The SCOOP // August / September 2017

sCooP The

August / September 2017

thescoop.ca

New Chapter for the Tamworth Hotel

Richard’s Pro Shop

Bird Declines

Knowledge Circles

The 6160 Project

The

sCooP Founded in 2005 by Richard Saxe

PUBLISHER & AD SALES Karen Nordrum stonemills.scoop@gmail.com

GUEST EDITORIAL

Katherine Burrows katherinejburrows@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Jacqueline Bartnik, Leona Berman, Ron Betchley, Katherine Burrows, Dianne Dowling, Jane Foster, Glen R. Goodhand, Alyce Gorter, Kim Kerr, Susan Moore, Marcella Neely, Mark Oliver, Stephen Paul, Susan Rehner, Nicole Senyi, John Sherbino, Grace Smith, Terry Sprague, Steve Williams, Lin Young All photos contributed, unless otherwise noted.

HOW TO CONTACT US 613.379.5369 stonemills.scoop@gmail.com thescoop.ca facebook.com/thescoop.ca Please write to us at: Stone Mills Scoop 482 Adair Road Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0

The SCOOP is published six times a year. We mail The SCOOP for free to more than 6600 households in Tamworth, Centreville, Enterprise, Erinsville, Camden East, Newburgh, Colebrook, Yarker, Verona, Hartington, Sydenham, Roblin, Selby, Parham, Kaladar, Stella, Godfrey, & Marlbank. We also arrange with local retailers to display 1000 additional issues of The SCOOP in Napanee, Cloyne, Flinton, Kaladar, & many other locations.

Here’s The SCOOP Katherine Burrows

A

round the region and across the country, revitalization efforts are underway on everything from single buildings to entire downtown cores. Endeavours throughout Stone Mills are keeping pace with the rest. Here are ten reasons why Stone Mills has what it takes.

1. Tourist Attractions Stone Mills appeals to a wide variety of visitors: outdoor enthusiasts, gardening experts, language learners, astronomy lovers, history buffs, geology fans, food connoisseurs, and more.

2. Accommodations Artist Suites and Specialty Lodging compliment the area’s many waterfront cottages – perfect for peaceful relaxation after a day full of local activities.

3. Nature Located within the Land O’ Lakes Tourist Region, Stone Mills is home to many lakes, rivers, trails, and parks. There are plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, hiking, and camping in the region.

6. Entertainment Community events, concerts, parades, and fairs celebrate local talent and nurture community spirit. There is always something to do for people of all ages.

7. Entrepreneurs Local business owners are a vital part of the Stone Mills community. They provide many of the above-listed products and services. Their creative endeavours are fortunate to have extensive support from the Lennox & Addington Economic Development Office.

8. Close to Major Travel Routes Easy for tourists to travel to, with convenient shipping and receiving for businesses, Stone Mills is close to highway 401, train stations, bus stations, and airports.

9. Volunteers

4. Extensive Shopping Stone Mills boasts stores for grocery, pharmacy, clothing, and hardware needs.

To nurture the soul, many artists and artisans sell their wares locally. Gifts and souvenirs are available at multiple locations.

A large part of being a community member is giving back to that community. Stone Mills has an abundance of members who donate hundreds of volunteer hours to keep Stone Mills attractive and running smoothly. From the Canada Day committee to the many area service clubs, everyone benefits when residents give back.

10. Community It is truly the people who make the community. People who support local businesses by buying local products and services. People who pull together in good times and bad; who raise money, put in the time, and lend their energy.

People who make an effort to get along and work together for the good of all, who find common ground between the generations, and who see their differences as complementary strengths.

It’s great to have so many resources at our doorstep, with a variety of attractions for people with many different interests. But, above all, it is the people of Stone Mills that will keep visitors coming back, new residents moving in, and Stone Mills’ revitalization successful for many years to come.

Do you love to write?

We’re looking for contributors.

Interested? Email us at:

stonemills.scoop@gmail.com

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COVER

The restored Tamworth Hotel and its current occupants: Jennifer Jefferson of Second Time Treasures, and hotel owners Carol Brown, Kevin Hilliker, and their daughter Helen, of the Black Cat Cafe.

Photo by Samantha Fenwick.

Samantha is 16, lives in Enterprise, and has her own photography business: photosbysef.wixsite.com/ photosbysef 2

5. Delicious Food Fabulous restaurants and fantastic bakeries tempt the palette and provide a welcome place to meet with friends, treat the family, or get some muchneeded respite from a busy day.

The SCOOP • August / September 2017

FREE WRITTEN ESTIMATES Work can be done at your location CANOES BOUGHT & SOLD Arden, ON

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World-class musicians perform in the friendly atmosphere of St. Paul’s Church, Amherst Island - Beverley Harris, Artistic Director

Friday June 30, 2:15 p.m.

Fri. June 30th, 2:15pm Elorap.m.

Singers Thursday July -6,The 7:15 Thur.

July 6th, 7:15pm Charles Richard-Hamelin Saturday, July - 15, 4:15 p.m.

Sat. July 15th, 4:15pm Triple p.m.

Forte Friday July 28,- 7:15 Fri. July 28th, 7:15pm - Saguenay Quartet Thursday, August 17, 7:15 p.m.

Thur.

Aug. 17th, 7:15pm Serouj Kradjian Saturday, August 26, 4:15 p.m.

Sat. Aug. 26th, 4:15pm - Cheng 2 Duo (pictured)

World-class musicians perform in the friendly atmosphere of St. Paul’s Church, Amherst Island Beverley Harris, Artistic Director The Elora Singers Charles Richard-Hamelin Triple Forte Saguenay Quartet Serouj Kradjian Cheng2 Duo (pictured)

www.watersidemusic.ca www.watersidemusic.ca

Mailbag A couple of days ago I went to the garage to clean up a month of mess.

Upon entering, I heard a great fluttering sound and immediately knew a bird was temporarily caught inside.

Usually I just open all the doors and eventually it/they escape. However, I found a hummingbird pressed against a window – much like a moth. It wasn’t looking around... just in a panic pressed up against the window.

The SCOOP looks forward to reading all your letters!

Please send your letters to: stonemills.scoop@gmail.com I wasn’t sure what to do, and then I just placed my hand underneath it. It sat down and stopped fluttering. I closed my fingers over it and it sat still.

I walked to the garage door and held up my hand and it lightly pressed its head against my thumb.

DOWNTOWN NAPANEE

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CELEBRATING THE HARVEST | SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

• Face Painting• •Mabel the Milking Cow• • Super Course Challenge • • Culture Days Activities • •Entertainment• • Market Vendors • • Pumpkin Carving• • Farm Animals •

I opened my hand and it flew up and away...

— John Sherbino (Hartington, ON)

The Tamworth and District Lions Club, in partnership with Kid’s Cops and Canadian Tire held their 8th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day on Saturday, July 8 at Beaver Lake Lions Park. Children came from as far as Barrie to Welland. Here are Logan Armstrong and Ryan Maxwell-Reese, proudly holding their catches of the day.

Photo by Lion Wayne Rice.

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP BY: NAPANEE BIA L&A 4H | GREATER NAPANEE HOMETOWN MARKET FESTIVAL INFO ON FACEBOOK | WWW.DOWNTOWNNAPANEE.COM | 613.354.9508

Verona Lions

LANE Veterinary Services

11th Annual Garlic Festival Since 1983

Serving Animals Mon, Tue, Thu: 8:30 am to 5 pm Dr. Calvin Lane, DVM Pets & Farm Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8:30am-5pm 211 McQuay St. Wed: 8:30am-7pm Fri: 8:30am-4pm R.R. #3 Yarker, ON K0K 3N0 Sat: 10am-1pm www.lanevetservices.ca

211 McQuay St. off Cty. Rd. #6 Wed: 8:30 am to 7 pm (between Colebrook & Moscow) RR#3 Yarker, Fri: 8:30 amON to 4K0K pm 3N0 Emergency Service By Appointment Sat: 10 am to 1 pm

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Emergencies By App’t.

(613) 358-2833 or Farm 1-888-832-1904

(613) 358-2833 or 1-888-832-1904 “Prevention is the Best Medicine”

Labour Day Weekend September 2, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

4504 VERONA SAND ROAD PARKING FREE, ADMISSION BY DONATION Fresh local garlic, wide variety of vendors, 9 hole mini golf, train rides, fantastic food, great for the whole family!

For more information please visit our website www.veronalions.ca or our Facebook page

Pets are not permitted on site

5 days – 60 authors – many paths

September 27 to October 1, 2017 Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront A FESTIVAL FOR WRITERS AND READERS

Tickets on sale now!

Plan Your Festival at kingstonwritersfest.ca

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

3

Sometimes You Lose Alyce Gorter

L

ily was 13 months old when she came to live at Rock ‘n’ Horse Ranch. With her woolly, matted foal hair, she looked more like a sheep than the pedigreed miniature horse she was supposed to be. But, despite the lack of human attention during her short life, it didn’t take long for her to become accustomed to the adoring hugs and pampered lifestyle that was now her lot.

