In order to encourage local residents to share their unique experiences of local history, members of the Cloyne & District Historical Society have begun inviting area residents and society members to speak at the group’s regular meetings, which take place every third Monday of the month at the Barrie hall in Cloyne.

The talks take the form of an interview, with society president Red Emond leading the questions before opening up the floor to queries and additional personal offerings from guests.

On January 18, Evelyn Petzold was the group’s special guest and she spoke about her unique childhood growing up in Denbigh and the Mazinaw Lake area, where her parents Gene (Pettifer) Brown and Irven Brown owned Brown's General Store at the head of Mazinaw Lake. Petzold spoke of many fond childhood memories when she helped out with chores around the store: pumping gas, hauling ice, packing groceries and other tasks. She recalled the busy Fridays that were always special and memorable since that was the day that the weekly delivery of Foster's Ice Cream arrived by truck, packed and smoking with the dry ice used to keep it from melting. “It was the best ice cream you could imagine and I remember that kids would be waiting around the store on those days to buy a cone, which at that time cost about five cents.”

The store was especially busy in the summer months because of tourists and locals arriving to cash cheques and buy their groceries, which Evelyn's mother Gene would order in.

Evelyn's father Irven also worked at a local saw mill, guided hunters in the fall and ran trap lines in the winter months. When the store required moving years later, Evelyn's father and Cole Cummings built a second store in 1947 and ran it until 1971 before selling it to Ron Pethick.

Petzold recalled spending much of her summers at the beach and in the water and that back in 1949 Denbigh was a much busier place than it is now.

She and her husband William lived in Denbigh where William worked in construction and logging, and she recalled what a huge undertaking it was when they needed a bigger home and property because of their growing family of nine children. “William came up with the bright idea of moving our entire house.”

So William, with the help of a mover who had experience moving homes on the St. Lawrence River, together moved the entire home with all its contents from a corner lot in the village of Denbigh to a property three miles out of town. “They brought in a truck with three large timbers on it and jacked the house up off its foundation. .loaded it onto the truck and drove the entire house, intact, three miles down the road. I remember there was a guy standing on top of the house as it was being moved, whose job it was to raise the hydro lines with a long stick as the house passed underneath them.”

She recalled that a glass of water sitting on a table inside the house remained undisturbed for the entire trip and that the event attracted more onlookers than the local Denbigh fair.

Petzold spoke of long walks to school and later of an army truck that took her to high school. “The truck was wired closed at the back where you could see the snow coming in.”

Following her talk, Shirley Pettifer Miller, a cousin of Evelyn's, presented her with a collection of stories, yarns, songs and poems put together by Evelyn's mother Gene titled “Old Logs Leave Good Memories Sometimes”, which tells of the history of Denbigh and the many local events that took place there. “To me this is very valuable and for that reason I copied it all and will include it in a book that I am making of our family's history and memories”, Miller said when she presented the collection to Petzold.

Tales of local history tend to attract outsiders looking for information about their own family histories and that was the case for one Belleville resident who made a special trip to Cloyne for the talk. Dwight Malcolm heard about the event through his daughter-in-law and came out to find out more about his grandparents, John and Alice Malcolm, who he thinks settled in the Denbigh area in the 1870s. Following the talk Malcolm joined the society and said that he plans to come back to learn more about the history of the area.

Coming up at the society’s next regular meeting will be an interview with Glenn Davison, who will be speaking about early life in Flinton on Monday, February 15 at 1pm. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the society can visit pioneer.mazinaw.on.ca or call Red Emond at 613-336-8011.

It started with an idea; Andre Tryon, Students’ Council Co-President, wanted North Addington to have a float in the Northbrook Santa Claus Parade. Building a float is a big undertaking, and so the Viking team rolled up their sleeves and jumped in. Denver Lucas, a Grade 11 Graphic Design student, created a 3D computer model with dimensions. “When I started to design the boat I thought it was a unique idea. I had fun making the float design in Sketch Up,” said Denver.

