Picton Gazette January 7, 2016

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POLITICS Smith sees County Rd. 49 among his top priorities 3

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THE PICTON

Gazette

Volume 186, Week 1

THURSDAY

JANUARY 7, 2016

AWARENESS

Picton BIA prepares for Main Street rehabilitation

ACTION

Basketball Panthers sweep Bayside in return to court

Canada’s longest publishing non-daily newspaper, proudly serving Prince Edward County since 1830

Quaiff stresses value of co-operation with neighbours Mayor uses levee to underline importance of regional focus JASON PARKS STAFF WRITER

Reflection of the year that was and brighter days yet to come were on Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff's mind as he and County council welcomed guests and friends to the annual New Year's levee at Bloomfield Town Hall Saturday.

Among the several dozen guests in attendance, Quaiff welcomed Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher and Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis.

In his remarks to about three dozen attendees, Quaiff directed his sights at the new MP who previously served as the Mayor of Belleville and shared a board table or two with Quaiff.

A day earlier, Ellis was a popular target at the Quinte West levee as that council was not shy in getting their federal capital requests in early and often.

“I look forward to working with Neil, we've had lots of conversations over the years and my feeling is that Neil knows exactly where federal money comes from, how to get and then how to give it to us,” Quaiff said to a laughing audience.

A NEW YEAR With (left to right) Hillier councillor Steven Graham, County CAO James Hepburn and Sophiasburgh councillor Kevin

Gale looking on, County Mayor Robert Quaiff speaks to residents and friends at the annual New Year’s levee. (Jason Parks/Gazette staff)

Then, in a moment of levee levity, Ellis came up and slapped Quaiff on the back to which Quaiff replied “See, Neil still has my back.”

Pointing out the elected leaders in the crowd, Quaiff

thanked them for coming and felt that, in the future, the bonds between municipal leaders would have to become stronger.

“I thank you all for coming today because we share

a region and I think in the future, we will all be sitting at table strategizing our financial future going forward,” Quaiff said, adding that he owed Harrison a debt of gratitude for bring-

ing Quaiff and council members into a meeting with Ontario health minister Dr. Eric Hoskins at the Good Roads Convention last year to speak of the shared struggles Trenton and Prince

See LEVEE, page 10

LOOK INSIDE FOR COUNTY

Inside this week’s edition of the Gazette...

OP/ED

Edward County memorial hospitals.

“To me, that showed the highest level of respect for a neighbouring municipality and I will never forget it,” Quaiff added.

In terms of municipal projects that are or will be underway in the new year, Quaiff noted the $10- million project for County Rd. 3 (Rednersville Road) as well as the upgrade to water mains and sewers on Main Street in Picton.

Special municipal projects undertaken in 2015 included the ground breaking on the Picton Fire Hall, the opening of the Consecon Fire Hall and the acceptance of the Sir John A. Macdonald sculpture.

“For those of you that think that the sculpture just showed up and was dropped there, let me tell you there was a lot of work to be done to bring that piece into Picton's downtown core,” Quaiff said.

“Our staff worked many hours, legal wrangling, you name it to get this wonderful addition to our downtown here.”

Quaiff also mentioned the Lane Creek project and the purchase of land in downtown Wellington.

The matter will be brought to the forefront this year and public consultation will be part of the process.

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The Picton Gazette

Sprague releases new book Naked in the Sand Former Gazette columnist shares his funny work tales JASON PARKS STAFF WRITER

Those who liked Gazette columnist Terry Sprague's initial literary offering Up Before Five: The Family Farm will want to seek out his newest book that picks up where the first book left off.

Naked in the Sand draws the eye not only due the Sacha Warunkiw's risque cover but because of Sprague's genuinely humorous prose wrapped around his informative narrative.

The book details Sprague's life after the family farm on Big Island was sold and the County native entered the working world.

Sprague's entire professional work circuit is detailed with funny anecdotes and hilarious musings about the work-a-day world at the Ministry of Natural Resources Glenora fishery, Sandbanks Provincial Park, the Prince Edward Region Conservation Authority and Quinte Conservation and Nature Stuff tours.

Sprague told the Gazette that he wasn't thinking about a second book while writing Up Before Five but afterwards thought there might be just enough material for a second edition.

What has been crafted is

GETTING A GOOD READ Big Island resident and author Terry Sprague celebrates both his birthday and the release of Naked in the Sand late last month. The former Gazette columnist is sharing humorous tales from his professional life in his second literary effort. (Submitted photo)

an easily relatable journey of a county native that has to develop a second career that doesn't involve livestock and farm equipment.

Sprague reveals early on that he was almost lured by siren song of the custodial arts before his love of nature and a job opening at the Glenora station came about and a career was born.

Examining and documenting fish scales in a dark room 20 hours a week to start doesn't sound like it

would lead to anything adventurous but Sprague was always at the ready to go above and beyond the call of duty for his employer as he explains in the first chapter.

There was an issue with one of the dead rats. This rat had tried to escape back into the wall after apparently succumbing to the poison and was firmly stuck in the narrow space between the wall and the floor. Clearly, it had been there more than a

DRAMA • COMEDY • MUSICAL Auditions for “What The Butler Saw” by Joe Orton Saturday, January 16th at 1:00 pm in the Athol Town Hall, 1685 County Rd. 10, Cherry Valley

Please research the play before auditioning!

(PDF of the script can viewed at): https://www.centertheatregroup.org/Global/Casting/Butler/Orton,%20Joe-WHAT%20THE%20BUTLER%20SAW-2%20page.pdf http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-whatbutlersaw/#gsc.tab=0

Auditions will consist of cold readings, audition sides from the script will be provided.

What The Butler Saw – Character Notes (2 x f, 4 x m) The play is set in the late 1960’s and takes place in a private psychiatric clinic run by Dr. Prentice. All the characters except for Nick and Sergeant Match are middle class and well-spoken. The parts are roughly the same size except for Sergeant Match, who only makes brief appearances.

Geraldine Barclay / Female 20-35 - Almost cartoonish in her naivety (taking Dr. Prentice at his word that stripping naked is a necessary part of a job interview), Geraldine is unworldly and innocent.

Dr. Prentice / Male 40-55 - Likes to think of himself as a man of the world, and is outwardly rather suave, but he is revealed as quite inept and panicky in his attempted seduction and subsequent cover ups.

Mrs. Prentice / Female 40-50 - Neglected by her husband, Mrs. P seeks solace in the arms of others. Witty and provocative, she is embittered by her experiences and has an acerbic tongue, but deep down she wants Dr. P to love her.

Nicholas Beckett / Male 20-35 - Nick is an amoral young man with no conscience and very little self-control Dr. Rance / Male 45-65 - Larger than life and quite frankly madder than most of the inmates of the asylums he inspects, Dr. Rance is an egomaniac whose main aim is to publish and become famous, and sees nothing wrong in trampling over the truth and other people in order to do so. Age-wise he could be from his mid-forties to his early sixties.

Sergeant Match / Male 35-45 - A stereotypically plodding policeman, nonetheless determined to get his man Performance dates for “What The Butler Saw” Apr 30, May 1, 2016 – May 6, 7, 8. 2016 - Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. At the Mount Tabor Playhouse in Milford!

Show Dates:

Time Stands Still Prince Edward Community Theatre

by Donald Margulies - Feb 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 2016 “Eastern Ontario Drama League competition submission”

What The Butler Saw Prince Edward Community Theatre

by Joe Orton - Apr 30, May 1, 6, 7, 8 2016

The Rocky Horror Show County Theatre Group

by Richard O’Brien - May 12, 13, 14 (6pm, 9pm) 2016

Contact: Director: Lynn Fennell at lynnfennell@gmail.com or leave a message at 613-476-5925

couple days. In the remaining space between the floor and the lower edge of the wall, the rat’s body was flattened almost to the size of a piece cardboard. Somewhere in the wall was its head and torso. Forced out by the pressure and the beginning of decomposition, its back end ballooned out like some grotesque, hairy cartoon character. Grabbing its tail without even benefit of gloves, I wiggled the carcass back and forth cautiously.

Thinking I saw it give a bit, I wiggled some more and exerted a bit more force. The body seemed to be holding together quite well, so I gave it one final tug. Without warning, the tail, flanks and back legs all separated from the carcass and I staggered backward, trying to maintain my balance with the back end of the rat still firmly in my grip. “Oh, my God!...Lordy!” exclaimed the staff member who clearly had never been exposed to anything like this before.

The inspiration for the title comes from Sprague's time at Sandbanks where as he put it “I hadn't worked long before I became anesthetized to the various shapes and sizes of bathing suits and levels of undress that paraded daily up and down the beach.”

“The title that just came off the top of my head because I thought that might be a title that grabs attention,” he said with a laugh.

See SPRAGUE, page 10

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JANUARY 7, 2016 3

The Picton Gazette

County Rd. 49 funding, health-care roundtable among Smith’s priorities MPP also hopes 2016 will lead to some conclusion to battle over industrial wind turbines ADAM BRAMBURGER STAFF WRITER

Fresh off a Christmas family vacation in Cuba, Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith is ready to hit the ground running for his constituents in 2016.

On Monday, Smith shared some of his priorities for the new year with the Gazette.

Among his top priorities for constituents in Prince Edward County is securing provincial funding to assist with planned upgrades to County Rd. 49.

“We need to rehabilitate one of the main arteries into the county, especially for those who are coming from eastern Ontario and around Montreal,” he said. “I’m hoping for a project much the same as Rednersville Road with co-operation from the federal government and the province as well as the municipality.”

Smith said there hasn’t been much discussion about upper-tier funding to augment a budgetted municipal contribution as he noted the federal government is still finding its feet and hasn’t given many details about how it plans to administer infrastructure funding promised in the recent election.

While Smith said he’s awaiting word from both the provincial and federal Liberals about how billions of infrastructure dollars will flow, he hasn’t been waiting to make a case for County Rd. 49.

“I’ve submitted order papers and questions to (economic development, employ-

ment, and infrastructure minister) Brad Duguid and have been stressing the importance of that project to the county,” he said. “I’ve started my lobbying efforts at Queen’s Park and I hope our federal representative Neil Ellis is doing the same on the Hill.

“We want to make sure our priorities are on the plate when the decision time comes.”

Smith also said he is working on the health-care file with the goal of bringing a series of roundtable discussions to his riding in the next month. He’s discussed the notion of bringing Progressive Conservative health critic Jeff Yurek here for those meetings and visiting Yurek’s riding himself for discussions about hydro (Smith’s own critic portfolio).

Smith pointed to the ongoing funding crunch the Quinte Healthcare Corporation has faced in running its four hospitals as a key issue that he hopes to address, both in the county and in the areas north of the Bay of Quinte.

“We’ll have one in the county and one in the Belleville-Trenton area,” he said. “It’s ballooned into a big issue in Trenton with Our TMH and it’s also becoming a bigger concern in Belleville as these latest cuts affected positions at BGH. “People are starting to realize in Belleville that their hospital is under attack. People in the county have known that for years.”

Smith said the roundtable would also be an opportunity for county residents to weigh in on the province’s proposed

changes to the health-care system, including the restructuring of Local Health Integration Networks and the likely elimination of Community Care Access Centres.

Smtih also indicated he is planning the first Prince Edward and Hastings day at the Ontario legislature April 11.

He said his Toronto staff is working to have representatives from tourism operations, industries, and Loyalist College take over the two main conference rooms at Queen’s Park to promote the economic interests of the riding.

“It’s an opportunity to continue to promote the area,” he said, stating he expects local culinary and beverage industries to be well represented. It is also hoped some local broadcast media stations will turn out to broadcast the event.

Smith said his critic portfo-

lio has also kept him active recently as he has been on a tour of Ontario speaking about the proposed Hydro One sale and rising rates.

“Electricity prices went up again Jan. 1 and that continues to be a problem,” he said.

Closer to home, Smith indicated he’s hopeful 2016 will be the year the battle over the industrial wind turbines finally comes to a rest also.

“Hopefully we’ll get these ERT rulings back and hopefully in our favour,” he said. “I’d expect the Gilead ruling will come back first and I hope there’s a favourable decision that will set a precedent across Ontario.”

Smith said there appears to be more evidence supporting a move away from industrial wind installations.

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See SMITH, page 23

SETTING PRIORITIES MPPTodd Smith said he will attempt to secure funding for rehabilitation work on County Rd.49 in 2016 and host roundtable discussions in his riding on the health-care system early in the year. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)

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The Picton Gazette

BIA chair stresses communication during Main Street work Organization looks to act as members’ liaison through construction

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With the impact to downtown businesses a primary concern in the scheduling of the Picton Main Street reconstruction, the Picton Business Improvement Association will be serving an intermediary communication role.

Picton BIA chair Trevor Crowe said it will be the association's job to communicate any information regarding the project to Main Street businesses. The BIA has already had productive conversations with the municipality, ensuring no construction will take place during Main Street's busiest months of July and August. “Currently we're kind of a communication liaison to the membership, which includes all of the businesses and property owners within the BIA,� said Crowe. “We're doing regular e-mail and newsletter dispatches to give them updates as soon as we hear the news.�

Crowe said the BIA is also in regular meetings with the municipality's planning office to ensure businesses are kept up to date. “Any time that key decisions are made in regard to things that concern the BIA, then we're there making sure the voices of the members are heard,� he said.

The municipality is expected to break ground on the project as soon as

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CONSTRUCTION COMING The Picton Main Street reconstruction will begin as soon as possible this year.While no construction will take place in the busiest summer months, the Picton BIA is taking steps to ensure businesses are kept informed about the project. (Chad Ibbotson/Gazette staff)

possible this year, having awarded Taggart Construction Ltd. of Kingston a $4.4million (plus HST) contract in November. The reconstruction will see water and sewer upgrades, replacement of all individual water and sewer services to properties fronting the work, and reconstruction of the road, sidewalks, curb, gutters, and street lights from Chapel Street to Bridge Street. All the work must be completed in 2016.

The project has a total cost of $5.2 million with $3,540,000 worth of underground work funded through water and wastewater and $1,660,000 attrib-

uted for roads. The municipality also has access to a grant of up to $2 million through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), which engineering, development and works commissioner Robert McAuley said in November would be applied entirely to the water and wastewater portion to offset the impact to the users.

Crowe said it was of critical importance to local businesses that no construction take place during July and August. “It was basically make or break for businesses,� he said.

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million people visiting Sandbanks alone in the summer — never mind those who come to visit wineries or take part in events — there are a lot of dollars at stake. “If you look at the numbers alone for a lot of (businesses) it's over 50 per cent of their income comes during July and August,� he said. “They don't have that nest egg through the shoulder season to get them through to even be in business the following year, so it was a deal breaker completely for most of the businesses in downtown.�

Crowe said the municipality has told the BIA the project will be completed in three phases with the first and second phases expected to be completed by late spring. The final phase would then be complete following the break in July and August. “The construction is basically stopping completely before July 1 and they're clearing out completely, repaving the road temporarily and allowing the traffic to operate as normal right through to Sept.1,� he said.

He said the BIA remains committed to doing everything in its power to advocate for the membership for the duration of the project.

He said the construction company will have people on the ground during construction moving fences, ensuring continued access to businesses and disseminating information. “They're going to be at the disposal of the businesses as well if any questions arise or anything happens especially with accessibility,� said Crowe.

JANUARY 7, 2016 5

The Picton Gazette

Radio station unveils donor wall to recognize contributors Founding campaign nets $130,000 JASON PARKS STAFF WRITER

The people and businesses that made the radio studios at the end of Cold Storage Road a reality are getting their due recognition.

Just prior to the holidays, the donor and founder wall at 99.3 County FM was finally completed.

Those that dug into their pockets and broke out their cheque books to get the community-owned station up and running are having their efforts publicly heralded in a display just inside the studio's front doors.

Just over $130,000 was raised through the founding donor campaign which came to a close about this time last year and 99.3 County FM general manager Deb Simpson said a way to recognize those important people and organizations that were the first to get on board with the concept of a community-owned, community operated radio station have been in the works for some time. “We started kicking around the idea of a founder wall just after the campaign ended last year around Christmas and Tim Snyder of Tonup Designs had the design to us in March. The delay was Mike Bell of JB Print Solutions finding a firm that could make the plaques at an effective cost

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ON DISPLAY 99.3 County FM general manager Deb Simpson, left, and newsreader Suzanne

O’Connor show off the donor wall just outside of the community radio station’s Cold Storage Road studios. The wall recognizes those who helped make the station a reality. (Jason Parks/Gazette staff)

point,� Simpson said.

But the wall is now complete and those that played a part in the making 99.3 County FM the essential community service it is toady are honoured in a significant and permanent way. “This wall represents all the people and businesses that made 99.3 County FM possible and we can never thank them enough,� Simpson said.