Although she had a private stable and paddock during the night, she had complete freedom of the property all day choosing to spend it grazing on the front lawn or hobnobbing with the bigger horses when she frequently scooted under the electric fence. Now, at four years of age, she needed a companion.

gelded soon after the breeding. There would be only one opportunity for a foal.

If it didn’t work the first time, there would be no second chances.

There had been an assortment of temporary four-legged friends through the years, but the little, four-year-old, black stud who needed a new home seemed like the perfect choice as her permanent stablemate. At 27” tall, he would be an excellent match for Lily’s 28” height. Of course, I would have him gelded immediately as I certainly did not need a foal!

The excitement and anticipation began almost immediately. Was Lily pregnant?

Would we, sometime within the next year, really have a baby? Lily was about as big around as she was tall so it would be difficult to notice any weight change that might indicate a pregnancy. Was there any way of finding out? I searched the Internet for all the information I could glean about determining pregnancy, establishing the gestation period, diagnosing problems, and preparing for delivery. Could a vet do an ultrasound? No. Lily was too small.

Would human pregnancy tests work on a horse? I invested in several kits, followed Lily around, siphoned up what I could from the puddles, and was disappointed when they all showed negative for pregnancy. Could it be wrong? Of course.

These kits test for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is not present in horses! If I wanted a pregnancy test for horses, I could order one from Australia at a fancy price. Hmmm…guess I’ll find out sooner or later without that.

My two daughters and an assortment of grandchildren arrived the day after his arrival to check out the new addition to our ranch. His proud prance, miniFriesian looks and sweet disposition won them over immediately. “Please, PLEASE, PUHLEEEESE, you have to let him and Lily have ONE baby!!!” There had never been a breeding here before, and the thought of a cute, little mini rocketing around the place WAS endearing. Besides, there was lots of room, and I could picture the baby nestled under the lilacs while Mom grazed nearby, and me — showing him off to adoring friends, regaling them with accounts of his latest antics and happily complaining about the tiny hoof prints in the flower beds. It was an easy persuasion. However, with two other mares on the property, Dash would be

We built a separate stall for Dash so that he could still be part of the little family but not intrude on momma’s space or step on a sleeping foal. We baby-proofed the maternity stall — nailing plywood over any crack big enough to trap a tiny hoof and removing any snag or splinter that might scratch a newborn hide. We installed lighting that would allow us to see through the windows to check on Mom without disturbing her sleep. I bought two big, round, wrapped bales of fresh, golden straw to cushion the stall having been told that shavings were not ideal for a newborn’s respiratory system.

I installed a baby monitor so that I could listen for any sign that labour had started. I prepared a delivery kit with towels, scissors, iodine and sundry other things that might be useful. And I kept careful tabs on my calendar.

Lily and Dash. Photo by Alyce Gorter.

After consulting the many gestation charts and message boards online and putting all the information together, it appeared that, if pregnant, Lily could deliver anywhere from 285 days after breeding (the earliest anyone had reported a live birth) to 380 days! Would I be able to survive that long?! At day 285 I started to hope that not only might she be pregnant but that the delivery would produce a healthy foal. Each day I felt along her sides for possible nudges or kicks, checked her udder for any changes, looked under her tail for indications of an imminent birth and waded through the snow banks several times a night to ensure that all was well.

At first, she resented the regular probing, groping, and interruptions to her sleep but eventually accepted it grudgingly as an acceptable trade-off for the perks of living here.

Finally, there were signs that Lily and Dash were, indeed, going to have a baby!

Lily’s belly was in the shape of a ‘V’ and it was obvious there was more to it than just Lily. Excitement increased! This was a highly anticipated and much-longed for addition to the family. Kids, grandkids, friends, and neighbours were planning how soon they could visit after the arrival. Speculation abounded about whether it would be a boy or a girl, when it would arrive, how big (or small) it would be, what colour it would be and what name would best suit such a beloved baby.

During these many months, I had also read about – and worried about — problems encountered during equine pregnancies. “You read too much,” said Ken, “just let it take its course.”

Our stillborn foal. Photo by Ken Gorter.

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The SCOOP • August / September 2017

But I hadn’t read too much. When I checked on Lily on day 345 at 10:00 that night, I immediately recognized the dark red, baseball-sized bulge for what it was.

‘Placenta previa’ had said my online informants or in barn terms “red bag delivery.” The placenta, for some unknown reason, detaches prematurely denying the foal the oxygen necessary for its survival down the birth canal. I raced to the house for my kit yelling for Ken that the baby was coming. All of my research had stated bluntly that the outcome of a medical situation such as

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this was rarely good. But please, PLEASE let me be in time. Let this baby live! Lily was on her side in the straw straining in labour with only the dark burgundy placental tissue visible. I tore this aside and saw the tips of two tiny front feet through the wall of the sac. I ripped apart the tissue, struggling to grasp those slippery, small hooves and pull the foal out to the air, screaming for it to breathe, encouraging Lily to push. Now he’s out!

We give him CPR, attempt mouth-tomuzzle resuscitation, hold him up by his hind legs to clear his lungs, plead with him to just breathe, knowing that he never had a chance. Recognizing the futility, we place him at last, big and beautiful, on the straw, turning our attention to sweet Lily. She is tired, sad.

She stands up, walks to her baby, blows into his nostrils, grips his upper lip gently between her teeth and breathes into his mouth, places her right, front hoof on his ribs behind his front leg and taps it sharply three times. How does she know to do all of that?! She watches him quietly for a few moments then turns her back, walks away and lays down in the clean straw facing away from her dead foal. She has accepted what she cannot change.

I am not as wise as Lily. I cannot accept what has happened and sob brokenheartedly in the straw beside her.

It has been exactly one year since that horrible night. The lump in my throat, the hollow feeling in my belly and the tears I am shedding over the loss as I write this are as real now as they were then. As real as they are when I picture that small form under the lilacs while his mother grazes nearby and know it isn’t so. As real as they were when I tried to dismiss the sadness days later by saying to my Aunt Ellie “It’s not that I needed another horse.” And she, in her wisdom and understanding, said, “No. But you needed that one.” And she was right.

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Summers on the Shore Kim Kerr

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or this edition of A Peek in the Vault, we’re letting pictures of two cottage resorts from Adolphustown tell the tale. Camp Le Nid, situated on Ruttan’s Point, a project of W.S. Herrington, opened its doors in 1886 and operated until the mid-1940s.

Watercombe Camp, nestled on the shores of Long Reach, owned by Chet and Eva Collins, ran from the 1920s until it sold in 1969, no longer used as a camp.

For more information about these camps, contact us at archives@lennoxaddington.on.ca or the AdolphustownFredericksburgh Heritage Society at www.sfredheritage.on.ca.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS! Do you have what it takes to be published in The SCOOP? Send us your best photos and artwork documenting

Chet Collins, owner of Watercombe with his haul after a fishing trip, [1932].

[W-251]

Boats at Camp Le Nid, [1899]. [N-10984]

rural life in our area: stonemills.scoop@gmail.com

Off the shores of Watercombe, [195-]. [W-432]

Playing cards at Camp Le Nid, [1907]. [N-11188]

A Traveller’s Guide to the 9th Annual Kingston WritersFest Lin Young

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rom September 27 to October 1, the 9th annual Kingston WritersFest throws open its doors once again to authors from around the world, and all walks of life. The energy of the festival— with its friendly volunteers draped in colourful scarves, lively discussions, and a consistently impressive lineup of talent—has long made WritersFest a beloved local attraction, one that is both fun, engaging, and culturally enriching.

This year should prove to be no different.

“The focus this year is on people,” says Barbara Bell, artistic director of the festival, “and the many paths to understanding our identity, history, value, and obligation. The writers we present in 2017 reflect to us where we’ve come from, as individuals and as a nation, and illuminate for us where we can go from here.”

As such, the line-up offers a guided tour through the many paths that make up the landscape of human experience.

Experience subjects ranging from ballet dancers to bus drivers, organic farmers to

freedom seekers. Discover ‘technourban’ paradises and collapsing Chinese imperial dynasties, the battlefield of Vimy Ridge and Shakespeare’s fair Verona. Travel from East to West, from future to present, with plenty of pit stops along the way to explore the realms of poetry, fiction, biography, and memoir.

With some 60 authors and dozens of events, there are countless opportunities to place a pin and stay awhile and to walk that proverbial mile in someone else’s shoes.

Over the course of 4 days and five nights, you can find yourself trekking from a panel on adventure photography to one exploring the rich literature of different generations of Indigenous women to yet another on the blossoming arts scene of 1980s New York. The International Marquee showcases Pulitzer-Prizewinning novelist Michael Chabon; Author! Author! shines the spotlight on author and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs (author of the Temperance Brennan series, Bones), and the Robertson Davies Lecture caps off the festival with Anna Porter, publisher,

editor, author, and co-founder of Key Porter Books.

For a more hands-on experience, the festival also offers its Writers’ Studio Master Classes, which range in topic from poetry, photography, calligraphy and bookmaking, writing engaging dialogue, adapting novels to screenplays, and crafting sexy scenes!

