Nov 13/08 - In Memory of a Soldier

Back toHome

Feature Article - November 13, 2008

In Memory of a Soldierby June Arney

Area Remembrance Day Services In memory of a soldierby June ArneyLonnieGrant at the graveside of his great uncle, Rifleman Basil Franklin Arney, in Belgium.

Lonnie Grant is the son of June Arney, the grandson of Pearl Arney (both of Cloyne), and the great grandson of the deceased Mollie Arney of Henderson.

As a child he had often admired the picture on his great grandmother’s wall – that of his great uncle, Rifleman Basil Franklin Arney, who was killed in action during a mission called “Operation Switchback” near the Belgium town of Adegem on October 27, 1944.

Although young, Lonnie never forgot the picture of the young man who gave his life for the freedom we have.

On June 8, 2008, Lonnie decided to fly to Belgium to visit Flanders Fields and find his great uncle’s gravesite. He paid his respects at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, and said it was such an honour to visit all the graves of all the Canadian boys who died there - such an honourable feeling to find and kneel at his great uncle’s grave in tribute.

Lonnie also visited the Leopold Canal where a lot of vicious action occurred and a lot of men had died. He stated that the people of Belgium have never forgotten the sacrifice to this day.

Our family are also proud and we believe that his great grandmother Mollie is smiling down at him. She would have been very proud. Mollie had often cried because she was unable to put flowers on her son’s grave. Over 60 years later her great grandson finally did it for her.

Remembrance Day Services

Remembrance services were held throughout our readership in tribute of the soldiers who have served our country in the past and continue to do so in the present...

Remembrance Day ceremony at Arden on Nov 11 (l) and Flinton held November 9 (r).

Ceremony at Oso Soldiers Memorial hall, Sharbot Lake (l) Students from Prince Charles Public host a ceremony at the Verona Cenotaph (r)

Students from Hinchinbrooke Public School were joined by Master Corporal Jasmine Krlin and Second World War veteran Art Goodfellow in a ceremonyorganized by Mrs. Aylesworth’s grade 5/6 class (left).Remembrance Day in DenbighBy Angela Bright

The community joined together at the Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11 to honour those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts, and those who are serving on the present day battlefield. Rev. Shirley Shouldice led the service, with members from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 328, Northbrook and five members of the Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, standing alongside.Wreaths were laid at the foot of the cenotaph by Evelyn Petzold for Silver Cross Mother, Reeve Henry Hogg on behalf of Addington Highlands, Gary Malcolm of the Denbigh/Griffith Lions Club, Dave Harcourt on behalf of Scott Reid and Randy Hillier, Councilor Lehnhardt from the Township of Greater Madawaska, Mayor Maguire from the Township of North Frontenac, as well as Dave Blasko honouring peacekeepers, Frank Matacheskie and Gordon Wood on behalf of veterans and the Queen, and one by a corporal from the RCR for those in the current conflict. Members of the crowd participated in the ceremony by depositing the poppies from their lapels onto a special display beside the wreathes.A light lunch followed the service and special thanks to those that prepared the refreshments.

North Addington RemembersKatie Ohlke / Jory Bolton

Photo: The Cadets who attend North Addington Education Centre.

Forty four soldiers from the 8th Platoon, Charles Company, 1st Royal Canadian Regiment based out of Petawawa attended the North Addington Education Centre Remembrance Day assembly on Tuesday. Many are already veterans from the war in Afghanistan and many are about to be deployed again or for the first time. The assembly, which involved Kindergarten students to Grade 12, staff and community members, featured many creative and heartfelt demonstrations, in honour of the veterans and service people both in attendance and in the thoughts of those watching and participating.

Lieutenant Brogen, Charles Company commander, shared his thoughts with the audience, “Many young people think about how war affects them and have a hard time connecting. What I have come to realize, after listening to the stories of my father and grandfather and serving in the military myself; we have youth in common. It is the young men and women, not much older then some of you here today, who have been and are serving in wars. Many of the soldiers here today are Afghanistan veterans.”

Grade 9 student, Dallas Arney performed an original song that she wrote about soldiers and performed it with renowned Canadian guitarist Steve Piticco. A short film was shown and the Junior Choir sang. Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields,” was recited in English and French, as well as some recitations by the School-to-Community classes. Principal Frank Smida was very proud of his school, “This is the first time in three years that I have been able to attend a North Addington Remembrance Day assembly, and I can see why many community members come to this presentation. The dedication and support of the students, staff and community really drive home what a caring school this is. To have the soldiers attend this event, for the second year is simply wonderful. I am so proud of North Addington.”

