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Thursday, 22 June 2006 04:45

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

Seniors' Rally by Charlotte Brown

On Saturday, June 3, the Parham Happy Travelers #698 hosted the annual Seniors Rally for zone 36. It was held at North Frontenac arena. The theme for the rally was western, almost all dressed in western style.

Twenty-one clubs attended, and approximately 266 members, plus guests. Parham’s Betty and Wayne Eves, members of the Old Tyme Fiddlers, entertained all from 8:30 to 10pm.

A moment’s silence was held for members who passed away, including Parham Club’s President Moe Bush in March, 2006. Mayor Bill MacDonald from Central Frontenac and Mayor Bill Lake from South Frontenac brought greetings to the clubs. Guest speaker Mary Coook, who has a column in the EMC paper, spoke on several different articles. Lanark’s Kitchen band played as members went through the line for dinner, which was served by caterers Pine Ridge from Harrowsmith. A lovely roast beef dinner. After lunch the Young family from Tweed entertained everyone for an hour with gospel and bluegrass music.

Albert Brown from Parham’s club won the award for oldest man, being 96 years young. Edna Robinson from Perth won oldest lady award, 96 years young.

Zone 36 President Ken Cunningham congratulated anyone having a birthday or anniversary. Many door prizes were given out, and three draws of $75 each for Share the Wealth draw.

The Parham Happy Travelers would like to thank Sharbot Lake Lions Club, Hinchinbrooke Fire Department, and anyone else who donated prizes and gave their time to help us at the Rally. Also, thanks to Brenda Garrett for the music she played. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves. See you next year in June. Have a great summer.

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Published in 2006 Archives
Thursday, 15 February 2007 07:05

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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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Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 22 March 2007 06:42

Baseball

Feature Article - March 15, 2007

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

Play ball!

Baseball season is upon us again and we hope to have another successful year.

Last season was fairly successful. On July 14 and 15 we hosted a grasshopper tournament. Parham took first place, Sharbot Lake took second place. Although it was very hot and we had a downpour that delayed the games, the kids all enjoyed themselves.

On July 21 and 22 we hosted a mite tournament: 8 teams participated under cloudy skies. Seeley’s Bay took first in the “A” Championship with Perth Road taking second in the “A”. East Storrington took first in the “B” Championship with Inverary taking second.

Our Squirt tournament was held in Amherstview on July 28 and 29, with our North Frontenac team taking the “B” Championship. The Bantam tournament was also that weekend. Although they came home without a trophy they had a great time.

We would like to thank our three umpires Josh St. Pierre, Courtney Meeks and Adam Smith for a job well done. Lisa Hamilton for her help, Julie Whan for scorekeeping, and James Webster for fundraising and the barbeque after the grasshopper tournament held at Branch 425. Thanks to all the coaches and parents for all their help with the kids. Hope to see you all at registration again this year: March 28, 7pm, Sharbot Lake Anglican Church Hall; March 31, 10am-noon, Parham Fire Hall. You may also register online at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There will be a $10 late charge for anyone registering after March 31.

There will be a meeting April 8 at 7pm at the Parham Fire Hall for anyone interested in joining the association. Directors are needed in the Mountain Grove and Arden areas. Umpires are needed this year so if you are 12 and over and are interested please contact us. We need more volunteers to make ball successful and to keep it going in this area, so please take the time to attend. Hope to see you there. Contacts are Willie and Edith St. Pierre, 279-2586; Paul Warren, 279-2836; Stirling and Lisa Hamilton, 375-6151.

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Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 28 June 2007 06:13

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Feature Article - June 28, 2007.class { BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid } .class1 { BORDER-RIGHT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #9f5128 1pt solid } .class2 { FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666 }

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Feature Article - June 28, 2007

Central Frontenac soccer

submitted by Lynette Whan

The soccer season is in full swing (or kick!) and players of the Central Frontenac Soccer Association are out on the fields full of enthusiasm. The youngest team is the Atoms, with a team from Sharbot Lake and Parham. The Atoms are ages 4-6 years old, and for many, this is their first year playing and they are learning quickly.

