Feature Article - October 26, 2006

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Feature Article - October 26, 2006

Is amalgamation on the table in SouthFrontenac?

by JeffGreen

Gary Davison has placed amalgamation at the centre of his campaign to replace Bill Lake as mayor of South Frontenac. But even he says that any change in the way three key services - road maintenance, waste management, and recreation - are funded in South Frontenac is several years off, at least.

If Bill Lake is re-elected, it might be longer still.

“Go slow, do it right, don’t mess it up,” is what Bill Lake said to sum up his attitude towards amalgamating all of the services and assets in the township when interviewed on the topic this week.

“Other townships amalgamated completely nine years ago,” Davison countered, “and the world has not ended. Nobody has lost out.”

When South Frontenac was created, the four townships that were coming together brought different assets with them.

For example, in terms of dump site capacity, Portland township has a dump site with decades of life left in it, while Storrington was about to lose its dump entirely.

The political arrangement made at the time was that each district would keep its key assets, roads, dumps, fire equipment, and recreational facilities, and the councillors from each district would make up a budget for their own district, while the council as a whole would make up a budget for shared services, such as downloaded roads, policing, etc.

With the exception of the fire service, which has now been amalgamated and is headed up by a full time fire chief, everything has basically remained the same after nine years.

This does not sit right with Gary Davison.

“There has been no talk on this at all for nine years,” he said. “What I’m saying is we need to do a review and we need to develop a strategic plan.

“One of the first things I would like to know is where we can-be, what our vision will be in 10 years. This is a long-term plan that will require public input every step of the way, and it will have to be done without creating winners and losers. But, at some point, we should stop making our staff mess around with five budgets.”

“Mr. Davison knows about parliamentary procedures,” Bill Lake responds. “He would surely know that he could make a resolution to discuss amalgamation. In three years on council it never came. Now, during an election, he wants to talk about it.”

(Bill Lake and Gary Davison will be participating in an all-candidates meeting tonight at the Verona Lions Hall, along with the six candidates for Portland Councillor and two candidates for school board trustee. The meeting starts at 7 pm. Watch for further coverage of the municipal election in next week’s Frontenac News, including profiles of the candidates in Bedford, Portland, and Loughborough districts)

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Feature Article - October 19, 2006South Fronte

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Feature Article - October 19, 2006

NFCSNotes:Happenings at Northern Frontenac CommunityServices

Playgroup for Dads: On Saturday, October 21, there will be a Bang and Build Playgroup for dad's and male caregivers. This is a great time for "dad's" and the kids to make that something special for mom. There will bea special guest there to help you and your child create a unique picture frame, along with taking your picture to put in that frame. Registration is required and spaces are limited. 9:30-11:30 with breakfast included. For more information call 279-2244

Children and Fears Workshop: We will also be facilitating a workshop on Tuesday, October 31 in Verona from 9:30-11:30 a.m. called "Things that go bump in the night" Children and fears. This workshop also requires registration and childcare is available.

Thank you, Ruth Geddes: After 17 years of exemplary service to this community, Ruth Geddes is retiring from the position of Community Support Services Coordinator. During her time at NFCS, Ruth helped us survive the cuts of 1995, has overseen many program changes and the development of new programs. Thank you, Ruth; your expertise and dedication will be greatly missed.

Welcome, Catherine Tysick: We are pleased to announce that the new Community Support Services Coordinator is Catherine Tysick. Many of our clients know Catherine from our Adult Day Away Program, and in her previous capacity of Community Support Services Assistant. Catherine brings a wealth of skills and experience to this position.

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

There's no excuse for abuse

Too many women live in fear of some form of abuse. Violence against women is a fact of life in communities across Canada where one in every eight women faces abuse.

All kinds of women are abused: young women, old women, women with disabilities, pregnant women, poor and rich women. Violence against women happens in cities, in small towns, on farms and in isolated communities. It happens to women of all races, religions and social classes. Abuse may be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or financial. Aboriginal women and visible minority women face additional abuse because of racism.