After the ceremony, the soldiers sat down with the students and had lunch in the cafeteria. Students had a chance to talk to the soldiers and ask them questions. After eating, some of the men even joined in a game of pick up volleyball in the gym with the students. “They really aren’t much older then we are,” remarked a senior student, “I think that is amazing that they are willing to make such a sacrifice [by going to Afghanistan].” Erik, a soldier with Charles Company felt that the assembly was well done, “[NAEC] put a lot of effort into this assembly, it was well done.”

The character trait for November at North Addington is “Courage”, and students demonstrated a deep respect and appreciation for those young men and women who demonstrate courage on a daily basis.

Vice Principal, Angela Salmond said, “Again and again I feel so proud to be a part of NAEC. At times I felt my eyes fill with tears as I watched and listened to our students show their respect. After the ceremony I watched the interactions as our students made our visitors feel a part of the NAEC community. One Primary student told me with great pride that he was eating lunch with a real soldier while some secondary students laughed with the young soldiers at the volleyball antics in the gym. I toured a small group of young men around the school answering their questions about our school and our community. Normally we think of Remembrance Day as a day to remember the past—although that was certainly the case, it also showed the hope we have for the future as we learn from and with each other.”

Nov 6/08 - Patsy Henry Bids Farewell

Back toHome

Feature Article - November 6, 2008 Reverend Patsy Henry bids farewellBy Julie Druker

Jack Fox and Denny Buchanan

On Sunday the Parham United Church had standing room only as members of the Centenary Pastoral Charge, which is made up of the three United Church congregations of Parham, Sharbot Lake and Maberly, gathered for Rev. Patsy Henry’s final sermon. She has served the pastoral charge for the past seven years.

It was a moving and emotional service that included favorite hymns and readings and also a special presentation by a youth choir.

For her final service, Rev. Henry was wearing a beautiful embroidered stole that depicted the stories of Jesus and she engaged the congregation, especially the younger members who filled the front most pews, to explain what all of the pictures meant.

After the service a luncheon was held in the adjoining hall. Rev. Henry definitely had her hands full serving three parishes and she admitted, “The biggest challenge is there is never enough time.” She regularly gave three Sunday morning services, in Maberly at 9:00am, Sharbot Lake at 10:15am and Parham at 11:30am. She also made regular visits to members of her congregation at their homes and in area hospitals.

Rev. Henry definitely spoke from her heart when asked about the position she is leaving. “It’s been seven years of my life and it’s not just a job, ministry is your life. It’s been a wonderful seven years. In this profession there is a lot of heartbreak and there’s a lot of cause for celebration and a lot of in between stuff. It encompasses all of life.”

She explained that her work has allowed her to become very close with the members of her congregations. “When ministering with families your are involved with people at the most intimate times of their lives. Things never get old or routine when you’re dealing with people and human need and personalities; it’s always new.”

When asked about leaving she said, “It’s time to move on; none of us ever stay forever but our heart does.”

Rev. Henry is leaving for the Tory Hill Pastoral Charge, which is made up of the Gooderham and Wilberforce United churches, located between Bancroft and Haliburton.

When asked about changing charges she explained, “We all have our skills, we all have our gifts and I believe that we are called into a pastoral charge at such a point when that congregation needs us and we need them and that was certainly the case. I’m going to a place that needs me more now."

She added, “There’s a verse in the Bible from Ecclesiastes: ‘To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose..’, and the seasons come and go”.

It is obvious that she will be missed by many whom she has served, and who have worked with her and have come to know and love her. She has been called “a good shepherd” by members of her flock.

While no one has currently been appointed to take her place, members of the congregation along with other area ministers will be serving the congregations in the meantime. And while the communities await a new minister, members can be assured that services will continue on schedule at the Centenary Pastoral Charge.

Christmas 2008 - How Chanukah Saved Christmas

Back toHome

Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cakeby John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations:a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy:Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Maryby Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting ofa Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

How Chanukah Saved ChristmasBy Alexis Diamond

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a crisis.

What kind of crisis?

Well, the land ran on oil. Oil flowed through the streets, the houses, the moving machines, the stationary machines, the factories that pumped out treasures of all shapes and sizes made from, well, oil.

You might think that sounds perfect. Like a little bit of heaven, is what you might be thinking. This land sounds like a land of plenty, you might be saying to yourself.

So what’s the crisis?

