Vol.21 No.01

January 7, 2021 Vol. 20, No. 01

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Local Covid-19 Numbers Improve In Late December

By Jeff Green ust like the rest of Ontario, Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) are in the dreaded COVID-19 Grey Zone, with only essential businesses remaining open to public traffic and suggested restrictions on social gatherings.

However, ever since the provincial lockdown was imposed on December 26, the case rate in KFL&A has been steady or decreasing. As of Monday, January 4th, the 7-day case rate stood at 19.2 per 100,000 residents, and the positive test rate was 0.62%.

Under the provincial colour coded system, this would place the KFL&A catchment area in the Yellow Protect Zone. The Yellow Zone is for regions with a case rate of between 10 and 25 cases per 100,000 people, a positive testing rate of 0.5 – 1.2%, a stable community transmission rate, and adequate health care and contact tracing capacity.

The most concerning aspect of the report that was posted on the COVID-19 dashboard, on the KFLA Public Health website on Monday, was one new hospitalisation for the virus. There were 3 people in hospital and 2 in Intensive Care in early December, and those cases have fortunately been resolved. The number of active cases, which topped 100 in the runup to Christmas, has settled considerably and now sits at 45.

These new numbers reflect much of the impact of Christmas gatherings, as 10 days had elapsed since December 25th, but they do not reflect the impact of New Years gatherings within the region.

In Frontenac County, there have been 3 new cases in South Frontenac over the last 7 days, 43 since the outbreak began, and there was a new case confirmed in North Frontenac on December 30th, the second since the pandemic began. There have been no new cases in Central Frontenac since mid-December. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents of Addington Highlands at all.

During a Skype Press briefing on December 21, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A said that he, along with the other 32 Medical Officers of Health in the province, had been consulted a week or so before the province-wide lockdown was announced, but his advice was not heeded.

“It was my suggestion that a regional approach be considered,” he said. “My preference would have been for limitations on travel instead of a province-wide lockdown. The vast majority of the caseload that we have seen in KFL&A has been travel related, coming from the hot spots for COVID-19, like the Toronto and Peel regions. In Southwestern Ontario they are seeing significant caseload increases, all related to travel from the GTA.”

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While he said that enforcing a travel ban would be a “difficult issue”, he added that “I think they could use the OPP. They are able to stop you through the RIDE program to ask if you have been drinking. They could also ask if you are travelling more than 100 kilometres from your home”.

During the December 21 Skype call, Dr. Moore also said that he supports the 28-day lock-down in regions such as the GTA, but thinks the province could consider shortening it to 14 days in Eastern Ontario, if the caseload and hospitalisation rates and ICU use remains low.

“Within 14 days of Boxing Day we will see if there is an impact from Christmas gatherings in our region on our caseload, and we will have the first indications about the impact of New Year's Eve as well.

“I think the Mayors and other politicians from the region are making the case for the province to reconsider the lock-down after 14 days in regions like ours.”

Provincial officials did not signal any openness to amending the lockdown schedule at the time.

And now KFLAPH is not holding out any hope of an early end to the lockdown either.

When asked over email on January 4th about the potential for the lockdown to be shortened in regions other than Northern Ontario, where it was always slated to last 14 days, Jenn Fagan of the KFLAPH Communications Department, wrote: “As COVID-19 cases in Ontario continue to rise, a provincewide shutdown will remain in effect. Public health unit regions, including KFL&A Public Health, in Southern Ontario will remain in shutdown until Saturday, January 23, 2021. This means that at 12:01 am on January 23 the lockdown is lifted (assuming we have no extension).”

The possibility of an extension beyond January 23 cannot be discounted, as the provincial numbers for new cases, patients in hospital, ICU and ventilation, have been climbing this week.

On the vaccination front, 11 hospital sites are listed on the Province of Ontario vaccination website as locations where vaccination programs are under way, and none of them are in KFL&A. When asked about the roll-out for vaccination locally, Fagan said: “Unfortunately, local information about vaccine rollout is currently confidential. We are working closely with our partners to have processes in place for a smooth roll out; however, this is dependent on the product we receive and when it is delivered to the KFL&A area. We are prepared for several scenarios and are awaiting more information from the province, to see which one will work, to roll out the vaccination strategy in our area. We will keep the public informed as more information arises.” ■

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Smith Ends Stint As Warden

By Jeff Green Francis Smith just completed her third one-year term as Warden of Frontenac County.

“The first time I was Warden was the amalgamation year back in the 1990’s, and that was a difficult year. The second time was more of a normal year, but this one was the strangest, by far,” she said, in an interview on January 5th, 2021 from her winter home in BC. (Back of Clarendon) “There were some benefits to this year. I did not have to buy new clothes. I just had to keep the same blouse and jacket at the ready by my computer. I saved a lot of time travelling and a fair bit of expense as well.

But spending hour after hour on Zoom calls is not that much fun, when you have to do it day after day, I can tell you that.”

Not that she does not see a future for electronic meetings and conferences.

As Warden, I attend the AMO [Association of Municipalities of Ontario] conference, and every other time I have attended, the room has been very cold because the meeting takes place in the summer, the chairs were uncomfortable and I ended up doing a whole lot of walking between meetings. I think I was able to pay more attention to the information at the sessions from home than when I went in person. There will be changes out of all this, some of them for the better.”

Even though she has saved on travel time, keeping with her role as Mayor and as Warden has meant more work than there are hours in the day, some of the time.

“We did not have a roadmap for this. As politicians we are also generalists. Who would have thought we would end up being deep into medical issues, safety protocols, infection control? But that was all part of 2020.”

She said that one of the things that she was not able to do this year because of the isolation was provide support for the staff, both in Frontenac County and Central Frontenac.

“So many people have really stepped up this year. Susan Brant took over as Administrator of Fairmount Home just as the pandemic hit. She has done a remarkable job, keeping everyone safe. And I think that with all that has been required from the Frontenac Paramedics this year, having the kind of team leader that Chief Gale Chevalier, someone who always sees the big picture, has been invaluable to everyone working for the service. And in Central Frontenac, Cathy MacMunn has been able to pull everyone together for a common cause. I think that the staff in Central Frontenac are more together now than they were before all this happened.”

When her term ran out in Mid-December, Smith passed the chain of office over to South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewall.

“I was happy to do it. It has been a long year and he will do well in 2021. The County is in good hands.” she said.

Continued on page 8

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THE FRONTENAC NEWS

Physicians' Open Letter to MPP Randy Hillier Dr. Jeanette Dietrich, of the Sydenham Medical Clinic, is also the lead physician for the Rural Kingston Family Health Organisation - made up of 6 medical clinics in Frontenac County and Lennox and Addington County. fter seeing reports from some of the protest rallies regarding public health measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 that have been attended by Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP Randy Hillier, and reading and viewing videos on his website site, Dr. Jeanette Dietrich prepared a detailed open letter in response to some of the claims Hillier has made about COVID-19. (all one sentence) She sent the letter to media outlets, including the Frontenac News, at 6pm, on December 18. At that time about 50 physicians had signed on to support the letter, and by 10am on Sunday, December 19, over 90 physicians had signed on.

The letter, the names of the physicians supporting it, and the references cited in the letter, are reprinted below.

Dear Mr. Hillier: As a physician who both lives and works in this region, I must express my dismay at your recent attendance at rallies protesting the use of public health measures in the fight against COVID-19. I have viewed the video on your website where you purport to, “Stick to the proof and not the propaganda, (Hillier, 2020)” yet it is filled with misinformation.

You imply that COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV2 is not much worse than the common cold by saying, “Why are so many people living in, with such concern, in such dread and taking such precautions for something, for a virus, a coronavirus, that is more like the common cold than it isn’t.” You state the infection fatality rate is “very And thanks for passing our names over to Jeff, I didn't realise he did this kind of work. Fingers crossed that he has some time...similar to the flu.”

(Hillier, 2020) You put a link to an article that explains how coronaviruses can be mild and cause the common cold but there are also deadly ones such as SARS and MERS. The article states “In December 2019, another virus joined these dangerous cousins. Scientists are calling it SARS-CoV2 (Hesman Saey, 2020).” Yet you label this article “Common Cold can be coronavirus” which in no way reflects its contents.

COVID-19 has a more serious spectrum of diseases than both the common cold and the flu. According to IPAC Canada, every year the flu causes approximately 1 billion infections and 290 000 to 650 000 deaths worldwide. In Canada approximately 3500 people die from the

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flu every year. (Infection Prevention and Control Canada, n.d.) Based on the latest Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Case count www.greenshieldpestcontrol.com as of December 17 there have been about 74.9 million cases globally and 1.66 million deaths and 13 919 deaths in Canada (Johns Hopkins University, 2020), far exceeding a typical year for death from the flu, and the year is not over.

You also fail to appreciate that there are unpleasant outcomes other than death. A study in US Veteran’s Affairs hospitals compared 5453 hospitalized patients with influenza to 3948 hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

The mortality rate was approximately 5 times higher in COVID-19 patients compared to those with the flu. The risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (which often leads to intubation) was 19 times higher for those with COVID-19. The risk for a variety of individual complications (heart inflammation, blood clots in the legs or other veins, blood clots in the lungs, brain bleeds, liver failure, bacteria in the bloodstream and pressure ulcers) were each 2-3 times higher in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients spent on average three times as long in hospital as influenza patients (Cates, et al., 2020). Also, increasing reports are coming out regarding the presence of long-lasting symptoms from COVID-19. A survey of 143 Italian patients found that 2 months after hospitalization only 12.6% were symptom free (Langreth & Court, 2020). Among 965 survivors in South Korea, 91% had long-term symptoms after recovery from COVID-19.

(Mack, 2020) Mr. Hillier, you also state that, “The world’s top health experts and scientists have demonstrated beyond a doubt that the PCR test is false and faulty.” “Often, people, if you’ve had a cold within the last 6 months your test with the PCR will come back positive. That is a known fact (Hillier, 2020).” You reference a Youtube video by Dr. Michael Yeadon (Yeadon, 2020) and an article quoting Dr. Carl Heneghan (Mahase, 2020). The comment about a positive PCR happening from a cold 6 months ago came from the interviewer making that statement in the Youtube video, not the scientist. It is correct that the PCR test will detect pieces of viral RNA which may not have infectious potential. The PCR test is specific to SARS-CoV2, the agent that causes COVID-19, not other viruses that cause the common cold and the CDC has stated that swabs may remain positive for up to 3 months after infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020), not 6 months.

Both the scientists you reference were discussing the

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Frontenac Area • 613-389-3999 Senior Discounts, 24/7 Emergency Service, Fully Insured! situation in the UK in September when many asymptomatic people were being tested and case counts were rising but deaths were not. The concern was that, as with any test, when you test people with a lower likelihood of disease a greater percentage of positives may be false positives. This is not an argument that PCR testing is false, it means that you need to understand the nuances of testing. Dr. Heneghan was arguing that contact tracing should be based on positive tests, but restrictive measures should be based on hospital admissions and symptomatic cases. In Ontario we have seen rising cases followed by rising hospitalizations, long-term care outbreaks, ICU admissions and deaths (Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2020). Clearly, we have an increasing COVID-19 outbreak, not just faulty tests.

