Eganville Leader

The Eganville Leader - July 14, 2021

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120th Year - No. 3

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Eganville, Ontario

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Yakabuski is new assistant to premier Looking forward to new role as election looms

By Debbi Christinck

A heavy police presence at a residence at Pikwakanagan First Nation was still evident Tuesday, four days after 67-year-old Ron Graham was found murdered near a home that was heavily damaged by fire July 4. He had been staying in a small trailer doing security.

Local man is charged with murder following death at Pikwakanagan

By Gerald Tracey

News Editor Pikwakanagan – An Eganville man well known at the Kokomish Gas Bar and Golden Lake Variety Store where he is employed is remembering his stepdad who was murdered at Pikwakanagan First Nation through the night Friday as the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back.

“He loved people,” Dustin (Dusty) Commando said.

Ron Graham, 67, a native of British Columbia who lived most recently in Eganville and Pikwakanagan, was found dead outside a residence that had been destroyed by fire nine days earlier. At the time of the murder a 27-year-old man was found nearby with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Pembroke Regional Hospital by Renfrew County Ambulance. That individual, Zachary Marquardt of Bonnechere Valley Township, was later charged with first degree murder and failing to comply with a probation order.

Ontario Provincial Police officers from nearby Killaloe had responded at around 3 a.m. in the early hours of Saturday morning to a 911 call at a residence on a dead-end street that runs north off of Kokomis Inamo, the main road through the reserve. The street runs a short distance towards the lake and has four residences on it.

The scene of the murder took place at the end of the street.

The accused appeared in court via video link Sunday morning and was remanded into custody with a scheduled appearance date of July 19 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Killaloe.

Although police only released the name of the victim Tuesday, it was common knowledge throughout the First Nation community of almost 500 Saturday morning Mr. Graham was the deceased.

It is not without irony the murder occurred at the scene of an earlier tragedy at Pikwakanagan slightly over a week previous when the residence

Sgt. Tom Kobylecki of the Killaloe detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police talks with an investigator from the OPP’s Criminal Investigations Branch at the scene of Saturday’s murder. where Mr. Graham was found dead was badly damaged by fire. In fact, he had escaped from the burning home on June 29 where he was taking a nap after a faulty electrical outlet started an afternoon fire at the residence. The home is owned by Kevin Dick and Tammy Commanda, good friends of the deceased. Mr. Graham was alone in the house at the time and was having an afternoon nap when a barking dog alerted him to the fire that started on the wooden deck at the front of

the home, spread up the walls and into the rafters. He escaped uninjured from that fire.

A few days after the fire, Mr. Dick purchased a used travel trailer to use while he made plans to repair the house which sustained substantial damage. According to neighbours, different people had started taking shifts in the trailer to protect the property from theft of contents from the residence. Mr. Graham was doing security Friday night when he

was killed.

There was a heavy police presence at Pikwakangan on Saturday with numerous OPP SUVs and crime scene investigators. OPP officers were still guarding the scene Tuesday as the investigation continued under the direction of the Criminal Investigation Branch in partnership with the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Services.

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Staff Writer Pembroke – Renfrew-NipissingPembroke MPP John Yakabuski is taking on a new role at Queen’s Park as parliamentary assistant to the premier.

“It is certainly a little different to be the parliamentary assistant to the premier because he is the head of government, so I will be involved in a lot of different things,” the MPP said while in the riding this week.

The announcement was made early in the week and Mr. Yakabuski said he was looking forward to the new role, especially since this is a crucial time for the Ford government.

“We are in the last year,” he said.

“So, I am pleased and honoured Premier Ford asked me.”

It’s been a tumultuous time for Premier Ford with COVID occupying much of his energy during his first mandate and the first time the Progressive Conservative Party has been in power for over a decade. When the Conservatives were voted in after more than a decade of Liberal rule in the province they had an ambitious agenda. Then COVID hit.

With Ontario moving into Step 3 of the re-opening plan this week and the push for vaccination continuing, the reigning Conservatives have had a challenging year and a half dealing with COVID. Now there is less than a year left to go in the mandate with a fixed election date set for next summer. The date is June 2, 2022, which is just a week shy of four years since the Conservatives were elected.

“We are at 10 months before the campaign,” Mr. Yakabuski said.

Mr. Yakabuski said he is looking forward to his new role and working with Premier Ford. It is an important time in government in the last year of the mandate and he knows there will be key decisions ahead.

“I’ve always worked closely with him,” he said. “We will now have more conversations than we had otherwise.”

Since forming part of the government, the MPP served as Minister of Transportation for a short time then a longer period as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. This new position is a broader look at government dealing with not just one ministry but assisting the premier in all aspects of government.

“I’ve never been a parliamentary assistant before,” he noted. “My dad (the late Paul Yakabuski) was.”

He knows the next year until the election will be busy ones. As well, when the legislature returns in the fall it will be for a busy session continuing to deal with government priorities and the changing face of Ontario with the changes COVID brought.

“This is going into an involved and hectic time,” he said. “It will be the last sitting before the election.”

Mr. Yakabuski, who has been reelected by an impressive majority time after time, is already getting ready for the June election. He anticipates

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski who lost his cabinet position last month has been named assistant to the premier. with the greater opening planned for Ontario and less COVID restrictions it will be possible for people to have more gatherings and events, including campaign events. However, the caveat remains vaccination and reaching a higher level of immunity.

“We are hoping everyone gets that second dose,” he said. “Inevitably as the fall and winter rolls in viruses have a way of rolling in. So, I am encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.”

The Ford government has been working hard to re-open Ontario, he stressed.

“It’s always been our desire to get open as much as possible as quickly as possible and balance it with the reality COVID has ebbed and flowed three different times already.”

Like others, he admitted he never would have envisioned something like this pandemic or how it has affected Ontario in the heady days when the Conservatives came to power just over three years ago.

For now, Mr. Yakabuski will continue to share time between Toronto and his Barry’s Bay home and the pull to Toronto will increase with his new duties.

“It’s always back and forth to Toronto,” he said. “I still expect to have more time in the riding than I did when I was a minister.”

The MPP hopes Ontarians will enjoy the new freedoms of Step 3 and be able to gather safely with loved ones.

“It is a big bonus in the summer to open and have the bigger numbers,” he said.

As for his own family, they are looking forward to having a chance to meet their 12th grandchild, a little girl born on July 1, Canada Day. According to the government website, the parliamentary assistant will support the premier with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership. They also play a key role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province.

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Victim remembered for his kindness and love of animals From Front Ron Logan, who lives adjacent to the murder scene, woke up about 4 a.m. to go to the washroom and noticed police cars and ambulances.

He said his daughter, Tanika, heard screaming around 3 a.m. He said Mr. Graham was keeping an eye on the property.

“They have a lot of stuff lying around from the fire and he was staying here, watching this stuff,” he said.

Mr. Graham was the spouse of the late Arlene Commanda who grew up at Pikwakanagan. They met in 1989 in Toronto and lived together as a couple until her passing six years ago shortly after they moved to Pembroke in 2014. He retained his strong connection to the community and relationship with his stepson and family.

Stepson Remembers Mr. Commando, a member of the First Nation who has worked at

Kokomish Gas Bar for nine years and part-time at the Golden Lake Variety Store for about a year, is well known throughout the Pikwakanagan community. He and his wife, Elaine, and their 18-year-old daughter, Isabel, live in Eganville. Mrs. Commando also works at the Kokomish.

Since it is a small community, both he and his wife knew the accused from serving him at the gas bar.

Mr. Commando isn’t sure of what happened through the night Friday, but said he understood the accused had been at the scene earlier Friday night, looking for someone else and remained there until the incident took place. A white pickup truck allegedly belonging to Mr. Marquardt was still at the scene and Mrs. Commando recalled serving him at the gas bar several days prior to the murder.

Mr. Commando considered Mr. Graham his father and the two were

very close. Just last Thursday night, he said they played cards until he finally said to his dad around midnight it was the last game because he had to get up at 6 a.m.

“It was that father and son bond,” he said.

In Eganville, Mr. Graham loved taking dogs for walks and would often take the neighbour’s dog on long walks.

“He made friends while he was out,” Mr. Commando said. “He was a very outgoing and a very friendly person who would do anything for you.”

Mrs. Commando said he also touched lives in her family. She is originally from Prince George, BC and came to Pikwakanagan in 1996 to provide care for an elderly woman who was ill.

“He loved dogs,” she said. “If you had your dog next to you and he chatted with you for two minutes he

This photo of Ronald Graham was taken on Tuesday, June 29 shortly after he escaped from a burning residence at Pikwakanagan First Nation owned by Kevin Dick and Tammy Commanda. He was on night security Friday at the home when he was murdered. An Eganville-area man has been charged with first degree murder. Mr. Graham is shown with Chris Landry, who also lived at the residence. He was delivering flyers in the ocmmunity when he noticed smoke billowing from the home.

would take his attention and put it on the dog and then ask if he could take the dog for a walk and he’d be gone like for three hours.

“He loved animals. Even if he saw a goat, he’d try to catch the goat and pet it, or if hesaw a goose on the road he would take it off the road so it wouldn’t get smacked by a car. He was a very big animal lover.”

Nightmare For Family Reflecting on the tragedy Monday afternoon, Mr. Commando said he still couldn’t believe something like this had happened.

“It feels like a nightmare, like it’s not real,” he said. “He’s been gone since Friday and today is Monday and you expect him to be here.”

Just two weeks ago, Mr. Graham’s nephew, Jamie, was travelling through the area from BC and stopped in Eganville for a visit. He returned home only to learn of the tragedy and was due to arrive back yesterday (Tuesday). Mr. Graham is also survived by one older sister. Three other siblings are deceased.

Mrs. Commando said the family has been overwhelmed with support from people in the community and beyond.

“People just come up and say ‘hey, how are you doing?’ and they just hug

us and hold us.”

Mr. Commando is extremely grateful for the support from his aunt and uncle, Karen and Derek Whalen who own Kokomish, the staff and others in the community like Val Smith whose home is just three away from the murder scene and where the Commandos have been spending a lot of time.

“Val and her family have been a

Ron Graham

huge support to me and my family,” he said. “And Kokomish has been there for us as well. The community members here have been supportive too. We are so thankful and grateful for all of the support.”

He was also appreciative of the police during the investigation, saying officers were kind, co-operative and patient.

Mr. Commando also expressed his condolences to Kevin and Tammy Dick because of their close friendship with Mr. Graham over the years.

A sacred fire was started at the pow wow grounds Sunday night and it will burn until Thursday. The fire is a healing custom for the survivors as well as the lost ones, those who have passed on. When the body is released to the family, Mr. Commando said he would like to have a service locally, but he said the final decision will be left with Mr. Graham’s family back in BC. Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Killaloe 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 $2,000.

Dustin (Dusty) Commando, shown with his daughter, Isabel and wife, Elaine, said his stepdad, Ron Graham, was more like a father to him and he shared some of his memories on Monday. A sacred fire is burning on the pow wow grounds until Thursday evening. It is a healing custom for both the survivors and lost ones.

Motion to advance reconciliation efforts passes unanimously at county

By Debbi Christinck

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pembroke – Renfrew County council has unanimously approved a resolution calling on the county to open a dialogue with the Algonquins of Ontario and Algonquins of Pikwakanagan to advance reconciliation efforts as well as developing training and education opportunities around Indigenous issues.

The motion was brought forward

by Deep River Reeve Glen Doncaster and was passed in a recorded vote unanimously. His resolution noted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial governments to “provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal people, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal Rights, Indigenous law and Aboriginal-Crown relations.”

The resolution added staff should investigate training options for county staff and council that would provide education in these issues.

“And further that staff begin a dialogue with the Algonquins of Ontario and the Algonquins of Pikakwanagan on ways to advance efforts for reconciliation efforts within the County of Renfrew.”

Reeve Doncaster said this is a first step in advancing efforts on reconciliation with the Algonquin people.

“Most importantly, if we are really, truly and meaningfully committed to reconciliation, we need to consider what reconciliation really means,” he wrote. “It is about fundamentally reorienting our relationship with our Indigenous neighbours and finding a new way forward; a way forward that is based on true partnership and equity.”

This is not the first time Reeve Doncaster has raised the importance of engaging all Algonquins in discussions and not solely focusing on Pikwakanagan. The County of Renfrew signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Algonquins of Pikwakangan several years ago, however, little firm progress has been made in the ensuing years on collaborative efforts or economic co-

operation. When the county agreed to name the abandoned rail corridor through the county the Algonquin Trail, Reeve Doncaster said all Algonquins should be consulted on this, not just Pikwakanagan.

In speaking with the Leader, the reeve said he has been looking at the importance of reconciliation efforts and dialogue for some time.

“For starters, it is probably a conversation that is long overdue,” he said.

He said he brought forward his resolution because he felt it was important to have “an acknowledgement that the Algonquins were here long before us.”

However, this is more than just an acknowledgement, he admitted.

It is changing the relationship we have with the 10 Algonquin groups of this area,” he said.

Noting he has been thinking about this issue and how to move it forward for some time, he said this is a first step.

Reeve Doncaster acknowledged there might be some fear or hesitation in the public about what this new relationship might entail.

“I don’t believe the Algonquins want to see every zoning application or land planning change in every municipality,” he said. “That would be overwhelming.

“I think they want a valid recognition they were here before us and they were the keepers of the land and the water,” he said. “I think this will benefit all of us.”

For him, the first step is education and moving on from there.

Engaging all 10 Algonquin groups is important because they have a physical presence throughout the county, he said.

“It is easy for us to engage with the Algonquins of Pikwakangan,” he said. “The other nine communities are not as easily identifiable.”

Prior to his resolution being passed Warden Debbie Robinson had introduced the idea of a reconciliation garden as a legacy project for the County of Renfrew. While Reeve Doncaster said he was supportive, he stressed more consultation with all Algonquins needed to take place. He said he was not sure if even the name reconciliation garden would stand or if it would be

an Algonquin cultural garden.

“If the county wants to embark on reconciliation in general it needs to be done throughout the whole organization,” he said. “We need to go farther.”

Reeve Doncaster is not Algonquin, but he feels very strongly about this issue and has for some time.

“It is not up to them,” he said. “It is up to us to do this.”

Reconciliation Garden Earlier in the agenda, Warden Robinson spoke about the Reconciliation Garden. She noted she spoke with Pikwakanagan Chief Wendy Jocko about this idea. The chief was supportive and said she would discuss the initiative with band council, the warden added.