If your hunger extends beyond literature, you might take a break with the Book Lovers’ Lunch and enjoy a meal as you listen to Ben McNally’s hot book recommendations, or spend the evening at the Kingston Dinner’s Club, hosted by author and food blogger Dennis Prescott.

If you’re thirsty, the annual Saturday Night Speakeasy combines live jazz with an open bar and live readings from several featured authors. Sip wine with Karen Connelly, Leanne Dunic, Jennifer LoveGrove, and Alison Pick at the ‘Wine, Women and Words’ event, or crack open a cold one alongside Linden MacIntyre, Steven Heighton, and Pasha Malla as they discuss their work in ‘Reading Men: Books (and Beer!)’.

And if, after your travels through the festival, you find yourself wondering about the paths and intersections that make up the Canadian experience, consider casting your vote in Kingston WritersFest’s 150 Best Books Project. With a list of 150 books to choose from – determined by your submissions – it’s time to narrow down the Top 10. Voting is open now until October 15. The project will culminate in a free event in late fall featuring guest authors reading from the Top 10.

In the words of Barbara Bell, “I invite you to listen, think, participate, and enjoy.”

While the festival’s theme embraces the complex and varied paths our lives take, the journey to the WritersFest itself is far simpler! Tickets can be purchased online www.kingstongrand.ca or in person via the Grand Theatre Box Office (218 Princess Street), or by phone at 613-5302050. For full event details and author profiles, visit our website at www. kingstonwritersfest.ca.

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

5

A Day for Plant Lovers Susan Rehner

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n May 27, a whistle rang out on the dot of 10:00 a.m. and the gathered crowd surged forward, eager to find the traditional, the unusual, the most colourful, or the tastiest. It was the eighth annual GrassRoots Growers’ spring plant sale at Beaver Lake Lions Park. Buyers came from all over eastern Ontario — some came from Toronto — many of them were dedicated customers from previous years.

The selection of plants this year was even more extensive than previous years. It was possible to find the tried and true traditional annuals such as zinnias, four o’clocks, sweet peas, and cosmos, as well as the ones not usually found in garden centres — Tithonia, larkspur, moonflower vine, and bronze fennel. For perennial plant seekers, the variety was quite amazing, ranging from the ever popular hostas (some of them rare) to the old standards – phlox, peonies, violets, blue

flax, day lilies (some unusual ones), monkshood, and foxgloves. Native plants included cardinal flower, blue-eyed grass, anise hyssop, swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, cup plant, and jack-in-the-pulpit. For those seeking the unusual, there were the rarer plants such as Paeonia ‘Thumbelina’ (Thumbelina peony), Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii (perennial snapdragon), Astrantia major (masterwort), and Thalictrum aquilegiifolium (French meadow rue). Among the trees and shrubs were hop trees and pagoda dogwoods.

Herbs were well represented by rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley (Italian and curly), cilantro, Greek oregano, marjoram, and garlic chives. Attractive herb baskets planted with a variety of useful culinary herbs and greens were a new feature this year and, since they were well received, are likely to appear next year – they were fun to put together.

Volunteers setting up for the annual sale.

Photo by Michelle Mather.

Among the food plants, the most popular were once again the heritage tomatoes. There were over 400 tomato plants at the sale, and among them were more than 20 heritage varieties. Other food plants included arugula, mesclun mix, kale, purple cauliflower, French sorrel, peppers, sweet potato starts, leeks, and raspberry canes. As you read so often in lawn sale advertisements, there was “something for everyone” at the GrassRoots Growers plant sale.

Luckily, the weather was perfect on May 27, and we didn’t have to fight rain, wind, cold, or hail, making it easier for the volunteers setting up and for the

A bevy of plant baskets at the GrassRoots Growers’ spring plant sale.

Photo by Michelle Mather. customers looking for something special.

Thanks to the Lions, we were able to receive and store plants in the old Erinsville train station until the morning of the sale; they more than filled the station.

The volunteers are to be commended for the daunting task of sorting, pricing, carrying, and organizing approximately double the volume of plants compared to previous years. It was a big job, but it’s gratifying seeing people happily carrying off the plants that GrassRoots’ supporters have grown for the sale. Volunteers were on hand to exchange information and offer advice; it’s always fun chatting about plants with novices as well as knowledgeable “plant people.” Children attending the sale were invited to choose a free plant to take home: perhaps one of those children will develop into a plant

The Lennox & Addington

Horticultural Society is holding its regular meetings at the Fire Hall at 66 Advance Avenue in Napanee starting at 7 p.m. Upcoming dates and speakers are as follows:

September 20 – How did your garden grow this year, plus a seed and houseplant exchange

October 18 – Kathy Harvey of Tamworth and District Lions Club have increased their contribution to the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Foundation to $53,000 by donating the proceeds of $7,000 from their annual golf tournament. The Club lives the Lions’ motto of “We Serve” by supporting many community activities, including the hospital.

enthusiast and a lifetime gardener. It’s a stimulating and satisfying hobby.

With the proceeds from the sale, GrassRoots Growers has once again provided a $1000 bursary to a qualifying student in Fleming College’s Sustainable Agriculture program. We also hold two speaker events, one in the fall and one in the spring, that are open to the public at no charge, and we contribute to community initiatives related to various aspects of horticulture.

This fall, on October 26, Tim Gray, Field Advisor with Trees Ontario and forest management specialist, will be coming to speak about trees – criteria for choosing them, caring for them, natural pest control, etc. For those interested, Tim will be bringing information on tree planting incentive programs. This event will take place in the gymnasium at St. Patrick School in Erinsville at 7 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. After the talk, stay for the refreshments and chat with others keen on growing trees. We hope to see you there.

Tamworth/Erinsville GrassRoots Growers is a community-based group. Our mission is to encourage interest in local and organic gardening for both the home garden and the market garden; to raise awareness of issues surrounding food production; to improve our practical knowledge of all aspects of plant life; and to provide networking opportunities for gardeners. We welcome new members.

Visit our website at te-grassrootsgrowers. weebly.com.

Saturday September 23

Lee Valley Tools will speak about

FRIENDS OF THE NAPANEE RIVER

putting our garden tools away for

will present noted author and

the winter

Kingston’s Poet Laureate, Helen Humphreys, who will read from and discuss the creation of her book “The River” Chapters. indigo.ca calls The River “a

Tel: 613-379-5874 Email: soscsvcs@gmail.com Web: www.s-o-s-computers.com

Lamb and The Wool Shed on Amherst Island 613 389-3444 888 287-3157 6

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The SCOOP • August / September 2017

Wm. (Bill) Greenley Kim Read

Network and Internet Security Specialists Wired, Wireless, Network Design and Implementation Computer repairs and sales New or reconditioned

beautiful, groundbreaking examination of place”. All are welcome. Please join us at Wilton Community Hall 251 Simmons Rd. Wilton Ontario K0H 2H0 9:30 – noon

Naturalists Count Species at Annual BioBlitz Jacqueline Bartnik

T

he Kingston Field Naturalists held their 19th BioBlitz on June 16-17 at the Landon Bay property of Thousand Islands National Park (TINP) in cooperation with Parks Canada. Also, the Canadian Wildlife Federation was involved as organisers of some Great Canadian BioBlitzes across Canada for our Canada 150 celebration. Locally the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve provided support.

A BioBlitz aims to list as many species of living things as possible in 24 hours. This snapshot of the biodiversity provides a baseline for identifying potential and future changes caused by global warming, invasive species and loss of endangered species as well as through natural succession.

This event brought together amateurs, experts and professionals in all kinds of species to spot and identify all they could tally in the time available. Visitors could enjoy guided walks to learn about a particular group of plants or animals and learn about the diversity of the site. Over 100 people registered and spread over the property from 3:00 p.m. on Friday to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday collecting information on everything from nighttime moths to early morning birds and from beautiful dragonflies to forest ferns. Participants included many Kingston Field Naturalist members, Parks Canada personnel, Canadian Wildlife Service staff, and Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve members. They included some neighbours and specialists from as far away as Ottawa, Hamilton, and North Carolina.

Hot, sunny weather was enjoyed on this unique property of Parks Canada. We had a lot of fun both day and night time, on guided walks and at a BBQ. There were activities for youth throughout the BioBlitz with special programming and activities geared to their interests.

About 80 species of bird were observed. Many participants enjoyed good views of the Osprey and young on a nest.

Peregrine Falcon, Least Bittern, and Blue-winged Warbler were unusual sightings. The night hike recorded a couple of species

of bat and a large number of moth species including a spectacular number of Hickory Tussock Moths. Four turtle species including a Map Turtle were recorded. The Snapping Turtle laying eggs was an exciting sighting. A Grey Rat Snake was spotted to add to the list. Tree frogs sang constantly. More than 11 species of fish were recorded which represents a good variety. Amongst the invertebrates, one of the first species to attract attention was a large Wolf Spider carrying many tiny spiderlings on her back. A bright white crab spider on a bright blue mint flower was seen feeding on a bumblebee – quite a sight. We recorded dragonflies, beetles, flies and species found in the creek as well as many other invertebrates of the forest, wetland and open areas. Many species of special interest and a few invasive species were noted.