Well, the oil. There wasn’t plenty of it. Not any more. The party was, so to speak, over. The land was running dry.

Everyone was terrified. “What will we do?” the people of this land asked each other. “Where will we go?” For the drought was spreading beyond the land’s borders, creeping like a virus around the globe.

To make matters worse, Christmas was approaching. Everyone was alarmed. What if there were no oil-based treasures to purchase for loved ones and family members? The very social fabric of their land could well unravel under the strain.

Luckily, in this land, there were some Jews who celebrated Chanukah. Chanukah, some of you may know, is a minor Jewish holiday that usually falls somewhere vaguely around Christmas.

“What would the Maccabees do?” the Jews asked themselves.

You don’t know who the Maccabees are. They are the Jewish version of just, virile and scantily clad superheros. A whole family of them.

The story of Chanukah is long and worthy of an action movie, like an updated version of the Ten Commandments, but maybe starring some very hot, young, internationally coveted Jewish—and non-Jewish—stars...

But I digress.

Suffice it to say, in Judea 200 years before J.C., Judaism was outlawed by an oppressive regime. This was very bad for the Jews, as we like to say. The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was sacked and looted by the occupying forces. This was even worse for the Jews, as the eternal light that burned in the Temple, the soul of the Jewish People, was extinguished.

At this outrage, a revolt rose up, led by the mighty Maccabee family, a father and his five strapping sons. They eventually vanquished their foe, and repossessed the Temple. But it was polluted, and had to be cleansed and put right.

There was only one problem.

Oil.

But not the regular variety.

Olive oil was needed to rekindle the Eternal Light in the Temple; however, it took eight days to process a new supply. The people scoured the Temple high and low, looking for any oil that had been spared, but none was to be found. Except one tiny vial, with one tiny drop of precious oil, just enough to burn for one day.

Then a miracle occurred! That one drop burned for eight days, just enough time for more oil to be prepared.

The Jews in this land pondered over the story. Could it fuel a solution to their present crisis?

They decided to get together for latkes, potato pancakes fried in ... oil. They invited their non-Jewish friends over too, to help with the brainstorming. Everyone discussed the Chanukah story at length. Some suggested that they re-enact the story to find its true meaning and discover the miracle. Some suggested they try running olive oil instead of the other oil through the system. Some suggested they go to sunny Jerusalem for a holiday.

Meanwhile, the children were playing dreidl. The dreidl is a spinning top, and playing dreidl a gambling game. The children were squealing with delight and trying not to eat all their Chanukah gelt, dreidl gambling currency, when something strange happened. The dreidl wouldn’t stop spinning. It just kept going, and going, and going. It started to drill through the floor. It started to drill through the subfloor, but it didn’t stop there. It drilled right down until it disappeared from view.

Adults and children watched in disbelief.

A second of stunned silence. Then another.

Then, and this is true, a miracle happened.

Pure, black, sweet oil shot up through the hole drilled by the dreidl. Oil rained down on the astonished people of this land. The drought was over!

The people rejoiced and sang and danced and ate a lot of oil-drenched latkes. Soon, dreidls were spinning across the globe.

And that’s how Chanukah saved Christmas.

Dec 11/08 - Woman Rescued from House Fire

Back toHome

Feature Article - December 11, 2008 Woman rescued from burning building by young men:Community rallies to support Terry HunterBy Jeff Green

A spectacular fire lit up the morning sky in Cloyne last Thursday morning, December 4, destroying the house that Terry Hunter had been living in since the summer.

The fact that the fire took place during the day turned out to be lucky because Travis Boomhower, Tyler Woodcock, Danny McNeill and James Nowell happened to be neaby and they rushed to the house to see if anyone was inside. They found Terry Hunter in her kitchen phoning 911, and they quickly ushered her out, just before the house became entirely engulfed in flames.

Ms. Hunter is a diabetic, and uses a walker.

“The fire was caused by ‘smoking materials’”, said Fire Chef Casey Cuddy, “apparently an ashtray that was dumped into a wastebasket had not gone out.”

The fire started on the front porch, and quickly spread into the house.

Cuddy said it was lucky that Terry Hunter escaped unharmed. “We always tell people to leave the house first, then phone 911. That is always the safest course.”

Cudy also said that is tricky for people to enter a buring builiding, especially if they do not have the training that firefighter have, ““but in this case it is very fortunate the men went in.”

Within minutes of the building being emptied, the building was fully engaged by the fire, which also destroyed Hunter's car.