“Last month we heard about 215 children found in unmarked graves in Kamloops and that has impacted heavily on me personally and I think all members of county council,” she said.

The Ontario Winter Games has a legacy project, she said, and this seemed a very appropriate project.

“We need as a county to publicly acknowledge our duty to the Truth

and Reconciliation and to the calls for action,” she said.

At the same time the warden said this was just a symbolic gesture.

“I’m under no illusion a garden on the county grounds is going to heal anything, but I do believe it could be a public statement and has the potential to help us move forward,” she said.

The warden said she feels very strongly about the issue and has been touched by the loss of so many children.

“It is indefensible what has happened and what is taking place,” she said.

The next step will be to meet with both the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan and the Algonquins of Ontario, she said. This is a project she wants to see happen by 2022.

“I do very much want to see us move forward with this and make a public statement,” she said. “This is an incredible historic movement I believe.”

Reeve Doncaster said it was important to have collaboration.

“It’s really important for us and for our relationship that we are working together and it is not just our idea and what we think,” he said.

Only two active COVID cases currently in Renfrew County Pembroke – The recent decline in the number of active COVID cases in Renfrew County continues to be consistently low with the Renfrew County District Health Unit (RCDHU) website reporting two active

cases as of 12 noon on Tuesday.

The statistics show there have been 747 confirmed cases in the county since the start of the pandemic, with 736 cases resolved and nine deaths.

In the RCDHU’s case summary

updated on July 8, it indicates 253 of the 747 confirmed cases are COVID variant-related. The total number of tests completed as of that date were 105,892 and the percent positivity of tests performed between June 24 and

June 30 was 0.3 percent. The four active cases as of the July 8 report were residents in Bonnechere Valley, Deep River, Greater Madawaska and the Town of Renfrew.

The Pikwakanagan First Nation and

the Nipissing District, unorganized, South Part (Algonquin Park) are the only two jurisdictions under the RCDHU banner with no confirmed cases to date. The largest number of cases to date, 94, were in Whitewater

Region Township, with Laurentian Valley Township a close second at 93. Three of the larger urban centres rounded out the top five with the Town of Petawawa at 89, Armprior with 79, and Pembroke with 77.

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Ottawa Valley has many big attractions in small towns

By R. Bruce McIntyre

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Portage-du -ort, PQ. -- Frances Shea believes in thinking big and as a proud Ottawa Valley resident, she says now is the time for the smaller communities on both sides of the Ottawa River to look around their own backyards and discover 50 local landmarks that are not only unique and help establish a community’s identity, but the promotion of these hidden treasures can help draw visitors to the area.

More importantly as she points out, attracting visitors to the area could have several positive aspects.

“What has happened over the last year with COVID is that a lot of people living in big cities like Ottawa and Toronto have decided they don’t want to be in a crowded neighbourhood and they are leaving the city looking for a more spacious and less populated area to live,” she said.

“When restrictions were lifted we had more cars and visitors passing through the village than we have seen in all the time we have been here.

Now is the time for us to promote Portage as a place not only to live, but a great place to start a business.”

Ms. Shea, a retired engineer who spent several years working at a local pulp and paper mill, is one of those individuals who can see potential in an otherwise bleak situation. Unlike

Small is the big new in places like Portage du Fort

This boat is on display in Parc Brosseau in Portage-du-Fort. From 1860 onward, Portage-du-Fort was an important centre of the Pontiac with its mills, train station and its terminus for steamboats carrying grain and wood on the Ottawa River. many who only see why something can’t be done, she can come up with 50 reasons for success and diplomatically brush aside the naysayers and move forward on a project.

“If you would have asked me five years ago if I saw myself as being the unofficial champion of Portage and all the incredible things that make

The Purvis House on Main Street is seen by many as the cultural anchor of Portage. Today, it is an art gallery.

The Lakeside Hotel is one of the few remaining hotels in the Pontiac Region. It was a hot spot for many Ontarians after bars closed here.

this community a desirable place to visit or live, I likely would have had a great laugh about it all,” she said while walking through the quiet streets of the community along the Ottawa River.

“We came here for a yard sale about five years ago and my husband, Cletus and I just loved the area and we ended up buying a mobile home before we purchased the old stone house, a house that included stables from the 19th and 20th century.”

Although they officially reside in Ontario just outside of Renfrew, the couple immersed themselves on a five-year renovation project. They transformed the cottage they purchased from a run-down 176-year-old stone stable into a pristine modernized seasonal residence that combines the original stone foundation and wooden interior into a modern home with all the amenities available in the 21st century.

Historical Walking Tour Within a few years Ms. Shea and other like-minded residents began to have regular meetings to come up with ideas to promote the village and stop it from becoming just another ghost town found in some parts of the Valley.

“We wanted to make sure that Portage stayed on the map for tourists and visitors who come through the village and we wanted them to see some of the original landmarks that have been here for more than 150 years.

“We have a really good group of

volunteers who live here and all of us see so much potential for Portage. I mean, just look at the waterfront and we have the original Monument of Lady Head to greet the boaters and those coming to fish off our docks. It really ties into our theme of linking the past which was built by the lumber trade and reminding them that Portage was one of the busiest towns in all of the Ottawa Valley.”

The monument of Lady Anna Maria Head, built of calcific marble in 1856, celebrates her accomplishment as the first woman to travel the Ottawa River in a birch bark canoe. She was the wife of the Province of Canada’s then Governor General Sir Edmund Head, and her trip down the length of the river symbolized the economic and cultural importance of the Ottawa Valley in the future meetings which laid the groundwork for confederation.

It is no accident that the monument, located on the beach and at the foot of the legendary Lakeside Hotel, the one-time hottest spot on the Ottawa River when the bars closed on the Ontario side and carloads of eager would-be customers crossed the bridge at the Cheneaux Dam in order to continue their late-night activities.

The volunteer group partnered with all levels of government and some local cultural groups to produce a slick and easy-to-use Historical Walking Tour of Portage-du-Fort, a book filled with photographs dating back to the 1840s and highlights some of the village’s most recognizable cen-

tury homes. It also highlights other landmarks such as the village’s three churches, or an original grindstone placed in the park by Father Basil Tanguay in 2017.

The guide comes in both English and French and is an incredible historical reference for the stone houses that survived the devastating fire of May 1914 when 80 per cent of the village was lost.

“To have these homes still standing after that fire, and with so many staying in the same family for generations, they are in great shape,” Ms. Shea said. “Today, when a “For Sale” sign goes up, it doesn’t stay up very long as they are selling so fast. Some of the new owners are from Ottawa or other large cities and they want to get back to a more stress-free and less-crowded environment they grew tired of being part of.”

The volunteers successfully obtained funding to create a series of plaques that are placed in front of landmarks and each plaque contains a short essay outlining the history of the site. Among the colourful stories behind the doors of some include the Sauve House which was used over the years as a watchmaker’s shop, a commercial warehouse, a lunch counter and a confectionary.

The Purvis House on Main Street is seen by many as the cultural anchor of Portage. Built in 1855 by Dr. George Purvis, he was one of the Pontiac’s first doctors and a fully equipped clinic operated out of there. Over the

The Reid House is one of many beautiful old stone buildings in the village.

Fishing from the dock at Portage is a favourite pastime for locals and visitors to the community.

years it has been the home to a Catholic school and later used by Humber College before the Pontiac Artists’ Association started renting space in 2009 to showcase their artwork.

Today, the Purvis House is one of the most popular sites on the tour and it is also home to several exhibits featuring the works of local artists.

“This really is a big draw and on weekends there are plenty of cars that stop there and we joke it is sometimes as busy as the corner store,” she said.

“That is why some of us who live across from the Purvis House on Craig and Nancy Lane really go all out to make our laneways as attractive and accessible as possible. Most people don’t even realize we are on real roads owned by the village so why not show it off.”

Ms. Shea and some nearby neighbours are also talented artists and some, including herself, have built small galleries and they have created what can best be described as a natural artists’ alley. Visitors and residents can walk down the laneways and see some rather unique creations.

Ms. Shea said it really comes down to keeping things simple and affordable and when people on both sides of the river consider a daytrip, Portage du Fort should be one of their top destination choices.

Back From The Brink “After the Smurfit Pulp Mill announced its closing back in 2008, everyone naturally thought it was going to be the death of Portage,” she said.

“For about 10 years it was tough going and people started to leave. Then about three years ago our committee started to get involved in promoting the area and people started to come and that was when I realized we had way more than the 24 landmarks found in our walking guide.”

The Shea’s started a campaign built around the premise that Small is the New Big and they listed 50 (plus three more recent additions) great ways to enjoy the village of Portage du Fort. The list includes things that can only be found in Portage including the ability to walk along the dams located on the Ottawa River and see first-hand the incredible velocity of the heritage river.

When she looks onto the river from her back porch, a porch the couple built over the original stables, she points to the main floor that once housed many horses back in the 19th century.

“Old is new and small is the new big,” she said with a laugh. “People are being drawn back to the simplicity of rural life and Portage is the ideal link to get them here. The list of 50 items has real physical items like the houses, but the list also contains some facts. We are proud to say that our town does not contribute to any pollution in the Ottawa River because we have septic systems, and we have fresh water and when people come to look at a house for sale, they are usually shocked when they hear how affordable it is to live in Portage.”

She admits there are several communities up and down the Valley with similar water conditions and low housing costs. That is exactly the point she is trying to make.

“We are coming out of COVID and folks in the big cities just want to get out of the city they have been locked up in for over a year,” she said. “Once all the restrictions are lifted people will be scrambling to do something they couldn’t do for a year. Many of them discovered the Ottawa Valley and some are moving here for the first time.

“I think of this as almost a challenge to all the little towns and villages up and down the Valley. “Community volunteers know who they are and they don’t need a lot of time to go from talking to doing. Make a list of 50 little things that make your community a destination for visitors.

It is bad to say it, but COVID may have given Portage and all the towns out there a new chance to start selfpromoting and that will help all their businesses.

In the end, Ms. Shea said it all

Frances Shea and her husband, Cletus, moved to Portage du Fort about five years ago and fell in love with the community. The couple started a campaign Small is the New Big and they believe are being drawn back to the simplicity of rural life.

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Half of 18 to 45 year olds in county remain unvaccinated

By Christina Vietinghoff

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pembroke -- Vaccination progress has been good with 72.3 per cent of Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but work remains for the 50 per cent of county residents age 18 to 45 who have yet to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated.

“We have a very low percentage from basically 18 to 45. It’s probably around 50 per cent, so it’s quite a lot lower than the rest,” said Dr. Robert Cushman, acting Medical Officer of Health. “And we’re making a real ef-

fort. We figure that these people are busy, that they have young families, that they have jobs and our clinics are mostly from 9 to 5 p.m.”

Dr. Cushman said the health unit is making it easier to get vaccinated for those busy young families.

“So what we’re doing now is that we just had a meeting with the mayors of all the municipalities and we’re going to start to reach out into these smaller communities to try to reduce barriers to access,” he said. “(We are) bringing pop-up clinics to these small communities for people to get their first time dose or for the elderly to get their second dose.”

Renfrew County’s top doctor said the health unit aims to begin those pop up clinics the week of July 19th.

The RCDHU encompasses 14,980 square kilometers with approximately 105,700 residents. Up until now, residents have had to drive to nearby towns like Barry’s Bay, Pembroke, Arnrprior or Renfrew to get vaccinated. The vast geography of Renfrew County presents a unique barrier to vaccine access relative to the nearby Ottawa Health Unit, where 81 per cent of adults have already received at least one dose, as of July 9th.

Dr. Cushman said that while a third of unvaccinated residents may have

held off because of barriers to access, others may be hesitant.

“What we’re saying to these people is look, if you don’t get vaccinated you open yourself up to risk. So it’s these folks who are busy and have vaccine hesitancy because they figure ‘what the heck, I’m young enough I won’t get sick; I won’t get really ill, it’s only really old people who get really ill’. But that’s not true as we’ve seen with the variants,” Dr. Cushman said.

At a press conference on July 8th, Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said that “between May 15th and June 12th, 83 per cent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ontario were in unvaccinated individuals.”

Health officials have indicated that unvaccinated people are most vulnerable to the Delta and Lambda variants of concern, which are more contagious and more likely to lead to hospitalization.

Dr. Cushman said now is the time for the unvaccinated residents from 18

to 45 to go to a clinic to get vaccinated so they don’t get sick: “So just to take that hour out to go someplace and roll up your sleeve, (it) certainly makes a lot of sense so we’re hoping that we can convince them by having better access but also showing that they’re the ones who suffer most” Dr. Cushman also called on employers to give their employees time off to get vaccinated.

“A stitch in time saves nine. If you get your employees vaccinated it may well be that you can keep your work site open, you can keep your business going; but if they’re not, you really open yourself up to infection,” he said.

Dr. Cushman also stated Renfrew County residents are incredibly lucky to have access to the vaccine.

“A lot of people in the world would give their arm, literally, to get this vaccine,” he said. “I worked in Africa for years. People would walk a day to get their child immunized”.

Countries around the world are taking different approaches to promoting

vaccination. In the United States, free beer or in some states, free lottery tickets are being offered to vaccine recipients.”

In France, one health unit has adopted a romantically suggestive advertising campaign, attempting to persuade young people to get vaccinated by showcasing the “desirable” benefits of being vaccinated.

During a July 8th press conference, provincial Health Minister Christine Elliott stated the provincial government is not considering financial incentives or a provincial vaccine passport program at this time.

Experts are now indicating that vaccination rates of close to 90 per cent may be necessary in order to achieve herd immunity against the COVID-19 virus.

“To rely on 90 per cent of the population to protect you, that’s just not being civic minded. In fact, it’s selfish” Dr. Cushman stated. “Each and every one of us counts and what we do, counts.”

Wieland Shore speed signs removed

A drive through vaccination clinic was held in the parking lot at Eganville District Public School last Friday. About 235 doses were administered. Another one is planned for this Friday from 1 to 4 with Moderna for 18 and over.

Eganville -- Wieland Shore signs posting a reduced speed have been removed by Bonnechere Valley Township.

Works Manager Jason Zohr told council someone had taken it upon themselves to put up signs posting the speed as 20 kilometres per hour.

“We had a complaint from a resident about illegal speed signs installed on Wieland Shore Road,” he said. “We have removed the two signs which was attached to our No Parking signs.”

