Extreme Fear

by Stephen Trolley

for Kibble 4 Paws are to obtain its Charity status, and expand into the world of helping seniors with their “Golden Paws” program.

by Brandon Mayer

It is not hard to find a deep respect for non-profit organizations that help animals. These non-profits are the epitome of humanity, and the caring individuals who run them pour their heart and soul into their work every day. But what happens when the helpers need help?

Kibble 4 Paws is a registered non-profit food distribution organization that is dedicated to helping rescues cut costs toward food and supplies so that their funds can go toward veterinary care and other necessities, instead of worrying about the bare basics, such as food.

“We receive food donations from large suppliers which we then distribute to all types of rescues such as those supporting dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals,” explained Julie Bourdon from Kibble 4 Paws. “We also assist farm sanctuaries by purchasing feed with donations from our supporters at our local feed store, which includes food for pigs, alpacas, chickens,

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

It is often not what you say but the tone in which you communicate that becomes the issue or even the terminology that is questionable. What are you meaning to say? Can you spell it out more concretely? Are you sincere? Do you only hear what you want to hear?

The expression "sorry for your loss" often reflects on the passing of an individual. But in reality, is that person lost? Or would it be more accurate to say "my condolences” or “my sympathy." Loss infers the essence of someone/something valuable missing. You can lose your keys, the ball, the patience required or the marbles. You have no idea where to find them or how to relocate them. Depending on your faith, the passing of someone clearly defines where they are. Generally, you know they are in heaven or hell depending on their spiritual commitment, or in the case of scientology's beliefs, the individual has returned to the sanctity of the earth. When you say "sorry for your troubles", are you referring to the ingrown toenail, hemorrhoid or the passing of a loved one? Being specific helps identify the issue, and reflects your feelings pertaining to that passage of life. Often, being uncomfortable speaking of death, despite the fact that no one gets out of life alive, results in one being cumbersome in what we say.

As recommended in public speaking and communication techniques, we should think of what we desire to say and practice how we can convey our message without being obscure or insecure. Insincerity at any time is as painful as any physical punch would be. Trust your instincts and remember that the tongue is kept behind two lips and a set of teeth, while a set of ears is on the outside of our head ready to listen. Sometimes saying nothing rather than placating the individual is the best move. Your response may mean the world to someone - whisper gently!

Like most ideas, it started small. “What started as a couple of skids of dog food delivered by myself to one local rescue has now grown to over eighty different organizations across Eastern Ontario and Western Québec,” Julie explained. “We are delivering as far south as Bowmanville, North to Parry Sound, East to Hawkesbury and all of the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley areas, West to Brockville, Kingston, Napanee and Cambellford.” The organization has also recently expanded its operations to Western Québec.

With 25 “amazing” volunteer drivers, Kibble 4 Paws delivers right to their clients’ doors, or they meet with clients in strategic spots to save time and mileage. With many of these logistical considerations already figured out, the next steps

Kibble 4 Paws held a local fundraising yard sale in Winchester on July 22 and 23. Stephen Trolly from the Times was on site.

“Julie greeted me at D&H Fencing with infectious enthusiasm,” said Stephen.

“Rows of tables lined with everything from Christmas ornaments to canning supplies – most with some kind of pet themed twist – and even an antique change table took up most of the parking lot. A beautiful raffle basket, donated by Upper Canada Vet and stuffed with goodies, sat prominently on the checkout table.”

Julie reports that the event raised “a bunch of money”, which will be put toward a new and much needed storage facility for the organization.

Extreme Fear first opened at the Cardinal KOA Campground for Halloween in 2006. Seventeen years later, owner Daniel Parent has brought his oversized Halloween Spirit to a new location. With a cemetery on two sides, and foreboding forest behind, Extreme Fear couldn’t have hoped for a better spot than the old elementary school on Hwy 43 between Chesterville and Winchester.

With two months to go before doors open, Daniel Parent and his team are excited for the coming season. A 53-foot semi trailer packed with props and equipment waits for walls and scenes to be put together inside, while powerlines for animatronics are already taped down. Spaces inside are being cleared for party rooms that will be available for birthdays and other events. Extreme Fear is also excited to offer a fully wheelchair accessible venue.

One thing they do need: Student Volunteers. But these volunteer positions aren’t just the heavy lifting or the scaring. Makeup artists, costume designers, artists and actors, and yes, construction and engineering help are all wanted and welcomed.

Extreme Fear opens September 15th, with tickets costing $40 tax included. Proceeds from admissions will be going to support Camp Quality, a volunteer organization that runs camps for children with cancer.

Dundas County 4-H update

submitted by Ethan Velthuis

The first meeting of the Barn Quilting Club was held on July the 8th. We started off the meeting by sanding down our squares and painting them with primer. While we waited for them to dry, we were shown 3x3 and 4x4 quilt designs and learned the history of barn quilts. We chose which design we were going to do and what colours we would be using. We finished our meeting selecting this year’s executive from among the four remaining members: President Emma Hess, Vice President Emily Velthuis, Secretary Erika Mathers and this Press Reporter.