Vol.23 No.07

Frontenac’s Got Talent

By Kelli McRobert

alent shows have come a long way since their humble beginnings and then promotion to being televised in the late 1940s. The genre of reality TV was launched and audiences couldn’t get enough of oftentimes ‘quirky’ performances. Fast forward to 2023 and we still see an appetite for shows such as the Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars.

T

This past weekend, Sharbot Lake hosted it’s annual Heritage Festival Talent Show to coincide with local Family Day activities. Spectators were asked to provide a donation to the local food bank, as an entry fee, and the more than 100 guests packed the place with curious enthusiasm. The ten selected performers anxiously awaited backstage as the MC for the night Robert Moore, welcomed the crowd and performed a parody song “It’s Cold in Sharbot Lake”.

Robert has been a member of the Heritage Committee for 6+ years, and this has been his main focus to showcase the great talent the region has to offer. He noted that it also provides another opportunity to boost donations to the local food bank and bring the community together, since they had been on a brief hiatus during the COVID lockdowns and restrictions. Craig Middleton is the new councillor who will be leading the group for the next year, and the hope is to encourage new members to join the group of 4 volunteers to continue the festival planning this Fall for the Winter 2024 events.

While the audience filed in, the performers limbered up and warmed up their voices and instruments. The judges set up for an evening of positive reinforcement as

they assessed which performer deserved the coveted crown of best of show. The judges this year all had a background in music and were as follows: Chris Jones, Jonas Bonnetta, and Julia Shaw. The popcorn was donated by ReMax and the Local Brewer was on hand with some Parham brew to sip while you enjoyed the show. While the show is somewhat less formal than those televised it was no less competitive as the 3 judges kept the audience energized while 10 performers demonstrated their creative skills. The performers were: Audrey Bateman, Dave Dawson, Emily Goodfellow, The Mitchie Girls (Evie and Izzy), Taylor and Emily Trussel, Allan Cooke, Karate Demo, Aurora Davis, Mike Proctor, and Marc Giroux. The performers wowed the crowd for over 2 hours and ranged in age from young to young at heart. When I spoke with Robert, he expressed his thanks to the North Frontenac Little Theatre Company for their support along with the volunteers including the Rec3 Committee, and Lee Casement who donated his time to work the sound board.

As the last of the performances ended, it was time for the judges to review their notes and take a quick huddle to determine the grand prize winner. It was decided that the songstress Aurora Davis was the winner of the crown for crown for this year for her vocal performance. The grade 8 student took to the stage to receive her crown, sash, and floral bouquet, taking one final bow, to close out yet another successful Heritage event.

Congratulations to Aurora, and everyone who performed on a job well done! We look forward to seeing who will take on the challenge next year! ■

“This Is Not A Wish-List Budget,” Says North Frontenac Treasurer

By Craig Bakay

N orth Frontenac began its special budget Council meeting Feb. 16 looking at a 4.81 raise in tax dollars to be levied in 2023. That represents $6,847,969 or an additional $314,427. By the end of a rather long day, Council and staff had whittled that back to a 4.78 per cent increase and instructed staff to take another look and cut that back further, “if feasible.”

Treasurer Kelly Watkins told Council that to reduce the levy by 1 per cent would take cuts of $68,000.

“If you want to bring it down more, you’re getting into service reduction,” said CAO Corey Klatt. “We had more than $400,000 in inflationary increases (fuel costs, heat, hydro, wages, benefits, insurance, etc) but we’re only asking for an increase of $312,000 in taxes to be raised.”

“It will be a struggle, this is not a wishlist budget,” said Watkins.

“The higher we raise taxes, the less

likely we’ll be able to attract development,” said Coun. Vern Hermer.

The meeting started out rather optimistically, with Watkins noting there has been a modest 0.89 per cent growth in assessment.

Council then began approving several requests, some of which have no levy implications since they’d be funded out of reserves such as $5,000 to go towards a “summer event” which would come out of a $33,000 economic development reserve fund.

Even so, there was opposition to this as Coun. Wayne Good said: “it’s not going to affect all of the taxpayers, only a few.”

Then there was a request for $5,000 to cover some expenses in the ongoing quest to recruit new doctors to the area.

Mayor Gerry Lichty suggested that Central Frontenac was only donating $3,000 for this but only managed to recruit Good to his way of thinking.

“I’m more in favour of this than I am for a fun day in the summer,” said Good.

Council also approved $5,600 for a Rural Frontenac Community Services Youth program and $25,000 for a permit planning system in conjunction with the County of Frontenac and featuring similar contributions from the other three member Townships.

“Maybe we should be looking at a contract planner again,” said Good, a senti-

ment echoed by Hermer.

But the rest of Council appeared swayed by Clerk/Planning Manager Tara Mieske’s explanation.

“This (system) should be more efficient,” Mieske said. “Plus there will be some additional advantages such as telling someone ‘you can have your addition

Attempted Arson in Sydenham

Members of the Frontenac County Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating reports of an attempted arson in Sydenham.

On February 16, 2023 just after 7:30 a.m., Frontenac officers responded to a commercial building on George Street for reports of mischief. Investigators found evidence that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the building, causing damage to a window and the steel exterior.

OPP believe this incident occurred on February 15, 2023 at approximately 11:00

p.m.

OPP Forensic Identification Services attended to assist. The Ontario Fire Marshall and local fire department were also notified.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Frontenac OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. ■

Aurora Davis, winner of the Frontenac's Got Talent contest held Friday, February 11. 2023

Frontenac County Council Approves Minor Budget Revisions

By Jeff Green

F rontenac County Council met for over 8 hours, over two days, between February 8th and 9th, on the 2023 budget. Those sessions were made up of presentations by each of the department heads outlining their service models and spending proposals for the coming year.

The draft budget, that was presented to council at the start of the meetings, called for an increase of 8.95% in the amount that Frontenac County ratepayers will be levied this year for county services.

The presentations were followed by a budget debate after lunch on February 9, which resulted in only a tiny cut, $2,358 cut (0.2%), in the levy to ratepayers, which will be almost $12.5 million this year, up by over $1million from 2022.

However, county staff also pointed to an increase in property assessment throughout the county of 1.28% due to new construction, from recent years, coming onto the tax rolls, mitigating the impact of the increase to 7.6% for most property owners in the county.

When the budget came to the regular monthly Frontenac County Council meeting on February 15, it was approved without comment from members of council.

In 2023, Frontenac County ratepayers will pay $208 for every $100,000 in assessed property that they own, to Frontenac County. This amount will be included in the property tax bill, along with township and education taxes.

Short meeting

Before considering the budget, and some other

housekeeping motions, Council spent a little over a half hour listening to Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Pender’s monthly presentation.

Pender outlined, not only his own activities over the past month, but also how a number of regional and provincial issues have been playing out this winter, and how they may progress throughout the rest of 2023.

One of those issues is housing, a local, regional and provincial priority.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, of which Frontenac County is a member, made a presentation to provincial officials late in January about regional initiatives. Two projects in Frontenac County, one in South Frontenac (a proposed seniors housing project in Verona) and one in Central Frontenac (a project being developed at the former Sharbot Lake Public School site) may be in line for provincial funding support as pilot projects in Eastern Ontario.

CAO Pender also provided Council with an update on the upgrade to the Frontenac County offices on Battersea Road in Glenburnie.

“The electrical work is complete, and 1/2 of the drywall is up. We are anticipating either an in-person or virtual tour will take place, for members of the joint administrative committee, in a couple of weeks. All of the abatement measures for asbestos have been completed as well,” he said.

Because of earlier construction delays, the anticipated move-in date for county staff is December of this year.

The Glenburnie site will also see the construction of a new ambulance base in 2023, and a long term plan

but you’ll have to re-vegetate here.’”

“This may eliminate a lot of the minor things that come before the committee of adjustment,” said Coun. Fred Fowler.

One proposal that went absolutely nowhere was to create a private lane (funding) assistance program like South Frontenac offers. Und the South Frontenac program, the Township provides up to $7,000 to upgrade private lanes.

“We have about 200 private lanes and staff feels it’s something we can’t afford,” said Klatt.

“I have a problem spending money on private lanes when there are Township roads where we’ve turned down similar requests,” said Public Works Manager

to tear down or renovate Fairmount Home, the countyowned long term care facility on the site, is in the very early planning stages.

Two items of note, at the meeting, both related to responses to cardiac arrests;

Fairmount Home staff members Solleen Noble, Crystal Hawley, Laurie Bresee, Tammy Bush, Kaie Milligan, Chloe Aird-Tousignant, and Olivia Carey were commended in recognition of their quick work to provide assistance to an individual suffering cardiac arrest, in the vicinity of the home.

Council also passed a motion commending Emergency Room Doctor, and Queen's associate professor, Dr. Steven Brooks, for the neighbours saving neighbours program, a pilot project whereby community volunteers across Frontenac are trained in CPR and the safe use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

Through a mobile app, volunteers are then available to be notified by the Central Ambulance Communications Centre in Kingston when they are in a position to arrive on the scene of a cardiac arrest, in advance of paramedics, in order to begin resuscitation efforts quickly.

Further information on the program is available at engagefrontenac.ca/neighbours-saving neighbours. Further information on the program is available at engagefrontenac.ca/neighbours-saving neighbours. ■

Darwyn Sproule.

“Not to mention it would be an administrative nightmare,” said Good.

Council also turned down Fowler’s request for more winter hours at the Mississippi Waste Site.

“We’re trying to decrease the budget, not add to it,” said Lichty.

When the conversation turned to potential revenue sources, there was a suggestion of hiring a summer student to check dog tags.

But Hermer shot that down, saying: “I don’t believe we’d recoup enough to justify hiring someone to count dogs.”

Council did cut the budget a bit when it deleted the $1,000 per councillor health benefit.

As the meeting wound down, staff agreed to take another look at it and meet back on March 3.

“We could cut that $5,000 for a party in the summer,” Good reiterated.

Klatt did float the idea of taking $25,000 out of the contingency reserve fund but “that would be a real gamble,” said Dep. Mayor John Inglis.

“We’re not OK with it (the budget), but at this point, pulling anything would be a reduction in service,” Inglis said. ■

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Central Frontenac Continues Budget Discussions

By Craig Bakay

Central Frontenac Council began its Feb. 14 meeting 2 hours early in order to continue budget discussions.

