Feature Article - August 3, 2006

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Feature Article - August 3, 2006

Memories of a fisherman

by MeghanBalogh

"I'll tell you, we’ve had some fun," Bob Breech chuckled as he reminisced. Bob has been traveling to the Land o’ Lakes Lodge on Crotch Lake for the past 60 years. He’s 91 years old and continues to make the trip from Catawissa , Pennsylvania .

In 1946 Bob made his first trip up with his wife and young kids. Two friends of his owned the Lodge, but they had trouble maintaining it and sold it not long after. New management was no deterrent Bob and his family have come up every year since that first visit.

Over the years things have changed. “This place has changed like night and day,” says Bob. “Everything has changed!” In the 1940s there were fewer people visiting the Lodge. Electricity was not part of the package back then until the 1960s gas lights were used, and they had to carry water. The Lodge used to be much smaller over the years it has built cabins and has added onto the main building.

Fishing was different back then, too. There were no motors for the boats. “I used to row half way across the lake to fish,” said Bob.

Bob went on to describe the horrendous roads that used to be navigated to reach their final destination. "The beavers would build dams and flood the road. One time I came driving my car through the water, and the water came in up over the floor boards!”

"It took about an hour to come in here from Sharbot Lake ," put in his son Jack, who has been traveling to Central Frontenac for almost the same number of years as his dad.

When asked if he had any good fishing stories, everyone in the room laughed. “I should write a book,” said Bob fondly as he relived the many memories he has made over the years. He went on to share some of his funniest, such as the time when the “Catawissa Gang” decided to go camping down on the lake. They set up camp, went out fishing, and came back in to find that a herd of cows had eaten all their cooking supplies. “There wasn’t even any salt left!” Bob laughed.

Another time while camping in the rain, they set a heater up in their tent. A short time after they spotted smoke pouring from the tent, and while they were in time to save their camcorder, the rest burned to the ground.

Or, the time one of his sons left a loaf of bread in their tent. In the middle of the night a racoon came nosing around. “That coon came in and ripped the whole side of the tent open,” said Bob.

Bob’s wife has traveled up with him several times, but generally she likes to stay at home. This year, on September 17, will be the Breeches’ 60th wedding anniversary.

Bob is still pretty spry for someone in his nineties. He was still camping at 85 years old, and he cuts his own lawn back at home. “Fishing is good for you,” he said, listing off the names of friends who had been fishing at Land o’ Lakes Lodge for nearly as long as he has been. One of the men in his circle of fishing friends lived to be 102, and others well into their nineties.

It seems that most regular visitors to the Land o’ Lakes Lodge know Bob Breech. “There are a lot of people that come up here, and if it weren't for Bob they wouldn't be coming up,” said his son Jack. “It's like a tree with lots of branches. He's at the root.”

Though fishing was Bob’s introduction to the Lodge and still the main reason he makes the trip each year, his friendships, and the time he has spent with the people who love him, are special memories to him and his friends and family. Bob said it best: “I’ll tell you, we had some good times.”

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

Letters to the Editor: September 21 and 28 editions

Garbage and Recycling in South Frontenac

This letter is sent by a longtime reduce,reuse, recycle, and reclaim person. First and foremost, what is the off set benefit for a garbage recycler in our township? Our family of four practised great garbage reduction in 2005-2006 and as a result had many blue tags left over. Thinking that these tags were already paid for by our tax dollars, we thought that they would be honoured until the end of the year (at least). Well, no such thing. We had to dispose of these tags immediately and start with the new and improved labels that crease, split, and are, in general, a pain in the butt. When I went to put the extra blue plastic tags in the recycle, I found out that these tags had to go in our garbage bag as they were not recyclable. It got me to thinking, why are we having to put tags on the garbage anyway? We are allowed two bags per week. Why couldn't we just purchase extra tags at the end of the year, if we thought we would be over the limit? What genius thought of tagging these two bags in the first place? $$$$. Anyway…

Now on to the current new system of recycle pick-up. Most families have a few glass bottles and jars. I repeat, just a few. This was brought home to me as I toured the village and highway on the way to Kingston yesterday. Most people had no recycle containers out because that part being picked up is very small. Wait until two weeks, when we will need, more than one and less than four containers to put out for the truck full of the recycle stuff that is most recycled. Is the township going to give us another box as the city of Kingston has done to help recycle challenged individuals to distributethe glass and cardboard? These can be small containers for sure.