Hundreds of plants were observed, identified, and listed including trees,

shrubs, and herbs in different habitats, and some spore bearing plants that were added to the tally.

Observations that were special included Butternut, an endangered species and Pitch pine on the edge of its range. A shrub, on the northern edge of its range, Southern Arrowwood

The Weaned Jay Piercing shrieks from upon branches high A baby Blue Jay’s frenzied cry On finding self in the morning light, alone.

For when sun set last with night’s descent When parents perched by, to him defend Only nourish comforts known

A group checks out some species found in the creek at the 2017 BioBlitz of the Kingston Field Naturalists. Photo by Janet Elliott. was also seen. A spectacular display of the Maple-leaved Viburnum in full flower was eyecatching. Among the flowering plants, Pipsissewa and Bristly Sarsparilla were added to the tally.

Several fern species were recorded as well as many lichen species.

Anne Robertson, the coordinator for the event, said, “Our annual Bioblitz was very successful and enjoyed by the participants at this protected property.

We hope future generations will also have the thrill of finding as much variety of life in this area one day.”

Roblin Holiness Camp 2017

Since time conferred beneath mother’s breast The succoured sanctuary of the nest Sustaining parents in this life yet flown But when flight began from the nest discard To open skies to earth bombard Calling sounds of joy or fear, him shown Alas this morn with sun’s first light All but he had taken flight A desertion fraught with panic prone His calls of fear throughout the trees Whence now the nourishment of his needs His shrieks each more bemoaned Our daily custom cast upon our garden table Shelled peanuts for these birds enable For such joy of sight of flight to own To these shrieks of loss and hopeless fear I beckon come and join others here And enjoy such treats as they have known For there comes such time when you too must leave Your offspring alone in these darkened trees But know among us this safety zone

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NOW OPEN Tamworth Hotel Tunes and Tea performed at the Tamworth Hotel on Canada Day. Photo by Ken Hook.

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

7

Richard Gaffney: Right on the Edge Susan Moore

R

ichard Gaffney has been sharpening skates for 37 years and still loves caring for our skates. If you are looking for a pro to sharpen your skates to a consistent edge or perform a custom profiling, Richard is the expert.

How did Tamworth get so lucky?

In 1980, Richard purchased a skate sharpener from Frizzell’s Hardware in downtown Tamworth, and then opened the Pro Shop at the Tamworth arena.

Four years later, Richard met a man named Hector Pomeroy, a master of skate sharpening. That was the beginning of his education.

He learned that keeping skates maintained properly is a delicate operation.

A skate blade has two edges with a hollowed-out region in between. More ice contact gives more control; less ice contact gives more speed. The hollow is the key, and Hector taught Richard how to “know the hollow,” perform the passes (three times slowly over the blade), and trim the grinding wheel. Looking back, Richard realizes this mentoring was the start of his career – defined by Hector’s teachings.

Richard is clear on his own goal, “My motto has always been consistency.”

Skaters need to know their skates will perform as expected every time they hit the ice.

The standard for the depth of the hollow is 5/8 to ½ inch. The 5/8” (or deeper) sharpening gives a skater less resistance on the ice and more speed. However,

there is less bite of the blade into the ice, so turns and stops are not as fast. The ½ inch (or shallower) sharpening gives a skater more resistance on the ice – less speed, but better turns and stops for more control. You can see there is a fine line here, depending on the skater’s body weight, ability, and style.

skates, ready for a quick turn.

The choice of sharpening level also depends on the hardness of the ice: the harder the ice, the sharper you want the blade. The ice at the Stone Mills arena is harder than at many surrounding area rinks, so Richard offers a new standard: the 9/16 inch sharpen, which gives a little sharper edge for that hard surface.

Richard uses a technique called Template Profiling. A professional profiling gives you optimal speed, mobility and less muscle fatigue.

Effortless skating should be the result.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Hockey players: get in the queue!

You could say that Richard is now the 9/16 pro. But whatever sharpening level you choose, you will always receive exactly the right edge on your blade. Richard uses a brass dye to create the precise hollowing shape on the grinding wheel every time he sharpens a blade so that the chosen depth never varies. Every sharpening job on your skates is the same, and his customers do not complain of skates that are too sharp.

If a skater is having trouble with balance A standing skate, demonstrating the advantage of a or is falling more perfectly sharpened blade. Photo by Susan Moore. than usual, it may be that their skates Richard’s Pro Shop is open every need a new profiling. Richard sometimes weekday evening plus Saturdays 10 a.m. has parents come in with a discouraged to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. In child who has had too many falls on the the off season, he works from home. ice. A new profiling of the skates can be the ticket to getting junior right back in Richard has developed a reputation as a the hockey game. real specialist: local and regional skaters

Many hockey players know the value of well-profiled skates. The contact area of blade to ice determines the skater’s centre of gravity, which affects control and performance. It’s like walking on ice – rubber boots with a broad surface area give you more control than high heels.

Figure skaters can have their blades sharpened at the Pro Shop as well, and Richard keeps many leapers and twirlers on their game. Repairs such as rivet replacement and blade replacement are easily done, and Richard keeps a good stock of parts. He also sells new and used skates as well as laces and tape. Skates can also be rented. The Pro Shop offers colourful handmade blade protectors made by his wife, Jen, for those who want a stylish presentation in the dressing room.

A blade profile is the shape of the blade end to end. Profiling of the skate blades gives a choice between more bite on take-off vs. more glide at the top end.

Defensive hockey players often find a profiling done further back on the blade allows them to sit back slightly on their

In season (September to March),

ce Ben ors t Mo

The SCOOP • August / September 2017

I asked Richard how he feels about his 37 years of dedication to the Pro Shop. His immediate reply was, “I love my work.

I’ll be here until they carry me out.”

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8

frequent his shop, including many from Gananoque, Deseronto, and Loyalist Township. Often, Napanee hockey players veer off at the Pro Shop for a sharpening job “on their way” to a game.

Locally, Keith Holden and family have been bringing their skates to Richard for many years. Four generations of Holdens – Keith, Tony, Leanne, and Maya – are all happy customers. There is no excuse for a dull moment at the Stone Mills arena.

KInGston

&

The 6160 Project: Part IV

O

look and complete seal around them means ripping materials to custom dimensions before installing the actual trim. Many hours are spent going through the whole house doing this custom work.

Since the heavy work is done, we can move on to the finer things. Most people don’t give trim around windows and doors much thought. Most windows need to be built out, so to create a proper

Installing all the new cabinets and counter-tops happens now. Kitchen sinks and faucets go in. A little custom work to make the island “float” in the correct spot. The bathroom tub/shower, toilet, vanity, etc. all go in.

Steve Williams

K. It’s time to lay some nice new hardwood type floor finishes down. We’re putting mostly the same floor through the whole house. It’s low maintenance and is very durable.

Two new six-step stairs now must be built and installed at the “split” entrance, one going down to the main floor, one going up to the second level. I delayed the stairs until we had moved all the heavy traffic things so there would be no damage to the nice new wood.

Building stairs isn’t for everyone.

There are many considerations to make sure everything works out with your various flooring thickness and the “run” (lateral distance from where you start, forward to where you finish). I asked our friend Ralph Holden (retired from his life-long construction job) to build them. He is far more meticulous than I am. His son David advised on the design and helped him. With a little stain treatment by Marie, they look great!

The brick fireplace has been cleaned and looks good, but the firebox is old and damaged. We converted it to a simple electric unit for the modern look of flame.

Marie and Steve Williams, relaxing on the front steps of their fixer-upper project (now All of the temporary lighting pigtails all fixed up) at 6160 County Road 4 in Stone are gone and new lights installed.

Mills. Modern LED lights are marvellous.

The finished kitchen, completely transformed.

You could turn on every light in the house and not use any more power than a couple of bulbs would consume in the old days, you know, just half a dozen years ago.

So if you’re keeping score for your next fixer-upper...

Most of the work to this point has been on the upper floor. The whole lower level has been covered with moisture proof sub floor. Outer walls have foam & foil insulation, stud walls, Roxul insulation for warmth and safety, drywall, etc. Our lower level is not a basement. It sits on grade, so moisture isn’t a concern. Well unless Noah starts building another ark.

Some new interior wall framing to create another bedroom, bathroom/laundry, family room, workshop/utility room, office, etc.

Remove all the of old and broken, etc.

Marvel at some of the things you find.

Make plans, change plans, change ‘em again. Declare this is the last revision.

Start rebuilding. Where? It seems like everything needs your attention at once.

Especially on a project of this scale. Pick one. Accept help from those who offer.

Get it while you can. When they see how much work you’re doing, they might not be back. Don’t scrimp on things. Sure shop around and buy specials, why not?

But by doing all of this labour yourself, you can afford better quality fixtures. It pays off in the end.

As the weather improves, we move outdoors to refinish the exterior. All new siding. Andy and I started on the lower areas. Thanks a bunch to Chad Frizzell and his buddy Matt climbing the ladders.

Nephews Nathan and Colin Karremans and their friend Neil are wizards doing stone installation and blended the new stone into the existing on the front. Andy and I laid the random stone walkway to the front door.