Treasurer Michael McGovern told Council that after numbers had been tweaked, there will be a 2.9 per cent increase in the municipal tax levy which will come in at $9,602,505.

“That’s with the expected 8.9 per cent County increase added in,” he said. “Which means that for every $100,000 in assessment, the increase will be $33.

“Reserves will be sitting at $4.297 million at the end of the year, the proposed recreational needs study (about $50,000) has been removed and the salary and benefits increase is now down to $348,000.”

He said they will be pulling $2.2 million from reserves this year but since they are putting money into reserves, they will be left with a net of $4.297 million.

“The options are: raise taxes, take out a loan, pull from reserves or don’t do capital projects,” he said.

“Part of that was raised for projects that didn’t get done,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

“The reserves should be used to fund capital projects,” McGovern said. “But

there are some funds being used to cover operating expenses.”

Dep. Mayor Phillip Smith noted that continuing to draw from reserves won’t be sustainable in the long run and predicted a large levy increase might be necessary somewhere along the line.

“And we need to look at service levels, staffing levels and all the things that go into the budget,” he said.

“And I think one of the ways to be in a better position is that if we need to meet a financial commitment for a grant, we just don’t apply for it,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “And the other thing is we need to get our properties reassessed in this community because 2016 values don’t make any sense.

“If our assessment goes up, then our tax rate will go down to match it. We’re not going to say ‘now we can spend a million more.’”

She said “we’ll have to tighten our belts to make sure 2023 is not in a deficit position.”

“Twenty-twenty-two will definitely be in a deficit position,” McGovern said.

Left in the roads budget is the resurfacing of the Westport Road, (about $763,000), the pavement preservation program at

$235,690, Mathew Street at $25,000 and Arden Road at $579,017. There will be an additional discussion on Mathew Street before the $25,000 is spent.

They also decided to leave in $100,000 for a tarp for the salt dome, $50,000 for improved automatic vehicle locators (which should help with insurance costs) and a roads study for $50,000 (which CAO/ Clerk Cathy MacMunn called a “budgeting tool.”)

Council gave public works permission to go ahead and tender some time-sensitive jobs and the final budget is to be brought back to Council for passage at the Feb. 28 meeting.

Frontenac Business Services

Anne Pritchard, executive director of Frontenac Business Services, gave a presentation on the services they provide for area businesses including consulting, loans and business promotion.

“I’ve come to thank you for your support in previous years but also to let you know about the programs and services we’re offering now because until someone needs our service, they’re not really looking for us,” Pritchard said. “So, if you’re able to provide that information for them to come to us, we can assist the businesses of the

community.”

Waste Amnesty Approved

Despite every public works manager in Central Frontenac history trying to get rid of it, the waste disposal amnesty program will stay for 2023 as a motion to scrap it was defeated.

Under the program, residents are allowed essentially one free load of garbage (ie, without tipping fees) at the Olden Waste Site. Details of how this year’s program will operate have yet to be worked out (times, days, etc).

“If we can avoid any sort of roadside dumping, I’m in favour of it,” said Coun. Nicki Gowdy. “There’s not a lot in this budget for residents.”

“When we made tires free, it didn’t change anything,” said Coun. Bill Everett. “They still get dumped on the roadside.”

Bob Harvey Remembered

Mayor Frances Smith acknowledged the recent passing of Bob Harvey, longtime Council member and Sharbot Lake barber.

“We may have to name that building (the Township bought Harvey’s former barber shop to use as the public works offices as it is right across the street from the Township Office). ■

Union Unimpressed With County Upgrades To Paramedic Service

By Jeff Green

rontenac County announced a $1million investment in paramedic services in the wake of passing their 2023 budget last week, but according to Shauna Dunn, President of OPSEU Local 462, the money is neither new, nor does it address the issues facing the service, and the paramedics who work within it.

F

She said that the addition of new 12 hour shifts in Kingston on April 1 and October 1 are welcome, but said the increases are not as new as the county said they are.

“The first 12-hour shift, starting in April, has been in the works for years,” she said,

Tuesday Lunch

Perth Road Sunday School Hall

5622 Perth Road Crescent, Perth Road Village.

Every Tuesday. Euchre at 10:00 lunch at noon.

Soups, sandwiches, dessert, coffee & tea. $8.00

Come & meet your neighbours.

“and while the new shift in October is an additional resource, it is paired with a cut in service of 8 hours on Wolfe Island, so the only new funding is for 4 of those 12 hours.”

During her budget presentation to Council on February 8th, Chief of Frontenac Paramedic Services Gale Chevalier provided three options to Council regarding the new service. One option was to leave the Wolfe Island service in place, even though Chevalier pointed out that only 6 shifts had actually been staffed on Wolfe Islands in 2022, and none so far in 2023.

The second option was to replace the Wolfe Island service with a regular 12hour service on Wolfe Island, the same service that is offered at Robertsville for North Frontenac residents, in addition to the new shift in Kingston.

The third option, which was the one that Council adopted, was to cut the Wolfe Island service, and use the savings to fund part of the new shift in Kingston.

In anticipation of enhanced ferry service later this year, council decided to serve Wolfe Island from Kingston. The representatives on council from Frontenac Islands, in particular Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers, spoke in favour of creating the 12 hour ambulance instead of cutting the service altogether, but could not sway the other members of council.

Shauna Dunn sent a letter to members of Frontenac County Council on Tuesday, February 14, asking them not to go ahead with the plan to cut the Wolfe Island service.

“I would like to implore Council to reconsider this decision and vote instead to approve the second option, which would see Wolfe Island staffed as a 12hr truck, with the addition of two 12hr trucks in the City of Kingston. I believe that this option would ensure better coverage for the residents of Frontenac County and the City of Kingston, while simultaneously addressing paramedic workload concerns,” she said in her letter.

At the council meeting on Wednesday, February 15, none of the council members made reference to Dunn’s letter, nor has anyone responded to her, after receiving it. OPSEU Local 462 is currently in contract negotiations with Frontenac County, having been without a contract since 2020. A conciliator is involved in the negotiations at this time.

Dunn said that while the new shifts in

Kingston are welcome, they do not address the extreme circumstances faced by herself, and her fellow paramedics, working as paramedics in Kingston and Frontenac County.

“The demand for paramedic services has been steadily rising year after year, with our UHU (Unit Hour Utilization) sitting at over 0.65. We are not meeting our response times and there are Code Zero's occurring on a daily basis, if not multiple times per day. This is the result of these high call volumes combined with inadequate paramedic resources and offload delays at KHSC - Emergency Department. Regardless of the cause, though, paramedics truly can't keep up with this pace of workload. There are more paramedics off on sick leave and long term disability than ever before, which I believe, is a product of the mental and physical burnout that paramedics are experiencing” Dunn said in her letter.

Unit Hour Utilization refers to the percentage of time paramedics spend actively responding to calls. Dunn told the Frontenac News that the target UHU is

Continued on page 10

COMMUNITY REPORTERS (613)

Arden Wanda Harrison

Battersea / Storrington Amanda Pantrey 353-6653

Cloyne / Northbrook Stepanie Regent

Denbigh Gail Fritsch

Godfrey Kelli McRobert

Harrowsmith Gregg Hamelin

Henderson Jean Brown

Inverary Judy Borovskis

Maberly-Bolingbroke Karen Prytula

Mississippi Pearl Killingbeck

Ompah Linda Rush

Parham-Tichborne ........Colleen Steele

Perth Road Peter Bird

Plevna Rhonda Watkins

613-333-2224

613-376-6665

in September. Not sure who was more excited!

P E r TH rOAD

Peter Bird

613-353-7303

p.bird@xplornet.ca

EVENTS AT Perth Rd. Sunday School Hall: Tuesday

• Lunches continue. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for home-made soup, sandwiches and desert.

Watch for information about the Maple Syrup Festival on April 8th.

Sy DENHAM

Karen Brawley

613-376-9848

Want to help out in community and in turn help out people?

• The Grace Centre could use some volunteer drivers and are holding a information session at the Grace centre on March 2nd from 3-4 at 4295 stagecoach road. Become a part of a rewarding experience today.

Will March come in like a lion? Remains to be seen. We

613-264-5325

Sydenham Karen Brawley 376-9848

Verona Debbie Lingen

OMPAH

Linda Rush lindarush@yahoo.com

Marily Seitz seitz@xplornet.ca

613-479-2570

613-479-2855

The February Birthday Bash was held on Feb. 15. It was a dual celebration of Valentine's Day and Flag Day. The hall was decorated with red and white, flags and hearts. Folks knew that the new flag was first flown on Parliament Hill on Feb. 15 1965 and that Flag Day was established in 1996. Murray and Jane made a wish and blew out their birthday candle. The next Bash will be held on Wed, March 15. Winterfest is coming to Clar-Mill Hall this Saturday, Feb- • ruary 25 starting at noon. Look for the posters around the villages for more information.

The second annual Snow Stomp (outdoor dance) will take • place on Sat. Mar. 11 from 4-530 in the Community Centre parking lot. Meredith returns to lead us in easy dance moves. Chairs surrounding a fire pit will be available for a rest and to chat with neighbours. There will be refreshments as well. Come on out and dance your boots off.

PArHAM-TICHbOrNE

Colleen Steele

Christine Teal mrsteal2u@hotmail.com

613-375-6219

613-375-6525

Hope everyone enjoyed Family Day and spent some qual-

• ity time with their family. I know some activities had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions but I guess we all can be thankful for (even though we grumbled about our up and down temperatures) the spring-like weather and not earthquakes and other disasters as some places have gotten.

Don't forget the Lions Breakfast at the OSO township hall

• February 25th, as well as the Lenten Lunch on March 1st at the Free Methodist Church in Parham at 12 noon.

Big thank you to all who donated prizes, etc to the Chinese Dinner & Quarter Auction on Saturday. Sorry, but the tickets have been all sold. Sounds like a great evening!!

Proud mother Wilma Shatraw would like to send special

• congratulations to her daughter Chantle on winning tickets to see the Dixie Chicks when they hold their concert in Ottawa

Perth Road VILLAGE Crafters continue to meet every

• Wednesday: 930am – 1130 am at Harris Park Hall, 5612 Perth Road Cres. If you’re a first timer, check us out for free, please contact Cheryl Bird 613-353-7303.

