Vol.20 No.13 by Frontenac News PDFs have moved to Google Drive. Access them from our website.

April 2, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 13

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Good news on medical clinics, 3 open - 1 closed, for now by Jeff Green he Verona Medical Clinic is closed because a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The clinic was closed on Wednesday, March 25. The clinic is still providing service/support for patients. Patients are advised to phone the clinic, 613-3742077. The Tamworth clinic has stepped up to help patients of the Verona clinic. (see an interview with Dr. Sabra Gibbens below)

Northbrook

he Lakelands Family Health Team (Northbrook and Denbigh) was closed on Tuesday, March 24 because of a single positive case. The Denbigh outreach clinic had already been closed for operational reasons, in order to consolidate services in Northbrook. The Northbrook clinic re-opened on Wednesday, April 1. The following was posted on the Lakelands Family Health Team Facebook page on Monday, March 30. “We have been working closely with Public Health to protect our patients, staff and community. Public Health advises us that we can reopen on Wednesday [April 1] “We will continue to screen at the door and will not be allowing any patients with respiratory symptoms into the building. Please call ahead for bloodwork and injections as we will be limiting both to necessary bloodwork and injections at this time. B12 injections, foot care and pulmonary function testing will not be happening at this time. We want to thank our patients and the community for their cooperation and would like to stress the importance of continued social distancing.”

Sharbot Lake

he Sharbot Lake Family Health Team (SLFHT) has remained open throughout the pandemic. But it is not service as usual. As of this week only three staff are working on site – one doctor, one nurse and one receptionist. From Monday to Friday, only patients who have a scheduled appointment are approved to enter the building. If they have COVID symptoms they must wear a surgical mask. Patients without an appointment are asked to call before entering the clinic, for screening and approval to enter. On Saturdays, when there is a walk-in clinic, patients are asked only to attend the clinic if they have an “urgent” problem that cannot be handled over the phone. Patients who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are asked to phone instead of entering the building. Dr. Bell, the lead physician at the clinic, said that the clinic staff have been split into three crews, two of which are working at home, and one at the clinic. The crews are rotating week to week. “That way, if we do have a staff member who tests positive in spite of the measures we are taking, we don’t all have to go into quarantine,” he said. Posters explaining the protocol are posted at the door to the Family Health Team and on its website and social media feeds. “We have been fortunate that, among our patients and in the local community, most everyone has been very co-operative and doing the right things,” said Maggie Black, SLFHT chief administrative officer.

The Verona clinic was shuttered on March 25. Hopes to re-open late next week.

Sydenham

People attending at the Sydenham Medical Clinic are greeted with a sign on the door that says “This door is locked”. The clinic is not closed, however, clinic staff are in the building during normal clinic hours. Dr. Jack Raleigh, one of the Sydenham physicians, said that the clinic door has been locked to prevent walk-ins. Patients with appointments are being handled in may cases through phone or video appointments, but

Co-ordinated state of emergency declared

ithin a 15 minute window on Thursday afternoon, March 26, three Frontenac townships and the township of Addington Highlands all declared a state of emergency, following the release of information from KFL&A Public Health that community transmission of the COVID-19 virus has taken place in the region. These declarations implement the emergency plan of the municipalities and are aimed at protecting the health, safety, well-being and property of residents. This declaration of a state of emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. In Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith said, "We are taking these extreme measures to get the message across to everyone in our region that this is indeed a real emergency. People need to pay attention. People need to stay home and self-isolate. This is not something that is just in the big cities. It's here and people need to act." “COVID-19 is a serious threat to our community. We need everyone to please do their part in controlling the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing and self-isolation” stated Addington Highlands Reeve Hogg. “Both my wife and I have been self-isolating for the past 14 days”. "With this Declaration, North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins is no longer requesting people stay on their properties, he is now strongly urging that everyone stay on their property whether you think you have been exposed or not. If you are not infected or have

not been exposed this mandate does allow for essential travel only to replenish food, health items, garbage disposal and other necessities. Do not invite guests over and do not accept invitations to socialize during these very serious times. If you do have to leave for any reason, please practice diligent social physical distancing and practice sanitization and frequent handwashing. Failure to cooperate and work together may require more stringent measures to be put into effect," said a release from North Frontenac Township. “Our Township has been a leader in the response to COVID-19 and we are taking further action to help contain the spread of this virus”, said South Frontenac Mayor Vandewal, “This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of our residents. This declaration of a State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.” Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health said, “We must act now to address this serious public health threat. This situation clearly illustrates the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of practicing physical distancing and self-isolation in order to control the community spread of the virus,” Dr. Moore said. The townships are asking everyone in their communities to take physical distancing seriously, especially around vulnerable populations and to stay at home to reduce the like-

lihood of further transmission. This includes self-isolation, maintaining at least two-metre distance from others, avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing hands often, and regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces in private homes The declaration of an emergency under s 4.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the townships with more options to help protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in Frontenac and Lennox and Addington, including increased procurement and expenditure authority and access to provincial funding should it become available. For ongoing COVID-19 updates and ways to best protect you and your family visit www. Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.Ontario.ca/ coronavirus. For more information in Central Frontenac, contact Jamie Riddell, Manager of Emergency Services Fire Chief / CEMC at 613-331-6423 or by email jriddell@centralfrontenac.com In North Frontenac, contact Brooke Hawley, CAO Executive Assistant at 613-479-For more information contact Brooke Hawley, CAO Executive Assistant at 613-479-2231 Ext. 229 or email info@northfrontenac.ca For more information about South Frontenac Township’s response to COVID-19, visit their website: www.southfrontenac.net . For more information about Addington Highland's response to COVID-19, visit their website: www.Addingtonhighlands.ca.

when necessary they are being seen in the clinic, in a secure room. “We have not had any cases among our staff members, nor among our patients, thus far,” said Raleigh. Rumours have circulated about COVID-19 cases in Sydenham and there have been further rumours that the clinic was closed becuase of a COVID case. That did not happen, Dr. Raleigh said. "There have been no cases of COVID-19 among our staff as of today (March 30) and the clinic has remained open.

An interview with Dr. Sabra Gibbens

he Verona Medical Clinic remains closed this week, after a staff member tested positive with COVID-19 on March 24. Shortly after the result was announced, the staff member who tested positive, Amanda Antoine, identified herself via a Facebook post. All of the centre staff are in self-isolation at this time, and a public health investigator has determined who is at risk within the clinic, Ms. Antoine’s family and friends, and the local community. There have been other positive tests, but the circle of exposure seems to have been closed. Dr. Gibbens, six days into self-isolation, responded to an interview request on Tuesday of this week. She continues to work and communicate with patients and colleagues over telephone and electronic means. She also developed symptoms early last week, and undertook a COVID test for that reason, and the test came back negative. Those symptoms, which she describes as “mild cold symptoms” have abated. She is feeling well, and keeping busy at home. She is allowed to go to the clinic. She is the only one there, so she remains in isolation. The Verona clinic changed its operating practices because of COVID-19, on Mon-

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April 2, 2020

Interview with Dr. Gibbens - continued from page 1 day March 16. From that point forward, patients were being heavily screened and only those who absolutely needed to be seen, were allowed to enter. Amanda Antoine became sick on Thursday the 19th, and did not come in on Friday. She became more ill on the weekend and was tested on Monday, the 23rd. Because the clinic instituted its screening protocol three days before Antoine developed symptoms, exposure to patients was limited. “It took a lot of work for Public Health to put together a list of people who may have been exposed. Everyone on that list has been contacted and told to self-isolate. Any of those people who have subsequently displayed symptoms, has been tested. Any staff member who tests positive will eventually need to test negative twice, within a 24-hour interval, before coming back to work,” Dr. Gibbens said. “We hope to be able to re-open just before or just after Easter, but Public Health will have to give us the all clear first.” One of the reasons that primary care clinics are diverting patients to phone and video conferencing where possible, and are referring patients who need blood tests or injections to other locations, is to protect the local community, saidn Dr. Gibbens. Another is to conserve supplies of PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment), which are dwindling. “It is inconvenient for a patient who requires a blood test to have to go to Lifelabs in Kingston, instead of getting the test

here in Verona, but it protects everyone from exposure and saves us using up valuable PPE’s. “We are working with local volunteers, as are the other clinics we are associated with (Tamworth, Newburgh, and Sydenham), to sew cloth gowns for us. Those gowns will be able to be washed and re-used, and that will ease some of the supply burden, but we also need to use the masks and face guards that are in short supply.” As she enters the second week of isolation and works to maintain as much contact as possible with her patients, she said she has been able to keep focused on what she can get done, for the most part. “I’ve lots of feelings, of course concern for my people, concern for my patients, it is nerve wracking. I still worry about the patients we were supposed to see last Wednesday and Thursday. I am still trying to contact some of them, and I am working to make sure prescriptions are renewed, which has taken a lot of time,” she said. The self-isolation has been a bit of a strange experience for her, and for her family (she is isolated from them as well.) “I generally work long hours, coming home in the evening quite often. When I am home, I am fully home, work is left behind. Now I am home much more, but I am isolated from everyone in the house, and I am working at home much of the time. So even though I am there more, I am less con-

by Craig Bakay s the Spring season emerges, municipal public works departments normally are gearing up for all their summer projects. But given our current circumstances, ‘normal’ is a relative term these days. So, The Frontenac News put the question to Public Works Managers in our coverage area: Are the potholes getting filled in? “It’s a challenge,” said Public Works Foreman Gregg Wise in North Frontenac, who’s filling in while Darwyn Sproule is off. “But we’re managing . . . the guys are all on board . . . we’re taking some precautions. “(But) The work never stops.” He said they’re concentrating on patching holes on paved roads. “And we’re closely watching the water levels.” In Addington Highlands, the paved roads are in pretty good shape, said Supervisor Brett Reavie. “We’re doing a limited amount but the half-loads restrictions are still affecting us,” he said. “We’re working to the best of our capabilities but the spring thaw is as much an issue on our gravel roads as anything.” But, he said: “There is a pandemic. “Things take longer as everybody is doing social distancing. We may have to send two vehicles to a site.” “This is nuts!” said South Frontenac’s Director of Public Services Marg Segsworth. “Potholes? We’re trying to fix the bigger ones. “We’re trying our best to keep the gravel roads graded, pick up the garbage and recycling and keep an eye on the beaver dams — those cute little rascals.” Segsworth said they haven’t had to deal with anything major, but with an inch of rain in the weekend forecast, that could change in a hurray. “The weather dictates a lot,” he said. “Right now, we’re just providing basic services.” He said that to a certain extent, being between seasons means there is less to do. “The grass hasn’t started growing yet,” he said. “We’re managing. “But we’re also trying to do our part (with social distancing and such) which means that things are taking longer to do.” He said also that things are changing so fast, it’s hard to

know what to expect. “Last Friday seems like it was a year ago,” he said. “Where the hell are we going to be next Friday?” Segsworth has been at this a long time and couldn’t help making comparisons to the last time area municipalities declared states of emergency — the Ice Storm of 1998. “At least in the Ice Storm, you knew what you had to do,” Segsworth said. “And you could see some progress. “With this, the tsunami’s coming — but you don’t know when and you can’t leave.” But, he said, his department is still there and will keep on keeping on. “I’m going to keep going until I can’t go any more,” he said. “But it’s not business as usual.” For Tyson Myers, Central Frontenac’s Public Works Manager, it’s not business as usual either but “we’re doing OK, we’re making it work.” He said they’re managing to observe social distancing as much as possible. “We’ve implemented a one operator per piece of equipment rule and two per vehicle,” he said. “And in a way, it’s a little easier for us than some of the larger municipalities because we only have eight staff per shop so when a couple of them are out on a job, they can keep distance between them.” He said they’ve changed some shifts around and instituted some other measures that allow for smaller numbers of workers in the office. He said the public has been supportive and they’re getting good feedback. “We’ve had people tell us that their roads have been graded earlier than usual and that we’ve fixed the potholes in front of their place quickly,” he said. Like his counterparts, he’s been keeping an eye on water levels but thanks to a program they implemented last fall, he’s optimistic this spring. “Before the winter freeze up, we went around and cleaned out a lot of culverts and beaver dams,” he said. “A lot of our foremen are locals who know the trouble spots so we tried to get ahead of it. “And, we have a lot of trappers who’ve been working

(L to R) DR. Sabra Gibbons, Annie Acmpbell R.N., and Amanda Antoine - file photo nected with family life than I normally am because of this,” she said.