The signs were attached with no authorization, he noted.

“We haven’t had any phone calls wondering where their signs went,”

he said. “Hopefully that issue is on the back burner.”

Mayor Jennifer Murphy said there was also another email about more No Parking signs on Wieland Shore and this will be passed on to Mr. Zohr to look at.

Speeding In BV Eganville – The issue of speeding is continuing in Bonnechere Valley with several hot spots according to Works Manager Jason Zohr.

He told council after reviewing the speed sign data on the Lake Clear Road OPP Staff Sergeant Pat DiSaverio has noted that there is significant speeding issue in this location.

“The OPP will be monitoring the area,” he said.

Other areas of concern are Bonnechere Street East and West.

“The data too is also very high for speeding,” he said, adding the OPP will be monitoring it.

Mayor Jennifer Murphy asked about Augsburg Road since council had received a letter from a resident expressing her concern about speeding there. Mr. Zohr said the data from Augsburg Road was not available yet, but he would bring it back to council.

Mayor Murphy suggested the issue on Augsburg Road be tabled until all the information was presented.

The Eganville Leader - July 14, 2021

Remembering the children

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Orange has become a significant colour in Canada in recognition of the impact of residential schools on First Nations. The discovery of the unmarked graves of children at the site of former residential schools has galvanized communities and orange ribbons have become visible on bridges throughout the Valley, in front of homes and in other locations. In Pikwakangan the main intersection has been transformed with orange ribbons on the trees and the large banner. Especially poignant is the reminder of the lost children with the small stuffed animals and the picture of Joey Commanda, a community member who was killed while escaping residential school. A large Orange Shirt Day event is being planned for late September.

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Tim Tabbert was known as the singing farmer with very deep ties to the NFU

By Debbi Christinck Staff Writer

Forester’s Falls – A solitary tractor stood guard outside the cemetery not far from Tim Tabbert’s farm on the Queen’s Line as a reminder of a man with a deep love for farming, passion for karaoke, a penchant for old tractors and an irrepressible twinkle in his eye.

“He was known as the singing farmer,” his cousin Christine Tabbert said while delivering his eulogy at the cemetery on Monday morning. “He loved karaoke. He loved the attention and the music.”

Mr. Tabbert, 62, passed away on July 6 at Renfrew Victoria Hospital with family by his side. He had been diagnosed two months before with Glioblastoma, the same brain tumour which took the life of many others before him including Canadian singer Gord Downie.

Born and raised in the farming community, he was the eldest son of five and came from a large extended family, including 33 first cousins.

“The values Tim learned on a farm growing up lasted a lifetime,” Christine said.

As an adult he moved into the Broome homestead of his maternal ancestors and farmed there. He also did custom fieldwork and had a business spreading liquid manure.

“Tim became known up and down the Valley for his hard work and his antics,” she said.

He was also a man of faith, who could be heard telling others “the Lord will provide” when there were the farming concerns of too little rain, too much rain and other issues.

A father of three, she said her cousin showed his love and affection through action and service. He was the dad who would make the ice on the rink at Queen’s Line and took great pride in the quality of the ice and making sure there was a fire for the children to warm up to. After this he also made sure there was a rink at the farm for them too, she added.

Readers of the Leader and the former Cobden Sun are familiar with the by-line of Connie Tabbert, who married Tim in 2008 and the two have been inseparable since. Their love was so strong Connie gave up most of her journalistic efforts for farming and milking, joining her husband in his farming life and passion for farming issues. Their love story and wedding in which the happy couple

left on one of Tim’s tractors – he had 13 – still captivated the imagination of those who were at the event many years later. They were both deeply involved in the National Farmers Union (NFU) where Tim served in executive positions as director, vice president and president of the local branch as well as regional director and was active at provincial and national conventions.

“He loved going to protests in Ottawa with his manure truck or one of his tractors,” Christine recalled.

One time he filled the manure spreader with water and close to Parliament Hill decided to spread the water. Unbeknownst to him, a police officer was right behind him and it appears Mr. Tabbert did not do a complete job of cleaning out the manure spreader before filling it with water, so the officer was showered with a smelly liquid. The officer started writ-

ing up every ticket he could think of, only to be told by his commanding officer no tickets were to be given to protestors.

Known for his white “Santa Claus” beard, he shaved it off for Hospice Renfrew and raised $270 in the proceeds. He was also known for his smoked sausage and loved making it with extended family using the traditional recipe.

His local NFU colleagues recalled a sharp, quick-witted man who was a loyal member and passionate about farming issues.

Lauretta Rice pointed out since Mr. Tabbert grew up on a dairy farm and then raised beef cattle he had a good understanding of various aspects of farming. She also laughed as she recalled his spirit of fun.

“He was always playing tricks,” she said. “He was the joy of the national convention every year. He was up till 4

Tim Tabbert was a farmer and active in the National Farmer’s Union. He loved to sing and was known for never missing a karaoke opportunity.

He died last week at 62.

o’clock having fun and up again at 7.”

She also pointed out she never heard him say a derogatory word about anyone “He was complementary regardless of who you were,” she said.

Marshall Buchanan, the president of the local NFU chapter, said he appreciated while Mr. Tabbert was a committed farmer, he never let his business take over his life.

“Tim learned he wanted to make a success with his relationship with his friends,” he said. “He spent a lot of time supporting his friends.”

Despite strong opinions, Mr. Tabbert never lost his temper at meetings, he said.

“He would deliver his opinions carefully,” he said. “He did not lecture you. He had dignity in the way he conducted himself.”

He is survived by his wife Connie, children, Christopher (Amy), Amanda (Alain) and Shaun and grandchildren, Henry and Veronica, as well as his mother, Eleanor and siblings, Terry (Jennifer), Bonnie (Kent), Danny (Lynda) and Linda (Vivian) and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Keith Good family were among the patrons supporting the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 353 barbecue on Friday. From the left are, Everton, Keith and Gracie.

Tim Tabbert, pictured on his beloved tractor at the Renfrew County Plowing Match in 2019. There is also a photograph of his wedding to his wife Connie on the tractor.

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OPP is conducting safe driver campaign in wake of crashes Orillia -- The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reporting a significant increase in commercial motor vehicle (CMV) related fatal collisions, a clear sign police say that many drivers are disregarding the additional risks these types of collisions carry.

From January 1 to June 30, the OPP responded to 32 fatal crashes that involved a CMV, compared to 23 such collisions at this time last year.

Heading into the second half of 2021, 2,956 CMV-involved crashes have occurred, up nine per cent over 2020 and accounting for close to 13 per cent of the total number of col-

lisions on OPP-patrolled roads this year.

Improper lane changes, following too closely, speeding and driver inattention on the part of CMV operators and drivers of other involved vehicles are leading factors in this year’s large truck-related collisions.

A CMV can weigh in excess of 60,000 kg and, travelling at speeds of 80 to 105 km/h, generates significant momentum and energy, increasing the risk of fatality when involved in a crash with other vehicles.

During the one-week Operation Safe Driver campaign, OPP officers

will be highly visible conducting enforcement and education aimed at CMV operators and other drivers, exercising zero tolerance with any motorists observed engaging in risky driving in and around these large vehicles.

Assault charge Killaloe -- William Shain Fletcher of Otonabee-South Monaghan Township was charged with assault by Ontario Provincial Police officers from Killaloe on Saturday following an assault call in Algonquin Park.

Police were called to the Canisbay Lake Campground and as a result the 57-year-old was charged. The victim ended up with minor injuries. Mr. Fletcher has a date in Killaloe court on September 8.

Friday night crash ends with impaired driving charge A passenger in the white car seen here was transported to hospital with minor injuries by County of Renfrew paramedics on Friday night after it left the roadway, entered a ditch, re-entered the highway and came to stop on Queen Street near the Canadian Waste Management depot. The car was westbound on Fourth Chute Road when it missed the corner, jumped the curve, entered the ditch and crossed a driveway before re-entering Queen Street (Highway 41). The Bonnechere Valley Fire Department Eganville Station assisted with the cleanup of leaking chemicals from the car. Tammy Seasbrook, 42, of Toronto was charged with impaired driving.

OPP charge Pembroke man with possession Adrien McNaughton when he went missing and what he may look like now.

Police follow leads for missing child from 1972 Adrien McNaughton was 5 when he vanished Renfrew -- The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to follow potential leads in relation to the 1972 disappearance of Adrien McNaughton. The Renfrew County Crime Unit under the direction of the Criminal Investigation Branch is continuing the investigation.

Adrien was five years old when he went on a fishing trip to Holmes Lake, near Calabogie on June 12, 1972. He was there with his father and siblings when he wandered into the forest. Despite a massive search effort at the time, as well as subsequent searches, no trace of Adrien has ever been found.

One theory was the child had somehow made it out of the forest and could have been taken in by someone and potentially be alive and living in the region.

In 2009, investigators released an image, created by an artist, of what Adrien might look like in his early 40s. Since that time, the OPP has received multiple tips that have been investigated and ruled out.

“If Adrien is alive he might have only fleeting memories from his early years”, said Detective Inspector Serge Acay. “We would ask everyone in the Renfrew County area and elsewhere to take a close look at the artist’s sketch and think about people you know.”

Adrien McNaugton would be 54 now.

If anyone has information, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous you may contact Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 or online at www.valleytips.ca.

Pembroke -- Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a 44-year-old Killaloe man with possession of fentanyl Saturday night.

Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person near a business in the 400 block of Pembroke Street East in Pembroke where they found

the individual to be in possession of illegal drugs.

Peter Meness was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule 1 substance – fentanyl, failure to comply with an undertaking and possession of unmarked cigarettes. The accused was released with a court date of August 17 in Pembroke.

Driver caught at twice the speed Laurentian Valley Twp. – A 20-year-old Pembroke resident was charged with operating a motor vehicle while performing a stunt – speeding Friday night just after 8:30 when an officer with the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) caught him speeding.

The charge was laid after the driver

was caught driving 105 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone on Bruham Avenue in Laurentian Valley Township.

The driver was presented with a summons to appear at the Ontario Provincial Offences Court in Pembroke. The accused had their licence suspended for seven days and the vehicle was towed and impounded for 14 days.

Facing multiple charges Killaloe – A 27-year-old man from Waterloo is facing multiple criminal charges as a result of a domestic disturbance in Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Township Friday.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged the man with two counts of domestiuc assault, two counts of uttering threats, domestic

assault with a weapon, four counts of domestic assault causing bodily harm and two counts of domestic mischief under.

The accused was released on conditions, and has a court date of July 28 in Killaloe. The name of the accused has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim.

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The Eganville Leader - July 14, 2021

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Founded in 1902 Published by The Eganville Leader Publishing Ltd. at 150 John Street, Eganville, Ontario Gerald Tracey, Publisher

The Eganville Leader

Recognizing quality This password is already taken C

ongratulations to our own MPP John Yakabuski on his recent appointment as parliamentary assistant to Premier Doug Ford.

As one of the more experienced members of the Legislature for the governing Progressive Conservative party Mr. Yakabuski will without a doubt be able to contribute to the government in effectively delivering messages from the premier. For those of us in the Ottawa Valley and his riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke it is good to know Mr. Yakabuski has the ear of the premier and will be involved in the decision making in this next year of the Ford government mandate.

It has been a challenging time for the premier and the Conservatives and the recent ousting of many experienced members from senior cabinet positions left many in the party and the province confused. It is good to know Premier Ford recognizes the qualities of our own MPP. We do too.

Moving to Step 3 As Ontario moves into Step 3 it appears most of us are more

O ne f***k***Cabbage! That password is already taken!

If you have ever tried to sign into an unfamiliar computer or to access accounts you haven’t used for a while, you have likely encountered the demand for a password and the arcane and ever-expanding criteria that go with it.

Eight characters. Too long. Too short. Must use mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. Finally, you cobble together a string of forgettable gibberish which you must immediately write down or you’ll forget it.

You’ve typed it in, carefully checking each keystroke and the message in red says. THIS PASSWORD IS ALREADY TAKEN. Too bad, so sad! When you finally succeed, your day is ruined, your temper is simmering and your blood pressure is through the roof.

In terms of computer technology, which is not my strong point, this has been the week from hell.

Something happened to my computer -- I know not what -- but suddenly I couldn’t sign into my own familiar files wherein live the entire contents of my last five years as a writer. (It’s only the last five years because I have several older computers which hold earlier files which are no longer accessible!). I don’t think I have an unpublished best seller locked away in those old versions of my Apple II GS or a Mac Pro or a MacBook Air with a broken screen or several iPads with outdated software, but I

than ready to have a tad more freedom, enjoy a few more visits and explore a bit further afield.

Even the traffic in the Valley seems to be picking up and resembling a bit more typical summer with people coming from other parts to their summer residences or others exploring a new part of Ontario. Usually, our population pretty well doubles in the summer in our waterfront areas and vacation hot spots and it is clear people are on the move again.

It has been a long haul since COVID first came onto our lovely shores in the Ottawa Valley and with the fear and uncertainty of those early days and then the ongoing tedium of lockdown after lockdown. People are tired of distancing, masking and lack of socialization. However, for many the fear of contagion is still forefront and the lingering effects of COVID will likely be felt for some time.

For many tourism-based businesses COVID has been devastating. Government supports have been present but they can only do so much. With no tourists coming in from abroad some operators have been hurt significantly, especially in areas close to the US border or lodges and camps which cater to Americans and International visitors primarily.

Ontario is moving to Step 3 which means indoor dining, movie theatres (with limited capacity), gyms, larger indoor gatherings and big outdoor events. It’s still a far cry from the Calgary Stampede, but with the number of fully vaccinated Ontarians growing daily, it is a move closer to pre-COVID normalcy. However, we still aren’t fully there. Indoor social gatherings are only 25 people and the max outdoors is 100. Physical distancing is still mandated at religious gatherings. Retail and dining also face restrictions because of two-metre physical distancing requirements.

So, when do we get to Step 4? It all comes down to vaccination with the benchmark being 75 per cent of eligible Ontarians fully vaccinated. While vaccine hesitancy seems to be lower in Ontario and Canada than other countries, it shows this is really a team effort and just like mask wearing, being vaccinated has become something we do for others as well.

The closures, the lockdowns, the isolation of COVID has been challenging and it is not over. Countries around the world are seeing a surge in Delta variant cases, so the future remains somewhat uncertain. But for now, enjoy the beautiful Ottawa Valley.

