Feature article, July 21, 2005

Feature article July 21, 2005

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Government funding boost less than meets the eye - Community Living North Frontenac

by Jeff Green

A funding increase mentioned in a good news announcement from Leona Dombrowskys office about a $59 million increase in funding next year for Community Living Agencies throughout the Province is welcome news to Community Living North Frontenac. but the agency isnt quite jumping for joy.

It will only temporarily address the longstanding compensation issues that have pushed the developmental services sector to the point of crisis. It does nothing to remove the chronic under-funding problem that has plagued the sector for many years, said Don Nielsen, executive Director of Community Living North Frontenac.

Community Living agencies work with people that have developmental disabilities and their families, providing a range of service and supports. They have been at the forefront of the movement towards maintaining people with developmental disabilities in the community, away from institutional settings.

Nielsen, who has been in his position since 1994, pointed out that under the Harris Conservatives, funding for Community Living was cut twice, by 8% in 1994, and 12% in 1995, and budgets have not recovered since then.

In making the funding announcement, MPP Leona Dombrowsky said, This investment will help families to support their loved ones with daily activities and help our community agencies to provide even better care for their clients.

The $59 million funding increase translates to about a 1.5% increase for each of the over 100 Community Living agencies throughout the province, although the actual dollar amount per agency is not yet known.

Don Neilsen said that, depending on how the actual dollar amounts are calculated, he expects Community Living North Frontenac will receive something in the $8,000 to $12,000 range as a funding increase. The agencys total budget for this year is just over $1.3 million. It has 30 full and part-time employees and a client base of about 75 in the North and Central and parts of South Frontenac.

According to a press release issued by Community Living Ontario in response to the funding announcement: Wages in the sector have fallen behind for 15 years and studies show that employees are paid 24% below similar positions in healthcare and education.

Don Nielsen said, The government is asking Community Living North Frontenac to sign labour contracts based on a 0.5% increase last year and just 1.5% this year, when just a month ago, the same government settled a dispute with its own employees with a 9.75% increase over four years. The reality is that the only way to continue operating with the funds that we have available is to cut services and that means cutting services to this communitys most vulnerable people. We want what is fair for our employees without compromising the services for the people we support.

Although there is no union at Community Living North Frontenac, many of the Community Living agencies throughout the province are unionized, either with CUPE or OPSEU, and both unions are expected to take a stronger line in contract negotiations that are upcoming.

Bob Miller, the volunteer President of Community Living North Frontenac, said The government is putting us in an impossible position. We are being asked to absorb increasing costs while holding the line on budget increases. We have already been doing this for 10 years. It simply cant continue without impacting families directly.

Community Living North Frontenac does not maintain a waiting list. Everyone who comes to the agency receives some supports. We try to match the employees that we have with the changing needs of the people we support, says Don Nielsen.

Community Living - Ontario is supportive of the changes the Ministry of Community and Social Services has taken, including the closure of the provinces three remaining so-called schedule one institutions, where people with developmental disabilities have been living for many years.

We applaud the Minister for her vision, but the community services sector that will bear the weight of these changes must have a strong foundation and stable workforce in place for the transformation process to be successful, said Bob Miller.

Feature article, July 21, 2005

Feature article July 21, 2005

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New funding for Community Services in Frontenac County

by Jeff Green

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is increasing the annual funding for the adult day service that has recently been established by Central Frontenac Community Services (CFCS), based in Sydenham, and will be funding a new respite care program to be delivered by Northern Frontenac Community Service (NFCS), based in Sharbot Lake.

A $45,000 increase in funding for the adult day service in Sydenham will allow CFCS to double the amount of service that is currently being offered. Currently, the agency offers a half-day program twice a week. Space constraints mean that the program serves 16 individuals, providing programming for frail elderly individuals and respite for their caregivers. The new funding will allow for a full day program to be established as well, providing for increased service to those already in the program and allowing for more people to be served.

We are delighted with the announcement, said CFCS Executive Director Beth Freeland. This investment will help us to achieve our vision of more programs with a wider reach across the continuum of care.

Central Frontenac Community Services will also be receiving $2,763 each year, a 1.5% increase in their budget, in administrative funding.

Northern Frontenac Community Services will receive $20,000 to establish a respite care program for people who care for high needs family members. This fits in with a government initiative aimed at decreasing the pressure on hospitals and long term care facilities.