PLEVNA

Rhonda Watkins

613-264-5325

rhonda139@gmail.com

Welcome to the Community Dr. Doneisha Dodd, ND. Did you know that we have a Naturopath in North Frontenac? Dr. Dodd offers Naturopathic Medical Services that focus on a holistic approach, treating the root cause and providing the right internal environment for health. She offers home visits and also video and phone appointments. You can book an appointment by contacting her at 613 519-3548 or info@ drdoneishadodd.com or visiting her website www.drdoneishadodd.

Congratulations to Debbie Emery (Business) and Cyn- • thia Kennedy (Community) winners! They each won a North Frontenac prize pack for entering the North Frontenac Survey Contest!

I am so excited! The 2023 Township of North Frontenac • Winterfest is coming up this Saturday, Feb 25th! It starts at noon with so many fun activities for our community to enjoy!! Entry is free, but you will want to bring a little money if you are interested in supporting Clarendon Central Public School and buying the delicious lunch they will be providing! K&P Brewing Company will also be selling their beer that day! MmMmmmm... Beer!! I think there will be a 50/50 there too, so somebody will be leaving a little wealthier Saturday!!

The kids are going to have a great time with so much fun • entertainment to enjoy!! There is Randy the Magician for kids of all ages, Fun Kids Activities by Rural Frontenac Community Services, a skating party in the rink with DJ Sparky, Cotton Candy, Hot Chocolate, Rescue Demonstrations by the North Frontenac Fire Department, A Tool Rodeo compliments of the Canadian Handywoman, A Community Euchre Tournament and so much more! Needless to say, there will definately be something for everybody!! A day you won't want to miss at the Clar-Mill Hall at 6598 Buckshot Lake Road in Plevna!

If you like playing Euchre and are interested in participat- • ing in the 2023 Winterfest Euchre Tournament, see you at 2:30 in the Clar-Mill Hall. Come on in and find a place at one of the tables set for four. We will all have scorecards through the tournament and there will be prizes for high score, most lone hands and a booby prize for the low score! Hope to see you there!!

• haven’t had a traditional winter for sure. But when we get snow Mother Nature sure gives it her all.

Local lakes aren’t overly safe, please be careful or stay

• off in general.

•

Are you all getting excited for spring gardening?

VE r ONA

Debbie Lingen debbie@lingens.com

The Verona Free Methodist Church has this exciting info

• to share for women in Verona and surrounding area. Looking for an opportunity to eat with your women friends without having to cook or commit to a community project? Starting in March, you can join us at MOM’s Restaurant for a lunch on the first Tuesday of each month. Many women miss the “Sisters by Heart” program that was offered pre-pandemic at Verona Free Methodist church. Looking to start up women’s get-togethers again, a survey was distributed and it was clear that women wanted to meet monthly, purchase a meal and have the focus be on fellowship and not the program. A steering committee discussed options within our community. It was determined that a lunch time meal would be more affordable and the first Tuesday of the month worked best for those in attendance. It was also decided that we would not meet during the summer months. Any community woman interested in coming out to lunch is invited to MOM’s Restaurant on Tuesday, March 7 at 1230pm. Everyone pays for their own meal. Please wear green. A short presentation on St. Patrick will be given while we wait for our meal. April’s meal will be held on Tuesday, April 4 and everyone is asked to wear their Easter bonnet. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please call Beth at 613 374-2703 by March 2 so numbers can be confirmed for the restaurant. If you are unable to attend but would like to be on the calling list, you can call the same number.

Join The Senior's Diner Club on Thursday, March 2nd, for • a delicious turkey lunch with dessert and beverages at the Grace Hall, 4295 Stagecoach Road, Sydenham. After lunch, Melody Makers will be providing us with some upbeat musical entertainment. Meal is served at noon and is $10.00 per person Reserve your spot today at 613-376-6477, ext 303 OR Email joanne.silver@sfcsc.ca They are limiting attendance to this lunch to 65 people, so reserve early. If they are full when you call, they will be putting your name on a waiting list pending cancellations.

Sydenham Womens Institute is calling for Vendors for • their Spring Craft and Bake Sale. This sale will be held on Saturday, April 22 at the Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith, Tables are $25. Interested vendors contact Sue Hitchcock at hitchcocksusan1965@gmail.com

On Friday, March 3, there will be a Youth Dance at Golden • Links Hall Harrowsmith, 7 to 930, for public school children only, cost is $6.00. For more info, call 613-372-2410.

On Sunday March 12, Ole Tyme Fiddlers Open Mike will •

be held at the Golden Links Hall Harrowsmith. Open Mike will be held from 1pm to 5pm followed by dinner, please being a dessert to share, cost is $12.00. For more info call 613-372-2410.

Don't forget your doggie dog tags. Bowser must be tagged

• by the end of February to get the special rate of $15. After that, the bite on the wallet will be $30. Scamper down to Verona Hardware or Asselstine Hardware to purchase your dog tags.

ArDEN

Wanda Harrison

613-335-3186

wmharrison070@gmail.com

I hope that all folks in Arden read the article in the Frontenac

• News, last week, by Jeff Green regarding the Arden Legion. The meeting on Sunday, February 26, at 2pm is open to not only Legion Members but to all concerned residents. Come out and offer your support and comments.

Thank you, Councillor Cindy Kelsey, for your persistence

• and tenacity with regard to the condition of the Arden Road and its need for repair. Good job!!

Please don’t forget the All You Can Eat Breakfast, Satur-

• day February 25, 8am to 11am at the Oso Hall. Proceeds will be donated to the Lions Foundation, Guide Dog program. Condolences are sent to the family of Bob Harvey.

• The Sharbot Lake Family Health team hosts various pro-

• grams promoting wellness. The newest in-house program, starting February 27, will emphasize how to manage difficult emotional behaviours and the means to deal with difficult situations. Please contact the Medical Center for more information or to register.

Regular events in Arden are Euchre Tuesday evenings at

• 7pm and Tai Chi Wednesday mornings at 930am both at the Community Centre. The Arden Church has Bible study every Wednesday evening at 630pm and coffee and hour Thursday morning at 10am. There will also be a Board meeting, March 8, 7pm at the Church.

DENbIGH & VENNACHAr

Gail Fritsch 613-333-2224

tonygailfritsch@sympatico.ca

The weather was great on the weekend and hopefully

• everyone enjoyed Family Day, weekend events or visiting family.

The Vennachar Free Methodist Church is having a Com-

• munity Open Mic Night on Friday February 24 at 7pm. Great entertainment and everyone is welcome.

The Denbigh Foodbank will be open on Tuesday, Febru-

• ary 28 at 1030am. Please call 613-333-2224 before Tuesday morning so a box can be prepared for you.

Land O Lakes Community Service will be hosting Denbigh

• Diners on Monday March 6 at the Denbigh Community Hall. We will be serving a Greek dinner. Betty will give everyone a call the week before. Lunch is served at noon. Please arrive earlier to visit with friends.

Please let me know if you have any news or events you would like to share.

GODFrEy

Kelli McRobert kattgrrrl@gmail.com

Winter Tracks & Traces at Wintergreen Studios

• Saturday, February 25, 2023 10am–3pm and March Break Tracks & Traces Saturday, March 18, 2023 10am-3pm. Join us for a day of winter adventure! Learn more about animals and their behaviours through their tracks and traces like scat, feathers, rubbings, and nests. Join a sensory walk and explore the sights, sounds, and smells on the trails at Wintergreen. Awaken your creativity by building a land art masterpiece.

This community event is FREE and open to all. Warm beverages will be provided. Spring Equinox Labyrinth Walk Sunday, March 19, 2023 1pm-3pm.

Diners lunch club in Sydenham for 55+ - Join Southern

• Frontenac Community Services on Thursday, March 2, for a delicious turkey lunch with dessert and beverages at the Grace Hall, 4295 Stagecoach Road, Sydenham. After lunch, Melody Makers will be providing us with some upbeat musical entertainment. Meal is served at noon and is $10 per person. Reserve your spot today at 613-376-6477, ext 303 OR email joanne.silver@sfcsc.ca We are limiting attendance to this lunch to 65 people, so reserve early. If we are full when you call, we will be putting your name on a waiting list pending cancellations.

H A rr OWSMITH

Gregg Hamelin 613-376-6665 ghamelin3585@gmail.com

Friday, March 3rd, 2023 there is a Youth Dance at the • Golden Links Hall Harrowsmith, 7 to 930 for public school children only, cost is $6.00. For more info, call 613-3722410.

Saturday, March 11, 2023 is Euchre night at the Harrowsmith

• S and A Club, 4041 Colebrook Road, Harrowsmith, Ontario. Starting at 7pm. Entry fee $7 for non members, $5 for members. Please email harrowsmithsand@gmail.com for more information or to join the group. Come out and join the fun!

Sunday, March 12, 2023 is the Ole Tyme Fiddlers Open • Mic at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith, Ontario from 1pm to 5pm, followed by dinner. Please bring a dessert to share, cost is $12.00. For more info, call 613-372-2410.

Friday, March 17, 2023 is the St. Patrick's Day celebration • at the Harrowsmith S and A Club. From 730pm until 11pm. Green beer and karaoke. Cash bar. Come and join for a $5 entry fee. Contact harrowsmithsanda@gmail.com for details.

Friday, March 17, 2023 is St Patty’s day with Jeff Code at • the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith. Dancing from 7 to 11pm with a late night snack provided. Cost is $20.00. For more info, call 613-372-2410.

Sunday, March 19, 2023 is a take out turkey dinner at the • Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith. Advance tickets only with a cut off date of Wednesday, March 15. The cost is $20.00 with tickets available at the gas stations in Sydenham, Harrowsmith and Hartington and Asselstine Hardware in Verona. For more info, call 613-372-2410.

HENDErSON

Jean Brown 613-336-2516

Our neighbours at the Branch 334 Legion in Arden send • out a plea for patrons, reminding folks that they are open, up and running and in fact this Sun. Feb. 26 @ 2pm are hosting an open meeting at the Legion to discuss their future. It is not necessary to be a member to attend and all who are interested in seeing the Legion go forward are invited.

Our Pine Meadow People extend a heart felt thanks to the Golden Girl volunteers for the homemade valentines, and special treats enjoyed last week which brought many smiles and even some happy tears! As well, Pine Meadow recognized and celebrated their super duper Activity Professionals who continue to come up with dynamic new ways to keep the residents engaged, socialized, active, smiling, having fun and rocking on!