Pandemic presents challenges for public works managers

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Suspicious package located

On Tuesday March 31, 2020 shortly before 9:30 a.m. officers of the Frontenac Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspicious package found by a local resident on Holmes Road near Inverary, Ontario. The OPP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) attended the scene and examined the package and found that there was no danger to the public. The investigation is on-going. The OPP would like to remind the public that if they encounter a device or hazardous chemicals it is always best to not handle or move these objects and to immediately contact the OP

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PAGE 3

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

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Editorial

No community is immune – COVID-19 in KFL&A SINCE 1970

s of Tuesday afternoon, March 31, there were 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington (KFL&A), Those 43 cases put the region on the higher end in Ontario in per capita terms. With a population of 200,000, it works out to 2.15 confirmed cases for every 10,000 people in KFL&A, whereas the provincial average is about 1.3 cases per 10,000 people. But, as pointed out by Denis Doyle, chair of KFL&A Public Health and Mayor of Frontenac Islands township, “our testing is pretty robust here. One of the reasons our positive tests are high, is because we are doing more testing.” KFL&A has done 873 tests, according to figures published by Public Health, about 30% more than the provincial average. Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A said on Monday (at which time there were 34 confirmed cases) that the risk for KFL&A residents remains low, mainly because most of the positive tests so far in this region have been from people who had been travelling or whose cases can be traced to someone who had been travelling. “Community transmission remains low,

and we need to be diligent in the coming weeks, through physical distancing, that this remains the case,” he said, adding that as of Monday only 1 person was in hospital in KFL&A for treatment of COVID-19. The News has attempted to obtain a breakdown of KFL&A cases by township or even county, but Public Health is not releasing that information, citing privacy concerns. Dennis Doyle said that Public Health has diverted 72 staff members from various departments to work on COVID-19, and that efforts to combat the virus were underway well before the first case was identified in Canada. “It is a monumental effort,” he said. The Sharbot Lake and Cloyne Public Health Offices have been closed except for one day a week, and the staff have been diverted to the COVID effort. Businesses in the region have all instituted distancing protocols, but those protocols vary widely. Even in similar businesses, such as pharmacies, the range is very broad. Factors such as location, the physical setup of the store, how busy it is, are all taken into account. Some are limiting the number of customers that can enter the pharmacy, at

Letters Re - Higgins

read with interest the article on Ron Higgins and his communications to residents around COVID-19 rules. I'm a cottager who has been coming to North Frontenac for more than 40 years (and has mostly been here since February) and I am one of the residents who has complained to Mr Higgins about his singling out cottagers for special isolation via Facebook including his chat. A part of the story you may not have been told by Mayor Higgins, is he blocks folks who disagree with him so they are no longer able to receive his briefings. Such is democracy

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in a crisis in North Frontenac. We should all work together change behaviour and fight the disease, not single out any group as the problem. Rob Sutherland

We will remember

e will remember the courage of our health care workers who showed up every day to fight Covid 19. We will remember the courage of our grocery store workers who while being paid little more than minimum wage, came to work every day to see that we had food to eat and delivered it, and to all the others that overcame the risks to themselves and their families to help their community. We will also remember the employees of Service Canada, that when we needed them, they cut and ran. Robert Craigue

Frontenac County to hold special meeting

fter cancelling the regular meeting for March at the onset of the current pandemic, Frontenac County Council will be holding a special meeting on April 8 at the County offices in Glenburnie. The meeting agenda will be posted at Frontenaccounty.ca on Friday, April 3. Members of the public are not able to attend the meeting in person, due to COVID19 related restrictions on public gatherings, but the meeting will be available for live viewing on the County Facebook Page. Check frontenacccounty.ca the day before the meeting for details.

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one time, to as few as 1 or 2, some are monitoring the numbers in an informal way, while at least one has shut its doors to the public, while remaining open for phone or email orders with curbside pickup outside the store. The stores are all doing what they think is best for their employees and customers, but it does send a mixed message to the community at large about the nature of the level of risk we all face in public spaces. Working from the numbers, it is clear that the risk of infection remains one of the lesser risks that most of us face on a day to day basis. Other health risks outweigh it, as does the risk of accident, particularly since most of us drive everywhere we go. With an infection rate, so far, of 2.15 for every 10,000 people and a 98% survival rate for those who become infected, we face a minute risk. The risk is greater for the elderly and immune-compromised once they are infected, but fortunately the risk of infection remains low, so far. With this level of risk, there is no reason for anyone to act out of panic or fear, we are not at death’s door every time we leave our house. This is a good thing because fear and

by Jeff Green

panic are not the most reliable of motivators, and they have their own associations with bad health outcomes. There is, however, every reason to act rationally, out of a combination of self interest and a general concern for the well-being of everyone in our communities, region, province and country. The major risk that we all face is the risk of spread, which can multiply the risk to each of us very quickly, as we have seen in the pockets of the word where infections have run rampant, with devastating impacts. If we remain calm and mitigate the risks we take by following the directives from Public Health, by keeping our distance from people, coughing into our sleeves, washing our hands and staying home when we can and all the time when we are sick, and if we can keep this up for at least a month, we might see a reasonably positive outcome to this, for ourselves and our loved ones. Then we will need to figure out how to start interacting again. Distancing will not go away for quite a while, but some semblance of normal life will return before that. The question is, when will that happen?

NF Mayor holds public meeting on Facebook

by Craig Bakay

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins used Facebook Friday afternoon to address some issues related to the current pandemic as it relates to North Frontenac. He said that his comments on this Mayor’s Facebook page were only his opinion, and do not necessarily reflect that of the staff and/or Council. Higgins began by reading a prepared statement in which he addressed a post he made last week in which he suggested that anyone coming to their cottage should selfisolate for 14 days, and not go shopping for supplies once they get here. “Since then I have had a few cottagers quite upset that I was singling out seasonal residents,” he said in his prepared statement. “As you see in my message, I broke it out into three categories: cottagers, businesses and all residents seasonal and full time. “At the specific time of that message, we had confirmed incidents of seasonal residents moving to their cottages to isolate from the city or going directly to the cottage from a trip outside of Canada. Some were buying up everything in our stores. As usual it is always the few that make it difficult for the majorityHe said he would “make no apolo-

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gies for any of my messaging and I will not rescind any f my messages as requested.” “In closing I want to say that nothing in my messaging was intended to pit seasonal and non-seasonal against each other. There is no discrimination and I treat everybody in our community as an equal resident.” Higgins then responded to questions. When asked if was OK to go to your mailbox, he said that if you’re self-isolating, that would probably be OK, as long as you take the precautions of wearing gloves and social distancing. However, he said “if you’re in quarantine, that’s a different matter.” He said he did make a dump run yesterday and picked up some trash and recyclables from his neighbours. “I wore gloves,” he said. When asked about the scheduled Council meeting April 8, Higgins said that they were planning on holding an electronic meeting “if we can figure out how to let the public dial in. “We’ll probably make all the votes recorded votes but if we can’t get the public in, we’ll probably cancel it.” He said that every decision he makes regarding the pandemic are done in consultation with the Province and KFLA Health Unit. There are zero cases in North Frontenac that I know of,” he said. “There’s been one in Addington Highlands and one in South Frontenac.” At its peak, there were 32 viewers on the Facebook chat, which lasted 17 minutes. Higgins said he likely won’t make this method of informing residents an “every day thing” rather he will do it when he feels there is a need. (Editors note – North Frontenac is heavily weighted towards seasonal residents, more so than any other Frontenac township. Over 2/3 of all properties in the township are only inhabited seasonally. According to the 2016 census, there are 2043 seasonal dwellings in the township and 923 permanent dwellings. The township is in the peculiar position of having over one thousand more residences – 2966 - than permanent residents – 1898.)

PAGE 4

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

COMMUNITY REPORTERS (613) Arden............................. Wanda Harrison................335-3186 Cloyne / Northbrook...... Nancy Skipper Denbigh......................... Angela Bright....................333-1901 Godfrey.......................... Stefan Duerst....................374-1710 Harrowsmith.................. Kim Gow Henderson..................... Jean Brown.......................336-2516 Inverary......................... Judy Borovskis..................353-1768 Maberly-Bolingbroke..... Karen Prytula....................325-1354 Mississippi..................... Pearl Killingbeck...............278-2127 Mountain Grove............. Marilyn Meeks...................279-3209 Ompah........................... Linda Rush........................479-2570 Parham-Tichbome......... Colleen Steele...................375-6219 Marily Seitz........................479-2855 Christine Teal....................375-6525 Perth Road.................... Peter Bird..........................353-7303 Plevna........................... Rhonda Watkins................479-2447 Sydenham..................... Karen Brawley...................376-9848 Verona........................... Debbie Lingen..................................

CLOYNE - Northbrook Nancy Skipper noahsark444@bell.net

• Since I have been writing this column, I have said many times how we live in the most amazing community. Travelling back from Arizona, I was once again reminded of the amazing people from this community who reached out to my husband and I. Thank you for letting us know about team Foodland and having our groceries delivered. (We literally had no food in the fridge, freezer, pantry, or in the cupboards.) Thank you for delivering our groceries, putting them away, turning on the fridge, freezer, and turning up the heat for us. Thank you for asking us if there is anything we need as we are in self-isolation for the next 14 days. Thank you for being the most amazing community! We are truly blessed! • The Lakeland Family Health Team has been working closely with Public Health and has a tentative date to reopen the Northbrook clinic. If all goes well, the clinic will reopen on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. • Charlene Van Dusen writes: “When I posted about our senior’s shopping hour on Thursday, I thought it would be a few days before everyone caught on. I forgot how our community pulls together in a time of need. As I walked to the store this morning a little after 7, the only customers I saw were seniors!!! THANK YOU to everyone for for helping to keep our seniors safe. As one customer put it this morning: “you are saving lives!!” They are truly grateful for everyone’s help with this! We have had many customers reach out and ask for delivery or orders ready for pick up. Some aren’t feeling well, some are returning home from travel and some are just trying to keep family members who are at risk safe. Please, if anyone out there is afraid to ask for these services, don’t be! There is no charge! My team is here to help and we have had so many offers from the community to donate time to help out, together we can keep our community safe and healthy! Delivery service is offered Monday-Friday. Pick up service is offered 7 days a week. We shop for you and bring it out to your car. You can call at 613-336-2647 or email to fld6740northbrook@sobeys.com Please allow 12 hours to get your order ready. Customers will be contacted by phone to finalize payment options and delivery/pick up times. Together we will get through this!!” • Have you heard of the Facebook page “North Frontenac

& Area Caremongering Group-Community Response to COVID-19”? The goal of this group is to organize the local community centrally on the grassroots level to ensure vulnerable community members and the ill have necessities. It is also for the redistribution of resources in the case that stockpiling prevents people from accessing basics..