In other 99.3 County FM news, the station will be holding its annual general meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall starting at 7 p.m..

The meeting will serve to receive the financial statement and annual report of the Prince Edward County Radio

Corporation, elect directors of the corporation and deal with other annual motions and confirmations.

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in good standing at the time of the meeting can attend with full voting rights and memberships can be purchased or renewed at the meeting.

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2016 Annual General Meeting The 2016 Annual General Meeting of 99.3 County FM (Prince Edward County Radio Corporation) will be held on Wednesday January 27th from 7 to 9 PM at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall at 13 Coleman Street, in Ameliasburgh for the following purposes: 1. To confirm and ratify notice of the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the membership of the Corporation.

2. To receive the Financial Statement and Annual Report of the Corporation for the period ending August 31, 2015 3. To elect Directors of the Corporation.

4. To appoint the accountant of the Corporation for the ensuing year.

5. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

Anyone who is a member in good standing at the time of the meeting can attend the meeting with full voting rights. Memberships can be purchased or renewed at the meeting.

Members who are unable to attend can appoint another member as their proxy by using the Proxy Form which is available at the station office at 38 Cold Storage Road or online at www.993countyfm.ca. A member can only hold one proxy from another member.

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38 Cold Storage Rd., Picton 613-476-2171 MON-FRI 8AM-6PM, SAT 8AM-4PM

6

Opinions JANUARY 7, 2016

WEB www.pictongazette.com TWITTER @gazettenews FACEBOOK /pictongazette

COMMENTARY Referendum on defined electoral reforms best course of action

DURING the federal election last year, the Liberal and NDP parties campaigned vigorously on the notion that if they had their way, future Canadian elections would not employ the first-past-the-post system. They advocated for changes that might employ a proportional representation scheme and might reward those parties with greater percentages of the popular vote with seats.

Now that the Liberals gained a majority government, they’re itching to move forward with changes to the electoral process and insisting the process can be done without going to the public for a referendum. While the notion is likely coming forward with the best of intentions, at this time it is a difficult idea to swallow for a number of reasons.

One of the first issues that comes to mind is past narrative. During the years of Conservative governance, one of the major rallying cries of those opposed to their policies was the flawed notion of democracy in the present system — the idea that one party could win a majority of representation without a majority of the popular vote and still make decisions. Like their predecessors before, the Liberals had less than 50 per cent of the popular vote. When looking at electoral maps, it also appears clear there are some strong regional differences in party preference. The problem with legitimacy under first-past-the-post is as it was and the irony that presumed legitimacy may lead to its end is not lost.

Beyond that, one has to be concerned about the potential for a change because no one knows what that change is to be. While electoral reform was one of many planks in the Liberals’ ambitious platform, voters did not have an opportunity to decided whether to give the party a mandate to carry out a specific type of reforms. If this government heard from Canadians that they want one system, then decided they know better and voted for another one that is perhaps undemocratic, what legal rights do citizens have to stop them? They do have a mandate in government after all with no mechanism for recount and only assurances

the government will keep the best interests of democracy in mind when the time comes. It’s the same hypothetical question put forward when the Conservatives passed their Fair Elections Act. Many said that wasn’t in the best interests of Canadians, but felt they were powerless to change. It’s also very much the same as the commentary some in the county put forward, believing this council would tackle the council size issue through public consultation, only to vote against some of the public’s preferred options.

Even if one were to set aside those questions and presume that Canadians want a new electoral system that will likely be more complex than the current one and if one has faith in the Liberals to create a process for public input and follow through, many questions abound about the system that is put in place. If popular vote is used to determine seats or to award seats, what does that say for democratic representation. Would a Green supporter in Ontario feel well represented if his or her vote is used to elect a representative from British Columbia, for example? Would a new system remove the idea of representation by population and the idea that each MP has constituents to answer to that aren’t miles away? Also, one wonders if the provinces — partners in Canada’s Confederation as it stands — would be concerned about power being translated in the system.

Representatives from that level should have their say, also.

While there may be a laundry lists of concerns with the idea of democratic reform, one should make no mistake that healthy discussion and debate about constitutional issues is productive for society. As our neighbours the United States publicly grapple with the intent of some of the language in their own framework, it is important to recognize times change. There are no absolutes and nothing is sacrosanct. That said, those changes shouldn’t be taken lightly and a mandate for change must come from the people. A referendum with a clearly defined question is the best way to ensure that change is for the best.

PICTURING OUR COMMUNITY

THE PICTON

Gazette Volume 186, Week 1 267 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Tel: 613-476-3201 Fax: 613-476-3464

Editorial e-mail: gazette@bellnet.ca Classifieds e-mail: gazetteclass@bellnet.ca Advertising e-mail: scottwjohnston01@gmail.com

Jean Morrison Debbie McCann Publisher Business Manager

Karen Gyde Christine DeMille Classifieds Manager Classifieds

Scott Johnston Adam Bramburger Sales Manager Editor

Cheryl Weaver Advertising Sales

Jason Parks Reporter

Shelby Larner Advertising Sales

Chad Ibbotson Reporter

COLD KATA Members of the Picton Martial Arts and Fitness club participate in a Kagami Biraki New Year’s kata on the sidewalk of Picton’s Main street.Over 40 members and guests took part in a full day of events which included kick boxing, karate, jiu jitsu and self defence training as well as an outdoor kata session, which is a traditional element of the New Year’s training. (Jason Parks/Gazette staff)

Stories From Our Past 1926

n A federal agriculture study suggested that if Canada invested in improving roadways to paved surfaces with good grading, the nation’s farmers would save in excess of $20 million per year in haulage costs. n A tax increase seemed inevitable in Picton as councillors started the year with a balance of $1,071 compared to $4,355 in 1925. Picton was also expected to pay a larger share of taxes to the County that year and investments in infrastructure were anticipated. n Bloomfield officials were considering reviving domestic science (home economics) and manual training (shop) classes in the local school.

1946

n The Picton fair board presented the County a cheque for $453, which represented 10 per cent of gate receipts up to $1,500 and 25 per cent of gate receipts beyond that number. n Gunner C.E. Head, the son of Picton residents, was awarded the Bronze Cross by Ditch Queen Wilhelmina in recognition for his efforts with the Canadian Army during the liberation of Holland. Some 455 Canadian officers earned various degrees of honour from the Dutch monarchy. n A provincial report giving the estimated production value of the crops grown in the county in 1945 valued the local grain yield at over $500,000.

1976

n The OPP responded to six break-in calls over one weekend, including four homes, the Waupoos Girl Guides camp, and Cressy United Church. At the church, an organ was overturned, chairs and rails were broken, and books were torn. n MPP James Taylor said he had received positive and negative response to the Retail Businesses Holiday Act, which would set provincial guidelines for which days businesses could open and allow some retail businesses to operate on Sundays. n Traffic charges increased in the county in 1975 as 1,669 charges were laid, up from 1,207 issued in 1974.

1996

n Bloomfield crews were out in full force changing old street signs to new ones reflecting street and lane name changes that would allow the village to meet the requirements for 911 emergency services when the County adopted the system. n Queen’s University and the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties District Health Council were undertaking a study on family physicians in the region to determine how many patients physicians should be expected to serve in their regular practice. n The provincial government noted it realized $100 million in social assistance savings since June 1995.

Michelle Bowes Production Manager

Janice Daley Distribution

The Picton Gazette is locally owned and operated. It is published every Thursday by The Picton Gazette Ltd.and distributed in Prince Edward County. For out-of-town subscription rates, please call 613-476-3201. All materials are protected by copyright.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

”

I know that 70 per cent of services provided by the municipality do not not have sustainable funding flowing, but most municipal leaders are happy to see our platform regarding this come to fruition.

Bay of Quinte MP neil ellis on the anticiPation

of infrastructure funding announceMents this year.

WEEKEND WEATHER TODAY High

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is anticipated today with no probability of precipitation.

OESP assistance, tax returns among services available for seniors Community Care employees are now trained and able to help seniors with applying for the Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP).

The Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) was launched in late 2015 to provide help for people who struggle to pay their hydro bills.

Community Care staff will provide support to low-income seniors age 60 and over who meet the eligibility criteria. An eligible household ($28,000 or less for one or two people) can receive between $30-$50 monthly credit on their hydro bill.

Contact the staff at Prince Edward Community Care to get answers to questions and help to submit the OESP application.

More information can be found at www.OntarioElectricitySupport.ca Community Care is also gearing up for another season of completing income tax returns for seniors who live in Prince Edward County. If you are a senior 60+ whose single income is $30,000 or lower or whose household income is $40,000 or lower, you may

INFO FOR SENIORS Debbie MacDonald Moynes

be eligible for the program.

Volunteers receive training by Canada Revenue Agency to complete income tax returns for eligible clients. Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for: deceased persons, bankrupt individuals; for those with more than $1,000 of investment income; for individuals with capital gains/losses; or for people with business or rental

income and expenses.

There is no charge, donations are accepted.

Home visits can be arranged for seniors who are shut-in. Income Tax papers will be accepted by Community Care beginning on Tuesday, March 1, and not before.

Low-income singles and families can contact the Prince Edward Learning Centre at 613-476-1811 for assistance with both the OESP and income tax preparation.

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association offers services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, noon-time dinners for seniors, foot care, help with forms (including Income Tax), respite, home maintenance, rural route reassurance and telephone reassurance programs.

The agency is partly funded by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care through the Local Health Integration Network and supported by donations and community fundraising efforts, such as Com-

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Increasing cloudiness is expected throughout the day with a chance of rain overnight.

SATURDAY High

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A cloudy day is anticipated Saturday with a 70-per-cent chance of rain.

SUNDAY High

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Periods of rain are expected Sunday with a chance of snow developing overnight.

LETTERS POLICY

The Picton Gazette welcomes letters to the editor of 500 words or less. The letters may be edited for clarity, legal ramifications, length or general taste at the editor’s discretion.

We also reserve the right to refuse to publish submitted letters for the same reasons.

Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views of the Gazette, its publisher, or staff. Submitted items become property of the Gazette.

munity Care’s Thrift Shop at 153 Main Street.

OFFICE HOURS

The Community Care office will be operating at The Armoury, 206 Main Street in Picton until Friday, Jan. 29 and will close from Feb. 1-5 to move into new quarters at 74 King Street in Picton. The office will open at 74 King on Monday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. Telephone number remains the same – 613476-7493.

For more information call Community Care at 613-476-7493 or check out our web site at www.communitycareforseniors.org

TAI CHI SESSIONS BEGIN JAN. 18

Beginner and continuation Tai Chi classes are held regularly at Community Care.

Tai Chi is a way to help seniors stay fit and flexible.

Tai Chi is a low-impact form of exercise, but it is also a weight bearing exercise, which is an important component of managing osteoporosis.

Some of the benefits of

Tai Chi are: better balance, which lowers the risk for falls, less pain and stiffness, stress relief and increased calmness and sense of wellbeing. And to top it off, it also helps to improve memory. No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome.

If you’re a senior who would benefit from Tai Chi and would like to give it a try, call Community Care at 613-476-7493 to register.

Space is limited.

SENIORS LUNCHEON SOCIAL

Seniors are welcome to attend Community Care’s Seniors Luncheon Social in Milford on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and in Wellington on Jan. 27.

Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House and Occasions Catering, is preparing homemade soup, bangers and mashed potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw, bread and butter, cherry cheesecake or fruit, and coffee or tea for $10 per person. Reserve your place by the Tuesday prior at noon by calling 613-476-7493.

PECI environment club helps with bird count

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JANUARY 7, 2016 7

The Picton Gazette

BUDDING CHARITY Labatt area sales rep Steve Walsh, left, and County staff members Lisa Lindsay and Gerry Mayer hand over food collected at a recent food drive to volunteers at the Picton United Church County Food Bank last month . (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)

Labatt food drive aids local food banks

Instead of just providing beer during the holiday season, Labatt attempted to provide another form of cheer for county residents.

The company’s Belleville and area territory rep Steve Walsh said the company’s sales team was looking to find ways to give back to the communities it serves when a challenge was issued to host a food drive that encourages consumers to fill empty beer cases with non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks.

“Our team didn’t want to just sell beer, we want to create the best beer company in a better world,” he said. “We decided to utilize our partnerships to start a food collection.”

Walsh said he set out beer cases in Beer Stores, LCBO outlets, and at

licenced partners that have agreements to serve Labatt products. He estimated in his territory, which stretches wet to Cobourg, east to Napanee, and north to the Hwy 7 area, upwards of 300 cases were collected.

In Prince Edward County, the food drive brought in a great haul of between 50-60 cases of food, which was distributed to the Storehouse Foodbank and the Picton United Church County Food Bank just before Christmas.

A catalyst for the encouraging response is a product of Labatt’s partnership with Prince Edward County to sell beverages at its arenas and halls. Leading up to the World Junior A Hockey Challenge exhibition games at Essroc Arena, the County helped advertise the food drive and left cases out at the arena for people to contribute.

The County’s manager of community centres and events Lisa Lindsay said the municipality’s staff also rallied around the cause themselves, contributing money to buy food to augment the donation.

The staff purchased fresh apples and oranges, which were identified as a need by Picton food bank volunteers.

Lindsay thanked Walsh for the company’s generosity and lauded the program for its efforts to keep the donations local within the community.

She also applauded community members for heeding the call to fill the beer cases with donations.

Walsh said the inaugural collection exceeded its goals and hoped it would be continued in the years ahead.

“It’s something I want to do moving forward,” he said.

-Staff

There were some youthful sets of eyes at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Jan. 2 to help with the annual Christmas Bird Count.

This year. the observatory’s NatureHood co-ordinator Mark Read visited PECI before Christmas to enlist the help of students involved with the environment club with the annual counts.

Read led a binocular and bird identification workshop at the high school to allow the new birders to be prepared for their adventure on the south shore.

Unlike the traditional bird count, where birders often spend the whole day at the site and then take part in a sometimes-raucous “species seen” roundup, observatory president Cheryl Anderson said the event the PECI students took part in only lasted a few hours.

Their count, known as a Kids’ Christmas Bird Count, is designed to introduce young people to bird watching and counting. Still, the results of the event are shared with eBird Canada

and a national CBC4Kids database.

Anderson said the NatureHood program has been funding through granting from Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service. It has allowed Read to visit schools and install bird feeders for Bird Studies Canada’s FeederWatch program., allowing students to monitor counts at regular intervals and submit their observations online. That information is then shared with scientists.

“With PEPtBO’s location in the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area and as caretakers of the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, we have a unique opportunity to educate people of all ages about birds and their importance to ecosystem health,” said Anderson. “The NatureHood program has allowed us to introduce more county and regional residents and students to nature.”

-Staff

EYES TO THE SKY Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory NatureHood co-ordinator Mark Read shares some bird-watching tips with students from PECI’s environment club. The students took part in a bird count Jan. 2. (Submitted photo)

8 JANUARY 7, 2016

The Picton Gazette

A WARM FESTIVE WELCOME Bay of Quinte MPNeil Ellis speaks to Ameliasburgh councillors

Dianne O’Brien and Janice Maynard at the County’s annual New Year’s levee in Bloomfield Saturday..The former Belleville mayor is looking forward to infrastructure talks. (Jason Parks/Gazette staff)

Ellis, Christopher speak at levee Newly elected MP says infrastructure has been hot topic JASON PARKS STAFF WRITER

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sudoku Metro Creative Graphics LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

Less than 90 days have passed since the federal election and MP Neil Ellis admitted the first section of his first term as this region's voice in Ottawa has been a stop-start exercise.

But in spite of limited time in Ottawa, he (as a former municipal leader) knows what local leaders are after and there have been no shortage of informal requests, inquiries and down right “It's early days but infrastructure funding has been a very popular topic,” Ellis told the Gazette at the annual New Year's Levee on Saturday in Bloomfield.

Ellis said he knew from his experience as Belleville's mayor that the politicking for regional requests for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects can never start too soon.

“I know that the municipal levels are in budget times and facing a lot of infrastructure that's crumbling and they all want to know when funding will be coming.”

Ellis mentioned that his first choice when it came to federal sub-committee selection was the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and he hoped to be informed if he was selected at some point this month.

“I know that 70 per cent of services provided by the municipality do not have sustainable funding flowing but

TASO CHRISTOPHER

most municipal leaders are happy to see our platform regarding this come to fruition Later this month we will be having a series of meetings with the focus on pre-budget consultations with each municipal council with public meetings in all three corners of the riding,” Ellis said.

Infrastructure priorities will likely be discussed at these meetings so that when funding starts to flow, municipalities all have their proposed projects aligned.

In terms of his first twoand-a-half months, Ellis admits he's been somewhat frustrated with the breaks in the action.