We have to thank a bunch of family and friends for helping out. In no particular order: Andy, Crystal, Dan, Angela, Liam, Violet, Ann Marie, Nadine, Cathy, Ralph Holden, David Shane, David Holden, Pete Holden, and of course Odie. Kids (& in-law kids), grandkids, friends, and local folks for your interest and support. Lots of previously mentioned (paid) people.

Apologies if I forgot someone. Thanks to you all!

How many loads of soil fill? So far, we’ve counted places for about six loads.

Always takes more! Thanks to Jason Burns and Hay Bay for trucking and levelling.

Most importantly, have fun with your mister or missus and maintain your sense of humour. Take lots of coffee breaks. At the end of the day, wine and beer work for that also (just not when you’re on duty).

How many loads of gravel? Ian Hudson re-worked the driveway and drainage and saved us a ton (pun intended).

One major job is just the pickup, clean up, chainsaw, trim, reclaim of the over growth that has been allowed to encroach. Our cousins Rea and Nadine spent hours helping out. We all painted together inside one day also.

Marie and I enjoy working together on projects like this. She’ll try anything and we hardly ever get on each other’s nerves. We know we can count on each other. That means a ton to me.

The absolute best thing is, a house has been saved and is once again a home!

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9

A Natural View: Backyard Bird Declines, Should We Worry?

Terry Sprague

I

t’s natural to worry about vanishing birds – not as many orioles as last year in my yard, or my goldfinches have suddenly left my feeder. My barn swallows aren’t here this year. What am I doing wrong?

Probably nothing. Birds tend to be very nomadic, and fluctuations in local populations can occur from one year to the next for no particular reason. If declines or increases are gradual over a period of many years, then it becomes easier to assign a cause. Those of my vintage may recall the huge flocks of tree swallows that used to arrive August mornings and can remember them covering the trees and utility wires, so great were their numbers.

Concentrations were especially high in areas of cattail marshes, for it was here where congregating tree swallows roosted at night, once the nesting season was over for the year. Then it was off to the daytime perches at the first hint of light.

At least, that’s the way it used to be, when enormous clouds of tree swallows filled the eastern sky at daybreak in the fall of the year, then gathered in our weeping willows and on the hydro wires that passed by our house on the farm, just a kilometre from where we now live.

It just doesn’t happen anymore, and with few exceptions, tree swallows quietly disappear from the scene in the fall with little fanfare. Experts say the population has declined to almost half the population it was 25 years ago. Barn swallows, wood pewees, nighthawks and

chimney swifts have also been in decline.

Is it just a local thing, or is it more widespread, suggesting something more complex?

For other species, change in their numbers can be related to habitat change. The vesper sparrows that once nested on our old farm in large numbers have all disappeared. Many of the fields in which they once nested have been abandoned, succumbing to natural plant and tree succession. They simply have moved on to more hospitable abodes. In fields where killdeers and meadowlarks once cohabited, encroaching red cedars have welcomed another species, unknown to the farm checklist before the 1980s – the clay-colored sparrow. It is a specialist, and seeks out meadows that contain a few invading cedars, but not too many, for once the field becomes thick, it will move elsewhere where conditions are more favourable.

A particularly poor breeding season can result in lower numbers of birds the following year so we might see fewer numbers of certain species in our gardens following a bad season. Most songbirds take two or three years to recover from a terrible breeding season.

Backyards can offer a similar scenario.

When my wife and I moved to our lot in 1976, the two acres were remnants of an oat field and a hay field. Not a single bush or tree existed. In fact, the first species to be recorded when we staked out our fence border was, strangely enough, a rare sedge wren, who wheezed out his determined song for several weeks in the tall grasses. The lot was, in fact, so

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10

The SCOOP • August / September 2017

613-379-2903 613-354-4347 1 866-233-2062 storring@kos.net robert.storring@century21.ca

A nest of young Barn Swallows waits for dinner. Photo by Terry Sprague. barren, that even killdeers seldom dared to chance the wide open spaces.

Today, killdeers have entirely disappeared from our two acres; now we have both catbirds and brown thrashers nesting in our hedgerows and bushes, and warbling vireos in our silver maples.

The habitat has changed, and we deliberately chose native shrubs and trees that produced the seeds and berries that would attract what we wanted.

Today, it is a treat to sit under our spreading maple tree and watch the variety of wildlife that we now have – birds, snakes, turtles, moths and butterflies – things we never had before.

There is no question that as our human population explodes by 80 million people every year, the world will continue to see declines of many wildlife species. Disappearing habitat, pesticide use, migration hazards – all are sounding the death knell for many.

Barn swallows, for example, have decreased in numbers by 65 percent since 1965. Under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, animals considered a species at risk, such as barn swallows, and their habitat must be protected. However, this did not stop officials at Kingston’s Norman Rogers Airport from closing hangar doors on hundreds of nesting barn swallows this spring, leaving countless starving fledglings in their nests. Anyone who read the news stories reeled in disgust.

However, for every bad news story, there are good stories. Like the construction

company workers who replaced the 401 bridge over the Salmon River north of Shannonville several years ago and who spared no expense in their concern for the nesting swallows. Or, the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory who just built a huge barn swallow nesting shelter this summer.

Creating backyard wildlife habitat as many have done will not save the world, but it does allow us to enjoy what we have left for a bit longer, even in our own backyards. This is something we need to work on in our own backyards as so-called legislation to protect declining species and Species at Risk has proven useless and no longer exists in any meaningful form, if it ever did.

No doubt about it. Many species are not as common as they once were. Too many have reached tragic levels. That much we know. However, the sudden and temporary disappearance of backyard orioles, hummingbirds, swallows or goldfinches through the seasons is nothing to worry about, unless it continues to take place over many decades. It could be little more than some favourite bushes or trees being removed from the setting, a change in available food, or just the whims of the bird in question to roam. Hang in there.

Things may look better another year.

For more information on birding and nature, check out the NatureStuff website at www.naturestuff.net. Terry Sprague lives in Prince Edward County and is self-employed as a professional interpretive naturalist.

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New Chapter for The Tamworth Hotel Refining Character Though Building Restoration Katherine Burrows

I

n epic sagas of literature, places often become characters in the story. The Tamworth Hotel is such a place in the village story. To hear the collection of memories shared by locals about the building is to get a strong sense of its personality.

Current owners Carol Brown and Kevin Hilliker say they’ve been told many stories of the Hotel’s colourful history since purchasing the building in 2015.

They’ve heard from a man who lived above the bar in the 1950’s and a musician whose band played at the Hotel in the 1960’s. They’ve even been fortunate enough to connect with a woman who was born there and is now in her 90’s.

Kevin notes that 1840 is the earliest date that the hotel is mentioned. Built by Samson Shields, who owned the brick factory, the Tamworth Hotel has had many owners since that time, including my parents from 1985 to 1990. Tales from more recent decades are equally memorable. One Facebook post sums it up well, “If those ‘ole walls could talk... the generations of tales they would tell.... sweet memories of good times… good friends... good music!”

Good times, good friends, and good music are the main themes of Carol and Kevin’s vision for the Hotel’s story moving forward. Kevin shares that he loves historical buildings and the Tamworth Hotel is “an infamous location in so many ways”, and he wants to see it preserved. Inspired by the distinct heritage of the building, Carol and Kevin look to historical photographs of the Hotel to guide their restoration. Kevin sources materials and Carol performs many of the renovations herself. To date, one of the largest projects is the twostory deck, which offers seating for take-out customers of the newly opened Black Cat Café.

The Black Cat Café is run by Carol, Kevin and their daughter, Helen, who came up with the café name, designed the logo, and collaborates on the creation of their signature beverages, snacks, and treats.

Helen explains that she chose the name in honour of the book by Edgar Allan Poe and that the cat in her logo is intended to resemble a coffee bean.

Carol, Kevin and Helen enjoy working on the project together and appreciate the many contributions by both Carol’s and Kevin’s parents. Carol notes that it is a big project, complex. And that “out of the options fast, cheap, and good you can only have two of the three. The Hotel renovations will be good and affordable.”

After a richly guided tour, I can emphatically attest to the quality of the repairs. In many ways, I grew up in this building, spending so much time here from the age of 9 to 14. Still, I had to stop and think to reorient myself as to where I was in the building. Gone are the shuffleboard and pool tables; the dated carpet and chairs, the tables covered with ashtrays. Walls have been removed.

The open design and natural light make the atmosphere bright and cheerful now.

Space has been renovated on the first floor for Jennifer Jefferson’s Second Time Treasures consignment store. Unique finds range from furniture, antiques, and collectables to clothing, art, and home décor. Jennifer purchased the business in fall 2016 and spent all winter scouting for a Stone Mills location to rent. Long story short, the Tamworth Hotel was mentioned, Jennifer stopped by to talk with Carol and see the space, and the rest of the story is another page in the Hotel’s history.

Jennifer recommends that customers return to Second Time Treasures often, as the stock is ever changing. She is delighted that people often come in and spend hours looking through her store, and loves coming to work, because each day brings new, unexpected items (and visitors) through the door.