DENBIGH & VENNACHAR Angela Bright

613-333-1901 bright.a@gmail.com

• If you haven't been to the AH library page lately, www. addingtonhighlandspubliclibrary.ca, head over and check it out! Thanks to Tumblebooks, you will have access to ebooks and audio books 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for all ages, to use for free until August 2020! Just click on the category you are interested in. • Another new option on the AH library page are links to EBSCO to access the Canadian Reference Centre, Canadian Literacy Centre, Canadian Points of View Reference Centre, Canadian Subscription Centre, and the Cricket Media Subscription Centre. A username and password are provided for you on the library page. A great, easy to use resource! • The Township of Addington Highlands office is closed to the public until further notice. You may contact the office at 613 336 2286 or info@addingtonhighlands.ca. The Land O' Lakes Community services building is closed to the public. The phones will be answered from 8:30-4. For more information contact 613 336 8934 or toll free 1877 679 6636. • Have you heard them? The songs and chirps of feathered friends returning from their southern retweet... Yes, sorry, I said it. Re "tweet".

HARROWSMITH

• Eggs for the Foodbank. Lori Galligan, who lives near Harrowsmith with her husband and children, raises chickens and she has developed a plan to sell eggs and donate all the money that is raised to the South Frontenac Food bank. “We though we could do the sales with distancing in mind, using e-transfer, and we can provide some cash for the Food bank to use as they see fit,” Lori said. “It’s a little thing, but we all need to do something with all that is going on, and I wanted to do something from home.” The Galligan’s have a small flock and they are increasing its size so they can offer more eggs in the future. Anyone who is interested in purchasing eggs, can call Lori at 613372-6240

HENDERSON Jean Brown

613-336-2516

• The Mayor of Henderson had declared a state of emergency and we are all in compliance. Self-isolation is our new normal and the old normal is a distant memory. Thanks everyone- as folks call up to check on each other. Let’s take one day at a time. It’s going to be a long siege, for sure, and what once looked like a few weeks of isolation may well be a few months. Let's stay strong - it will get better - just not

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• First – a big welcome to Danielle & Kevin and family who have just moved to Inverary! Not the best time to meet your neighbours, but we are all glad you have settled in! With time on my hands, the new neighbours made me reflect on how much this area has grown with families and businesses in the 19 years I have been here. • To all my neighbours, friends and readers: we can beat this – we are beating it! Just need a little bit more of isolating if necessary and the social distancing which is so very important to halt this virus. We can do it! Be kind to yourself and keep safe and healthy. Take time to call and chat with someone you just haven’t had time to call before, wave at your neighbours, and if you see me running in the mornings, toot your horn. All these things say that we stand united, we care and best of all - have a great day! • Rev. Heather can be reached at 613-353-2453. If you are a senior, ill, quarantined, or otherwise in need please call her or email heathermclurg@hotmail.com. A group of volunteers are ready to pick up what is needed and deliver. • Garbage, recycling and routine road maintenance remain as usual. • Enjoy Chris Murphy in concert on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm on Facebook. You must be on Facebook yourself and just look up his page: Christopher Joseph Murphy.

Maberly-Bolingbroke Karen Prytula

613-325-1354 karenprytula@gmail.com

• 100 Years Ago in Maberly – Maberly Orangemen Open New Hall – The opening events of the new hall of L. O.

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right away. • Howard Gibbs is back from Myrtle Beach and virus free, but practising self isolation at his gas station. Howard, along with many, is hoping for a speedy return to normal with card games, community events, however that seems to not be in the cards for a while. • Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Suzanne Barr and to all who are grieving. • So folks, let us be positive people - imagining and aiming for the day when this painful time of Covid-19 will enable new life to burst forth from this valley of shadow, and set us free to once again offer public gatherings. May our Holy One infuse our lives and breathe through us all, bringing us to vibrant life. May these current challenges inspire a deeper commitment and a closer identification with a spiritual presence. • P.S.- there’s a rumour going around that hunting season has been cancelled due to the Covid virus- but all the hunters got on the bush telegraph and got their guns out to protest. I heard that some fired their guns in a 21 gun salute at midnight and sent the video to offices of Doug Ford. Others sent him a bullet proof vest and he really got the message then. Hunting Season has now been restored to its fullest and finest glory. Rock on!.

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April 2, 2020

PAGE 5

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

L. 519, Maberly, took place on Wednesday the 11th. It consisted of a banquet, the menu of which, in spite of the large crowd, was a bountiful one. There were several toasts; “To our township of South Sherbrooke!”, and, “To the Ladies!” [Perth Courier, Feb. 27, 1920] [Don’t go looking for it, the Hall is long gone]

MISSISSIPPI Pearl Killingbeck

613-278-2127

• Thank you to all the health care workers, nurses, doctors, employees at grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, etc., etc. • Thank you to all my friends for calling me to see if I need groceries, pills or anything at all. I have been in self-isolation now for fourteen days. It is not a good sign when I am fighting with myself all day and of course I always win. I am going to tell you about my “I can’t get out” days. I can’t get out to eat, so I celebrate by getting Meals on Wheels. It is my ‘you don’t have to cook day’. I can’t get out to get my hair done so I cut my own hair - Thank God it grows back. I celebrate bad hair days, bushy eyebrow days, stubble legs with razor burn days. I celebrate ‘do whatever you want’ days and ‘it doesn’t matter what you look like’ days. I celebrate by making plans when this bad time is over. I celebrate taking out the garbage day, getting the mail day, just going for a drive around the block day, giving my friends air hugs. I talk to me all the time - like “remember when” - you should be exercising get them shoulders back. Sometimes I don’t listen to me but it helps me get through these trying times. Stay safe, stay home and keep your sense of humour. • Sympathy to Nancy and Tom Olmstead on the death of their mother and my neighbour, Edith in her 97th year and sympathy to the Rita Duncan family. •

OMPAH

Linda Rush lindarush@yahoo.com Marily Seitz seitz@xplornet.ca

613-479-2570 613-479-2855

• Quite a few people have called to ask for their name to be added to the cards of sympathy at the Community Centre for Angela Sproule, Barb Southward, Bill Blake and Courtland Kelford. We will leave the cards there for a while yet, so it is not too late to add your condolences. You can do that by going into the foyer (there are wipes and gloves) or by calling or emailing Marily (see number above). • What a wonderful community in which we live. We have always had an informal system of checking on neighbours and helping out with groceries, etc. That continues now more than ever while trying to keep everyone safe. Good work, all. • The other day, I was out for a walk along our country road and met a neighbour walking his dog. He was a little hard of hearing and my voice is sometimes wonky, so we walked on opposite sides of the road and chatted by yelling at each other.

PARHAM-TICHBORNE

Colleen Steele 613-375-6219 Christine Teal mrsteal2u@hotmail.com 613-375-6525 • Thank you to Lisa and Stirling Hamilton for ringing the United Church bells on Sunday - what a great thing to do! • Remember that if you need to get out and about, the trail in Tichborne is perfect to clear your mind. Also, if you are interested in cleaning up, the villages District #4 Recreation Committee will gladly do a "porch drop off" of garbage bags so that you can do your part! Just call Bob Teal at 613-3756525. • Now is the perfect time to pick up the phone and call that long lost friend that you haven't heard from in a long time -

or call your aging grandparents or parents - just to catch up. We always seem to run around in circles and never find the time to get back to the basics, so for some of us, this time has been forced upon us... Let's use it wisely! • Did anyone remember to turn off their lights? Even just one light will make a huge difference. • Sympathy to the family of the late Suzanne Barr. • Stay safe, and stay well. • Happy birthday to Sharon DesRoche, Patsy Lowery, Frances Smith, Bob Brooks, Kayla Harper-Banks, Donna Fox, Dustin Teal, Rachel Neadow, Dakota Whan, Claudia Thompson, Cory Thompson, Trevor Botting, Ellis Corkum, Charlene Godfrey, Suzanne MacGregor, Doris Campsall, and Micheline Montreuil.

Perth Road Peter Bird

613-353-7303 p.bird@xplornet.ca

• Sunday morning, 10:00am, Perth Road United Church went on the air at pruc.ca for a shortened church service. The Reverend Dr. Peter Bartlett posted an 18-minute podcast on the Perth Road United Church website. • In a message sent out to the congregation, Rev Peter said that this will be a way for us to come together in the spirit for Sunday worship in a new way. He said, “We can't gather in our sacred little sanctuary in the village, so, we will just have to gather around virtually. I remember, like so many of you no doubt do, listening to the preacher on the radio. In my case, in my Nan’s kitchen in Bridgeport Newfoundland, sipping tea from a saucer while the breakfast bread baked. It was our Sunday morning routine BEFORE, heading down the hill to the little United Church, where Nan took her place at the old pump organ.” • “So, until we are cleared to gather in our little church again, we are going to revisit those "old time radio" days. Not on the radio, but on our Perth Road United Church website, which thanks to David Kuhn's tireless efforts, you will find here: pruc.ca, Sundays at 10 am. Just click the “Weekly Podcast” button, and you will find the Worship Service Podcast, prepared by me for you.” • “Bless you all during this challenging time, as we remember that we are not alone. Even in "isolation" or "quarantine," God is with us, and we are with one another by the spirit, always...” Rev Peter

PLEVNA

Rhonda Watkins rhonda139@gmail.com

613 479-2447 613-264-5325

• I would like to start this week off with some deep thoughts by the always optimistic and awesome Juliette Bozsik. She said that a few weeks ago, for the first time, she had the opportunity of witnesing our first response crew in action. They were onsite within minutes and worked well together without having to consult with each other, like a well-oiled machine! She was amazed at what they were capeble of doing with such speed. What really caught her attention was that most of them were in uniform and they looked so professional. Thank you to our volunteer First Aid Responders for using accuracy, speed and kindness! • What a surprise it was for Lee White to see a police cruiser pull up in her driveway and see her grandson, Scott White, get out! He is a police constable with the Cochrane station, near Timmons, and was down helping keep order at the Napanee railroad blockade. • Lee White also wants to send out a very big thank you to her kind neighbour, who stopped by her place with a delicious fish dinner delivery! • Meals on Wheels has extended their delivery days to Mon-

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• Our hats off to all the people running the essential services that remain open - people like our post master, Sharon

Continued on page 8

Sharbot Lake

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days, Tuesdays and Thursdays for only $6.50. Seniors will receive soup, a main course and a dessert. If you are interested, please call Catherine Tysick at (613) 279-3151. To follow current guidelines on physical distancing, the driver will bring the meal up and knock on your door, then go back to there car and wait until you have picked it up, thus avoiding contact. • You may have noticed that Manion’s Sales and Service was closed this week. Considering our current situation, they will re-evaluate at the end of this week as to when they will re-open. • The Palmerston Lake Marina store hours will be Wednesday- Saturday 10-2. They are continuing with no seating area in the store. If you are unable to get out to shop, Chuck said you can call or text him at (613) 305-1723 and he will do his best to assist you. Thank you very much, Chuck! • Shamrock Bakery has decided with everything going on that they would not reopen this season. It is very sad news, but probably for the best right now. We can only cross our fingers that everything works out and we will be enjoying Nuala's delicious goodies next year. She urges everybody to take full advantage of the North of 7’s delivery services that Bill is providing. She said that he is definitely a godsend at this time! • Carquest (Kaladar Auto Parts) has made some hour changes for the time being: 8-3 Mon – Fri and 8-noon on Sat, and it's pick up only, as there is no driver at this time. Darren is the chief, cook and bottle washer! • To protect against the spread of Covid-19, the North Frontnac Playground is closed until further notice. • Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kenny Schonauer, who passed away recently. Kenny used to reside on the South Bush Road. • Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of long time Ompah resident, Bill Blake. Bill passed away on March 21st, he had been staying with his daughter. • The Lakelands Family Health Team in Northbrook has been working closely with Public Health and planned to reopen yesterday. They ask that if you have respiratory symptoms that you please don’t come into the clinic, but call them instead. When you arrive at the clinic, they ask that you remain in your vehicle until they are ready to serve you. At this time, they will continue to perform necessary procedures, such as injections and some types of blood work, but will not be able to offer some non-essential services. They would like to thank their patients and surrounding communities for all the support and cooperation. • I would like to send out big happy 66th birthday wishes to my momma yesterday, April 1st! Did you know that both my mom and dad were born on April Fools Day! My dad was born in 1951 and my mom in 1954. I bet you are thinking that explains a lot! • In honour of my mom’s special day and April Fool’s Day, I have made 6 spelling erors. If you can find all 6 errors and be one of the first 3 people to contact me before Sunday, April 5th, you will win one of three Watkins Insect Repellant gift packs, just in time for bug season! Good luck! • Spelling errors for April Fools game : witnesing, capeble, there (go back to there car re: meals on wheels), busines, Frontnac, erors