Shop local, dine local, explore a new part of the county. Follow t just makes common sense were guidelines and stay safe. words that we heard from our parents

need my current writing projects! I need access to my email although I am secretly relieved that I can’t get onto Facebook.

Have I been hacked? I don’t know.

To be on the safe side I call my credit card company and ask them to block use of the credit card I use to pay for Netflix, my iCloud storage and my Microsoft Office account. I don’t use my online banking. I write last week’s column on my phone.

A more technologically adept friend helps me retrieve some of my immortal prose from the void... and I begin the long laborious process of trying to prove I am me to my infernal devices.

Wrong sign in. Wrong password.

We’ll send a code to your phone.

Which of my numerous email

addresses did I use? Write these squiggles in this box to prove you are indeed allowed access to these files. Click on the fire hydrants! One f****k****Cabbage!

Can I return to the simple world of words written in longhand on yellow legal pads, go to the bank in person? I could shop in the Ottawa Valley and pay cash. I could write letters to distant friends and mail them from the post office. I could phone people from a telephone which remains attached to the wall. I could use a clock to wake up, a notepad for my grocery list and a camera for my photos. There is only one insurmountable obstacle. How can I travel, write my weekly column in distant places, attach it to an email and hit send to the Leader?

The alternative is to write the column in longhand, or to carry a typewriter with me, to send it by airmail or freighter and hope it eventually arrives in the Eganville Leader P.O. box. Or perhaps I could call the Leader long distance from Spain and dictate the story to someone who writes it down verbatim. That’s how Hemingway did it. Not that I’m a Hemingway…

That was also my first job as an intern at the Ottawa Journal, writing frantically as a famous parliamentary correspondent read his story to me over a telephone from the Press Gallery. How do you spell Diefenbaker?

Laborious, tedious and prone to error. But easier than dealing with One f***k***Cabbage!

Common sense forgotten words I

Letter

Explaining bad idea Dear Editor: Thank you, David Ainsworth.

Dave is the PPC candidate for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke who took the time to explain why the RCDSB’s (Renfrew County District School Board) new position of Principal of Equity, Anti- Racism and Inclusive Education is a very bad idea. It would seem to me to be just expensive virtue signalling.

Doug Ford’s government wants to slash education spending by as much as a billion dollars. Creating another level of bureaucracy hardly seems like a good use of resources.

Superintendent Cousineau explains the impossible idea of equity of outcome is one goal. How many times does this well meaning but flawed idea have to fail?

Many affirmative action initiatives are being abandoned because they cause more harm than good.

If interested, James Riley’s book Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder For Blacks To Succeed is an enlightening read.

Equality of opportunity instead of equality of outcome may be

much more effective and attainable.

Anti-racism. Isn’t it interesting how the woke play with language by changing meanings and making up abstract words. Racism scholar Ibram x.Kendi (born Henry Rogers) says one is anti-racist or racist. There is no room for neutrality and there is no such thing as non-racist.

As a teacher if I have a class of 10 black, 10 Asian and 10 white students and I strive to make sure everyone has the same opportunity to succeed I am racist. Nonsense! At least I would be in good company. Martin Luther King would be racist by this idea. MLK famously said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their heart.“ Kendi would not be pleased!

How about a little education instead of indoctrination? The students missed out on much of their schooling this last year and time an energy spent on this redundant at best concept is time and money waisted.

Gord Eady, Retired Teacher, Renfrew

every time they had to change our diaper and we forgot to tell them it was full. As we got a bit older, we learned that using it was the way they expected us to live, and there was hell to pay if we forgot.

Life was really built on that premise. It was taught in our schools, in all levels of government. It was the rule for smart people but not by people too smart for their own good and the good of those whose welfare depended on them. They were known as shysters and scumbugs like our present day scammers. The lady with the friendly voice who just interrupted what I am doing was asked to go and soak her head in a bucket of skunk pee.

Hopefully, dear readers, the smart people who manufacture our telephone will include a scam detector that will terminate the call and trace it back to the source. As our grandparents would say: “That just makes common sense.” I would just love to be invited to watch that head soaking in the bucket. I don’t have a clue where this old saying originated, “Really getting down to brass tacks”, but I might as well use it.

Really getting down to brass tasks, without having to sit on them, we have to admit that common sense and good judgement are getting harder to find with each passing day. We are watching speeders in one hell of a hurry to get somewhere, so they can hurry

back. We are watching ambulances speeding in both directions two or three times per day. There are collisions that are being called strange and unusual. Never in my long life have I witnessed so much strange behaviour, such as placing objects on our highways that could cause fatal accidents, or vehicles crashing into several other vehicles before coming to a stop. Do I dare to remind our PM that there could be a common cause for all this strange behaviour? This is a question that should be answered by our prime minister. Could this strange behaviour have anything to do with all the cannabis stores opening their doors in Pembroke and throughout the Valley?

Nobody knows more about addic-

tions than people who lived through an addiction. It is something like food poisoning, only worse. It feels like our brain has been poisoned and the last thing we need is more poison and more stores selling the poison. By legalizing an addictive drug Parliament has handcuffed the people who have to deal with its abuse, our over worked police. When it is a drug that can impede the brain, even a little can be too much. Sometimes it is more difficult to undo than to do, but this mess has to be cleaned up before it is too late.

I spent 10 years of my life trying to help young people to steer clear of drug troubles and had to deal with heart-broken parents when my efforts were in vain. In another article I tried to make light of a few of the calls for welfare assistance, but there were others that caused a few sleepless nights. In the 1970s drugs were more of a threat than a serious problem because the ingredients were considered relatively safe. And in those tough old days, human life was more valuable than money.

I am thinking especially about the dirty 30 pieces of silver going into the Federal Treasury from the sale of an addictive drug. All we can do is hope and pray that sanity will soon be restored to our Holy House on the Hill. Enough writing about craziness and what drives us crazy. Remember, dear readers, if what I write makes you feel constipated the thing you should eat is a pound of cheese.

Editorial Page Letter

Democracy can be messy Dear Editor: Last week’s piece Whitewater Region reverses Westmeath cenotaph decision requires more background.

As Marie Zettler pointed out, in January 2020 staff decided to use donated land for a parkette.

The special council meeting June 23, 2021 revealed that in the winter, staff applied for a Veterans Affairs grant for $25,000, calculating that the cenotaph move would cost $1,000 and the remaining $24,000 could be used for parkette purposes.

In the May 20, 2020 agenda, staff said that “in discussions with Tour de Whitewater chair, it (the old cenotaph site) would be the ideal location for a rest station (toilets).” The Tour is a cycling event. CAO Tremblay reported in June 2021 that no formal decision had been made.

Thus, there were no problems for 25 years until a special interest group wanted the land under the cenotaph, and staff wanted to use it to secure funding for something else.

It was never, “What can we do to enhance the cenotaph and Veterans Park?” but rather, “What can we use to get grants and where can we put seasonal toilets?” The poor noble cenotaph suddenly had a bulls-eye on it.

With plans underway, the community was unaware of the proposed relocation. A public council meeting does not ensure general public awareness of an issue.

Meanwhile, a site plan was drafted, tender issued, and staff promised public consultation, newspaper ads, and flyers. They claim that the pandemic hampered communication but Canada Post continued to deliver as did the rec association newsletter, yet these were not used.

Furthermore, the cenotaph represents the former Westmeath Township, before amalgamation. Beachburg, Perreton, Lapasse, and rural areas were impacted as well. Anybody who attends our Remembrance Day service knows this. The community to be consulted was much larger than the village. Staff missed this significant historical fact.

Right before removal of the cenotaph, dozens of people met to discuss the faulty process and looming problems with the proposed site.

The plan placed the cenotaph on the north side, backed by cedars, a six-foot fence, and bracketed by shrub beds. What all school children, past and present, know is that 39 names of fallen soldiers are on the back and their names would have been inaccessible.

Our Veterans Park sign says “Lest We Forget.” Indeed.

Also, the Vimy oak seedling was omitted from the site plan.

The parkette has no parking. It is at a busy intersection of Rapid Road and the Gore Line. Future Remembrance Day services would require road closures.

Each service always draws a crowd and long line of wreath layers. In the arena’s hall, children host a pageant. A contingent from Garrison Petawawa attends. How this meaningful community event would be jeopardized by having the cenotaph blocks away is unknown.

Friends of the cenotaph sent letters of protest.

In the special council meeting, some councillors were frustrated with the negativity. Perhaps it was really a positive thing. There is an abiding respect for the effort to erect the cenotaph.

Nowadays with a GoFundMe campaign, fund-raising is swift. Back then, it was raised in small amounts with 145 families contributing.

The backlash shows strong sentiments about how much people honour such a monument. Given that those men are buried far away, it is their gravestone in our village. For our current military, it represents fallen comrades too. As such, it is not an item to be as casually moved to the new parkette as a swing set.

Undoubtedly, every person opposed to relocation would have accepted it had there been a fair process.

True democracy can be messy. Residents should commend their council for its decision.

Patti Desjardins, Westmeath

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75 Years Ago - July 19, 1946 Pembroke Watchman Found Dead In Elevator Shaft Pembroke, July 14 – Missing since last night, James Harvey Dow, 59, of 281 Mackay Street, was found dead this morning at the foot of the elevator shaft at the Superior Electric Company factory.

A night watchman at the Pembroke Street plant, Dow had gone on duty as usual last night but was not to be found by his wife when she went to visit him shortly before 9 p.m. Neither was he seen by an employee who entered the building around midnight.

This man found the elevator motor going and shut it off before leaving.

No alarm was given by either person, as each thought Dow had stepped out for air.

When Dow failed to return home this morning, Mrs. Dow got in touch with Edwin Anslow, assistant superintendent of the firm, who, after searching the building, found the body in a pit and the foot of the shaft. Without touching the body, he called the police. Dr. Bradley, coroner, was called and he decided to hold an inquest. ****** Camp For Ottawa Girls At Barry’s Bay (Ottawa Journal July 15) Thirty-five teenaged girls are due to arrive in Ottawa next Wednesday after spending a two weeks’ holiday at “Camp Tekakawitha”, the Catholic

Women’s League girls’ camp on the shores of Barry’s Bay. Thirty-five other girls will leave for the camp on Thursday morning.

The camp, comprising 50 acres of thickly wooded land, offers many possibilities for outdoor sports, such as hiking and swimming. It is sponsored by the Business and Professional Women’s Sub-division of the C.W.L. “Camp Tekakawitha” is under the supervision of Miss Veronica Hoolihan of the Separate School staff. ****** Orangemen Gather At Cobden Orangemen assembled at Cobden in large numbers for the annual celebration of the Twelfth. They and their families from all over the country poured into the village by train, bus and car. They taxed parking space at the fairgrounds to capacity and lined all the streets with vehicles.

Twenty-seven lodges were present including Shawville LOL and LOBA. The parade through the village, which preceded the addresses, was led by Archie Gould, county marshal, and by the marshals of Cobden LOL and Alice LOL riding white horses bedecked with ribbons and flowers.

Speakers included R.M. Warren, M.P., Stanley J. Hunt, M.L.A., Rev. H.P. Baak of Cobden Presbyterian church; Rev. Mr. Kippen of Greenwood United church, and Mr. J.D.L.

Leach, county deputy of the Orange order. Deputy County Master Hector McNevin of Renfrew acted as chair. ****** Of Local Interest There promises to be a revival of the great game of baseball in Eganville now that several local men have interested themselves in the sport. On Sunday last, Manager Bill Kruger and his team journeyed to Barry’s Bay and defeated the team there by the score of 8-6. Feature of the game was a home run by pitcher Roland Aubrey of Eganville. Ben Cybulskie was on the mound for the Bay. The lumber town to the west of us has always been noted for the high-calibre teams they were able to put on the field but, apparently, the game suffered during the war years as it did in other centres. No doubt, Mr. T.P. Murray, ex-M.L.A., will have the rejuvenation of the game on his agenda now that his meanderings with “Mitch” are over. ****** Renfrew, July 16 – A few days old fawn on the farm of James Quade, near Douglas, is adjusting himself to a civilized diet of cow’s milk diluted with water and served from a bottle, until of age to fend for himself. Discovered by the farmer while mowing hay, Spotty narrowly escaped having his legs cut off with the sharp mower knives.

50 Years Ago - July 14, 1971 Six Ontario Scholars At Opeongo High School Opeongo High School had six Ontario Scholars this year. An Ontario Scholarship is received by all Grade 13 students who achieved an average of 80 per cent or more.

The six Ontario Scholars are as follows: Colleen Devon, 89.4 %, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Devon, Eganville; Jacqueline Prince, 87.3%, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Prince, R.R. 6, Eganville; Cecelia O’Brien, 85.1%, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. O’Brien, R.R. 4, Eganville; Charles Duquette, 82.7%, son of Rev. and Mrs. C.W. Duquette, Eganville; Irene Peplinskie, 81.6%. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Peplinskie, R.R.6, Cobden; Marilyn Hartwig, 80.4 %, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willard Hartwig, Eganville. ****** Five Ontario Scholars From Barry’s Bay Madawaska Valley District High School, Barry’s Bay, had five Ontario Scholars this year, all from Barry’s Bay. Those achieving the 80 per cent mark or higher were: Mary Shushack, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Shushack; Daniel P. Cybulski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Cybulski; Bronas Glofcheskie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bronas Glofcheskie; Mark Zurakowski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Janus Zurakowski; Paul Burchat, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Burchat. ****** Killaloe Farmer’s Market Formed

A Killaloe Farmer’s Market committee was formed in Killaloe on July 1st.The following officers were elected: Chairman, Isaiah May; Assistant Chairman, Mrs. Martha Burchat; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Eva Kula; Advertising, Barney McCaffrey.

Opening day for the market will be July 17. Market hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many varieties of fresh garden vegetables, home-baking and local handicrafts will be marketed.

Membership in the Killaloe Farmer’s Market is available for the price of $100.

A general meeting will be held July 14 to make preparations for the first market. ****** Legal Age To Be Lowered To 18 The legal age of adulthood in Ontario will be lowered from 21 to 18 years, Paul Yakabuski, M.L.A., informed the Leader yesterday.

All three parties in the Ontario legislature endorsed the change, which will enable all those 18 years and older to vote in provincial and municipal elections, drink, hold elected office, serve on juries and sign legal and financial contracts.