On November 17 you challenged Christine Elliott and stated the government was over-reacting to the 127 ICU patients on that date. Modelling has shown that once we surpass 150 ICU patients it becomes challenging to continue with regular hospital care such as heart or cancer surgeries. At 350 ICU patients then it becomes impossible (Katawazi, 2020). On December 17, after a month, we now have 263 ICU patients (Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2020), yet you still argue against lockdowns and masks. You fail to understand that if we wait until hospitals are overwhelmed, it is too late.

You end your video by stating, “We know the average age for people who have died with COVID-19, and I state that specifically with COVID-19, is over the age of 80, be, um, (sic) in most jurisdictions between 70 and 80% of all COVID-19 related deaths have happened in long-term care homes or nursing homes. COVID-19 to me on examination of all the proof and rejecting of the propaganda tells me we should lead normal lives with full freedoms and have our responsibilities to exercise our own judgement reinstated and defended (Hillier, 2020).”

Unfortunately, this infection does not just stay in one segment of the population. It is rising in all age groups and has entered nursing homes again (Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2020). If you and your followers exercise your so-called “freedoms” it will drive infection rates, which will lead to more hospitalizations, deaths, disability, and postponed surgeries. I would like to remind you that you are paid to represent all your constituents, including those who are vulnerable due to age, occupation, underlying conditions, or other factors. Instead of spending time fighting against public health measures to contain COVID-19, you could put your energy into something useful such as economic, social, and mental health supports to help the local population get through this difficult time.

While I recognize that it is legitimate to debate the relative risks and benefits of lockdowns, that debate must be based on valid representations of the effects of COVID-19. You are spreading misinformation that minimizes the seriousness of COVID-19, to support your personal anti-lockdown and anti-mask beliefs. You misuse scientific references to give your stance an appearance of being scientific. I urge the public to ignore you and heed the advice of trained health care professionals. Continue to practice social distancing, wear masks, and keep everyone safe.

Sincerely, Jeanette Dietrich, MD, CCFP

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January 7, 2021 Publisher & Editor.............................................. Jeff Green Graphic Designer................................................Scott Cox Digital & Print Sales...........................................................

Copy Editors ............................................... Martina Field, Office Staff.................. Suzanne Tanner, Caylie Runciman Webmaster.......................................................Jesse Mills Reporters................................Wilma Kenny, Craig Bakay,

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Dr. Dietrich

SINCE 1970

The Frontenac News is published every Thursday Deadlines: Classifieds: Friday at 5pm Display ads: Friday at 5pm

The Frontenac News welcomes articles and letters, but we cannot publish all the submissions we receive. All submissions must be SINCE 1970 signed and include a phone number for verification. We reserve the right to edit submissions for brevity, clarity, and taste. Please limit letters to 300 words or less; articles to 500 words or less.

Re: Randy Hillier

letters

Dr. Dietrich's open letter to MPP Hillier presents a different viewpoint on: the severity of the disease, interpretation of statistics and the effectiveness of tests. Each side calls upon cherry picked facts to support their own confirmation bias, but the result is somewhere in the middle so we do end up with compromise. In the final analysis Premier Ford must balance his best decision on lockdowns based on the capacity of the health system to cope with the expected influx of cases and the future economic state of the province.

In an ideal world, the health system would be expanded to suit the demand and contracted when the demand declines.

But clearly Mr. Ford finds that the system cannot be expanded quickly enough, with the result that the existing health personnel are finding it very difficult to cope with the burden our sick are placing on them, a burden that must be as much acute as it is chronic. So we are locked down again - a tourniquet on the broader economic system. As is well known, a tourniquet cannot be tight, or we lose the limb due to deprivation of oxygenated blood.

It would be very interesting to see Dr. Dietrich's thoughts on just why the system is so inflexible - do we not have locations which can be turned to temporary hospital use and willing hands to be quickly trained to complete essential tasks to alleviate the burden on health staff?

Viewed from a distance this current virus event is not only an immediate problem, but also a learning experience for what must be done the next time a similar event occurs - a stress test for our health system.

- Colin Beckingham

Not About Hillier

This is not another letter about Randy Hillier, although quite frankly it mystifies me all this fuss about wearing masks.

People don't think twice about wearing shirts and shoes into stores but somehow think that mask wearing is an affront to their personal freedoms, even though masks can save lives.

No, this letter is in response to what I believe was a completely uncalled for personal attack on Jeff Green in a recent letter penned by Edward Kennedy. In a time when local newspapers are falling like flies, Jeff Green has been doing a fantastic job of maintaining and making relevant

the Frontenac News. I’d like to remind Mr. Kennedy that it is this publication that has so often allowed him to expound on what, I'm sure he believes to be his absolutely correct large "R", right wing opinions. Jeff Green by the Frontenac News keeps us updated on all that's relevant locally, and allows a forum for open constructive criticism and debate. Please don't let this degenerate into the tribal chest pounding and rock hurling that figuratively seems to dominate the political discussions of our neighbours to the south.

To end, I'd like to wish both Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Green all the best of the season and for the coming year.

- David Daski SINCE 1970

Re: Randy Hillier

I just saw a disturbing photo with our "leader", Randy Hillier, at a . gathering of 15 maskless people.

He comments "bring on the law suits".

My, how brave and altruistic. How many kids and easily steered people are reading this tripe?

Everybody here takes the virus very seriously.

We don't need any "baby Trump's" to argue against the science.

So yes, bring on the law suits! Let's vote this clown out next time.

Happy New Year to all!

- Terry Grubb. Arden

Dr. Dietrich

Regarding the letter by Jeanette Dietrich M.D I would like to see all the signature physicians prove their faith in masks stopping a virus by hammering on an old asbestos covered pipe with their masks on.

Asbestos dust being visible to naked eye would surely be captured by a disposable mask if indeed it can capture a virus that is magnitudes smaller.

Its great that some people think covid19 is a "unique " event having forgot the three pandemics and two epidemics Canada went through in the 20th century when caution, not economic devastation and paranoia, was the game plan.

We co-evolve with the viral world. Perhaps a copy of "On the Origin of Species"

by Charles Darwin should be sent to each signatory on the letter.

- Mike McManus

I’m writing my second letter about you Randy, not out of anger, or hatred, or disrespect. I’m writing a plea for you to listen to anyone but yourself. You and your family decided to host a Christmas party with 15 people in attendance. Our conservative government that you were apart of set rules on gatherings way before the holiday season to protect people. I am 15 years old and yet I seem to have more basic common sense than you have shown throughout this entire pandemic.

To you Randy Hillier I beg of you, please try using your voice in this district to do some good, people are scared and dying all across the nation and here in Lanark, Frontenac, and Kingston. You are a business man who has made a fair amount of money from our district, so I have faith that you understand the important of science.

I ask of you sir, please stop the spread of your lies and disinformation. There are those around me that are especially vulnerable to this virus and it’s effects on the body, and I’m sure you have people in the same position in your life and family. But yet, your campaign of falsehoods continues. An open letter, signed by numerous people in the medical field was published pleading with you to stop this nonsense.

But you still persist. You have put countless lives in danger, both directly and indirectly. You still persist. What will it take for you to start listening to the pleas of the people that both voted for, and against you. I have friends that voted for you and are scared of the effect of your words, we are scared Mr. Hillier, do you even care about us? The people you’re supposed to represent in our provincial government.

Do you even care of the consequences of your words, or do you have so little regard for human life that you would rather watch thousands die just for you to get a little bit of attention and coverage. If you wish to keep representing this district past 2022, you need to reverse course immediately.

The things you were saying must change, for if they do not, history will remember which side you stood on. And currently Mr. Hillier, you are not standing on the correct side of history.

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I would like to respond to an article published in the December 17, 2020 edition of your paper, by Wilma Kenny for the South Frontenac Committee of the Whole. Asset Management Plan and Public Services Capitol Budget. Specifically, in relation to the Hinchinbrooke Road project.

For anyone who has travelled on Hinchinbrooke Road for the past 8 months can thank Mark Segsworth as it was his recommendation to what he saw as a better solution than the constant patching that they have had to do on Hinchinbrooke Road over many years. The decision was to pulverize the road, thereby building a good base to form a road top (supposedly). The thoughts behind pulverization is to rip up existing asphalt and then reform that asphalt into a solid surface through asphalt stabilization which is the addition of tar and waterproofing and binding agents to mix with the crushed asphalt.

They missed the stabilization step. The road is now mud, wash boarded, dusty, full of pot-holes, large chunks of asphalt that is being thrown around by the traffic on the road. It’s not bad enough that we must be isolated to our homes, but now we can’t even go outside due to the flying debris and dust.

My husband approached Mayor Ron Vandewal to ask if the speed limit could be reduced because of the construction and condition of the road. The current speed limit is 60 km, the roads department posted orange coloured signs at 60 KM/hr.

Apparently Mr. Segsworth feels that the road is a little rough in a couple of spots and does not empathize with the residents on the road and this was his passive-aggressive way of stating that.

We went out yesterday to pick up last minute items and saw 2 spots on the road where vehicles had gone off into the ditch and 1 spot where someone skidded on the road. We now have a mudslide for a road which makes it very dangerous for people

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COMMUNITY REPORTERS (613) Arden............................. Wanda Harrison................335-3186 Battersea / Storrington.. Amanda Pantrey...............353-6653 Cloyne / Northbrook...... Nancy Skipper Denbigh......................... Angela Bright....................333-1901 Godfrey.......................... Stefan Duerst....................374-1710 Harrowsmith.................. Marilyn Goodberry.............372-0917 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

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Pearl’s Coronavirus Diary: 2021 Pearl’s Unforgettable Christmas: The days leading up to Christmas were very busy for Johnnie and I. All the parties, all the decorating, getting the tree, putting it up, decorating it, holiday baking, writing out Christmas cards, wrapping presents. It was all done by Christmas Eve. Johnnie now has two family pets – a cat named Savage and a dog named Killer. They are the sweetest, most gentle pets you have ever seen. Everyone is scared of them because of their names but they are really harmless. Of course, the cat has climbed the tree and attacked it many times. Decorations are almost all off the tree that we put up, but most of them were already cracked and broken when we put them up, anyway. Killer the dog chews everything in sight – newspapers, shoes, purses, furniture... but sometimes when he chews the furniture, it makes it look better – more vintage!

All the pets want in return is grooming, kennel stays, feeding and lots and lots of love. Killer loves socks and shoes to chew. Killer is the master of the house – he isn’t a very good watchdog. He would sleep right through a home invasion, but we love them devils. Enough about the pets. For some reason, when people start talking about their pets they get carried away.

A couple of days before Christmas, Johnnie brought in a square bale of hay for us to sit on, seeing as all his chair legs are wobbly and broken. So on the night of Christmas Eve, we were having some wine and Johnnie said, “Let’s open one gift each for Christmas Eve”. That sounded like fun to me and I gave Johnnie his present to open first. I got him a new pair of pants that he doesn’t have to cut off in summer for shorts. These are special pants made in they can’t be cut cloth. Johnnie tells me, “You are the perfect girlfriend.”

I said, “I know I am not perfect but I am so close to it, it scares me”. He said, “Honeybun, your present is hidden and you have to find it. It is in something on the floor”. Well, I went through everything on the floor - the garbage cans, the flower pots, the rugs, the piles of papers, the empty beer cases. I started digging at that bale of hay

like a dog digging at a ground hog hole and I found nothing in there but a needle - the needle in a haystack. There was only one thing left to go through and that was the kitty litter box. He wouldn’t put anything in there for me to go digging at, would he? Oh yes he would. Guess what I found in the litter box - it was a ring and when I turned around to show it to Johnnie, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. My heart was pumping so fast you could see it through my shirt. I’ve never been so excited in my life. I am going to live with Johnnie for the rest of my life. Of course, I said “yes”. The ring was a little bent but it was adjustable to fit my finger. Two diamonds on the side had fallen out and it will probably turn my finger green, but to me it was just beautiful!