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Dr. Gian Kaillon Sharbot Lake 613.279.2100 • Northbrook 613.336.8888 www.sharbotlakechiropractic.ca *Temporarily Closed Due To Covid -19*

Repetitive Strain Injuries

When performing strenuous activities/exercises, we should be taking proper precautions to make sure we do not injure ourselves. Doing things such as stretching, wearing proper gear and pacing ourselves are all good examples, but what can you do when you have a repetitive strain injury from your day – to – day routine? Repetitive strain injuries are typically caused by rapid, repeated use of muscles and joints. Numbness, tingling and burning sensations, swelling, and aching pain are among the most common symptoms. It affects a broad variety of people from athletes such as tennis players/ golfers to tradespeople (like jackhammer operators and assembly line workers). Video gaming, computer use, and even crafts like knitting can also be associated with repetitive strain injuries. Common types of repetitive strain injuries are carpal tunnel syndrome, golfers elbow, tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries. When left untreated, repetitive strain can cause injuries that may not heal without a long break from the cause. If you begin to experience pain in your hands, wrists, arms, or shoulders, feel free to book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kaillon, for an assessment. Most people respond well to conservative treatment and get back to their regular activities faster than waiting it out. Chiropractic care can restore healthy function to your spine and the related muscles and ligaments to get you moving again. Chiropractors can provide manual therapy, soft tissue therapy and provide exercise therapy/self-management to patients such as exercises. Often, the treatment for repetitive strain may require making changes to your workstation, taking breaks to relax overworked muscles and joints, and exercises to relieve stress and strengthen the affected parts of your body.

PAGE 6

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

A growing problem in Denbigh

ith a sudden shortage of yeast in grocery stores across Ontario coming about as the result of self-isolation and a resurgence of home baking, a store in Griffith, just north of Denbigh, found a new supplier of yeast had some for sale, so they took an order from the dePaola yeast company out of Clinton Street in Toronto. A group of bakers from Denbigh rushed out to get the yeast. One of them was Jody Browne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I bought two packages and brought it home, and followed a standard recipe for a raisin bread that I made a few years ago and thought I would make now with my twins, Brian and Bella. We mixed the yeast in with water and it started bubbling even before we added sugar,â&#x20AC;? Jodie, earlier this week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we added the sugar, it started foaming so we quickly added four cups of flour and some raisins. It started to rise almost immediately so we added more flour, but soon it began overflowing the bowl onto the floor of the house. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen anything like it.â&#x20AC;? With the floor getting covered in a foaming mass, Jody got a broom and a pail and began shoveling the mixture into the pail and tossing it out the front door onto the year. I filled that pail many times before I got most of it out in the yard, and I had to keep scooping it out of different corners of the house with a shovel before I got it all outside. It was scary, like a fungus growing in my house, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was only after I had cleaned out the house t when I noticed what was going on outside.â&#x20AC;? By that time the front lawn was covered in a growing mass

Back to School

ey, there! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a teacher at one of the local schools in this area. Have you heard the big news? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back at school after the Corona virus quarantine. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that great? On our first day back, I stepped out of my car and entered the school. Everything seemed normal, right? I mean, what could go wrong? The floors were shiny clean, and inspirational quotes were still hung up on the walls. The first odd event happened when I passed another teacher. I had to blink several times before I could register what I was seeing. Her hair was draped in front of her face in a nasty tangle, on her feet were patchedup muck boots, and her clothes were in tatters. Mud was streaked all over her face and arms. I stared in confusion. It looked as if this perfectly dignified teacher had spent the last few weeks living in a beaver hut and gnawing on cat tails. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Umm, Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;morning,â&#x20AC;? I said quick-

April 2, 2020

by Jack Benjamin

of light brown dough. A couple of neighbours had also started making bread and their lawns were covered as well. All three of the houses are located on Bridge Street, the main street in town, which was starting to be blocked. The fire department was called and they brought out their hoses to water down the mass to try and dissipate the yeast but that only made matters worse. Finally, township snow ploughs were called in and they shoveled it into a pile like it was so much snow. They then pushed onto the ice on Denbigh Lake. Not knowing what to do someone tossed firecracker into the mass of brown foaming dough and it caught fire. The fire spread through the dough and lit the sky. The heat finally killed the yeast, and the surface of what was by now a 25 metre radius round loaf, burned for exactly 35 minutes. Fire crews watched it burn, making sure the fire did not spread, with hoses available but not used for fear it would just make it rise. After the fire went, the smoke cleared to reveal a massive loaf of raisin bread. It was dark brown, but strangely it did not appear burnt. Bella and Brian Browne ran onto the approached the loaf and tore of chunks and started eating, much to Jody Brownes dismay. She ran to grab the bread from them, fearing it must be toxic, when they said it was delicious, the best raisin bread they had ever tasted. Brian handed Jody a piece and she tried a small bite and smiled. It was indeed delicious. Soon, the fire chief tried some, followed by the crew. Within minutes the entire town was breaking bread together. The loaf was so large they could share

by Megan Kilby

ly. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t answer, but instead pointed ahead and started hollering loudly. I snuck a glance in the direction sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d pointed, only to see another teacher running towards her, also shouting loudly. He looked even worse; sticks were jammed in his rats-nest of hair, and he had a strip of his pant leg tied around his head like a bandanna. They approached each other quickly and began whooping and clapping their hands like a caveman. I shook my head, thinking, so this is what happens after people go in quarantine. The next bizarre occurrence happened as soon as I entered my classroom that very morning. All the kids had pushed the desks into a circle and used their bags and coats to make some sort of a fort. All the cavemen children were huddled inside, speaking with grunts and wild hand gestures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, no,â&#x20AC;? I muttered to myself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is going to be an interesting day, alright.â&#x20AC;?

a community meal while maintaining a two metre COVID-29 safety gap between them. They ate the bread until they were all full. A wind then picked up and the ice began to groan underneath their feet so everyone scrambled to shore. Within minutes the ice had broken up and the loaf of bread had disappeared into the lake, leavening no trace. The News tried calling the DePaola yeast company in Toronto but there was no listing, not website, not even a Facebook or Instagram page. It was as if they never existed. Using what they called â&#x20AC;&#x153;an abundance of cautionâ&#x20AC;?, the store in Griffith destroyed the rest of the yeast in a fire. They said they called the DePaola yeast company for an explanation but could not find them either. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was as if they never existedâ&#x20AC;? said the store owner Julie Barston. (Dedicated to the memory of Tomie DePaola, author of Strega Nona, who died on March 31 at the age of 85)

Then lunch came. Oh, how I had been dreading lunch! But did this dread prepare me at all for what I would witness? No. Not in the slightest. The cafeteria was so loud I cringed as I strode in to supervise the students. Their insane yelling filled the room. But the mess, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what really got me. Teachers and children alike had busted open the pizza boxes in the area where you can buy food. Money was being thrown around at random, its purpose forgotten. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lunches were scattered over the tables and floor, and people were crawling around on their hands and knees, eating whatever they came across. I sighed heavily. The next shock came at bus time. First of

all, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun fact for you: out of all the people Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d seen that day, the bus drivers were the only ones who werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t behaving strangely. Their busses were in perfect condition, and they pulled into the parking lot in a neat line. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even express how terrible I felt for them as I watched the students clamber onto the busses on their hands and knees. They went wild as the busses drove away, hanging off the seats and somersaulting down the aisles. I waved goodbye to one grim-looking bus driver before they drove out of sight. I could still hear the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yelping ringing in my ears as I thought to myself, is this how things will be from now on?

Fun with math

ČśČ&#x2030;ČŚČ&#x; 3SZIP (SVSREZMVYW (4:.) ČŚČ&#x;

What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy. â&#x20AC;˘ Only visit an assessment centre if you have been referred by a health care professional. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid non-essential travel. â&#x20AC;˘ Monitor for symptoms after travel.

ith school closed due to the coronavirus, mommy has been teaching us math And a bunch of other boring things.. Today we learned some fractions when we were

cutting our winter wood. I learned this log is very heavy and How quickly I can knock my brother off his feet when I turn around quickly to see what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s running after.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid large gatherings. â&#x20AC;˘ Be prepared, but avoid panic stocking. â&#x20AC;˘ Caring for those who are ill? Take precautions. â&#x20AC;˘ Clean high-touch surfaces regularly. â&#x20AC;˘ Order your prescription medication. â&#x20AC;˘ Practice cough and sneeze etiquette in transit.

If you have symptoms, take the self-assessment at ontario.ca/coronavirus. Or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or your public health unit.

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Welcomes Ryan Dales -

Financial Planner

Ryan brings with him over 10 years of experience in the investment industry at various institutions in Kingston. Prior to joining us, he worked as a financial advisor at Assante Wealth Management. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge and has completed his Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designation. Ryan can provide answers to questions such as: â&#x20AC;˘ Is your money invested appropriately? â&#x20AC;˘ Are you using a TaxÂťFree Savings Account properly? â&#x20AC;˘ What income sources will you have in retirement and will they be enough? â&#x20AC;˘ How much money will you need to have saved to retire comfortably? â&#x20AC;˘ Are you paying more tax than you need to be? â&#x20AC;˘ Should you be investing money or paying down debt? ryan.dales@roblnsonsgroup.com â&#x20AC;˘ How can you eliminate debt quickly? CELL: 613-888-7881 â&#x20AC;˘ What should you be aware of when completing a Will and a Power of Attorney?

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

Central Frontenac Council meets semi-electronically

PAGE 7

(Editor’s note: we weren’t physically present for Friday’s meeting. The following report was put together from the Township’s audio track of the meeting and its own written report (both available on the Township’s website). t’s a sign of the times. Central Frontenac Council met last Friday at noon, with some members of Council and staff connecting electronically. Physically present in Oso Hall were Mayor Frances Smith, Coun. Victor Heese, Elwin Burke, Sherry Whan and Nicki Gowdy. Also present were CAO/Clerk Cathy MacMunn, Dep. Clerk Cindy Deachman, IT person Mel Shaw and Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Riddell. Connecting remotely were Dep. Mayor Tom Dewey, Coun. Brent Cameron, Bill MacDonald and Cindy Kelsey (who joined mid-way through the meeting) as well as Public Works Manager Tyson Myers, CBO Andy Dillon, Treasurer Michael McGovern and planner Megan Rueckwald. “These are strange times,” said Smith. “The public health discussion takes place and we take our direction from them. “Basically the state of emergency is an extra plea for people to pay attention and isolate. “This could be drastic with our older population and the really sad thing is they would die alone because we won’t be able to go to hospital with them.” “I just want to encourage everybody, we’ve been through something like this 20 years ago,” said MacDonald. “It’s

Craig(during Bakay the Ice Storm) but we not quite the same asby it was worked together and cooperated and we got through it. “I think we will this time too.” After acknowledging the situation, they did manage to get some actual work done. First up was amending the Township Procedural Bylaw to allow for electronic meetings. Several councillors questioned just what constitutes an emergency and what powers the Mayor and Clerk have during one. “Cathy and I have the authority to purchase things we need without the consent of Council,” Smith said. “But it’s (the authority to act alone) only for procurement. “It doesn’t allow me to hire/fire or do something crazy, it’s mainly in case we need to spend money in a hurry.” Perhaps the biggest bit of business conducted was to waive the $15,000 site plan security deposit for the new gas bar/convenience store/licensed beverage vehicle planned for Arden by Derek and Barbie Matson. “I’m not against it (waiving the fee) but I’m wondering about what kind of precedent it might set,” said MacDonald. “What reasoning can we say on what grounds are we waiving the requirement? “Is is because we know the people or is it because it would

create some sort of financial burden given the environment we’re working in these days?” Rueckwald said the security deposit is standard procedure but Council does have the authority to waive it should it see fit. “The security deposit is there to ensure work is done in accordance with the agreement,” she said. “An example would be if the applicant went bankrupt during construction and there were gas tanks left on the property that the Township would have to clean up.” Dewey said that he thought things should be approached on a case-by-case basis. “There will be exceptions,” he said. “And I think we have to support new businesses, especially when this would be a valuable service to Arden.” The decision to waive the security deposit passed unanimously. Council also passed a bylaw to waive interest payments and penalty payments on unpaid taxes April 1 and May 1 due to the covid-19 pandemic to give taxpayers some financial relief. Finally, on the advice of a consultant’s report, MacMunn’s title was changed to CAO/Clerk from Clerk-Administrator.