Our next age group is the 7 to 9-year-olds. They are the Mosquitos with two teams representing Parham and one from Sharbot Lake.

The Pee Wees are 10 and 11-year-olds with teams from Mountain Grove, Sharbot Lake, and Parham.

Our oldest team is made up of players ages 12 and up, the Bantams, with teams from Mountain Grove, Sharbot Lake, and Parham.

Watch the Frontenac News for game results. Some of our results from last week's games:

Atoms - Parham/5 - Sharbot Lake/1

Mosquitos - Parham #2/3 - Parham #1/1

Pee Wees - Mountain Grove/2 - Parham/0

Bantams - Mountain Grove/4 - Parham/3

While the players are out on the fields, the CF Soccer Committee continues planning for upcoming events. The Association will have a float in the Canada Day parade in Sharbot Lake on Sunday July 1. Parents and team players are welcome to join in by riding the float or walking with your team. Check with your team’s coach for details.

Also in the works is a "Beach Bash" fundraising dance on Saturday, July 14 from 8pm - 1am at St. James Catholic Church hall in Sharbot Lake. Join us for karaoke, raffles, and door prizes. This is a licenced event for ages 19 and older. We need your help! Prize donations from local businesses would be appreciated and volunteers are needed to assist in decorating, selling tickets, and working the night of the dance. For tickets, donations, or to volunteer, please contact Lynette Whan at 613-375-8282.

A big thanks to all the referees, coaches, and volunteers who are helping out this season. It's great to see parents and the community out supporting our players! If anyone has any game highlights to report, please contact Lynette at the number above.

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Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 02 August 2007 06:04

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Feature Article - August 2, 2007.class { BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid } .class1 { BORDER-RIGHT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #9f5128 1pt solid } .class2 { FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666 }

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Feature Article - August 2, 2007

115th Parham Fair August 24/25/26

Once again the excitement of the Parham Fair is beginning to take hold.

Grab your lawn chair and rush the gate to enjoy your favourite musical entertainers and activities. This year’s Fair will offer new activities as well as returning favourites. $5 gets you in for the day or $12 for the entire weekend. Listen to AMBUSH Friday evening, Parham Gospel Singers, Mitch Barker, Tweed Twangers as well as Carolyn & Kianna Derue on Saturday. Don’t forget to sign up your teams for the 2nd Annual Volleyball Tournament scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Sunday at 12:30 is your opportunity to participate in a good ‘ole fashioned Tug-O-War contest start gathering your team members! More info and sign-up procedures next week in the Frontenac News. See you at the Fair!

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 13 September 2007 05:01

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Feature Article - September 13, 2007

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Feature Article - September 13, 2007

Parham 9's Historic Game at Kingston Penitentiaryby Julie Goodfellow

Parham 9 of 1950Back Row: Cecil Steele, Pat Deasy, Orlo Milliken, Irvin Cronk, Ken Peters, Vincent Tallen, Clayton Simonette, George Simonette, Tom Goodfellow, Don Goodfellow, Glen Howes, Jack Belwa (umpire) Front Row: Art Goodfellow, Chris Cota, Gordon Bertrim, Bud Goodfellow, Frank Goodfellow, William Simonette.