Women who live in rural or remote areas like ours face greater hardship. Abuse makes us feel helpless and alone. To be abused is to feel isolated. To be abused and live in a rural area may cause a woman to feel doubly trapped and alone as she may not have access to a telephone or transportation.

Some people think it is better for a child to have two parents, even if there is violence in the family. NOT TRUE. Children who live with violence suffer. When children are exposed to abuse, it affects them emotionally and may lead them to continue in the cycle.

Women need to be reminded that they are strong and no one has the right to abuse them. Abuse is not a private family affair. There’s no excuse for abuse. Isolation, shame and secrecy allow abuse to continue. We can all work together to end abuse and break the silence.

November is Wife Assault Prevention Month.

If you know a woman who is being abused, tell her about the North Rural Women’s Program of Land o’ Lakes Community Services and the Interval Houses in Kingston and Napanee.

The North Rural Women’s Program helps women who want to have healthier relationships. We have three community counsellors, Deb, Jeannie and Kate who provide counselling, safety planning, and help women reach other services. This is a free service where your privacy is respected. Counsellors may be contacted during business hours at LOLCS in Northbrook at 613-336-8937/1-877-679-6636 or at North Frontenac Community Services in Sharbot Lake at 613-279-3151.

The Kingston Interval House provides transitional shelter for women and children, counselling services and a 24 hour crisis line at 613-546-1777/1-800-267-9445. Lisa, the Aboriginal Outreach Worker from the Interval House, is at NFCS on Mondays.

L&A Interval House in Napanee also provides transitional shelter with counselling and outreach services. Their 24 hour crisis line is at 1-800-667-1010.

(The above information is adapted from the YWCA’s Community Action on Violence Against Women)

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Legalese - December 7, 2006

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Legalese - December 7, 2006 Consumer Tips for Yuletide Shoppers: Part I

by Susan Irwin, LawyerRural Legal Services, Sharbot Lake

Making a list and checking it twice is good advice not only for Santa but also for the rest of us if we want to avoid impulse buying and over-spending this Christmas or “Holiday Season”. Similarly, “Buyer Beware!” and “Be Informed!” are catchy phrases that should dance in the heads of consumers all year, but especially during the countdown to Christmas as shoppers are entreated to buy! Buy! BUY! for that special someone.

For those of you who have not yet finished your Christmas shopping, we want to share with our readers some important consumer tips to help avoid unwanted surprises under the tree.

Tip 1: Returns - Ask Before You Buy

Before you purchase that perfect gift that you just “know” will be loved and treasured find out:

If the store gives full or partial refunds, exchanges or credit notesIf items can only be returned within a certain period of timeWhether special items such as lingerie, cosmetics or jewelry are excluded from the store’s refund policyIf only unopened or clearly unused merchandise can be returnedIf there is a “restocking”, or similar fee to return goods What you will need as proof of purchase (i.e. a sales slip, cancelled cheque, account bill and/or the original packaging and merchandise tags)

Many people believe that stores are required by law to take back goods, but unless it’s part of the purchase contract consumers do not have an absolute right to return “unwanted” gifts or items. Refunds and exchanges are customer service policies which are adopted by some, but not all, retailers. Consumers should keep in mind that unless asked, the retailer is under no obligation to post a sign or otherwise inform the purchaser of its “return” policy.

A similar consumer misconception arises with deposits. Many people believe that if they’ve only paid a deposit they can change their mind and not complete the purchase. However, once a person enters into a legally binding contract, he or she is responsible for paying the full amount by the agreed date. It may not be as simple a matter as forfeiting or losing your deposit!

Remember:

If you don’t understand an agreement, ask the seller to explain it clearly before you buy Make sure you get all promises in writing and keep your receipts.