Does anyone know, now that we are recycling through KARC, if we have no pay access to the hazardous waste site? Do we have access to the leaf and wood chipping site recycle centre too?

Questions and questions. I have placed a call to the South Frontenac person in charge and am waiting for an answer to my voice mail. Probably there is a LONG list of call-back requests and I will have to be extra patient. Not! Is anybody out there listening? Does anybody have answers? Am I alone in my quest for reasonable replies?

And lastly, does anyone have a good, cheap, bee and wasp repellent as my recycle cans and plastic bottles, even though rinsed are a bee and wasp haven on my front porch?

- Brenda Crawford

Re: South Frontenac Recycling Services-September 14, 2006 Edition

Two attendants greeted me on September 08 at the Bradshaw Road refuse disposal site in Bedford : hardly cost efficient. Perplexing information was soon forthcoming. The sorting rules for recyclable material had been changed from four days previous; goods which are completely recyclable in any sane system could not be accepted. An example, plastic bags were causing a problem and should be put into the tagged bags! The attendants were doing their normal excellent job being helpful, while trying to enforce the dictates of a moron hallucinating the possession of managerial skills.

It was explained that Kingston , where the recyclables were going now, has a different set of rules. If the contents of the dumpsters do not meet them perfectly the entire load is returned and dumped into the pit. The impression received was that numerous loads of recycling had been returned over an extended period of time! Apparently some “enlightened” bureaucrat or council member finally got the message, and was trying to cover…….. (add your own words).

All of the recycling I brought in was disposed with bagged refuse; it was the rule of the day. Re-sorting was an exercise in futile frustration, which there were no volunteers for. Never was there any prior or has there been any post information of the changes provided by the township. The foregoing events could have been prophesized by a maggot. The attendants even appeared surprised and confused by the sudden change of orders.

Just how long has this scam been going on? Is this entire recycling/bag tag thing a shell game, a hoax, a further refinement in political smoke and mirrors? Now you see it, now you don’t? Is council just giving another demonstration of their propensity of sucking while blowing or are elements of the managerial staff just plain stupid?

Mr. Adams in his article rightly requests that our township treat us fairly. I personally do not believe that the word “fairly” is even in the vocabulary of our councillor despots; the record proves it. The citizens in Sydenham were not treated fairly, nor were the owners of trailers, nor the citizen hunters nor anyone now trying to recycle: just a few examples. - Paul M. WicherRe: Burglarized again

To Mrs. Teal and the District 4 Recreation Committee, my apologies. The last thing volunteers need is to be criticized for a job they do to the best of their ability. Volunteers donate their time, talents and money in local communities, across the country and around the world every day without compensation. If there is one thing a non-profit organization cannot afford to lose, it is good volunteers; another thing they cannot afford to lose is money.

I should not have implied negligence on the part of you and your volunteers. I simply think precautions could be taken. I volunteered with an organization for three years where we operated a food concession for part of two summers, and I did transport inventory back and forth in my car, two, sometimes three nights a week. Logistically it is difficult, but many hands make light work.

The monetary loss to your group saddens me, as it hurts the very community you serve.- Scott CoxMunicipal election time

It will soon be municipal election time in South Frontenac and many familiar names will be found on the ballot. Lake , Vandewal and Davidson, to name a few, are among those from this current council interested in extending their term. It is at this juncture that the question has to be asked are you happy with the current crop of councillors? Are you satisfied that they have appropriately represented the interests of the people that they purport to represent? Have they improved the state of affairs in South Frontenac in any measurable way?

Perhaps a quick recap of issues that have been brought before council over the past few years would help people reflect on their councillor’s performance. I will leave it up to the individual reader to decide whether these issues were well handled by their elected representative or not: Trailer issue, Sydenham Municipal Water System, ATVs on municipal roads, Mitchell Creek Bridge, Recycling, to name a few

If you think these issues could have been better handled, if there could have been more appropriate resolution, if the interests of the people could have been solicited and considered in determining their resolution, then now is the time to do something about it.