He probably got it at a city dump. I now have to plan a wedding. Best Christmas ever!

• Sympathy to Judy Amell and family and friends on the death of Jim Amell.

• January birthday wishes to Wendy Crain, Ron and Alice Gilchrist, Robin Riddell, Eayna Tooley, Vietta McInnis, Erwin North, Steve Riddell, Don Riddell, Ruth Jackson, Don and Joelle McLean, Walter Cameron and Marilyn Schlievert, Glen Paterson, and Sue Sworowski.

• Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a better new year.

OMPAH

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

613-479-2570 613-479-2855

• We hope that everyone celebrated the holidays in safe and happy ways. Our family celebrated with a bonfire - masked and distanced outside. The Ompah Book Club got together outside around the fire at Liz and Jerry's home to discuss their latest read. 'Five Wives' generated a lot of discussion which kept folks warm. On to the next book, but will the group get together outside in January? Time will tell.

• As a teacher friend said to me, "2020 - longest year ever!"

But that is all hindsight. Now on to the future. The vaccines give us hope for an end to the pandemic sometime this year.

What kind of new normal will we inhabit? Whatever it brings, we wish you all a happy 2021.

• Ompah Book Club meeting outside to discuss their latest read.

PARHAM-TICHBORNE

Colleen Steele 613-375-6219 Christine Teal mrsteal2u@hotmail.com 613-375-6525 • Hope all had a quiet but wonderful Christmas and all the best in the New Year. Thanks for everyone for doing "what is best for all" this year and waiting till better times are here to gather and celebrate.

• Did anyone see "the Christmas Star" on the 21st of December, where Saturn and Jupiter touched?

• Big thank you to the Community Support Services, who dropped packages at door steps filled with special treats and some protective hygiene products.

• Big thank you to Stirling and Lisa Hamilton for playing music over the Church's sound system. A lot of folks enjoyed this added touch during these trying times.

• Happy New Year wishes are extended to all our readers

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and the everyone. Sure appreciated the beautiful array of fireworks set off on the New Year Eve and hopefully this will give us a "bang" of a start to better times ahead. Thank you to Steve Brown and his family.

• Congrats to Dylan Cox and Jessica Vinkle on the birth of twin boys before Christmas Luke and Carson.

• Thinking of you to Betty Badore, Linda Lowery and Patsy Lowery.

• The area welcomes back to the midst Tom and Cathy (Goodfellow) Mates, who are building a house in the Tichborne area.

• Just between you and me, the world has lost one of the best and most beautiful artists in the country and western field, in the passing of the legendary Charlie Pride. The late Jim Mallette drove Angie, Zelda, Viv and I in to Kingston to listen, along with hundreds of his fans to attend his tour and some of us had the pleasure of shaking his hand! His name will live on in his previous recordings.

• The surrounding area sure was shocked to hear of Dr. Paul Radford's passing. So many from here were clients of his eye clinic in Sydenham and Westport.

• Sincere condolences to the family of the late Kaye Thompson, formerly of Tichborne.

• Taylor Swift said, "Just be yourself, there is no one better".

• Happy birthday to: Brandi Abrams, Jen Cox, Steven Teal, Herb Teal, Mitch Barker, Natalie Lowery, Holli Saunders, Barb Barker, Sam LoFaso, Penny McGonegal, Brad Quinn, Melissa Brooks, Skylar Howes, Linda Lowery, Jane Knox, Violet Gardiner, Kathleen Goodfellow, Levi Teal, Jamie Steele, Joyce Burke, Skyler Peterson, Eric Lusk, Keith Harper, Lenard Gardiner, Lynn Smail, Jessica Hole, Penny Hartwick, Christopher Teal, Colleen Steele, Joy Knox, Owen Tryon, Sherrill Hannah, Anne Perry, Sage Dupuis, Jackson Crain, Beth Sproule, Kelly Lowery, Alyssa Teal, Avery Teal, Alanna Running Adams, Aliyah LoFaso, Jessica & Aundrea Vinkle, Debbie Green, Jackie Conway, Eileen Whan, Bill Young, Bernie Quinn, Carol Belanger, Nicki Gowdy, Phil Fox, Roz DeCaire, Paddy O'Connor and Avery Lowery.

Perth Road Peter Bird

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

• Best wishes and a Happy New Year to our readers.

• COVID News: Due to the present lockdown, Perth Road United Church has suspended Sunday services until further notice.

Here’s some New Years trivia to keep the brain cells working: 1. When was first ball dropped in New York’s Times Square?

2. The first time that January 1st was celebrated as the beginning of a new year was in 153 B.C. when the Romans moved the first month of their calendar back to January. For what reason did the Romans do this?

3. In 567 A.D., the Council of Tours prohibited the recognition of an official New Year. Why did they do this?

4. What famous Frank was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on January 1, 1938?

5. In 1583, what event returned January 1st as the observation of the New Year in Europe?

• Answers: 1. 1908. 2. To coincide with elections of the two highest ranking Republic positions. 3. They disliked that the

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PLEVNA

Rhonda Watkins rhonda139@gmail.com

613-479-2447 613-264-5325

• Happy New Year, everybody, and welcome to 2021! Hopefully this column greets a community that enjoyed a safe and healthy Christmas and New Years!

• If you are looking for a different kind of New Years resolution this year, here is a nice one that I saw: Pick a person and pray for them every day throughout the year. Pray for their faith, their health, their finances, pray for their every single need. Don’t tell them you are praying for them and just watch God do his work in their life!

• Local parents would like to send out a big thank you to Brian and Laurie Lemke, along with all the other leaders and volunteers, for giving their time and dedication to make the last 26 years of Pioneer Club such a great success! Both parents and children have enjoyed the program and will be sad to see it go.

• Saturday evenings may have just gotten a little more fun if you enjoy Bingo! You can purchase your Kinsman Super TV Bingo Card for $5 each at Rams Esso or Petro Canada in Sharbot Lake! Kinsman has been a proud supporter of Rural Frontenac Community Services for the last couple of years!

• I would like to take a minute to remember a special man in our family who passed away in 2007 and who would have turned 87 today, on January 7th. My father-in-law, Doug Watkins. He was an amazing man and is greatly missed by all of us! Happy birthday in heaven, Douggie!

ARDEN Wanda Harrison

613-335-3186 wmharrison070@gmail.com

• Happy New Year to all. Hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday season.

• With the lockdown and the first significant snowfall, it’s quite quiet here in the hamlet.

• Congratulations to Betty and Frank Farnswoth for winning first place for Kennebec, in District #3 Rec Committees’ inaugural award for the Best Christmas Decorated home. Frank and Betty have a fantastic Christmas display every year, both outside and inside, and richly deserve the award.

• All pastoral charge churches will remain closed during the lockdown.

• If you have a special birthday, anniversary, or event you would like folks to know, send me an e mail at wmharrison070@gmail.com and I’ll be pleased to include it the column.

• Stay home and stay safe, and good thoughts are sent to anyone suffering any loss.

CLOYNE - Northbrook Nancy Skipper noahsark444@bell.net

• Happy New Year! “Lessons from 2020: The world can change quickly. Friends matter greatly. Alone and lonely are different. Hope matters. Learn from the past. The small moments are beautiful. Kindness is a great gift. Optimism is priceless. Be grateful for family. Heroes truly exist. Give back generously. Never stop trying. Reach out to those you love.

Live with bravery”.

• From Finnegan’s General Store: It has been a wonderful year here at Finnegan’s and we look forward to 2021 and serving this wonderful community. Thank you for welcoming us and supporting us. We wouldn’t be here otherwise.

• Finnegan’s General Store has started a Wall of Art featuring local photography on canvas. If you are a local artist and would like to display your art, give Finnegan’s a shout!

• Finnegan’s General Store will remain open as usual during the lockdown as they are an essential service. Their Greco Franchise is and always has been takeout so no changes there. If you require dairy, newspapers, bread, Lotto, small essentials etc, please come in as usual. If needed, they will

limit the numbers in the store to one at a time or we are happy to shop for you and bring everything curbside. They are prepared to continue to serve you and if you have questions, please call ahead to the store.

• Great news from Addisons Restaurant: The COVID Comeback Cuisine is here! Don’t let COVID lockdown get you down! You can still pick up a number of specials to tempt your palette! For the Saturdays during the month of January you can feast on pork schnitzel (Jan. 9th), chicken lasagne (Jan.16th), pot roast (Jan23rd), and chicken parmesan (Jan 30th) dinners for $20.00 cash or e-transfer. Every other Sunday you can take out breakfast with a choice of Eggs Benedict or a sausage breakfast bowl. Do not hesitate, call now: 613-661-7551 or 613-336-8265.

• Yes!!! Spill the Beanz is open for take out!!! Their entire regular menu is available, and specials to be announced.

Dropping in is fine, no seated dining, social distancing rules apply, but calling ahead avoids the wait!

• They thank you for your patronage, and hope you are all holding out during this troubling time! Happy New Year!

Hours: Mon - Sat. 8am to 3pm Sunday. 10am to 2pm Holidays by chance 12 Peterson Road, Northbrook. 613-3363385.

• “If you want 2021 to be your year; don’t sit on the couch and wait for it, go out and make a change. Smile more. Be excited! Do new things. Throw away what you’ve been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce. Don’t gossip. Show more gratitude. Do things that challenge you. Be brave.”

DENBIGH & VENNACHAR Angela Bright

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

• The Denbigh Food Bank dates for the month of January are as follows: Tuesday the 12th and Tuesday the 26th, with pick up at 11am at the Denbigh Community Centre.

Please contact Gail 613 333 2224 for info.

• The Denbigh Recreation Committee would like to thank Alice for organizing the Christmas Lights Contest. It was a great success, with lots of homes participating; all the displays were wonderful! 1st prize went to Lorna Lea Burgess-Behm, 2nd prize Elissa and Dan Jackson, and 3rd prize Pamela Rosenblath. Thank you to all who entered!

• The Denbigh library is operating on curbside pick up only.

You may place a request on items by calling the library at 613 333 1426 or through the online catalogue at addingtonhighlandspubliclibrary.ca. To see full details on borrowing and keep up to date ongoing, you can find Addington Highlands Public Library on facebook.

• The Township of Addington Highlands office is currently closed to the public. Staff can be reached during regular business hours at 613 336 2286 or info@addingtonhighlands.ca. You can also find a wealth of information at addingtonhighlands.ca, including updates on the Denbigh rink.

• Due to the provincial lock-down, the LARC playgroups have been discontinued for the time being.

• "Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day in the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson. Wishing you all a blessed new year!

HARLOWE Marie White

613-336-2557

• Happy New Year! “Lessons from 2020: The world can • Hope all of you had a happy holiday, as best as we could without gathering, and staying safe. I wish you all have a much healthier 2021. I missed having the New Year’s

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• Happy New Year, everyone! Holidays were very different this year due to Covid. Celebrating within your bubble was very hard for everyone, and like mine, was very quiet.