The learning curve and my level of comfortability has been good but we all know that government moves slow and it feels like it's been a start-stop, start-stop progression,” Ellis said. “I'm really looking forward to January and sitting these next three months and getting down to business.”

The first time MP added he was optimistic about the Bay of Quinte riding and the chances of co-operation

between the regional municipalities and the federal government.

Also at the event was Ellis' successor Taos Christopher.

The Belleville mayor said he's been happy with the Bay of Quinte branding project that has had wide ranging and deep forays into marketing the area to would-be tourists, employers and those looking to relocate to this part of the world.

“It's been very successful project in bringing everyone in and if an industry lands here, we know that we are all going to benefit through either the industry, increasing the residential tax base, new development and economic spinoff,” he said.

One item of interest to local commuters to the Friendly City is the Canadian Pacific overpass at the intersection of Hwy 62 and Dundas Street.

The current bridge, built in the 1950s, is being replaced and Christopher said the project is expected to be finished by 2017.

“This $19-million project that was 80-per-cent funded by our provincial and federal partners should be 80 per cent complete by the fall of 2016 with final completion in early 2017. It's a big project that involves the building of the new bridge, which is underway currently, and then removal of the old bridge which was well past repairing,” Christopher said.

Traffic delays are going to be likely but Christopher asked for understanding from those travelling into the city.

“I would hope people will have some patience. This project is very much needed,” he added.

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JANUARY 7, 2016 9

The Picton Gazette

WHATTAM’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR The Community Calendar is donated as a public service to our community by The Whattam Funeral Home, 33 Main St., West, Picton (613-476-2450)

CRAIG DESJARDINS

CAROLINE GRANGER

LARRY RITCHIE

Business leaders share outlook for year County prepared to contend with difficult economic climate in 2016 ADAM BRAMBURGER STAFF WRITER

The global economic climate isn’t instilling much confidence in investment, but the county appears well positioned to weather the storm.

That’s the glass-half-full scenario three local business leaders gave the Rotary Club of Picton at its first meeting of 2016 as Craig Desjardins, Caroline Granger, and Larry Ritchie offered thoughts on what the year ahead will bring.

Speaking first, Desjardins, the executive director of the Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Community Futures Development Corporation described himself as an optimist, but painted a grim picture of Canada’s position in the global marketplace.

“There’s lots of opportunity and that excites me every day I come to work. That said, we face many challenges,” Desjardins said.

He said the chief concern is the crashing price of oil, which is beyond the control of anyone locally.

Desjardins indicated in the not-to-distant past, he was doing business models based on the impacts of a barrel of oil costing $150 to $200. Now, he’s doing projections for a $20 barrel and he said the impact of lower oil costs are far more detrimental than high costs.

Desjardins said one key impact of the oil crash is in the low Canadian dollar. While he said there may be some positives in the way of American tourists, there has also been a cost to local business.

“I’m noticing it with some of our customers here in the county. A lot of new equipment is purchased from the States,” he said. “Equipment that once cost $100,000 is now costing $100,000 plus 38 per cent. That’s a significant increase and it’s actually impeding investment.”

Desjardins added he’s “not too optimistic” the manufacturing sector will rise to take the place of the oil and gas sector and drive both domestic and foreign direct investment.

Desjardins also offered two other international trends that make investment tricky right now — the Chinese economy and the threat of terrorism.

He said in China something similar to the great recession of 2009. Entire cities were built on debt and they’ve been largely abandoned.

Those areas were bankrolled by capital markets.

“Sooner or later someone has to start paying the mortgage on all these commercial spaces,” he said. “The slowdown of China could be quite dire.”

In his presentation, Desjardins noted statistics that state there’s a better chance of being struck by lightning than being involved in a terrorist attack, but he added the political uncertainty of the issue has slowed investments with many corporations parking money in the bank for safety.

“They’re not investing when it’s uncertain,” he said.

“Part of my job is to bring investment to Prince Edward County. It’s a challenge. We have a great story to tell, but it’s tough because people are nervous.”

Desjardins predicted fairly stagnant growth and indicated he’s also concerned about inflation and higher food prices.

He also indicated that while the region has some strong voices in new MPs Neil Ellis and Mike Bossio, there is also a concern about the weight of their voice.

“Rural Canada is struggling with the migration of young people, aging populations, and the balance of power,” he said. “Look at where this government received its votes, it’s in urban

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Canada... it’s very much an urban agenda now and it’s critically important our MPs do have a voice at the table and make sure we get the funding we need.”

Desjardins said he’s concerned Ellis may have some bad news for local municipalities as the infrastructure dollars can only go so far.

Granger, the winemaker and owner of The Grange of Prince Edward Winery, is relying on her personal experience as she holds a more optimistic outlook on local fortunes. Last year, many of the trends Desjardins mentioned were taking hold, but it was a banner year at The Grange.

“I have not seen retail growth in my business like I saw last year since 2004. We had a 35-per-cent increase in our retail business,” she said.

“The shoulder seasons, which have been stable for seven years now have started to expand again.”

Granger said she believes change is coming and she believes the county is well positioned to capitalize because people are discovering what it has to offer and there are people here committed to marketing and sharing that experience.

“Despite the fact there is a lot of doom and gloom, I think this small place in Ontario has an opportunity to grow and flourish. We have that because this place is special,” she said.

“There are people here who care passionately about the potential for this region.”

Granger said the challenge is dealing with that change.

She said the community needs to develop the way it works together and it needs to look for ways to strengthen partnerships and create infrastructure that supports its strengths.

SPACE IS AVAILABLE TO all non-profit groups or organizations that serve 'The County' ONLY. Calendar items can be faxed 476-3031, email communitycalendar@whattamfuneralhome.com or placed in drop box at the side door of the Funeral Home

by Saturday at noon.

E-MAIL, staff@whattamfuneralhome.com & for community calendar, communitycalendar@whattamfuneralhome.com

WHATTAM'S is proud to present.... 'Free Family Movie Day' at the Regent Theatre the last Sunday of each month 2pm.

PICTON UNITED CHURCH COUNTY FOOD BANK: Food items that are needed are peanut butter, canned salmon, canned stew, canned fruit, pancake mix & syrup. All donations gratefully accepted. Please drop off donations at the PUC County Food Bank 476-8516 at the Church office Tues-Fri from 9-11:45am or at the Food Bank on Fri mornings 9-11:30am (12 Chapel Street, Picton).

Contact Leda 613-476-2109.

LOYALIST HUMANE SOCIETY: Always in need of food, litter, cleaning supplies, paper products as well as kitten food canned & dry.

ROTARY CASH CALENDAR WINNERS: January 1st Chris Pengelly, 22nd Chris Black, 29th Lynn Morgan ($1000!)

PEC WALKERS: Picton, Free Walking Group from Mary St. parking lot Tuesday 1pm, Wednesday 5:15pm, Thursday 7:20am, New walks Mon-WedFri 8:30am & Tues-Thurs 9am. Info: Diane 4765635.

YANG STYLE TAI CHI CLASSES: Monday 9am Picton Town Hall, Tuesday 9:30am Bloomfield Town Hall, Wednesday & Friday 9:30am at the Picton Town Hall. Cost is $5/person/class. Everyone welcome! Questions & info 476-6557.

TAOIST STYLE TAI CHI CLASSES & CHI KUNG – Thursdays 12:30-1:30 at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall. Keep healthy in body, mind & spirit. For more information & to register, call Sherri 2422096.

CHI KUNG CLASSES IN WELLINGTON – Begins January 13, every other Wednesday. Breathe & move your way to optimum health. Space is limited. Register early. Call Sherri 242-2096.

ARTS ON MAIN GALLERY: Announces the “Winter Magic Show” which runs to Jan 25. Arts on Main Gallery is a cooperative of 25 “local artists” together in one location, 223 Main St. Picton 4765665. www.artsonmaingallery.ca.

WELLINGTON ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH BASEMENT: The What Not Shop reopens Tuesday 10am-12noon Jan 12/16, Thursdays 2-4pm, Saturday 10am-12noon selling clothes, dishes, shoes etc. at very reasonable prices.

YOUTH UNLIMITED MARCH BREAK TRIP: All teens are invited to come on the Youth Unlimited March Break Trip (Mar 12-19) to Polk City, Florida for $695. Cost covers the bus, all meals, accommodations, a trip to the beach, tubing & travel to a theme park.

Learn more at www.pecyouthunlimited.com.

YOUTH UNLIMITED ANNUAL SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP: Calling all teens for the annual ski/snowboard trip PA Day (Feb 4/16). Join Youth Unlimited in taking a coach bus to Mont Ste. Marie, Quebec for a full day on the mountain! Leaving Picton at 4am & returning 11pm. Forms available at www.pecyouthunlimited.com.

AA: Meets every Wednesday 8pm Picton Hospital Boardroom.

AL-ANON: (adults) Meets 8pm every Tuesday at Gilead Fellowship Church Picton. Info 1-866-9513711.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (NA) MEETING: Every Friday 10am, Prince Edward Learning Centre, basement of The Armoury Main St Picton.

Info 476-1811.

TOPS #4918: Take off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at the Anglican Church Hall in Picton. Weigh in 6:00-6:45pm & meeting starts at 6:45pm. Info Sheila 476-2786.

JANUARY 9/10: FREE TV/ ELECTRONICS DROP OFF EVENT – Home Hardware Parking Lot 13544 Loyalist Pkwy, Picton 9am-4pm.

Acceptable items include TV’s, Desktop & Handheld Computers, Portable Computers,

Computer Peripherals, Monitors, Printing/Photocopying Devices, Telephones & Cell Phones, Cameras, Radios, Stereo & Video Equipment. www.recycleyourelectronics.ca.

Supported by The Kinsmen Club of Picton & Volunteers.

JANUARY 10: PEC PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB – Meets from 7-9pm at the Wellington Public Library.

All are welcome. Free admission.

JANUARY 12: WEEKLY TUESDAY DROP IN KNIT & CHAT – Milford Br Library 10am12noon.

JANUARY 12: WEEKLY TUESDAY DROP IN CHESS - All levels. 1-4pm Picton Br Library.

JANUARY 12: CHERRY VALLEY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE – Invites you to our meeting at 2pm in the Athol Town Hall to hear a presentation by Leo Finnegan, president of PECMH Foundation. He will explain their needs & ideals followed by a Q&A. Light refreshments will be served. All welcome.

Additional info call Mary Lou 476-6590.

JANUARY 12: AFTER SCHOOL FUN CLUB – Weekly Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Wellington Br Library.

JANUARY 12: AL-ANON - Meets (adults) 8 pm at Gilead Fellowship Church, for persons affected by someone’s drinking. (1-866-951-3711).

JANUARY 13: SOPHIASBURG OVER 60 CLUB – Dinner & Meeting 12 noon at Friendship United Church Hall. Catered by the, Demorestville Women’s Institute. $12/person. Call Peggy before Monday prior 476-3755.

JANUARY 14: WEEKLY THURSDAY THE HUB PLAYGROUP – Drop in 9:30-11am Picton Br Library.

JANUARY 14: AL-ANON - Meets 10:30am Gilead Fellowship Church. If someone’s drinking is bothering you Al-Anon is for you. (1-866-9513711).

JANUARY 14: LOYALIST DECORATIVE PAINTERS GUILD – Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month, Carrying Place United Church at 7pm.

Coffee & snacks 6:30pm. Please bring your regular painting supplies. Info Noreen 475-2005 or visit the website: http://loyalistdecorativepainters.com.

JANUARY 16: CHRIST CHURCH CEMETERY HILLIER BOARD – AGM 10am in St. Andrew’s Parish Hall Wellington. Info 613-9629418.

JANUARY 16: WINTER WALK A THON – Begins at 2pm, Hilltop Rd & Dainard Rd in South Marysburgh. Come out & enjoy winter by participating in a 3km Winter Wonderland Walk.

Funds raised will go to the South Shore Appeal Fund.

Details can be found at www.savethesouthshore.org. If you have questions or wish to register for the event please phone Cheryl 471-1096 or Johanna 476-0240.

JANUARY 19: JOY MINISTRIES LUNCHEON – 12 noon at the Salvation Army. Join us for a meal of meatloaf, potatoes, veggies, dessert & beverage for only $7. Call 476-3159 to reserve a spot.

JANUARY 20: SENIORS LUNCHEON SOCIAL MILFORD – Reserve your place by the Tuesday prior at 12 noon by calling 476-7493. $10/person. Seniors are asked to bring their own soup bowl, plate, cup & cutlery. Meals can be delivered to housebound seniors who live in or near Milford. Those wishing take-out please advise when you register. Price is the same for take-out or eat in. www.communitycareforseniors.org.

JANUARY 23: CENTERING PRAYER INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP – With Gregor Sneddon at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, 335 Main St. (across from Shire Hall) Picton.

Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, a thinking consciousness.

9:30am-4:00pm, $20. To register 476-3303 or stmmpicton@gmail.com.

JANUARY 25: SNUGGLES STITCH A THON – Picton Library downstairs 1-3:30pm. Last Monday of every month beginning in February. Knitting or crocheting 6”x6” squares to be made into blankets for children in South Africa. Light refreshments.

Yarn donations gratefully accepted, just not 100% wool yarn or baby yarn.

10 JANUARY 7, 2016

The Picton Gazette

Prince Edward Community Theatre calls for auditions for farce Jan. 16

Those aspiring to walk the boards and entertain audiences this year are being encouraged to audition for a Prince Edward Community Theatre performance.

The company will be staging Joe Orton’s farce What The Butler Saw at Mt. Tabor in April and May as the last production of its eighth season. The play is set in the late 1960s and it takes place in a private psychiatric clinic. The show promises to be a laugh riot with scenes of seduction, blackmail, and confusion.

Director Lynn Fennell is seeking six actors to play four male and two female parts. The auditions will consist of cold readings Saturday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Athol Town Hall.

The characters include a seemingly suave psychiatrist, his witty wife, a young naive female client, an amoral young man with little self control, another psychiatrist described as a deranged egomaniac, and a plodding police officer.

-Staff

Cheeky cover captures fun, imaginative spirit of new release SPRAGUE, from page 2

Warunkiw's cover shows an MNR Conservation officer admonishing an individual attempting to get an all over tan.

“I really wasn't sure (about the cover),” Sprague said. “I told (Warunkiw) this was a

family-type book and there can't be any exposed sensitive parts and he's done a very good job in capturing the spirit of the book showing an interaction between a park user and park employee.”

When asked if he could imagine a career so full of interesting experiences and

life when he was exiting the agricultural game, Sprague admitted no.

“Never in my wildest dreams,” he said.

The effort has already drawn some warm regards and great reviews from dedicated readers of Sprague's column and those that enjoy his

tours.

“They seem to love it,” Sprague said of the 200-page work. “Some have called it my best effort ever. You start to worry when you laugh a bit too much at your own jokes but everyone seems to find it pretty funny and no one has been put off by the cover.”

County to look to community for ideas on water and wastewater changes LEVEE, from page 1

“We are listening to what the public wants and these meetings show we are listening to our residents and that this council is interested

in how we can make things better,” Quaiff said.

Also on the table in 2016, Quaiff said council would attempt to address the structural challenges of infrastructure funding, particu-

Church Services

larly when it comes to the County's water and wastewater woes.

“We've got some trouble there and the trouble equates to infrastructure,” Quaiff said. “We've got 70-

year-old pipework and a user-pay-only system so we are going to have to reach out to the community for ideas and look at long-term financial stability programs.”

this week

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA

Parish of Marysburgh Rev. Canon David Smith 613-929-2757

dsmith@ontario.anglican.ca

Combing Service St. John’s will join St. Philip’s for worship at 11:00am St. Philip’s, Milford www.parishofmarysburgh.ca

EMMANUEL Sundays.

Sundays.

Baptist Church

Morning Services. 9am & 11am (full children’s programs).

Evening Bible Study.

Study. 7pm.

Mid-week Mid-week Programs.

Programs.

Mom’s Groups | ŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ 'ƌŽƵƉƐ Θ ĚƵůƚ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ Emmanuel Kids (0yrs-Gr 5) |Student Ministries (Gr 6-12) ZĞĂů >ŝĨĞ zŽƵŶŐ ĚƵůƚƐ (Ages 18-25) and much more.

Upc Upcoming. oming.

Jan. 22nd. 7pm. African Children’s Choir “Oh, What Love” Tour!

Tour!

Jan. 29th. 7pm. Family Movie Night

Church.

Rides To To Chur ch. If you would like to come to church, ďƵƚ ŚĂǀĞ ŶŽ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐĂůů :ĞĂŶ Ăƚ ϲϭϯͲϯϵϵͲϯϮϱϴ͘ &Žƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ emmanuellife.com.