It is clear, from reports of council meetings, that all is not harmonious in the council chamber. Council continues to operate, split along district lines, with little evidence of an attempt by any councillor to take a broader perspective on any issues on the council table. Taking this into consideration, now is YOUR opportunity to make changes. Now is the time to use the democratic electoral process to bring in councillors who are capable of viewing issues from a broad perspective and who believe that they sit on council to represent the people rather than to further their own personal perspectives, goals and egos.- Alastair Lamb Lost in Sharbot Lake

Over the past year a group of 20 men and women gathered together at Sharbot Lake High School on Wednesday evenings to learn how to change their eating habits so they feel healthier. Weight Watchers has been in Sharbot Lake for 15 years. This year we celebrated with a member who lost 100 pounds. This journey took about a year and a half and lots of dedication on the part of that member, the encouragement of other members and the guidance of the trained Weight Watchers leader.

Weight Watchers is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, livable and sustainable weight loss. Recent research proves that people who choose to lose weight with Weight Watchers achieve significantly greater results than those who go it alone. - Dianne Lake, Weight Watchers Leader

Dawson College shootings

Well 19 more people were shot in Montreal . FOR WHAT?

The gun registry should not be cancelled, but it should be adjusted. No one except the police and military should be allowed to own any guns more deadly than a single shot. If a hunter can’t hunt well enough to get a close and clean shot, he or she should not hunt. Hunters should learn to shoot more accurately and less meat would be ruined, and fewer animals would suffer injuries that are not immediately fatal. Yes, it would take a year or two for the game to calm down and let anyone get close, but there would soon be more game. Don’t forget that millions of tourists like to see deer and bears in the wild. Tourism means $$$.

Hunters managed to feed their families for a couple million years with spears and archery and frankly archery would be easier and so popular that Canada would attract thousands of archers from other countries. (More $$$)

Most importantly, the next “sick people hunter” would probably get only one victim with his single shot gun. - Carmel Gowan

Addington Highlands Business Breakfast

The Addington Highlands Economic Advisors for Development (AHEAD) committee announces that there will be a business breakfast at the Kaladar Community Centre on Thursday, October 12 at 8 a.m.

The theme is "Meet the Candidates" who are running in the forthcoming municipal election. This will be a great opportunityfor Addington Highlands business people tomeet and listen to their candidates discuss their economic views for the township.

Tickets are $7 each and are available from AHEAD members, who will also be contactingAH business people. Call 613-336-2522(Pine Grove Motel) for further information, or for the committee member nearest you. - Larry Pealow, AHEADBag tags

The innovatively impoverished satraps of an ever increasing number of municipalities are deceitfully adopting and promoting “bag tags” plus volume quotes as an integral part of the solution to the unsolvable, at least to this point, garbage problem. The citizenry must realize they are already paying for refuse disposal through their inflated property taxes. Why bag tags? Bag tags are a tax scam, not included in our assessments or township budget. This is found slush money for the township. Regardless of what smarmy monikers extol the virtues of bag tags/quotes, they are rip-offs of the taxpayer in their present form.

Brenda Crawford, “Letters to the Editor”, The Frontenac News, 9/21/06, brings to our attention just how arrogantly insidious the system is. Her family unit is penalized because they are efficient recyclers! Their discretionary income/sending power is reduced because South Frontenac Township arbitrarily in their “unquestionable wisdom” pre-charges them for tags, which because of their conscientiousness they never use. Incredibly, there is no mechanism in place for a refund, a credit to be applied for next year’s tags, a reward for the extra effort--nothing but rules, procedures and threats of even more charges for non-conformity, typical South Frontenac Township mentality. The methodology put in place by the township is negative, convolutedly illogical, stifles any aggressive recycling incentive, poorly thought out, ill managed, bereft of meaningful insight and communication, counterproductive, actually absurd and a perfect study in folly. The system is defeating the purpose and will to recycle! Why go through the bother of recycling only to be shafted for your efforts? The tags themselves cannot be recycled and likely are not biodegradable either. Brilliant!