Passionate about supporting other business owners, Jennifer encourages local artisans to approach her about carrying their work. She already sells local goats’ milk soap, lavender, wooden earrings, repurposed piano parts, and gift baskets with homemade jams. Of Tamworth, Jennifer says it is “a great village, with a great sense of community.” She appreciates it when people spread the word about the Tamworth Hotel, and recognizes that without community support, she “would not be able to do this.”

Carol loves having Second Time Treasures so close by and acknowledges

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The rejuvenated Tamworth Hotel. Photo by Samantha Fenwick. that most of the furnishings for the Black Cat Café were purchased from Jennifer.

Carol notes, “The most surprising thing is how well we work together.” Jennifer adds, regarding the foursome, that it “feels like we’re all in this together.” She raves that the space in the Hotel is perfect, with the best landlords, who converted the space from a room full of construction materials to store-ready in 16 days and have continued to support Jennifer with getting her business off the ground. And Jennifer highly recommends the ice cream from the Black Cat Café, which I enthusiastically

second, after having tried some with Carol’s homemade caramel sauce.

Future pages in the Tamworth Hotel’s saga over the next 4 or 5 years will include continued renovations on the second and third floors, with additional space eventually becoming available for rent. All four entrepreneurs are excited to participate in the local economy. They are doing their part to make Tamworth a travel destination. When visitors tell stories of their time in Tamworth, no doubt The Tamworth Hotel will be one of the main characters.

The Black Cat Café

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11

Do You Remember: The Family Herald?

Glen R. Goodhand

I

n 1900, there were 112 newspapers of significance printed in Canada. Those in major cities like Toronto and Montreal used to blanket the countryside with weekly supplement editions. Two of the most prominent publications of this kind were The Star Weekly (from the Toronto Star) and the Family Herald and Weekly Star (from the Montreal Star).

The latter was the brainchild of Hugh Graham, who, after many years in the business, partnered in the establishment of the (Montreal) Evening Star in 1869. To reach outlying areas, in 1870 he created the weekly edition of his Star, the Family Herald and Weekly Star. By 1895, it was selling 70,000 copies, more than half in Ontario and the Maritimes, giving his publication a wide influence beyond its home market. Subscription to this magazine was, amazingly, only one dollar per year.

This publication dealt with everything (in the proverbial sense) from “soup to nuts.” With the early editions, the subscribers got a real “bang for their buck.” The thirteen pages were packed with whatever topic was in focus. Each page had eight columns, and only the major or minor headings separated the lines of fine print.

Top heavy with rural interests, its sections covered “veterinary,” “legal,” “medical,” and “agricultural.” There was also fodder for curious thinkers regarding poetry, advice on etiquette, as well as news from every corner of the continent.

The “veterinary” segment dealt with everything from getting rid of sheep ticks to treating a horse’s swollen leg. The “medical” section gave tips on blackhead cures, asthma, and neuralgia. Farmers were directed on “agricultural” themes about the best cows for profit in dairy, or proper storage of apples for the winter.

To save on lawyer’s fees, readers were able to seek counsel on rights regarding pasture rental, or if a village was responsible for drainage when a newlydug basement filled with water. Readers could also find out if a couple had been engaged for a time, and the groom

backed out on the marriage plans if he could be sued for “breach of promise.”

Weekly news of the most mundane or bizarre kind randomly flooded several pages of each issue. Some items fell under the heading of “Telegrams Condensed,” and touched on such “flashes,” as 700 Texas Steers walking through Morris, Manitoba on their way to Winnipeg; and 600 men out of work in Sherbrook, Quebec because the Magog River had dried up, shutting down the mill.

In contrast, out of Green County, in the Southern USA, a woman was out gathering blackberries when a snake called a Black Racer attacked her. It started to coil itself around her body, gradually working its way to her neck, beginning to choke her. At the last minute, her husband heard her screams, and, just as she fainted, he crushed its head. The reptile measured 11 feet in length and was as big around as a man’s wrist.

Each issue included a chapter from an ongoing serial story; counsel on proper conduct in social and romantic relationships, recipes, and many bold ads dealing with patented medical treatment for consumption, blood purification, and digestive complications.

As time passed the paper morphed into a more typical tabloid-style publication, with a pictorial cover, and photographs and illustrations interspersed in the gradually increasing sized periodical. In 1959 the journal switched to a colour format, with varying themes gracing the cover, always pinpointing a spin on country living—everything from a flock of sheep to an apple orchard.

The news segment was significantly reduced, with an “Editorial Viewpoint” majoring on rural themes, and world events taking a back seat.

Tips on effective fertilization, current market prices, surviving the small farm scene, the Common Market’s influence on local agriculture, selective hog, cattle, and sheep breeding, wise use of “waste land,” safety in barn buildings, and the

advantage of careful budgeting, filled its pages.

There was a feature on long-range weather forecasts—a key during planting and harvesting seasons. Sage advice in raising children, covering everything from getting them to bed without major warfare to teaching them about care in choosing dating partners, indicated household concerns were as vital as treating cows for warble flies.

Homemakers were given directions in the area of needlecraft, harmony in decorating, full-colour recipes to keep the family’s tummies satisfied, and sample bedtime stories for children.

The author’s personal copy of the February 14, 1943 edition of the Family Herald.

Seed catalogues spared no cost in providing endless choices for vegetable and flower gardens. Continuing stories in the serial mode were skillfully illustrated to allow the eye-gate as well as the imagination to make these tales come alive. Crossword puzzle fans were not neglected, and each issue featured words and music of “Old Favourites” songs.

Tickling the reader’s funny bone was not forgotten. Single panel cartoons were evident in each issue. In one edition, two nurses were observed bending over a young man, apparently an expectant father. He had fainted—holding all sorts of sports equipment coveted by boys. “I just told him it was a girl!” one announced.

But the primary focus on amusement was the long-standing comic, “Juniper Junction”, first drawn by Jimmie Frise in 1919 (for the Toronto Star as “Birdseye Centre”), and taken over by Doug Wright in 1948 after the cartoonist’s death. It aped life in a small village (probably a takeoff of Seagrave, a small hamlet on

Lake Scugog).

Farm implement companies dotted the pages with promotions of their brand of tractors, ploughs, and mowers. Ads for home-style cures for asthma, bronchitis, and rheumatism carried over from the old issues—and mail order pharmaceuticals were added. Classifieds covered everything from film developing, to tombstones, to dress patterns, to electronic courses by mail.

Last, but not least, sports were also included. In the 1950s, renowned journalist Baz O’Meara was conscripted to pen a thumbnail sketch of current events, especially in hockey—entitled “Along the Sport Highway.”

The Country Gentleman, the Farmer’s Advocate, and the Canadian Countryman were other periodicals published especially for those living on rural routes; but the Family Herald wasn’t tagged “Canada’s National Farm Magazine” for nothing.

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Come in and see our huge selection of bars, tarts, pies, baked goods, & NEW MENU ITEMS Over 20 YEARS of serving the community great foods AUGUST/SEPTEMBER HOURS Tuesday 9-5 Wednesday 9-5 Thursday 9-5 Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-6 Sunday 9-4 Follow us on Facebook @ The river bakery café & patio llbo We look forward to serving you!

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The SCOOP • August / September 2017

The TECDC 2016-17 Concert Series On November 25, we are very pleased to present St. John’s based Fortunate Ones.

They were nominated for the 2016 Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, have received 5 East Coast Music Awards including Album of the Year and Group Recording of the Year, are winners of 4 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards and have garnered 2 number 1 singles on CBC Radio 2’s Top 20. Fortunate Ones won the 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year and were nominated for the 2016 International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year.

Mark Oliver

T

he Tamworth Erinsville Community Development Committee believes that a unique way to enhance life and commerce in our area is by improving the cultural aspect of living in the community through the promotion of the performing arts.

Last year, we actively supported Canadian music and the local community through the TECDC Concert Series.

Those concerts attracted more than 600 attendees, and while most are local music lovers, many came from an astonishingly broad geographic area stretching from Philadelphia to Ottawa to Collingwood, the GTA and Peterborough.

The map at right illustrates how the capture area for our audience has evolved.

The first show of 2018 is on January 13 and features a Toronto based quintet, Union Duke. They perform a blend of bluegrass, country and rock ’n roll with multi-instrument and five part vocal richness. They have four albums to their credit, and their talent, energy and diversity will make this show one to remember.

Based on the overwhelming success of this not-for-profit venture, we are offering another, very exciting series of concerts this coming year and we are pleased to share the line-up for the upcoming performances. In keeping with past practice, we are offering a diverse series with a variety of musical styles.

Some of the performers are at the early stages of a up-and-coming career, some are well established and are making their presence known in the Canadian music scene, and others have already left their imprint on Canadian music fans.

The Valentine’s show takes place February 10 and features Old Man Luedecke, a three-time JUNO Award winner who plays banjo and guitar. He has also won Music Nova Scotia’s Folk Album of the Year award in 2012 and the East Coast Music Award for Album of the Year in 2017.

The Ennis Sisters visit the Tamworth stage on April 21. They are JUNO Award recipients as well as SOCAN Award winners, have acquired multiple East Coast Music Awards as well as numerous Music Newfoundland & Labrador Awards. Their performance of folk songs with a twist of Newfoundland Irish and some step dancing blended in has proven to be an excellent show wherever they go.