When you are from a large family like mine, we were unable to celebrate with out of town relatives which was very difficult.

• Many people are out walking these days of isolation!

Please wear something reflective while doing so. It is very hard for drivers to see them from dusk until dark and there have been reports of not seeing the walkers until drivers are right upon them. Let's be very cautious and let safety be our priority as we enjoy the outdoors.

• The Harrowsmith Beautification Committee and the Golden Links Hall collected $598.00 and 3 bags of groceries for our local food bank. Thanks to Gilmours' on 38, Gino's, Muddy Waters Restaurant, Harrowsmith Pharmacy, Jim’s Auto Service, and Centex Gas Station for helping us by hosting collection containers. Thank you to all who donated money and groceries.

• We would like to wish Barb Garrison a very “Happy 92nd Birthday” on January 12th. Enjoy your special day, Barb.

• If you have news, birthdays, special occasions or get well wishes to submit to the column, please send to mgoodberrysanda@gmail.com or call/text 613-372-0917.

• The deadline for inclusions are Saturday mornings of each week.

HENDERSON Jean Brown

613-336-2516

• Howdy and Happy New Year as we re-commit to following the Covid guidelines and doing our part. Many, many family gatherings and travels were cancelled or postponed until after the vaccine rolls out, so we don’t have too many visits or visitors to report on. However, the kindness, phone calls, neighbourly caring was outstanding. Thanks everyone!

• Deepest sympathy to our neighbour, Shirley Cuddy, and family in the loss of spouse, Ibra Cuddy. Ibra will be remembered for his love of spouse, family and God, and for his help to the community and church over the years.

Continued on page 10

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Party at the hall and seeing all the party goers (maybe next year).

• Our sympathy to the Cuddy family. Ibra passed away on December 30. He lived in Harlowe all his life with his wife Shirley and children.

• Walter Parks celebrated his birthday on December 22nd. We wish Walter some get well wishes as he has been in Napanee hospital.

• Darlene Baker (December 24) and her brother Jim Baker (December 30) and cousin Bruce Rosenplat (December 30) all celebrated last month. Hope you all blew out all your candles on a wish. Happy birthday • My big day was January 2nd. It was a quiet one with lots of phone calls and greetings, plus cards. Thank you all.

• Lee-Anna White (my mother in-law) will be celebrating on January 9th. 106 years young. I was trying to catch up to her but she slips away when I get closer. Sometimes I feel like I have already passed her.

• Some well wish are still circling around Linda White after having medical attention for the flu over the holidays.

Glad you are recovering, Lynda. Take Care.

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PAGE 5

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

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Plantar Fasciitis Part 1/2

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat bed of tissue (ligament) connecting the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. If the plantar fascia is strained, it gets weak, swollen and inflamed. This causes the heel or bottom of the foot to hurt when standing or walking.

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by sharp stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel. The pain worsens by bearing weight after long periods of rest. Individuals with plantar fasciitis often report their symptoms are most intense during their first steps after getting out of bed or after long periods of sitting and may describe the feeling as “walking on glass”.

Factors that increase risk of plantar fasciitis include: Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60; Types of exercise: Activities placing a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissue – such as long-distance running, ballet and aerobics – can contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis; Faulty foot mechanics: Being flatfooted, having a high arch or abnormal pattern of walking can adversely affect the way weight is distributed when standing; Excess weight: Being overweight puts extra stress on the plantar fascia; Occupations: Jobs that involve a lot of standing such as factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can damage their plantar fascia.

Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain, and in some cases if the plantar fascia continues to be overused, it can rupture.

Typical signs and symptoms of plantar fascia rupture include a clicking or snapping sound, significant local swelling and acute pain in the sole of the foot.

PAGE 6

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

January 7, 2021

Triple-Win Available Through Broadband Investment: Researcher

By John Curran any Canadians who live, work or regularly spend time in cottage country still don’t have sufficient access to fast, reliable internet service, according to University of Guelph researcher Dr. Helen Hambly.

With more Canadians fleeing the cities for rural properties this year due to the flexibility and outright requirement for many to work remotely, the complete inadequacy of Canada’s rural and remote broadband network has been laid bare for all to see.

That was the opening sentiment during the Federation of Ontario Cottager Associations’ (FOCA) fall webinar during the talk delivered by Dr. Helen Hambly, a University of Guelph researcher and leader of Canada’s oldest and ongoing broadband research effort, the Regional and Rural Broadband Project, or simply R2B2 as it is known in academic circles.

“The COVID-19 experience has made that need for access come home,” she told participants in the Nov. 21, online event. “Life and livelihoods are changing.”

In particular, she highlighted two critical demographics whose need for reliable broadband skyrocketed as a result of the pandemic.

“The needs of youth and seniors,” have changed significantly almost overnight, she explained. “Their need to access education and healthcare professionals online,” resulting from sweeping public shutdowns makes the demand for change imperative.

She explained there is really a triple-win available for regions, like Eastern Ontario, that look to invest in enhanced rural and remote broadband. She highlighted R2B2 research that showed the positive impact highspeed internet availability typically has on property values.

“It varies by location, but in Halton County property values went up an average of $16,000,” she said. “In Durham County it was more like $18,000.”

In an economic study specific to Eastern Ontario, Dr. Reza Rajabiun has modelled a three per cent jump in median property values, or roughly $7,500 per home, if the region had widely available broadband.

Faster internet would also facilitate greater ongoing adoption of telecommuting practises among employers, which can help green the economy, Hambly added.

This is a point well illustrated in the Policy Brief prepared in October of this year for the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) titled “Economic Benefits of Investing in Basic vs. Gigabit Broadband Infrastructure in Rural Eastern Ontario.” In it, the authors estimate for every worker making the shift to telecommuting, it translates to a CO2 emission reduction of 2,450 kg per year. Based on a midrange estimate projecting Eastern Ontario could expect to be home to some 50,000 telecommuters if and when broadband enhancements are made, the result would be a combined CO2 reduction of 380,000,000 kg annually.

EORN is proposing to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds

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through its “Gig Project” to homes and businesses in the region. Its website claims, “This would be a gamechanger for Eastern Ontario to attract and retain businesses and residents, and to compete globally over the long term.”

“Gig” refers to an internet speed of 1,000 Mbps or 1 Gbps (gigabit per second). It provides seamless, reliable connectivity needed for business, healthcare, education, and other services. Gig speed is also needed for smart technologies that depend on reliable, continuous highspeed connectivity for real-time data sharing.

“Moving forward we’ll have to have faster speeds just with all of the digital integration in our lives,” said Hambly.

“Tomorrow’s speeds are already available in Toronto, like one Gig upload and download, but they can be expensive.”

Delivering Gig service generally involves a fibre optic or cable connection to the home or business, explains EORN, adding that addressing the issue now with a comprehensive Gig solution will ensure that rural communities have the connectivity needed to recover from the pandemic and compete globally for decades to come.

“Not only is there a money in your pocket benefit from someone working from home, there is also an environmental benefit,” said Hambly.

Hambly additionally pointed to economic development as far and away the biggest driver making the case for enhanced rural broadband service. She is again backed up by the EORN Policy Brief, which makes the case that over the initial five- to 10-year start-up period there would be massive gains in both economic activity and resulting taxation.

“Based on mid-range generic infrastructure spending estimates in Ontario, we can estimate that the EORN Gig project will lead to an increase in GDP of $2.4 billion over the medium to longer term as it generates additional private investment and positive externalities/efficiency gains start to translate into measurable GDP growth,” it states. “Expected government revenue from this can add up to around $800 million under mid-range assumption and just under $2 billion in the optimistic case (i.e. high diffusion, high take up and use case).”

Also addressing the FOCA webinar was Maryam Monsef, federal minister for Rural Economic Development, who spoke to the federal government’s perspective on broadband and its investment plan going forward.

“European studies show a 32 to 33 per cent rise in GDP when broadband becomes available,” the minister told the largely rural crowd of online participants. “If I had to hypothesize, I would say that our dollars are going to have an even bigger impact.”

The dollars she was referring to are related to Ottawa’s $1.75 billion Universal Broadband Fund, which has been designated by the feds to enable infrastructure projects that will bring high-speed internet of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (50/10) rates to most rural and remote Canadians. The larger pot includes up to $750 million for those defined as having a large impact, up to $50 million to support mobile projects primarily benefiting Indigenous communities, and up to $150 million for a rapid response stream aimed at shovel-ready initiatives.

On Nov. 4, Ontario’s provincial government also raised the ante on its own level of IT investment, more than doubling down on its previously announced $315-million commitment to support “Up to Speed: Ontario's Broadband and Cellular Action Plan,” with what it termed an “historic investment” of an additional $680 million. Ontario’s total plan now includes nearly $1 billion over six years to improve and expand broadband and cellular access across the province. Joining FOCA to speak to the initiative was

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provincial Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott.

“Our goal is to connect more people and more communities as quickly as possible,” she said. “It’s a time for innovation.”

To put the total federal and Ontario government monetary commitments into perspective in terms of potential reach, the EOWC/EORN Policy Brief estimates that the basic option of achieving 50/10 service to 95 per cent of households, businesses and residents in Eastern Ontario alone would cost about $700 million, while achieving the higher standards of the Gig model with the same penetration rate would require an investment of up to $1.6 billion. ■

Letters

Continued from p6

travelling at high rates of speed.

According to the township they estimate that roads have an expected lifespan of 30 years of useful life. I have been looking over the township budgets for the past number of years and do not understand how something estimated at 750,000.00 in September of 2017, then in the 2020 budget it was estimated at 846,000.00 where only $440,000.00 was in the township budget, meaning it would have to span across a number of years. Now according to the 2021 budget the road repair is estimated at $1,793,100.00. How can the budget increase so much in less than a year?

Anyone travelling on Hinchinbrooke Road (South) please take caution as the road condition is very poor and will likely be for quite some time yet.

- Susan Ungar

COVID Vacation

It should come as no surprise that former Ontario Finance Minister, Rod Phillips should sneak off to the Caribbean during the Covid crisis: Nor that Doug Ford would conspire in this outrage by his silence until he was found out.

In reality, both men, together with the rest of the Ford cabinet,have been largely AWOL between the March onset of the pandemic and the arrival of the second wave.

Despite ample warnings, virtually no preparations were made for the renewed onslaught of Covid 19 now ripping through the community, particularly in the for-profit long term care death-traps scattered throughout the province.

For months now, Ford et al, have been sitting on billions of dollars supplied by the federal government to alleviate conditions in the province's health care system, and have declined to act - instead choosing to issue vague promises to roll out funds for the amelioration of dire straits in the LTC sector sometime in the misty future.

What is unconscionable, moreover, has been the absence of any sense of urgency on the part of Ford throughout this crisis.

It is the duty of elected representatives to protect their citizens and clearly this is not happening, given that many vulnerable people are losing their lives and this inaction constitutes torpor at best - at worst, criminal negligence.

Compounding the dearth of leadership at provincial level, our local representative in the legislature has spent the intervening months systematically undermining the public health efforts of our nurses and doctors in this area with a barrage of misinformation and jingoism.

Simultaneously, in a blatant demonstration of hypocrisy, he has temporarily shelved his libertarian instincts by mounting a gratuitous attack on the OPP and has even challenged the right of private property owners to eject unwanted persons from their premises, who are ignoring stipulations with respect to public health and safety.