We are beset with the same problem as Mrs. Crawford. Our family are efficient recyclers, reusers and composters, raised not to waste hard-earned money. We are going to have numerous unused tags which we have already been ripped off for. We also have no intention of throwing them away. Therefore, two courses of action are open (1) we are prepared and happy to sell any of our extra tags (Bedford) to whoever should require them at a pleasant discount to township prices; or (2) if sales should be poor, we will stuff what we now recycle into garbage bags, tag them and deposit them in the refuse pit. I would suggest that similar action or even more inventive methods by the electorate might--though I would not put money on it--wake up the wooden heads on council and the managers taking up space in the township offices. - Paul M. Wicher

South Frontenac Recycling

I would like to offer a few suggestions with respect to the garbage collection and recycling process in South Frontenac Township . Firstly, the present bag tag system only rewards people for using no more than two bags per week. It does less for people who work harder to reduce their trash to one bag a week or less. Why not allow residents to return unused tags at the end of the year for a tax reduction, or continue to let people use up their bag tags from the previous year, and even apply them to larger items dropped off at the landfill site?

Secondly, we need a convenient way to recycle scrap metal. This is a valuable commodity which should not be going into the landfill.

Thirdly, we need a reliable and consistent way of dealing with household hazardous waste that doesn’t involve long waiting times or unrealistic costs. Perhaps a deal can be brokered with Kingston that doesn’t require residents to pay $30 each time they want to responsibly dispose of some old paint tins and batteries.

Finally, in spite of the work involved in recycling, a lot of people certainly seem to be doing their part. Since reducing, reusing and recycling are everyone’s responsibility, it would be useful to know how well we’re doing. Someone asked this question of Council in a letter to the editor back in the summer, and I was disappointed that no one in the township administration took the time to respond. Let’s have some feedback! - Stephen Dukoff

Liberal spending

A few months ago, I wrote a letter critical of our local MPP and Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky. I had pointed out that in the Ontario Budget document, funds for Agriculture were cut for the second year in a row. This brought forth a challenge from one of her staff that I was misleading readers, and that spending had gone up.

In my defence, I directed them to look at the budget numbers in the actual government publication and on the Finance Ministry’s website. I also made the observation that the McGuinty government’s tactic was to slash the department’s budget, then make flashy spending announcements in order to make it look like they were doing more for farmers and farm communities.

This week, Premier McGuinty showed up at the International Plowing Match in Peterborough to announce $185 million in “new” money. While any money directed to assist this vital industry is welcome, the complaints I made six months ago still stand.

First, the money the Liberals are putting back into Agriculture is still less than they took out in the spring. If someone borrows ten dollars from you and pays back only six, you may say thanks, but you would still ask what happened to the other four.

Second, farmers make their decisions on what to plant, how much to plant, and the size of herds they run in the spring. That is when they need to be certain about the money needed for seed, fertilizer, equipment and livestock - not now when most farmers have already taken the hay off their fields.

These announcements always seem to come in September which, coincidentally, occurs next year in the final days of a provincial general election. McGuinty and Dombrowsky will no doubt try to buy the votes of farmers and farm families. Unfortunately, Ontario ’s farmers are not inclined to be bought off so cheaply. - Brent Cameron

Re: Burglarized….Again.

Mr. Cox, ever heard the old saying “Don’t blame the victim?” Anyway, we would like to personally invite you to join our Recreation Committee. It seems your enthusiasm is quite impressive to be the one to load all of the stock from our canteen into your vehicle (which I hope is a Van!) after every ball game or other event that is taking place. Then the next night you would need to re-load the van and travel back to the canteen to unload the supplies, serve your customers who probably aren’t going to be very impressed that the freezies aren’t frozen, or their pop isn’t ice cold, on one of the hottest days of the summer. Only then to have to turn around and cart the stuff once more back to your van, then return home where you try to find a spot in your house to keep the items separate from your own household goods. Oh yeah, hopefully you don’t have children who once they spot all of the different kinds of pop, chips, chocolate bars, ring pops, bubble gum, lollipops and freezies won’t insist on having “just one!”. Did I mention how heavy those cases of pop are? Then you also have the hot dog wieners, hamburgers, buns and all the trimmings, the cases of bottled water, the coffee, sugar, milk and popcorn. Wow, it’s definitely a work out especially if you have ball games 3 nights in a row! On top of this is the fact, that we are volunteers, with full time jobs, family commitments etc….