Saturday, October 21 is the kick-off show and features blues-oriented, multiple award winning Rita Chiarelli and her band Sweet Loretta. Rita brings her 3-octave vocal range supported by a six piece band that features some of Canada’s very best blues musicians to the Tamworth stage for what promises to be a high energy performance.

The grand finale of the upcoming series

takes place May 12 when Canada’s Stampeders rock the Tamworth Legion.

Although just the mention of their name brings the song Sweet City Woman to mind, they had ten songs become Top Ten Hits in Canada; songs like Oh My Lady, Wild Eyes, and Carrie Me to name a few.

Of special note for this fall is that the Tamworth Legion has been selected by the Ontario Festival of Small Halls to host a special matinee show as part of this festival, on Sunday, September 17 featuring the Great Lake Swimmers.

The TECDC concert series, a not-forprofit venture, has presented more than forty performances since it began. All shows take place in the acoustically amazing Tamworth Legion Hall, officially named Abbott Hall. Since it is all about the music, it is worth mentioning that every performer makes mention of the great sound they experience in that

facility and more than one has stated that the sound in the Legion hall is superior to that in many of the larger “soft seat” theatres they often perform in. So, a great listening environment with clean sight lines and intimate seating (no need to watch performers on TV screens) and the opportunity to meet and greet the musicians merge to provide a highly enjoyable experience.

All shows are at the Tamworth Legion and start at 8:00 p.m. with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. Seating is by general admission with the exception being season ticket holders who get reserved seats. Tickets for shows appear at several local merchants; the River Bakery & Café, BON ECO, Stone Mills Family Market and Marie’s Place, Napanee, a few weeks before each concert. However, tickets can be ordered directly from Mark Oliver by telephone 613 379 2808.

THE BOOK SHOP Bridge St. E. at the foot of Peel

TAMWORTH 113 Richmond Blvd. #8 Napanee, ON K7R 3Z8 t. 613-409-1500 f. 613-409-1501

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POETRY READING

Anne Archer & John Donlan SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Free and at 2 p.m.

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

13

Do I Hear Five-Fifty?

Ron Betchley

I

n the belief that one man’s trash may be another’s treasure, we have always hunted a true bargain for that which is in need, for without need can there truly be a bargain? We too have on occasion wallowed in the glow of a successful purchase of something, a knickknack perhaps, at a phenomenally low price only to be stumped by the question “Yes, but what are you now going to do with it?”

This persistent outlook for a bargain brings us to an occasion where when moving from one apartment to another in Montreal, there was need of proper dining room furniture. Certainly a table with chairs but also a china cabinet to store among other things some of those “Yes, but what are you now going to do with it?” items. Taking advantage of an auction house in town, we decided to see just what might be available to us under their gavel. The process of viewing and assessing the laid out contents of an auction house is in itself exciting, but the exhilaration of the action itself can be habit forming, sometimes humbling if not downright dangerous.

Of the several dining room suits destined to come up on the block one in particular caught our eye. A lovely oval table with four chairs, two with arms, and a matching china cabinet, all handsomely made in cherry. It did not show signs of wear, any wear at all, but did exhibit slight damage. Concern for the obscure scratch on the cabinet was immediately nullified in noticing the one bent leg of the table. An auction house employee noting our interest came over and advised us that the set was in fact never used. It had been contained in a delivery truck that was involved in a road accident, the contents as one may expect found in varying degrees of damage. Our interest piqued, we scurried beneath the table to find that the damaged leg was but a matter of a bent bolt meant to hold it upright something we considered a minor problem and easily repairable by ourselves. With no concept of the real value of this furniture, it not being in league with the variety of antique furniture displayed, and feeling that the bent leg was sure to be an auction spoiler, we set our budget low at five hundred dollars.

On the night of the auction, we seem to be the only interested party in this lot.

However, once the limited bidding commenced there followed an array of suspect counter offers. Alas and again from the far side of the room came that smug vocal extension of the raised and oscillating paddle, muttering the words “five hundred”. We then realized that this deal, our planned our budgeted deal was not to be. “Do I hear five-fifty?” called the auctioneer. The room went silent. He was now looking directly at us. Again, he asked the question and again silence. Holding his gavel aloft for what seemed an eternity and unmistakably directing an upward nod towards us, he finally announced, “Selling for five hun…..” and with the

rush of the adrenaline that shot through me, I blurted out “FIVE-FIFTY.” With a broad smile, the auctioneer brought down his gavel, its sound echoing throughout the room, emphasizing his ability to obtain yet one additional bid as he bellowed, “SOLD for five hundred and fifty dollars.” Although exceeding our agreed-to budget, we were nonetheless contented and relieved owners of the set, bent leg and all. Although unlikely, we had to wonder what may have happened had there been subsequent bids. Our constrained delays in increment bidding due to budget was, we thought, sufficient to emphasize that there was an amount where we would go no higher. If his sale was to be in fact a sale at all, the auctioneer must have known it was to be with us. And so, to we the victors a most desirable almost new dining room set. To the loser(s) possibly pride in fulfilment of job description.

As elated new owners of the set, we had no concept of the quality nor actual value of what we had just purchased.

After delivery, during the simple and successful repair to the table leg, we noted the wood-burned embossed name of Gibbard found on each piece of furniture. It meant nothing to us at the time. It was years later when we eventually moved here to Yarker and while shopping in Napanee that we realized that our dining room set had been made right here in Lennox and Addington by the craftsmanship of the Gibbard company who had been producing quality furniture here since 1835. The actual value of our phenomenal purchase far exceeded the auctioned price. Our set had been originally constructed for customers in Montreal and transported there in that misadventurous truck. The outcome of that accident resulted in the damaged goods being sent to auction, the Gibbard set falling into our hands, and eventually transported back home so to speak in our move to Yarker In a previous issue of The SCOOP I mused that when some years ago we chose the Stone Mills area to settle, it seemed to be, in part, a predestined decision for, as a child, I remember engrossing myself in an insatiable but unexplained study of maps of this very area. If by adding to that the manner in which our Gibbard furniture set found its way back to its origins, our feelings of karma and destiny in our move here can only be heightened. But we have wondered at times just what might have been but for that additional fifty bucks…

WAYLEN CAR WASH

The SCOOP • August / September 2017

A

fter days of rain, the sun emerged on the morning of Saturday, June 24 in time for the Cloyne Pioneer Museum & Archives Season Opening, and Dedication of Benny’s Lake Heritage Park. A large crowd gathered to recognize this special occasion jointly organized by the Township of North Frontenac, Mazinaw – Lanark Forest Inc., Land of Lakes Garden Club, and the Cloyne & District Historical Society. J.J. (Red) Emond was master of ceremonies, and the musical groups were the Pickled Chicken string band, Tunes and Tea Ukulele band, First Nations Drum Band, Bon Echo Rocks Choir, and French soloist Martine Buissart. Eileen Flieler recited a poem about Benny’s Lake, Carol Morrow presented the Museum with a beautiful quilted work depicting provinces and territories of Canada, and Benny’s Lake Heritage Park was officially recognized with ribbon cutting and speeches. Hand painted floral art by the Land of Lakes Garden Club was displayed on the museum walls, and the new footpath and newly planted trees in the

park were introduced. The Coffa group cooked up a B.B.Q. for the hungry.

We were honoured by the presence of Mayor Ron Higgins (North Frontenac Township) and Reeve Henry Hogg (Township of Addington Highlands).

Uniquely, Cloyne sits partially in both townships. Mayor Higgins acknowledged the work of volunteers and Reeve Hogg reminded us of the devastation of the park by the microburst in 2002 that necessitated the replanting done by Mazinaw-Lanark. Also adding greetings was Chief of the Shabot-Obaadjiwan First Nation, Doreen Davis, and MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington, Mike Bossio. The 2018 Heritage calendar was available from Cecily Matacheskie, and Wendy Hodgkin unveiled her Irish Chain Quilt being raffled for the museum. Many volunteers and donations made this celebration possible. We are humbly appreciative.

More information and photos are online at cloynepioneermuseum.ca and on Flickr. The Museum is open every day in August from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

The Pickled Chicken String Band, one of the groups who performed at the Cloyne Pioneer Museum’s season opening and Canada 150 celebration.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 MAPLE DAY – all things maple at the Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 BUTTER TART CHALLENGE (Please contact SLFMInformation@gmail.com for more information.)

ATVs and trailers SHINING…

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Marcella Neely

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 HERITAGE FESTIVAL PROMOTION – FRONTENAC BLADES – tomahawk/knife throwing demonstration

Keep your boats, motors,

Dave & Barb Way

Wasn’t That a Party

CTY RD. 4, TAMWORTH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 THE FIVE WOODWIND QUINTET – returning by popular demand to the Market. Starting at 10 a.m.

STORY WALK – for children and families, sponsored by the Kingston Frontenac Public Library 10 a.m. – 12 noon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 LAST MARKET OF THE SEASON

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Interested in Food?

Isn’t Everyone?