NFCS will also receive $3,908 each year, a 1.95% increase in their budget, in administrative funding. As well, a one-time grant of $84,887 will be paid to the agency for capital projects.

Very often the best kind of health care is the care that is delivered in the community, said MPP Leona Dombrowsky in announcing the funding. This investment will ease pressure on our hospitals, allowing them to better provide the acute care services they are so good at providing, while ensuring that whenever possible Ontarians receive care where it will do them the most good closer to home.

The funding announcement came as a bit of surprise to Scott Black, the Director of Adult Services for NFCS, as it did for Beth Freeland of CFCS, and both of them had to make some phone calls and check some web information to find out exactly what the money that had been announced publicly was earmarked for. They were both pleased, however, seeing this is an indication of support for the kinds of integrated services the two agencies offer to the people of Frontenac County.

Letters to the editor, August 11, 2005

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

Letters to the Editor

Re: Sunday Hunting

I’m reading the letter to the editor in the week of July 28, 2005, on the verse quoted from the Bible. It doesn’t say that Sunday is the Sabbath day. For a lot of people who take Saturday or any day that you wish. When people go fishing, shopping, four wheeling, that isn’t resting either. I don’t think hunting should be put down, because it’s a sport too, that many people would enjoy. There is bow hunting and target practice allowed on Sundays.

- Kathaleen Jackson.

Dedicated Lake Stewards

On behalf of the Big Clear Lake Association, I thank Thelma and Linc Barnett of Big Clear Lake in Arden for decades of dedication to the health of Big Clear.

They were part of the original group of lake stewards and helped collect Secchi disk and lake phosphorus samples for the MOE Lake Partner Program for several years. They also made the switch to non-toxic fishing jigs when the association learned of the potential for lead poisoning in loonsby ingesting lead fishing tackle.

Although they must limit their physical activity now,Linc and Thelma stillenjoy the lake they've helped protect over the years. Thank you again and we'll see you on the water.

- David Praskey Big Clear Lake Steward

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August 11, 2005

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What to do about bears?

by Jeff Green

Ever since the Spring Bear hunt was abolished, there has been much said and written about increases in the bear population in Ontario.

In response to concerns about encounters with bears in populated areas, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has established a Bear Watch program over the past couple of years. The program has included an ad campaign, information packages, some of which will be included with the 2005 final Tax bill for North Frontenac residents, and signage at dump sites and other locations.

According MNR information, the bear population has been stable at somewhere between 75,000 and 100,000 for many years. The cancellation of the Spring Bear hunt has led to a decrease in the number of bears hunted by sport hunters by about 1500 per year. If all of these bears survived, which the MNR says is improbable, “a 7.5% increase in the Ontario population over five years is possible, but extremely unlikely”, according to MNR literature.

The MNR claims, “there is good evidence that along the southern part of their range, that is the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, the bear population has been slowly growing over the past 20 to 30 years. As abandoned farmland returns to old field habitat, it proves much better habitat for bears. Raspberry, aspen, and hawthorn all grow in this habitat to provide food and cover for bears. Mild winters may also have had an impact by improving the natural food supply for bears.

“In fact, it is the increase in the human population, particularly in ‘cottage country’ that is a credible explanation for more contact between people and bears.”

While there is disagreement between advocates of the Spring Bear Hunt and government officials concerning the root cause, the fact that more bear encounters seem to be occurring has led to a need for a more informed population.

Much of the information being promoted by the Bear Watch program is based on a common sense approach. It tells people to be careful about leaving food or garbage outside, avoid putting meat, fish, or sweet fruit in compost piles or bins, fill bird feeders only in the winter months, and pick all ripe fruit off fruit trees.

When encounters with bears do occur, it is rarely advisable to run, unless in very close proximity to a car or a house. When a bear is sighted, backing off and keeping the bear in sight is advised.

While Black Bear encounters can be dangerous, instances of Black bears killing humans are very rare; just over 50 people have been killed by Black bears in North America over the past 100 years.

Norm Quinn, a recently retired Park Biologist from Algonquin Park who conducts seminars on bear safety, said that most deadly encounters with Black Bears have been with full-sized adult males.