But, you know what…it’s not just about the stuff that was taken, it’s also the vandalism that has occurred at the canteen and the bathrooms that are attached. It’s uncalled for. The point of our letter which some may have overlooked, was to make residents in and around the area aware of what was happening to us, just in case they may have had something that at the time seemed minor happen…like a “misplaced” gas can, the garage door being unlocked when they thought it was secure. Once all this information is combined it adds up considerably as well as leaving a detailed trace of events.

We didn’t just sit around and let our goods be stolen, we took preventative measures to protect our communities investment. This is a block building, with a steel door and steel frame with locks that may be more secure that a lot of people’s homes. Problem is, when a criminal wants in nothing will get in there way. Although chocolate bars seemed to be the easy target for these thieves, our last break-in resulted in a loss of over $700 plus property damages. Fortunately, we have some of the finest police officers in our area who are on this case!

I hope you’re not saying that for anyone who has had the misfortune of being burglarized that they should pack up their prize possessions every time they go out to risk them being stolen from their vehicle. Boy, Jeff Foxworthy would have a field day with this one! (Moving? No we just pack our stuff up once or twice a week!!!)

We appreciate and urge anyone with motivation and ideas to join our recreation committee, our commitment is to work to improve and provide for the people in our area. After all, it is your committee.

Christine Teal, Member of District #4 Recreation Committee

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

TheSalmon River Watershed:Jewel of EasternOntario

Book review by Jeff Green

In 1853, the Public Lands Act encouraged settlers to establish a “wheat and mixed farming culture in an area that the Canadian government described as having ‘excellent soil and a climate that can sustain a population of eight millions of people’”. (The Salmon River Watershed page 19)

Included in this territory was the northern portion of the Salmon River Watershed, which stretches from Cloyne in the northwest to Mountain Grove in the east and runs south through Erinsville and Tamworth in Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Counties .

As the new book by the Friends of the Salmon River points out, the predictions of the Public Lands Act did not take into account the Precambrian shield, whose rocks and thin soil cover precluded farming on anything but a subsistence basis.

The Friends of the Salmon River was created by about 20 people in April of 2004 at the secluded home of Aileen and Gray Merriam on Kennebec Lake, the major junction of inflows to the Salmon River. At that time there were few in the room who regretted the fact that the prediction of 8 million people had overstated the eventual population of the territory by almost 8 million.

In many ways the ‘Salmon River Watershed: Jewel of Eastern Ontario’ is a celebration of the fact that high density farming and industrial development failed to take root along the river and its watershed, leaving the waters clean, maintaining its variety of plant and aquatic life, and making it a great place for naturalists and canoeists alike to congregate.

The book was launched last Saturday at a well attended event at Beaver Lake Park . Plans for an outdoor launch had to be modified because of rainy weather, but canoeists and kayakers arrived undaunted from upriver to join the celebration.

The book contains chapters on the existing communities along the river, the bedrock, living processes along the watershed and white water canoeing. The longest chapter focuses on the human history along the Salmon and its feeder lakes and streams.

The first humans visited the watershed around 11,500 years ago, but they could not stay because of glacial ice. Later, Algonkian speaking peoples occupied some of the northern territories , and late in the 18th Century, Mohawks settled around Bay of Quinte . In the mid nineteenth century, settlers arrived and were encouraged to populate the region, spawning the predictions of large scale settlement.

Logging along the watershed took place in full force in the latter half of the nineteenth century, decimating what soil there was along the northern portion of the watershed. The logging industry also caused the disappearance of the salmon, which gave the river its name, from the southern portion of the river where they had once been abundant.

Settlers who came to the lands in the latter part of the 19th century struggled because of poor soil conditions and a predominance of rock, leaving the population stagnant or in decline throughout the 20th century. Two railroads, the old Nip and Tuck and the Kick and Push railways, came and went.