The first 911 call came in at 9:03; Terry Hunter phoned at 9:04:42, and firefighters were on hand within 12 to 14 minutes.

“There was a live hydro wire across the road by the time we got there. We worked to keep the fire from spreading to the garage, but the house was gone,” said Casey Cuddy.

Terry Hunter lives alone, but she had a dog and three cats with her in the house. One of the cats perished in the fire, but the other two and the dog made it out.

Since the fire took place, friends and neighbours have chipped in to help Terry Hunter. She spent a few days in the home of her neighbour, Karen Lowndes.

“The community have really pulled together,” Karen Lowndes said. “A neighbour had a couch, another had a TV, and people have been bringing money. Jim Shiner owns a building outside of Northbrook which has an empty apartment available and he gave Terry a break on the rent. She moved in on Sunday night. She has really appreciated all the support.”

A drop-off has been arranged for Saturday and Sunday, (December 13 and 14) at the building next to Grand’s store in Cloyne. Clothing, furniture and other items will be accepted between 12 noon and 4 pm on both days.

Any items that are not needed by Terry Hunter will be donated to local charities. For further information call Steve Lancaster at 613-336-1106.

Dec 18/08 - SF Council

Back toHome

Feature Article - December 11, 2008 South Frontenac Council -Dec 16/08By Jeff Green

South Frontenac passes major hurdle in Official Plan Review.

South Frontenac Council has finally put the contentious issue of the number of new building lots that can be created out of an existing lot, to bed.

At a meeting on Tuesday night (December 16) Council decided to amend the existing Official Plan, which as of the year 2000 has limited the number of severances to an existing lot, to three.

A compromise reached among a majority of Council members will result in raising that number to five, pending the approval of the Provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Several Councillors wanted to leave the same rules in place but to “restart the clock” so that any lot of record as of January 1st 2009 could be severed three times, even if the lot itself was created as the result of a severance over the past nine years.

The townships planning department vociferously objected to this proposal. Department head Lindsay Mills has argued for months that ‘restarting the clock’ “would violate approximately seven existing goals and objectives in the Plan, effectively requiring the Plan to be extensively changed.

While Mill’s recommended that no change be made, his fall back position, which he said would not have the same kind of impact on the plan as the ‘restart’ option, would be to increase the number of lots that can be created from an existing lot to 4.

Mills argues that this change “tends to still be consistent with the other policies in the Official Plan … this much more minor change has a better chance of being approved by the Ministry.”

In debating the issue, it quickly became clear that a majority of Council were not going to support Lindsay Mills initial recommendation and the ‘4 lot solution’ was also not likely to pass.

“We have some of the strictest regulations in Ontario that people must follow when creating lots and building on them. I don’t really see the problem with re-starting the clock,” said Councillor Ron Vandewal.

Councillor David Hahn took up the argument in favour of the status quo.

“There are two ways of making lots, by severance and by plan of subdivision. With severance you don’t have controls, and you don’t get groundwater studies. People come to the Committee of Adjustment; they apply and get the severance. With a plan of subdivision there are groundwater studies, environmental impact studies, and the developer builds new roads to a high standard. It is the best way to go.

“But why should people go to the trouble, and cost, of the plan of subdivision process just to create lots that are more expensive than severed lots. It’s not fair to the people doing subdivisions … We need to listen to our planner, who we pay good money to. He is talking about the future.”

Deputy Mayor Larry York said, “If we add two more lots that will make it five. Farmer’s around here are pretty necessary, and with a downturn in the economy farmers are not going to make much money next year or the year after. They need another tool, like selling a lot, to survive. Let’s protect the farmers.”

“We’re not just talking about farms and roads here, we are talking about waterfront. Changing the three severance rule is a mistake,” said Mayor Gary Davison.

Three votes were taken.

The first, a proposal to follow Lindsay Mills’ recommendation, went down in a 6-3 vote, with only Councillors Hahn, McPhail, and Mayor Davison supporting it.

The second, to increase the maximum severances on an existing lot to 4 also went down 6-3, with only Councillors McPhail, Stowe, and Davison supporting it.

Finally, the proposal to increase the maximum severances on an existing lot to 5 was carried with Councillors Fillion, Hicks, Robinson, Stowe, Vandewal and Deputy Mayor York in favour and only Councllors McPhail, Hahn and Mayor Davison opposed.

“People should not think they can apply for these new severances next week,” said Councillor Stowe. “This won’t happen if the Province doesn’t like it.”