“About 40 of the roughly 50 deaths have been caused by adult males who have seen the human as prey.” Quinn said in an intrview with the News last week.

Other dangerous encounters occur when a bear is either cornered or is intently focussed on a food source and is disturbed, or when a human approaches too closely to bear cubs when a mother is present.

Mother bear encounters rarely progress to the point of danger, according to Norm Quinn.

The MNR agrees with this opinion.

When dangerous encounters do occur, with an adult male, a cornered bear, or female with her cubs, the MNR has the following advice:

“If the bear tries to approach you, stop. Face the bear . If you are with others, stay together and act as a group. Be aggressive, yell, throw rocks or sticks and use pepper spray if you have it. NEVER TURN AND RUN. If the bear continues to approach you, resume backing away slowly while continuing to be aggressive towards the bear. If a bear makes contact with you, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a black bear to stop its attack. Use a large stick, a rock or anything else that you have on hand to hurt the bear.”

Black Bears range throughout Ontario, but their peak range, where there are between 40 and 60 bears per 100 km, extends to the northern half of Frontenac County, Addington Highlands, Lanark Highlands and Tay Valley. Most of South Frontenac is in a middle range, with a population of between 20 and 40 bears per 100 km.

Feature Article - August 25

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August 25, 2005

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

"Victoria's Quilts"comes to Bolingbroke

submitted by Freda Wilson

A group of local ladies have started a branch of “Victoria’s Quilts Canada” in Bolingbroke. This charity organization, with chapters across Canada and the United States, makes afghan-sized quilts on request for cancer patients and donates the quilts to children or adults, who may be at any stage of their cancer journey. The patients appreciate the warmth of the quilts during their treatment and recovery (chemotherapy and radiation often cause people to experience chills), and it is especially touching to know that their quilt has been made for them with love and care.

The Bolingbroke branch of Victoria’s Quilts meets at the Althorpe Bolingbroke Community Hall (ABC Hall) on the first and third Thursday of each month. People with an interest in supporting this cause are very welcome to join the group. One need not have experience in sewing to help out. There are many tasks involved in making each quilt, such as pinning, cutting, taping, and ironing as well as sewing and quilting. Many hands make light work. We would appreciate any donations of cotton material and cotton flannelette, as all the quilts must be made with flannel backing. Monetary donations are also most welcome to enable us to purchase the material and supplies we require for each quilt. Those wishing to make a Memorial Donation may do so through local funeral homes in Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte and Westport or by contacting us directly.

To request a quilt for a cancer patient, to make a donation or for more information about the Bolingbroke branch please call Cathy at 273-7851, or Freda at 273-2571. You may also want to check out the Victoria’s Quilts website.

Feature Article - October 27, 2005

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October 27, 2005

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Letters to the Editor

Mitchell Creek BridgeWell, the environmental assessments are in and we are most certainly going to have a new, higher and much wider bridge spanning Mitchell Creek. The bridge is at the north end of Loughborough District, so it's probably safe to assume that most Loughborough residents Don't use the bridge on a regular basis.

Therefore, I want to thank my southern neighbours for their future tax dollars that will pay for the roughly One Hundred Thousand Dollars that their councillors, Ron Vandewal and Gary Davison (with the cheerful Leadership of Mayor Lake) are willing to spend, rather than fight for the original and less expensive bridge design. I particularly want to thank my neighbours in Sydenham whom Councillors Ron and Gary obviously thought could use a little more tax burden when they voted down a motion to have Council keep up the pressure on the Department of Transport.

The next election is more than a year away and it's kind of scary to think what the Mayor and his shadows might do to us over the course of the next twelve months or so!

- John Sherbino

Sharbot Lake High School commencementI must convey my disappointment at finding a photograph of school principal Tom Taylor as the center piece of the article. As the commencement is really about the graduating students, I believe that perhaps a photo of the valedictorian, Erika Benn, would have been more appropriate. And a big hurrah for the big cell phone give away!

Corporate Canada must be applauding Mr. Taylor for that grandstanding move. The final lesson for the grads from Sharbot Lake HS is to welcome with open arms society's expectation of "keeping in touch" along with the monthly user fees that I'm certain newly graduated students can so well afford.