Follow Us on Facebook. ϮϰϬ DĂŝŶ ^ƚ͕ ůŽŽŵĮĞůĚ ͮ ĞŵŵĂŶƵĞůůŝĨĞ͘ĐŽŵ ͮ ϲϭϯͲϯϵϯͲϮϮϯϰ

Sunday Service 10:30am with Pastor Larry Snider

Gilead Fellowship

2 Downes Ave. Picton 613-476-2622

A funny thing happened to me...

with Tom Dietzel, Kenneth Erskine & Dan Bone

Featuring music by Louis Armstrong

ST. GREGORY

THE GREAT ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH

7 Church St., Picton, Ont. K0K 2T0

613-476-6276 Fax: 613-476-7293 stgregory@sympatico.ca www.stgregoryparish.ca Saturday Mass 5pm Sunday Mass 10am

Minister: Lynne Donovan 31 King St., Picton 613.476.6024 www.standrewspicton.com Sunday Worship 10:30 Radio 88.3 FM

Rev. Charles Morris

Why not join us in celebrating the joy and wonder of life?

We’re looking forward to seeing you here.

Sunday 9:00am, 10:30am Tuesday 8:00am Silent Prayer Wednesday 10:00am Right around the corner in your neighbourhood.

335 Main St., Picton

(Across from Shire Hall) stmmpicton.ca

Wellington Pentecostal Church

Rev. Polly Marks-Torrance Corner of Nile & West Sts. Wellington 613-399-2384

Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM BIBLE STUDY SUNDAY6:30PM

EVERYONE WELCOME COME VISIT WITH US!

PICTON GOSPEL HALL 3 McFarland Drive Sunday

Breaking of Bread 9:30am Sunday School/ Adult Bible Class 11:15am Gospel 7:00pm

Thursday

Prayer and Bible Study 7:30pm

All are Welcome - No Collection

613-476-3026

COUNTY UNITED CHURCHES

BLOOMFIELD UNITED CHURCH “Where Faith is Fun” 272 Main St., Bloomfield Minister: Maureen Ellison

Sunday, Jan. 10th The Baptism of The Lord Sunday Service at 10:30am bloomfielduc@gmail.com

613-393-2160

PICTON UNITED CHURCH

Minister: Janelle Shaw Worship 9:30am - South Bay 11:00am - Cherry Valley

PRINCE EDWARD NORTH UNITED CHURCH

Sunday, January 10th

12 Chapel St. 613-476-6050 pictonunitedchurch@bellnet.ca

Guest Speaker: Pastor Danny Smith Wesley-Mountainview @ 9:30am Friendship-Demorestville @ 11:00am

Sunay Worship 10:30am Sermon: “New Biginnings”

Psalm 34:1-3 (NIV) “I will extol the LORD at all times: his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name forever”

Minister: Rev. Richard Hamilton

Serving the Community for 222 years

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

All Children welcome at Sunday School

Message: “Jesus Loves Me” Rev. Kirby Breithaupt

C-613-403-4742 or H-613-476-2020 princeedward.north@kos.net friendshipunitedchurch.org EVERYONE WELCOME COME VISIT WITH US!

The g!

to

Picton Gazette OLDEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

IN

CANADA

NEW PRICE

in 38 ist 08 the l 5 XT or TE 444 f 5 55

Thursday, January 7, 2016

OPEN HOUSE SUN, JAN 10TH 2-3:30 PM

This unique property has great potential and possibilities with both 2 homes and 2 barns on 2.06 acres on a quiet country road in an area of wineries in beautiful Prince Edward County.

The main house is over 100 years old and still has many original features.

With 2 large barns, ANOTHER house and various fruit trees and gardens this property is perfect for a studio, home based business, extended family or tenants! $175,000 MLS QR21503566

BIG ISLAND NORTH ROAD $299,900 Lovely year round bungalow with 150 feet frontage on Bay of Quinte.

Beautiful views overlooking the water and sensational sunsets! Features open concept, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths & detached 2 car heated garage.

MLS®550410074

38 TAYLOR DRIVE, FENWOOD GARDENS 5 bedroom brick bungalow in the County, on municipal water but only a couple of minutes into Belleville. Perfect laylout for an in-law suite. Park your car in the garage and come on in! $249,900 MLS QR21507515

Spacious bungalow set on 4 acres, in a central location on a quiet road. This spacious board and baton custom home boasts a fabulous open concept kitchen with an Island eating bar, large family room/fireplace and dining area.

Beautiful hardwood floors. $425,000 MLS 550350106

I CAN’T BELIEVE I HAVEN’T SOLD! 528 MITCHELLS CROSSROAD, N. MARYSBURGH Newer Colorado bungalow situated on 10.3 acres, 5 minutes to Picton. A piece of paradise! 9` ceilings with vaulted in living room. Open concept hardwood and ceramic throughout! Double car garage insulated and drywalled. Two large bedrooms with ensuite on the main level.

Large oversized windows throughout. This home is a pleasure to show. 10 x 10 deck off the dining area. Central air! $359,000 MLS QR21506415

800 FEET OF WATERFRONT Build your dream home on the ridge of this 9 plus acre private, elevated and wooded property with approx 800ft. of stone/pebble shoreline. Imagine the sweeping views and stunning vistas you will have over Adolphus Reach during the changing seasons plus spectacular sunsets. All you have to do is design the house you want to fit the surroundings and enjoy!!! Property has an older home, outbuildings and possible severance potential making this a unique find. Asking $269,900 MLS QR21507591

Call MARY JANE MILLS, Broker 613-476-7400 613-921-0028 mjmills@hwrealty.ca hwrealty.ca

Call GAIL FORCHT, Broker or Office: 613-471-1708 Cell: 613-961-9587 www.homeinthecounty.com

Q

uinte Isle® Real Estate Inc. Brokerage

On the edge of Picton sporting a large lot and beautiful gardens, this 3 bedroom 2 bath split level brick & aluminum home boasts central air, gleaming hardwood floors, new windows and a great open concept kitchen/dining/living room. Beautiful decor and well maintained. Just move in your things and away you go! $269,900 MLS QR21503354 Call MARK GARDINER, Sales Rep Office: 613-476-2700 Cell:613-391-5588 mbgardiner@yahoo.com

PICTON Convenient location just 3 blocks from downtown. Fully occupied triplex on spacious town property with lots of room for parking.

Call us for full details. $175,000 MLS QR21506396 CHRISTINE & COLIN HENDEN, Broker & Sales Rep Tel: 613-922-2251 PeCountyProperties.com colinhenden@remax.net

HERB PLIWISCHKIES, Sales Rep

www.county-realestate.com cell 613-921-7441 613-476-5399

BELLEVILLE LOCATION CANNIFTON RD. THURLOW - 2 bedrm condo backing onto Moira River private and close to amenities. Brick building with patio area and electric awning. Large, bright livingrm, eat in kitchen, utility room. Energy efficient radiant heating, hardwood in livingrm, hall and master bedrm. $159,900. MLS ® QR21403624 SHARON ARMITAGE, Broker of Record 613-399-2134 quinteisle.com

Call Elizabeth Crombie Sales Team 613-476-2700 or toll free 1-877-476-0096 www.pictonhomes.com

QUINTE LTD., BROKERAGE 613-476-5900

QUINTE LTD., BROKERAGE

613-476-5900

DONNA HAWRYLUK NICK HAWRYLUK, Sales Reps donnah@remax.net nickh@remax.net

COMMERCIAL 40’ X 40’ BUILDING 10 foot ceilings. Additional 10’ x 20’ storage/cold room with refrigeration.

2 roll up bay doors 7’ wide x 8’ high. Office, storage, washroom. $219,000 MLS 2142292 LANTHORN REAL ESTATE LTD., BROKERAGE* *INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

WWW.25JOHNSON.COM Move right in! Lovely three bedroom, two bath home. Totally renovated, new natural gas furnace, kitchen, bathrooms, hardwood, all flooring. Bright and fresh. Carriage house, 364 sq ft with loft would make a great studio. Fenced yard, mature trees. Short walk to Main Street. Close to schools. A must see! $249,900 MLS 550610002

Call JASON*, KEVIN*, SANDY* or TAMARA YOUNG**,

* Sales Reps ** Unlicensed Assistant

Call CAROL BROUGH, Sales Rep 613-476-2100 or carolbroughc21@hotmail.com

LANTHORN REAL ESTATE LTD., BROKERAGE* *INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

400' WATERFRONT Fabulous 50 acre parcel of land that has 400 ft. of waterfront on Lake Ontario. The access to the water is level and the beach is pebble with shallow water at the shore - perfect for swimming. This property has trees as well as partly cleared areas - it faces south and is on a year-round maintained road. It is a wonderful place to build your home and have loads of property for whatever your heart desires. $499,000 MLS QR21506693

Call ROB PLOMER, Sales Rep or KATE VADER, Sales Rep 613-471-1708 www.robandkate.com

Call VINCE MARTEL, Sales Rep 613-476-2100

CONNIE GALLAGHER, Sutton Group Prince Edward Sales Rep County Realty Inc. Brokerage 98 Main Street, Picton, ON 613-476-7800

LANTHORN REAL ESTATE LTD., BROKERAGE*

613-476-2100 or thefamilyteam@gmail.com

*INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

QUINTE LTD., BROKERAGE 613-476-5900

This fully brick 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom waterfront home is on 2.9 acres with mature trees for complete privacy. The home is a bungalow with a fully finished walk out basement, large guest suite above the garage, a detached 4 1/2 bay garage for all the water toys, decks off of every room that face the water to capture the views and outdoor living to the fullest. The decks have all been replaced with maintenance free composite decking, newer kitchen, large separate dining room, living room and family room with fireplace on the main floor and on the lower level. The home is located on the Bay of Quinte with all the amenities of Quinte West and Belleville, while enjoying the lifestyle of County living. $899,000 MLS QR21501073

Call LORI SLIK, Sales Rep 613-847-2349 lslik@chestnutpark.com

NOT MANY AROUND LIKE THIS ONE MAIN ST. WELLINGTON, CORE COMMERCIAL - Approx 1800 sq.ft. of commercial space plus two bedrm apt on corner of WHARF AND MAIN. Close to all amenities. Municipal sewer and water. Walking distance to Drake Devonshire, East and Main and Stache. Put your business in here, you have all the traffic.

Asking $425,000. MLS® QR21505585 GEORGE REID, Broker 613-399-2134 quinteisle.com

Q

uinte Isle® Real Estate Inc. Brokerage

12 f THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

HOMEFINDER

The Picton Gazette

The Elizabeth Crombie Sales Team 613.476.2700 104 Main Street, Picton 1.877.476.0096

Elizabeth Crombie, Sales Representative Tracey Dickson**

Suzanne White**

** Sales Representative & Licensed Assistant Trademarks owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association. Used under licence.

www.pictonhomes.com elizabeth.crombie@sympatico.ca HOBBY FARM

WATERFRONT

CRESSY BAYSIDE $284,900 A great opportunity to secure a private and beautiful lot which to build your dream cottage or permanent home on the `Cove`! 2.97 acres and 310` of waterfront is certainly a find in `The County`. MLS QR21506739

CLASSIC CENTURY $389,000 2 storey 3 bedroom century home with many original features including trim, staircase, high ceilings, stained glass windows and hardwood flooring throughout. MLS®QR21406917

HOBBY FARM $249,900 3 bedroom home with a barn, workshop and 43 acres of land with easy access to 401 or Picton.

MLS®QR21505193

CLOSE TO BEACHES $262,500 Well built & solid all brick bungalow with 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths, original hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace. Close to Sandbanks Provincial Park and Salmon Point. MLS®QR21406308

A NATURAL WORLD $179,900 Build your designer home on this natural marshland waterfront overlooking Muscote Bay. 9.6 acres, seasonal creek. Great fishing!

MLS®QR21405495

ELEGANT TOWNHOME LIVING $447,999 A luxury townhome with heritage inspired architecture on 3 floors with an elevator. High efficiency building with solar supplemented hot water in-floor heating & many more desirable features. MLS®QR21506801

619 SOUTH BIG ISLAND ROAD $599,000 Renovated red brick farmhouse with inground pool heated and fenced, gazebo and workshop.

Features 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and detached garage.

Newer windows and doors. MLS®QR21500420

ADULT LIVING

SALMON POINT - QUINTE ISLE $189,900 Enjoy the beauty of this adult lifestyle in 1000 acre park in a lovely wooded private section of Quinte Isle Campark. A nice walk to Lake Ontario and all the facilities. MLS®QR21507454

THE PICTON GAZETTE THE NAPANEE BEAVER EMC/METROLAND NEWSPAPERS. 23 COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONS REACHING OVER 500,000 HOMES.

613-476-3201 (Picton)

TO PLACE ADS OR FLYERS IN 1 OR IN ALL 23 COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS, CONTACT YOUR AD REP TODAY! 613-354-6641 (Napanee)

HOMEFINDER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 f RE/13

NE W

NE W

The Picton Gazette

Milford Millpond Views! Appealing 1-acre building lot features gently rolling terrain and stunning bucolic views. Enjoy village life with a great country feel! Certainly one of the prettiest lots currently available, this one will have you dreaming of your new home in The County! $45,000 MLS QR21506877 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg* www.monicaklingenberg.com

Set on a double lot, this 4200 sq. ft steel building on 1.46 acres in Picton’s industrial park has many potential uses due to the zoning. Full municipal services and extra large natural gas line. Slab foundation. Presently being used for professional laundry.

Formerly used for a catering business, and the industrial kitchen and refrigeration is intact. $219,000 MLS QR21506928 Darlene Eldridge**, Jim Wait*, Mark Davis*

www.countyteam.com

Last chance to be a part of “Prince Edward Landing”, an enclave of luxury homes on Picton Bay! 1.5 acre waterfront lot features an elevated building site and a gentle slope to the appealing shoreline. Wonderful views of the Yacht Club, the bay, and the sailboats drifting by. Municipal water, sewers and natural gas. Build here and be part of this vibrant town! $289,000 MLS QR21505269 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*

www.lauriegruer.com

Custom built 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath home has only had one owner. The home is open concept with gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, propane fireplace, wood burning air tight fireplace, large master bedroom with ensuite and walk in dressing room. The outdoor living space is awaiting for the next backyard party with a salt water inground pool, hot tub, cabana with change room, and large pool house with bar, eating area and large billiards room. The detached garage has four bays to store all the toys, an office area, separate heating system and large private gym.

Only minutes to Picton and Belleville, this home has it all for the family. $549,000 MLS QR21505069 Lori Slik*

www.asenseofplace.ca

Ken Arseneault Sales Representative

Betty Burns

Office Manager Sales Representative

Mark Davis

Sales Representative

Looking for some acreage offering privacy in a beautiful setting? A great spot for a small hobby farm. An abandoned, early home in the County is the perfect place for building your dream home or a restoration project to the existing building. Fabulous post & beam barn that has had some work done and worthy of the completion. Perfect soil for market gardening, vines or cash crops. $158,000 MLS 550960281 Gail Forcht**

Perfect one-level living in town. 2 bedrooms, 4-piece bath, cosy pellet stove, mudroom and laundry. Nice south-facing back yard with space for a garden - plus sheds/workshop. Totally upgraded - Windows, plumbing, wiring, roof, fascia, soffit and eavestroughs, flooring, kitchen, pellet stove and energy efficient convection heaters as backup if you are away during the winter months. Quick Possession possible. $180,000 MLS 550560034 Shannon Warr-Hunter**, Ken Arseneault*

Updated 3 bedroom century home with detached double garage. New in 2015: Metal Roof, Vinyl Siding and Energy Efficient Gas Furnace with Central Air! Large country kitchen with great island. Workshop addition could be an in-law suite. Walking distance to public school and shops. Only ten Minutes to Belleville. $199,000 MLS 405260004 Shannon Warr-Hunter**, Ken Arseneault*

Gorgeous escarpment waterfront parcel on Smiths Bay along the Winery Route between Waupoos and Black River Cheese Factory. Private location for your dream home in the woods with lovely views of Smiths Bay. Protected Boat moorage in sheltered harbour. Located below the Rutherford Stevens Lookout. 3.6 Acres. Only ten minutes to Picton. Shared lane - please be respectful of neighbours. $248,000 MLS QR21505235 Gail Forcht**

Perfect one-level living in the country. This home offers the ultimate in privacy, set back from the road with nice mature trees out front and fruit trees scattered around the property. 3 bedrooms, an open concept living, dining and kitchen. Main floor laundry. Mudroom entryway. Heated by a propane fireplace with electric baseboards as backup. A full crawlspace with poured floor offers dry storage and the potential for a propane forced-air heating system. Large front deck with awning structure.