The next step was taking the plans over to the Grade 9 Technology class where they constructed the 16 foot Viking boat, with shields, Dragon head and mast. A large group student volunteers stayed after school to paint the boat, sail and details on the float, working into the evening. Then it was off to the Senior Transportation class to secure the boat to an 18’ trailer and rig up the lights, speakers and special effects.

Students’ Council members, and other students rode the float in the parade to show their school spirit in last Saturday’s parade.

“With great collaboration among Students’ Council, enthusiastic students and more than willing teachers, the float was a huge success! Plans for next year have already started!” said Andre.

One more day like today and I'm cashing 'er in! Take me an early retirement. Get me a nice little villa at En Gedi on the Dead Sea - a nice little place away from everyone - dabble my feet in the water - a little sailing and surfing on the side. Sounds good, right about now.

Maybe tomorrow ....... but definitely before next Christmas. Well, this year was particularly bad with the census and all. Danged old Augustus anyway. I personally think it was a political ploy on the part of Quirinius. After all, he wanted to be appointed for another term as governor of Syria - so why not push something new and excitingly different to make a name for himself - like another stunned census. Me - I've no time for politicking. To me - the results are set in stone before they even get started. It's quite simple really. The emperor appoints the governor for a term of office - and he does what he's told. And if he wants to be appointed for another term of office, then he does that really, really well - and bing, bam, boom, pop goes the weasel - he's in for yet another term of office.

The politicians never consider the common bloke like you - or me - who has to scramble around making up the different with all the rules and regulations, laws and legislations, that they dream up. I mean, it's me who has to find extra accommodation for all the extras that show up here in Bethlehem during the course of time that the census is being taken. And I suppose Quirinius thinks he's doing me a big favour by providing me with more business .Ha!!

Now censuses would be all well and good for Quirinius - and me - if Quirinius would be good enough to supply me with some decent hired help during the course of time that the census is being taken. Gaius, the head ostler, got himself kicked by a camel a month ago and he's still in the hospice. The other three fellas who work in the stable are not bad lads, but they're a bit like old brooms - they don't work by themselves. Ephasus, the cook, left without notice, saying that his uncle had died - I think, and Silas, our head housekeeper decided to start taking fits three days ago, so I can't count on him for too much. Why do accidents, sicknesses, births and deaths all have to center around Christmas?

Guess I feel a little out of sorts 'cause I'm left without a wife for a while. Our baby, Appia, is due to have her first baby, so the wife left for Herodium to be with her and her hubby. She was due a week ago and still no word. Why do babies have to hang on around Christmas?

Well, we were all filled up by 9:30 in the morning. Camp cots all over the show for all the extras from every town and village, highway and byway known to Roman kind. Boy, oh boy, will I be glad to see the end of this fiasco, even though it is good for business. Then, if you can believe it, there was a loud knocking at the door at l0:00 o'clock at night. Demetrius had already tucked himself in for the night, so I went to answer it myself. There was a man standing there, looking just a little shame-faced, as well he might, looking for and expecting to find accommodation at this hour of the night. How could I help him? How could anyone help him? Some people do expect a lot!

I was just shutting the door, when I noticed, in the outside glow of his torch, a woman seated on a donkey. I also noticed that she was very pregnant, like our Apphia. Looked a little like her too, the gentle tilt of her head - the slender hand resting on the neck of her donkey. It could have been our Apphia, with no place to lay her head for the night, or even to have her baby for that matter.

"Hold on a sec," I told the man, as I hastened to open wide the door. "I've got not one square cubit of space inside, but if you don't mind, you could bunk down in the stable out back."

They graciously accepted, and I led them out there and they were most content with an unused stall, which I bedded down with some straw for them. They didn't even object to keeping company with their next door neighbours, the sheep and the goats. Better 'n nothing. After I returned inside, I bethought myself to take them out some space bedding, so the straw wouldn't be so scratchy like.

Quite a pair they were. Really impressed me with their dignity and peace. Bet we weren't that calm when we were expecting Apphia's birth. Wonder how she's getting along now?

