever it cost for whatever projects they wanted to do? And guess what, you have to pay for it all. Imagine NO MAXIMUM on your tax bill. Now you are getting the picture of how we feel in Sydenham. This council is out of control, and we need your help to let them know this is NOT okay.

Call Mayor Lake, call your councillor. The people of Sydenham need you to tell council ALL the people of this township have had enough, and that we want a council that is fair, open, and accountable.

- David Waugh, one of the VAST MAJORITY for responsible government.

Feature article, March 17, 2005

Feature article March 17 2005

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Soaring On the Court

By Zannah Matson

The students at Sydenham High School have some accomplishments to celebrate to get them out of the winter blahs; especially some recent athletic wins by the many sports teams that add another aspect to high school life.

The most recent win by the girls was at the Eastern Ontario Championships that were played out in the Sydenham gym. The game was won in a quick, efficient manner, with the first three sets going to Sydenham. Mackenzie Secondary School, the team that they were competing against had come two hours to play this game, but the perfect record of the Sydenham girls prevailed into this game as well.

There was an overwhelming amount of support from the student body, with about 150 people coming out to cheer. In the traditional fashion, there was a drum line composed of several different percussion instruments, mainly metal garbage cans and pieces of wood. The energetic fans were able to watch this exciting victory from the comfort of the new bleachers that Sydenham just purchased using money that the students council has been saving for such an endeavor.

The school is excelling in other sports as well, with an excellent performance by Jack Kent and Andrew Davison on the badminton court with their recent goal medal accomplishment at an LCVI tournament. They were competing as a doubles team against the Kingston area teams.

Tara Harvey, a member of the girls volleyball team, has summed up the general atmosphere of the school: I am very proud to be a Sydenham Eagle.

Leading Style

The best place to see the new trends for spring was at the annual Sydenham High School Fashion Show!

This year there were several featured events incorporated into the traditional fashion show that made the event extremely interesting.

The theme of this years fashion show was Jet Set Fashion, and it had skits sprinkled throughout that were inspired by the television show The Amazing Race, and involved several of the drama club members. These themes progressed through the night, and eventually turned into a dancing competition. Andrew Herrington took center stage for this, as he preformed a Napoleon Dynamite act that was both courageous and entertaining. Danielle Doggett, a spectator deemed this act the highlight of the night, and many others agreed.

There was excellent turnout this year to see the show that progressed flawlessly through the evening, and featured clothing of all styles, from hiking to formal wear. Every set was choreographed to music that was artfully linked to the overall theme.

As Kendra Laily put the evening, it was a really good show that anyone can be in, regardless of experience or age. That epitomizes the overall concept behind a fashion show, to incorporate as many people as possible from as many interest groups as possible. It is definitely a time when everyone, from the tech crew, to the models can work toward a common goal and succeed as a group.

The staff also deserves to be commended for giving up their lunch hours and weekend to make the event a success and to motivate the students. With such a large group of students, and such a grand event, it is difficult to organize and manage, but they excelled in all aspects, and the results were visible and well worth the effort.

The clothing that was used came from stores across Kingston, and their contribution was definitely one of the most important aspects of the night that showcased a broad array of styles and cuts that will be seen as the snow melts and spring attire becomes more seasonable.

The spectacle was fun for all of the people that attended, and gave many hope that spring is just around the corner.

Feature article, March 17, 2005

Feature article March 17 2005

LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home

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South Frontenac Township

by Wilma Kenny

Trailer By-law Concerns

Judy Reynolds spoke on behalf of a large delegation of trailer owners. She cited several instances of apparent inconsistency in the enforcement of the recent trailer licensing by-law, and asked that everyone be treated equally, and that seasonal trailer owners only be taxed for the four summer months that they used their trailers. She also asked whether a grandfathered trailer could be replaced by a new one. Mayor Lake agreed that it was important the by-law be enforced consistently, saying that Council would have to "thrash it out." Several Councillors repeated their concerns that the Township has no provision for short-term use of campers and trailers visiting local residents, but to date, no one has initiated the necessary zoning by-law amendment that would address this question.

Firemens Associations Donate High-powered Lighting Unit Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough announced that the local Firemens Associations have purchased a special diesel-powered lighting unit for South Frontenac Township fire departments. The unit, which cost over $10,000, will be a major asset for firefighters working at night. The Associations raise funds for special equipment such as this which the regular municipal budget cant provide. Chesebrough recommended that 22 new recruits who have completed the required assessment and training be hired as Volunteer firefighters. This brings the Township fire departments close to their full staff complement.

Sydenham Water

Speaking on behalf of the Sydenham Safe Water Association, Roxy Dennison-Stewart asked the elected officials to uphold the public interest by not proceeding with their current water treatment plan. She cited concerns about the process, planning and impact on the community, and stated that the SSWA has never been opposed to obtaining safe drinking water for all residents but they did not want an ill-conceived solution imposed on the village.

The Township Water Committee will hold its next meeting Tuesday March 22, at 10 am in the township hall. Although not a public meeting, it is open to the public.

No Power Boat Races on Proposed Sydenham Reservoir

In consideration of the Loughborough Recreation Committees opposition to power boat races on Sydenham Lake, Council voted to refuse the request to hold these races.

Land Trade Vetoed

Council turned down Vern Miles proposal to exchange two unopened portions of township road allowance for a parcel of land on the north side of Massassauga Road, on Loon Lake, on the grounds that the land being offered was mostly swamp. Bedford District Recreation Committee, supported by the Bedford Councillors, had received a proposal from the Rideau Trail Association offering to develop the site as a parking space for trail users and public picnicking. Councillors Barr, Davison, Robinson, Smith and Vandewal opposed this plan.

Petworth Bridge Restrictions

Council passed a by-law restricting the weight of vehicles using the Petworth Bridge in Portland district.

ATV Costs to Taxpayers?

Council defeated (6 to 3) a motion to have staff investigate whether or not there would be any increase in policing or other costs to the Township, before approving a by-law allowing ATVs to use township roads. This by-law will come before Council on April 5.

Ontario Rabies Prevention Program

The Ministry of Natural Resources is continuing its wildlife rabies control operations, which include trap-vaccinate-release programs, and widespread aerial vaccine baiting. They report that this program has been very successful: fox rabies has dropped from 1,500 cases in 1989, to only 54 last year, and raccoon rabies has been held in check. One of the reasons for success against raccoon rabies is the designation of eastern Ontario as a high-risk area. In this area, we are encouraged not to relocate raccoons, foxes or skunks. I wish Id known that a couple of years ago, when I was looking for an excuse not to participate in the delicate business of escorting a large (apparently healthy) and indignant skunk-in-a-garbage-can out of the village!