All roads lead to Harlowe this coming Sat. Feb. 25 for their • open mike musical “shin-dig” from 1- 5pm where Marie and the crew are selling hot pork sandwiches during the musical afternoon. Admission is $5.00 for the general public and 2pm for entertainers. The food- purchased on site is yummy in the tummy, and the music is a hoot and a holler.

Land O’Lakes Emmanuel United Church in Northbrook • enjoyed a 1pm afternoon service with the Rev. Elaine Kel-

logg of Napanee, followed by coffee and refreshments.

Our Frontenac Addington Trappers Council offered dis-

• plays and support at the family fun day hosted at the Matson’s farm recently. So many organizations and groups attended making for a super duper event.

INVErAry

Judy Borovskis borovskis@kingston.net

Chris Murphy in concert Sunday, February 26th at 7pm at

• Battersea United Church. Freewill offering. Guaranteed a great evening!

Diners Lunch Club for 55+ Southern Frontenac Com-

• munity Services is hosting this event on Thursday, March 2nd at 12 noon. Enjoy a delicious turkey lunch with dessert and beverage at the Grace Hall, 4295 Stagecoach Road, Sydenham. Melody Makers will be providing musical entertainment. Cost is $10 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 613-376-6477, ext 303 OR email joanne.silver@sfcsc.ca . Attendance is limited to 65 people, so reserve early.

Self- Defence! Sensei Hamid Nam is a 7th Dan in Karate • and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He will be teaching Self-Defence Techniques classes at Inverary United Church Hall, one class every three months. If interested or for more info call 613 328-6742 or email at hamidnam24@ gmail.com

Annual High Tea! Saturday May 13th one sitting at 1pm.

• Cost per person is $25. Enjoy an assortment of “tea” sandwiches, dainty sweets, fresh fruit and tea & coffee. A cash only bar will also be available. Join us at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury. Come in your finest tea attire! Reserve your seat now by calling Shirley O’Neil at 613-3532257. Seating will be tables of 6, so bring your family and friends or share the table with new friends. Space is limited to 150 and promises to be “delicious” fun for all! Proceeds will benefit the work of the Child Life Specialists at our local hospitals.

Minor Baseball online registration will commence on • March 1st and run until April 15th. Website is FCMSA.ca.. In person registration will be as follows March 22nd 6-9 pm. at Ken Garrett Memorial Park, March 25th 10-2 pm. at the old Fire Hall in Sunbury and March 26th 9 am.-12 pm. at Ken Garrett Memorial Park Swim Instructors and Lifeguards needed for the Swim • and Day Camp Programs that take place at Sydenham Point Park and Gilmours Point in Battersea. Competitive wage and training/ certification reimbursement for anyone that takes the courses and works for the summer. Positions need to be filled to ensure there will be swimming lessons. More information and to apply visit the Township website. PLEASE NOTE: the deadline to apply has been extended until March 3rd .

Pull Tabs are continually being collected by the Storrington • Lions Club as are eye glasses and hearing aids. Items can be dropped off any time at the Lions’ hall in Sunbury.

Hall Rentals: Inverary Church Hall – contact Judy Borovs- • kis 353-1768 or cell: 613-545-5017. Battersea Church hall – contact Roberta Smith 353-2846.

M A b E r Ly- bOLING br O k E

Karen Prytula

Law Office in Sharbot Lake

Real Estate & Estates

• Purchase and Sale of Property

• Property Transfers for: Severance - Estate - Family

• Wills & Probate - Large & Small Estates

• Corporate & Business

Stephen G. Duggan, Hwy 7 at 38 (Southeast corner) box 189, Sharbot lake On K0H 2P0 613-279-lawS (5297) sharbotlaw@gmail.com

613-325-1354 karenprytula33@gmail.com

Free CPHC Seniors Exercise class at the ABC Hall for • active seniors on Monday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am. EXCEPT for the class on Monday, Feb. 20. It is moved to

Continued to page 6

Sharbot Lake Chiropractic & Wellness

Dr. Gian Kaillon Sharbot Lake 613.279.2100

www.sharbotlakechiropractic.ca

text neck – a Problem of Our Modern times the average adult’s head weighs about 4.5 kg. Your spine must not only bear that weight, but keep your body upright, flex, extend, twist and balance. When you lean your head forward, gravity increases the weight put on your spine. the more you angle your neck, the heavier your head becomes. this puts extreme strain on your vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles of your neck, shoulders, and back. maintaining this position for hours, several times a day, can have serious consequences.

The first signs of text neck are pain in the neck and shoulders. this can quickly progress to a headache, usually wrapping around the back of the skull and radiating to the temples and forehead. With text neck, the cervical (neck), vertebrae are being irritated along with the spinal nerves in that area. Since the nerves of the cervical region serve the arms, you may also experience pain, tingling, or numbness in your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Over time, text neck can cause even more serious problems, like disc herniation. Having text neck also puts you at higher risk of developing vertebral compression fractures and scoliosis in the future.

there are some excellent ways to prevent text neck. First is to take regular breaks from looking downward. Secondly, there are phone apps available that will monitor the angle of your phone, making sure it is kept straight. this encourages you to keep your device at eye level, looking at it straight on. this is invaluable, since it keeps your head in a natural, neutral position. if you can’t use such an app on your device, purchase a holder that will hold it at the correct height.

Our office is now offering legal services utilizing remote consultations and document signing via cell phone audio/video and non-cash payment. we are adapting so that you can Stay Home.

Wines By Brent Come To Frontenac County by

Brent Fehr and his partner Isabelle moved to an off-grid log home, on the Arden Road about halfway between Arden and Tamworth, in 2021.

It was a big change for the couple, who were living in the Little Portugal region of downtown Toronto before moving out to the wilds of Frontenac County.

“I think the pandemic helped us to see our future more clearly,” he said of the decision that they made to trade in their urban reality for a life in the country; complete with ducks and chickens, wood stoves and solar panels.

But it was not the first radical change that Fehr had made in his life. In 2019, he changed careers. He had been selling mutual funds on Bay Street in Toronto, something had done in Ottawa before that, but he decided to pursue a new career in the wine industry. As a lover of fine food and wine, a passion he shares with Isabel, he found a niche in the wine business curating the wine lists for restaurants by seeking out wines from smaller vineyards around the world.

“There are hundreds of wine agencies in Ontario, and while the large vineyards that the might represent will sell large quantities of brand name wines to the LCBO in Ontario, the smaller second or third generation family wineries don't produce in the kind of volume that the LCBO is looking for, even in the Vintages section.

“And restaurants are happy to offer wines that their customers that they cannot find in the local liquor store,” he said.

In March of 2020, selling wine to restaurants ceased to be a viable business model, for obvious reasons, so Brent began to emphasize another aspect of his business, providing curated full and mixed cases (12 bottles to a case) for friends and acquaintances who subscribed to his mailing list.

At the same time, Isabelle was scanning the real estate websites for a rural property where the couple could move to for the next stage of their lives.

“Isabelle works in the film industry, and is a visual artist, and over the pandemic she was working mostly from home, and my business is portable as well, so we did not have to be based in Toronto,” he said.

When they found their place in Frontenac County, they took the leap.

While Brent has maintained his clientele in Toronto, and in Ottawa as well, he has also started holding intimate wine classes in the local communities.

He meets with small groups, and over a 90-120 minute 'course' he introduces them to 5 different wines.

He has run a number of sessions in Napanee over the past year, and last weekend he did his first event in Sharbot Lake, after being contacted by Greg and Arlette Rodgers of the Rock Hill B&B. He held the first course called French Wine Basics last Saturday (Feb. 18).

The workshop was designed with at least two, related, purposes in mind: to provide an introduction to the variety of flavours and textures that make up the French wine universe, and to introduce some of the wines that are available through Wine by Brent.

“For me, the classes are a great opportunity to meet a new community of people,” he said.

Dear Community and Comrades:

This is an URGENT message to the ARDEN and NORTHBROOK area communities. We at the Branch 334 Legion are at a crossroads and must make a decision about the best route forward for our survival.

Please come out to support our local legion or we will have to close the doors permanently. Although we have a strong membership complement, we are not getting the patronage that is required in order to keep this branch a viable entity in the future without your assistance.

It is your Branch and this is your community. The time has come that we all sit down as a community and discuss the survival of our branch.

With this in mind, we will be holding a special “General Meeting” on Sunday February 26, 2023 at 2:00PM to discuss this important matter. We encourage current members and residents of our community who have attended our past dinners, dances and Remembrance Day services to attend to assist us in saving our Branch.

Please come out and give us your valued input.

Your sincerely,

Dave Moore

President, Arden Legion Branch 334

The first thing he did in this class was to ask the 7 people in the room about their wine tastes, and what they already knew about French wine.

“At the end of the first class that I held I asked people for their critique and the first thing they said was that I talked too much before bringing out any wine, so I don't do that anymore,” he said.

The first wine was a B. Francois Brut Blanc de Blancs, a sparkling wine from the Vouvray region in the Loire Valley. As the participants sipped, Brent talked about the terrain, grapes, and winemaking styles in the region, went over the tasting notes from the wine maker, and asked if people liked the wine, and why.

The same pattern was followed for the second wine, a white wine, Château Carbonneau Margot 2020 Sauvignon Blanc from the Bordeaux region.

Then, three reds were sampled, a lighter bodied red from the Southwest, a lesser known region, Domaine Laurens 2020 Pierres Rouges, which is made from Mansois grapes. This was followed by a Dom Brial Les Petits Pins AOP Côtes du Roussillon 2020 from the Langudoc-Rousillon region, and finally a red from Bordeaux, Château Nicoleau Côtes de Bourg 2018.

While the red Bordeaux was the most popular wine at the table, discussions about food pairings, time of day, the company around the table, brought out how different wines can be appreciated in different circumstances.

Because none of the wines that were sampled are available at the LCBO, or ever will be, the tasting also show how the scale of the LCBO selling model in Ontario limits the wines that are available to only the most popular, large wineries.

“It is similar, in many ways, to the difference between Craft Beer and Mass Market beer,” he said.

As a wine merchant, Bent Fehr can only sell wine by the case of 12 to customers, but he is able to put together mixed cases.