What.kind of Ontario do we inhabit, and what caliber of representatives do we have, where the elderly are left to rot in substandard conditions while elected leaders, in self indulgent Trumpian fashion, callously spend their elected time, fecklessly partying in large gatherings without masks and/or secretly frolicking on the beach or golf course while people die?

- Adrian O'Connell

January 7, 2021

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 7

Burning By-law Smoulders On… South Frontenac Council Dec 15/20

B

ackground: In August Council expressed interest in the idea of incorporating a burn permitting system into an updated open air burning bylaw. On October 6, staff presented a new, detailed draft bylaw. There was some discussion about public consultation, but in the end, the proposed new by-law (By-law 2020-54) was passed 7-2 without changes, to come into effect January 1st.

Public reaction was strong and negative. On Nov 24, a resolution to amend parts of the new by-law was countered by a unanimously approved motion to reconsider the whole by-law.

Tonight, the Fire Department brought a report recommending that Council repeal the unamended new by-law due to the fact that it is to come into effect January 1st. . The 2012 by-law would then remain in place until there has been time for public consultation about the proposed changes.

This would also give Council time to plan how a burn permit system might operate in a manner that would increase public safety and reduce the frequency, damage and expense of open air-related fires in the Township, but also be acceptable to residents. The new by-law was repealed with minimal discussion.

Pricing of Road Closure Lands Development Services brought a request that Council approve the closure and sale of a portion of unopened road allowance close to Little Cranberry Lake.

This land would then be attached to a waterfront lot and provide space for a small addition to an existing waterfront house.

Although Council had no issue with the actual closure and sale of the road allowance, the question of the sale price led to the longest discussion of the evening.

Councillor Sleeth, who was familiar with the property, said he felt that the sale price of $2.41 per square foot was much too high for ‘a mostly unusable rock pile’.

He said the Township was paying much less for a similar piece of rocky land to permit straightening the Hinchinbrook Road.

by Wlma Kenny

Clair Dodds, Director of Development Services, said the staff had no flexibility to change the Township’s pricing schedule; this would have to be a Council decision.

Councillor Sutherland, who is a member of the Committee of Adjustment, disagreed with Sleeth, saying these sorts of requests were slowing down the administration process. He argued that this was a fair price, because the extra land would provide space for a cottage extension, which in turn would significantly improve the value of the property. Morey agreed: “If we start into this, everyone will argue for exceptions…whether or not the land is worth the price is up to the purchaser to decide.”

Revill said that although he could see Sutherland’s point, he agreed with Sleeth the price did not reflect the value of the land, which included a significant rocky rise; the useable portion was very small.

Sleeth said the Township had three price ranges, depending on the location of the unopened road allowance in question; Dodds said this particular piece was within 300 metres of the high water line, therefore the $2.41 per square foot. She added that there would probably be other residents in that area applying for road closures; it helped to have consistency in pricing.

Council agreed to the unopened road allowance closure and transfer: the issue of pricing was left unresolved.

Community Newspaper Boxes Post Media’s ad/newspaper bags’ roadside thrown deliveries have led to numerous complaints about littering. At Council’s direction, staff have been encouraging the company to address this problem. As a result, community newspaper boxes are currently being placed in nine of the local villages. It remains to be seen whether this addresses the problem in more rural areas.

Next Council Meeting The next meeting of SF Council will be Tuesday, January 12. ■

Cfka Grant To Railway Society

C

hairperson of the Central Frontenac Railway Society, Derek Redman, holds a cheque for $5000 with thanks to the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area.

The money will be used to purchase benches and waste receptacles with a heritage motif in an effort to create a consistent theme along the greenspace corridor made up of the Railway Heritage Park and Thomson's Cut that runs through the village of Sharbot Lake. (The play structure in the background was also a result of grant money from the CFKA.)

Single Tier Discussion For Frontenac County Ends Before It Starts

by Jeff Green aying he was “ticked off” when his submissions to a municipal modernisation review process in the summer of 2020 were not reflected in the final report, North Frontenac Mayor Ron Higgins presented some of his ideas in the form of a counselor report to the final Frontenac County meeting of 2020 on December 16th.

He said there are many challenges when independent bodies such as the four Frontenac Townships and Frontenac County try to work toward shared services.

“I also believe that we are providing services at higher than required costs. By taking the action to reduce council members, moving to a single tier system and restructuring operations, we will reduce current costs by an estimated $750K per year over time,” he said in his report.

But before going any further, Higgins acknowledged that he was already aware of the “reluctance of this council to consider a single tier municipality” and said that in considering how to modernise service delivery, Council should consider creating a municipal services corporation in order to implement changes.

Later in the report, he provided a very high level outline of a new look for Frontenac County that would affect not only Frontenac County, but the City of Kingston, the County of Lennox and Addington and Renfrew County.

The six point outline includes the annexation of Frontenac Islands Township by the City of Kingston, and the annexation of those parts of Kingston located north of Highway 401 by Frontenac County. It called for the elimination of the county level of government and the establishment of a single township made up of South, Central and North Frontenac. It also sees a portion of North Frontenac being annexed into Renfrew County (The Norcan Lake area) because it cannot be serviced by North Frontenac staff, and the annexation of the west half of Cloyne by Frontenac County.

When the report came to Council for discussion, it was indeed the single-tier proposal that members of council talked about.

Councillor Revill from South Frontenac said “there are a lot of ideas here. For me, at first look, the material

S

needs more clarity about some of the assumptions, and the boundary suggestions would present concerns in those areas. Nor sure if today is the best day to look into it, but I am willing to look at it.

Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith said “I am not willing to look at a single tier. There are very few singletier municipalities across the Province and I think there is a reason for that.”

“I would not entertain restructuring at this point,” said Councillor Bill MacDonald, also from Central Frontenac.

I was involved last time and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.”

Newly minted County Warden Ron Vandewal said “Could we put this off. We don't have a lot of time today.

Maybe we can defer it until sometime in the first quarter of next year.”

Frontenac Islands Mayor Dennis Doyle moved for a deferral, but before that could be voted on, Ron Higgins said that the “reason I brought this forward was that my input was not included in the modernisation review ... I was going to call for an investigation at the time, but that would not have served any purpose. I realise that everybody is against single tier and I respect that, but if the current government is re-elected they are going to act on municipal reform, and I want to make sure that everything we do comes from a single tier municipal perspective because it might be coming ... We do not have to create a municipal services corporation as long as we agree to look at every-

The Maberly Agricultural Society

Annual General Meeting

Monday, January 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm Due to covid 19 restrictions the meeting will be virtual and held via zoom. Please contact Rosetta McInnes at 613-268-2548 or rosettamcinnes57@hotmail.com for information on how to participate and for passwords to access zoom. The meeting is open to the public.

Regular meeting to follow the annual.

thing we do from that perspective.”

Higgins then said that he did not think it necessary to defer the discussion, and offered to rescind his original motion.

Warden Vandewal said to Higgins, “I think you made an assumption when you said that everybody is opposed to at least discussing single-tier.”

“I'm ok with that because as I said I am beating my head against the wall,” said Higgins.

The motion that “County Council open discussions on the correspondence received from Councillor Higgins regarding working towards a single tier municipality for Frontenac,” was then withdrawn by the mover, Higgins himself. ■

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January 7, 2021

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 8

Birthday

Happy

8

th

Birthday Jordyn Ritchie Jan. 3, 2021 Love Mom, Dad & Blake; Grandma & Grandpa; Laura, Andrew, Addi & Hunter

Card of Thanks Thank You ~ Wannamaker

On behalf of my brothers and myself we want to thank our family , friends and neighbours for all their generosity of food prayers and thoughts and flowers.

Thank you Dr. Tobia and staff, Val and the SE LHIN, also the CBI nursing staff.

A special thanks to Melanie Parks and Tim Younie for all your help. Thanks to Milestones funeral home for all their services. We are very grateful for Pastor Joe and Sharon of Through the Roof for a beautiful service. Thank you Ronnie Clark for the amazing music. Thank you again from Donna Bob and Mike.

The Great 2020 Land O’Lakes Turkey Giveaway What a huge success 201 Turkey giveaway Dec. 21/22 Special thanks to Brain & Joanna Milligan of Milligan’s Meats for donating the biggest turkey I have ever seen 47.64 lbs; The Lions Club Of Land O’Lakes & its members for distributing the turkeys & goods; Hunters Creek Golf & Country Club for doing up the flyers; The Frontenac News; And a very special thanks to Red Emond for his help & support.

In Memoriam

OBITUARY

Robin BUTLER (Webb)

RADFORD, Dr. Paul Harold

In loving memory of a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Robin Butler who passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2020.

Time slips by and life goes on But from our hearts you are never gone.

We think of you always.

Loved and remembered by Coryn (Sam), River, Dustin, Janet, Dianne (Chris), Nancy (Ron) Peggy (Steve), Barry and Teaspoon

Brown

In memory of our brothers Leonard who passed away Jan. 8, 2020 Rodger ~ Jan. 8, 2019 Dave ~ Jan. 20, 2011 “In our hearts forever” Bernard & families

“Artie” Teal

He went away without farewell He said goodbye to none But Heaven’s gate was open wide And a loving voice said “Come”.

Beside his grave we often stand, Our hearts are tired and sore.

But through the gloom, There come the words, “Not dead, just gone before”.

Loved and always remembered, Mom & Dad

OBITUARY

And now A big thank you, too all the of the Businesses & supporters of this community Jim Brooks plumbing; Bence Motors; Bruce Kellar; Lacey Grand Services; Fred Perry; Anita’s Hair Saloon; Hunters Creek Golf Club; Hook‘s Building Center; Bishop Lake Outdoors; Tim’s Autobody; Bob Reiser Contracting; Finnegan‘s General Store; Car Quest; Mike Scott’s Small Engine Repairs; Holdens Hearth at Home; Donny Fobert; Nowell Motor’s; Smart’s Marina; Ron Nowell; Superior Food’s; Collen Wagner; Steve Fry Contracting; Land O‘Lakes Vet Service; Insight Dock Designs; Larry Zajdlik, Diana Cassidy Bush, Dianne Walker & Chris Winney Royal Lapage; Lion’s Club of Land O’Lakes; Yourway Home Hardware; Lynk Book Keeping (613-403-4021); Addington Exteriors.

In Memoriam In memory of

Heather Fox

Dec. 22, 1947 - Jan. 4, 2020 It has been a lonely, long sad year without you. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about you. You will always be in our hearts.

Love Doug, Grandchildren Emma, Chase and Colton

DellCoates, Sandria 1947 – 2020 With much love and sadness in her 74th year, on December 17 Sandria passed peacefully at home. Predeceased by her husband Joseph Coates and parents Clifford and Alice McAllister. Loving mother of Tina Avery (Lionel Grimard), Scott (Shannon) Avery, Corky Coates, and Jody (Carl) Frasso.

Cherished Grandmother of Jessie Avery, Robert Anderson, Jesse Grimard, Meghan Grimard, Hailey Sandria Coates, Sidney Joseph Coates, Keir-Lynn Frasso, and Joe Coates.

Great Grandmother of Eliza Avery. In care of Goodfellow’s Funeral home, cremation has taken place with no service to follow. Any donations in memory of Sandria can be made to any animal sanctuary of choice. To send online condolences, flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandria, please visit www.goodfellowsfuneralhome.com

Sept. 30, 1950 - Dec. 27, 2020 Paul bravely passed away at home comforted by his family. Born in London, Ontario, he was raised in Kingston and graduated from the University of Waterloo.