Few people living on the Salmon River watershed today make their living from the land, but the success of the Friends of the Salmon River and the contents of their first publication demonstrate their love of the watershed, and their commitment to maintaining it in the healthy condition that it is in today.

Along with a wealth of information about the ecology of the river, the book includes poems and full colour reproductions of artwork that has been inspired by the river.

Anyone wishing more information about the Friends of the Salmon River , to become a member, or to obtain a copy of the book, please contact Nathalie Sorensen at 542-0398. Copies are $15 each.

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

Lanark OPPgives out service awards

by MeghanBalogh

Constable Lyndon Murray Officers of the Ontario Provincial Police gathered in Lanark on September 21 to honour the years of service and acts of bravery demonstrated by officers and members of our community.

Uniformed officers and their spouses attended the ceremony and dinner, held at the picturesque Timber Run Golf Club on Highway 511.

The awards were emceed by Chief Superintendent L. G. Beechey, who is the Regional Commander for the Eastern region of the OPP. Provincial Commander Gwen Strachan gave opening comments as well, before presenting the awards to attending officers.

Several awards were given during the ceremony. The Police Exemplary Service Medal was presented to six officers for 20 years of courage and excellence in service. Four officers received awards for over 30 years of quality service.

Beechey commended not only specific officers, but also members of the community for acts of lifesaving and bravery in the face of potential personal danger.

Prominent among the scenarios presented were the courageous actions of selfless people who put themselves at risk to help someone in need. Terry Landon and John Mills received Commissioner’s Citations for pulling two people from a submerged car that the two men saw leave the road and crash through a guardrail into the water.

Constable Jonathan Bigford On November 11, 2005, Constable Jonathan Bigford was called to assist a lone fisherman who had tipped his canoe and was struggling in the water. Constable Lyndon Murray was driving by when he spotted Constable Bigford’s squad car and pulled over to help. Together they found a waterlogged row boat and used this to help the incoherent fisherman to shore, where he was taken to the hospital and treated for hypothermia.

Constable Bigford and Constable Murray received Commissioner’s Citations for Lifesaving in recognition of their actions.

Another notable act of bravery took place on May 16, 2006, near Hopetown. Ten-year-old Victoria Charbonneau was riding an ATV with her friend Ivy through a wet field when the vehicle went out of control. Victoria was thrown from the four-wheeler, but Ivy became trapped as it overturned on her, pinning her upper body under water. Victoria , unable to lift the heavy machine, ran to get help and brought Ron Lobay back to the scene with her.

Lobay was able to remove the ATV from Ivy, but after being trapped for 10 minutes the 14-year-old showed no vital signs. He began CPR and within the third attempt, Ivy began breathing once more. She was rushed to emergency in critical condition, but is now back home with her family.

Both Victoria and Mr. Lobay received Commissioner’s Citations for Lifesaving for the part they played in saving their young friend’s life.

Because of the selfless service of our local officers and the concern that members of the community have shown for their fellow man, our communities become safer and healthier places. The awards that were presented to these people are just a small part of the recognition and thanks that they deserve.

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

NFCSNotes:Northern Frontenac Community Services

NFCS Notes: Happenings at Northern Frontenac Community Services

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: This year’s Annual General Meeting is taking place on October 19 at the Snow Road Community Hall. Festivities will begin at 6 pm. Come and learn about the many ways that Northern Frontenac Community Services is serving your community, and the many programs that could use your volunteer energy.

CALL TO COMMITTEES: If you are interested in sitting on one of these NFCS committees as a community member (Public Relations Committee, Children's Services Committee, or Seniors' Advisory Committee) please leave a message for Brenda Piat, board member, along with your name and telephone number, with the receptionist at 279-3151.

PARTNERS WITH PARENTS is a group of people representing a variety of social service agencies as well as local parents. This group is once again sponsoring an evening of fun and education for parents and children on October 2 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Sharbot Lake High School . This is an interactive evening that begins with a light dinner after which the families will participate in fun, non-competitive challenges at various sites throughout the school. It is designed for families with children 10 and younger and has a literacy theme to each game. You must pre-register by calling the Ontario Early Years Centre, The Child Centre at 613-279-2244.