Mr. Yakabuski said this measure would probably have its second and third readings before the House prorogues next week for its summer recess.

There are more than 3,800,000 eligible voters in the province. The new voters will represent more than 10

per cent of the electorate or 412,800 new votes. ****** Orangemen Parade At Micksburg The annual district Orange Parade to celebrate the “Glorious 12th”, was held this year in Micksburg on Saturday, July 10. The event was sponsored by the Loyal Orange Lodge No. 12 and the Micksburg Athletic Association.

L.O.L. branches from many communities in Renfrew County and Pontiac County congregated at the ball park for the parade, speeches, softball games, home-cooked meals, and a dance. Although organizers expressed disappointment that the crowd was less than expected, one observer estimated the total number in attendance at 5,000 persons.

The parade was headed by two white horses decorated with orange and blue rosettes; they were ridden

by Mr. and Mrs. Leo Burgess of Shawville. This was the first time that a woman rider has been observed at the head of the annual district parade. ****** Summer School Program New For County An 80 per cent grant from the Department of Education has enabled the Renfrew County Board of Education to offer a secondary summer school program to county high school students. The program gives students, who failed a subject in the past school year, a chance to pick up that particular subject during the summer and also allows interested students to take another subject earning them a credit which will count for this coming school year.

There are almost 290 students taking part in the program and three county schools are being used. Music is being taught to 22 interested students at Maynard Fellowes, Pembroke. In Barry’s Bay, theatre arts is the only subject, where 27 students have enrolled, while the remainder of the students attend Opeongo High School where the subjects taught are academic.

Mr. Michael LeMay, Head of the Guidance Department in a Pembroke high school, is the principal of the summer school program.

25 Years Ago - July 16, 1996 Defence Statement Is Filed By Village Over Clerk’s Firing The Village of Eganville has filed a Statement of Defence with the Ontario Court General Division in Pembroke requesting that an action against the Corporation by former CAO Rick Schilling be dismissed with costs.

Mr. Schilling, who was the village clerk-treasurer and later Chief Administrative Officer for about 12 years, was dismissed from his job April 15 of this year. No reason or reasons were given by council for its decision.

Mr. Schilling filed a wrongful dismissal suit against the village on May 31 seeking $275,000 in damages plus other relief as deemed by the court.

In the village’s defence statement, it admits to allegations contained in four paragraphs of the statement of claim, but denies allegations contained in 17 other paragraphs.

The village is basing its defence on two main points. It claims Mr. Schilling breached the terms of his employment contract stating he was engaged in other business activities, and that he was persistently insubordinate and adversarial and antagonistic. The defence statement also states that on August 1, 1995, the defendant, in a letter, advised Mr. Schilling of its concerns and gave him some specific examples of his insubordination and lack of good judgement. ****** More Than 150 Audition For Extra Parts In Foymount Film More than 150 people showed up at Killaloe’s municipal hall Thursday in search of a small part as an extra in a CBC film to be shot at Foymount.

The people straggled into a Go See

– an extras film casting session – in hopes of landing a non-speaking, background role in CBC’s new docudrama, Peacekeepers. One part of the two-hour film depicting the lives of Canadian peacekeepers in Bosnia, will be filmed in Foymount July 24 to August 1.

Laura Mullin, CBC’s extra casting director, said she’s looking for about 20 people of all ages, especially those with dark hair and eyes to fill background parts in the film. ****** Student Earns 100 Percent Three music students of Mrs. Eleanor Wright of Eganville earned excellent marks in recent Royal Conservatory of Music theory examinations.

David MacPhee scored a perfect mark of 100 per cent in Preliminary Rudiments while classmate Brady Tracey earned a score of 96 per cent.

Megan Conway earned a mark of 81 per cent in Grade 3 Music History. ****** Train Kills 18 Head of Cattle Near Pembroke An eastbound CP rail train plowed into a herd of beef cattle early Sunday morning, injuring or killing close to 15 of them.

By nightfall, not all of the surviving animals had been located and confined. And sometime during the night three more animals were struck and had to be destroyed.

The animals were owned by Cecil Elliot of R.R.1, Pembroke. The herd of 60 Limousin cattle, mainly cows and calves, had broken through a fence to get on the railway property.

Police say the cattle were observed on the tracks by a passerby, but prior to CP Rail or the owner being notified, they were struck.

****** Project Worth $140 Million Slated For Chalk River Plant A major project will see two nuclear reactors and a processing facility built at Chalk River at a cost of $140 million.

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke M.P. Len Hopkins announced last Wednesday the Canadian government, Nordion International, MDS Health Group and Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL), had reached an agreement which would ensure that Canada will continue to be the world’s leading supplier of medical isotopes.

The two small specialty Maple reactors and a processing facility will be dedicated to the production of medical isotopes, including Molybdenum 99, the most widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine used to diagnose many forms of cancer and heart disease. ****** Eganville Athletes Win Gold Medals Eganville has the best 15-year-old discus thrower and shot-putter in the province.

Brian MacPhee and Brennan Jack won gold medals in the Ontario Legion Track and Field Championships in Brampton on Saturday.

MacPhee won gold in discus with a throw of 50.13 metres. He also won silver in the shot with a throw of 14.15 metres.

Jack won gold in shot with a throw of 14.90 metres. Bryce Clouthier of Cobden was third in discus with a throw of 45.80 metres. Tracy Bielaski of Douglas was fourth in javelin.

Only the gold medal winners advance to the Canadian championship held next month in Sherbrooke.

Letter

This is not the time to bring more immigrants to Canada Dear Editor: While under the cover of the pandemic, it seems that Canadians are not paying attention to the level of immigration that our minority government is planning. Their goal is to bring 1.2 million people to our shores over the next three years. In real terms, this is like adding the population of New Brunswick every two years.

In my mind, the issue is not immigration as Canada has always encouraged population growth. The problem is the rate of growth they have agreed upon and the fact that our opposition parties have been for the most part silent on the matter, presumably to avoid being labelled as anti-immigrant.

At a time when housing and rental prices have skyrocketed and are now unaffordable to most families, anybody with common sense has to wonder why the government would add another 400,000 people per year to the housing roles. For decades, Canada’s immigration levels ranged

from 150,000 to 250,000 per year and things seemed to work.

At a time when hundreds of thousands of Canadians are out of work due to the never-ending pandemic, anybody with common sense has to wonder why the government would triple immigration levels. What is the potential cost in terms of dollars and social cohesion in adding to our unemployment levels?

At a time when technological advances are set to displace up to 40 per cent of many traditional jobs within a period of 10 years, anybody with common sense would know that adding hundreds of thousands of people to the job market has the potential to put a massive strain on this country and may hold back normal wage growth for many Canadians.

For the past year and a half our oh-so-inclusive government and our oh-so-inclusive media have been relentless in declaring that “we are all in this together.” This is true if your paycheck comes from the taxpayer,

large corporations, or pension plans, but it is not true for the millions of Canadians who have been crushed under the government’s draconian measures. Why in these challenging and troubled times would any government launch a massive immigration plan? Why would they risk the real financial and social cohesion costs resulting from this poorly timed increase in immigration? When common sense tells you that restraint and retrenching is in order, why would anyone proceed with such a plan?

It seems to me that changing the face of Canada and buying votes in this way only benefits our mainstream political parties. It is yet another example of the government’s blatant disregard of the needs and interests of Canadians for the sake of short term, self-interested goals.

“We are all in this together,” as it turns out, is not so inclusive after all.

David Ainsworth, People’s Party of Canada candidate,

The Eganville Leader - July 14, 2021

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page A10

OHS celebrates 2021 graduation virtually

Tyson Jessup was the recipient of the Andrew Brose Memorial Award.

Renie Takken was the deserving recipient of the Caressant Care Bursary awarded toa student pursuing a career in healthcare.

Douglas – For the second straight year, Opeongo High School celebrated its annual graduation ceremony virtually as 83 students completed their post-secondary education.

The administration, staff and special guests participated in the livestreamed event as parents, family and friends watched once again from the comfort of their homes rather than the traditional ceremony in the school gym.

As usual, graduates were recognized for their achievements in academics, as well as for their involvement and leadership in the school community, co-op placements, arts, music and athletics.

Sara Edmison, Head of the Guidance Department, welcomed everyone, with Trustee Dave Shields bringing congratulations on behalf of the Renfrew County School Board.

Following the address by principal Angela McGregor-Stewart, the various award winners were recognized for their accomplishments.

In his valedictory address, Andrew Lemieux expressed his gratitude at being chosen to represent his peers, noting they were some of the most ambitious, strong and resilient people he had ever met.

“We have all worked so hard for this day. Long have we waited for

the day we could say ‘we did it’ and walk across the stage to accept our diplomas.

“Well, today is that day,” he added, noting that although the event was being held virtually, it did not detract from the incredible successes the graduates were celebrating. He noted the graduates had to adapt to not only online learning again this year, but the new quadmester system as well. However, they were not alone in that issue.

He believed the last 18 months had brought the graduating class closer as they overcame adversity together and succeeded, making lifelong memories along the way.

“It was because of each other that we were able to make it to where we are today.”

He acknowledged the role teachers and families had made in their success, saying it was not possible without them. He said many memories have been made the past four years and encouraged everyone to hold onto them as they move on in life.

“No matter where we go, what we do, or who we meet, we will always have the memories of OHS with us,” he said. “These memories have shaped each and every one of us and will stick with us the rest of our lives.”

Renfrew County Medallions Carson Agnew, Josie Barr, Avery Barrington, Patrick Enright, Mary Finan, Joshua Good, Emily Hall, Stephanie Heideman, Chloe Hubert, Tyson Jessup, Andrew Lemieux, Avery Lorbetskie, Kaya Martin, Destiny MaskWemigwans, Katie Mick, Alexandra Muller, Wesley Peever, Taylor Reese, Morgan Reinert, Connor Robinson, Sydney Russell, Christine Schwan, Hayley Stewart, Brittney Verch, Thomas Verch, Abbey Warren.

French Certificates Extended Cierra Bennett, Cassie Brenner, Millie Copeland, Mary Finan, Andrew Lemieux, Katie Mick, Hayley Stewart, Elyza Wren.

Core French Avery Barrington, Stephanie Heideman, Erica Selle.

Ontario Scholars Carson Agnew, Josie Barr, Avery Barrington, Jude Breen, Cassie Brenner, Millie Copeland, Jenna Drefke, William Egan, Patrick Enright, Mary Finan, Joshua Good, Emily Hall, Ashton Heideman, Stephanie Heideman, Tyson Jessup, Felicity Keller, Calvin Kohoko, Eryka Lariviere, Andrew Lemieux, Avery Lorbetskie, Kaya Martin, Destiny Mask-Wemigwans, Katie Mick, Alexandra Muller, Wesley Peever, Zoe Pezoulas, Taylor Reese, Jasmine Renaud, Sydney Russell, Erica Selle, Clara Sernoskie, Kierra Souliere, Hayley Stewart, Renie Takken, Brittney Verch, Thomas Verch, Abbey Warren, Alex Zadow.

Specialized High Skills Major Josie Barr, Cassie Brenner, Finley Campbell-Gair, Millie Copeland, Jenna Drefke, William Egan, Patrick Enright, Ashton Heideman, Chloe Hubert, Katie Kelly, Eryka Lariviere, Andrew Lemieux, Avery Lorbetskie, Kaya Martin, Katie Mick, Zoe Pezoulas, Brent Ready, Sydney Russell, Owen Schison, Christine Schwan, Erica Selle, Clara Sernoskie, Chaney Sprunt, Hayley Stewart, Brittney Verch, Conner Vincent, Alex Zadow.

Spirit Awards Andrew Lemieux, Joshua Good, Tyson Jessup, Erica Selle, Isabel Commando, Avery Lorbetskie, Cassandra Leech, Wesley Peever, William Egan.

Nishku Awards Carson Agnew, Josie Barr, Avery Barrington, Mary Finan, Joshua Good, Emily Hall, Stephanie Heideman, Tyson Jessup, Andrew Lemieux, Avery Lorbetskie, Kaya Martin, Alexandra Muller, Wesley Peever, Taylor Reese, Jasmine Renaud, Sydney Russell, Abbey Warren.

Governor General’s Medallion Wesley Peever Lieutenant Governor’s Medallion Renie Takken Tech Medallion Elijah Measor Tech Certificates Joel Baycroft, Finley CampbellGair, Taylor Drefke, Ashton Heideman, Elijah Measor, Devon Punt, Connor Robinson, Logan Roesler, Owen Schison.

Principal’s Award Andrew Lemieux

Graduates are honoured with many awards

Andrew Lemieux not only received multiple awards including the Principal’s Award, he was also valedictorian for the 2021 graduation.

Awards and Scholarships The Andrew Brose Memorial Award for a student who demonstrates kindness, sincerity and pride in family – Tyson Jessup.

The Andrew Lavalley Memorial Scholarship for the top Aboriginal graduating student – Emily Hall.

The Bertha Wallace Memorial Scholarship for the highest combined mark in English from Grades 10 to 12 – Wesley Peever.

The Bobby Brydges Memorial Award presented to a musician dedicated to teaching and sharing their love of music – Andrew Lemieux.

Caressant Care Bursary - student pursuing a future in health care – Renie Takken.

The Carl Krose Memorial Award for superior effort in mathematics – Avery Lorbetskie.

The Cobden and District High School Board for merit in technical students – Connor Robinson.

The Cobden and Eganville District School Board for the highest marks in compulsory workplace credits – Morgan Kuno.

The Dr. Kathleen Doran BSc. (Hons), D.C. Award for an outstanding student pursuing social science – Avery Barrington.

The Eganville & District High School Board award for the top stu-

Wesley Peever had reason to smile as the recipient of the Governor Destiny Mask-Wemigwans was the recipient of the Indigenous Student Enrichment Award presented to the General’s medallion as well as the Bertha Wallace Memorial Scholar- most promising Indigenous student. ship for English and the OPSBA Award for math.

dent in cosmetology – Erica Selle.

The Eganville Rotary Club to a student showing character, personality and promise – Stephanie Heideman, Payslie Palubeskie, Alexandra Muller.

The Elizabeth Slump Award for excellence in social science – Alexandra Muler.

The Elizabeth Wilcox Memorial Scholarship - for Grade 12 music appreciation – Andrew Lemieux, Jordan Oattes.

The George Hooper Memorial Scholarship for exemplary effort and positive attitude in woodworking – Thomas Verch.