Double garage with space for a workshop. Enjoy the quiet country setting only 15 minutes to Picton - close to Waupoos, Lake on the Mountain, and many wineries, cider companies, cheese factories etc $250,000 MLS QR21505324 Gail Forcht**

This solid 40 year old brick side-split would be the perfect fit for those looking to enter the growing and profitable summer rental market or for those who simply want to live within minutes of Sandbanks Provincial Park. This family home is situated on a nice level lot, offers a large living room with a cozy fireplace, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large outbuilding. This is truly a gem! $269,000 MLS QR21507389 Darlene Eldridge**, Jim Wait*, Mark Davis*

This is a quiet area off of Rednersville Road, the lot is one of the bigger lots on this dead end lane and has an old cottage that has not been torn down to allow a new house or cottage to be constructed on the footprint close to the water. There is a good dug well and the septic is older and will need upgrading. The lane is accessed off of an newer cul-de-sac, Brickworks Lane that is a paved road. The shoreline is clean walk in swimmable water on the Bay of Quinte, known for its world class fishing. $350,000 MLS QR21507519 Lori Slik*

This property holds tremendous potential for an investor. Circa 1834, this Picton property has charming brickwork, a terrace at the front, all set on a prime location on Main Street. Restored period window details, reproduction front door, and glass transom. Interior rooms show pine flooring on both floors, two brick hearths with original mantles, gorgeous matched baseboard and door frames. There is a full commercial kitchen in the back and washrooms on both floors. There is parking in the rear, backing onto mature trees. This restoration won the Loyalist Park Award! Core Commercial zoning allows for many potential uses. $350,000 MLS QR21506918 Darlene Eldridge**, Jim Wait*, Mark Davis*

Idyllic country setting for your new home! Enjoy exceptional rolling vistas from this 2-acre lot, with a drilled well. `The Smithfield` offers 1,780 square feet of living space and features 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, vaulted ceilings and an attached double garage. Farnsworth Construction is a reputable builder who will work with you to customize this plan, choose a different model, or create your own design. Minutes to the conveniences of Picton and the beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park. Price includes HST. $425,000 MLS QR21506065 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*

Your own, all-inclusive resort minutes from Belleville! Seven remarkably quiet acres with mature trees, sprawling lawns, and exquisite landscaping! Add a pool and watch the sailboats drift by on the Bay of Quinte! Sophisticated stone executive home features three levels of wonderful family space including 4+1 bedrooms, a main floor den and family room, and expansive games areas. Triple garage, too! Early possession is possible. $1,050,000 MLS QR21506294 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*

Elegant and welcoming, the Merrill Inn has on several occasions been named one of the top 25 small hotels in Canada - and no wonder! Impeccably-updated and meticulously-maintained, its thirteen rooms offer private ensuite baths, and its fiftyseat restaurant and patio is one of the County`s busiest. Classic 1878 Victorian on 1.07 acres with parking for 24 cars. Substantial upgrades and renovations since 2002. Beautiful reception areas and exquisite detail throughout. Situated among other impressive historical buildings on Picton`s Main Street. Impressive financials available with signed confidentiality agreement. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! $2,600,000 MLS QR21500909 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*

www.homeinthecounty.com

www.homeinthecounty.com

www.asenseofplace.ca

Nestled among mature, stately maple trees, privacy abounds in this Prince Edward County property. Set on 5 1/2 acres with 360ft of waterfront, you and your friends and family will enjoy gorgeous views, boating, fishing and swimming on this protected waterway. $899,000 MLS 550430098 Darlene Eldridge**, Jim Wait*, Mark Davis* www.countyteam.com

Darlene Eldridge Broker

www.homeinthecounty.com

www.countyteam.com

LIST LOCAL • MARKET GLOBAL

Gail Forcht Broker

princeedwardcounty@chestnutpark.com

Laurie Gruer

Sales Representative

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

The n

i e s i t r e Adv

www.ShannonandKen.com

Liz Jones

Sales Representative

Peter Lynch

Sales Representative

Chris Kapches

LLB, President & CEO, Broker of Record

www.monicaklingenberg.com

Rob Plomer

Sales Representative

Monica Klingenberg Sales Representative

Richard Stewart

Sam Simone

Sales Representative

LLB, LLM, Vice-President, Legal Counsel, Sales Representative

www.ShannonandKen.com

www.countyteam.com

www.monicaklingenberg.com

www.lauriegruer.com

Lori Slik

Sales Representative

Kate Vader

Sales Representative

Jim Wait

Sales Representative

Shannon Warr-Hunter Broker

43 Main Street, Picton ON K0K 2T0

Office: 613.471.1708 Toll Free: 1.877.471.1708

Picton Gazette pictonrealestate@gmail.com

RE/14 f THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

www.countyremax.com

QUINTE LTD. BROKERAGE

Colin Henden Sales Rep

613-922-2251

colinhenden@remax.net

Tony Scott Sales Rep

613-503-0046

tony@remaxpec.ca

HOMEFINDER

The Picton Gazette

CLOSE TO CHEESE FACTORY Pretty setting on almost an acre. Lovely brick bungalow, steel roof, open concept living/dining/kitchen with hardwood floors & walk out to back deck, finished basement & attached double car garage. Quick possession possible. $199,900 MLS QR21506628

DEMORESTVILLE VILLAGE - Formerly a duplex now a spacious single family home. 2 driveways, 2 garages.

Large lot. Needs work to reach full potential. $159,000 MLS QR21507033

1 Lake Street, 304 Main Street, PICTON, ON WELLINGTON,ON 613.476.5900 613.399.5900 or Toll Free 1.855.330.5900 Toll Free 1.888.217.0166 A donation is made to the Picton hospital from every sale!

GLENORA ROAD – Close to Picton. 2,000+ sf on main level & finished lower level. Municipal water. $339,000 MLS QR21502749

BLOOMFIELD – Easy drive to Belleville. All brick – newly updated kitchen & bath. 3 bedrooms plus full, finished basement with wood stove. $229,900 MLS QR21506073

Waterfront! This custom brick bungalow nestled on a lovely 3.5 acre property with 330 ft. on the Bay of Quinte may be your perfect summer retreat or year round residence. The land is rolling and with beautiful trees and gorgeous waterfront. The Bay of Quinte is well known for excellent fishing and boating. The views will wow you in every kind of weather all year long. Comes with 3 bedrooms, spacious principal rooms, a finished lower level and hardwood floors. Only minutes from the 401 and about 20 minutes from Picton. $589,000

Ron Norton Sales Rep

613-399-5900

ronnorton@bellnet.ca

Christine Henden Broker

613-922-2251

christinehenden@remax.net

Colleen Green Sales Rep

613-476-6553

colleen.green@sympatico.ca

50 Hill Top Road - $1,100,000 MLS 550790214

PICTON – Absolutely charming! Features lots of original character plus many updates. Gas furnace & fireplace. Lovely private back yard. $399,000 MLS QR21505211

BLOOMFIELD – Picturesque creek-side property. Stunning log home plus detached building ideal for guest suite. Spacious parking area. $549,900 MLS QR21506679

116 Richardson Road - $100,000

PICTON BAY - Private, 2-acre treed property with 200 ft. of shore. Custom-built brick home with main-floor bedroom, finished upper & lower levels. $1,200,000 QR21506448

ADOLPHUS REACH – 8.5 secluded acres with 1,300 ft. of shore. Picturesque escarpment setting with 3-season, upscale cottage. $375,000 MLS QR21500662

Lovely solid brick bungalow with over 3500 sq.ft. of finished space, a double garage and 2.5 acres of land. Located just 10 minutes from Belleville this great home is only 10 years old. Completely finished with 3 bedrooms on the main level and 1 on the lower level. The master bedroom has plenty of space along with a walk-in closet and ensuite bath. Natural gas forced air furnace and fireplace.

Hardwood and porcelain tile throughout the main floor. Double attached garage. $429,000 MLS QR21507387

Veronica Norton Sales Rep

613-399-5900

veronicanorton@bellnet.ca

Marc Ouellette Sales Rep

613-849-8864

marc@remaxquinte.com

1002 Ridge Road - $399,900 MLS#QR21507291

Lovely raised ranch style bungalow, walking distance of Picton`s Main Street is larger than it appears. $209,900 MLS QR21506258

285 Noxon Avenue - $195,000 MLS#QR21507517

Professional office space in Picton, immediate possession. Brick building with ample parking, four office spaces with sinks, a large waiting/reception room and wheel chair accessible. Easily altered due to non load bearing walls. Very well maintained building within walking distance of Main Street, Picton. $235,000 MLS 550710008

HOMEFINDER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 f RE/15

The Picton Gazette

The

Call GAIL FORCHT, Broker

Canadiana style Century home that offers room for the family or as a B & B. 23.9 acres with over 600 feet of waterfront on Adolphus Reach. Large hip barn that had one half of the loft converted into a studio. 3 other www.homeinthecounty.com outbuildings as well as a place to store your tractor and equipment! Gabled verandah and deck at the rear.

New kitchen and pellet stove in the family room. 2 centre hall plans with one staircase dated back to circa 1835. $878,000 MLS 550870066

Office: 613-471-1708 Cell: 613-961-9587

Call VERONICA NORTON, Sales Rep Office: 613-399-5900 613-922-1860

Circa 1873 completely renovated home is ready for your personal touch. Located in a quiet neighbourhood with mature trees surrounding the back yard and just steps to St. Gregory school. veronicanorton@bellnet.ca Wiring, plumbing, windows, outside walls insulated and the original floors stripped and looking fabulous! It has all been done here!

Move in and enjoy! $205,000

The

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Home of the Week DESIGN FOR LIVING DESIGN FOR LIVING

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AMAZING WRAPAROUND PORCH

Now that's a porch! Wrapping all the way around the home, this outdoor space has room for relaxation on every side. When the weather gets chilly, warm up inside next to the great room's fireplace, or sip soup nearby at the kitchen's snack counter. Two bedrooms on this level share a full bath, with the master suite enjoying lots of privacy (plus a private balcony, bath, and loft) upstairs.

First Floor: 1,093 sq. ft.

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For more details on this plan, visit www.selectfloorplans.ca/dfl and enter the plan number above. Use advanced search features to browse thousands of other home designs, including bungalow, two-storey, multi-level, and cottage country homes. Order blueprints online or call 1-800-663-6739 for more information on how to order and modify plans.

©Copyright Select Home Designs. All rights reserved

Plan No. SHSW02265

AMAZING WRAPAROUND PORCH ©Copyright Select Home Designs. All rights reserved

First Floor: 1,093 sq. ft.

Second Floor: 580 sq. ft.

Total: 1,673 sq. ft.

Plan No. SHSW02265

AMAZING WRAPAROUND PORCH First Floor: 1,093 sq. ft.

Second Floor: 580 sq. ft.

Total: 1,673 sq. ft.

Second Floor

First Floor

16

JUNIOR HOCKEY Pirates eager to climb out of basement, reach playoffs 17

PICTON GAZETTE

“Maker of Small Appliances”

Factory Outlet Open 9am-3pm Weekdays There might have been a couple small stretches where we looked a little rusty, but overall I thought we were good.

-Dukes coach Marty Abrams

Sports JANUARY 7, 2016

Wellington shows no signs of rust in return to game play after nearly three weeks off

Brown leads Dukes past Stouffville with five-point night JASON PARKS

If there was concern over how the club might respond after possible its longest holiday break in team history, those fears were put to rest after Saturday evening.

“It was a concern going in and certainly relief afterwards,” Dukes coach and general manager Marty Abrams said. “We played really well. There might have been a couple of small stretches where we looked a little rusty but overall I thought we were good.”

Brown's last action in any kind of uniform came when he was skating for Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge last month and the forward was as sharp as a razor for Wellington in his first game of OJHL action in almost a month.

“He was awesome. Luc carried us offensively and played great and you can tell he played the game at a high level recently and he was a step ahead of the play,” Abrams said.

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To submit scores or information, call 613-476-3201 or e-mail gazette@bellnet.ca

Panthers earn junior-senior sweep at Bayside PECI squads head into tournaments this weekend to get back in rhythm ADAM BRAMBURGER STAFF WRITER

The PECI Basketball PanSTAFF WRITER thers had an easy time shaking off the rust of Christmas The Wellington Dukes didn't vacation Tuesday with a pair have any rink rust or suffer of lopsided wins in a doufrom stuffed turkey synbleheader at Bayside. drome in their first game The juniors took the court back from nearly a threefirst and proved they were week layoff. ready to go, outscoring the Wellington, coming off a Devils by 16 points in the 20-day respite of Junior A first half as they cruised to a hockey action, downed the 47-18 win. Coach Rob Garhost Stouffville Spirit Saturden said the two weeks off day night to move their were evident despite the 2015-2016 record to 20-12-2. score the Panthers recorded.

Up 2-1 heading into the "That's a game we should third period, the Dukes scored have won and a game we four in the final frame includdid win, but it was not one ing a pair from sniper Luc of our better performances," Brown who leads the league he said. "Two weeks off is a in scoring with 28 goals and long time to not have basket30 assists in just 31 games. balls in our hands."

Brown also scored in the Garden said that while second to break a 1-1 deadthe team is now 6-1 in league lock to post his third hat play, he feels sometimes the trick of the season.

Panthers show up to games The Napanee native actuagainst weaker opponents ally scored four Saturday content to go through the night, adding an empty netmotions. Against stronger ter late that was erroneously foes, he said it hurts. With credited to linemate Dylan Nicholson, St. Paul, and Mascarin but, as of Monday, Centennial ahead, the Panhad not yet been corrected in thers will be tested. the official stats.

See DUKES, page 17 "We find when we're facing competition that's tougher, we have a tough time competing because we play these games like we play them. If we're going to win tough games, we have to practice harder and we have to make sure we come to these games prepared to play."

The Panthers' lone league loss this year came to a St. Theresa Titans team Garden said is "at a whole different level than everyone." He said that team's work ethic is a model to be emulated.

On the plus side, the coach felt his players communicated well at Bayside.

Wyatt Gilbert led the Panthers' attack with 10 LUC DUKE Luc Brown made up for missed time Saturday, pick- points.

In senior play, it looked ing up five points in Wellington’s 6-2 win over Stouffville. Brown, like the Panthers took a bit who hadn’t played with the club since early December, is the of time to find their game — but once they did, the Devils league’s top point getter. with 58 (Jason Parks/Gazette staff)

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ABOVE AND BEYOND PECI Senior Panthers centre Max Manlow jumps above a trio of Bayside

Red Devils to score a basket during the first quarter of the Panthers’ road win Tuesday. Manlow sparked his team’s attack with eight first-quarter points. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)

couldn't keep up in a 50-17 thrashing. For most of the first quarter, PECI wasn't hitting its shots, however big men like Ryan Kelly and Max Manlow were all over the boards. Eventually the extra attempts started falling and Manlow had eight firstquarter points as part of a game-high 10.

The team continued to dominate down low as Kelly

Call 613.476.3201 613.476.3201 Call for Information Information for

chipped in eight later in the game and Jordan Strachan had a nice effort with eight points in the fourth quarter alone. Blaine Swackhammer added six Garden said the seniors remain in position to host a playoff game as they’re in the midst of a logjam of teams jockeying between second and fourth place in the Bay of Quinte Confer-

ence standings.

Both teams are in tournament action this week.

Tomorrow, the juniors head to Napanee. The seniors will be in Port Hope tomorrow and Saturday for the Trinity College Invitational.

Bay of Quinte play resumes Tuesday as the Panthers travel to St. Paul in Trenton for a full-day trimeet.

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JANUARY 7, 2016 17

The Picton Gazette

Picton working toward goal of pulling itself out of last place and pushing toward final playoff spot with just over a quarter of season left

Pirates close in on Campbellford with 5-2 road win over Gananoque CHAD IBBOTSON STAFF WRITER

With 11 games left in the regular season, the Picton Pirates will be chasing a team goal.

The Pirates began the new year with a 4-0 loss to Port Hope on Jan. 2, but came back with a 5-2 victory over the Gananoque Islanders on Jan. 3.

Before the holiday break Picton coach Chris Masterson said one of the rebuilding team's goals going forward would be to pull themselves out of last place. This week the Pirates are within striking distance, four points behind the fifth-place Campbellford Rebels.

“I feel pretty positive,” Masterson said of the goal on Tuesday.

The Pirates were within two points of the Rebels, but Campbellford pulled out a win over Napanee Tuesday evening to increase the gap.

Masterson said looking past the last three games against Port Hope, the Pirates have been competitive.

“Port Hope is a top-notch team and they're beating everyone in our league so — if you take those games out

GOAL SCORER Picton Pirates forward Nick DeVito brings the puck in over the Gananoque Islanders in a December clash between the clubs. On Sunday, DeVito tallied a pair of goals and an assist in leading the Pirates to a 5-2 win. (Chad Ibbotson/Gazette staff)

— over the last eight or nine games we're a .500 team and if we continue that pace that's certainly good enough to get us out of last place,” he said.