......... And then, all that happened during the course of that night! Holy Jehoshaphat! If I'd have known that the baby was actually going to be born that night....... and that He would be the great Messiah, I'd have kicked someone out of their room. I might've even given them my bed.......... And all those visitors that arrived after the baby was born - the shepherds and astrologers. If I'd known there was going to be so much company, I would have ordered in extra victuals and prepared a repast for them. The great Saviour of mankind........ born in my little old stable, and at the time, I didn't even know it.

But I guess I weren't the only one who didn't know who he was.......

During the two week rifle deer season this November, 293 hunters and five apprentices were holders of tickets in the COFA Deer contest, hoping they would harvest a deer to weigh in for the grand draw prize of a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Deer/ Turkey Combo with Bushnell 3X9 Camo Scope. Over the two weeks 55 deer were weighed: 27 bucks, and 28 does. 

Winners: Heaviest buck (cash prize): (1st) Matt Lessard, at 229.0 lbs; (2nd) Steven Rosenblath at 215.1 lbs. Largest doe (cash prize): (1st) Gary Allen at 134.2 lbs; (2nd) Ed Clark at 133.3 lbs. Apprentice draw (Browning Russ Kommer Knife): Kale Yearwood. Grand Prize draw (Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Deer/Turkey Combo): James Jefferies.

There were also many other draws of products from our generous sponsors awarded to ticket holders. The proceeds will be used for conservation activities of the Conservationists Of Frontenac and Addington.

The holiday season is upon us, and the New Year is fast approaching, so this seems like an opportune time for an update on the happenings at Land O’ Lakes Community Services. 2015 has been a busy and productive year for both our community based services and Pine Meadow Nursing Home as well as for the board of directors. Following are a few highlights of what’s going on.

Christmas Hamper Program:

With the support of our community and the hard work of our dedicated staff, the Christmas Hamper program has been helping local area families at Christmas time for ­31years. Through this program, we are able to provide local families with all the ‘fixins’ for a traditional Christmas dinner and a bit extra to help through the season. We also provide gifts for the kids to help make the season a little brighter.

The deadline to apply for a Christmas Hamper this year is December 4; you will need to come to the office and request an application. Hampers will be ready for pick-up on December 22 and delivery on the 23.

If you would like to help, we are accepting donations of non-perishable food items and new toys that can be dropped off at the office. Of course, monetary donations are also accepted, with tax receipts provided. For more information about the program, please call the office at 613-336-8934 and ask for Penny.

Partnerships:

Once again this year, we partnered with Napanee Community Health Centre and the O.P.P. to take applications for and help provide 40 local area children with winter boots, and with Clothes for Kids to supply 60 area children with warm winter outerwear.

Community Support Services:

Adult Drop-In: The Christmas dinner for Adult Drop-In will be held on Dec. 15 at noon at the Lions Hall in Northbrook. For a cost of $13 you can enjoy a home cooked Christmas lunch, prepared by our volunteer cooks. You also get to enjoy a bit of entertainment and the company of others from the community. If you plan on attending this drop-in, please contact Pam by Dec.1, as we need to know the numbers for preparation.

“The Golden Girls” is a new women’s group and their first meeting was very successful; 18 women participated in the group and it sounds as though everyone enjoyed it. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, call the office @ 613-336-8934 and ask for Pam.

Pine Meadow Nursing Home

As you are probably already aware, the redevelopment of Pine Meadow is complete, and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care gave us the designation of a “new” home. However, as with all infrastructures, there are ongoing needs, and we are currently undergoing efforts to replace many aging windows.

We have also applied to the South East LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) for licensing for four new beds. This has been an ongoing process and our waiting list shows the need for these beds. There are petitions available in the community for you to sign and show your support of this need; petitions are located at Pine Meadow Nursing Home, Land O’ Lakes Community Services, and Lakelands Family Health Team. Please consider stopping to sign one of the petitions.

At their meeting on November 16 at the Barrie hall in Cloyne, members of the Cloyne and District Historical Society were treated to a special presentation by local artist Brian Lorimer about his Project Remembrance.