Snowbirds’ return home becomes quite the adventure by Craig Bakay ince retiring three years ago to the the home they’ve owned on Lake Mississagagon for 40 years, John and Tory Grindrod have become snowbirds, spending their winters in Sarasota Florida. Normally, they take their time when going to and from Florida, stopping to see some of the sights, visiting friends along the way. (John had a long career in the international oil business and knows a lot of people in the Southern U.S.) But this year, given the uncertainty of travelling during the covid-19 pandemic, they decided to take advantage of an Amtrak deal whereby they could put their vehicle on a train, while riding along in a sleeper car further up the train.

at the back of the car and there was a bench that went across the entire width of it.” The plan was to take the train to Washington DC and then drive home from there, stopping in Syracuse to visit friends overnight and buy groceries so they could go directly to the lake for the mandatory 14-day isolation period without having to stop anywhere. “I was sitting up on the bench hoping to see a bit of the ocean while Tory was lying down,” he said. “I noticed a sign with ‘50’ on it, which I assume was a speed limit for the engineer.” Just at that moment, he heard a loud “Bang!” and was thrown into the window. “The train did an emergency stop and the conductor went outside the train with a flashlight,” he said. As it turns out, they’d had a derailment at the back of the train, including the car carrying the Grindrod’s vehicle. “The staff on the train told us exactly what had happened and that they’d take care of of,” he said. “Naturally, people on the train were speculating as to what had happened and what would happen to us. “But the conductors told us exactly what was going on, along with the assurance ‘we’ll make you right.’” When they arrived in Washington, he said, they were taken to a parking lot where Enterprise Rent-a-Car employees along with many vehicles were waiting. “I told them we were going to Canada and that we’d need an SUV because there was still some snow where we were going,” he said. “They fixed us up, told us not to worry, that The Amtrak car carrier that derailed near DeLand Florida. Photo/ they’d arrange to pick up the rental vehicle and get our submitted vehicle back to us. “They even gave us some pre-paid credit cards.” “It started out great,” Grindrod said. “We had a family room

“We were very impressed with Amtrak,” Tory said. Grindrod said he thinks it’s unlikely their own vehicle will ever be back on the road. “When you see a car-carrier on its side, it doesn’t look good,” he said. But, knowing they’d have to self-isolate when they got back to North Frontenac, their car was full of groceries and such, as well as Grindrod’s beloved Taylor guitar. “I’m glad I left my (vintage) Martin in Florida,” he said. “It’s

John and Tory Grindrod — back home safe and sound in North Frontenac. Photo/submitted

getting kind of old and I was a little worried about travelling with it too much.” Luckily, the Grindrods have friends in upstate New York and were able to stay overnight there. “In the morning, they took us to a grocery store that was open at 6 a.m., so we loaded up with $500 worth of groceries,” he said. “And the pre-paid credit cards came in handy at the liquor store where I got a case of wine.” At the border, even though there was only one kiosk open, Grindrod said they went right through. “I told them who we were and where we were going,” he

Continued on page 8

Smitty’s Appliances

COVID-19 Update

The Little Man With The Big Heart

46 Years Going Strong

Limit the spread. • Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. • Clean your hands for at least 20 seconds. • Stay home if you are sick. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. kflaph.ca/Coronavirus

Smitty’s Appliances has donated a new $1000 fridge to the Lions Club in Northbrook. Shaking hands with Smitty is Lions Member Cecil Hawley, on hte right is Smitty’s helper Art Tryon. Smitty’s truck is seen so much in your area because we sell more for less. 90% of our sales are in Kalada, Cloyne, Denbigh, Arden & Sharbot Lake area. Smitty’s is the only locally owned appliance dealer in your area. We have same day dellivery with interest free financing.

Call Anytime

613-969-0287 or 613-391-8057

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 8 Continued from page 5 • Green, and our postal carriers and workers who vigilantly perform their duties getting vital mail through. Your efforts are deeply appreciated. • Canada Post in Verona announces new hours. They will be open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The first hour, from 10am to 11am, will be open only to seniors and people with compromised immune systems. If you have a parcel or mail to pick up at the post office, Canada Post asks you to practice social distancing if there are other customers waiting to pick up items. • The County of Frontenac posted this on

OBITUARY Barr, Suzanne Peacefully, with family by her side, at Kingston Health Sciences Centre on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Suzanne Barr (Legris) of Tamworth and formerly of Mountain Grove at age 73. Beloved wife of the late Ernest Barr and dear mother of Tara Cronin (Terry) of Tamworth and Stuart Barr of Mountain Grove. Grandmother of Carter and Ella Barr and Allie and Lila Cronin. Also survived by her several nieces and nephews and will also be missed by her many beloved friends. Cremation has taken place. In light of current health regulations, a Celebration of Her Life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Memorial donations to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (for KGH-ICU) or the SPCA Lennox and Addington Branch would be appreciated. In the care of Hannah Funeral Home, Tamworth (613379-2997). Online condolences at www.hannahfuneralhome.com

Donald Franklin Greenslade July 30th 1936 - March 29th 2020 It’s with heavy hearts and many wonderful memories that our family announce the passing of our much loved Husband, Dad, Grandfather (Papa) and Great Grandfather. Don will be greatly missed by Marlene his wife and soul mate of 60 years. Sons, Bob (Kathy), Brian (Monica), Bradley (Lorraine) and Barry (Angie). Grandchildren, Jessica (Jeff), Ashley (Andrew), Wesley (Nadia), Aleesha (Erik), Morgan (Wyatt), Kylie, Larissa, Braden and Jacob (Amanda). Great Grandchildren, Hope and Hazel. Sister Helen Barr, Brother Gerald (Daniel). Predeceased by parents Ernie and Sylena, Brother Robert and Brother in-law Stewart Barr. We will gather together to celebrate Don’s life at a later time. Donations to honour Don’s memory to Burridge United Church or the Cancer Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Lyons Funeral Home, Westport. Online condolence available at www.lyonsfuneralhome.ca

FUNERAL SERVICES

the K&P Trail Facebook page: "It’s been brought to our attention that not everyone is practicing social distancing on the Frontenac K&P Trail. Rather than calling out individuals, we want to urge everyone using the trail to observe proper social distancing. These are difficult and ever changing times. Please, let's all be respectful of each other. " • Mom's Restaurant is open for take-out only, from 4pm to 8 pm, 7 days a week. Call 613-374-2817. • Muddy Waters Restaurant is open for take-out only. Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 7pm. Call 613-374-5444. • Food Less Travelled is open Monday to

OBITUARY Joyce Katherine Hodgins It is with incredible sadness that we announce the unexpected loss of our mom, wife, sister and dear friend Joyce Hodgins. She passed away in her sleep from an apparent heart attack on March 22, 2020. As the pandemic spread across the world, her great heart gave out from empathy with the suffering of others. Joyce was only 63 and was loved by all who knew her. She was the quiet, unassuming hub of many circles, including friends and neighbours around Fourteen Island Lake and in Ottawa, coworkers from Ottawa Public Health, the Lakehead Nursing class of 1979, and Immaculata High School. She was a keen observer of nature, always noticing and identifying animals, plants, and distant birds from her front window and during quiet walks in the country. Always thoughtful and kind, Joyce would take time to listen, research, and consider feelings before speaking. She loved planning her many travels as much as she enjoyed the trips themselves. She will be deeply missed by her husband Alan Boyce, her much-loved children Patrick and Johanna, sister Marie Armstrong (Ron), brothers Glenn (Mavis), Mike (Sue), and Ken (Sue), sister-in-law Bonny, and many friends and extended family. In a few months, once the current world health crisis has passed, there will be a celebration of life in Verona and a funeral in Ottawa. Until then, Joyce would want you to keep well and stay safe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice. In the care of Trousdale Funeral Home Box 264, 4374 Mill St. Sydenham ON (613)376-3022 www.trousdalefuneralhome.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

Derek Maschke Northbrook Chapel Funeral Director 11928 Hwy. 41 613-336-6873 Northbrook, ON K0H 2G0 www.milestonefuneralcenter.com

Trousdale Funeral home Proudly serving all faiths Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Sydenham, On 613-376-3022

www.trousdalefuneralhome.com

Serving the area for over 100 years.

David Goodfellow Owner/Managing Director

Parham, Ontario 613-375-6254 www.goodfellowsfuneralhome.com

Saturday, 10am to 5pm. For take out, call 613-374-3663. • Foodland Verona is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7am to 8am they are dedicating this hour for our seniors and those with disabilities to come and purchase their groceries while the store is quiet. They are also offering free delivery service for seniors & self-isolators on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 613-374-2112. • The Verona Lions send this message: Thursday darts nights are cancelled temporarily due to corona virus. Thanks to all the participants who came out and hopefully we can continue soon. • Keep washing your hands and remember to practice social distancing. Stay safe! •

Sydenham Karen Brawley

• Hoping everyone is staying well and safe during this time. Remember you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home! • In the meantime. We are observing Easter, one which we all will likely remember for years to come. A different one of sorts indeed. However make the best of it. There are many people who are working tirelessly to get through this time. Why not reach out to someone via telephone/social media, just to say “HI!”. Write encouraging notes to those whom are working or even having a rough time throughout this. This is our chance to

In Memoriam Barker, Ronald In loving memory of a dear husband, whom God called home on April 15, 2009. There’s a gift of life you cannot buy, That is very rare and true, It’s the gift of wonderful husband, Like the one I had in you. The many things you did for me, In your kind and loving way, You gave me years of happiness, No one can take away. Nothing could be more beautiful, Than the memories I have of you, To me you were someone special, And God must have thought so too. Lovingly remembered and missed by wife Lauretta.

BUSH, Reta In loving memory of a dear mother who passed away on April 1st 2019. A year has passed since that sad day, You closed your eyes & slipped away. You left so quietly without a fuss, and broke the hearts of all of us. I miss & love, you so much mom. Always remembered by Charlotte, Allan and Family.

 Jim Gendron  May 8, 1952 - April 2, 2007 In loving memory of a son, father, grandfather and brother, Jim, who left us 13 years ago. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Forever in our hearts, Mom, Freda and family

Fresh Flowers for all Occasions • Weddings • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Newborn • Special Holidays • Boutonnieres & Corsages We deliver to Goodfellow’s Funeral Home, Parham & now to Milestone Funeral Centre, Northbrook.