“And they will take seriously that our own planner opposed it,” said Mayor Davison.

The townships Official Plan review will now move to a public meeting in the new year before being submitted to the Province.

Other Council news

Tanker purchase approved

Council accepted the tender from Seagrave inc. for a new fire truck at a cost of $294,234.85, including taxes.

The purchase is in line with the townships ongoing fire truck replacement plan.

Fire Chief Cheeseborough explained that in 2005, a levy of $35 for every $150,000 in property assessment was approved to create a fund of about $250,000 per year for new fire equipment. Since then a 25 year replacement plan for all equipment has been instituted.

“To compensate for the $35 special charge, a water shuttle program was brought in to assist people who live within 8 kilometres of fire halls with their insurance costs, resulting in decreases as high as 40%,” Cheeseborough said.

He added that the cost of fire equipment is going up 15% next year because of new regulations, so it pays the township to order a truck before the end of the year.

Municipal waste – In order to put substance to some of the matters that had been agreed to at a Committee of the Whole meeting one eek earlier, CAO Gord Burns brought two motions forward.

The first was that South Frontenac establish a township wide dump card which, the motion said, “will allow any resident of South Frontenac to take their garbage to any landfill within the township” as long as the proper fees are paid.

This was approved without much debate, although the vote was very close, 5-4. Councillors Hahn, Stowe, McPhail, Vandewal and Mayor Davison supported it, and Councillors Filion, Hicks, Robinson, and Deputy Mayor York opposed it.

”That’s what I’ll be campaigning on next time around,” said Bill Robinson after the vote.

The second motion was more widely supported, but it prompted quite a bit of debate over wording.

The motion proposed that the township waste management plan be received, that the number of active dump sites be reduced by 50% within 5-10 years, and that a one bag limit for each property be established, with all other bags requiring $1 tags.

This final point led to a ten minute debate over wording. The bulk of Council agreed with the idea that pick up crews will take a single untagged bag from each property each week, and that any other bags will require tags. How to word that in a motion proved elusive, although Council eventually got there.

Councillor Filion, however, was having none of it.

“We’ll all be unemployed soon anyway, so we’ll be eating garbage,” he said at one point.

Council will not be meeting until the New Year.

Dec 18/08 - Robinson & Associates

Back toHome

Feature Article - December 18, 2008 Robinson & Associates:No WorriesBy Jeff Green

Wayne Robinson

With the world’s financial markets in free fall, this would not seem to be a very good time to be in the financial planning business.

But Wayne Robinson is not particularly worried.

“We’ve been sitting here for how long, two hours,” he said near the end of an interview at his office in Sharbot Lake a couple of weeks ago, two days after the Toronto Stock exchange lost almost 10% in value in a single day. “and the phone has not been ringing? None of our investors are worried. We’ve delivered profit every year we’ve been in business, for everyone of our investors. And this year is no exception. And the investors know this, so they are not worried about their money.”

Wayne Robinson and Associates are financial planning consultants, and they also manage two investment funds, which have a total value of $50 million.

While these funds did not generate 20% annual returns during boom market years, they were never intended to be get rich quick funds, but rather stable funds that generate income by investing in regional building projects. The projected returns for 2008, 7% for one fund and 8% for the other, look pretty good when compared against mutual funds that have been suffering large losses in value.

The trick is that almost all of the money in the funds is invested in residential and commercial mortgages in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

One of the funds, which is called “The Frontenac Mortgage Investment Corporation” has grown out of a group of three people who pooled their RRSP money in 1983 to invest in “something other than stocks and bonds” Wayne Robinson recalls.

In 1983, Wayne Robinson was running a propane distribution company, which he sold in late 1984.

Within a year he had started a financial planning business, which he has been running ever since.

In the late 80’s, Wayne’s wife Alison founded Lake District Realty, which in recent years has focused almost entirely on waterfront property, and the two have set about building the two companies ever since. In recent years they have been joined by son Matthew and David, forming a family based business that is poised for growth, even as others are concerned about an economic slowdown.

“We expect, over the next ten years, to have $250 million in our funds, and be employing 40 people,” he said.

Currently, there are 26 people working for the various companies that are based at the Simonett building, near the Robinson home, all of them from the local area.

“And most of them own houses”, Robinson said.

Wayne Robinson was born on a farm near Tichborne, and attended the Bradshaw School. He was the original Chief Executive Officer of North Frontenac Community Services, where he worked for eight years.