He said there's even hope the team can make a run for the fourth and final playoff

spot currently held by Gananoque. The Islanders sit eight points up on the Pirates and visit Picton tonight.

“We feel like it's quite possible — they're in a bit of a tailspin themselves, I think they've lost seven or eight in

a row,” Masterson said. “We feel if we can play some decent hockey the rest of the way like we have been and keep a solid lineup, we should be able to definitely get out of last and possibly reach Gananoque for fourth.”

The team had a tough start to the calendar year in facing the first-place Panthers.

Matthew Hunt put Port Hope ahead 9:44 into the first period, while Picton goalie Charles Grimard stopped 15 of 16 shots in the frame.

A shorthanded goal from Josh Gervais doubled Port Hope's lead just 56 seconds into the second period. Dan Lagrois scored on the power play 12:50 into the second to make it 3-0 and Evan Wasylyk rounded out the scoring with 31 seconds left in the frame.

There was no scoring in the third as the Pirates were held to five shots on goal.

It was Picton's third straight game versus Port Hope.

“They're a really tough opponent,” said Masterson, adding that he thought his team's effort was solid.

The Pirates had a much better result on Sunday.

The game remained scoreless after the opening frame with each team firing 11 shots on goal.

Just under four minutes into the second it was Gananoque striking first on the strength of a Ryosuke Kobayashi tally.

The Pirates didn't deflate and 5:37 into the second, things were tied again with T.J. Patterson completing a play from Mitchell Merry and Nick DeVito.

Under two minutes later Mitch Thompson capitalized on the power play to make it 2–1 heading into the third.

Mitch Burke and Devin McCann had the assists.

Picton continued to roll in the third with DeVito scoring just 51 seconds into the period. Merry and Patterson had the assists.

Gavin Ronan made it 4-1 11:42 into the third, completing a play from Zack Harris and Gerald Bilker.

Gananoque's Craig Cross bit into the Pirates' lead with less than three minutes remaining in the contest, but DeVito sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with just over a minute on the clock.

Masterson said Sunday's game was an excellent one for the Pirates and may have been the most competitive lineup the club has iced so far this season. Picton had both DeVito and Liam Hunter in the lineup who have both shared time with the Wellington Dukes this season.

“We felt pretty confident going into that game with the lineup we've had,” he said.

Masterson said DeVito has matched well with the speed of Merry on a line with scorer Patterson.

“It seemed to work out well for those three,” he said.

DeVito's status with the Pirates remains unclear with Masterson saying it's a “game-by-game situation.”

Looking forward, Masterson said the team is excited for tonight's game versus Gananoque.

“It's an opportunity to really close the gap on Gananoque and at the same time catch Campbellford in the fifth spot,” he said.

The Pirates have just one game this week. The Islanders visit the Prince Edward Community Centre tonight at 7:30.

Wellington looks to upgrade roster in all areas as Jan. 10 deadline looms closer Brown and Mascarin teamed up to feed Jacob Panetta for the games first goal, a powerplay blast in the first.

Sammy Hu's shorthanded effort in the first minute of the second got the Spirit back in the contest at 1-1, but Brown's first of three (likely four once the league corrects the scoring faux pas) put Wellington ahead to stay at the 9:03 mark of the second.

Another player that has played some higher level hockey and made a return to the Wellington lineup was forward Tyler Burnie.

The Midhurst, Ontario native scored a goal in his two games of action with the Kingston Frontenacs at the end of December and Abrams could tell the rangy 16-year-old had played some recent Major Junior contests.

“He looked really good and had great jump in his

skating. Those were high intensity games he played for Kingston and you can tell he brought some of that with him back to our league,” Abrams added.

Also scoring for Wellington was Shaw Boomhower who bagged his fifth of the season with just over five minutes to go.

Anthony Popovich was solid for Wellington in net making 16 saves but the Dukes crease is somewhat of a turbulent locale these days as the club picked up a veteran netminder this weekend.

With the Ottawa 67's in danger of dropping out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Division, the OHL club is more than likely going to cut ties with one of its current veteran netminders in a sell off prior to Sunday's trade deadline.

That perception gained traction as Dukes goalie Olivier LeFreniere was

recalled to Ottawa just after Christmas and forced Abrams hand to find a potential replacement.

Abrams didn't have to look too long as he was able to spring former Sudbury Wolves and Kingston Voyageurs goaltender Sam Tanguay out of the Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League for future considerations.

“He's got a ton of experience and played a lot in Sudbury (29 games). He's the best goalie that was available across the country at the time we are looking,”

Abrams said of the pick up.

Last season, the Dukes were dealt a significant body blow when former netminder Taylor Walsh decided to walk away from hockey and the club was unable to find an equal replacement.

Wellington goaltending was glaring in the 2015 playoffs in a first round dispatch at the hands of the Trenton Golden Hawks and Abrams was concerned about the same scenario shaking out again.

“We're not sure what the 67's have planed but we've been down this road before

and we have to make sure we have two good goalies,” Abrams said. “We can't be left vulnerable at the most important position.”

In terms of other moves prior to the deadline, Abrams admitted the team was attempting to add another forward and another defenceman.

“We've got some things in the works and we want to upgrade in all positions,” Abrams told the Gazette.

“We've solidified the goaltending and we feel confident with any combination of the three goaltenders we

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Wellington was in Trenton last night after press time and host Kingston on Friday for their first home game in over a month.

'Round the 'Roc: One player with ties to the organization to watch for is Hamilton defenceman Brody Morris.

Morris has one point in 33 games with the Bulldogs this season and might be on the move back to Wellington if the right chips fall into place.

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION CLASSIFIED ADS: $6.00 for 15 words or less. 12¢ each additional word.

BIRTHS, MEMORIAMS, CARDS OF THANKS: 15¢ each word, minimum $9.50 (50 words)

ARtIcLES fOR SALE

Atv’S, SNOwMOBILES. Atv’S , SNOwMOBILES. The snow is coming.... repair/replace seat covers before the season starts.Call Weldon 613-885-6871.

County Traders We Purchase Estates Furniture & Antiques BUY, SELL, TRADE 39 Stanley Street Bloomfield, Ontario MON.-TUES. CLOSED Wed. - Sat. 10am-4pm Sun. 12noon -4pm

613-393-9993 888-905-9993

dRy fIREwOOd, cut/split and delivered or picked up in Prince Edward County. Seasonal Special, as long as quantities last $250/bush cord delivered. 613-332-1199.

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dRy fIREwOOd, soft maple, log lengths, 8 cord load, $1300. tax included. Doug Storring, 613-393-5078 MOvINg SALE. Stove & fridge $150 each. Washer & Dryer $150.

Simplex Electrical Fireplace $100.

50” Sony Grand Wega TV & Stand $200. Small air conditioner $50.

613-476-6309. vINtAgE cRyStAL Chandelier with 8 light holders, gold with crystal pendants. 613-645-2217.

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dOg wANtEd to adopt. 4 years or older. Small to medium size. Cat friendly a bonus. Call 613-476-5509 gENtLE tOuch GROOMING & TRAINING offering at home services.

Contact Richelle 613-920-2326.

QuINtE pEt Minders. Loving care for your pets in their own home.

Daily visits also overnights and vacation stays. 613-476-6265 wINStEAd dOgS – Training & Boarding, Bloomfield. Reliable, experienced and trusted care for your dog. Dog Training group classes or private lessons available. 613-3932729 www.winsteaddogs.com

cARS ANd tRucKS

AutO pARtS, new and used auto parts, tires. Napanee Auto Recycling Inc. Call Dan, 613-354-3838. gREAt vEhIcLES for under $5000 call Joe Lightfoot Motors.

Our vehicles come saftied, e-tested, warranty and have at least a half tank of gas. Call for appointment 613-813-5401, 314 Cty Rd. 10 (Cherry Valley Road).

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1 1/2 BEdROOM Unit close to town, 3pc bath, bedroom on 2nd floor, $925 includes utilities, yard and storage outbuilding, first/last/ references required. Available. 613476-8052.

2 BEdROOM - fully renovated from top to bottom with High-End fixtures and materials. 1 Large Bedroom + Smaller 1 Bedroom or Office/Den, Main Floor Apartment, new Appliances and Materials incl. dishwasher, hardwood flooring, tub/ shower. Private Front and Side Entrances with porches.Parking available and included. Coin Op Laundry in building, hydro is extra (heated by electric, but all are new more efficient baseboards), water is included, no pets, no smoking in apartment building (smoking outside only), King Street (one back of main street) Email pictonapartments@bell.net for more information or to arrange a viewing or Text to 613-391-7123. If calling please do so between 5:00pm-7:30pm.

2 BEdROOM basement apartment, fridge/stove/water included $975 all inclusive, first/last required. 613645-2157.

2 BEdROOM large luxurious furnished loft apartment above Arts on Main, 223 Main Street, 5 appliances, references $1100 plus hydro. No Smokers. No pets. 613476-3666.

3 BEdROOM home, 20 minutes from town, close to Provincial Park, $1000/month plus 613-476-2591.

3 BEdROOM, large family home with outbuilding, Picton, $1150 monthly plus utilities. 613-921-7441.

BRIght 1 bedroom Picton apartment available January 1. Second floor, common entrance area to all 4 apartments, open concept kitchen & living room, parking possible, water including, hydro extra (electric heat), no pets, no smoking. 14 Elizabeth Street, just off Main Street.

Text/Call 613-391-7123 or email: pictonapartments@bell.net for more information or to arrange a viewing.

Prefer calls between 5:00-7:30pm only. fAIRwAy ApARtMENtS, 5 Spring Street, 2 bedroom apartments, $975 all inclusive. First, last and references required. Call 613438-1611 To place your Classified Ad Call 613-476-3201

SIMpLE cREMAtION $1,695 + hSt

The Picton Gazette

C LASSIFIEDS Ph. 613-476-3201 - Fax 613-476-3464 Email: gazetteclass@bellnet.ca THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 - 18

DEATHS, OBITUARIES - $23.00, with Picture $33.00; FOUND - No charge Box Replies $6.00; EXTRA $1.50 charge for billed ads. EXTRA $5.00 charge for a HEADING COMBINATION RATES available for The Picton Gazette and The Napanee Beaver

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fuRNIShEd 1 bedroom apartment in our home in Ameliasburgh in Prince Edward County. Satellite and utilities included, telephone and internet extra. $775 monthly. Available February 1st. 613-969-8196

NEwLy RENOvAtEd main floor flat only 2 blocks from Main Street Picton.Two bedrooms with large closets. Linen closet, Double walk in shower, Beautiful open concept kitchen/dining room with quartz counters, stainless appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove, convection microwave) and pantry Large living room, Laundry room/mud room with washer and dryer, and exit to deck, 2 parking spaces, High efficiency gas-fired hot-water heat for low utility bills, Includes water, hydro and gas extra, First and last rent required, and references, Available January 1st, 2016. Phone 613922-9449

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MINt ANd used postage stamps, covers, post cards, coins and paper money. Call Bob, 613-967-2118 SMALL SQuARE Bales of straw 613-393-2254. wANtEd StANdINg Timber, hard and soft wood. Also looking for field boulders 613-968-5182.

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EMpLOyMENt wANtEd

BAILEY’S RECYCLABLES

Rubbish Removal Scrap Metal & Scrap Cars & Electronics - TV’s, Computers, etc.

Appliances

Call for pick up

613-476-1621

BuRROwS RENOvAtIONS. Decks, Landings, Storage Sheds, Railings, Building Repairs, Drywall & Trim, Flooring & Painting 613471-0036

Hicks FUNERAL HOME

& CREMATION CENTRE

Hicks Funeral Home and Cremation Centre - providing full range of services to our community. Locally owned and operated. www.hicksfuneralhome.ca 2 Centre Street, Picton 476-5571 Robert C. Osborne Funeral Director NOTE: Report errors immediately. The Picton Gazette will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES: Tuesday at 12 noon

EMpLOyMENt wANtEd

BuSINESS SERvIcES

PICTON IRON & METAL

RODGER ANDERSON

(previously Harrison’s Auto Wreckers)

CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS from Dec. 24-Jan. 18

TOP PRICES PAID!

gROuNd fLOOR 1 bedroom apartment with private entrance, includes cable, heat, hydro, stove/ fridge, $800 monthly. No smoking, no pets. Phone 613-476-2674

LARgE BRIght bungalow on Wellington Main St. 12ft ceiling open floor plan with designer kitchen, all new appliances, large very private back yard, $950mo + utilities. Attached is 400 sqft commercial office with bath and separate entrance on Main Street. Rent all or part. Short or long term rental.

917-974-6720.

Includes transfer from local place of death (20 km), required documentation, transfer to crematorium, cremation casket and urn, cremation fee and Coroner’s cremation certificate.

• Scrap Metals • Sell Used Parts • Pick Up Cars & Trucks

Have a question...

276 County Road 25

613-476-2979

ExcAvAtINg

SAND & GRAVEL - TOP SOIL EQUIPMENT RENTAL HOURLY OR CONTRACT BULLDOZER - LOADER - TRUCK - HOE RAM

FREE ESTIMATES

(10 Minutes from Picton)

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat 8am-12pm

ShEILA BRuShEy Catering. Buffet lunches, dinners and banquets.Now taking bookings for Christmas parties. Sandwich trays, hors d’oeuvres and homemade dessert trays. 613393-5021.

hELp wANtEd

County Holiday Homes, a vacation rental agency in Prince Edward County, is seeking a self-motivated, innovative, and results oriented individual to join our team as a

Marketing and communications director

permanent part-time position with possibility for full-time employment. Primary qualifications are post-secondary education in a related discipline, relevant experience, computer proficiency, the knowledge and ability to harness new technology, and comprehensive knowledge of the area.

Visit www.countyholidayhomes.com/Home/Jobs for more details

SEASONAL fARM labourers, April to October 2016. Duties to include: Pruning, planting, weeding, harvesting and heavy lifting. Full time 7 days per week. Must have transportation. Wage $11.25/hr. Send resume to Waupoos Cider Co. Box 6241 Picton, ON K0K 2T0.

SEASONAL fARM Labourers.

May-Oct 2016. Duties include planting, weeding, harvesting, heavy lifting, bending for long periods, in all weather. Must have own transportation Pay $11.25 per hour. Please send resume to Laundry Farms c/o Terry Laundry 530 Cty Rd. 1 Picton K0K 2T0 or Fax 613-476-7128 or EMAIL jeanorm@aol.com SEASONAL vINEyARd Labourers. April to November 2016. Full time. Overtime and weekends when needed. Requires standing, bending, repetitive work, heavy lifting.

Must have transportation.

11.25/hour. South Bay Estates/Half Moon Bay Winery, 3271 County Rd. 13, RR 3, Picton. Email: info@hmbwinery.ca

cARd Of thANKS

PICTON ELKS LODGE #326 Official Winners of the Christmas Draw of 2015

$500 $300 $200

Jennifer Bouskill seller Kevin Merchant Peter Morkis seller Eric Kimball Cathy Insley seller Steve Milligan

cARd Of thANKS

The family of the late Dan Norton would like to express their heartfelt thanks to family, friends, and neighbours for flowers, food and messages of condolence after our loss.

Thank you to the staff and students of Sophiasburgh School for get well cards, donations and flowers.

Thank you to Heather Campbell, for always being there when we needed you and also for the hugs and words of wisdom. Thank you to friends and coworkers at H.J. McFarland Home who sent cards and brought food. We would like to thank the many custodians who signed Dan’s get well card and for the collection which was unexpected, he deeply appreciated it.

We would like to thank Eric, George, Terry, Brian, Bruce, Gary and Brenda for the visits which kept Dan up to date on matters which were important to him and boosted his spirits. Thank you to Dr. Burke and his staff, Dana, Annie and April for their exceptional care and concern for the whole family. Thank you to Nestle’s Canada and the County of Lennox & Addington for their donations and flowers. We sincerely thank everyone for helping us get through a truly difficult time.

Bev, Carolyn & Mike Harvey, Ralph & Melissa Norton, and Corey & Lindsey Norton.

BuSINESS OppORtuNIty Snowplowing Business FOR SALE

Includes: All equipment (recently etested) 60 Ton salt/sand mix Client list Serious Inquires only 613-770-5820 or email: jaw.l@live.ca

RR2 PICTON

476-6717

Pellet Stoves Service Maintenance

613-476-7214

Myatt’s Heating MEMORIAMS

In memory of a dear Aunt,

Ila May Beasley (Storms) January 1, 2015 As we look upon her picture Sweet memories we recall Of a face so full of sunshine And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus take this message To our Father up above Tell her how we miss her And give her all our love.

Lovingly remembered by Brenda Storms, Carol, Paul, Turpin, Donna Hawley.