Tip 2: Gift Cards (unlike diamonds) May Not Last Forever

If, instead of accepting the risk and hassle of trying to exchange or return an unsuitable gift, you decide in favour of purchasing a gift card or gift certificate for your special someone, you’re not alone. It is estimated by retail consulting firm J.C. William that the gift card market in the United States will reach $70 billion in 2006 up from $45 billion in 2003 and $1 billion in 1995. With this surge in consumer demand, it is perhaps not surprising that retailers have found ways to capitalize on the popularity and convenience of this consumer trend by imposing expiry dates and/or some kind of service fee or loss of value of the gift card after a specific length of time. Often the terms and conditions associated with the gift card are not prominently displayed, putting the onus on the consumer to find out:

Whether there is an expiration date on use of the gift card (commonly 18 months or two years)Whether the value of the card will decline over time or if there is a service feeWhether there are any other limits on gift card use, such as whether certain products are exempt from purchase with a gift card, or if the gift card or its remaining balance after being used for a purchase can be redeemed for cash

In a move to regulate the gift card market, the Ontario government has introduced new consumer protection legislation that, if passed, will allow it to eliminate expiry dates and regulate the terms and conditions for gift cards. According to a government press release, the proposed legislation is intended to ensure that the consumers of Ontario “will get what they pay for” but will not apply to loyalty cards, discount coupons or promotional/charitable gift cards. This Holiday Season consumers should be aware that the proposed consumer protection legislation is not yet law and when passed is unlikely to apply to this year’s purchase of gift cards. As a consequence: Buyer Beware! Be an informed consumer and watch for our next Consumer Tips column.

Before then, if you have a consumer question, please give us a call at 613-279-3252, (toll free 1-888-777- 8916) or simply drop by. The price is right: Rural Legal Services provides legal information without charge to area residents. Alternatively, you can contact the Consumer Services Bureau of the Ministry of Government Services at 416-326-8665 or visit the Ministry website at www.gov.on.ca/MGS and follow the consumer protection links.

Part II

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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

Northern RuralYouth Partnernshipby Jeff Green

Last October, an innocuous little item in the Frontenac News asking for interested parties to attend a meeting about services for youth in Central and North Frontenac led to a tremendous response. Thirty people, including representatives from Sharbot Lake High School, social service agencies, community groups and the general public showed up to talk about how the lack of activities for youth in the two townships can be addressed.

Four months later, the Northern Rural Youth Partnership, as it has been named, made their first presentation to Central Frontenac Council. Lori Hamilton, who has been hired with the help of a grant from the Eastern Ontario Development Program, told council of the initiatives that are underway. With help from Cindy Scott from Sharbot Lake High School , a youth committee, dubbed NACFAC (North and Central Frontenac Activity Committee for Youth) has been established; a recreation and activity guide for the two townships is being prepared; and a two year grant from the province is being sought. The grant will be used to increase access for youth to activities that already exist, purchase portable recreation equipment, and co-ordinate the project and develop recreational leaders.

Lori Hamilton and Sue Leslie, from Northern Frontenac Community Services (the lead agency for the project), asked that council agree to post the activity guide on their website; to provide a limited amount of staff time to the project as needed; and to take on the responsibility for looking after equipment if some is received.

The presentation was well received by council, which agreed to support the project.

NACFAC is organising some events for the coming month, including a movie night and a ski trip. For further information, contact Lori Hamilton at 279-2244. Anyone or any group that provides recreational activities is asked to submit their information to the activity guide, which is being called the Rural Recreation Guide please see the ad on page 8.

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Legalese - February 15, 2007

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Legalese - February 15, 2007 Information for Consumers by Peter Graham, Lawyer

Have you ever had a problem with a business which does not deliver the service or goods you have ordered in a satisfactory manner? What are your options? The Consumer Protection Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Government Services can help.

A working group in the Consumer Protection Branch has coordinated the distribution of information to help people who are experiencing difficulty in resolving issues with businesses such as car repairs, high-pressure door-to-door sales and home repair contractors.