"Scrounging?" That must have been a tough go, what with so many companies giving the phones away! They know that the real money is made from the usage, not the purchase. Good one, Mr. Taylor. Perhaps for your final commencement at Sharbot Lake HS, you could really make a splash, and present the graduates with new vehicles (monthly payments not included)! I hear that GM has a great student promotional deal.

- J. R. Miller

Re:Municipal funding for Sydenham WaterMs. Dombrowsky generalizes too much when she says “Sydenham is the community of interest for much of South Frontenac where children go to school, and people go to shop, worship and recreate.”

I doubt anybody from the Bedford District goes to Sydenham to do any of these things: We have schools, shops, churches and recreational facilities right here in Bedford, Verona, and Westport. What does Sydenham have that we don’t have? Why should we pay for a water system that half the people of Sydenham do not want?

I can’t recall that the township ever thought it necessary to help the farmers, who had a tough time last year, as, I imagine, even Sydenham knows. And now they are asked to pay for a water system they never will use.

If there was a place where one could donate to help the people in Sydenham, such as for a disaster, I would certainly contribute, but I resent being told that I must pay for it because it is for my benefit, when it is not.

And don’t tell me that everything the government does is worth emulating. There is our Mr. Martin taking a sightseeing trip to the Tsunami disaster area. He did nothing useful there, and the money he wasted there would have paid not only for the waterworks, but also for the sewage system in Sydenham.

- A. Thonigs

Corruption the story of Martin's LiberalsCorruption, cronyism, mismanagement, non-existent ethics, scandal... this is the story of the Paul Martin Liberals. They’ve been trying to persuade us that this is just a legacy of the previous Liberal regime (it is), and that all will be well when Paul Martin takes over. Well, Paul Martin took over (feebly) two years ago but the corruption, cronyism, mismanagement, non-existent ethics, and scandal continue unabated.

The latest example of the Liberals’ non-existent ethics and cynicism is the resignation of David Dingwall as president of the Canadian Mint after being exposed as a spendthrift and cheapskate (in 2004 almost $1 million in salary and expenses including a charge for a packet of chewing gum) - all on the taxpayer’s purse. This, after billing hundreds of thousands of dollars while working as an unregistered lobbyist (I think that’s illegal?).

If we’re not appalled yet, then how about the Liberal Government giving Mr. Dingthem, uh, Dingwall, a great big golden handshake (like $500,000) for resigning under a very heavy cloud!

And let’s not forget that Dingthem, Dingwall is now the fifth Crown Corporation President to resign under a cloud since Paul Martin came to power!

Wake up Canada - we’re being had.

- Michael Monk

Seniors in povertyFlora McDonald says that Canada has more than 600,000 seniors living in poverty.

Now it is a different world – oil, gas and food prices will certainly make things worse. It’s a safe bet that at least half of the poor seniors live alone and heat lots of space they don’t use, and eat badly because its hard to cook for one.

We all found out how hard it is to change whole groups of people, and I know that this group has very deep feelings about “What would people think” of two or three men lived together or two or three or four women in one house, or God forbid one guy and three women, etc. etc.!

Well, the most important thing we can give the young is a chance to travel – so why not swallow our pride and save the oil and gas, so that they will be able to afford to travel and learn as our generation did.

It is also likely that we could save a good many millions just by doubling up and taking care of each other’s diets and general health, and staying out of hospitals.

I have no idea how this could be done but maybe Flora could suggest something to the Government to encourage people to share their homes (whenever possible and pleasant.) Also, maybe the readers have ideas.

- Carmel Gowan

Feature Article - October 20, 2005

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October 20, 2005

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Letters to the Editor:October 20, 2005

Sydenham water – does anyone know where this project is going?

Township council has a bylaw in place to proceed with “safe water” for Sydenham village with the costs being borne by the small group receiving the “benefit.”

Now (October 6, page 3) the local MPP “sees the light” where the entire township should share this cost.

Is council now going to change the bylaw to involve the entire township? Will there be public meetings to allow all residents to voice their opinions on this project?

What do the elected officials plan to do about the fact that ground water will continue to be polluted by the end product of municipal “safe” water?

This is an ill-conceived plan to correct the problem of polluted ground water.