Each month or so, he has a different mixed case available. The most recent mixed case, which is being shipped this week, included the three reds that were sampled at Rock Hill B&B, as well as a different white wine.

“The wines we sampled today are all priced comparably to wines at the LCBO, in the $17-$22 dollar range,” he said. “My prices do not include hst, whereas hst is included in the LCBO price.”

The Après Ski mixed case costs $349, plus $20 shipping,

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including, which works out to about $25 a bottle.

A new mixed case, spring themed, will be available next month.

Brent Fehr has also put out a short primer, 23 wine tips for 2023, which includes a number of helpful hints, including the handy advice to always keep some sparkling wine, and some Rosé, on hand, throughout the year, and to open two bottles of wine when company is around in order to compare and contrasts tastes.

For further information about Wine by Brent, and to get on the email list for mixed cases and workshops in your neck of the woods, email wine Brent.Fehr@rogers.com or go to @ wineybrent on Instagram. ■

Columns Cont from p5

Feb. 21 on account of Family Day being on the 20th. The ABC Hall is located at 3166 Bolingbroke Road.

Maberly Euchre at Maberly Hall - Supporting Maberly Ag- • ricultural Society - Note change in times and Dates. Beginning March 13 the Euchre games will be on the 2nd and 4rth Mondays of each month at 1pm until November. Price is still $5 and the proceeds still go towards the Maberly Fair.

MISSISSIPPI

Pearl Killingbeck

613-278-2127

Bev and Murray had Sharon out for supper one night last • week. Hope everyone had a great Family Day. I hear some people are making maple syrup already. Thank you family, friends and neighbours for all you have • been doing for me. I would be lost without you. My days are happier, brighter and funnier when I with you. It is a joy and a privilege to have you in my life. You are my rock - you all know you who you are and I thank each and every one of you every day.

There were 137 served at the snowmobile club Saturday • morning for breakfast; thanks to all who come out and support the club. The next breakfast is on March 4th and after that the club will be having their special breakfasts to raise money for local charities: March 18th for Alzheimers Society, April 1st for Cancer Wheels of Hope and April 15th for Melanoma. You get a great breakfast plus support these worthwhile charities. The monies raised stay in Lanark and Frontenac.

Ticket sales are going well for the live music night this • Thursday at the community center. I am sure everyone enjoyed the music of Bill White and his Country Band. Musician's Circle at the Community Centre is coming up • on Tuesday, February 28th from 7 to 10pm; all musicians are welcome to join in the jam – any instrument, all skill levels. No audience – just musicians!

If you are interested in genealogy and wish to spend some • time researching and sharing your skills please join us at the Snow Road Community Centre. We will be meeting on the second and fourth Mondays from 1-4pm. One of our members has done a lot of research in genetic genealogy and would be happy to share her knowledge and experience in this field of family research. Members are looking forward to seeing past and new members on Monday, February 27th for our first meeting since the pandemic shut us down. Internet access is available.

Brent Fehr getting ready to open the last bottle of the day

Live Music Has Survived the Pandemic By

Almost three years ago, Covid hit Ontario causing live performances to be cancelled. Slowly, we are emerging from the pandemic, and the isolation. With caution, we are seeing the return of live music. This is my follow up interview with musician Chris Murphy since the beginning of Covid

Q. How does it feel to play in front of live audiences again?

A. I think we’re back to a reasonable sense of normal but not quite 100% normal yet. I play some shows with a sell-out crowd and others are barely half full. Some people are not yet comfortable going out.

Q. During the last interview, we talked about some of the skills that you’d like to improve during the time of the pandemic. One of them was to improve your 5-string banjo skills.

A. Ah well (laughs), I’ve got my sights set on Claw-hammer and frailing styles. I’m working on it. I just need to carve out some more time to practice

Q. Have you learned any other instruments or songs?

A. One thing I have is a beautiful Greek Bouzouki a friend gifted me. I’ve just had it tuned like my Irish Bouzouki, and because there are many different traditional tunings, I’ve been playing around with it. I have added a few songs to my repertoire, but the one I’m most interested in has a personal connection to me. It’s a Richard Thompson song called Beeswing which I learned two years ago. It was the signature song of a good friend of mine, Mike Penton, who passed away way too young. I committed myself to keeping his memory alive, I loved his version. Mikey sang the daylights out of this song

Q. How about your Tuesday broadcasts from the new Murphenbunker.

A. It allows me to be apart from the house. I started downstairs, then I was upstairs and everybody needed to be quiet. Since I built the studio, my two daughters can be freer to do whatever they like. They can even come and sit down and watch.

Q. You also teach guitar. How did that come about?

A. It fell into my lap about 10 years ago. There was a guitar teacher at Perth Road School who was going on maternity leave and wanted to find somebody to take her place while she was away. She contacted me and I took over. When her leave was finished, she didn’t want to return. So I inherited the job and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Q. Have you been able to return to the East Coast recently?

A. We went last summer for most of the month of August. I got to resume my Artist in Residency status on Fogo Island. I recently had a call from the Fogo Arts about doing it again this summer.

Q. Can you comment on what that entails?

A. If I had to pick one thing in my musical career as one of the most significant and meaningful events, it’s being the Artist in Residency. Last year, for example, I was hired to do several workshops including a one-week harmony workshop, followed by a guitar maintenance workshop about how to change strings, and how to use a capo. Then I hosted a weekly, well-attended jam session. The really cool thing was, that after I left, one of the musicians kept the jam sessions going and they’re still going strong. Although it seems like a lot of work, I love spreading music around. I was also able to keep my weekly live streams going from the Murphenbunker. We were certainly busy, with something going on nearly every day. Heather and the girls were with me too. We still managed some hiking and exploring, and some time together with friends.

Q. I’ve known you for about 10 years, how do you feel you’ve advanced musically and as a songwriter?

A. I’ve always had something to learn, I’ve learned a lot about the music business, I’ve learned a lot technically, a lot of new techniques. My guitar playing has improved. I think I was more of a utilitarian guitar player in the past, where I was in

Peter Bird

Door Prizes

situations where I could just strum along and keep the beat. I’ve been able to ease back my strumming and concentrate more on the tone of the instrument and improve little things in my technique. I wish I was a better, more prolific songwriter. I’ve been suffering a nasty case of writer’s block for several years and I’ve not dedicated enough time and focus to actual songwriting. It’s also a skill that requires practice and dedication.

Q. Something has been added to your performance in the way of a very talented fiddler, Jess Wedden. She is also appearing as a guest with Turpin’s Trail. How did this connection come about?

A. I met Jess when she was about 12, when Jon McLurg and I were doing a show at the Shriners Club in Kingston and we heard that there was going to be a young fiddler playing as well. We did a couple of things together and even at that age you could tell she was certainly going places. We kept in touch over the years and did a few gigs, but it’s only been within the last six months that we have been able to perform together more often. Jess is such a talented player and so inspirational, I try to find as many possibilities to perform with her. Her work ethic is just phenomenal. It’s inspired me to become a better musician. In addition she’s one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. It’s really

cool hanging out with her.

Recently, Jess and I have been backup musicians for David Francey concerts. In fact, it was Jess who suggested that I might be a good fit for him when a couple of his main guitar players moved out of the area, or retired, so he was in need of a guitar player and a fiddle player. We stepped into the role, and so far it’s been going great.

Q. St. Patrick’s day is approaching, do you have any shows up and coming?

A. We sure do: Friday, March 17, 6:00 pm at the Cove in Westport. Saturday, March 18, 2:00 pm at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque, and Saturday, March 18, 6:00 pm at the Doghouse Studios in Napanee. It’s expected that Jess Wedden, fiddler, will be appearing in all shows. Joe Sexton from Fogo Island is planning to join the Saturday shows.

(Watch for part 2 – Jess Wedden’s story)

On behalf of all of his fans and supporters and myself, a fan of Chris and his music, I can truly say we’re glad to have you back live on stage again!

For upcoming shows, see: https:// chrismurphy.ca

For videos on YouTube, see: www.YouTube.com/chrismurphy1977

You can also find Chris Murphy on FaceBook ■

Jesssica Wedden performs with Chris Murphy.

Obituary

McFadgen

it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of eddy Mcfadgen (edward Gregory Mcfadgen), on January 18th, 2023 at the west parry sound Health centre, at the age of 90.

Beloved husband of the late Georgie Mcfadgen (a. Georgina Mcdonald) for 66 years. eddy was a devoted father to Joanne stanton (Bill); cathy Goodfellow (rick); and Barb Kerr (chuck) and was predeceased by his son edward and his grandson, Joe Goodfellow. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Heather and christopher watson, edward Goodfellow (Krissy), Matthew Kerr (Jemma wolfe), and shawn Kerr (claire Henry). also remembered by his great grandchildren, amaya, ryah, and crue Goodfellow; and alden and rowan wolfe Kerr. fondly remembered by his sister, dolores conahan and his close friend, Nancy Loch. family was the most important thing to eddy, spending time with them, and connecting by phone and facetime in abundance. this was evident in the strength he received through the many calls and visits he received during his last days. eddy began his journey in Glace Bay, cape Breton island where he met his wife, Georgie. after they married, they moved to ontario where he joined the opp, starting his career as a constable in London. He had postings in Glencoe, Bancroft, sharbot Lake, parry sound, North Bay, chatham, and North Bay again. He progressed through the ranks of the OPP finishing his 35-year career as superintendent.

in addition to his passion for his career with the opp, he also had a passion for the game of golf. He was a long-time member of the parry sound Golf & country club and served on the Board, including as president for many years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. a great east coast celebration of eddy’s life will be held in parry sound in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West parry sound Health center or Junior Golf at parry sound Golf & country club are appreciated. Make a donation

South Frontenac COW - Feb 14/23

Welcome to Inverary: Development Proposal Raises Concerns

A public meeting was called to receive questions and comments about a proposal to rezone a 2-acre vacant property in Inverary, to permit two dwelling units (1056 and 846 sq ft) in a single detached building, and a third dwelling unit (932 sq ft) in an accessory building. Both buildings would share well and septic.