To have made his way in the world while remaining located so close to his roots, is not something he planned when he was younger, but it tells him that it is possible to make a success in the Sharbot Lake region in spite of the flow of people to the cities.

“A hundred years ago Canada was 80% rural and 20% urban. Now it is the opposite. That does not necessarily bode well for us out here. But, it is possible to live an urban lifestyle in the country nowadays, with the technology there is and the mobility there is. A place like Sharbot Lake can survive. There is enough here. Our company and others show that. But there must be some forward looking people around, including forward looking politicians,” he said.

Dec 4/08 - AH Council

Back toHome

Feature Article - December 4, 2008 Addington Highlands Council -Dec. 2/08By Jule Koch Brison

Don’t shoot the snowplow driver

“We need to remind people that the snow’s got to go where the snow’s got to go,” Addington Highlands Roads Supervisor Royce Rosenblath told council at the Dec. 2 meeting in Flinton. He was referring to phone calls complaining that the snowplow had deposited snow in driveways. “We don’t intentionally set out to block people’s driveways” he said, “but we have to clear the snow”.

He asked council to come up with a policy, and place an ad or create a form letter. The councilors could not immediately come up with an appropriate wording, but agreed to implement Rosenblath’s request.

OPP Report: OPP Detachment Commander Pat Finnegan and Det. Sgt. Wayne Allen of the Criminal Investigation Unit presented a report to council. Inspector Finnegan said that overall, calls for service in the detachment are down.

He addressed two issues that had been brought up during his September 2 visit to council. At that time Councilor Janice Kerr told the officers about “serious incidents” in Denbigh, which had not been responded to by police.

Since then the OPP has held a town hall meeting in Denbigh and Finnegan called the breakdown in service a “shared responsibility”. He said that calls could have been responded to better but that they weren’t always made in a way that communicated how serious they were.

He said it “basically came down to two individuals terrorizing a small community”. They have since been arrested.

He said it had been a problem trying to convince people to stand together - calls were anonymous or people were unwilling to provide statements, but, “When we stepped up the community stepped up. We need the help and support of the citizens .. It’s been a learning experience for everyone involved”.

Another issue was problems with ATVs; however, Finnegan said that in consultations with the community, people did not feel that ATVs were a problem and did not want trail patrols.

The OPP have also investigated complaints that a school bus had repeatedly encountered problems with speeding vehicles on Hwy 41. Inspector Finnegan reported that police had patrolled the specific area several times, “We’ve made a concerted effort to address the complaint but have not observed an excessive amount of speeding”.

However, there is a certain curve on Hwy 41, where it is difficult to see a stopped school bus in good time. The Ministry of Transportation has put up a sign, which Finnegan said should help. They will also look into changing the location of the stop.

Royce Rosenblath raised another issue with the officers. He said he has received dozens of calls from the OPP Communications Centre about problems outside of Addington Highlands. “One night I received a call about an icy road on County Road 11 in Selby…where would they get the idea that was in Addington Highlands?” he asked.

Finnegan replied, “Nobody would argue that local dispatching is better – central dispatching is a problem”. He said police are often frustrated by the problems caused by central dispatching but “it all comes down to money – the government has made those decisions”.

Rosenblath seemed frustrated himself – “But how do we fix the problem?” he asked.

Finnegan said he would consult with the commander of the communications centre in Smiths Falls. Det. Sgt. Allen added that the communications centre jobs are high stress and have a fairly high turnover.

AFARRadio: Hali Foster of the AFAR (Addington Frontenac Area Radio) committee, brought incorporation documents for council to approve. She pointed out that if AFAR were to dissolve, its assets would revert to the township. Presently anyone donating to AFAR is able to receive a tax receipt from the township, but that would change after AFAR incorporates as it does not have charitable status yet. She also asked if the township could continue to cover the board of directors through its insurance.

Township Clerk Jack Pauhl said they would have to consult with the township’s solicitor, but he didn’t think the township could insure the board. “When you incorporate you become self-sufficient; the umbilical cord is cut”, he said.

Council approved the documents.

The Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association (SDRA) asked council to investigate their concerns about the Cloyne waste site hours being reduced on Sundays by North Frontenac Council. Royce Rosenblath said he believed that North Frontenac had a report that Sunday visits to the waste site had dropped. AH will investigate before responding.

The SDRA also asked council to plow the Skootmatta Lake landing parking lot. Rosenblath said that plowing the lot was not a problem if it is empty, but if cars “plug up the lot” it can’t be plowed. Council will communicate this to the SDRA.