- Robert Fish, Harrowsmith

Superior local service

This letter is to express my gratitude and delight with the superior service I received from ‘Doug’s Antenna’ this week. After 19 months of frustration with Bell ExpressVu, I found it necessary to call in an ‘outsider’. Doug’s Antenna was able to fit me in within three days. They showed up exactly on time and proved to be friendly, competent and professional. It seemed they were happy to “go the extra mile” to satisfy me. In spite of all that, I was still amazed when I came home the next day and found a remote left at my door, with Doug’s business card, as a replacement for the faulty one that Bell would NOT replace.

I strongly recommend that anyone thinking of buying a Bell ExpressVu satellite system buy it from Doug’s Antenna!

- Jody Duffy

Inverary Water – 3 Strikes, You’re Out

In reference to the recent Inverary water crisis, I would like to point out a few things:

First, the people of the Sydenham Water Area, in an overwhelming majority of 92%, tell the South Frontenac Council, in no uncertain terms, to stay out of the water issue. In fact we have told them not once, but many, many times, in many many ways.

And what does our mayor and council do? They completely IGNORE the people and take full control, to the point of appearing like an autocratic dictatorship, then ram an inappropriate solution to the problem down our throats. Steeerrrrike One.

Second, the costs of the Sydenham project are skyrocketing out of control, from the initial estimate of $5.6 million, with an estimated people’s share of $800,000, to the now staggering estimate of $8.2 million, with an outrageous $3.2 million share for the people. So the people of Sydenham, other people in the township and our MPP Leona Dombrowsky have asked, multiple times, in multiple ways, to spread the costs of this project across the township.

And what does our mayor and council do? They completely IGNORE the people, and maintain their incredibly stubborn stance of making the people of Sydenham pay the bulk of the township’s share of this project. Steeerrrrike Two.

Third, recently, at least seven homes in Inverary have some tragic water issues. These people, and their neighbours, bless them, all ask council to help them with this crisis.

So what does our illustrious mayor and council do? They not only completely IGNORE the people, but they pull an amazing public 180 degree contradiction and tell the people that water is not their jurisdiction? Huh? I must have a hearing problem OR does this council only get involved in water issues when it suits them?

In the last three years of having to fight with our council over the Sydenham water project, we have been told repeatedly to the point of nausea that this council had to do something about the water in Sydenham. But now when the people of Inverary are actually in a crisis situation they are being told the exact OPPOSITE? Steeerrrrike Three.

Mayor Lake and those on Council supporting him, YOU’RE OUT.

You can either start listening to the people now, or you can listen to us in the next election when we unanimously vote for someone who is actually willing to operate in the PEOPLE’S best interest.

- David Waugh, South Frontenac elector

Re:Harrowsmith closing

My first thought when I read about the closing of the cheese factory in Harrowsmith was: why don't the employees buy the place and return to making local cheeses? Then, I found out that it's all about the milk quota. We used to have cheese factories in just about every village. Then the big boys (Kraft, etc.) started buying these small locations, and before you knew it, the local factory was closed, but the milk quota stayed with the big boys who moved the quota to one of their big operations where it was more efficient(?). It certainly gave them more economic clout. I'm sure that Saputo Inc. will not transfer all 89 jobs being lost to other plants. The purpose is to improve efficiency, after all. And, will they pay to transfer those families to their other locations? Or would employees have to take the chance that once they have paid the cost of a move, that their new jobs would not be declared redundant or moved to another location? Big business is all about the bottom line. We can never forget that.

Is there a homemade solution to Harrowsmilh's dilemma without having to acquire expensive milk quota? I understand that the Harrowsmith facility could be used to produce bottled milk and ice cream without having to buy quota. The dairy closest to Kingston is Reid's in Belleville. With the cost of fuel going through the roof, it might be economically viable for local dairy farmers to purchase the Harrowsmith facility, perhaps as a co-operative.

Another question I have is: why do cheese factories have to have milk quota? The dairy farmer has milk quota which allows him/her to sell a set amount of milk. What purpose is served by having cheese factories own milk quota as well? Especially now that there are so very few cheese factories left in Ontario. Could a way be found to give milk quota at no cost to special bodies (such as co-ops) under contract?

I imagine any solution would require help from government, either as grants, loan guarantees, whatever. I hope that the stakeholders will get together (local council, dairy farmers, businesses) and see what viable solution this community can come up with.