Councillor Ruttan asked how a newlyconstructed housing unit could be considered ‘affordable’: “Is this going to be the direction of our future?” Mayor Vandewal noted that Inverary already had eight rental units and a business on one well and septic field. Planner Christine Woods said that units of this size might be attractive to seniors looking to downsize but wanting to remain in the community. Neighbour Greg Snider said “this is just a concept some guy’s drawn; what if it can’t meet requirements?” Vandewal answered “If requirements can’t be met, the project won’t be approved.” Snider added that the development would diminish the value of his property and affect his privacy. “Your concerns are documented,” replied Vandewal.

Neighbour Greg Dicks expressed concern that the septic system might pollute a nearby creek “If each unit had six people, that could mean 18 people all using one septic system. Everybody moves here to have property to enjoy: I’m not opposed to development, but this isn’t the appropriate place for it. Is any 2-acre lot free to have 3 or 4 apartment units? Are these the new rules going forward?” Vandewal replied that intensification was definitely going to happen in South Frontenac. He added that he doubted that 18 people would fit into these three small units.

The neighbour from across the road,

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Roger Romero, who moved there in 2020, said that it was doubtful that people living in poverty could afford to rent brand-new homes, and South Frontenac did not have public transport. He was concerned about pollution from the new septic system and rainwater run-off. Also, he said more children would mean additional pressure on Perth Road Public School: “Schools have capacity issues: they’re already filled with unqualified people…more students will perpetuate the problems of poor education.” (The planner said the School Board had expressed no concern about a few more children coming to the school.)

Last to speak was the applicant, Paul Ireland, also an Inverary resident. He said he was disappointed in the assumption that the buildings would attract low rental applicants, “those type of people.” Noting that South Frontenac has a rental vacancy rate of 0.6%, he said he hoped to attract people who were looking for rental units with modest amenities, or perhaps were wanting to downsize. He said that the units would be wheelchair accessible. He is looking at a variety of sewage treatment options, and his intent is to have the building look like a single-family home. The garage is to have fewer vehicles parked outside. Counsellor Pegrum asked how many bedrooms there would be; Ireland replied that there would be five in total. He added that the well pump test showed 13 gallons per minute: 3.5 is the flow required for a family unit. In response to Morey’s query about accessibility, Ireland said the units would have level entry and wider doors, but that they would not be fully barrier free. He added that each unit would have one bathroom.

The public meeting was closed: a report with recommendations will come to Council at a later date.

south Frontenac Wayfinding

Adam Fine, consultant from Fathom Consulting, a company specializing in community signage, brought a preliminary report to Council. Their goals for South Frontenac are: to design consistent informational signage to: welcome visitors and newcomers, emphasize ‘the brand”, and

By Wilma Kenny

unify municipal assets, while increasing friendliness and safety in a sustainable, affordable manner. He showed some preliminary sign designs, but emphasized that layout, fonts and colours would be refined at later stages of the process. He did note that current signage in the Township reflects a wide history of shapes and styles: “In a few cases, you really have to know what you’re looking for, before you can find the directional sign…” His team is looking only at municipally owned and operated facilities, not private businesses.

One of Council’s concerns was related to the village signs that several communities have independently purchased and cared for: CAO Fragnito said the township would have to address this with the individual communities; perhaps they could work out some way to repurpose the current signs. Also several councillors, particularly Councillor Morey, weren’t sure about the idea of community festive banners that could be seasonally changed, saying that they would add to the Township Public Works Department’s workload, taking up time and resources for installation, removal and storage.

In summary, Mayor Vandewal said “This looks brilliant: in a general sense, is Council supportive?” Council agreed.

2022 Roads Need study

Troy Dunlop, Manager of Technical Services and Infrastructure, presented a brief summary of WSP/Golder’s 162-page Road Needs Study, with the following recommendations:

1) That Council receive the 2022 Comprehensive Road Needs Study prepared by WSP/Golder and dated December 8th, 2022 for information;

2) That Council direct staff to develop a new 5-year capital plan for hard surface roads which will be informed by the findings of the WSP Golder Report;

3) That Council direct staff to develop a new capital plan for gravel roads assets which will be informed by the findings of the WSP Golder Report; and

4) That staff utilize the Gravel Roads Clas-

Continued on page 9

Fresh Flowers for all Occasions

• Weddings • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Newborn

• Special Holidays • Boutonnieres & Corsages

We deliver to Goodfellow’s Funeral Home, Parham & Now to Milestone Funeral Centre, Northbrook. 613-279-6446

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

Funeral home

Proudly serving all FaiThs Pre-arranged Funeral Plans sydenham, on 613-376-3022

www.trousdalefuneralhome.com

funeral Center northbrook 613-336-6873

www.milestonefuneralcenter.com

funeral Home L tD. parham 613-375-6254

www.goodfellowsfuneralhome.com

RepResentatives foR

sification Matrix tool when considering upgrading gravel roads to a hard surface.

“We have tough decisions ahead, but they will be data-driven,” said Dunlop. Councillors Pegrum and Ruttan both expressed approval of a clear, long-range plan based on hard data, all of which is available to the public. Mayor Vandewal reminded them that “It’s always about money, but it’s important that we show we’re progressing in the right direction even though it’s by starting with ditching and culverts.”

Hartington & Harrowsmith Sidewalks

Dunlop’s second report provided more information about sidewalk projects under consideration for the Village of Hartington and Village of Harrowsmith and sought

Assistant Cook (Rate of Pay:

$21.74/hour)

Southern Frontenac Community Services is a rural based organization focused on working with others in the provision of health and social services that meet the needs of our community. The Cook will take direction from the Lead Cook and prepare nutritious meals for our senior clientele, taking into consideration special dietary requirements and tight timelines. The Cook will use knowledge of commercial kitchens and safe food handling practices to perform duties accordingly. This is a part-time position (min. 14 hrs/ week) with potential for additional hours, based in Sydenham, ON.

Primary Duties:

• Working Thursdays and Fridays for the Meals on Wheels program and prepare food for our Friday delivery, based on menus and instructions from the Lead Cook.

• Maintain a safe, healthy and clean kitchen that meets or exceeds KFL&A Public Health Inspection and Safe Food Handling requirements

• Cook with, mentor and inspire kitchen volunteers.

Please reference our website for a more detailed job description: https://www. sfcsc.ca/career-opportunities

Requirements:

- Cooking experience with demonstrated ability to read and follow recipes

- Willingness to take direction from Lead Cook

- Knowledge in the area of commercial kitchen equipment and regulations - Knowledge of nutrition and special dietary requirements for seniors

- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently but also collaboratively with a diverse team

- Ability to remain calm and respectful under pressure

- Able to meet the physical demands of the role (e.g. standing, lifting up to 40lbs)

The successful applicant will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work with vulnerable persons by submitting a completed criminal record check with vulnerable sector check.

To Apply: Send a resume and a cover letter clearly indicating how you meet the role requirements to Southern Frontenac Community Services via email to chantal.tyrell@sfcsc.ca with Assistant Cook in the subject line by February 24, 2023.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices –please notify Chantal Tyrell if you require accommodation for any part of the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants, however, only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

Council’s direction on the advancement of these projects in 2023. In opening, Dunlop reminded Council that a sidewalk in Battersea had been identified as first priority for construction in 2021, but did not get done for various reasons including pandemic impacts, insufficient staffing resources and lack of available funding.

During the summer of 2022, Public Services retained Jewell Engineering to complete the surveys for the Hartington and Harrowsmith corridors, in order to secure reliable grading and drainage information and provide the engineering control for future sidewalk layout and construction. These sidewalk projects together carry base costs in excess of $700,000, and once other work such as engineering and drainage is considered, it is estimated this cost may well reach $900,000.

Councillor Pegrum asked whether there were any opportunities to save money by combining these sidewalk constructions with roadwork, but Dunlop said that none of the roads in the three locations were slated for any upgrades. Councillor Leonard said that while he agreed with the urgency of safe sidewalk access to the community mailboxes in Harrowsmith, he did not want to see the Hartington sidewalk “postponed for 5-10 years”. Dunlop said he was not recommending that any of these projects be held up, but he wanted Council to be aware that “there’s a big price for these projects.”

“A big price tag today will be a bigger price tag tomorrow,” said Morey. Vandewal agreed: “Let’s plan for these.”

Bill 23 – Implications for Development Approval Process

T HE C LASSIFIEDS

N EW A ND uSED A PPLIANCES

uSed reFrigeratOrS

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

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

For good used appliances in working order or not, but no junk please. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. We have our own financing also. Shop at our competitors and then come see for yourself quality at low prices. Open evenings & 7 days a week. We deliver

Smitty’s

“KING

APPLIANCES

APPLIANCe RePAIR, 15 years experience. Call Mark, Verona Hardware, 6723 Main St., Verona. Ph. 613-374-2851

AuTOMOTIVE

KALADAR AuTO ReCYCLING. Car & truck parts. Used cars, $600 & up. We take tradeins. We buy farm equipment, tractors, loaders for parts. 11520 Hwy 41; 613-336-9899; 613885-8644

KINNeY AuTO WReCKING Station Road, Kaladar. 4x4 trucks & parts for sale. Scrap cars, stoves, fridges wanted. 613-336-9272.

FOr rENT

ReNT Me. 2-bedroom, shared kitchen, no internet. $800/month. 613-336-1729/613-7435833 Ask for Bruce.

TOWNSHIP OF C ENT r AL Fr ONTENAC

Notice of Intention to Adopt 2023 Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Township of Central Frontenac intends to adopt its 2023 Municipal Budget at the Regular Council Meeting on February 28, 2023, at 4:00p.m.

This meeting will be held in person at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, 1107 Garrett St. Sharbot Lake ON.

The proposed 2023 Budget by-law is available for review at the Municipal Office and on the Municipal website www.centralfrontenac.com

Note: This shall serve as Public Notice should the adoption of the 2023 Budget be deferred to a future meeting.

Dated at the Township of Central Frontenac this 17th day of February, 2023.

Cindy Deachman, Deputy Clerk Township of Central Frontenac, 1084 Elizabeth Street P.O. Box 89 Sharbot Lake, Ontario K0H 2P0

Phone: 613-279-2935 ext. 237

Fax: 613-279-2422

cdeachman@centralfrontenac.com

FOr SALE

CeNTRAL BOILeR Classic OUTDOOR FURNACES can eliminate your high heating bill. Buy NOW and save up to $550! Call today 613539-9073. www.thefurnacebroker.com

CeNTRAL BOILeR OuTDOOR FuRNACes offer the Classic, the Maxim and the New Edge. Your local Dealer, Wood Heat Solutions, Frankford, ON, 613-398-1611; Bancroft, ON 613332-1613. www.chesher.ca

sHIPPING CONTAINeRs: Seacans Storage Containers, 7ft 10ft 20ft 40ft 45ft Steel garden sheds call 613-354-8744 or online http://IngeniousStorage.com

HALL rENTAL

sOCIAL & ATHLeTIC CLuB HALL, Harrowsmith, A/C, kitchen & licensed bar, capacity 95, Reasonable rates. Info.: harrowsmithsanda@gmail.com.