Visit the Branch’s web site at www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection. On the site you will find information on such consumer topics as gift cards, buying merchandise, memberships and services, motor vehicles, personal finance, scams and identity theft. It also sets out what one should do before complaining to the Ministry. For those who do not have access to the internet information may be obtained by calling 1-866-351-5655.

The Consumer Protection Branch has also prepared articles on various consumer topics. An example of a particularly timely topic is Telemarketing fraud – It isn’t who you think it is. The text of the article follows:

“You may think it could never happen to you – you’d never fall for a pitch from a telemarketing scam. But according to research, fraud victims are likely to be educated, informed, relatively affluent and involved in their communities.

Scam artists gain your trust using professional marketing materials and well-crafted telephone scripts. Their friendly tone puts you at ease. Their answers to your questions are believable – but they’ll say anything to get your money. They easily impersonate legitimate businesses, charities and causes. They’ll use your own emotions against you.

‘People often don’t recognize a fraudulent telemarketing pitch when they first hear it,’ says Chris Ferguson, director of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Branch. ‘But if you take a moment to think about the offer or ask for written information or valid references you can check out, you can do a lot to protect yourself.’

Smart consumers can protect themselves against telemarketing fraud by learning to recognize it:

The caller is more excited than you are.

The caller demands an immediate response, but refuses to provide you anything in writing.

You’re asked to pay a fee or buy a product or provide personal or financial information before you can collect a prize.

The caller asks you to pay by wire service or courier.

The price for the goods or services is much lower than you would expect to pay on the open market.

You are offered a large payment or reward for allowing your bank account to be used for transferring money.

If you suspect that you’ve been the target of a scam, report it. For information about telemarketing fraud and your rights under the Consumer Protection Act go to www.mgs.gov.on.ca or call 1-866-351-5655.”

If you are experiencing consumer problems or would like more information check the Consumer Protection Branch data base or give us a call at the legal clinic.

Legalese is a column of general information and opinion on legal topics by the lawyers of Rural Legal Services, Box 359, Sharbot Lake, ON, K0H2P0, 613-279-3252, or 1-888-777-8916. This column is not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact a lawyer to determine your legal rights and obligations.

Feature Article - March 8, 2007

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Feature Article - March 8, 2007

Big changes proposed for waste management in South FrontenacbyJeff Green

Gary Davison was elected as Mayor of South Frontenac last fall after campaigning for the gradual amalgamation of services in the township.

Now, five months later, a proposal from the township’s Sustainability Committee would see the amalgamation of one of the most diverse services in the township: waste management.

A motion was brought forward to Tuesday night’s meeting from the township’s sustainability committee which entailed that “all Landfill Sites should fall under the responsibility of the township as a whole.”

This proposal came about in the wake of an Organizational Review of township services that was completed earlier this winter.

Currently, each of the four districts does different things with garbage. In Portland and Loughborough, there is curb-side pickup and the garbage is dumped in district managed landfill sites. Bedford residents bring their own garbage to one of four different sites. In Storrington, there is curb-side pickup but the waste goes into external landfills and tipping fees are paid.

Of the three districts that have landfill sites, there is a slight variation in the amount of life remaining in the sites and the projected closure costs for those sites. For example, Loughborough has 15 years of life remaining in its site, with a projected closure cost of $420,000 and a $346,000 sanitation reserve fund in place.

Portland , on the other hand, has a dump site with 40 years of capacity, a projected closure cost of $1.1 million, and $442,000 in a sanitation reserve fund in place.

Residents in each of the four districts pay waste disposal fees as part of their property tax bills. In Loughborough, residents paid $145 per household in 2005, while in Bedford the charge is only $20. Residents in each district can only use their own landfill sites currently.

The proposal from the sustainability committee would change everything. A waste management master plan study is being proposed to look into a unified system, equally funded by all South Frontenac taxpayers, making equal use of all combined assets within the township.