BuSINESS SERvIcES

BLACK RIVER TREE SERVICE

Stump Grinding Tree Trimming and Removal Brush Chipping Lot Clearing Cabling & Bracing Fully Insured 15 years Experience

Glenn Guernsey

613-476-3757

Kevin N. MacLean

March 21, 1971 - January 7, 1996 20 years ago, our lives were changed forever.

His presence we miss His memory we treasure, Loving him always Forgetting him never.

Sadly missed by Mum, Donalda, brother John and stepdad David.

MEMORIAMS

EMLAW, Jean. January 12, 1999.

With tears we saw you slipping We watched you fade away, Our hearts were nearly broken You fought so hard to stay.

When we saw you sleeping So peaceful from your pain We knew you were at rest Until we meet again.

Love Janet, Eva and family.

MEMORIAM

RORABECK, Eva. In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother who passed away January 1,1986.

The special years will not return When we were all together, But with the love within our hearts You will walk with us forever.

Lovingly remembered by Janice, Rod, Jade and Justin

DEATHS

CRAFT, Marilyn

JONES

In loving memory of our dad

John “Jack” Jones

August 30, 1925 – January 10, 2014 And our dear mother

Nancy Jones

December 9, 1923 – January 7, 2013 Gone are the days we used to share, But in our hearts you are always there.

The gates of memory will never close, We miss you more than anyone knows.

With tender love and deep regret, We who love you wil never forget.

You were wonderful parents and grandparents.

Missed by Nancy & Tom, Kevin, Matt, Chris & Dee.

DEATH

Helga Karin Boelen

nee Bergmann January 20, 1957 - December 17, 2015 Passed away peacefully at the PEC Memorial Hospital, Picton, ON. After living many years in Montreal and Toronto, Helga embraced “the County” as her home, and a place to create and perfect her beautiful art. Beloved wife of Paul Boelen for over 34 years. Helga will be deeply missed by her sons Matthew and James, and her much loved dog Wally.

Helga is the cherished daughter of Robert Bergmann of Grand Bend, ON and the late Inge Bergmann.

She is survived by her sister Tina (Lance) Keutsch and her brothers Uwe (Cindy) Bergmann and Bob (Cathy) Bergmann. Many thanks to Helga’s care team from ParaMed and Saint Elizabeth, and to her doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. A very special thank-you to her many friends and Dr. Helen Cluett of the Prince Edward Family Health Team who all went far beyond expectations to support Helga through her time of need. At Helga’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date in 2016. Memorial Donations may be made to the Storehouse Food Bank or the PEC Field Naturalists.

Arrangements entrusted to the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington, ON. Online donations and condolences at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

Rest in Peace

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Belleville General Hospital on Thursday, December 31st, 2015, in her 82nd year. Beloved wife of 62 years to Bruce Craft of Belleville. Dear mother of Vickie Kingsley and her husband Brian of Picton. Loving Nanny of Matthew (Kaissy), and Andrew (Lindsey), and Great-Nanny of Wyatt and Weston, Carter, Leah, and Cameron. Predeceased by her 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the YMCA of Belleville would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME 80 Highland Ave., Belleville (613968-5588). For condolences, please visit www.rushnellfamilyservices.com

HEWICK, Frederick

Passed away at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital on Sunday January 3, 2016, Frederick Hewick of Picton at the age of 92.

Beloved husband of Mary Houston Hewick (nee Duffort) for 69 years who predeceased him 1 month ago.

Loved father of Frank Hewick and Mary Alice Hooper, both of Picton.

Proud grandfather of Iain (Kym), Drew, Meg (Jared Coyne) and Victor and great-grandfather of Jack and Lachlan. Dear brother of Katherine ‘Kay’ Bradshaw and the late Stephen, William, Anne and Stella. A Graveside Committal Service will take place at West Lake Church of Christ Cemetery in the spring. Date and time will be announced. Arrangements entrusted to the HICKS FUNERAL HOME, 2 Centre Street, Picton. 613-4765571. www.hicksfuneralhome.ca

The Picton Gazette

DEATH

DEATH

DEATH

de HAAN, Sander

Suddenly, on his daily morning walk through Wellington, on Saturday January 2nd, 2016, Sander de Haan, of Main Street Wellington, at the age of 86.

Beloved husband of the late Joyce, father of Patricia Kumentas of Whitby, Derrek and his wife Caroline of Millbrook and Anna Jane and her husband Neil McIntosh of Millbrook and Opa to Erik, Nadia, Grace, Natalie, Lauren and the late Megan. Dear brother of Christina Taal, Roel, Tiene, Gijs, Hans and the late Joppe de Haan. Lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Mr. De Haan is resting at the Whattam Funeral Home, 33 Main Street, Picton.

Funeral Service will be held at Bethany Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday January 6th at 11 a.m. Pastor Gregg Lawson officiating.

Spring interment in Quaker Cemetery. If desired, donations to Christian Reformed World Relief Fund may be made. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. www.whattamfuneralhome.com

Whattam Funeral Home

IRELAND, Ruth Shirley

INCH, Carline Ruth

Peacefully at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Thursday December 17th, 2015. Carline Inch of Hallowell House, at the age of 75. Loved mom of Deborah Thompson (Junior) of Picton, David Inch (Laurie) of Bloomfield, Charlene Inch of Picton, Dwayne Inch (Kim) of Milford and Stacey Tripp (Eric) of Consecon. Proud nannie of Jamie, Jessica, Brandon, Sean, Chris, Aaron, Bethany, Shayne, Connor, Stephen, Kyle and great-nannie of Max, Andie and Logan. A Memorial Service will be held on January 9th, 2016, 11am at First Baptist Church. If desired, donations to the Hallowell House Resident’s Council would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to

Whattam Funeral Home

33 Main Street, Picton, ON. www.whattamfuneralhome.com

Peacefully surrounded by her family at Hospice Prince Edward on Sunday January 3rd, 2016.

Ruth Ireland of Church Street, Picton at the age of 80. Beloved wife of Ken. Dear mother of Lori Ireland of Trenton, Brad and his wife Kathy of Grimsby, Paul and his wife Lorna of Kingston and Elaine Ireland and her partner Terry of Trenton. Dear sister of the late Keith and Ralph Perry. Sadly missed by her grandchildren Sydney, Jeremy, Emily and Curtis.

Mrs. Ireland rested at the Whattam Funeral Home, 33 Main Street, Picton, ON. Funeral service was held in the Prince Edward Free Methodist Church on Wednesday January 6th, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Kevin Stenhouse officiated. Entombment Cherry Valley Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to Hospice Prince Edward would be appreciated by the family. Friends were invited to visit with the family at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. www.whattamfuneralhome.com

JANUARY 7, 2016 19 DEATH

LAMMES, Hank

Peacefully at Kingston General Hospital on Saturday January 2nd, 2016. Hank Lammes of Union Street, Picton at the age of 80. Former husband and special friend of Mary Lammes. Dear father of Sheila Ferguson, Shelley Welsh, Victor Lammes, Susan Lammes, Michelle Lammes and the late Cheryl Snider. Dear brother of John Lammes and Mary Fox. Sadly missed by his 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Elks Lodge (Picton) on Friday January 8th, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place with spring interment in Cherry Valley Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to the Loyalist Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Whattam Funeral Home 33 Main Street, Picton, ON www.whattamfuneralhome.com

Whattam Funeral Home

Whattam Funeral Home

AUCTION SALE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 2016

Quality Consignment Sale 6:30pm Viewing 5:00pm 662 Cty. Rd. # 12. 3.5 kms south west of Bloomfield at Koopmans Auction Centre.

See website www.koopmansauctionservices.com CNR Railway lamps, solar bicycle lamp, milk cans, Antique teller station from Ottawa bank, pine medicine cabinet, Wilson hockey table, Pinwheel crystal, Antique Glass- Prussia, Limoges, custard glass, majolica, Moss Ross, Price brother, Shelley, cranberry, Vaseline. Antique dresser with antique pulls, occasional tables, Antique dressers, Gibbard chest of drawers, nesting tables, writing desk, Hoosier style cupboard, Antique chairs, enamel top table, chained bottom chairs, glass display cabinet, Antique cast iron coal burning fireplace with mosinique tile and oak mantle, dual tank single wheel air compressor. Canteen Available. Terms: Cash and Debit For your entire auction needs, call Auctioneer: Gerald Koopmans 613-393-1732

Babies of 2015!

Want to do business in Napanee/Deseronto markets?

Call your

Picton Gazette sales rep. at 613-476-3201 today to book your advertisement.

HELP WANTED

MARINE SUMMER STUDENT POSITION AVAILABLE

(Prince Edward County) The Ontario Provincial Police in Prince Edward County are currently seeking an applicant to fill a position in the Summer Employment Program 2016, for the Prince Edward Marine Unit.

The applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 24, an Ontario resident, eligible to work in Canada, be a high school, post-secondary or graduate student and must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license with full privileges. Interested persons can apply between the 4th of January 2016 and the 16th of February 2016.

How to apply: • Apply online at http://www.ontraio.ca/careers • Find student job ads by selecting ‘Student’ under the ‘Select career Level’ field • Complete an online application and attach your cover letter and resume

For tips on how to complete the application, refer to the Student Application Tip Sheet. Please note that only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring manager.

Contact: Constable Sean Guscott Prince Edward County OPP Phone: 613-476-2151

Luke Justin April 17, 2015 2:48am 7 lbs, 1 oz Emma and Noah

$

16

00 + HST

We can’t wait to see the babies born in 2015!

Here’s your opportunity to show off those little ones (just a little).

We will be publishing our Annual Showcase of Babies on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

Just bring in, or email your baby’s colour picture, along with the information below on or before January 20, 2016! Don’t miss out!

Baby’s Name: _________________________________________

Date of Birth: _________________________________________ Time: _____________________Weight: ____________________

Parents’ Names: _______________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________

The Picton Gazette

267 Main St Picton ON K0K 2T0 Tel: 613-476-3201 e-mail: gazetteclass@bellnet.ca We accept VISA, M/C, AMEX, DEBIT OR CHEQUE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

20 JANUARY 7, 2016

ROOFING

Allen’s Family Roofing & Contracting Specializing In Leak Repair & Flat Rubber ~ Shingles ~ Steel Roofs ~ Skylight • Decks • Siding • Soffit • Fascia • Small Renos Mike Allen allencarrie182@gmail.com

613-393-3924

The Picton Gazette

ROOFING

SNOW BLOWING

Cowan Roofing

SNOWBLOWING • DRIVEWAYS • SIDEWALKS

B&T

CALL BRUCE 613-476-6489 EXCAVATING

• Retaining Walls • Septic Systems • Backhoe & Dozer Work • Mini Excavator • Trucking • Topsoil • Mulch • Gravel

E veryth ing fo r th e ho me ...fro m The C as tle

CONTRACTOR

HANDY MAN

Hennessy Home Finishing & Contracting FULLY INSURED

NO MORE STAINING! • PATIO DOOR & WINDOW SPECIALS • CUSTOM FIREPLACE FINISHING • NEW BATHROOM & KITCHEN • ALL INTERIOR JOBS ARE MY SPECIALTY

Bruce Hennessy

613-399-3793 613-827-3793 Cell

bruceh@sympatico.ca

Is your “honey-do” list out of control?

All minor repairs inside and out. Lights, toilets & sinks, walls, floors, decks & fences.

Over 25 years experience CALL JIM M. cell: 343-263-0656

HEATING & COOLING

SALES & SERVICE

613-813-4147 613-476-6940

Creative Solutions, Built to Endure, Green Approach

Call Lawrence 613-476-4187

La Montagne Masonry Contractor ROOFING

COMPUTERS

RYTE GUYS COMPUTERS We service computers We sell new and used computers If you can't get to us we can come to you Moved to serve you better

14 Elizabeth Street Picton 613-645-2311

SMALL JOB HANDYMAN SMALL JOBS

• Experienced • Reliable • Punctual • Courteous

Call Shane Eagen R 613-476-6078 C 613-848-5115 Senior helping Seniors

613-476-9962

APPLIANCE REPAIR

COUNTY APPLIANCE SERVICE

• Refrigerators • Freezers • Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers • Ranges (No Mileage Charge) • All Work Guaranteed

DAVE HOEKSTRA

476-5388

After hours call 399-2504

Skilled Labourer bScrap Steel Removal b

613.391.8441

124 Main St., Picton

613.476.9259

WINTER HEAT

Crushed Gravel - Screenings - Septic Stone - Sand Fill Screened Masonry, Concrete & Filter Media Sand Portland, Masonry Type “N” & “S” Cement • Cement Blocks & Brick Poured Walls & Floor Finishing Available Excavator - Backhoe - Dozer Rentals • Septic System Installations ~ SERVICES OF A.C.I. TECHNICIAN AVAILABLE ~ “Providing quality products & service since 1947”

PROPANE

Gerow Propane Ltd.

THE PROPANE PEOPLE SINCE 1937

Propane for Farm, Home & Industry, Automotive, Conversions, Parts, Service

• High Efficiency Furnaces • Fireplaces • Air Conditioning • Clothes Dryer • Water Heaters • BBQ’s, Cookstoves

Harold Gerow

Highway #2 Just East of Brighton

Tel. (613) 475-2414

1-877-544-3335 613-544-3335

24 Hour Emergency Service

SNOW REMOVAL

• Snowplowing • Salt & Sanding • Snowblowing Commercial & Residential

Call

613-476-4053

John Counter Blvd.

Kingston

PAINTING

PAINT GUY Robert Cole

613.399.2896

New & Renovated Home Painting

SNOW BLOWING

nty 35+ YEAR’S EXPERIENCE Licensed & Fully Insured

WE DO EVERYTHING OUTDOORS

613.885.1307

Goheen

Construction Co. Septic Systems Trucking Excavators Dozer & Skid Steer Grading Gravel-Sand-Top Soil

613.920.3178 613.476.1187

M-CO

GENERAL CONTRACTING

Unit #1 - 1525

• Maintenance • Brick & Stone • Design & Install • De-Thatching • Ponds & Water Features • Plantings • Mulch • Trimming • Lawn Care

EXCAVATING

CONTRACTOR

SERVING: Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Agricultural • Bulk Markets • Small cylinder exchange program

Cou The

County’s Largest Fireplace Showroom

476-2653

CERTIFIED MEMBER OF READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

PROPANE

HEATING

• Wood, Gas, Pellet, Electric • Stoves, Fireplaces & Accessories • Sales, Service, Installations • Free Estimates • Chimney Sweeps

CHERRY VALLEY

PROPANE SUPPLIER

MP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Insured & Licensed

4003 County Rd. 9 Napanee, Ontario K7R 3K8

Locally owned & operated

• Natural Stone • Brick • Block • New Construction, Restoration, Renovation • High Efficiency Masonry Heaters & Wood Burning Bake Ovens

McCann Heating & Cooling Tel 613-354-5512 Cell 613-572-5071

Roofing Materials, Remodeling Debris & Garbage Multiple Bin Sizes

MASONRY CONTRACTOR

INSTALLATION

Owner/Operator Jerry McCann

READY MIX CONCRETE

Full Disposal

PLUMBING / HEATING / CONSTRUCTION

56 MAIN ST. PICTON PHONE: 613-476-2446 FAX: 613-476-5272

C.B. FENNELL LTD.

NOW OFFERING DISPOSAL SERVICES

General Construction Renovations Additions Concrete Siding

Terry Cowan 613-476-2525

CONCRETE

DISPOSAL

Smaller Property Snowblowing!

Specializing in Interior Finishing, Drywall Plastering, flooring, trim, & painting

WILL BUILD GARAGES, DECKS AND SMALL HOMES

Call Mandy or Jamie Home: 613-476-6960 Cell: 613-503-0266

mcogeneralcontracting@gmail.com

PAINT TECH PAINTERS

PAINTING & DECORATING

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR/EXTERIOR WALLPAPERING

Todd Gilbert

476-2115 PAINTING

Wayne Cronk Painting Wayne Cronk Painting

Brush & Roller • Airless Spraying Barns & Commercial Building Interior & Exterior Houses Roof Replacement & Repair Bucket Truck Service General Maintenance Sandblasting • Parking Lot Striping Prompt Service • Free Estimates

613-476-5863 20 Years Serving Prince Edward County

JANUARY 7, 2016 21

The Picton Gazette

Dukes’ Sokay selected to play Atom AE Kings win final two games before playdowns The Ainsworth Funeral Home in CJHL prospects game Atom AE Kings are heading

A member of the Wellington Dukes has been selected to take part in the annual Canadian Junior Hockey League prospects game later this month on the west coast The CJHL announced Wednesday that Port Hope native Ben Sokay will travel to the border city of Surrey, B.C. play for Team East, a group of top-flight prospects representing Junior A hockey leagues from the Maritimes, Quebec, Eastern, Southern and Northern Ontario. Team East will play Team West, an all star club comprised of players from teams ranging from the Superior International Junior Hockey League to the British Columbia Hockey League.