Clayton Simonette passed along the following letter to me. The letter is dated August 5, 1950 and addressed to the Manager of the Parham Softball Club, Parham, Ontario. It reads as follows: “Dear Sir: Re: Exhibition Game with teams at Kingston Penitentiary, Sunday, August 27, 1950. I am very pleased to hear that you have accepted an invitation extended to your team to play two games at this institution on Sunday, August 27, 1950 against teams composed of inmates of the penitentiary. While we are not in a position to offer any financial inducements, I think your boys will find it an interesting experience and we will be pleased to provide a noon-day meal for your group which should be limited to fifteen including the manager. I think you will find that the teams selected here will not be ‘push-overs’ and that you will get two interesting contests. I wish to thank you for your decision to visit us to play this game, which I think you will find very interesting. Yours very truly, R.M. Allan, Warden”

You see, Clayton Simonette was one of the Parham 9, a softball team of some renown, who answered the call. This was the first outside team to play a game, against inmates, inside the walls of a Canadian penitentiary. Others on the team included Cecil Steele, Pat Deasy, Orlo Milliken, Irvin Cronk, Ken Peters, Vincent Tallen, George Simonette, Tom Goodfellow, Frank Goodfellow, Don Goodfellow, Glen Howes, Jack Belwa, Art Goodfellow, Chris Cota, Gordon Bertrim, Bud Goodfellow and William Simonette. The game was part of an initiative to give the inmates a sense of teamwork. Throughout Warden Allan’s tenure he was also a proponent of other social skills, including photography and music.

The game was immortalized in some photographs, and even in the ensuing first edition of the K.P. Telescope, the inmate-run paper of the day, another of Warden Allan’s idea. “So! It didn’t take long for the Nylon Team to answer that challenge Warden Allan issued them a couple of weeks ago at the conclusion of the second Parham-K.P. All-Star game. Before the echo of that challenge had died – it was an echoing challenge – the Nylons had accepted. They will be in here this Sunday for a twin meeting with the All-Stars, one game in the morning and one in the afternoon.

It has been said- we’re not quoting anyone- that the All-Stars will take both ends of the twin bill. That could be. But if the Nylons play the same hustling brand of ball as the Parham boys, they will have to get right down and dig. The best they could do with the Parham boys was a split, losing the morning game 3-2 and taking the afternoon 7-3.”

I extend many thanks to Dave St. Onge, curator of the Penitentiary Museum in Kingston, who was good enough to share some additional photos from his archives.

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 28 August 2008 07:17

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Feature Article - August 28, 2008

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Feature Article - August 28, 2008 Country Fairs this Past Weekend

Maberly Fair

Parham Fair

Traditional Maberly Fair entertains

By Julie Druker

Whitney Lewis of Perth and Natasha Struthers of Sharbot Lake won first place in the team relay at the Maberly Fair

Maberly held it’s 126th Agricultural Fair on Saturday. One of the oldest Agricultural Fairs in Ontario, the day-long event has continued to be a destination for those who enjoy traditional fairs.

The agricultural society has specifically made efforts to keep the fair free of commercialism and tied closer to its roots of an agricultural, community-based event.

Events as usual included the opening parade, the light horse show and horse draws. Exhibit entries were up this year and as usual included various produce, photographs, knitted, crocheted and quilted crafts, baked goods, livestock (including farm animals, poultry and alpacas) and, of course, games for children.

Prizes were awarded throughout the day to many people: the longest married couple, the eldest lady and gentleman, the farthest traveled person, etc.

The theme of the fair this year was tractors and there were plenty of them on display.

Rosetta McInnes, first time President of the Maberly Agricultural Society who put on the event was pleased with the turn out and grateful for the excellent weather.

She was very excited about what was new at the fair this year. “When we were organizing this year’s fair, we thought we’d have live entertainment for a change. We couldn’t put the entertainers inside so we built a grand stand outside. The idea is to try to keep people on the grounds longer. So anyone not too keen on the horse draws will stay for the live entertainment.”

The plan seemed to work.

The outdoor stage was built at the east end of the main building on the grounds and was a hot spot all afternoon long.

The stage line up included, Dr. Kaboom’s Mini Mobile Circus, which Rosetta said “was a big hit“. Other performers included The Carleton Place and District Community Band, The Lanark Kitchen Band, and The Kemptville Legion Pipe Band.

The Limestone City Cloggers, an Appalachian style clogging group led by Karen Doyle, put on quite a show in their bright red and white outfits, all stepping in unison to the upbeat sounds of Appalachian music.