As Public Works Manager Bill Blum explained, “There may be some significant changes to how waste is handled if this goes through. Some Bedford residents live closer to the Loughborough site than any of the Bedford sites, but they can’t use the Loughborough site now. This would change. Perhaps some of the Storrington waste, which we pay to have hauled away, will end up in one of our own sites.”

The proposal to amalgamate all landfill sites provoked much debate at council on Tuesday night,

The Sustainability Committee made several other proposals to council this week.

One of them was to keep a bag tag system in place, whereby each resident receives 100 bag tags each year, but to establish a single colour bag tag for all residents in place of system whereby each district has a different coloured tag.

As well, it was proposed that the Public Works Manager study the possibility of establishing a permanent hazardous waste disposal site in the township. Last year, two hazardous waste days were run, at significant cost to the township.

Finally, it was proposed that the township proceed with a salt/site management study. All road salt in the township is stored under cover, but in handling the salt and mixing it with sand, there is potential and actual run off from the township works’ yards. This study will examine these problems and provide costs for improving the situation.

All of the costs associated with the studies that were proposed by the sustainability committee will be covered using money from federal gas tax funds that have been received by the township, and will not directly affect municipal property taxes.

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Feature Article - March 1, 2007

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Feature Article - March 1, 2007

New 5 year plan for CFCSC

Each year Central Frontenac Community Services develops an annual plan to address service gaps in our area. In addition to the annual plan, 2007 is the final year of our Five Year Plan. Over the course of this year, CFCSC will accumulate information to develop its next Five Year Plan.

During the development of our Five Year Plan for 2003 to 2008, CFCSC was cautioned to try not to be all things to all people. This advice was taken to heart and CFCSC has found success on many occasions to have out-of-area providers offer services from our centre. Local access to services helps area residents of all ages be independent while being supported by their rural community.

All CFCSC members (individual, family or corporate), peer organizations, church groups, social clubs, funders and municipalities are requested to let us know what services they see as needed in our area. All clients are asked to let us know what services they have difficulty accessing in our area.

If you would be willing to work with us on the development of the 2008-2013 plan or can identify community needs or have statistical information that you can provide to help us work towards establishing new services, please contact Beth Freeland at 613-376-6477.

Step into fitness

The Public Health Unit has offered to run a "Step into Fitness" program two hours a week for four weeks beginning Wednesday, March 14. The program, from 9:30 - 11:30, includes a walk using a pedometer, discussion about healthy eating and a healthy low fat snack. The cost is $20. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile program, please call and register at the Rural VISIONS Centre (613-376-6477). It is important that you sign up as soon as possible because we must have at least 10 people in order to run the program.

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Feature Article - March 1, 2007

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Feature Article - March 1, 2007

Travel Tots

by Jeff Green

The Child Centre in Sharbot Lake provides many services for children in Portland and Bedford District, and in Central and North Frontenac, but services are of no value if kids can’t get to them. The staff at the Child Centre try to help kids get to Child Centre programs, and to medical, pre-natal and specialised appointments in Kingston and beyond, by helping with transportation costs.

To help fund their transportation program, the Child Centre will be hosting their third annual Travel for Tots dance and silent auction on Friday March 23rd at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour in Kingston .

This licensed event includes refreshments, games and door prizes galore, a Foozeball tournament where the winner gets to keep the table, mini-raffle items, as well as dancing and a spectacular silent auction.

This year the silent auction items include an overnight trip to Niagara Falls (including tickets to Marineland), an overnight in Gananoque (including boat cruise tickets), dinner and movie tickets, and much more.

In advance of the event, the Child Centre has been raising money by collecting pennies and Canadian Tire money, as well as cash donations, so that all of the costs for the Travel for Tots are now covered. This means that every penny raised at the event will go directly into transportation. Three thousand dollars was raised in the first year of the event, $4,000 in the second year, and organisers are hoping to go even higher this year.

Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 at the door. Can’t make it to Kingston on the 23rd? Buy a ticket anyway, and you will be entered in special draw. For information and ticket purchases, phone 613-279-2244 or 279-2260.

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