The Grant Price Memorial Scholarship for continuing education in Health Sciences – Katie Mick.

The Hilltop Church TRRFCC (TERRIFIC) Award for a student who is trustworthy, respectable, responsible, fair, caring and courageous – Avery Lorbetskie.

The Indigenous Student Enrichment Award presented to the most promising Indigenous student – Destiny Mask-Wemigwans.

The Jim Gilchrist Science Award – Lions Club, Douglas to a hardworking science student – Avery Lorbetskie.

The Kingfisher Financial Award - to student pursuing post-secondary in business – Jadon LeBrun.

The Lynn Clark Memorial Scholarship - achievement in visual arts and communication technology – Mary Finan.

The M. Sullivan and Son Bursary -- Student enrolling in trades at postsecondary level – William Egan; Student entering a labour or trades program – Ashton Heideman.

The MacKillican & Associates award for a student continuing in Accounting or Business – Jadon LeBrun.

The OPSBA Award to top student in Grade 12 mathematics – Wesley Peever.

The OPSBA Award to most promising science student – Joshua Good.

The OSSTF District 28 Bursary for citizenship and involvement in the school community – Cassandra Leech, Erica Selle.

The OSSTF District 28 Bursary - for top student in Grade 12 college math – Jenna Drefke.

The Opeongo Cosmetology Award - excellence in cosmetology – Emily Hall.

The Opeongo French Award for the stop student in French (sponsored by Sean Conway) – Mary Finan, Millie Copeland.

The Opeongo Physical and Health Education Award presented to the top male and female students in P.E. – Brent Ready, Hayley Stewart.

The Opeongo Transportation Award – for excellence in transportation technology – Finley Campbell-Gair.

The Paula Bashford Memorial Bursary (by the Cottage Cup)– for a student going into culinary arts or dietetics – Taylor Reese.

The P & K O’Grady English Award - for a student demonstrating strong potential in University English – Mary Finan.

The Pembroke Masonic Lodge #128 award for a student showing character, citizenship and volunteerism – Joshua Good.

See Page 11

The Eganville Leader - July 14, 2021

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page A11

Insha Ahmad

Aidan Cruchet

Madison Fabian

Cal Gienow

Isabelle Gonzalez

Rebecca Jahoor

Barry’s Bay – Ninety-two young graduates at Madawaska Valley District High School (MVDHS) celebrated the completion of their post-secondary education recently in the new virtual format introduced last year due to COVID. Staff, administration, graduates and their families were glued to devices as the graduates celebrated the completion of the past four years of high school studies with the usual addresses and announcement of award winners in the various categories.

Ontario Scholar Awards are presented to students who obtain an aggregate of at least 480 marks in their best six Grade 12 credits overall - Insha Ahmad, Emily Borutski, Hailey Gruntz, Sarah-Grace Kerr, Samuel Klawitter, Owen Millette (2020 grad), Grant Summers, Connor Sweeney.

Renfrew County Medallions Presented to Grade 12 graduating students who have achieved six or more credits this school year, each with a mark of at least 80 percent - Taylor Brotton, Andrew Galt, Cal Gienow, Haley Gogolin, Hannah Jessup, Ravyn Kellar, Allie Keller, Joseph Malinowski, Decotta Meness, Avalon Nicholls, Sophie Paget, Kian Petroskie, Skylar Phanenhour, Christian Plebon, Maria Shalla, Raeanna

Steffan, Adrianna Tomasini.

Recipient of both Renfrew County Medallions and Ontario Scholars awards were: Aidan Cruchet, Elliott Cuddy, Madison Fabian, Isabelle Gonzalez, Haley Goulet, Rebecca Jahoor, Katarina Jakelic, Riley Jessup, Emma Mask, Alexis McMillan, Madeleine Nicholson, Hannah Rayner, Kaylee Stamplecoskie, Gillian Summers, Emily Swick.

The G.C. Post Shield for Outstanding Extracurricular Achievement to a student who has made MV a better place to be by means of a special contribution to the life of the school - Isabelle Gonzalez; The Haskins’ Shield presented to a graduate who is outstanding in four areas: athletics, activities, academics, personal qualities. A bursary accompanies this award - Aidan Cruchet; The Ann Marie Bloskie Memorial Shield presented to a graduating student who has exemplified gospel values/beatitudes in the daily life of the school. A bursary accompanies this award - Adrianna Tomasini; The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award to a graduating student for exemplary community contribution or outstanding achievement through volunteer activity - Rebecca Jahoor;

The Outstanding Skills Development in Cooperative Education Award presented to a student in each semester that demonstrates outstanding skills development as part of their co-op placement - Raeanna Steffan and Jack Prince; The Outstanding Achievement in Cooperative Education presented to a student in each semester that demonstrates outstanding achievement as part of their co-op placement - Layne Carpenter and Cal Gienow The MVDHS Visual Arts Award which is selected with input from peers awarded to a student who has made an exemplary contribution to the Visual Arts program, has earned high academic standing in Visual Arts, and has shown positive leadership and mentoring among Visual Arts students and in the school in general. A bursary accompanies this award - Maria Shalla; The MVDHS Music Award presented to a student who has made an exemplary contribution to the music program, has earned academic high standing in music, and has shown positive leadership and mentoring among music students and in the school in general - Zoe Richard and Skylar Phanenhour; The Renfrew County Technical Me-

dallion winner is awarded to the graduate with the highest average in their senior technical studies credits.

Learning skills are also part of the selection criteria - Joseph Malinowski; The P.J. Carroll Shield Award created by MV’s first principal, the PJ Carroll Shield recognizes outstanding academic achievement at the university preparation level and is awarded to the student with the highest average for their top six grade twelve U or M level courses - Madeleine Nicholson; The Governor General’s Academic Medal to the graduating student who has achieved the highest average in all Grade 11 and 12 courses, any pathway - Madeleine Nicholson.

Valedictory Address The graduates chosen to represent their fellow students in the valedictory address for 2021 were Aidan Cruchet and Gillian Summers, both of whom said they were honoured to be representing their peers.

Gillian noted it was hard to really comprehend how quickly life moves on, noting how, she and her peers, like most other graduates, had started high school as nervous grade nines who gradually found their way through the first two years of high school.

“Grade 11 approaches and we are happy to be seniors in the school,”

added Aidan. “We are not quite on top just yet but we are one step closer.

“The beginning of grade 11 was a blast, life as usual for us,” he added.

“We became confident students; we were role models for the younger grades. Classes got harder but our friendships grew closer.”

That all changed when COVID hit in late February, early March of 2020 and he recalled not thinking too much of it at the time, almost celebrating, an extra-long March break!!”

“Little did we know we would miss a lot more than just a couple extra weeks off school. We were shocked and confused when learning we won’t return back to school and now have to continue our learning through a computer screen.

“However, no exams were a bonus.

Although many struggled, some gave up since marks could not change, and some persevered to complete all assignments… I salute all of you who stuck it through. The pandemic wasn’t supposed to be part of our curriculum, but we adapted and made it part of our senior year not once but twice.” He noted they were glad to return to inclass learning to start the 2020-2021 year, but that too was interrupted by COVID. Gillian said while no one expected

the past 18 months to be what they were, that’s life, and they just have to keep rolling with the punches.

“It has been really eye-opening as to what type of surprises may be tossed at us at any given point, essentially showing the resilience and determination that our class has portrayed.

“It has not been easy for us students to sit through 2 and ½ hour classes, or to be restricted from participating in the activities we love such as sports, clubs, buy-outs, dances, and more,” she added. “It has been a difficult year of missing friends, family, peers, and what we may call our old lives.

However; I am more than confident to say that I know each and every one of us has grown tremendously this year and will be able to use these new experiences and values to move forward into our futures.”

Aidan said the strength the graduating class has shown by powering through these last two years is truly admirable.

“We have shown the world we are quick on our feet, proven that we are strong-willed and this is what sets us apart. No matter what happens in the future we will have these years to remind us we didn’t give up. And I believe that is a lesson that is worth every second of the last four years.”

Joseph Malinowski

Alexis McMillan

Madeleine Nicholson

Zoe Richard

Jack Prince

Skylar Phanenhour

MVDHS celebrates 2021 graduation virtually

EDPS celebrates virtually with its 53 graduates

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Eganville – Fifty-three students celebrated their Grade 8 graduation from Eganville District Public School (EDPS) on June 29 in a virtual format similar to last year’s ceremony.

The ceremony began with Kevin Lamaar, of the Pikwakanagan First Nation performing an Honour Song, followed by the acknowledgement of the Anishinabe territory and its people by graduate Liam Kelly. O Canada was performed in Algonquin

by Native Language teacher, Michelle Gaudry.

Vice-Principal Allison Carroll emceed the ceremony that included messages from Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) Trustee, David Kaiser. The guest speaker was EDPS principal, Michelle Belsher, who also said her farewells as she has been transferred to Valour School in Petawawa for the 2021/2022 school year.

Eleven graduating students received Renfrew County Medallions for maintaining high academic standards

Katie Demmons throughout the year and for achieving no more than five report card grades below 80 per cent. The recipients were Charley Keefe, Andy Copeland, Katie Demmons, River Dombrowski, Curtis Heideman, Aliah Nizaha, Seth

Ryan, Julian Selle, Luca Tantalo, Kostya Luty, and Jenna Schison.

Students from the classes of Megan Leach, Karen Fleurie, Derek McLaren and Graham Ball received their diplomas and individuals were also recognized for achievements in academics, sports, leadership and the arts.

Honour Roll recipients who were recognized for an average of 80 per cent or higher were: Charley Keefe, Lily Zadow, Rowan Coleman, Andy Copeland, Cadence Davis, Katie Demmons, River Dombrowski, Jordan Emoff, Curtis Heideman, Aliah Nizaha, Seth Ryan, Julian Selle, Luca Tantalo, Jaxson West, Madison Fournier, Kostya Luty, Jenna Schison, and Khialyn Zadow-Graham.

Subject Awards English – Jenna Schison, Andy Copeland; Art – Katie Demmons, River Dombrowski ; French – Andy Copeland; Geography – Charley Keefe; History – Julian Selle; Mathematics – Kostya Luty; Science – Curtis Heideman.

Individual Awards School Spirit Award recognizing participation in extracurricular activities that adds to the school environment in a positive way – Charley Keefe, Lily Zadow, Aliah Nizaha, Cadence Davis; The Ron and Barb Florent EDPS Pride Award for overcoming challenges to make a positive contribution to the school community – Seth Ryan, Noah Blaedow; Citizenship Award recognizing the student who has shown and actions that they possess the qualities and characteristics we hope to instill in all of our students - Julian Selle Jinkinson’s Farm Award for Conservation, presented to a student who thinks and acts in environmentally responsible ways and who has demonstrated the ability to act as a steward and leader in the school community through their involvement in a variety of environmental initiatives – Jack Perrin, Jason Perrin; Most promising Male/Female Athlete – Cohen Mittag, Charley Keefe; Hard work and Perseverance Award to the student whose diligence, hard work, and perseverance are evident in all aspects of school life – Rylan

Andy Copeland Lanoix, Liam Kelly; Native Student Top Graduate recognizing student from Pikwakanagan First Nation for academic achievement in the 2020/2021 school year – Taleena Logan; Ontario Principal’s Council Award for Student Leadership to the student who understands that leadership

comes from both the heart and the mind – Katie Demmons; Valedictory Award to the students delivering the valedictory address – Andy Copeland.

Graduates There were 53 graduates in four classes that included: James Baptiste, Noah Blaedow, Alexander Bonia, Zachary Bonia, Logan Caddick, Reuben Cloutier, Rowan Coleman, Andy Copeland, Candace Davis, Katie Demmons, River Dombrowski, Jordan Emoff, Haylee Felhaber, Gavin Francis, Madison Fournier, Leo Gagnon, Nicolas Geraghty, Curtis Heideman, Raine Jackson, Katie Kargus, Charley Keefe, Liam Kelly, Ashton Krieger, Ellie Kutschke, Kallie Lacombe, Rylan Lanoix, Taleena Logan, Thomas Logan, Kostya Luty, Cohen Mittag, Caden Moir, Colby Moreau, May Mundt, Shelby Neitzel, Destiny Rose Niego, Aliah Nizaha, Jack Perrin, Jason Perrin, Owen Price, August Radema, Dylan Ranger, Seth Ryan, Tagwani Sarazin, Jenna Schison, Julian Selle, Zander Stehle, Luca Tantalo, Shania Two-Axe Kohoko, Cash Welk, Jaxson West, Lily Zadow, Khialyn Zadow-Graham, Carter Zomers.

Opeongo High Awards and scholarships From Page 10 The Principal’s Award for student leadership to the students who shows exceptional student leadership – Andrew Lemieux.

The PRISM- Performance Recognition In Science and Math – outstanding math and science student pursuing post-secondary in a healthcare field – Kaya Martin.

The Ray and Jean Elliott Scholarship Award presented to a student pursuing career in agriculture and who is active in the community – Patrick Enright.

The Renfrew Art Guild - for the most promising Visual Arts student –Felicity Keller.

The Renfrew County Road Supervisors Association for a student pursuing a program related to public works

– Wesley Peever.

The Renfrew Victoria Hospital Auxiliary for a deserving student continuing studies in health care – Jasmine Renaud.

The Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation Award presented to the student who demonstrates leadership and community spirit – Alexandra Muller.

The Roseburg Award – excellence in tech and pursuing post-secondary education in a skilled trade – Andrew Moore.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 353 Eganville – Merit in Science – Kaya Martin; Merit in Tech – Elijah Measor.

The St. Michael’s Catholic Women’s League - Douglas - for proficiency in music – Chloe Hubert.

Stonefence Theatre Award - to a deserving student continuing studies in the arts – Taylor Reese; The Thomas McCann Award for post-secondary studies in forestry – Jason MacOdrum.

T h e To w n s h i p o f G r e a t e r Madawaska - for a student pursuing post-secondary studies –Connor Vincent.

The Wayne Kohlsmith and Marty Price Award for activity in minor sports and in the community – Abbey Warren.

Whitewater Region Outstanding Youth Award - volunteer, athlete, leader with arts and culture involvement – Brent Ready.

The Zachary Etmanskie Memorial sponsored by the Opeongo Minor Soccer Club – Eryka Lariviere.

Opeongo High School graduate Avery Barrington celebrates the occasion with the traditional grad hat toss.