613-279-6446

Open 7 Days a Week - 24515 Hwy. 7, Sharbot Lake Ontario, inside Ram’s Esso

www.goodfellowsflorist.com

be creative. Notes on windows of your homes, shout outs on social media. Our grocery store clerks, convenience firefighters, nurses, doctors, police, take out restaurants (and many more people…nobody is less important than another) are all working so hard during this time to try to make this as “normal” and help those in need. I personally want to say “THANK YOU!” to everyone during this time. We’re in this together, each and every one of us. Even if you are not deemed an “essential worker” during this time. You ARE essential, essential in lessening the time frame on this virus. • Please protect your furkids as well as yourself. Ticks are out.Anyone got any fun recommendations on how you are passing time during this time? Shoot me an email I will try to include it in next week’s column.

ARDEN Wanda Harrison 613-335-3186 wmharrison070@gmail.com

• It’s hard to believe that only one week has gone by since I wrote the column for March 26. • With County Frontenac declaring a State of Emergency in our area only emphasizes the need for all to stay at home, especially if you are returning to our community from the U.S. This is now the law, and YOU are subject to large fines if you disobey these orders. • Grocery stores, Wal Mart and others are admitting only a certain number of folks at a time, so the distancing is much easier for all. Plexiglass is installed in many facilities, as well, providing protection for both the worker and the shopper. Can we change the term “social distancing” to “physical distancing”? We are social beings by nature and let’s remain that way. Call or email your friends and neighbours. Ask how they are and let them know that you are OK, too. • Barb and Derek’s Food Sharing Pantry is a perfect example of caring for the Community, as are those angels who keep calling to see if anyone requires food or anything else. • Keep following both the Frontenac News are Kennebec Rec. Committee Facebook pages. New information is posted each day, or as news breaks. • If you have a birthday or anniversary you would like recognized, please email me and I’ll make sure it gets into the column, the following week. • Stay at home… This is your personal way of staying safe and protecting others, as well.

Continued from page 7 said. “They gave us information about the mandatory self-isolation and asked us what we had in the car. “I thought I’d probably have to pay duty on the wine, but they just waved us through.” Back in Canada, he said the 401 was like a ghost highway with precious little traffic. One curious thing though was they both got alerts on their cell phones reminding them that they were identified as at risk for covid19 and reminding them to self-isolate for 14 days. “I wonder how they figured that out,” he said. But now, home safe and sound, he said they’re happy to comply with the self-isolation order. “We got a fire on, even though it’s raining, it’s still beautiful up here,” he said. “On the way up, there were hardly any cars on the road and we didn’t see anybody. “North Frontenac gets it (the social distancing). Florida doesn’t get it. It’s going to be the next hot spot after New York.” And, despite what happened this year, he said they’ll probably do the train thing again. Even with the derailment, he said it’s better than driving. “The eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, the reflexes aren’t as good as they used to be and the butt isn’t as good as it used to be,” he said.

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

The Classifieds Ad Rates: Classified Text ads: $10.62 + HST per insertion for 20 words & under; 20¢ each extra word. Deadline: 4 pm Monday; Ph: 613-279-3150, Fax: 613-279-3172; info@frontenacnews.ca

NEW AND USED APPLIANCES USED REFRIGERATORS

Stoves, washers, dryers, freezers, dishwashers. 3 months old and up. Sold with written guarantees. Fridges $100 and up.

NEW APPLIANCES

At the lowest prices in the area. Trade-ins accepted on new appliances. Big selection to choose from. We Sell Gas Refrigerators

PAYS CASH $$$

For good used appliances in working order or not, but no junk please. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. We have our own financing also. Shop at our competitors and then come see for yourself quality at low prices.

Open evenings & 7 days a week. We deliver

Smitty’s “KING of APPLIANCES”

Open Evenings & Seven Days a Week - River Road Corbyville, Just North of Corby’s (613) 969-0287

APPLIANCES

APPLIANCE REPAIR, Call Mark, Verona Hardware, 6723 Main St., Verona. Ph. 613374-2851

AUTOMOTIVE

KALADAR AUTO RECYCLING. Car & truck parts. Used cars, $600 & up. We take tradeins. We buy farm equipment, tractors, loaders for parts. 11520 Hwy 41; 613-336-9899; 613885-8644 KINNEY AUTO WRECKING Station Road, Kaladar. 4x4 trucks & parts for sale. Scrap cars, stoves, fridges wanted. 613-336-9272.

FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM apartment in village of Crow Lake. $1,400 all inclusive. New fridge and stove, washer and dryer, gas fireplace, electric heat, satellite. Available April. 613-279-3701

Township of Addington Highlands A Note from the Township of Addington Highlands regarding COVID-19 During this time of self isolation, we want to encourage residents to call their family, friends and neighbours to ensure they are okay. The Township is concerned however for those residents who do not have a family and friends’ network to help provide this type of support. If you are struggling to find help, know of someone who may need something or needs to be checked in on, please see the list of agencies that may be able to assist you. Township of Addington Highlands Office – 613-336-2286 Land O’ Lakes Community Services – 613-336-8934 Prince Edward Lennox Addington Social Services – 1-866-354-0957 Ontario Provincial Police – Non-Emergency Calls – 1-888-310-1122 KFL&A Covid-19 Information – 1-800267-7875 Telehealth Ontario – 1-866-797-0000 Addiction Mental Health Services KFL&A – 1-866-267-7877 We understand that not all residents have access to the information that we are putting on our website or Facebook page, if you have questions, please contact the Township office and we will try to assist in answering those questions. The office is being staffed; however, you may be put through to a voice mail when you call. Please be re-assured that any message you leave is being monitored and someone will get back to you. Please remember to self-isolate, wash your hands frequently and maintain personal distancing if you do need to go out for essentials such as groceries. Take Care from the Township of Addington Highlands.

FOR SALE

CENTRAL BOILER Classic OUTDOOR FURNACES can eliminate your high heating bill. Buy NOW and save up to $550! Call today 613-539-9073. www.thefurnacebroker.com CENTRAL BOILER OUTDOOR FURNACES offer the Classic, the Maxim and the New Edge. Your local Dealer, Wood Heat Solutions, Frankford, ON, 613-398-1611; Bancroft, ON 613-332-1613. www.chesher.ca SHIPPING CONTAINERS: Seacans Storage Containers, 7ft 10ft 20ft 40ft 45ft Steel garden sheds call 613-354-8744 or online http:// IngeniousStorage.com

SERVICES Drywall Service Boarding, Taping, Painting & Texture Spray (Free Estimates)

Community Easter Dinner T he Sharbot Lake & Rural Frontenac COVID-19 Support Group is offering an Easter meal to households in the community at a minimal cost. The Pork Roast or Vegetarian meal will be from Seed to Sausage and COST $20 for four people, it will include Scalloped Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables. Also, included from our other donations will be, drinks, Ludwig & Easter Chocolates, dessert and hopefully more We understand that everyone has been effected by the virus, whether financially, emotionally or psychologically. Our hope is that this meal can offer a little respite from the current state of the World and bring us back to what truly is important, friends, family and community. Information to set up a group app via zoom or facebook will be sent to you after placing your order. Through these applications Families/individuals can have an e-dinner with family or friends all in separate locations. We will also set a community dinner up for a broader audience. We encourage people to please spon-

Ardoch Ontario 613-479-8005 PHOTOCOPY SERVICES available at The Frontenac News, 1095 Garrett St., rear building, Sharbot Lake. Competitive prices! 8½” x 11” Black & White 25¢ ea; Colour copies 60¢ ea. 613-279-3150. ROOFING, SHINGLES – STEEL, 30 years experience, serving Elphin, Snow Road, Sharbot Lake & area. Contact Todd Gursby for estimates, 613-278-1300

TOWING

B’S RADICAL RIDES Towing & Recovery. James Mills owner/operator. 613-335-5050; website: bsradicalrides.ca

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING for raspberry canes, if you have extra, I will dig up. 613-375-6536 or nanmaggie@yahoo.ca STANDING TIMBER, firewood, pine, cedar, bush lots. Free quotes, cash paid. Call 613279-2154.

Online Directory

Contact the Frontenac News about a business listing on the Frontenac-Live.ca directory. Township of Addington Highlands Public Notice Due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic the following process will now be followed at all Township of Addington Highlands waste sites. Ratepayers and Township employees are to maintain social distancing a minimum of 2 m at all times. Ratepayers are to deposit their clean recycling and waste at the appropriate locations as instructed by the waste site attendant. The Township will temporarily waive the requirement for logo bags at the waste site but clear bags must be used for disposal. The Township will temporarily not accept cash of any sort at the waste sites. Bulk items subject to fees will be invoiced to the ratepayer. Waste Site staff will require to see your waste site pass and get your name and address for invoicing. Invoices will be mailed to the ratepayer with backup documentation. The Township will maintain giving one logo bag for recycling at the waste site but logo bags will not be for sale at the Waste Sites. For information contact Brett Reavie, Manager of Roads and Waste, 613336-2286 Ext 206, roadsandwaste@ addingtonhighlands.ca

PAGE 9

sor meals for families struggling during this crisis. We will work with the Food Bank and RFCS to distribute these meals. The offer for curb side or free delivery extends as far as Ompah, Arden, Godfrey and Maberly. In keeping with the Health Ministries policies on handling cash, we encourage everyone to pay through our website, www.sharbotlakeandruralfrontenac.com or email us at sharbotlakeandruralfrontenac@gmail.com. As we are a non-profit organization a credit card fee of .50 cents will be applied at the end of checkout. It's the only way we could think to set this up quickly and to run efficiently. A special thank you to Mike McKenzie from Seed to Sausage who generously offered to put together an affordable delicious meal to make this happen. Louise Moody and staff from RFCS who continue to work tirelessly to help us support the community. Finally a big thank you to Jone's Contracting and Building, Sharbot Lake Chirporactic and Wellness, Mike Dean's Grocers, Sharbot Lake Home Hardware, The Sharbot Lake Business Group, Seeds Chartered Professional Accountants, Ludwig Chocolates and many other individuals for your donations. Please get your orders in by April 7.

Spring Flooding The Township of North Frontenac would like to remind residents that with the arrival of spring conditions, residents in flood prone areas should see average spring flooding and are advised to continue to maintain a close watch on levels and flows. Ice jams are still possible and can result in water levels rising. For additional information please review the Mississippi Valley Water Conservation Authorities website: http://mvc.on.ca/ watershed-conditions-message/ Residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. To assist with seasonal flooding the Township will be placing sand at the following locations: • Plevna Garage, 6648 Road 506, Plevna, Ontario. • Barrie Garage, 1272 Road 506, Cloyne, Ontario. • Snow Road Fire Hall, 14105 Road 509, Snow Road, Ontario. Any residents needing sand bags should contact the Community Emergency Management Coordinator at 613-4792231 ext.232.

Burn Restriction North Frontenac Fire Department would like to remind our residents and visitors that effective April 1, 2020 until October 31, 2020 burn restrictions are in effect. No burning is permitted between the hours of 700 am and 700pm, as per ByLaw #53-19. For more information visit the township website to view the Open Air Burning By-law. All fires must meet the conditions set under the By-Law to protect life and property. Citizens are responsible for reviewing these requirements before setting any type of outdoor fire. Failure to comply with the by-law could result in a fine or charges for suppression, but our real intent is to prevent personal injury and property damage. Please do not hesitate to contact Eric Korhonen, Director of Emergency Services, Fire Chief, Township of North Frontenac at 613-479-0072 or email firechief@ northfrontenac.ca for further information. Thank you for your cooperation.