Jack Pauhl informed council that municipalities are encountering problems with recyclables since the prices have dropped because of the economic situation. For example, newspaper has dropped from $50/ton to $10/ton.

Back to HomeFeature Article - December 17, 2009 Community Christmas dinners in Perth, Sharbot Lake and NorthbrookBy Jeff Green

Last years' Perth Community Dinner.

The traditional Christmas dinner is designed for a crowd. It’s hard for two or three people to polish off an 18-pound turkey in one sitting.

But for anyone who is able to get to Perth, Sharbot Lake, or Northbrook on Christmas Day, there is a community-based alternative, a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and an extra helping of fellowship. And for people who live nearby but can’t travel to those places, delivery can often be arranged to many locations.

PERTH: The Perth Community Dinner is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. For the first 22 years, the dinner was held at Farrell Hall in Perth, and the food was cooked at people’s homes and brought to the hall, but it is now held at the banquet Hall at Code’s Mill, and JJ Stewart, the chef at Fiddleheads Restaurant, volunteers to handle all the cooking in the Fiddleheads kitchen.

“I’ve been involved for about 20 years,” said Julia Foley, who is handling the volunteer coordination for the dinner this year, a job her father has just passed on to her after doing it himself for 23 years, “and it is part of my family Christmas.”

The core committee of eight or so people are able to collect cash and food donations around the year to feed 300 people each year, including a number who have their meals delivered. The banquet hall is on the 2nd floor of the building, but there is an elevator available.

The doors open at 11AM. For further information or to volunteer to help out, call 613 – 812 – 5555

SHARBOT LAKE: The Sharbot Lake Christmas dinner is six years old, and is a mid-afternoon meal, with the doors of the Oso Hall (Soldiers Memorial Hall) being open from 2-5PM. “Last year we served 70 people, including deliveries,” said Ileene Mouck, “but most of the people come to the hall.

In addition to a turkey dinner, there are candy bags and presents for children, as well as a carol sing. People are encouraged to bring their voices and instruments as well.

“Last year, a gentleman brought a trumpet, and that really livened things up,” Ileene said.

Like all the community dinners, the Sharbot Lake dinner serves people who are new to the area and want to meet people, people who don’t want to cook, “or people who just want to have a good time.”

For further information or to volunteer, call Phyllis Badour at 613-375-6501, Wayne Shepherd at 613-375-6633 or Ileene Mouck 613-374-1843.

NORTHBROOK: In Northbrook, one person or one family has been at the centre of the Christmas Dinner.

“That’s just how it has gone,” said Marilyn Bolender, who is hosting the dinner this year, with help from a lot of volunteers.

She is not sure how long the dinner has been held in Northbrook at the Lions Hall, but it is more than 10 years.

The two local grocery stores each donate a large turkey to the dinner, and there will be ham available as well, along with squash, stuffing, salads, potatoes and pies.

For information or to volunteer contact Marilyn at 613-336-1573.

With all the volunteer efforts going on in Lanark, Frontenac, and L&A Counties, no one needs to be alone, or hungry, on Christmas Day. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - December 17, 2009 Rural Diabetes servicesby Jeff Green

Years ago, the Ministry of Health determined that the gaps in public knowledge about the causes, impacts, and treatment for Diabetes had to be addressed.

In 2002, Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston augmented their Diabetes Education and Management Centre by adding a rural component. In partnership with the Rural Kingston Health Network (now called the Rural Family Health Organization) they provide outreach services to family clinics in Frontenac County.

Anne MacDonald was hired as a dietitian in 2002, and along with the nurses from the family clinics in Sydenham, Verona and Sharbot Lake, the Frontenac Diabetes Education program has been offered in the three clinics ever since.

(This past July the Sharbot Lake service was taken in-house as part of the Family Health Team designation of that clinic.)

“When I first started working, I was seeing two or three people a day in the rural clinics, and the numbers were up and down,” said Anne MacDonald, “but the demand is very steady now. I’m booked all day. I think the increase is due partly to the program being established now and to the increased incidence of Diabetes.”

At the clinics in Verona and Sydenham, referrals come from the family practitioner. Most of the patients are people who have pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes. By working with a nurse and a dietician, patients are presented with lifestyle change options that can help them to keep from developing the condition or to manage it if they already have Diabetes.

The Diabetes Education and Management Centre at Hotel Dieu provides background support for the Frontenac program as providing extensive service throughout the City of Kingston.