The Land o’ Lakes Shriners were some of the best-dressed clowns around and painted youngsters’ faces and twisted up balloon animals for them

The fair ended with a large sit down buffet in the Quonset hut, a delicious feast of hot beef and BBQed chicken put on by Waterfall Catering.

A traditional agricultural fair of course can be affected by what is happening in the surrounding farming community. Wayne Wesley who usually runs the heavy horse show and who normally has at least 4-6 entries had none this year. He explained why. “Farmers are getting their hay in while they have a chance now that it’s finally not raining.”

The fair proved to be another success this year and the new live entertainment an added bonus to what has always been one of the area’s best-loved traditional fairs.

Something for everyone at the Parham Fair

By Julie Druker

Fair goers try their luck at midway games

The Parham Fair has certainly come a long way from its beginnings 116 years ago. It began on the property of the Goodfellow farm and funeral caskets were used as display stands to exhibit the competing entries of vegetables, baked goods and crafts.

Today in its 116th year, it is one of the oldest running fairs in all of Ontario, and with the caskets long gone, this small-town fair has grown to become one of the most popular attractions in the Frontenacs.

While sticking close to its traditional roots, fair organizers have worked tirelessly also to keep up with popular trends and to include events and entertainment that appeal to all ages and types.

In so doing, the annual fair is an event that envelops the entire local and surrounding communities and has something to offer for everyone.

On opening night, after the traditional welcomes by Mayor Janet Gutowski, Fair President Frank Goodfellow and of course Mel Good, the kids took to the midway, traditionalists to the main ring for the heavy horse draws, and contemporary music fans to see “Ambush” at the main stage.

The palace was fuller this year than in previous years and Julia Goodfellow, who was holding down the fort there, commented on the increased number of entries in most categories, along with an increase in general memberships.

Small but important changes have been made by organizers yearly to improve the overall quality of the event.

The grandstand was moved last year to face west so that the music would not interfere with the horse show.

Events have been added this year, like Maple the Cow, a life-like version of the real thing for kids to get to know, and karate demonstrations from Nikki Greenstreet’s group in Sharbot Lake, along with the ever expanding 4H shows.

These changes have proved effective and regular fair goers have noticed a difference. Syd and Sylvia Cain of Tweed, who cottage on Eagle Lake, have been coming to the fair every year since 1969. ”It’s really livened up a lot and seems cleaner and a lot more organized.”

Saturday was chock full of demonstrations and entertainment with the cattle and horse shows and a blacksmith and steam demonstrations.

There were games and finger painting for the kids, lawn mower races and karaoke for the competitive types.

Saturday’s entertainment line up also had something for everyone: the Parham Gospel singers, Carolyn and Kianna Derue, the Tweed Twangers and Crossroads.

On Sunday, as in other years, the most popular event of the day remained the Demolition Derby, a chance to witness car crashes where thankfully no one gets hurt.

First-time president Frank Goodfellow has been connected to the fair in a number of different guises over the past many years, along with many of the Parham Agricultural Society members who run the event.

As a result, his job as president has gone quite smoothly. “There’s a pretty good group of people that are working here and everyone is very familiar with what has to happen, so things seem to fall into place quite well.”

He pointed out that there is one area that is in definite need of improvement. “The biggest challenge for the fair as a whole is getting people to volunteer. That’s where we’re really starting to fall short.”

He explained that many older people who have been involved with the fair for years are taking a break and while the fair continues to grow, there is a real need for volunteers to step in and take their places.

Frank Goodfellow is taking a pro-active approach and is targeting the high schools, since students require a mandatory 40 hours of community service to graduate.

Efforts have been made to advertise as well.

Just as it takes a community to raise a child, it takes a community to put on a great fair.

Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s fair, whether by joining a committee or volunteering during the fair, can contact Frank Goodfellow at 613 375-6234. Every little bit helps.