SOUTH SHORE RESIDENTIAL CARE VACANCY Direct Care Workers South Shore Residential Services South Shore Residential Services provides residential support to adults and children living with a developmental disability. All of our homes are situated in waterfront, rural settings near Sharbot Lake, Ontario and offer immediate access to a variety of outdoor activities. All residences are easily accessible from Perth, Smiths Falls and Kingston. Position We are seeking staff to assist individuals with their daily living skills. Duties are related to assisting the resident with maintaining a home (cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.) as well as in a community setting (i.e. education, recreation, socialization, medical, dental, family contact etc.). Training and mentoring will be provided. Responsibilities • Supports the activities of daily living including personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation, the use of leisure time and safety issues where appropriate. • Monitors, prepares and administers medication as prescribed. • Assist in preparing, monitoring and implementing Plans of Care. • Promotes skill development in residents whenever possible. • Participates in home related duties as required (i.e. cooking, cleaning, laundry etc.) • Drives residents to day programs, school, appointments, activities etc. utilizing South Shore vehicles. • Perform other duties as related. Qualifications • Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, college or high school students • Excellent interpersonal skills, good oral and written communication skills combined with sound judgement. • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job and to work shifts Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter to: Shannon McPherson South Shore Residential Care P.O. Box 1, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Telephone: Email: smcpherson1550@gmail.com

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 10

Trousdale’s

Thank you to all our staff for their hard work & dedication during this difficult time.

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours.

Hardware & Groceries Are Essential Services

4476 George St. Sydenham 613-376-6609

Free Delivery* Available to those who cannot get out. *Some Restrictions Apply

Trousdale’s

George St, Sydenham 613-376-3441 • 613-376-6666 www.trousdaleshomehardware.com

Covid-19: Social Distancing & Social Isolation What should you do? If you don't have symptoms, haven't travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days, or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 • You should practice social distancing and regular infection prevention (e.g., wash your hands often, cough into your elbow, don't touch your face, stay home if you are sick, etc.). If you have travelled outside Canada within the last 14 days • You should self-isolate immediately after returning to Canada for 14 days. If you have travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days and develop symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled and tested positive for COVID-19 • Visit the community COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Memorial Centre. • You should self-isolate immediately for 14 days from onset of symptoms. If you have symptoms • You should use the self-assessment tool from the Ontario Ministry of Health to help determine if you need to seek further care. • Visit the community COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Memorial Centre. • Individuals having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately and inform them of recent travel history. • If you are already in self-isolation, your 14 days begins again from the day your symptoms started. The importance of social distancing If you have not travelled, or been in contact with someone who has travelled or who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must practice social distancing to keep our community safe from the spread of illness. It means, leave lots of space between you and others • Whenever possible, spend time outside and in settings where you can maintain a 1 to 2 metre (3 to 6 feet) distance from others. • Avoid hand shakes and hugs. • After being outside, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. It means, protect vulnerable populations • Unless it is absolutely essential avoid visits to long-term care homes, retirement homes, supportive housing, hospices and other congregate care settings. • Stay home when you are sick.. • Check in on others by phone or computer who may need help. It means, no large gatherings • Cancel gatherings with more than 50 people, especially if vulnerable populations are expected. • Postpone children's birthday parties and other special occasion parties.

• If possible, consider having business meetings virtually, instead of in person. It means, take precautions for essential trips • Sanitize or wash your hands when entering and exiting buildings. • Avoid long lineups and crowded areas. • Use tap to pay rather than handling money. • When taking public transit, avoid prolonged close contact with others. • Travel during non-peak hours. • Take more shorter trips rather than one long trip. • Avoid public transit. It means, it's still safe to go outside • Take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. • Maintain social distance while outside. • When you return home, clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if not visibly dirty. The importance of self-isolation Whether you are an international traveller returning by plane, or a snowbird driving yourself home for the season, self-isolation begins the moment you arrive in Canada. In order to reduce potential exposure to the community, return directly to your home and avoid all contact with the public, including family and friends. Do not stop for essentials such as groceries or prescriptions, these can be delivered to your home. What does self-isolation mean? It means, stay home • Do not use public transportation, taxis or rideshares. • Do not go to work, school, or other public places. • Reschedule non-essential medical appointments. • Rely on friends and family to pick up groceries, prescriptions, and other supplies, or use delivery services for these items. Be sure to instruct delivery drivers to leave items on your doorstep for you to collect. • Maintain self-isolation until 14 days after your return. • Do not visit your health care provider or other clinics without calling first. • If you develop symptoms, visit the COVID-19 assessment centre. It means, don't have visitors or visit others • Do not have visitors or visit others during the 14 day self-isolation period. • Do not leave your home to visit friends and family in the community. This includes other individuals who are also in self-iolation. • Do not visit seniors and people with chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, lung problems, immune deficiency). • If you have to be in a room with other people, keep a distance of at least 2 metres and wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. • If you cannot wear a mask, people in the same room as you should wear a mask.

What’s Up in the Night Sky? – April 2020 I n these times of isolation and distancing, there’s still an activity that provides plenty of fresh air, awe and delight. Observing the night sky can be done solitary or shared at a safe talking distance from others without diminishing the enjoyment. A caution: be careful about sharing equipment without careful cleaning between users. There’s a comet in the sky. Looking to the North, Comet Atlas can be found above and to the left of the Big Dipper. Refer to the attached diagram to help you find it. It’s thought to have an icy core only a few kilometers wide but as it approaches the Sun, its atmosphere of boiled off volatile gases and dust has expanded to a diameter half as wide as the Sun. Atlas is about 1 AU from Earth right now (1 AU is equivalent to the distance between the Earth and the Sun). By mid May it will loop in closer to Earth and dip below the orbit of Mercury. Its coma (atmosphere) will balloon hugely as the Sun’s intensity heats it up even more. It might even become bright enough to see during the day! But there could be a catch. It may gas out so much that it might literally run out of gas and dust and possibly disintegrate. Opinions vary as to whether that will happen but its green glow is now easily visible through a small telescope and will soon be observable through binoculars. I’ll give you an update in May whatever happens. We also have a nice medium size meteor shower in April and conditions are perfect. The Lyrid shower peaks early morning on April 22nd when the Moon is almost new. It is most active from April 14th to the 30th. Looking east, its radiant is above bright Vega in the constellation Lyra. Lyra can be found above the great cross that forms the body and wings of the constellation Cygnus, the swan.

It means, make alternate arrangements for children or vulnerable family members • If possible, extend the alternate care arrangements you had in place while you were travelling. If that is not possible: o Minimize the amount of time any vulnerable family members or children are in shared spaces with you, such as kitchens or living rooms. o Keep shared spaces well ventilated. o If you have to be in a room with others, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. o If you cannot wear a mask, other people should wear a mask when in the same room with you. o If possible, use a separate bathroom from others in the home. o Have separate utensils for the vulnerable person to use, and dry them with a separate towel. o Clean and disinfect shared areas every time you use them. o Ensure children wash their hands frequently. It means, know what to do if you develop symptoms • If you develop mild or moderate symptoms after travelling, visit the community COVID-19 Assessment Centre. • Individuals having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately and inform them of recent travel history. It means, look after your mental well-being • Stay in touch with friends and family members through phone calls or video chats. • Try a new hobby or activity.. Check online for instructional videos. • Take a break from the news and social media. • Open windows and doors for fresh air. • Go outside, but stay on your own property. • Remember by staying home you are doing what you can to keep your loved ones and your community safe. It means, maintain proper infection prevention practices • Cover your coughs and sneezes. o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. o Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand. o Throw used tissues in a lined wastebasket and wash your hands. Lining wastebaskets with a plastic bag makes waste disposal easier and safer. o Wash your hands after emptying wastebaskets. o Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. o Dry your hands with a paper towel, or with your own cloth towel that no one else shares. o Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Wear a mask and gloves as required. (information provided by KFLA Public Health)

by Fred Barrett

An observer can expect about 15 to 20 meteors per hour and meteors may appear anywhere in the sky. I hope you are enjoying a very bright Venus in the west. In early April it is nestled nicely in the Pleiades and moves east towards the Hyades star cluster as the month progresses. It will be at its brightest April 27th. On April 9th look to the southwest horizon about an hour before dawn. Mars, Saturn and Jupiter form an angled line sloping upwards left to right. Get up early or have a look before going to work. Here’s the month in review. April 1st : First quarter Moon.

April 7th : The Moon is at perigee (closest) – 354,800 kilometers. It’s also a full Moon. This Moon is called the Full Pink Moon. Native peoples named it after a pink flower that bloomed in April. It’s also known as the Full Grass Moon. It’s time to get out the lawn mower and get it tuned up for heavy pushing! April 14th : Last quarter Moon. The Moon passes 2 degrees south of Jupiter at 2pm EDT. April 15th : The Moon passes 2 degrees south of Saturn at 5am EDT. April 16th : The Moon passes 2 degrees south of Mars at 1am EDT. April 20th : The Moon is at apogee (furthest) – 404,100 kilometers. April 22nd : The Lyrid meteor shower peaks. New Moon occurs. April 27th : Venus is at its brightest – magnitude -4.7. April 30th : First quarter Moon. Stay safe, stay separate and enjoy the sky. That’s a wrap. Keep looking up! “The Beginner’s Observing Guide by Leo Enright is an invaluable companion for adventures in the sky. It also contains useful star charts. It can be ordered from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at www.rasc.ca/ publications. A subscription to our very own excellent Canadian astronomy magazine “SkyNews” can be arranged at the RASC website as well. Let me know how your observing has gone this month, especially anything unusual. I enjoy the feedback. If you have any questions or suggestions you can contact me through this paper or email me at fred.barrett2@sympatico.ca . Clear Skies! Fred.

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 11

Battered down in Battersea — how one couple is dealing with social distancing B by Craig Bakay

attersea is “quiet, very quiet” these days, says long-time resident Alvin Wood. “We (he and his partner Donna) live close to a main road and normally it’s quite busy with people going to work or back and forth to their cottages,” he said. “But there’s very little traffic. “And the village is very quiet too — The Manor and The Creekside are both only doing take-out.” He said he and Donna are both retired but they had relatively active lifestyles before this. “My weekly exercise class has been cancelled and the Township won’t let us use the pickleball courts,” he said. “We have another couple we go for walks with and we still do that but we do keep our six-foot distance. “And there’s no kissing.” He said one thing they’ve discovered is how to use Zoom — the internet based conferencing software. “Donna used to host the Soulful Singing group at our

house once a month,” he said. “But they’ve been doing it over the internet and it seems to work quite well.” Wood is also very active in the Blue Skies Festival, which is also holding electronic meetings. “I’ve ‘attended’ a couple of Blue Skies meetings and there will be another one at the end of April,” he said. “Right now, it’s very much a wait-and-see thing but we’ll have another meeting at the end of May where we’ll probably decide go-or-no-go.” He’s also very involved in the Battersea Pumpkin Festival but he said plans for that don’t normally get under way until May anyways. One thing he has been doing is watching a lot more television than he usually does. “I’ve been watching the new Star Trek: Picard series and it features a lot of Borg stuff right now,” he said. “So I’ve been watching all the old Star Trek episodes on Netflix to refresh my memory on the history of the Borg.”

He said things are “sort of OK but frustrating at times.” In particular, he misses seeing his children and grandchildren. “I have grandchildren in Ottawa, Kingston and Saskatchewan,” he said. “We used to see them a lot, especially the ones in Kingston. “Now all we get is a little FaceTime.” He said he used to be in contact with people daily but “that’s the exception now. We’re all trying to follow the rules.” And he’s been following the news because his son’s wife’s father and stepmother are on the Holland America Zaandam cruise ship that was denied entry into the Panama Canal. “But I see they’re allowed through now and on their way to Florida,” he said.