Lorimer grew up in Belleville, Ontario and made regular trips throughout his life to his family cottage located on Massasaganon Lake. He eventually moved to the area in 2002, where he met his wife Margaret. Lorimer was trained in art at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and has had an impressive career. He started out designing exhibits for trade shows between 1984 and1989 before becoming a free lance artist.

It was a famous Toronto restauranteur, Peter Oliver, who gave Lorimer his first break by asking him to paint a huge mural for one of his many renowned restaurants. A series of other mural commissions for various locations in Canada and the United States inspired Lorimer to start his own mural business in 1995, called Lorimer Murals Inc. Since its inception, Lorimer has created hundreds of large scale murals, many of which measure 76 feet in length.

A trip to Asia in 2008 led to a series of works titled “Landscapes of Solitude”, which depict the people and places from that part of the world. In 2009 he painted his “City2Sunrise” series, and used the proceeds to help fund the building of a school at an orphanage in Cambodia. In 2010, a trip to Ethiopia inspired his “Omo Series”, comprised of various portraits of tribal culture from that country.

It was a friend of Lorimer's who first asked him to do a painting of Vimy Ridge, which led to his exploration of Canada's role in World War 1. That first painting inspired him to create 36 large scale works measuring 6 feet in width, and to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the onset of WW1 with a project he titled as “Project Remembrance”.

The paintings were begun in November 2011, and were completed over a period of two and a half years. Painted in oils, Lorimer's palette is unconventional for paintings that depict war. His colours are far from muted and muddy - they are intense and vibrant, showing his intention to create works that are “explosive in both colour and energy”.

Influenced by Canadian artists like Alex Colville, the Group of Seven, and Charles Pachter, Lorimer's works are powerful and compelling and capture the intense activity and feelings that must come from experiencing war first hand. In an effort to better understand what soldiers living and fighting in the trenches experienced and to capture the feeling of that place and time, Lorimer hired a back hoe to excavate a 40 foot long by six foot trench on his property. “I wanted to get an idea of what it might have been like living and fighting in those conditions and the experience proved both therapeutic and cathartic for me.”

He also traveled to Belgium and France in 2013 to do further research for the project, an experience that he says left him with “the palpable emotions that the unprepared and overwhelmed soldiers must have felt”.

Lorimer says he painted the works from a very Canadian perspective and chose to focus on Canada's key contributions in WW1 like the battles at Vimy Ridge and the Third Battle of Ypres. “I am a proud Canadian and a big advocate for all things Canadian and have long believed that Canada first came onto the world stage in World War 1”.

Project Remembrance was 100% funded by Lorimer himself and he is selling the works to recoup some of the funds he spent. To date 20 of the 36 paintings have been sold. Also included in the project is a book titled “Project Remembrance” with pictures and descriptions of the works and the artist. The proceeds from Project Remembrance will go towards the Support Our Troops Fund, which helps support military families. For more about this impressive collection and/or to purchase a copy of Project Remembrance visit www.projectremembrance.ca

On October 31, students from North Addington Education Centre canvassed the community in their costumes; not for candy or treats, but for non-perishable food items. Students and adults were stationed in each community: Flinton, Northbrook, and Cloyne. The response received was overwhelming. Most homes had a bag or box of food ready, and were not reluctant to contribute to the community. The event and pick up were supervised by a staff member.

The food collected will help the food bank through the winter season. Darian Smith, an NAEC student, stated, “I should just keep the costume- I’m definitely doing this again next year!”

Angela Salmond, the principal of NAEC, was excited to show her support for the event: “I am so proud of our students and would like to extend my thanks to their families and the community. There is always the worry that an event won’t be successful year after year, but Trick or Eat has only gained momentum. Thank you for investing in our students- I am very grateful”.