- Irene Backholm, Amherstview

Ontario Municipal Taxes

The Ontario government’s answer to downloading of tax burden from the federal government was to pass the load on to municipal levels along with increased responsibility and a new property assessment scheme described as a “fair taxation system”.

One has to ask, however, under this “fair taxation system”, are the municipal taxes paid in Central Frontenac--mostly by waterfront property owners--intended to be 1) a tax for services provided; 2) a wealth tax; or 3) simply a tax grab by the Ontario government?

If it is the first, why is there such a disparity of services in the township? Many lakefront property owners, paying disproportionately high taxes, have none of today’s basic communication services: no maintained roads, no mail delivery, no internet access. Without municipally maintained roads they, of course, do not have ready access to other municipal services such as fire, police, and health care. Central Frontenac taxes seem to go primarily to support an extensive road network that does not reach most of the heaviest taxed property owners.

If municipal taxes are intended to be a wealth tax, why again are the rates so different across the province? In Toronto, where most of the MPs who brought in this system live, the tax rate is only 0.88895%, whereas it is 1.513% in Central Frontenac, nearly double.

I might add that the Toronto taxes provide a much higher level of services including support for a public transportation system.

One can conclude that the answer must be #3, simply another tax grab by a provincial government that does not see beyond its capital city. One could also conclude from these facts that it is the rural municipalities, not the big cities, that need support from the federal infrastructure initiative.

- Roger Henry, Sharbot Lake

Feature Article - October 20, 2005

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October 20, 2005

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Harrowsmith cheese factory to close

by Jeff Green

Management and employees at the Saputo Inc. plant in Harrowsmith are keeping a very low profile in the wake of the announcement last Wednesday that the plant will close by the end of next June.

Saputo is a massive company, with revenues of over 1 billion dollars annually. It is the largest dairy producer in Canada, one of the leading cheese producers in the United Sates, and a major corporation in Argentina as well. It also has a snack food division, which includes Vachon cakes, among other brands.

Although Saputo is a publicly traded company, it is still run by the Saputo family of Montreal. A company release concerning the closing of the Harrowsmith cheese plant attributed the decision to the “Company’s continual analysis of its overall activities and the implementation of measures aimed at improving its operational efficiency”. The statement also says the company will spend $4.5 million in what it calls “new fixed assets” at its other plants in order to accommodate the Harrowsmith production, and $1.5 million in closing costs, but expects to save $3.5 million in annual operating costs by closing the plant.

There are 89 people working at the Harrowsmith Saputo plant, and some of them have worked at the plant back in the days when it was a locally owned Cheese factory producing the Harrowsmith brand of Cheddar and other cheeses. Saputo Inc. acquired the Harrowsmith plant in 2001 when it acquired Armstrong Cheese, who were the owners of Harrowsmith Cheese at the time.

Since 2001 Saputo has operated the plant quietly, shifting production from cheddar to specialty cheeses such as Fruilano, Parmesan, and Feta. Just this summer the plant was upgraded; leading workers to think their jobs were secure.

However, Saputo reported on August 2 that first quarter earnings for the current fiscal year are down from last year. This was attributed to lower cheese prices in the United Sates and the strengthening Canadian dollar.

In late September, it was announced that a US Saputo plant, in Whitehall PA, would be closing, throwing 115 people out of work. Two weeks later, the axe fell on Harrowsmith.

According to company spokesperson Manon Goudreault, the two plant closings are not related. The closing of the Whitehall plant is related “to the high price of milk in that part of the United Sates among other factors, but the case in Harrowmsith is different,” Goudreault said. “The Harrowsmith plant required very important investments to be made efficient. The company evaluated all possible scenarios for the plant, and the decided it was the best for the overall growth of the company to shut it down and transfer the production elsewhere. Our main concern now is with the well-being of the employees who will be affected.”

The company has said that the majority of the 89 people affected will be offered employment elsewhere in the company.

Details about those offers have not been made public. However Manon Goudreault said that the company is “going to offer packages to help the employees to transfer to our other plants.” Saputo’s closest plants are in Trenton and Tavistock.