Food Bank a big winner at the Parham Fair

The Hole-in-one Putting Contest at the Parham Fair on behalf of the Food Bank was a huge success thanks to the support of our community. $737 was raised. Our Volunteer Committee at the Simonett Building managed to gather 18 prizes for those who participated. The grand prize winner of the contest was Ray Hepburn of Godfrey, who won the overnight stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.

The Volunteer Committee of the Simonett Building and the volunteers at the Food Bank thank everyone who participated in this event. Also, many thanks to the Parham Agricultural Society for allowing us to participate in the Fair. Don’t forget to pick up your prizes!

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 21 August 2008 07:17

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Feature Article - August 21, 2008

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Feature Article - August 21, 2008 Come to Parham Fair this weekendA weekend pass to the 116th Parham Fair costs only $12 - about as much as a first run movie, but no movie could deliver the kind of entertainment offered this year at the Fair.

On Friday night the fair begins with the bedrock event, the horse draw, and will also include a performance by the popular rock country band Ambush, who have been nominated for the Canadian Country Music Awards. A midway by Homeniuk Rides will open on Friday and run throughout the event.

Saturday is agricultural day at the fair, and this year in addition to the cattle, poultry, pleasure horse and antique farm equipment shows, there will be a few new events. Thanks to the dairy farmers of Frontenac County, Maple the Cow will be at the fair this year. Maple the Cow is a working replica of a cow, which children will be able to milk as if it were a dairy cow.

In addition to the lawn mower races, there will also be performances on Saturday by singing phenoms Carolyn and Kianna Derue, as well as the Tweed Twangers and Crossroads. The Parham Gospel Singers, and children’s entertainer Silly Sally will also perform.

New on Sunday this year will be a demonstration by the Sharbot Lake Karate Club, as well as the pet show, tug of war, and the finale, the Demolition Derby.

Thanks to the hard work and determination of the organizing committee, attendance at the fair has steadily improved over the past few years, and last year over 5,000 people attended during the three days, in spite of some rainy weather.

Organisers are hoping to improve again on those numbers in 2008.

The Parham Fair is a volunteer-run event, and the fair committee is looking for some help. Anyone who has two or three hours available this weekend is welcome to call Debra Smith at 613-377-6431 before the fair or go to the office when entering the fair (the office is next to the front gate). Any help would be much appreciated. For a complete list of events visit www.parhamfair.ca

Parham Fair and the Food Bank

The Parham Fair will include a Hole-in-one Putting Contest in aid of the Food Bank. The contest is being put on by the staff at the Simonett Building in Sharbot Lake with help from volunteers of the Food Bank. $2.00 will allow the participants a chance at sinking an 8 foot putt. For those who get a hole in one, their names will be entered into a draw for an overnight stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Everyone entering will be eligible for one of several prizes donated by local area businesses. We hope you will visit us and donate to a good cause.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 22 October 2009 09:35

Hopes_place

Back to HomeFeature Article - October 22, 2009 Hope’s Place supports local producersBy Julie Druker

Hope Stinchcombe, the new owner and operator of the Parham General Store, aka Hope’s Place

The new sign above the door proclaims the fact that the Parham General Store is in new hands. In fact it has been, for roughly six months since Hope Stinchcombe moved back to Long Lake where she was born and raised.

She took over the business from long-time owner Melville Good in April, 2009 and hasn’t looked back since.

For Hope the move came from a desire to live a more stress-free and independent life. She left a ten-year stint as a shop supervisor at Nortel in Ottawa and so far she has no regrets. “I think I've made the right decision. It’s going well so far but the winters can be tough and I‘ll know for sure after having been in the business for a full year.”

To the less observant shopper, the store looks as charming as always but now even more so with a sitting area for coffee drinkers and artful window displays that change seasonally.

It still remains a homey century-old store where one can find pretty much anything they are looking for. Hope has kept the original wood counter, pressed tin ceiling, wooden floors, and the original shelving intact (built by her great grandfather, Earl Howes) and says that she is “continuing on with the groceries and grain products that Mel established long ago.”