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN: Each year the United Way for Kingston , Frontenac, Lennox and Addington launches a massive fundraising campaign with the proceeds going to a host of social service agencies. This year’s campaign is hoping to raise $2,525,000. It is important for people in North and Central Frontenac to understand that a significant amount of money is invested in this community by the United Way . Northern Frontenac Community Services is fortunate enough to be a United Way agency and the Family Counselling program is funded by them. The Ontario Early Years Centre, The Child Centre often receives funding through the Success by Six program operated through the United Way . Kairos Counselling Services which provides a significant amount of counselling in this area for people with addictions problems also receives funding from the United Way as does the CNIB as well as many others. There are a significant number of individuals in this area who would not be able to access counselling and support without the United Way 's success. We would ask that you support this campaign in what ever way you possibly can to ensure that as a community we can remain strong and help those who most need it. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 people will at some point need the help of an agency funded by the United Way .

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

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Feature Article - September 28, 2006

TheNorthFrontenac FoodBank

The North Frontenac Food Bank is a small food bank organized by a committee of community volunteers. It has no formal building or hours for public access. To contact the food bank, you may leave a message at Northern Frontenac Community Services at 613-279-3151 or Fax referrals to 613-279-2565.

The North Frontenac Food Bank Committee operates totally independently from NFCS and, except for a small grant under a federal program for children, is not associated with any provincial or federal agency; nor is it affiliated with any religious or church organization.

The food bank depends on donations of food and money from the community to provide food baskets to people who need one. We realize that there are times when people need extra assistance, which is why we volunteer on the food bank committee. However, because we have limited resources, it is necessary to have certain policies in place: referrals should be made by a social worker, doctor, minister, or other advocate, whenever possible; a financial criteria is in place which must be met; only one food basket will be given in a month; the food bank should not be used every month for an indefinite period of time; it is for emergency situations only, so should not be used to subsidize a monthly budget.

The food bank reserves the right to refuse anyone a food basket if it becomes apparent that its assistance is being used every month. On the other hand, we would not be volunteers in this role if we did not want to help people when necessary.

- North Frontenac Food Bank Committee

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Feature Article - September 14, 2006

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Feature Article - September 14, 2006

Tent revival meetings in Kaladar

With great excitement and expectation the Revival tent meetings in Kaladar began. It was a week that will never be forgotten by those who attended as many came to hear the message of God’s love and hope for today. Every evening at the Kaladar Community Centre a service was held. People came from great distances to hear the message that Rev.Justin Free and team were bringing every night. People came from as far as Niagara Falls (Wheatfield) New York ! Also people came from Kingston , Peterborough , Tweed, Marmora, Northbrook, Cloyne, Henderson , Arden , Verona , Harrowsmith and even Westport to take part in the services every night. Over the week more than 300 were in attendance.

The services began with worship and praise every night and many praises to the Lord were offered up for His goodness to us. Every day Jesus Christ was proclaimed and lifted up. The message that has taken Pastor Justin Free to more than 32 nations in the past 7 years has been that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever and that He still forgives and heals today. God has been so faithful to this nation of Canada and the heartbeat of the week of meetings was to share with Kaladar and surrounding area’s that God’s love hasn’t changed but remains steadfast to every person in every city, town and village.

Every night there were testimonies of God’s healing power at work. Jesus cares for people today and loves our world. This is why miracles of joy and healing occurred each night because of His love for every person!

All praise goes to the Lord for this lasting work done in Kaladar and surrounding communities! Please know our love and prayers are with you reading this article right now, know that God loves and cares for you so much and that is why John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” A special thanks would like to be given to the Kaladar Community Club and Mrs. Glenda Bence who was so gracious in allowing us to hold these tent revival meetings.

Submitted by Justin Free Ministries

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Feature Article - October 26, 2006

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Feature Article - October 26, 2006

VISIONSoup:News from Central Frontenac CommunityServices

Some local women, including Josey Steel and Leslie Reade, are teaming up to raise funds for CFCSC in an event that should wet the community's appetite.

Wilton Pottery has donated 40 bowls towards the desired 150 bowls. Local food suppliers are being asked to donate pots of soup, coffee, buns, butter, baked goods, etc.