VeRONA LIONs HALL for all functions. Air conditioned. Full kitchen & bar. Capacity of 300, seating for 200. 613-374-2821 www.veronalions.ca

HELP WANTED

HOuseKeePING - cottage Sharbot Lake. Spring cleaning, plus routine summer cleaning if available. 613-692-2054 email dkdods@ gmail.com

TRANsPORTATION of an antique refrigerator from Kitchener to Perth. P0 Box 2020 - 57 Foster Street Perth K7H 1R9

HuNTING

FIReARMs & HuNTeR eDuCATION COuRsES – Call 613-335-2786

SErVICES

ADVANCeD FOOTCARe – RN. “Let me take care of your feet” – in home foot-care. Diabetic care, fungus treatments, corns, callous, ingrown nails. Call 613-929-8956 HANDYMAN seRVICe 40 years experience. Repairs, home construction/ renovation including window installation, tile, siding, plumbing etc. No job too small. Call Lloyd Hartwick 613 -539-2544.

T HE C O r PO r ATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF A DDINGTON H

IGHLANDS

Public Notice

The Township of Addington Highlands is seeking two (2) community members to participate in a working group being established to discuss community safety issues.

Expressions of interest should illustrate the contribution that that individual would bring to the discussion surrounding community safety. As the Township is looking for equal representation from both Wards, please be sure to include your address or where you own property in your written submission.

Letters are to be submitted to the attention of the Clerk on or before March 1st, 2023, by mail to P.O. Box 89, Flinton, ON K0H 1P0, by fax to 613-336-2847 or by e-mail to clerk@addingtonhighlands.ca.

Brad Wright, Director of Development Services, presented a 9-page informational report discussing recent changes to the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Development Charges Act, Ontario Land Tribunal Act, and Ontario Heritage Act with Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. The report summarized implications to the Township’s development approval process, and provided action items to mitigate the legislative impacts. There were few comments from Council: full report is available on the Township website, attached to this meeting’s agenda.

There was no discussion of the Building Services Report, which showed a definite increase in building permits issued in 2022, compared to the previous three years. ■

SErVICES

PHOTOCOPy SERVICES available at The Frontenac News, 1095 Garrett St., rear building, Sharbot Lake. Competitive prices! 8½” x 11” - Black & White 25¢ ea; Colour copies 60¢ ea. 613-279-3150.

ReNOVATIONs, Framing, Drywall, painting, laminate & vinyl flooring, brush and tree removal, and more. Contact Todd Gursby for estimates, 613-278-1300

TOWING

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

WANTED TO buy

.410 GAuGe sHOTGuN sHeLLs, Older 12 gauge shotgun shells. Please call Mike at 613483-4887

bEEF CATTLE - Any Type Bulls, Cows, Calves 613-353-2460 W

TOWNSHIP OF A DDINGTON H IGHLANDS

The Township of Addington Highlands currently invites Request for Proposals for:

RFP #2023-01:

Consulting Services for Environmental monitoring and reporting of Township Waste Sites. Sampling starts Spring of 2023

Proposal Closing Date: 1:00 pm, March 13th, 2023

Documents are available from:

Brett Reavie Road & Waste Management Supervisor Township of Addington Highlands

Ph: (613) 336-2286 Ext:206

FAX: (613) 336-2847

roadsandwaste@addingtonhighlands.ca

(Lowest or any quotations not necessarily accepted)

welcome.

NORTHERN HAPPENINGS

NORTHeRN HAPPeNINGs listings are free for community groups, and will be published for two weeks. Donations to offset the costs of publication would be appreciated. Other listings are paid or are taken from paid ads elsewhere in the paper. The News makes every effort to be accurate but events should be independently verified by readers.

Thursday February 23

sNOW ROAD - WHITe BROTHeR’s COuNTRY BAND 7:30pm. Snow Road Community Centre. Tickets $15. Info Mike 613-278-1853

Friday February 24

sHARBOT LAKe - sHARBOT LAKe LeGION suPPeR 3pm. Sharbot Lake Legion. Chicken. Cost $17. Dinner served at 5:30

VeNNACHAR - COMMuNITY OPeN MIKe 7pm. Vennachar Free Methodist Church. Great entertainment, all welcome.

Saturday February 25

sHARBOT LAKe - ALL YOu CAN eAT BReAKFAsT 8-11am. Soldiers Memorial Hall (OSO Hall). All welcome. Adults $10, Kids $5, under 5 free.

sOuTH FRONTeNAC - WINTeR TRACKs & TRACes AT WINTeRGReeN sTuDIOs 10am-3pm. Wintergreen Studios. Join us for a day of winter adventure! FREE event, all welcome. Warm beverages provided.

PLeVNA - 2023 WINTeRFesT 12-4:30pm. Clar-Mill Hall. Free entry, all welcome. There will be so many fun things to do in and outside! Check North Frontenac township website for details.

HARLOWe - OPeN MIC 1-5pm Fourth Saturday of every month. Harlowe Hall. Admission $5, Entertainers $2. All welcome.

Refreshments available. Info - Marie 613-336-2557

BOLINGBROKe - CAFe NIGHT 7-10pm. ABC Hall. Featuring Rock & Roll band Average Height. $5 at the door.

Sunday February 26

ARDeN - sPeCIAL “GeNeRAL MeeTING” 2pm. Arden Legion. Please come and support our local legion or we will have to close our doors forever! We will sit as a community to discuss the survival of our branch. We encourage members and community residents to assist us in preserving our Branch.

BATTeRseA - CHRIs MuRPHY IN CONCeRT 7pm. Battersea United Church. Freewill offering. Guaranteed a great evening!

Monday February 27

sYDeNHAM - ‘CONNeCTeD COMMuNITY’ INFO sessION

4-5:30pm. Grace Hall. Join us at one of our research gathering sessions as we endeavour to uncover all there is in South Frontenac that enables us be who we are. Free coffee/tea/ sweets. RSVP to Kate Kristiansen at hummingbirdmktg@gmail. com by Feb 25

Tuesday February 28

DeNBIGH - DeNBIGH FOODBANK 10:30am. Denbigh Community Hall. Please call 613-333-2224 before Tuesday morning so a box can be prepared.

FLINTON - FLINTON DINeRs 11am-1pm. Flinton Hall. Pulled Pork. $10 RSVP Katie 613-336-8934 x 229

Wednesday March 1

sHARBOT LAKe - COMMuNITY VOLuNTeeR INCOMe TAX PROGRAM Rural Frontenac Community Services. Do you need help completing your income tax return? Beginning March 1st we have local volunteers to assist eligible individuals. Info 613279-3151 x 100.

PARHAM - LENTEN LUNCH 12pm. Parham Free Methodist Church. Pastor Ken Walton speaking.

Thursday March 2

sYDeNHAM - DINeRs LuNCH CLuB FOR 55+ 12pm. Grace Hall. Turkey lunch with dessert $10. Musical entertainment. RSVP 613-376-6477 or joanne.silver@sfcsc.ca

sYDeNHAM - VOLuNTeeR DRIVeR INFOMATION sessION

3-4pm. Grace Hall. For more information, contact Chelsea Thomas 613-376-6477 ext. 308 or Chelsea.thomas@sfcsc.ca.

Friday March 3

sHARBOT LAKe - sHARBOT LAKe LeGION suPPeR 3pm. Sharbot Lake Legion. Roast Beef. Cost $17. Supper 5:30

Saturday March 4

sNOW ROAD - sNOW ROAD sNOWMOBILe CLuB BREAKFAST 8-11am. Snow Road Snowmobile Clubhouse. All

0.35, which, she said, “leaves paramedics with enough time to process and recover from the stress that comes with calls for service, even the ‘normal’ calls carry a fair bit of stress,” she said. “Once UHU is over 0.35, it is recommended that resources be added.”

Code Zero refers to a circumstance where there is one or no ambulances available to respond to emergencies in an urban location.

“The increased call volume is not going away. I can appreciate that Council wants to keep costs down, as much as possible, but I would urge you to ask questions about the other costs related to inadequate staffing levels (i.e. meal break premiums, overtime, sick leave, grievances, arbitrations, etc.) and evaluate those costs as a whole. It is my belief that these other costs will go down exponentially, if the county addresses the primary problem, which is that we need more paramedics in ambulances, sharing the workload of emergency calls,” she said.

Dunn said that the crisis in paramedicine is not just a local issue in Kingston-Frontenac, it is being felt across

Monday March 6

DeNBIGH - DeNBIGH DINeRs 12pm. Denbigh Community Hall. Greek Dinner.

RAILTON - MONTHLY BINGO 7pm First Monday of every month. St. Patrick’s Church. All benefits go to local charities

Tuesday March 7

VeRONA - WOMeN’s COMMuNITY GROuP LuNCH 12:30pm. MOM Restaurant. Any community woman interested in coming out to lunch is invited! Everyone pays for their own meal. Please wear green. A short presentation on St. Patrick will be given while we wait for our meal.

Regular Happenings

HARROWsMITH - OLD TIMe FIDDLeRs & OPeN MIKe

1-5pm Second Sunday of every month. Harrowsmith Golden Links Hall. Followed by dinner, please bring a dessert to share, cost $12. info 613-372-2410

HARROWsMITH - YOuTH DANCe 7-9:30pm First Friday of every month. Golden Links Hall. Public school children only, cost $6. Info 613-372-2410

LINe DANCING — BOLINGBROKe 10am Fridays. ABC Hall. Beginners welcome, $5 toward hall maintenance. ◾ SHARBOT LAKE 9-10am Thursdays. Sharbot Lake United Church. Sharbot

the Province.

“But some of the other jurisdictions in Ontario are making larger investments than Frontenac County is making,” she said, “and for residents of Frontenac County, like myself, the only way our services will be fully available is if there are adequate resources in Kingston. Because we are an integrated service, the Frontenac County trucks will continually be pulled into Kingston until Kingston is adequately resourced.”