In 32 games this season for the Dukes, Sokay has lit the lamp 19 times and added 15 helpers for 34

BEN SOKAY

points and was a member of Team Canada East at the recent World Junior A Challenge in Cobourg and Whitby.

Sokay has committed to the NCAA Division I Niagara University program and is expected to suit up for the Purple Eagles next season.

-Jason Parks, Staff

into the OMHA playdowns on a winning note, winning their final two games of the regular season.

The Kings hosted the Stirling Blues in Picton Saturday in what proved to be a battle with the contest ending in a 3-3 tie despite the hosts out shooting visitors 28-11. Matthew Vincent, Nolan Brinco and Jordan Doxtator each tallied a goal while helpers went to Doxtator and Carter Black.

Sunday's game was equally exciting with the young Kings shading the host Brighton Braves 5-4.

Vincent opened the scoreboard early in the first with a help from Dakin Jones and Keagan Zantingh while Jordan Doxtator potted the TRY THE SIDE DOOR Atom AE King Jordan Doxtator tries a wrap around while Dante Closson Kings' second first-period is ready for any rebound during the club’s 3-3 tie with Stirling on Saturday afternoon at the Prince goal. Zantingh would score two of his own (assisted by Edward Community Centre. (Jason Parks/Gazette staff) Vincent and Jones) while Hay- line set up by Doxtator. good enough for second place downs later this month. den Blakely had a The Kings closed their in the OMHA's Eastern beautiful goal from the blue season with a 16-2-2 record League and will start play-Staff

J. H. Anderson The Ag & Rural Update is an electronic bulletin that is produced weekly by staff at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Food, (OMAF), Brighton Resource Centre is distributed free to subscribers.

Not all of the information used in this farm calendar is supplied by the electronic bulletin.

DEERHAVEN FARM & GARDEN LTD.

JOEL WALKER - ELECTRIC -

Residential and Farm Wiring Farm Generator Sales and Service R.R. 3, Picton 476-4700

The Big Green Machinery Dealer!

896 Bell Blvd. West Belleville, Ontario (613) 962-5021 www.deerhaven.ca

PICTON FARM SUPPLY DOG COATS from

$

JOHN DEERE

10.95

Assorted styles and sizes

179 Talbot St. Picton 613-476-7507 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm

McKeown Motor Sales Spring Brook, Ont. K0K 3C0 Parts, Service & Sales

MASSEY FERGUSSON HESSTON • SUNFLOWER • WHITE

Phone: 613-395-3883 Toll Free: 1-800-465-9297 Fax: 613-395-2652

www.mckeownmotorsales.net mj@mckeownmotorsales.com

Elevators & Farm Supplies Inc.

January 14 - The Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture monthly board of directors meeting will be held at the Bloomfield United Church Sunday School room beginning at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. Contact Patti Stacey at 613-919-5154 or princeedwardfarmers@gmail.com January 18 - Food Safety Workshop GF2 DAY 1 Elginburgh, Kingston. Looking to keep up to date on the latest food safety practices andhelp strengthen your Growing Forward 2 application?

Join us for any or all of the food safety workshops, covering a variety of important food safety topics.

All workshops are online as webinars, taken from the comfort of your home or business. January 25 DAY 2 Register online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org February 1 - Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Day 1 in Belleville, 10am – 3pm, Day 2 February 8th Producers are invited to attend free EFP (Fourth Edition) Workshops to learn more about: Best management practices. Develop an action plan for their farm. Learn about cost-share funding opportunities. For more information and to register visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org February 11 - The Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture monthly board of directors meeting will be held at the Bloomfield United Church Sunday School room beginning at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. Contact Patti Stacey at 613-919-5154 or princeedwardfarmers@gmail.com

Buy & Sell Top Prices

476-6597 RR 2 Picton

GRAIN PRICES FOB Trenton as quoted by

TRENTON GRAIN Wednesday, January 6, 2016 CORN $176.00/t 2016 CORN $185.00/t 2016 WHEAT $197.00/t SOYBEANS $421.00/t 2016 SOYBEANS $420.00/t

BAMBOO PILLOW

Queen or King Relieves: snoring, insomnia, headache, neck pain with memory foam - for a good night’s rest, choose the best.

$29.99

Reg. $89.00

NOW

MODERN STYLE

METAL SEED FEEDER

NOW

EASY LIFE EASY MOP

Spin Mop and Bucket 360 degree rotation

$29.97

Reg. $39.99

NOW

ALL SEASON WILD BIRD FOOD 9Kg for the price of 8Kg Reg. $16.49

$29.99 $9.49 Reg. $57.99

NOW

38 Cold Storage Rd., Picton 613-476-2171 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat. 8am-4pm

22 JANUARY 7, 2016

The Picton Gazette

Couple invests in creation of one-stop shop featuring county-made products Scharfs to repurpose portion of 1880s barn on busy tourist route ADAM BRAMBURGER STAFF WRITER

Initially, Janice Scharf said she was simply capitalizing on a weak Canadian dollar buying a farm on County. Rd. 12 some 15 years ago.

Then, Scharf was living in the United States are she recalls her daughter was looking for a place to board her horses. While she was visiting family in Bloomfield, she discovered she could buy a farm property with a structurally sound barn built in the 1880s for less money than it would cost to simply board the horses south of the border.

Now, Scharf and her husband Gary are poised to capitalize once again on what turned out to be a prime location on a major route to Sandbanks for those travelling from the Toronto area.

This May, the couple is planning to launch The Local Store, a one-stop consignment business that will be limited strictly to items created in the county.

Before Christmas, crews were working busily to prepare the heritage barn to allow for artisans and producers to tour the space where their goods could be on display.

Leading a tour through the facility, Janice said she’s always had a keen interest in old barns and a hope that she could create something unique with hers.

“We had animals and this

was filled with hay, but it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something to repurpose it and preserve it,” she said.

Scharf studied different concepts and on a business trip to Prince Edward Island, she found an intriguing idea in Charlottetown with a store that featured the best of the island under one roof.

“We thought that concept might work here. People come for the beach and they may go to a couple wineries or downtown Bloomfield, but they don’t have time to take it all in,” Janice explained.

For nearly four years, the Scharfs have been researching the concept. They came to the conclusion that they could put Janice’s background in sales and Gary’s background in technology together to create a profitable concept.

“We’re making good on our backgrounds. Let us do what we do well and that frees time for artists and producers to do what they do well,” she said. “You don’t have to stand behind a counter, you can be out creating.”

The couple compiled a spreadsheet of about 190 different producers in the county and began prospecting. She spoke to vendors at shows like The Maker’s Hand and Busy Hands and made cold calls. Initially, Janice said she had interest from about 90 per cent of those she contacted.

In recent weeks, the tours

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have been fruitful. Dozens of potential vendors have signed on for the consignment sale and seven of nine boutique stalls — areas where vendors can set up their own shops to sell their goods — have been accounted for already.

Janice said some artists she has spoken to have been excited about the prospect of hanging their work on natural barn board and others without studios have been excited just to have a place to send people to in an effort to see their work.

The space is separated into a number of different areas.

There is a main store where art and handmade goods will be sold, a book nook for local authors’ wares, and a separate pantry for preserves, jams, and jellies.

Upstairs, behind a plate glass opening, there’s a large open room which shows the masterful wooden carpentry used when producing the barn — a feature in itself.

“We really want people to appreciate the building itself — and it fits with the importance of heritage properties,” Janice said. “You just can’t rebuild them like this.”

The open room will be used for demonstrations, live musicians, and speakers. There is also an antique shop, a children’s activity area featuring books and educational software, and scopes looking out an expansive window to Waring’s Creek. The Waring Creek’s Association will also receive some space.

To the north of the retail space, the Scharfs do still raise livestock and children will be able to observe and learn from the agricultural operation.

“We want this to be more than a store, we want to create a destination that people will want to come back to because there’s something for everybody,” Janice said.

She indicated the Scharfs have chosen not to get into food preparation on the site as it would be an expensive proposition to meet health requirements, but added they would look at welcoming food trucks to the site on a day-today basis in the future.

Janice said she has had some questions from potential vendors about consignment because of experiences they’ve had before.

One thing she assures all prospective partners is that items to be included will be scrutinized and the Local Store will have the right to refuse items it does not feel are up to snuff.

Another nice feature is the creation of a bar-code inventory system so that every piece of merchandise identified for the Local Store will be tracked and linked to a web site that pro-

POTENTIAL LANDMARK Janice and Gary Scharf hope their investment in their heritage barn

on County Rd. 12 will pay off as they look to create a destination for visitors to browse a wide variety of local products under one roof. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)

ducers can visit at any time to learn the status of their items.

“By having everything coded and scanned, we can easily tell what has sold and what has to be replaced. There are no mix-ups on pricing,” she said. “An artist can log in at any time to see what is selling and what remains.”

A top-end security system has also been installed to help protect saleable items.

Janice said she believes her rates for consignment are competitive with market rates and allow the store to provide knowledgeable staff and gift bags, offer debit and credit technology that might be a burden to individual operators and deal with HST. She said as part of the Local Store’s mission, she’d also encourage shoppers to go to a gallery or farm shop if they wanted to see more of a producer’s work, even if that might mean missing out on a sale at the shop.

“We’re looking at the bigger picture here. That’s what it’s about,” she said.

Gary indicated a second phase of the project might include a broader public online

BOUTIQUE BARN Crews have worked to create an appealing marketplace in the Scharfs’ heritage barn.There is room for individual vendor shops,a parlour,a book nook,an antique area,and a general store for creative products. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette staff)

inventory of what the Local Shop carries and the potential for online shopping, but at this time the focus is bringing people in the door to see the fine products crafted in the county.

Initially, plans call for the shop to be open seven days a week from May through to October. Hours are expected to range from the late morning into the evening, providing convenience for shoppers as they come off the beach.

By making a considerable investment in their property and by taking the time to do it

right, the Scharfs believe they have the right concept in place to become a destination.

They’re also prepared to adapt to make things work.

“We have a vested interest.

We want it to be successful and it’s important to do it right,” she said. “More than a thousand cars come down this road in the peak season. If we can attract just a fraction of that traffic, we can do well.”

More information about the new venture is available online at the web site www.localpec.com.

OPP seeks applications for its summer marine positions

While the county may be mired in sub-zero temperatures, the OPP is asking people between 18-24 to think about a summer on the water.

The police force is seeking applications for young people to be involved with

its Prince Edward Marine Unit this summer.

Applicants must be Ontario residents, eligible to work in Canada who are high school, post-secondary, or graduate students. They must possess valid Ontario driver’s licences with full

privileges.

Applications are open until Feb. 16.

To find more information about the job postings, go to the web site www.ontario.ca/careers.

Select “student” under the “select career level” field.

There, one can complete an online application and attach a cover letter.For tips on how to fill out the application, refer to the student application tip sheet. Only those selected to receive an interview will be contacted.

JANUARY 7, 2016 23

The Picton Gazette

Experts say collaborative approach to tourism and growth would help economy OUTLOOK, from page 9

Granger noted that a wine advisor visiting the county from France last year who has worked with wine regions around the world said the community reminded him of the Napa Valley before it became the Napa Valley people know today.

“The opportunity for us to use our current infrastructure to support and nurture what has started to grow here may allow everything in this country to flourish.”

Granger said she is also optimistic that in reading the Farmer’s Almanac, it appears it will be a good weather year that can help produce a banner crop.

Ritchie is the owner of Picton Harbour Pontoon Tours and he was the lead promoter of the Miss Canada IV Thunder on the Bay event in October. He’s also a board member with the Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

He said he has a bit of a dif-

ferent perspective, having moved to the county just two years ago from Atlanta, GA..

“I haven’t lived in the forest too long, so maybe I see the trees a little bit differently.”

Although he indicated he wasn’t relying on hard data, Ritchie said he evaluated the business climate in the county by performing a SWOT test (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) using his observations.

Looking at strengths, Ritchie said he understood the real estate market in the county was strong last year. He also said many of the accommodations providers reported a great year in 2015 with no sign of a slow down.

He said he believes the municipality’s reputation is growing and that’s a good thing.

“The county continues to become a greater centre of influence in the county and that’s because of a lot of different efforts,” he said. “When people say ‘Where do you live?’ and you say, ‘The county’ they know what you’re

talking about.”

Ritchie also said from his experiences at the Chamber office, a number of people are making inquiries about locating businesses here and their interest is genuine.

“The word is getting out,” Ritchie said, adding the organization tries to answer as many questions as it can and steers potential investors on to Shire Hall for more conversations.

Ritchie also said he believes Mayor Robert Quaiff and his council are good representatives and a strength.

Under weaknesses, he cited the lack of accommodations foremost. He said he was talking with a television company with a crew of 300 that wanted to film in the county, but he had to turn them away because suitable accommodations could not be found.

Ritchie said the county’s aging population and health care are also concerns.

He also mentioned that as an island community, the county people want more opportunities to be on the water than are available. That

said, he believes there are plenty of opportunities for growth here.

“The county is seen as a diamond in the rough,” he said. “We have an opportunity to capitalize.”

He said attractions like outdoor cafes could be a draw.

He also added that those communities that a make tourism work seem to have people with like-minded, customerfocused attitudes. That has to develop here, he said.

“The opportunity involves getting together with everyone grasping the same vision.

There are sparks all over this place, if we can get those sparks together, we can ignite a fire of opportunity to seize.”

Ritchie said there’s also a great opportunity to profit from history and heritage, suggesting he was borrowing from Peter Lockyer’s speaking notes.

“Let’s promote it and create a profit and create a draw for it.”

An example Ritchie gave was of the 75th anniversary of Camp Picton coming up next

year. He said he’s hoping to tell that story and bring the Snowbirds for an event.

Ritchie said with all those positives, there are potential threats to the local economy.

Main Street reconstruction in Picton may cause hardships and there is the uncertainty of the Environmental Review Tribunals for Ostrander Point and White Pines looming. He also wondered about the impact of the County’s rising water and wastewater rates.

While not citing it as a positive or negative yet, Ritchie said he also believes Picton Terminals will have a huge impact on the county’s economy moving forward.

Weighing everything he evaluated, Ritchie said he comes back to a feeling that ere is a changing attitude toward positive thinking, change, and prosperity that can help pull the county through the broader downturn in the economy.

“This attitude is spreading,’ he said. “It’s going to be great. We need to get prepared for it, promote it, welcome it,

accept some change and make some changes ourselves.”

The panelists were asked questions about how to encourage investment locally and how to involve young people in the county.

Desjardins said he heard rumblings the federal government is looking at tax-law changes that might benefit people investing in Canada instead of abroad.

He also pointed to equity investment, like the Upper Canada Equity Fund, designed to bring technology companies to rural areas.

“At heart, it’s human capital. We understand young people will leave the county to get an education and live their lives. The goal is to reattract them and the best way to do that is with full-time, wellpaying jobs in the sector in which they were trained,” he said. “They know about media and programming, things I couldn’t do. We need to be attracting the companies that hire these kinds of jobs.

That will bring people back — and they’ll be engaged.”

MPP hopes to see elements of his two private member’s bills incorporated in province’s 2016 budget SMITH, from page 3

“The recent auditor general’s report made it very clear that we don’t need the power from these projects and they’ve clearly driven up the cost of hydro. We don’t need it, we are virtually emissions free.”

While Smith said the rising hydro rates are a concern

raised by residents and businesses across his riding, he is also concerned with recent reports the Liberals are intending to go forward with the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan in 2017 because it is unlikely all provinces would support an increase to the Canadian Pension Plan.

“I don’t know where they’re

going with this and why they’re going ahead,” he said. “It’s a huge concern for small business and for some medium business. Business owners have told me they’ve been hammered by soaring electricity rates and this is just something else to contend with.”

He said he’s hopeful an alternative will be proposed.

Sticking with business, Smith said he is hopeful the low Canadian dollar will help Prince Edward County tourism businesses attract American visitors and he added it may also be good for those who export to the United States. He said he still doesn’t see a lot of positives for the business community or the

province’s financial outlook.

“We’ve also heard several reports other provinces are hitting rock bottom and Ontario may not receive (transfer payments),” he said.

“All in all, that’s not good for Ontario and it’s not good for Canada... I don’t know what it’s going to take to bring this province out of this slump.”

Also on Smith’s list of priorities for the next year is seeing his private members’ bills, The Raise A Glass To Ontario Act and the Smoke-Free Schools Act enacted. Both have passed second reading and are headed to committee.

Ideally, he said he’d like to see measures from both in the 2016 budget.

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24 JANUARY 7, 2016

The Picton Gazette