He began practicing optometry in 1975 in Kingston with his father, Dr. David Harold Radford. In 2001 he relocated to practice in Sydenham, Ontario, adding a satellite office in Westport, Ontario, in 2008. Over the course of 45 years as an Optometrist, Paul provided health care to his patients with whom he established reciprocal respect and trust and an appreciation for their life experiences.

Paul was community minded and had served, for a time, on the Board of Directors with the Kingston YMCA, The Sydenham & District Lions Club and supported numerous organizations.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Shirley. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 44 years, Susan Radford (nee: White), his sons Rob Radford (Niki Walters) and their children Mowat and Lena, and by Andrew Radford (Sarah (nee: Brassard)) and their children Jazmin and Shamus. They were the light in his life. Also survived and missed by his sisters, Susan Berezny (Gary) and Cheryl Hayes (Russell), his Auntie Ruth Baddeley, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Paul was a passionate outdoor enthusiast; he ran every morning at 5:00 a.m., enjoyed hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, cross-county skiing, fishing and hunting. He was a story teller, adventurist and conservationist and an avid reader of ancient history. In February 2020 he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma a very aggressive form of brain cancer. Paul received loving care at home from his wife, Susan, and a team of outstanding palliative care providers.

Throughout his remaining days, Paul was drawn to his land where he felt a spiritual presence of an omnipresent force, transformation and the hope for the continuance of life. It was his place where the pulse of wilderness connected him to the deepest part of his soul. Paul will be greatly missed by family and friends and all those who were impacted by his strength of Character.

Donations in his memory may be made to University Hospitals Kingston Foundation 'UHFK' (specifying The Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario); the Sydenham and District Lions Club or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 496 (the Veterans Organization in Sydenham).

Given the regulations in place due to the pandemic, no public service is being held. Arrangements entrusted to James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston, Ontario, K7M 7H3.

You are invited to share a thought on the Tribute Wall for Paul Harold Radford at www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com.

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Smith

Continued from p1

One of the biggest difficulties she had as warden this year was her Internet connection.

She lives in a granny flat with her family and there are a lot of demands on the old copper wired based single line DSL Internet service they have from North Frontenac Telephone Company.

“It has been difficult. I was bumped out of meetings more often that I can recall,” she said.

Ironically, one of the major initiatives she has been working on for a number of years is as Board Member with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network, an organisation made up of municipal officials dedicated to bringing better cell phone and internet service to Eastern Ontario. For 2021, she is currently the Vice Chair of EORN, her second year in that role.

“Working with EORN, I see that the only way to address the constantly increasing demand, and need, for service in our communities and even in remote locations, is through very large investments from provincial and federal governments. It will not be solved in a day, but we keep working on it. I know it is frustrating for many people, myself included.”

As she ends her third term, Smith is not ruling out seeking office again in 2022, which would put her in line for a fourth year as Frontenac County Warden.

“How old is Joe Biden. 78. I may still have some time left. Never say never. The big thing is to remain open minded and ready to move forward. If I lose that, then someone should tell me it is time to get out of here.” ■

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613-279-6446

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www.goodfellowsflorist.com OBITUARY

Ibra John Cuddy - Peacefully, at the Lennox & Addington County General Hospital, Napanee on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the age of 89. Loving husband of 64 years to Shirley (nee McNeil). Proud father of Cathy Veley (Alfred) of Henderson, Beth Bentley (John) of Kingston, Nancy Marrisett of Coe Hill, Susan Moratz (Kirk) of Millbrook and David Cuddy (Kristi) of Peterborough.

He will always be cherished in the hearts of his many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Ibra will be sadly missed by his sister Lola Gray of Northbrook. Predeceased by his sisters Winnifred Hill, Elsie Mahoney, Cora Davison, Ruby Wise and his brother George Cuddy.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, visitation is by family invitation only and will take place at the Milestone Funeral Center, Northbrook on Saturday, January 2, 2021 followed by the Funeral Service in the Chapel. Spring interment at the Harlowe Cemetery. Friends desiring may contribute in memory of Ibra to the Harlowe Wesleyan Standard Church. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.milestonefuneralcenter.com.

Sydenham, On 613-376-3022

www.trousdalefuneralhome.com

613-336-6873

January 7, 2021

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

Handywoman’s First Year Under Her Belt

By Tammy Watson am excited to report that I have survived my first year of running a full-time Handywoman business, and I love it! I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I’ve never operated my own business before, at least not to this degree. As a certified crochet instructor, I had regular clients I taught. I also sold my crochet creations at several shows around southern Ontario, but that was a sideline - it was something I did to distract myself from my career path as a civil servant, a career path that was slowly killing me.

Despite having a pretty cool job with lots of freedom, responsibility, and benefits, I felt trapped and desperate. I referred to

I

my job as the Golden Handcuff. I got to the point though where my health was more important to me than the benefits of the job, and I resigned.

That’s when my wife Mary and I decided to make North Frontenac our permanent home, and I opened Trillium and Maple Woods Handywoman Services. I have always been mechanically inclined, and my mom taught me a healthy work ethic. That combination has guided me to a pretty successful inaugural year. Although I don’t go on roofs or work higher than 12 feet, I have had the opportunity to provide an eclectic array of services including interior and exterior painting, dry wall repair, window washing, toilet replacement, door

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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.

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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CENTRAL FRONTENAC Notice Of Intent To Pass By-Law Naming And/ Or Renaming Private Roads TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Central Frontenac intends to pass a By-Law to amend Schedule “A” of By-Law 2002125 as amended to name and/or rename private lanes pursuant to Section 48 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, 0.25, as amended.

THE PROPOSED BY-LAW will come before Council for consideration at its regular meeting to be held on Tuesday January 12th, 2021 at 4:00 pm said meeting to be held virtually via videoconference.

THE PROPOSED BY-LAW is available for inspection during regular office hours in the Clerk’s department and on the township’s website www.centralfrontenac.com THE PURPOSE OF THE BY-LAW is to name an existing unnamed lane located on the road allowance between Concession 10 and 11, Olden, North of St.Georges Lake Road, at 1180C, 1180D St. Georges Lake Road. “Macallan Lane” as a result of an additional civic address on said lane.

WRITTEN COMMENTS regarding the proposed by-law may be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on January 11, 2021 via email, in person or by mail to: Cindy Deachman, Deputy Clerk Township of Central Frontenac 1084 Elizabeth St, P.0. Box 89 Sharbot Lake, Ontario KOH 2P0 cdeachman@centralfrontenac.com DATED THIS 10th day of December 2020, at the Township of Central Frontenac Cindy Deachman Deputy-Clerk

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handle and railing repair and installation, and window blind repair. In addition, I have help build a retaining wall, done lots of yard work - both weekly and single time, blown loads of leaves, and cleared debris.

I’ve assembled several pieces of IKEA type furniture, provided outhouse maintenance, and built wood storage stands, planter boxes, picnic tables and benches.

Property checks and short-term rental turnover services rounds off the array of services I provided in 2020.

I am most excited though about my repeat customers. This has been my ultimate business goal.

All this despite a world-wide pandemic!

The pandemic has definitely affected my business and my family. I think I miss hugging people the most, and my twin sons have had to move back home. Although they have helped me with a few jobs here and there, they both choose to work fulltime at 3M in Perth.

I may have to stop serving cheese soon.

My wife Mary requires a hip-replacement and that has been delayed several times thanks to COVID. We hope to have the surgery during the first quarter of 2021 and we look forward to exploring more of North Frontenac once she has unobstructed mobility. Mary is also looking forward to making and bottling some wine at Creative Grapes in Plevna this winter as well as taking on more clients herself in her Personal Support Worker business. Late this summer I was a successful recipient for a Small Business Start-Up Grant awarded by the Kingston Economic Development team. I used that grant money to purchase an iPad Pro for my business,

PAGE 9 which helps me provide better service. I am able to keep track of my clients, appointments, invoices and communication pretty much anywhere now. Data and cell service is still an issue up this way; however, all levels of government appear committed to bettering this situation.

My iPad helps me keep my promise of always returning a message in a timely fashion.

As I start to plan for 2021, I can’t help but be excited! I’m optimistic the current lockdown will get Ontario back in business. I’m not sure if I’ll be making or selling as many picnic tables this year. I take pride in my outdoor furniture; I pay attention to detail when building them - I just don’t slap them together. I keep quality in mind making sure my furniture is comfortable, functional, looks good, and will last.

However, if the availability and cost of lumber continues as it has been, then the affordability to make the furniture will be nonexistent. I have already had several inquiries about short-term cottage turnover services for next season. This service was not on my original business plan, but I quickly learned it is a needed service in this growing area, and I have the means to accomplish this task quite proficiently.

And I continue to be booked at least 2–4 weeks in advance for my Handywoman jobs. My goal is to continue to be the go to person for the small job - the job that contractors are just too busy to get to, the job that home and cottage owners don’t have the time or means to do themselves.

I plan to allocate specific days of the week for this kind of service in 2021, and I am seriously thinking about expanding my business and hiring an employee or two to help me keep up to client demands. So thank you North Frontenac for being a part of a pretty exciting inaugural year. ■

Consultants Report On Economic Development In Frontenac County

By Jeff Green an Shelley, of Blackline consulting, presented the broad strokes of a report he prepared for Frontenac County, to a meeting of Frontenac County Council on December 16.

His review of the delivery of economic development across Frontenac was paid for by the provincial government’s Municipal Modernization Program fund.

He said at the start of his presentation that his study was “not about the specific economic development campaigns that the county should conduct” but more about the capacity of the department to deliver economic development. The study was tasked with answering two questions: “What are the economic development activities that the County of Frontenac is best positioned to deliver?” and “What is the model to ensure the most effective delivery” of those activities.

He told Council that his report includes a list of 20 economic development activities and with a department of 2, Frontenac County needs to determine which of those activities they should focus on.

In his analysis of how county economic development staff have been spending their time, he identified “just three [activities] that occupy 75% of the team’s time”.

Those activities are assisting small business (25%), providing/receiving grants (25%) and planning building infrastructure [K&P Trail construction] 25%.

He said that the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC) a federally funded not for profit corporation, also provides support for small business, and the county could reallocate that time. Also, K&P Trail construction and maintenance could be accomplished by the local townships or an outside contractor under contract from Frontenac County.

If those measures are implemented, it would free up half of the time that each of the two members of the department have available each week. Richard Allen, the

I

manager of the department, spends half his time on trail development, and Alison Vandervelde, the Community Development Officer, spends half of her time providing business support.

By freeing up that time, Shelley said that the department would be more able to focus on activities that support investment attraction. The department could also focus on a more regional approach and on coordination with member municipalities who are developing their own economic development functions and provide more effort to elevate the marketing effort for the K&P Trail, which is a potential driver of economic development.

He said that the first thing that Frontenac County and its member municipalities should look at, is to “confirm a clear statement of economic development objectives”. That way, he said, it will be possible to measure outcomes of activities in a more useful way.

In preparing his report, Ian Shelley consulted county and township politicians and staff as well as 8 stakeholder organisations in Frontenac County and the City of Kingston, and looked at what some other similar sized county level economic development departments do.

In receiving the report at their December 16 meeting, members of Frontenac County said they would be looking at the recommendations in the new year with a view towards implementing its findings.

Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith said that her township council will need to consider the report because the report talks about transferring responsibility for trail management to the local level, and about an economic development effort at the local level as well.

“The report says, locally we should have some economic development capacity, and then there is the trail infrastructure piece. I understand why these things are being looked at, but I don’t know that we would have the ability to do them in Central Frontenac,” she said. ■

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Kfpl Goes Fine-Free T

he Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board unanimously approved the Chief Librarian’s recommendation to permanently eliminate late-return fines on all library materials in 2021.

“Hundreds of libraries across North America have already taken this step,” says Laura Carter, Chief Librarian and CEO. “It’s a fundamental change to how we operate – essential to making our library truly equitable and accessible for all.”

16,326 patrons of KFPL currently owe fines for overdue items, and 913 are unable to borrow library materials at all because they owe more than $20.

“Removing this financial barrier will make a positive difference to so many,” says Monica Stewart, Chair of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board. “It sends out a clear message that we are here for everyone - and our staff will be able to focus on the positive with our patrons, connecting them with everything the library has to offer.”

To help make the fine-free announcement, KFPL put out a call for homemade snowflakes. Each snowflake displayed on the windows of the Central Branch represents one of those 913 blocked accounts.

All 16 branches of the Library will join in the celebrations with their own snowflake display. “We would have a difficult time making enough snowflakes to truly express the impact of this change,” says Carter. “913 accounts are blocked, but that’s only part of the story. 6,078 patrons with fines haven’t used the Library at all this year. There are countless others in our communities that

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don’t have a library card because they are afraid of incurring fines or have had negative experiences at the Library because of fines.”

Staff have already begun the process of removing all existing overdue charges from patron accounts. Charges for lost or damaged materials will still apply -- but if you have recently discovered long lost library materials, simply put them in the return chute at any branch. Staff will clear any lost charges from your account, with no questions asked and no late fees applied.

While you may suspect that removing fines will result in fewer items returning on time, other libraries have seen continued respect for due dates along with an increase in borrowing. “Our community values this shared resource,” said Carter. “We’re confident most items will still come back come on time. But sometimes life gets busy, and getting items back a few days late shouldn’t be a cause for worry.”

Some people viewed their overdue fines as a donation to the Library. KFPL would be delighted to receive donations in celebration of this milestone, or at any point during the year. “Many people already donate regularly to help support library programs and services, or in appreciation for the work we do in the community, and we are very grateful for that,” says Carter. She hopes that anyone able to do so will consider donating the amount they would have paid in fines. Donations can be accepted at any branch or made online. The Library is a registered charity and tax receipts can be issued for donations of $10 or more. ■

Continued from p5

• Happy birthday to Lee Anne White, of our area, who continues to rock on, live on her own, and enjoy life. Also happy birthday to Marie White of Harlowe, whose suppers and events we miss tremendously. We can’t wait for the vaccine to roll out so we can go to a Harlowe supper, and really visit and enjoy all the tasty food and fun times.

• Services at Henderson United are suspended for January and Feb and also with the Covid restrictions of only 10 people at indoor worship, all area church services are postponed.

• I remember an old song that wished every day could be Christmas and that’s my wish and hope - that the kindness, generosity, and hope generated over Christmas might last all throughout this new year. Take care - and stay safe.

INVERARY Judy Borovskis

January 7, 2021

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 10

borovskis@kingston.net

• Happy New Year! 2021 – A time of anticipation for what will be. Always a time of reflection. For me, February will be 20 years of enjoying life in Inverary. Counting back, I have lived in 10 cities in my life time, beginning on the north shore of Lake Superior, in Schreiber, Ontario. You have to love the snow when you come from there! Enjoyed my run Saturday morning, especially after the snow plow passed me and I could follow him.

• Thank you, County of Frontenac Accessibility Committee! The Ken Garrett Park Accessible Washroom Campaign proudly accepted the 2020 Accessibility Award (1 of

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The Life Of A Student In 2020 F

By Norah Newton rom relationships to employment, food shortages to mental health, Covid-19 has affected almost all aspects of our daily life. A unique challenge however, is presented to youth. School-aged children have been forced to adapt to a new, and often rushed, form of learning.

“Normal” classes are non-existent, with multiple class and semester styles being used-even within the same board.

As most of us know, Ontario is back on lockdown due to Covid-19. For highschool students, this means school will shift to being completely online, at least until January 28th.

Before the lockdown was announced, Granite Ridge Education Centre (GREC), the K-12 school located in Sharbot Lake, was operating fairly normally, albeit with understandable restrictions.

GREC has definitely been affected less than the vast majority of other schools in Ontario. The classes/semesters are structured the same as any other year which takes the pressure off GREC students to adjust to a whole new system of learning.

Students still miss many aspects of a regular school year however, with the most common complaint being the loss of extracurriculars.

Isaak Normile, a grade 11 student at GREC, stated that that was his biggest dislike about this year.

“There’s no extracurricular activities,” said Normile, “Although I do understand it. There’s no way around it, but for some-

2 Awarded in Frontenac County). Our campaign continues.

We thank everyone who has contributed, and continues to support Ken Garrett Memorial Park and our Washroom Campaign. Mrs Garrett's Bake Shop is still accepting your empties, and the donation jug remains at the Northway Beer Store in Inverary. The LCBO Returnables Trailer will be back in the spring. Think about joining Inverary Youth Activities. New members are always welcome!

• Holiday Lights Contest – and the winners are! Winter Wonderland- Natasha & Kirk Snyder - 3815 Harrowsmith Rd, Harrowsmith, Matt Nourry - 4723 Battersea Road, Battersea • Clark Griswold Award - Steven Nourry - 4733 Battersea Road, Battersea • Elf's Choice Award - Pietro Cutrona - 4611 Fox Ridge Trail, Sydenham • Rotary Calendars for 2021 are now available for $20.00. Enjoy the local photos depicted each month PLUS have 313 chances to win. Available at Mrs. Garrett’s Bakery, Inverary Pharmasave, Maple Country, Sunbury General and Ormsbee’s. You can also call Darlene 613 353 1142. Help Rotary to continue their work in the Community.

Maberly-Bolingbroke Karen Prytula

613-325-1354 karenprytula@gmail.com

• The Maberly Agricultural Society organizes and puts on our Maberly Fair. They will be hosting their Annual General Meeting where this year's Fair will be discussed, on Monday January 18th 2021, 7pm, via Zoom. Zoom is very easy to

one who would usually like school for all the extracurriculars, that enjoyment isn't there anymore.”

Keeley Cox, a senior at GREC, also offered her perspective.

“I’m very sports-heavy, and, especially because it’s my last year, I miss the sports, but I honestly think that having to focus on the academic aspect of school is one of the best things to come out of this school year.”

Another aspect of school that students missed was the freedom they had during other years.

“There’s a lot of boundaries.” Said grade 9 student Braidey Merrigan. “We can’t use lockers, and most of the stuff that was really exciting about highschool kind of dropped, again like the sports and after school activities.”

Even seemingly small things made an impact on students.

“I don’t like having to eat in the cafeteria,” Keeley Cox laughed, “it’s so weird, because the cafeteria is really loud and not a place I was really in during previous years.”

Despite the complaints however, students agreed that they were all lucky to be at GREC as opposed to a school that was almost exclusively online or, like the rest of the Limestone Board, doing “octmesters”, 8 semesters within the one year.

(Norah Newton is a student at Granite Ridge Education Centre, and contributor to the News) ■

use. Please contact Rosetta McInnes at 613-268-2548 or rosettamcinnes57@hotmail.com for information on how to participate and for passwords to access Zoom. The meeting is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; you don't have to be a member to attend.

• Happy New Year, everyone. Here are some notes as to what was going on in our neighbourhood at Christmastime over 100 years ago!

• Maberly 131 Years Ago! – The Methodist congregation worshiping in this Church held their annual tea meeting and Christmas tree celebration on Christmas Evening, Dec. 25, and it was a decided success in every way, the proceeds which will help to defray expenses incurred in building a drive house at the parsonage, and other repairs. After the tea and cake had been served of which there was a good supply, Mrs. H. Rigney, in her generous, motherly way, filling the paper bags in which the cake was served with a good supply, the Rev. Mr. Follick, pastor of the church, after the opening exercise, read over a subscription list, reading the names of persons and the amount they had given over the year for the payment of a debt that was on the parsonage…

This he said, has all been paid. Then came a reading, followed by a solo by Miss Steeje?, a blind girl, who played the accompaniment on the organ by herself and was enthusiastically applauded. Then, came an address from Rev. W. G. Henderson of Perth who said he congratulated the Methodists of Maberly for success in their present efforts, and that he was pleased to see such a crowded house, and that although the pastor asked that he give a speech of ¾ of an hour he would try and not tire them with any long, dry, homily, but he asked that they would bear with him while he spoke about a few important facts…[From the Perth Courier January 3, 1890] • North Sherbrooke – 128 Years Ago! - The snow is gone again, and weather is quite spring-like. Had some of our young men continued their journey to the woods, they would be again returning with the joyous hope of soon entering that sweet spring work; sugar making. Amongst the number of our friends who have returned from the States is Thomas Rutherford, who has been in Minnesota for the past year.

– Jonathan Sargeant’s house will be complete after next week, so the report says. There are some more houses around here that required the same finishing. [Perth Courier, January 1, 1892]

January 7, 2021

Discerning Reader

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 11

The Great Turkey Giveaway

O

Meadow Wilson, 20 months old, is a real page turner

n 21 and 22 December 2020, Lions Club of Land O’Lakes members distributed approximately 185 turkeys on behalf of numerous businesses owners to community residents for their support to local businesses during COVID-19 pandemic. Shown above are Pine Meadow Nursing Home Administrator Margaret Palimaka accepting boxes of leftover turkeys for her staff from Zone Chair J.J. (Red) Emond of the Land O’Lakes Lion Club.

Abiding by the rules proved to be a stretch.

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH FRONTENAC LIVING HERE 2021 DOG TAGS – NOW AVAILABLE! Dog Tags for the 2021 year will be available for $15.00 each, until February 28, 2020. After that date the fee increases to $30.00.

Kennel Licenses must be purchased at the Municipal Office (4432 George St) at a cost of $125.00 until February 28, after which the fee will increase to $150.00 per license. See our website for other locations selling dog tags until February 28th, 2021.

CARDBOARD, ONCE AGAIN With after Christmas and the increase in on-line ordering, whether it be your groceries or presents for family members, there is much more cardboard being accumulated than normal. Please REMEMBER that any cardboard or clean packing styrofoam put out for recycle collection must be cut, flattened and tied/taped into bundles no more than 3’ X 2’ X 8” in size. By tying or taping the bundle, many more bundles can fit in the recycle truck and the boxes do not *reform* themselves once thrown in taking up extra space. Remove all staples and tape and put out no more than Three (3) bundles per pickup (again, watch the sizes!) Packing Styrofoam means the blocks that you would get around a small appliance, not packing peanuts or construction styrofoam. Any more than Three (3) bundles or any loose multiples of cardboard /Styrofoam may be left. If you have a stockpile of cardboard, it will be accepted free of charge at either the Portland or Loughborough WDS when open. Alternatively, excess cardboard or styrofoam may be taken to Kingston Area Recycling, 196 Lappans Lane, at no cost to South Frontenac residents.

ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEM APPLICATIONS – BUILDING SERVICES The South Frontenac Development Services Department is accepting new applications for On-Site Sewage Systems under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code.

In 2020, South Frontenac was notified by Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health that they would stop delivering On-Site Sewage System Services to the Township at the end of 2020. In response, South Frontenac Council made the decision that the Township will assume this responsibility and deliver On-Site Sewage Systems going forward.

New applications and inquiries for sewage systems should be directed to Building staff via 613-376-3027 Ext 2226 or via email building@southfrontenac.net. Further information is available on the Township website at: https://www. southfrontenac.net/en/living-here/building.aspx DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UDPATE - BUILDING & PLANNING SERVICES During the provincial lockdown, the Planning and Building Departments will no longer be receiving the public in person, but will continue to accept communications via email and phone. Committee of Adjustment meetings will continue as scheduled using the electronic meeting format that has been in place the past several months. Information about participation and registration for Committee of Adjustment meetings is available on our website.

Building and Planning staff will remain available to respond to inquiries and assist in the processing of applications via phone and email.

Planning pre-consultation meetings will continue to be scheduled but will occur via phone or Zoom. Customers are strongly encouraged to utilize the in-take forms on the Township website to initiate these inquires. https://forms.southfrontenac.net/Township-of-South-Frontenac-Intake-Form.

Building permit applications can be submitted online, via mail, or in person using the drop box located at 4432 George St., Sydenham. Permit fees can be submitted via mail or drop box.

PLANNING INQUIRIES We encourage inquiries to be submitted using email (planning@southfrontenac.net) or via our intake forms on our website at www.southfrontenac.net under Open for Business/Planning & Development.

Prior to submitting a planning application, applicants are required to have a pre-consultation appointment with the planning staff. A pre-consultation meeting can be booked by calling extension 2224. Booking a pre-consultation appointment helps us evaluate your application and provides you with important information about the process. Preconsultation meetings will occur by phone or via zoom, and will not be held in person at this time.

TOWN HALL UPCOMING MEETINGS Council Meeting – January 12, 2021 at 7:00 pm - Electronic Public Participation Committee of the Whole – January 19, 2021 at 7:00 pm – Electronic Public Participation Council – January 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm – Electronic Public Participation Electronic Participation For those who wish to participate electronically and to address an agenda item (related to a planning matter based on the statutory public meeting requirements) on a Council agenda or Committee of Adjustment agenda, please see our website – Featured Items and/or Calendar for the link to pre-register. Please register before noon on the day of each meeting to ensure you will be able to connect to the meeting.

THINGS TO DO SNOWSHOE & KICKSLED RENTAL Get outside and try something new this winter!

Snowshoe’s – Daily rental rate: $12 plus HST and $30 refundable security deposit per pair.

Kicksleds – Daily rental rate: $25 plus HST and $100 refundable security deposit per kicksled.

Adult and Kid’s sizes available. Visit www.frontenacarena.com for more information!

News & Public Notices MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC As a result of the Provincial Government’s 28-day lockdown for the KFL&A Region, the Township of South Frontenac will be temporarily closing its administrative offices in Sydenham at 4432 George Street, and at 2490 Keeley Rd. While our offices will be closed to the public during this time, most municipal services will continue to be delivered and public communications via telephone and email will remain available during regular business hours. See the township website - News and Public Notices for more details.

DRIVE SLOW IN THE SNOW BE NICE ON THE ICE: Give yourself twice the space between vehicles and pedestrians. Stopping distance on ice is double that of a dry road GO SLOW IN THE SNOW: Slow down and drive according to weather conditions, not the speed limit IT’S NOT A RACE, GIVE PLOW SPACE: Snow plows are extra wide and can create clouds of snow – both of which reduce visibility and increase the risk of collision. It’s best to wait for the plow to pull over before you pass. See www. snowhow.ca To familiarize you with how our Public Services Department manage the winter road conditions, our Winter Control Plan can be found at www.southfrontenac.net under Winter Maintenance.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS The parking of vehicles on Township roads and village streets from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 a.m. is not permitted from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Pursuant to Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act “No person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without permission in writing from the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road”.

Please be advised that the Township of South Frontenac will NOT be responsible for damages to mailboxes, newspaper boxes, recycle boxes or parked cars where said boxes or vehicles interfere with the winter maintenance of Township roads.

FRONTENAC COMMUNITY ARENA SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR TIME CAPSULE The FCA is replacing the Arena’s 44-year-old refrigerated floor. As a surprise to future FCA users, a time capsule will be buried under the new arena pad for future users to find when the pad needs to be replaced again in a few decades.

The community is invited to submit items to be included in the time capsule. Submissions will be accepted until February 1st, 2021. For more information contact Joy at 613-374-2177 or Frontenac.Arena@bellnet.ca.

ATTENTION HARROWSMITH RESIDENTS – COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN EXTENDED! Council approved the extension of the Community Improvement Plan for Harrowsmith to October 31, 2024. This program focuses on redevelopment, revitalization, prosperity and beautification of the village. For details see the website - https://www.southfrontenac.net/en/open-for-business/Community-Improvement-Plan.aspx RECREATIONAL FACILITIES UPDATE Effective December 24, 2020 all South Frontenac facilities are closed. Closures will continue for at least the duration of the Provincial lockdown. Any booking fees for dates within this closure will be refunded.

Visit www.southfrontenac.net/en/things-to-do/south-frontenac-halls for the latest information.

MUNICIPAL OFFICES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – MASKS REQUIRED Due to Order from the KFLA Public Health Medical Officer of Health dated June 27, 2020, all members of the public (and staff) are required to wear a mask while visiting our office. Please see our website under News and Public Notices for the Public Service Announcement that provides greater detail on what you can anticipate new protocols.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION: COVID-19 INFECTIOUS DISEASE 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.

Follow us on Facebook – @SouthFrontenacTwp Follow us on Twitter - @SthFrontenacTwp

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

January 7, 2021

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 12

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Editorial: Hoping Our Will Doesn't Slip, And That Our Luck Doesn't Run Out

by Jeff Green ike a lot of people in Ontario, I did not know that Rod Phillips was the Finance Minister. His name was vaguely familiar, but as someone living far from the corridors of power or in the Conservative Party orbit, I know nothing of Mr. Phillips or the island of St. Barts.

When word came out about his trip, and his misleading tweets that indicated he was at home like the rest of us eating maple syrup and pancakes over the holidays, I took it as a fun scandal to talk about.

We all love hearing how the mighty have fallen.

When we then heard that all ministers inform the Premier's Office when they leave the country, and then that Premier Ford did not call Phillips back to Ontario until the story had come out, it started to look like this was more than an isolated incident.

We now know about other politicians who have been flouting the advice of Public Health to stay close to home in order to keep everyone safe. We also know that there is no real travel ban.

Anyone can fly anywhere, for any reason. The travel ban is really only a prohibition on driving to the United States for non-essential reasons.

Lots of people are flying to the South, while the rest of us are refraining from visiting family and friends not only to keep ourselves safe, but to keep everyone safe.

There is something wrong with this picture.

Then, on Christmas Day, our MPP, Randy Hillier posted a picture of a gathering at his house. People were not distanced and not masked. Nothing about the picture was surprising given the po-

L

sition Hillier has taken about COVID-19 restrictions, and I found myself hoping no one would respond to the tweet.

He only posted it so that people would react and that would give him an opportunity to continue to carry out what I consider to be a misguided and dangerous crusade. Hillier consistently claims that behaviour that puts others at risk is merely the expression of his personal freedom. He also claims that COVID-19 should be left to take its course, which we know would result in widespread illness and death.

Some commentators have said that, while they disagree with Randy Hillier, at least he has been upfront and honest about what he is doing, while Rod Phillips lied and snuck off to his winter holiday.

What Phillips did was reveal how entitled he is. He is a major player in a government whose main message has been that we all need to restrict our behaviour in order to keep everyone safe, and he did not feel bound by that message. He clearly felt his personal needs were more pressing than ours,and therefore that he is more important than we are.

Hillier is honest about his political stance, but he gloms on to any statement he can find that supports his position, no matter how unreliable it is, while at the same time calling people who disagree with him idiots and liars.

He even tried to use an ugly incident that resulted in the tasering and arrest of his sons, who were removed from a bar by police and then refused to disperse, as a supposed case of COVID19 related overzealousness by police.

He said his sons were only trying to diffuse the situation. That is not true,

30 Years Caring For Local Children

not in the least, a and yet he has not acknowledged it at all.

He claims he knows more than the rest of us, more than Public Health Officials, more than all the politicians, more than the journalists who have been covering the pandemic. He claims to be a champion of the individual, but when he tweeted that image of his family gathering at Christmas as if the pandemic was not real, he was thumbing his nose at everyone in his riding and the province as a whole who did not gather as he did, who decided to care for their neighbours instead.

Both Hillier and Phillips have muddied the waters as we all face restrictions that we don't like.

The whole COVID-19 response is about how much we collectively care about the people in our communities who are the most vulnerable. It is a test of our collective will to care for each other; a long, hard test.

On the whole, our community has been up to the test, but we also need to remember that we have been very lucky as well, thus far. ■

OPP Report Driving Complaint Leads To Several Charges

On December 21, 2020, just before 7:30 p.m. members of the Frontenac Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a driving complaint of two vehicles being driven in dangerous manner at excessive speeds travelling westbound on Rutledge Road near Sydenham in South Frontenac Township.

Police stopped the vehicles on Rutledge Road and as a result of the investigation the 30 year old driver was charged with: Dangerous Driving, Possession of a weapon, Breach of probation , Possession of controlled substance, and Stunt driving.

The 31 year old driver was charged with: Dangerous Driving, Possession of controlled substance, and Stunt driving.

The licences of both drivers were suspended and the vehicles were towed and impounded for seven days.

The names of the accused are being withheld as the investigation is on-going.

The involved vehicles were both Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks. One was black and the other grey in colour.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Frontenac OPP at 613-372-1932. ■

Reader Supported News

We are committed to delivering community news free of charge, each week through Canada Post. In this way, we ensure 12,500 households receive a copy of the Frontenac News each week.

We do not have a paywall on either of our two websites, Frontenacnews.ca (which we load with the stories from the paper and update throughout the week as well) and Frontenac-live.ca (where comprehensive event listings and a complete business directory are located).

We remain committed to providing information for free thanks to the revenue generated by our advertisers.

However, mailing and websites incur costs. Therefore we are asking for support from those of our readers who can afford it. Delivery of The Frontenac News each week costs $30.00 per year to each home, if a small portion of our readers are able to pay $30, $50 or $100, it would be a big help to us.

We have enlisted online help for this by registering with Patreon.com, which is a service that was set up for makers of cultural products based on small, monthly payments (USD), or we can accept payment at our office by credit card, Interac, email payments, cheque or cash.

For your support, we are offering a thank you in the form of a free 20 word classified ad for any contribution over $12 To become a patron contact

Susan Wilby has been the Manager of the Daycare at the Child Centre in Sharbot Lake since it opened in 1990. She cared for some of the parents of the children she is caring for now, along with thousands of others. Here she is with some of the children whose handprints were part of the gift she received on the 30th anniversary of the Centre in late December.

The Frontenac News, PO Box 229, 1095 Garrett St. Sharbot Lake ON K0H 2P0 613-279-3150 info@frontenacnews.ca www.frontenacnews.ca