On Saturday, November 25, following the Sydenham Santa Claus parade, people receive their bowls and get to eat/sample the soups and trimmings. The bowls will be sold for $20 and people get to keep the bowl.

More details will be provided in next month's newsletter. If you are interested in assisting with this fundraiser (come on, churches and community groups - let's have a soup or cookie competition), please contact us at Rural VISIONS Centre and we will put you in touch with the organizers.

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Feature Article - October 12, 2006

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Feature Article - October 12, 2006

ATVbylaw approved in CentralFrontenac

byJeff Green

Central Frontenac Council passed a bylaw this week approving the use of licensed, insured, single seat, four-wheeled All Terrain Vehicles on all municipal roads in the township.

The bylaw mirrors similar bylaws passed in South and North Frontenac, and ATVs can now be legally driven on all roads in Frontenac County .

Debate on the bylaw itself was muted, since the matter was discussed at the previous meeting when a motion came forward to instruct staff to prepare the bylaw.

At that time the main objections were raised by Councillor Logan Murray. When the bylaw came forward, a resigned Murray said “I’ve said what I have to say. I do not support it. I have received no calls from people who do support the bylaw and several from people who don’t. I point out that Napanee is looking at rescinding their bylaw, and that I know a lot of people who own ATVs who oppose this.”

Councillor Jack Nicolson said, “This is an excellent bylaw, but who is going to enforce it?”

Mayor Bill MacDonald said, “I want to see this go through. There is nothing to stop a future council from rescinding it if it doesn’t work.”

They bylaw was approved by a vote of 7-2, with Councillors Murray and Nicolson voting against it.

Other Council items A tender was granted to Gray Brothers Construction to upgrade the septic system for the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre. The medical centre is undertaking a $1.6 million expansion in line with its new status as a Family Health Team as approved by the Ministry of Health. The septic upgrade will cost $23,320 and is to be completed before freeze up.

2006 shaping up as decent building year New building regulations have put a damper on building in the township this year, but the numbers are comparable with other years. As of September 30th, permits have been issued for a construction value of $5,304,000, down from $6,636,000 in the first three quarters of ’05, but higher than the $4,842,000 for the same period in ’04.

The number of new residential units has dropped, however. There were 38 at this point in ’04, 39 in ’05, and only 26 thus far this year.

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Feature Article - October 12, 2006

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Feature Article - October 12, 2006

Abrams Brothers headline grand finale for Jeff Grice fundraising campaign

In 2003 when local businessman and Sydenham resident Jeff Grice suffered a spinal cord stroke leaving him a paraplegic, friends of the father of four were at a loss as to how to help.

This past spring they launched the “Back in Motion” campaign with the goal of raising $45,000 to help diminish the financial challenges experienced by the Grice family. Specifically, the dollars raised will retire the debt on the modified vehicle, a Braun Entervan, that has put Jeff behind the wheel again and “Back in Motion”.

“We are excited and grateful to report that so far a grand total of $31,000 has been raised,” says fundraising chair Evelyn Snider.

“Family, friends, local businesses and private individuals are coming together and making a difference for the Grice family. As the campaign heads into its final month and with $14,000 left to fund raise, we know that TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT”, she added. “This campaign is about people helping people and how with one project, our community can encourage Jeff and his family to get back on the road again,” said Evelyn.

The final organized event of the campaign is a concert called “The Best in Bluegrass” featuring the ever popular “Abrams Brothers” on October 20 at 7 p.m. at Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church . Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Concert ticket requests can be made online at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling Maureen at 613-372-1238 or Elaine at 613-634-1144. Seating is limited so organizers encourage music lovers to get tickets early.

“We expect a sold-out concert to bring in about 45% of the remaining $14,000,” stated Evelyn. “We are inviting the local communities to help us raise the final 55% or $8,000 by concert night! How can you help? Attend the concert, organize your own event or send in your personal donation. Let’s pull together and make this dream a reality.”

To learn more about this project and how you can help, visit www.jeffgricebackinmotion.com or write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact Information: Evelyn Snider, Chair of the Jeff Grice Back in Motion Campaign (613-374-2587).

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