She also said that Frontenac County residents would not have to pay for increases on their own. The province pays 50% of the cost for ambulance service, and ratepayers in the City of Kingston pay about 38%, leaving only 12% to be covered by Frontenac County ratepayers.

The deployment plan that Frontenac County has been following until now, was set in place based on a consultant report in 2019 that projected less growth in ambulance calls than has actually occurred since that time. That report is being updated this year, ahead of schedule.

Even with all the stresses, Dunn, who was seconded to work for OPSEU for 8 months last year, said she is happy to be back working as a paramedic, maintaining her union role as a volunteer. ■

2016 assessment rate, thanks to Covid)

South Frontenac Budget

By Wilma Kenny

outh Frontenac Council met on February 16 for what was booked as an all-day session to review the Township’s 2023 budget prior to its coming forward for approval in early March. This year’s process was a far cry from earlier years, when the air had been filled most of the day with dramatic and sometimes ferocious arguments while the overall tax rate for an average house assessment* was painfully whittled down to 2%, at Mayor Vandewal’s insistence. This year’s budget came in at 2.62%.

S

This year, as they wound up for lunch, the whole 74-page document had been reviewed, and the event had turned into a love-in. There was lavish praise from all of Council for Treasurer Shelley Stedall’s presentation of a professional, thorough, databased budget intended to be a living document, open to revision and adjustments

throughout the year to come. Stedall in turn thanked her fellow staff members for all their contributions to the long, detailed report.

Vandewal himself, admitting that in 20 years he had never voted for any tax increase over 2%, said “Staff’s really on top of this; everything we’ve asked for is there, and we’re providing a higher level of service than ever. I can’t vote no!” Morey agreed: “A point 62% tax increase (over previous years) isn’t enough to throw the wheels off the bus.” Ruttan and Pegrum praised the data-based decisions staff had made, and Deputy Mayor Sleeth made the motion to adopt the budget as presented: this motion will have to come forward formally at the March meeting of Council.

The full document is available for study on the Township’s website, under the agenda for the March 17 COW.

(*currently $278,387 - based on MPAC’s

TOWNSHIP OF SO u TH F r ONTENAC

New S & Publ I c N OTI ce S

Verona Housing Plan Water and Wastewater Servicing Study to Begin

The Verona Housing Master Plan outlines the strategic direction for a municipally-led mixed housing development in the village of Verona. The plan will allow for a mix of housing types with a focus on seniors and affordable housing. The Township is moving forward with the next phase of the project which includes a study to assess various communal water and wastewater servicing options which are critical for the development of the site and approval of the plan. To learn more about the study, see the Verona Housing Plan project page on engagefrontenac.ca or the ad in this week’s Frontenac News. Watch for details on a Public Open House this spring in Verona.

By-Law Enforcement and Short-term Rentals Survey

We are asking all residents to take a short, 5-minute survey about by-law enforcement and the regulation of short-term rentals in the Township. Please take the survey by March 31 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFbylaw.

Reduced Loads on Township Roads Now in Effect to April 30, 2023

Due to current weather and road conditions, all roads within South Frontenac are subject to restricted loads effective immediately to April 30, 2023. Loads should not exceed 5,000 kilograms. This helps protect roads in the Township. This affects all roads in South Frontenac except for Wilton Road, Yarker Road, Road 38, Bellrock Road, Harrowsmith Road, Rutledge Road, Sydenham Road, Perth Road, Battersea Road, Sunbury Road, Moreland-Dixon Road.

Apply for a 2023 Community Grant Applications for the Community Project Grant Program are now being accepted. Not for profit community organizations including charitable organizations and unincorporated groups who meet the project guidelines can apply until March 31, 2023. For more information see www.southfrontenac.net/grants/.

TOwN HAll

Job Opportunities

• Summer Students: We’ve hiring summer students and have extended the deadline for several positions including lifeguards and swim instructors. We’ll reimburse successful candidates for swim certifications.

• Planner: Competition #23-23-DS. Closing date is February 27

For details on all current open positions including salary and job descriptions, see www.southfrontenac.net/careers/.

Bids and Tenders

PS-2023-11 – Multi-Year Pavement Marking Program, in partnership with Central Frontenac

Proposal documents must be received by 1:00 pm local time on March 1, 2023. Official forms can be downloaded from www.biddingo.com/southfrontenac.

Applications & Public Meetings

Council and the Committee of Adjustment hold regular public meetings to review planning applications and to invite public input. Please see our website under Open for Business/Current Planning Applications for a list of applications that are scheduled for a public meeting or in the public review period.

Upcoming Meetings

Here is a list of upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole meetings:

• March 7, 2023 – Council – 7 pm

• March 14, 2023 – Committee of the Whole – 7 pm

How to Participate

Public meetings take place on Zoom (computer and telephone) and are streamed live on our Facebook page @SouthFrontenacTwp. Go to the Events Calendar on our website for the link to register. If you want to attend the meeting in person, please email jthompson@southfrontenac.net before noon on the day of the meeting to confirm if space is available.

THINGS TO DO

Storrington Centre Reopening Celebration

Members of the public are invited to join us for the reopening of the newly renovated Storrington Centre, 3910 Battersea Road on Thursday, February 23 at 12 noon. Light refreshments will be served.

Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair

South Frontenac service clubs, sport leagues, teams, and community associations are invited to participate in the upcoming Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair on March 25 at the Storrington Centre in Sunbury. The fair is free and will be from 10 am – 2 pm. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by March 1. For more information and to save your spot, email recsupport@southfrontenac.net or call 613-453-6846.

2023 Swim & Day Camp Registration

Our Swim & Camp program is a place where children and youth belong, grow, thrive, and lead. Children ages 4 - 12 are welcome to join our enthusiastic, energetic, caring staff members in a safe environment that encourages children to realize their potential and follow their dreams. Our camps are hosted at The Point in Sydenham and Gilmour’s Point in Battersea in July and August. Registration will be open online on March 20, 2023. See our website for more information.

lIVING HeRe

Interim Tax Notices Due March 31, 2023

Interim Tax Notices will be issued to all property owners beginning on March 1, 2023. If you have not received your Interim Tax Notice by March 13, 2023, contact the Tax Department at 613-376-3027 x2200 or by email at taxes@southfrontenac.net.

2023 Dog Tags

2023 Dog Tags are now available for purchase. Buy yours before February 28, 2023 and pay just $15 per tag. After that date, the fee increases to $30. You can find the form and a list of local retailers selling dog tags until the end of February on our website under Living Here/Animal Control. Kennel Licenses cost $125 until February 28 increasing to $150 for the rest of the year and must be purchased at our office at 4432 George Street.

Farm Vendors Wanted – Frontenac Farmers Market

The Frontenac Farmers Market is gearing up for another great season. The market has a new look, and a new day and time! From May to October the market will be held on Fridays from 3pm – 7pm at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. They already have wonderful vendors lined up for the season but are always welcoming fresh faces and have extended early bird vendor pricing until March 1st. Every week the market will feature live music and special events such as face painters, yoga classes, and much more! For more information and to get involved, visit frontenacfarmersmarket.com.

Winter Road Restrictions in Effect

Just a reminder, there is no parking on Township roads and village streets from 12 midnight to 7 am until March 31, 2023.

Household Hazardous Waste Depot Hours

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot located at 2491 Keeley Rd in Sydenham is open every second Thursday until April from 3-7 pm (next date is Feb 23). You can find a full list of what materials are accepted on our website under Living Here/Solid Waste.

Family Day in South Frontenac at the Frontenac Community Arena in Godfrey.

By Craig Bakay

Central Frontenac lost one of its community cornerstones, not to mention one of its more colourful characters when Bob Harvey died Feb. 9 at Perth and Smith Falls District Hospital. He was 82 and had been suffering a brief illness.

Bob, the barber, served the Township for 13 years as a councillor, and for six years on Oso Council before that. He helped make the transition through amalgamation, as well as the Ice Storm in 1998. He came by municipal politics honestly, his father William having been reeve of Oso Township from 1958 to 1974, after having served one term as a councillor.

Harvey was known on council as being fiscally conservative with a taxpayer’s dollar but he also had an appreciation for the value of architecture, often arguing (usually unsuccessfully) for things like brick facades and clock towers on municipal structures. He could be counted on to have an opinion (usually well-thought out) on just about every item on a given agenda and sparked many a lively debate. But he wasn’t one to speak just to hear the sound of his own voice and when he spoke, it was generally with the undivided attention of his fellow councillors.

Although just about all of his time in Central Frontenac was spent in Sharbot Lake, where he was the barber for nearly 60 years, he wasn’t one to see what he could get for his district to the detriment of the Township as a whole. He often advocated at-large elections which he believed would better Central Frontenac, rather than just Oso.

Asselstine Hardware

Bob was born in Perth in 1940 and moved to Clarendon in 1947 when his dad bought the Clarendon Store, a building which still stands near the Clarendon K & P railroad station. He attended the one-room Clarendon schoolhouse and later Sharbot Lake High School, which he left before graduating to work in a rail yard and operating heavy equipment in Toronto.

At 21, he married Toots Keirstead, whose siblings turned out to be successful artists. He worked for a year to put himself through barber school and at 23, he opened up a shop in a building across from the train station in Sharbot Lake.

Over the next few years, he purchased land and built the barber shop/pool room across Robert St. from the municipal office. The Township eventually bought the property after he retired and the public works department now

calls it home.

He and Toots had three sons (Jeff, Craig and Brett), eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In 1991, they built the large home on the hill behind the barber shop.

Between Council and the barber shop, you’d think most of Bob’s time would be spoken for but he was well known for several other interests.

For example, until ginseng was put on the endangered species list in 2008, he along with the Boots Traynor clan from Westport were known as the people to go to for wild ginseng. He also bought and sold furs and seemed to very much enjoy buying up properties at tax sales.

He also had a passion for horse racing, having owned several taken home many wins.

He loved the outdoors and was a hunter most of his life.

But if you had to sum up the kind of man Bob Har-

vey was, just think of this image. He could often be seen, at his own expense

and asking nothing for it but the thanks of his neighbours, mowing the lawn in

his barber shop. ■

Bob Harvey. Photo submitted.