There also remains the deli fridge and counter where purchases are wrapped in butcher paper and tied with string that dangles from a spool mounted on the ceiling.

Upon closer inspection, one realizes that Hope is definitely making an effort to make the store her own by incorporating a wide range of items and products from the local community. One finds on the shelves Wilton cheese, frozen M & C Meats from Sharbot Lake, local honey from Steele’s Apiaries on Long Lake Road, pumpkins and gourds from Ken and Lori Howes’ neighbourhood farm, plus apples and home-made preserves from Maw’s Lakeview Orchard in Prince Edward County.

And it does not end there. Sarah Hawley’s heritage seeds are available seasonally and Hope will soon be selling Sarah’s organic body products as well.

Local craft objects are also available such as Parham artist Heather Hugh’s hand painted t-shirts, along with custom embroidered shirts by Upper Frontenac Graphics. Hope says that she is still in the early stages of setting up the store and is "still looking to carry more local products by other local artisans and producers."

Hope is also selling furniture and other antique collectibles, including glass, ceramics and china pieces that she and other local consignors are buying up at local auctions.

In the summer months she allows local vendors to set up a flea market adjacent to the store outdoors in the parking area, which she says helps bring business into the store.

For Hope there is a comfort and joy in being able to support her local community through her work. She explained, “For me, being able to promote local businesses and vendors from the local area is definitely my priority whenever possible. It makes the community as a whole stronger.”

The Parham General Store - Hope’s Place, is located at the junction in Parham and is open Mon.- Sat. from 7:30AM – 6PM.

Any local artisans and/or producers looking to market their wares there can call Hope or Annette at the store at 613-375-6335.

Published in 2009 Archives
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:36

Broadband_09-43

Back to HomeFeature Article - October 29, 2009 Satellite Only for Arden &Mountain GroveBy Jeff Green

Barrett Xplore, which won a contract from Frontenac County to bring wireless high speed internet to service gap areas in Central and South Frontenac, will only be erecting one tower in Central Frontenac, at the southern tip of the township.

Barrett originally planned to erect towers in Crow Lake, Parham, and Arden, as well as a repeater tower in Mountain Grove, but those plans have all been cancelled. Instead, Barrett will be constructing nine towers to the south, and offering a discount on satellite service to the 830 households in the K0H 1B0 postal region (Mountain Grove and Arden).

Frontenac County received an $800,000 OMAFRA grant to entice companies into bringing wireless Internet to the townships, and the money will go to Barrett Xplore to cover half of their capital costs for the project.

According to Maureen O’Higgins of the consulting firm Actionable Intelligence, which has been managing the project for the county, the Parham and Crow Lake towers ended up being redundant “because North Frontenac Telephone Company is already providing service to those areas”.

“For the Arden tower the design of the network provided that the signal would go from McAdoo Lane in Kinston to Parham to Mountain Grove to Arden. Without Parham customers, we could no longer bring the signal up to Arden, affordably.” She said.

“When did you find out that Parham was already served by North Frontenac Telephone?” asked Deputy Mayor Gary Smith.

“This summer” O’Higgins said,

Barrett Xplore is still fulfilling its contract, O’Higgins said, by putting the extra towers in South Frontenac and Wolfe Island. “Let’s just say it is fulfilled. It is well fulfilled,” she said.

Barrett is also offering their satellite service at a deeply discounted rate in place of wireless service, “without any grant support” O’Higgins added.

The offer, which will be available starting in the third week of November and will remain on offer for six months, will provide a service package that normally costs $125 per month for $49, as long as the customer signs on for three years.

“The download speeds are comparable to the service from the towers,” said Jason Tremblay from Barrett Xplore, “although upload speeds are slower. But the service will be more widely available than wireless was going to be.”

The service will cover Kennebec Lake, which was outside of the range of the tower that was originally proposed. 

Published in 2009 Archives
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