Photo courtesy: Angela McGregeor-Stewart

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Hard work and perseverance pay off for Pembroke runner Fellowes graduate Maddy Kelly is anxious to represent Canada at Tokyo 2020 games

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Pembroke – A young city athlete who has devoted the last 10-plus years of her life to someday representing Canada at an Olympic games was recently rewarded for her hard work, determination and perseverance.

Madeleine (Maddy) Kelly said everything she has done to prepare herself to be one of the premier women’s 800-meter runners in not only the country, but the world, was validated when she was selected by Athletics Canada as one of the 57 Canadian athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“To know that the hard work had paid off was honestly, massively relieving, more than anything,” she said.

She has worked hard the last several months to solidify her position in the world track and field rankings that would help guarantee her a position on the team and she felt relatively confident she would be included on the team, as Athletics Canada had indicated they would send a full team of athletes who had qualified in the world rankings.

Kelly said after her final race in Montreal on June 29, before the announcement, where she finished third behind her now Canadian Olympic team-mates, Melissa Bishop Nriagu and Lindsey Butterworth, she felt really good about her chances of being selected.

“I was more excited on Tuesday of last week which was my last race for the qualifying window, and when I crossed that finish line I was quite certain that I had done everything I needed to to make the team. I was excited for sure that evening, but then Saturday morning (July 3) when I finally got the news, the overwhelming feeling was more, that I was calmer than I’d been in a very long time.”

The fact she will be competing for Canada alongside Bishop-Nriagu, who has been at two previous games, was quite surreal for her as she credits the Eganville native for being a huge inspiration in her decision to pursue running seriously.

“I actually have a picture on my phone from when I was in high school and it was Olympic day at Fellowes High School, and Melissa had just come back from her first games in 2012. She came to my high school to do a talk and afterwards, I was too shy and I didn’t want to tell her I ran because I felt a little bit silly telling an Olympian I ran too.

“But my friends encouraged me to take a picture with her, so a big group of us did that,” she added. “I remember that distinctly, thinking it was really, really cool that I was meeting Melissa Bishop.”

Kelly said it is very special to be joining Bishop-Nriagu at the 2020 games, noting back in 2012 when they first met, she never would have dreamt she could accomplish what she now has done.

“I wasn’t someone who thought from a young age that I would be good enough to be an Olympian. It would be cool if I could go back and tell 16-year-old me what was going to come.”

She credited Bishop-Nriagu with not only being a huge inspiration for her but for so many female runners in Canada.

“She’s absolutely world class and I think we’re sending, for the first time in a long time, a full roster of women in the middle and long distance events and that is partly due to her, her influence and her example of showing Canadian women that we don’t need to just be good for Canada, we can be internationally competitive,” she remarked. “I think you could talk to a number of women from the team who would attribute that to Melissa Bishop.”

Anxious To Wear Maple Leaf Kelly said she has started to look ahead a little, saying she is healthy and feels good about what lies ahead.

“I’m in a position where I don’t think much is expected of me. This is my first ever Canadian team and obviously also my first Olympics,” she explained. “No one is looking for me to end up in the finals, for example, but I really think that gives me actually an opportunity to compete really well because it is such a low-pressure circumstance.”

She said finally having earned the opportunity to represent her nation will be emotional for her as the games unfold and she joins the other Canadian athletes in Tokyo.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a really long time and I’ve been close a number of times and I was very determined to not be left at home this

Maddy Kelly of Pembroke, competing here for the University of Toronto (No.7), has successfully earned a spot on the Canadian team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. She helped the U of T team win four national titles during her school career and continues to run as a member of the U of T track club.

Photo: Caroline Kelly year,” she stated. “To see that through means a lot.

“After years of not qualifying, you start to wonder a little bit if you’re actually cut out for this or if you’re actually good enough, and to find out I am, in fact actually good enough is massively validating.”

Kelly has been active in sports as long as she can remember, adding downhill skiing was her first competitive sport.

“I’ve run since I was in Grade 7 or 8 recreationally,” she remarked. “I did cross-country at my elementary school (Highview Public in Pembroke) and then I continued to do it in high school.”

She credits longtime friend, Melissa Jones, for inviting her to join the Coureur de Bois running club in Petawawa and for taking her to her first track practice in Grade 8.

“She also suggested that maybe I

should try running at a meet in Ottawa and so I went to my first meet the summer after Grade 8 and I won the 1500. I didn’t know what spikes were and I was wearing my mom’s tank top that I tied with a hair tie so it wouldn’t fall off me.

“I won that race and that was the first time that I just thought I could be okay at this,” she added. She said it was Courier de Bois coach, Rick Schroeder, who first helped her realize she could be good at the sport.

“I was maybe in Grade 12 and he told he thought I could be an Olympian,” she recalled.

She was still skiing and playing soccer too, saying a big part of running for her was the social aspects of it because she enjoyed the people she ran with.

“That was the primary reason I loved running in high school, because I liked the people and liked being

outside.”

She represented Fellowes at OFSAA in skiing threes time and qualified in each of her four years in both track and cross-country. Despite her success in both running competitions, she found cross-country difficult.

“I always thought it was more fun to run fast.”

She ran both the 800 and 1500 metre throughout high school, admitting she is unsure just when she started to focus on the shorter of the two distances.

She also loves the strategy involved in the 800 metre event.

“That’s why I like the event so much; it’s a super tactical race. You kind of have to be perfect in the 800 because you’re moving so quickly and so close to your top end speed that you don’t have much time for error. And I really enjoy that challenge.

“I’m not crazy about racing the

Canadian Olympian Maddy Kelly, left, credits her parents and two sisters for helping her achieve her goal to represent Canada at the games through their support and belief in her. From left, Maddy, sisters Elizabeth and Erin, dad Chris and mom Caroline, of Pembroke.

Photo: Caroline Kelly

clock but I do love racing people,” she added.

Recruited by U of T After graduation, she accepted a scholarship from the University of Toronto, one of three Canadian post-secondary institutions she was considering attending. The other two were the University of Guelph and the University of Victoria.

“I got just a very nice vibe from the coaching staff and the women on the team,” she explained of her choice to attend U of T. “It felt like such a sweet fit. I felt like I could have a conversation with them.

“I was really excited by Toronto too, and I loved the idea of being in a big city,” she added. “Above all, I thought the women and staff who I would be working with and training alongside seemed like really good people.”

The senior members of the team were great mentors for her and the captains did a really good job in not only helping her with the running, but also with navigating university, socially, and being there to listen when she needed someone to talk to.

“They are wonderful people and people I’m still in touch with today.

There are so many women on the U of T team I could thank for this.”

The team won four national titles when she was there.

“We had a really, really world-class group of women and lots of women I have trained with have gone on to make national teams, including Olympic teams. There are very few programs in Canada that can say that.”

They would often compete in the U.S. and that was a great experience for her.

“The NCAA is a completely different ball game just in terms of production value almost. It’s a big deal and just to see a stage that big and not get scared of it was really important.”

She recalled in her third year she ran at an event in New York where she and two U of T team-mates ran quality times and they were interviewed after the race by TV crews.

“That was a really cool day.”

Following her five years at U of T, she remained in Toronto and landed a job writing for Canadian Runner magazine whose office was located beside the U of T campus. She continued training as a member of the U of T track club under longtime coach, Terry Radchenko, who she has been working with since the summer before she joined the U of T team.

“Terry is a very, very important person to me and I don’t know without him if this would have happened.

He was just so patient through my university years when things weren’t going that well.

“He really took his time developing me and I think had a long-term vision and that’s not something you find in a lot of coaches,” she added.

She noted one of her longtime teammates, who is also coached by Mr. Radchenko, Lucia Stafford, has also been named to the team in the 1500 metre race.

Canadian Championship in 2019 In 2019, Kelly stunned perhaps even herself, when she captured the Canadian women’s 800-metre championship, defeating Bishop-Nriagu and Butterworth.

“That was crazy, that was insane.

That day completely recalibrated for

me what I could do in running.

“There’s been a bunch of days that change your perspective on yourself and your abilities and that was one of them, for sure.”

She was in second-last place coming into the home stretch in that race, saying it was all a blur while it was happening.

“I remember distinctly wondering if I could fit between Lindsey and Melissa because there was a gap, but not a huge gap,” she recalled. “That’s sort of the strongest memory I have of the last 100 metres. But that day was completely surreal.”

After her win, she said her next goal was to qualify for the 2020 games, which everyone knows was postponed due to COVID last year. While she believes she would have had a chance to make the Canadian team then, she feels having the extra year to prepare was good for her personally.

“I was stronger in the end this summer than I would have been last summer.”

Initially, she started training really hard after the games were postponed, noting she suffered a stress fracture in her sacrum at the end of June 2020 forcing her to sit down and take a break from running which she hadn’t been able to do until then.

“Even though the Olympics were still over 18 months away, they still felt like they were tomorrow. It took awhile to wrap your head around the idea they weren’t going to be until 2021.”

She enjoyed a summer without having anything to do with running, which she feels allowed her to go into this year fully charged for competition.

Grateful To Family Kelly said absolutely none of what she has accomplished would have been possible without the support of her parents.

“They drove me to almost every track meet I ever attended in high school and they’ve flown all over North America to watch me run.

They’ve been completely supportive of this sort of unlikely path I’ve chosen.”

Her two younger sisters, Erin and Elizabeth, are both athletes who also have their parent’s support. She has already heard from lots of people from the Valley since being named to the team, which is very encouraging.

“It’s super special. Pembroke is such an important place to me.

“I don’t necessarily get home as much as I would like, but there’s no place in the world that I feel more grounded than Pembroke,” she concluded.

While there will be some pressure now that she is representing her nation, she hopes to be able to simply take the whole experience in and guarantees she will leave it all on the track.

“I would love to advance in the heats. I’d love to make the semifinal. I think that would be a massive accomplishment and I think it’s completely possible,” she remarked.

She will be spending time with Bishop-Nriagu at the team training camp in Gifu, Japan, where she plans on drawing on her previous experience to learn just what she can expect and how best she can accomplish her goal.

In 2019, Maddy Kelly expresses surprise after winning the Canadian women’s 800 metre national championship.

Photo: Maddy Kelly

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Public Ottawa River access in Whitewater Region

By Marie Zettler

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Whitewater Region -- Recreational users of the whitewater portion of the Ottawa River adjacent to the Township of Whitewater Region will have to wait until at least October 31 this year for a decision on how to preserve public access to the river.

At its July 7 meeting, council responded to a June 16 presentation by Whitewater Ontario, a provinciallyrecognized sport-governing body, proposing a partnership with the municipality to establish a land use agreement and develop public access on McCoy Road, a municipal rightof-way, to create public recreational access for paddlers, swimmers, anglers, hikers and mountain bikers.

At that meeting Mayor Mike Moore told the group council would review the idea.

At its July 7 meeting, council passed a recommendation to direct township staff to continue to pursue

long-term public access to the whitewater section of the river; to further examine opportunities for partnership with Whitewater Ontario with regards to access and programs; and to investigate with property owners if access can be provided using existing put-in and take-out locations on private property to guarantee affordable public access, and that this be done before resorting to opening a nowunopened road allowance as recommended by Whitewater Ontario.

Councillor Chris Olmstead said he is getting inundated with texts and emails on the subject.

“There’s a lot of feedback from within and outside the area,” he said. “But we should really take our time. We need to sit back and get all the information we can to make the right decision. It may take us a year to get there.”

Councillor Neil Nicholson said he is very much in favour of public access to the river.

“Nature is one of the biggest assets this township has, and now we have very limited public access, or have spent very little tax money on it,” he told council. “It is part of our strategic plan.”

He also urged taking enough time to capture any possible unintended consequences.

“To be successful we have to get it right the first time,” he said.

He added that public access is not necessarily free access, and a number of options must be considered.

“We also need to consider capital investment, the lifecycle of investments, and who pays those costs.

Someone has to pay, whether volunteers, grants, or paid employees do the work generated by public access.”

Mr. Tremblay said he will report to council October 31 on this issue for a further discussion.

“But that doesn’t mean we will have it all sorted out,” he said.

Park funding shortfall covered by reserves

By Marie Zettler

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Whitewater Region -- The shortfall in funding to complete the Boyer-Laderoute Park in Westmeath will be covered from Whitewater Region’s reserves. Council made that decision at its regular meeting July 7.

Council found itself looking for $24,000 of the $85,734 plus HST and consultant services budgeted for the “parkette” when it bowed to pressure from ratepayers to leave the community’s cenotaph in its present location rather than moving it to the new parkette. The move would have qualified the project for a $25,000 grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The project included an already completed concrete pad to serve as the base for the relocated monument. The actual relocation would have cost approximately $1,000, reducing the amount of the shortfall resulting from the relinquished grant to $24,000.

At the same time, council has been working on plans to improve the boat launch at Westmeath, which has been rendered almost unusable by silt deposits. Minor improvements at the LaPasse boat launch were also included in that project. Council had authorized the withdrawal of $40,000 from its reserves, to be matched by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), with the resulting $80,000 to be used mainly

for dredging at the Westmeath location to return that facility to greater functionality.

However, the DFO has indicated that it will not support that initiative because of the extent of the work required and because the source of the problem, flowing into the river at that location, continues to deposit fresh silt every spring.

Jordan Durocher, Parks and Recreation Manager, said the current low water levels in the river have the Westmeath docks almost sitting on the ground.

“The conditions are such that the dredging would have to be done almost every year,” said Mr. Durocher.

“In the past, the dredging was done by volunteers using Hyhoes (excavators) on rafts. But now that would require a lot of permits and jumping through hoops with the ministry. It wouldn’t be viable for them (DFO) or for the township.”

He added that investigation of options continues.

“We will have to utilize the Recreation Task Force for this,” he said. “It will take some time.”

“We don’t want to close the boat launch or cease using it,” added Councillor Neil Nicholson. “It’s an important aspect of our community.

It’s a popular spot, but it may not suit pontoon boats (any longer) unless the water is high.”

Mayor Mike Moore said the town-

ship would have to rent or buy equipment to do the dredging work on its own.

“We’re not in that kind of business,” he said.

He added that shifting the boat launch’s location north of its present location has been considered.

“But the locals say that side is rocky,” he said. “And there are not many locals left that have that type of knowledge.”

CAO Rob Tremblay noted the DFO will not cost-share on establishing new facilities, only on maintaining existing ones.