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH FRONTENAC News & Public Notices

LIVING HERE

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION: COVID-19 INFECTIOUS DISEASE With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region, the Township has determined an emergency exists within our municipality that places our residents and communities at risk. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of our residents. This declaration of a state of emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. During this difficult time, the Township is asking everyone in our community to take physical distancing seriously, especially around vulnerable populations and to stay at home to reduce the likelihood of further transmission. This includes: • self-isolation, • maintaining at least 2 metre distance from others, • avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing your hands often, • regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces in your home. By acting decisively as a community, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our residents is maintained. For more information and the full statement, see our website.

CHANGES TO GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR EASTER WEEKEND Regularly scheduled garbage collection for Friday, April 10th will be picked up on Saturday, April 11th. Mondays regular collection will be picked up on Tuesday, April 14th. There will be no changes to the rest of the week and there are NO changes to recycling. REMINDER – ALL WASTE SITES & THE HHW ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THE SIGNS OF SPRING WILL REFRESH US ALL – BE WELL

TOTAL FIRE BAN IN EFFECT Please be advised that effective Friday, March 20, 2020, there is a total burning ban in effect across the Township of South Frontenac. Despite some rain in the forecast, the ground remains very dry. A total fire ban means absolutely no open air burning including cooking fires, charcoal barbeques, and fireworks; but does not include cooking appliances with a mechanical shutoff. TENDERS • Tender No. PS-2020-07 -2020 Crack Sealing Program - Digital submissions must be received by 1:00 p.m., April 8th, 2020 through: www.biddingo.com. Official forms detailing general specifications and requirements may be downloaded from: www.biddingo.com COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2020 Submissions for the Community Project Grant Program are now being accepted. Not for profit community organizations including charitable organizations and unincorporated groups who meet the project guidelines can apply until April 30th, 2020. For more information and to access the related forms, visit our website at www.southfrontenac.net/ communitygrants SYDENHAM WATER PUBLIC CONSULTATION SESSION – CANCELLED The Sydenham Water Public Consultation session scheduled for April 16, 2020 will be postponed. Please continue to complete and submit the customer feedback survey included in your recent utility bill. Online submissions are encouraged, however, you can also submit your completed survey to our drop box located at the front door of our office at 4432 George St., in Sydenham.

Temporary Closure of South Frontenac Offices & Facilities Due to the developing COVID-19 pandemic, the Township of South Frontenac has decided to close the following facilities to the public until further notice: • All outdoor amenities, such as fields, courts, playground equipment & the dog park • All Administrative Offices • All Waste Disposal sites • Glendower Hall • Sydenham Library Community Room • Princess Anne Community Centre • Harris Park Hall • Storrington Centre • South Frontenac Museum While offices will be closed to the public, most municipal services will continue to be delivered and public communications via telephone and email will remain in place during business hours. Your patience & cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated.

INTERIM TAX NOTICES DUE APRIL 30, 2020 Interim Tax Notices have all been issued – If you haven’t received your Interim Tax Notice yet, you should contact the Tax Department at 613-376-3027 Ext. 2200 or email us at taxes@southfrontenac.net. The Interim Tax notice amount is based on 35% of the annualized 2019 tax rate and assessment value. TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ALL WASTE SITES – PICK UP CONTINUES In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all South Frontenac waste disposal sites will be closed to the public until further notice. Garbage and Recycling will continue to be picked up on your regularly scheduled days. Garage and recycling pickup is available curbside to all residents, including at the end of private lanes. Should you have any questions, please contact our Public Services department at 613-376-3027 ext. 4330. Please note that our Hazardous Waste facility is also closed until further notice. PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION Prior to submitting a planning application, applicants are required to have a pre-consultation meeting with the Planner. Appointment times for pre-consultation meetings can be made for Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm by calling extension 2224. Due to COVID-19 office closures, these consultations will now commence via telephone. Booking a pre-consultation meeting helps us evaluate your application and provides you with important information about the process and associated costs. We encourage the use on email and online submissions for any applications during this time. Please see our website at www. southfrontenac.net under Open for Business/Planning & Development for the online intake form for planning applications. BUILDING & PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS While our office is closed to the public, Planning and Building staff remain available to respond to inquiries and assist in the processing of applications via phone and email. Online submissions are encouraged where possible, however, you can also submit your applications and corresponding information to our drop box located at the front door of our office at 4432 George St., in Sydenham.

TOWN HALL UPCOMING MEETINGS • Cancellation of the April 9 Committee of Adjustment Meeting: Township Planning staff have been working to assess the COVID-19 situation and make relevant changes to our service delivery. Recognizing the implications of the COVID19 pandemic on our partner agencies, and in the interest of maintaining public safety during this evolving situation, the decision has been made to CANCEL the April 9, 2020 Committee of Adjustment meeting.

The Facts About

Carbon Monoxide

CHECK Your

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas than can quickly kill you. Have your furnace and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year and install a carbon monoxide alarm.

CHIMNEY Check your chimney regularly for signs of damage or corrosion.

Have all chimneys cleaned and inspected every year to prevent a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide.

Click on www.ofm.gov.on.ca for more fire safety information.

4432 George Street, Box 100, Sydenham ON K0H 2T0 1-800-559-5862 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm • www.southfrontenac.net

April 2, 2020

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 12 Do your part in the battle against Covid-19

Stop the spread. Stay home. Go out only for essential needs. Thank you, and your community thanks you too! We will do this together, but apart.

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Asselstine Hardware

6826 Road 38, Verona ON

Weekdays 9am - 5pm Weekends 9am - 4pm

Call-In & Pick-Up 613-374-3400

Hook’s Building Centre

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(613) 336-8416 13586 Hwy. #41 between Northbrook & Cloyne

Restaurants are offering take-out to serve community, keeping their doors open by Jeff Green

he first couple of months of 2020 were a mixed bag for restaurants in the region. Some were doing pretty well, buoyed by a good snowmobile season. Others were enduring the winter blahs and anticipating a strong spring and summer tourist season. All of that is a distant memory. In early March, the pandemic was coming and by mid-March business in restaurants had slowed to a trickle as people began avoiding public places. Restaurants were considering putting reserve signs on half the tables to preserve social distancing. That, although it was only two weeks ago, also seems like a distant memory. On March 19 the order came down from the province that all restaurant dining rooms were to close and that only take-out and delivery would be permitted. This has devastated many sit-down restaurants. We did an unscientific survey of a selection of restaurants to see what is available. Moving from southeast to northwest, we start with Lavalee’s Cookery in Inverary. Lavalee’s sells sandwiches, burgers, baked goods and prepared meals for take-out. Specials daily. They are open from 11am-7pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-6pm on Sundays, offering phone ahead and curbside pickup for those who need it. Over at Mrs. Garrett’s Bakeshop, things are running as normal. Open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 9am-1pm. At Ormsbee’s Mercantile, the store carries groceries and take-out snacks, home baking and meals. The hours have been altered slightly from normal. The Holiday Country Manor remains open in Battersea. There is take-out dinner available from a rotating menu from Thursday to Sunday from 5pm-8pm, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am -1pm. Customers can pre-order for scheduled pick-up. The Creekside Pub, also in Battersea, has take-out available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4-7pm. All of the normal menu items, including take-home dinners, are available from the Sydenham Country Café, and ordering by phone or directly off their website is available.

The café is open from Monday to Friday from 8am-3pm (except it closes at 2pm on Wednesdays) and 9am-3pm on Saturdays. As about delivery. The Point Restaurant (Sydenham) is open from Thursday to Sunday from 4pm - 8pm for pickup or delivery with standard menu items and weekly specials. Over in Harrowsmith, the Pizza Place is open from 11am-10pm Monday to Friday and 11am -12midnight on Saturday. The menu is the same as always for takeout and delivery. Ginos Pizza and Spaghetti is closing an hour earlier than normal each day, and also offers take-out and delivery only at the present time. Muddy Waters Restaurant in Verona is open from 11am-7pm from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a special menu, take-out and delivery. MOM Restaurant in Verona is open 4pm – 8pm every day for take-out. Seed to Sausage on Road 38 near Sharbot Lake is offering dinner-for-four specials from Wednesday to Sunday, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery available. Maples Restaurant in Sharbot Lake is open from 11am -7pm every day for take-out. The Sharbot Lake Country Inn has opened for take-out or delivery on Wednesdays and Fridays, order ahead on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm. Pickup after 5:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and delivery after 6. Gray’s Grocery – the Corner Bakery (Sharbot Lake) is open for phone, text message, email or Facebook orders. In addition to meals, fresh baked good, and Gilmour’s meat, they are now offering grocery delivery in association with Cisco. Pick-up or delivery available. North of 7 Restaurant (Plevna) is open from 11am-7pm Fridays and Saturdays, take-out only (note – last week we reported that delivery was available from North of 7, but that was an error) Addison’s Restaurant (Northbrook) will be offering a roast beef or turkey dinner on Easter Weekend. North of 7 Cod Father (Northbrook) is open most days for lunch and dinner for take-out

COVID-19 Update Be prepared to stay home if you or someone in your household becomes sick. • Fill prescriptions • Have a supply of over the counter medication. • Slowly add to your supply of non-perishable food items. kflaph.ca/Coronavirus

Rosie’s Café in Denbigh is open 7 days, and is offering supplies, groceries, and fresh made pies. Take-out and delivery available. While talking to the restaurant owners, in preparing this article over the last week, they expressed a range of emotion. They were all concerned about the importance of following not only the regulations that they always follow, but the extra disinfection at point of sale and in their kitchens, and worried about the safety of their staff as well as their clientele. Many, particularly those who normally do most of their business as sit-down restaurants, are facing significant financial challenges that will barely be offset by take-out and delivery business, which they are offering as a service and a way to keep staff employed and themselves busy. As one of them said, “we look to April and May as the beginning of our busy, profitable season, and now all we see are question marks ahead.” The promise of payroll rebates, easy term loans, and extra time for remittances does little to offer them solace since the only way for them to employ people, pay fixed costs and generate profits, is to keep a restaurant busy.” For others, it is not as hard financially, but the burden of the added work due to physical distancing and extra cleaning, fear for the well-being of employees and adjustments to changes in business patterns, is taking a toll. As another business owner said, “we kind of took this on with the attitude of ‘lets figure out how to get through the day, the week, two weeks, and that gave us some energy. My sense now is, from myself, my staff and everyone, really, is that we are all getting tired.”

Legion Branches, Ontario Command Continue to Support Veterans The Royal Canadian Legion, Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries in Ontario Command continue to support our Veterans and their families through these trying times. We understand that during this time of crisis there are needs and financial distress and we remind Veterans and their families that the Royal Canadian Legion is only an email away to assist. Our Provincial and Branch Service Officers will help in completing any applications for assistance free of charge. Although our Branches and offices are closed to the public, we remain committed to provide the necessities for our Veterans. If any Veteran requires assistance they can contact their local Branch or contact direct to Ontario Command email rclontariocommand@on.legion.ca and if you provide your full contact information, someone will get back to you as soon as possible. We have Provincial staff, including Provincial Service Officers, working from home who are in contact with Veterans Affairs Canada on a daily basis. Our Mission: to serve veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members and their families to promote remembrance and to serve our communities and our country. For further information please contact email: rclontariocommand@on.legion.ca, or as listed below for individual staff: Veterans Hot Line – 437-228-4747 Homeless Veterans Program – jkemp@on.legion.ca and/ or psweeny@on.legion.ca Service Bureau (Aurora) – mrohmann@on.legion.ca and/or adina@on.legion.ca Service Bureau (North Bay) – sculling@on.legion.ca and/or rabud@on.legion.ca Service Bureau (Kanata) – proyle@on.legion.ca and/or shannon@on.legion.ca Service Bureau (London) – rhyndman@on.legion.ca and/or dsnyders@on.legion.ca