While this event helped stock the shelves, the winter and holiday seasons are a busy time for the food bank. An attempt was made to go to as many houses as possible, but if your donation was missed, please call North Addington at 613-336-8991 and ask for Candice Bovard; we will pick up your item(s). Items can also we dropped off at NAEC, and we will make sure that they are delivered to the Food Bank. Those requiring assistance from the Food Bank, please contact Land O’ Lakes Community Services at 613-336-8934.

On September 29, Grade 9 to 12 students and chaperones from North Addington Education Centre headed off for an overnight trip to Stratford. This trip was made possible by the very generous help given to the school by the Education Department in Stratford, who covered most of the costs. Some students chose to see “Anne Frank”, while others chose “Hamlet”.

Students had a packed agenda. On arrival in Stratford, the students toured the Anne Frank exhibit at the local museum. On September 30, they headed off for a “Warehouse” tour, in which they learned about how costumes, props and sets are made, and tried a few costumes on for size.

At 11am the students attended a “Prologue”, which was a workshop with actors from their play. Students spent an hour doing drama activities and asking questions, prior to their play’s matinee at 2pm. Featured in the “Anne Frank” prologue were Cassandra Parks, Shaelynn Flagler, Madi Lemke, and Nathan Whitelock. Students in the “Hamlet” prologue were Mackenzie Johnson, Kara Rosien, Lucas Parks and Ilia Salvaterra.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the productions they attended. Aaron Smith said, “I was not sure if I wanted to go on the trip, but I’m so glad I did as I loved Hamlet. I don’t usually go for theatre things, but it was great.” Olivia Bence, who attended “Anne Frank”, loved the set, which was “like magic” in the way parts appeared and disappeared.

Many students expressed a hope to attend another play next year.

NAEC hosted visiting actor Lara Jean Chorostecki on September 23 and 24, prior to the school trip to Stratford, and on October 2, after the trip. She led the students in several drama-based activities, focusing on “Anne Frank” and Shakespeare’s language, as well as the use of voice and body in drama.

The visit was part of a program called “Teaching Shakespeare” which is run by the Education Department at Stratford. In order to receive funding towards a student trip to Stratford, and to arrange for a visiting actor, teachers are required to attend a “Teaching Shakespeare” conference for three days in August. There were about 60 teachers, in total. Ms. Allan and Ms. Randle attended from NAEC, and received materials and ideas that they could use in a classroom.

Many actors who are in productions at Stratford worked alongside the teachers in a variety of workshops. Lara Jean Chorostecki was one of the participating actors in the “Teaching Shakespeare” conference, and was paired up with NAEC. Although she got her start in Stratford, at the age of 17, she is now in movies and on television. Her most recent series was “X-Company” on CBC this year – now available on Netflix. A second season is planned for early 2016. She was also on the very popular “Hannibal”, which is also available on Netflix. For more information on Ms. Chorostecki, visit: http://www.larajeanchorostecki.com/about/

Students in grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 participated in the workshops, and enjoyed the experience very much. Allya Garey, who is a big fan of “X-Company”, presented a thank-you card to Ms. Chorostecki on her last day at NAEC.

The students of North Addington Education Centre will be suiting up in their Campbell's Soup costumes on October 31 and knocking on your door! They will be asking for non-perishable food items for the local food bank, which is experiencing a shortage of food.

About 10 secondary students will be spreading out between Flinton, Northbrook, and Cloyne to hwlp the food bank instead of tricking or treating for candy. The students are not strangers to supporting the community who supports them.

This is the fifth year for the very successful event. We're asking community members to contribute what they can. We will be having three to four students canvassing each community between approximately 5 and 8pm. They will be wearing NAEC ID tags and a very large smile. We are going to visit as many households as possible, but if you have contributions and the food is not picked up, please call Candice Bovard throughout the week at 613-336-8991 and we will pick it up.

On behalf of students and staff, the principal, Angela Salmond, would like to thank the community for their contributions to our food drive efforts over the years. "We would not be able to organize events like this without the support of our generous community. Thank you for investing in our children, and helping to show them what really matters."

If you see students in the community and they are “trick or eating”, feel free to ask them to sing or dance for your donation; they are prepared to work for your generosity!