“A long-term solution will take some time and a significant amount of money,” he said.

Re-directing $25,000 of the reserve funds earmarked for the boat launches to the Boyer-Laderoute Park leaves $15,000 for minor improvements to the Westmeath and LaPasse boat launch sites.

“We will be able to improve the user experience with things like picnic tables, benches, porta potties, waste receptacles, and roadside brushing,” Mr. Tremblay said.

Also included in the motion to reallocate the reserve funds was approval to enter into a five-year agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Branch for the renewed lease of both the LaPasse and Westmeath boat launches at a cost of $500 plus HST.

Micksburg Twins veterans, from left, Chad Costello, Jamey Mick, and Joran Graham celebrate the 2019 GOFL Championship win. The Twins open the defense of their title tomorrow (Thursday) night in Carp.

Micksburg Twins open 2021 ball season schedule Thursday

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Micksburg – The Micksburg Twins will return to the diamond this Thursday as they launch the 2021 schedule and try to the defend their 2019 Greater Ottawa Fastball (GOFL) championship.

The GOFL did not operate last year due to COVID, and the Twins are one of six entries competing for bragging rights this year along with the 2019 finalists, Kars Aces and Manotick Brewers, Orleans Rebels, Ottawa Valley A’s and West Carleton Electric. Two of the eight previous teams from 2019, the Quyon Flyers and Stittsville will not be fielding teams this season.

All teams will play an abbreviated 10-game schedule with the Twins opening on the road tomorrow (Thursday) in Carp against West Carleton at 9 p.m. They are in Carp again the following Thursday at 7 against the As and their home-opener is July 29 at 8 p.m. when they host the Kars Aces. Other scheduled home dates are August 12, and September 2 and 9, all at 8 p.m.

The Twins will again be anchored

by a core of veterans, including ace pitcher Joran Graham, who was almost untouchable throughout the 2019 play-offs and the best-of-three final versus Kars that the Twins won with a 1-0 shut-out in the third and deciding game.

“It’s critical to haves an ace like Joran (Graham) to anchor the team even more so this year because with the two teams folding, some of the other players will move onto existing teams which will help them,” Jamey Mick noted. “So it’s going to be a stronger league in my opinion.

“To have Joran there, who is one of the guys on the Canadian national team’s 40-man roster and vying for one of the last four positions, he’s going to be extra hungry this year to get on the men’s national team,” he added. “To have him mentor our younger players, both pitching and hitting, it’s great to have him.”

Other veterans in the line-up include captain Mick, Scott Conroy, Jared Steege, manager Paul Griffith, Chad Costello, Quinton Rook, Matt McIntyre, Andrew McIntyre and Connor Moss. The Twins have added some younger players to the lineup in re-

cent years including Joe Mick, Ryan McIntyre and John Enright. They are being joined in 2021 by Eganville’s Noah Fleurie and Mickburg’s Nolan Costello. Both young men are products of the Upper Ottawa Valley Minor Fastball League as are many of the players on the roster.

“It’s one of the reasons we keep minor ball going,” Mick explained.

“Obviously, we can’t accommodate everybody, but we’ve been doing it for a long time.”

Mick said after being shut down for almost the entire 2020 season, it’s great to be back on the ballfield, even though it’s getting started later than normal.

“Everybody is really excited throughout the whole league,” he noted. “Everybody is ready to roll.

“We’re down two teams this year.

Stittsville and Quyon are taking the year off, so there’s only six teams,” he added.

The Twins will be active on the weekend on Friday evening and Saturday as one of four teams in the RA Fastball Showcase in Shawville with teams from Quyon, Napanee U19, the Quebec U23 juniors, and Kingston.

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Algonquin Chief Wendy Jocko is shown recently with the new National Chief Roseanne Archibald.

Algonquins extend congratulations to new First Nations National Chief Pikwakanagan – The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation added its congratulations to Roseanne Archibald on her election to the role of the Assembly of First Nations National Chief.

“We have made history today, electing the first female National Chief (NC),” Wendy Jocko, Chief of the Algonquins at Pikwakanagan said.

“This alone signals an evolution and positive change. As one of Roseanne Archibald’s nominators, we share her positive, heart-centred and grounded vision. We also see great potential and paths charted to achieve so much for Indigenous Nations, not just within the confines of Canada, but internationally.”

“This international vision is one we desperately need to combat the global challenges we currently face, or will

face, in the near future,” she added.

Chief Jocko said National Chief Archibald has been a steady, creative and fearless leader throughout the COVID-19 crisis, through the ongoing pressures of colonization, and she will lead with an understanding of the challenges in the global context of climate change.

“Our future leaders now have someone to look up to, to see themselves in these positions as women, two-spirit, and non-binary people,” she said. “We now have a leader who understands decolonization and is actively dismantling the patriarchy, which has been a tool of lateral violence and oppression within our nations for generations.

This responsibility is enormous and, as with any leadership role, it will depend on every one of us to stand

behind our National Chief, and work towards these goals.” Chief Jocko added perhaps most importantly, NC Archibald’s leadership is grounded in spirit. The seven sacred teachings radiate from her deep sense of responsibility and humble presence.

“Whether on Zoom or in person, NC Archibald ensures that spirit is there to guide us,” she said. “The presence of spirit and the understanding of the seven sacred teachings brings accountability, transparency and prosperity that is sustainable and inspirational. We look forward to the work ahead and offer our support in setting the paths forward and achieving a healthy, heart and spirit-centred vision for the Algonquin Nation and all Indigenous people on Turtle Island and the world.”

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July 16, 17 & 18 October 1, 2 & 3 10am - 5pm

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Peace is flowing like a river...

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Whitewater Region council news briefs

By Marie Zettler

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Noise By-law Fails

A recommendation that Whitwater Region council approve the enactment of a by-law to control noise is dead in the water. No mover or seconder for the motion came forward at the July 7 council meeting. ****** Amendments Will Permit Micro-distillery, Electronics Recycling A zoning by-law amendment passed at the July 7 meeting of Whitewater council will permit Whitewater Brewing to add a micro-distillery at its Lakeside location at 78 Pembroke Street in Cobden.

Another amendment for 123 Cemetery Road in the Westmeath Industrial Park will allow the existing business there, Earth’s Edge Inc. and Ready Recycling, to add an electronics recycling facility and transfer station, subject to township approval of a site plan and storm water management plan, as well as a certificate of approval from the Ministry of the Environment. ****** Decision On Emergency River Assistance Postponed Whitewater Region council is postponing a decision on entering into an agreement for emergency access to relevant sections of the Ottawa River by Whitewater and Wildlands Tours Ltd., operating under the name Wilderness Tours, pending receipt of further information.

This past March, a delegation from Wilderness Tours attended a council meeting to ask for a formalized plan to provide emergency access.

CAO Robert Tremblay said the township had used the company’s boats and operators during the floods of 2017 and 2019 for wellness checks and in 2021 for fire department access to a fire on an island.

“But we’re not adding an extra layer of service,” he said. “We’re not in the water rescue business.”

Council passed a motion to postpone a decision until they get more information and clarification on what a formalized agreement would entail. ****** Outstanding Youth Bursaries Whitewater Region council has chosen five young residents of the municipality to receive this year’s Outstanding Youth Bursaries.

This year’s recipients are Clark Burger, Brent Ready, Cassie Vereyken, Travis Lammi and Justin Wrigglesworth.

Clark Burger is graduating from St. Joseph’s High School and will be attending university in the fall. He has been a considerable contributor to the community through 200 hours of community service. He also served as the school Prime Minister for the 2020-21 school year.

Brent Ready is graduating from Opeongo High School and will be attending college in the fall of 2022. He has volunteered in the community through the Whitewater Kings hockey team and various other initiatives and events. Brent has also been an avid athlete, competing in numerous sports, including hockey and baseball.

Cassie Vereyken is graduating from Fellowes High School and will be attending college in the fall to pursue a career in nursing. She has volunteered substantially within the community at the farmer’s market and several local fairs. She is also a member of numerous community organizations, including 4-H and the Muskrat Minor Hockey League.

Travis Lammi is graduating from CSC Jeanne Lajoie and will be attending Carleton University for an engineering degree in the fall. Travis played violin at many local fundraising events and has volunteered with various programs in the community. He is also an impressive kayaker and was ranked as one of the top five junior kayakers in Canada.

Justin Wrigglesworth is graduating from Bishop

Early morning crash on Whitewater Road A 20-year-old male from Pembroke escaped injury when his truck rolled and came to a stop on its roof in the center of the highway on Whitewater Road in Laurentian Valley Township shortly after 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Another motorist reported the incident to the OPP but the driver was not at the scene when officers responded. He was later located near his residence in Pembroke. A screening test was given and an “alert” was registered resulting in a three-day licence suspension.

Photo: Tom Tracey

Smith Catholic High School and will be attending Queen’s University for a Bachelor of Science Honours in the fall. He has volunteered with multiple community organizations, including the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre and the Roanoke Golf Club.

Justin has also been involved in various school sports, such as hockey, cross country and soccer.

Bursaries are awarded to youth who best exemplify criteria related to community contribution, school leadership, athletics, and arts and culture. Recipients must be residents of Whitewater Region and must be attending one of seven area high schools. Only graduates pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university, or vocational/professional institute are eligible.

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Nightly Entertainment at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre!

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Food Donations for St. Josephs Food Bank Being Accepted for Movie Nights in the Park Visit Pembroke.ca to reserve a spot to watch Waterfront Live! this summer

Live Music - 7 pm Movie Nights - 9 pm For any inquiries for Waterfront Live or Movie Nights in the Park email Kmess@pembroke.ca or call 613-735-6821 ext. 1514

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Rain was welcome for gardeners July began with a successful fund-

raising event for the Horticultural Society, an outdoor book sale. It seems the community loves books as much as the Society’s book collectors who organize this event for us. Nelda Markham and Judy Sauve, you rock at gathering books to sell! Thank you for all your hours of hard work on this sale.

Prior to 2020, we raised funds by holding our indoor May plant sale combined with our book sale. For the past two years we have held small, driveway plant sales at a few homes, as well as this outdoor book sale. The revenue from this collection of events has helped us maintain the income we need to meet our mandate of beautifying the village.

Most of us are watching our gardens grow, thankful for all the rain we’ve had. The caterpillars that have been marching northward and eating the foliage on our trees are about to complete their life cycle. Our town has been virtually unscathed compared to areas just south on Hwy. 41. We were in Bon Echo Park about two weeks ago, and as we approached my husband noted that “many of the leaves on the trees had not yet opened”. Wrong! We were seeing defoliated trees stripped by gypsy moth caterpillars. At home this week, we had signs of caterpillars on our patio stones, the black spots of their excrement, known as “frass”, fallen from the trees above. Fortunately, the

fuzzy crawlers are almost done this phase of their lives. Next will be the moths humming around lights at night.

There is so much beauty around us in nature. We are lucky to have colourful gardens in town and lush, green fields in the countryside. I hope you get out strolling through the village to admire the flowers that have been planted. Watch for the July 21 edition of the Leader, in which you will hear about something very special that happened at Welcome Hill. And in the meantime, take a walk up the stairs from Bonnechere Street, or park up on Victoria Street and walk down to one of the shaded landings to view

the river.

Planning will begin soon for our Perennial Plant Sale and Harvest Auction.

Save the date, Saturday September 11, for our Legion Field event. We welcome donations of perennial plants, harvest bounty from the gardens, jams, jellies, preserves, maple syrup, and other creative items that would suit the event. There will be more information on this in the August column in the Leader.

Garden of the Month The Garden of the Month selection resumed this month, thanks to the judging committee who adapted the procedures to address COVID concerns. The impressive garden created by Shawna Plotz at 236 Jane Street is the July winner. This contest celebrates curb appeal that contributes to the beautification of the village. At this home, the well-designed garden beds and the beautiful porch planters and hanging baskets truly make a statement. Judges were pleased with the variety of plants, the layout, the colours and how well maintained everything is. Lots of thought and careful planning seemed evident because there should be colour all season, including plants with contrasting foliage. A very deserving winner!

One last note, there’s more rainy weather ahead, so please remember to leave empty buckets and wheelbarrows upside down to avoid your wet garden becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Brent Patrick, Christine Peltzer, Debra Sauve, Judy Sauve, J.H. Smith, Elva White and Anne Wirth.

Summer is here and there are lots of activities happening at the library: Our TD Summer Reading Club started the first week of July with virtual programming and weekly craft/miniSTEAM kits available for pick up; the Story Walk in Shaw Woods ended on July 12th, but it will be moving to

Eganville along the Geo-Trail – check our Facebook page for the dates and exact location; and we are having our annual book sale on Friday, July 30th and Saturday, July 31st in the library parking lot of the library from 10 – 4 on both days. We have also been preparing an outdoor seating area with a picnic table and a bench for anyone to use while we are open or after hours.

Remember that we have free Wi-Fi with no password.

BUPL Talks: Virtual Author Series will be happening later in the summer and into the fall. We will be hosting several authors, on an online platform, to talk about their latest books and answer questions.

Our survey is still available for anyone who wants to provide important feedback to the library. Remember that your name will be entered in a draw when you return a completed survey.

There are three prizes to be won, and the first one has a $50 gift card from Foodland Eganville. There is a link to the online surveys on our website, and paper copies are available at the library and both township offices.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Library re-opens to the public T he Bonnechere Union Public

Library is now open to the public. We welcome back all of our patrons and visitors to browse in the library on Tuesdays from 10:30 – 4; Wednesdays 10:30 – 6:30; Thursdays 10:30 – 6:30; Fridays 10:30 – 4 and Saturdays 10:30 – 3.

Public access computers are available, and you can still reserve books and other materials online or over the phone for pick up. Chronicles of Yarnia is starting up again in July. This inclusive program for knitters, crocheters, spinners, and lovers of yarn will run every other Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The next session is July 22nd.

The Online Auction Fundraiser was a great success raising $1,908.55 for the library. Thank you to all who participated, and we wish to acknowledge and thank the following for donating items to our auction: Merv Buckwald, Val Collins, Jessica Corkery, Tricia Darley, Jean Davies, Barbara Dube, The Eganville Leader, Sue Emery, June Hansen, Sharon Henry, Val Hinsperger, Patty Jeffrey, Lesley Lancaster, Nelda Markham, Liz Murphy, Kathleen O’Grady, Frances and Peter O’Malley, Opeongo Mountain Resort,

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The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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