The Frontenac program serves approximately 500 patients a year, and other residents of Frontenac County access service at the Hotel Dieu service directly. There is another component to the Frontenac Diabetes Education Program that MacDonald would like to enhance: public education.

She runs three to four group classes each year in Sydenham and Verona, with as many as 10 people in each class, and would be happy to run more classes if the demand is there.

“The classes tend to be fairly informal, and help people see that lifestyle changes can make a difference. Our goal is to help people make their own plan, something they can take charge of,” said MacDonald

Participants are asked to bring a lunch. The classes start at 9AM, and go until mid-afternoon. Then there is a follow-up session a month later. The lunch serves two purposes. The classes run for five hours so participants will get hungry, and the makeup of the lunches helps with the education as well.

Making changes to diet and exercise levels can be difficult to maintain, and that is why the education program is not about handing people a list of foods they should eat and exercises they should do.

“It is important to work with people over time so they can manage Diabetes and its effects,” said Anne MacDonald.

For information about the Frontenac Diabetes Education Program, contact Anne MacDonald at 613-544-3400, Ext – 3589.

A similar program serving Lennox and Addington County is administered through the Lennox and Addington General Hospital, which provides service at the Northbrook Lion’s Hall once a month on a Tuesday.

Back to HomeEditorial - December 17, 2009Christmas ramble onEditorial by Jeff Green

This is our final issue of the year, #50, and it starts our annual two-week hiatus from publishing. We look forward to this, because for a very small business like ours the only way anyone can really get a holiday is if we close the doors for two weeks. Our next paper won't come out until the end of the “noughties”, as the British press have dubbed this decade, on January 7, 2010.

This is also our Christmas issue, which we hope you will enjoy.

I have always had a bit of a strained relationship with Christmas. In my youth, it was a non-existent event in the Jewish community where I lived, except for the TV specials and the department store windows at Ogilvy’s and Eaton’s in Montreal.

It was always around, and full of glitz and promise, certainly more of a big deal than Hanukah, which only has candles and latkes going for it, but it was someone else’s event.

When I was older and living in Peterborough, I began to have friends who went home for Christmas, or who had to deal with Christmas in some way. It seemed rather stressful to me, especially all that family stuff.

The thing that surprised me was when people began asking me why I didn’t celebrate Christmas. When I said I wasn’t Christian, they would say “neither am I, but Christmas has nothing to do with Christianity”

It took me years to figure that one out.

I don’t think I’m quite there yet, but what follows is as far as I’ve made it so far.

It seems to me that there is a fundamental tension between Christianity and Christmas, a tension I never dreamed of as a young boy watching the “Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and wondering why I only would get a about $12 in Hanukah gelt (money) each year when the TV ads convinced me that the Christian kids were all getting new bikes, train sets, colour TVs, stereos, and more.

Christmas is at least three things. It is a religious holiday, it is a cultural event, and it is an economic event. People pick and choose which ones they celebrate, and in what measure.

In spite of all the arguments about the holiday having its roots in Saturnalia and pagan rituals, for 2,000 years Christmas has been, at its core, the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. There are complex religious and cultural rituals that have developed around that particular day, from the crêche to midnight mass to the feast and the exchange of gifts.

For Christians the build up to December 25, all of the school concerts and dinners and tree lightings, are a part of Advent, the days before the big day.

As our society has become more secular, the religious implications of Christmas have diminished for many people. Still tied to the culture of their antecedents but lacking the personal commitment that is required for someone to be a Christian (in my limited understanding of Christianity), Christmas has changed over the past 100 years for many people.

It is a cultural event, tied increasingly to nostalgia, a nostalgia that is fed by every Christmas movie, every Christmas cartoon, every bit of tinsel, and every advertisement about what to serve at the perfect Christmas dinner.

The nostalgia for a mythical past is part of the “family angst” that my friends of 25 years ago were so keenly aware of.

Finally, Christmas now carries an over-riding obligation. It’s all about salvation - the salvation of the world’s economy.

At midnight on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, economists began analysing the spending patterns of Christmas shoppers. At stake, as those poor souls rushed into the Walmart stores at 4 am, was nothing less than the fate of the world economy.

Are we on the other side of the global recession? Are workers in China and the United States going to be back at work? Will Windsor be rejuvenated?

It all depends on whether more X-boxes and 46 inch TVs are purchased this year than last year.

That’s a lot of pressure for a holiday like Christmas to bear. No wonder so many people are stressed at this time of year.

Merry Christmas to all.