For their part, several workers at the plant said they could not comment on anything related to the cheese factory, its closing, or their future prospects within the company. Plant Manager Paul Pixley said that as of yet he “has not been offered any permanent directions” from the company. He referred all other inquiries to Manon Goudreault in Montreal. (Please see “What do you when your heart starts to pound” on page 2)

Feature Article - September 15, 2005

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September 15, 2005

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Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

Keep It Simple lives up to its name

by Jeff Green

The second Annual Keep it Simple event, a tribute to musician Bernie Jaffe of Tamworth, was a streamlined version of the first annual event. In the first year concerts were held concurrently in the Tamworth Library and the Legion Hall, keeping audience on edge, always wondering if they were missing some even better music at the other venue.

This time, performances at the Library took place first, followed by a square dance, and a series’ of performances at the Legion. The performers were a cross section of some of the best musicians from the country/folk scene in Toronto of the 1970’s, all friends of Bernie Jaffe. Musicans such as Catfish Willie, Max Mouse and Pineapple Frank Barth performed at the Legion, as did Russell DeCarle, Joan Besen and Keith Glass from Prairie Oyster. GordonStobbe and Kelly Trottier. Click image for larger view. Earlier on fiddlers Gordon Stobbe and Kelly Trottier played a set together. Stobbe, based in Halifax, and Trottier, who calls Kingston home, have been getting together to play and compose whenever they can over the past few years, and their performance, which include a wide range of material, from Ottawa Valley Fiddle music to Hungarian Bulgers, was a highlight of the day.

The entire event is a fundraiser for an annual fiddle camp, which took place the day before. In the first year, 17 people attended the camp, which was taught by Gordon Stobbe. This year 47 people attended, and Kelly Trottier and Sherryl Fitspatrick were the instructors.

“At this rate of exponential growth, we’ll have 254 people next year and over 2,000 in two years. We’ll turn this into a fiddle cult in Tamworth,” said Gord Stobbe

Feature Article - September 22, 2005

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September 22, 2005

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Sydenham Water will leave a political legacy

Editorial by JeffGreen

It could be six or eight months until the water starts being pumped out of the new treatment plant to houses and businesses in Sydenham Village, but as a political issue, Sydenham Water has been resolved. Barring any last-minute intervention, the municipal portion of the project will be paid for by the people who will receive water, and the rest of South Frontenac, and even the rest of Loughborough district, will not be subsidising the project at all.

This outcome was foretold by the terms by which South Frontenac came into existence in 1998. Knowing that the Sydenham Water problem would have to be dealt with eventually, it was agreed that the costs would not be borne by the population as a whole. The ratepayers in Loughborough district made their preference known during the municipal election two years ago, when they elected two candidates who did not come from Sydenham, bypassing several candidates from Sydenham who ran as anti-Council, pro-Sydenham Safe Water Association candidates.

So, sometime next spring, 200 ratepayers will receive special levies from the township of between $5,000 and $10,000, and most of them expect that number to be closer to $10,000 than $5,000.

One of the questions that remains is whether this is seen by Council and the taxpayers in general as a unique case, or whether this will be a precedent for future localised projects.

A few months ago I wrote a facetious editorial about the ‘Mitchell Creek Bridge’ wherein I suggested that only people that live on the far side of the bridge should be expected to pay for its replacement.

There is a serious point to be made, however. Is there going to be sense of unity in South Frontenac Township in the future? Sooner or later there is going to be another major capital project that needs doing somewhere in the township; another water project, a major road repair, a million dollar bridge, and the inevitable question will be - Who pays?

The nature of the township of South Frontenac is such that many people rarely, if ever, travel to different districts of the township. People work in Kingston and drive home each day on Sydenham Road, or Road 38, or the Perth road. They go from their own district to the City of Kingston and back again.

What does someone from Glenburnie care about what happens in Verona or Burridge? Would they want to pay so people they don’t know can benefit?

Of course, South Frontenac is not unique in this regard. There are people in all the townships of Frontenac County that resent having to support the interests of individuals and communities they feel little connection to. But the other townships have all operated since amalgamation as single entities and have paid for all projects out of collective funds. When capital projects come up in the future, they will have precedent to fall back on. This is not the case in South Frontenac.

Sydenham may have been in a unique position among communities in South Frontenac to pay for a large project, because of its institutional ratepayers: the schools, the seniors’ apartment, the township itself, and some large retailers. Other communities will not be so lucky when a large project becomes necessary. But don’t expect the residents of Sydenham to volunteer to help fund a project elsewhere in South Frontenac. -JG