Tourists in Our Own Country

Dianne Dowling

Grace Smith

E

veryone should have enough food to eat, right? Good food, affordable food, safe food.NIn a nutshell, that is the vision of the Food Policy Council (FPC) for Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox-Addington, an organization formed in 2013 to work toward a more secure, accessible and sustainable food system in our region.

Knowing that everyone shares an interest in food, I hope you will read on to learn more about your local food policy council, and perhaps be motivated to contact us with suggestions for food policy improvements.

The council includes members who are involved in community organizations related to food security, health, farming, sustainability, economic development, education and research, as well as representatives from local government.

As the council name suggests, the FPC advocates for the development of food-related policies within businesses, organizations and governments (local, provincial, and federal). In the past, we have held public forums about food issues, to exchange information and ideas with community members. We have been involved in the development and review of food-related municipal policies, and have participated in provincial and federal government consultations.

Our work is based on the KFL&A Food Charter, a statement of values and priorities for a healthy and self-reliant food system. The charter was developed by the KFL&A Healthy Eating Working Group, a group that evolved into the FPC.

The Food Charter aims to “celebrate and champion nourishment for all,” through six categories of objectives related to food and farming: • celebrate community and culture • promote the health of individuals, families and our community • improve education • protect our environment • uphold social justice • foster economic sustainability of our community In the fall of 2016, the council decided to focus on two priorities in 2016-17 – the connection between income security and food security, and advocacy for more food-related curriculum and activities in elementary schools in our area. We are researching current policies and “best practices” in these two areas, and plan to develop policy recommendations, as well as sponsor information sessions.

Thanks to sessions organized by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, we have been able to meet with members of other food policy groups in eastern Ontario. These meetings were a great opportunity to learn about the workings and activities of these groups and to find out how diverse and how similar we are.

The FPC meets once a month, with sub-committee work in between full council meetings. We have about 15 members, who join for two-year, renewable terms. We put out a call for applications in the spring each year, looking for new members, 18 years of age or older, who live or work in KFL&A.

We invite you to learn more about the Food Policy Council for KFL&A at our website, www. foodpolicykfla.ca, and to contact us at info@foodpolicykfla.

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Dianne Dowling, an organic dairy and beef farmer on Howe Island, is active in local food and farm organizations, and is a member of the Food Policy Council for KFL&A.

S

ummer can mean so many different things to many different people: a break, no school, warm weather, the sunshine, camping, cottages, fireworks, swimming, and fun among many others.

But for my family, this summer it also means road trips.

Road trips are like a rite of passage. You and your family cramped in a vehicle as you make your way across the landscape.

And for my siblings and me, this will be our first real road trip.

We plan to take the last two weeks of our summer vacation to explore our beautiful country we call home. We’ll be making our way across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and landing in Alberta.

Most of us haven’t been west of Ontario, and we’re excited to take in all that Canada has to offer. But first, we have to plan.

First, we had to decide on a destination.

It would have to appeal to all of us, kids and adults alike. Those that like video games as well as those that enjoy the outdoors. We chose Edmonton because of its excitement and proximity to Alberta’s natural wonders.

From there, we started to map out a tentative route. Everyone had an opinion on where we needed to stop and what we needed to see. We’ve got a growing list of possible places to explore. So far we’ve survived the planning, so hopefully, that means we’ll survive the trip.

enough to keep us from killing each other along the way.

Hopefully, the scenery will help to distract us as well. I am beyond excited to take in the amazing world around me, to venture out west, to be a tourist in my own country.

And there’s no better time to enjoy the wonder that Canada has to offer. The celebrations of Canada’s 150th birthday worked to highlight the best parts of us as a nation and this road trip will allow us to explore and to enjoy the best of the best.

From zip lining at Eagle Canyon in Thunder Bay to visiting the Forks in Winnipeg to hitting water slides at the West Edmonton Mall to exploring Jasper National Park, we plan to do it all.

Road trips are not for the weak of heart.

They are jammed pack with excitement but also filled with endless hours of driving. But if you’re with the right people and you’ve got the right attitude, road trips can open up the world around you.

SCOOT & ROLLER AROUND THE RINK

All eight of us can’t make the trip, but there’s still six of us going. Six members of my crazy family. And six people, especially ones like us, contained in a small space for prolonged periods of time should be interesting at the very least.

We’ve been working on coming up with things to do, to keep us busy during the long drive there and back. We’ve been building a massive playlist with everyone’s favourite music on it. We have been voting on movies to take with us. We’ve been making a list of road trip games to play on the road. Fingers crossed that we have come up with

For updates, visit the Event page on Facebook @TheScoop.ca WHERE: Stone Mills. Rec. Centre WHEN: Fridays in August 4-5 p.m.

Free August summer drop-ins for kids aged 6-12: Ride on over with your scooter, rollerskates, in-line skates, and heelys/heel wheels, and enjoy one hour on the smooth surface of the Tamworth indoor rink. *Six brand new scooter boards free to use!* Helmets required (bring your own, along with your wheels), and protective gear is highly recommended.

No registration required, just drop in!

No fee, admission is free.

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

15

Help for an Endangered Songbird Nicole Senyi

L

ast month, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced the expansion of an important conservation area in eastern Ontario. The non-profit group recently purchased 16 hectares (40 acres) of key habitat on the Napanee Plain Alvar Nature Reserve in Stone Mills Township.

The property is an important breeding and feeding area for many grassland birds, including the endangered eastern loggerhead shrike. The site also has globally rare alvar habitat and lies within the Napanee Limestone Plain Important Bird Area.

One of the fastest-declining bird species in North America, the migratory shrike is a classic example of an “area-sensitive species” in that it requires large areas of open terrain before it is comfortable enough to nest. Few regular, protected nesting areas remain for the eastern loggerhead shrike. It is believed that less than 30 breeding pairs are remaining in the wild in North America.

One of North America’s great limestone plain landscapes, the Napanee Plain is a rich complex of wetlands, forests, lakes, grasslands and alvars, the latter of which are found in just a handful of places in the world. It is also one of the areas where NCC partners with Wildlife Preservation Canada to assist with shrike recovery efforts.

The Napanee Plain natural area is home to several species at risk, including Blanding’s turtle, eastern milk snake,

least bittern and butternut. It also supports three globally imperiled plant community types found in alvar habitats.

This Nature Conservancy of Canada project was generously supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Natural Areas Conservation Program. Private donors, including the Kingston Field Naturalists, provided crucial matching funds for the project.

To date, NCC has protected more than 747 hectares (1,846 acres) in the Napanee Plain area.

Did You Know...

• Alvars are naturally open habitats with a thin to non-existent covering of soil over a base of limestone or dolostone. Because of the limited soil, fewer plants grow on alvars, resulting in naturally open habitats that are perfect for grassland birds, including the eastern loggerhead shrike.

• Sometimes referred to as the “butcher bird,” the eastern loggerhead shrike is one of North America’s few predatory songbirds.

Using its strong, hooked beak, the shrike impales its prey, typically large insects, on thorns or barbed wire of fences. As the shrike does not possess the strong grasping legs of a raptor, this technique allows it to tear apart and consume its prey or leave it for later consumption.

• The Napanee Plain Alvar Nature Reserve provides valuable habitat to captive-reared, released eastern loggerhead shrikes and aids in the species’ recovery.

Tamworth Lions Club

Annual Fish Fry & Corn Roast Tamworth Arena Sunday August 20, 4-7 p.m.

Music by Land O’ Lakes Cruisers. Music starts at 3 p.m.

Adults $15 / Children 5-12 $8 / Children under 5 FREE Enjoy lots of fish & corn • Dance to good country music Over 400 people attend this event annually. During the past 28 years the Lions have raised over $78,000 with this event and have returned 100% back to support programs in your community.

The Lions appreciate your support!

Celebrate Canada 150 in L&A County Stephen Paul

T

he County of Lennox and Addington will be celebrating Canada 150 on Saturday, August 19 at 7 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable free evening of entertainment outside on the grounds of the Lennox & Addington County Court House. Lennox and Addington County Court House is an important building within the County and Canada. Given its association with some of the first families of Upper Canada, it is a very fitting venue to celebrate the 150th anniversary of confederation.

In 2014, Lennox and Addington celebrated our own 150th Anniversary.

Our Canada 150 Celebration will use a similar format and will feature an exciting line up of music and entertainment. The evening will feature Newfoundland based band The Irish Descendants. The Irish Descendants are a Juno award winning folk music group

16

from St John’s, Newfoundland. Their music is a blend of Irish Newfoundland songs and tunes.

Our musical line-up will also include the 70’s Revolution featuring Lennox and Addington’s award-winning vocalist Andrew Martin. Andrew and his band will be bringing us some of the greatest hits of the 1970s. Opening the evening is Sol and the Switchblades. Sol and the Switchblades are also from Lennox and Addington and are a three-piece rockabilly band playing music from the 50s and 60s.

Returning to Lennox and Addington for an encore performance is Circus Orange.

Circus Orange combines circus performances with pyrotechnics. We can guarantee that it will be an explosive performance.

For more information, please visit www.

County150.com.

The SCOOP • August / September 2017

Endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. Photo by Dave Menke.

Riding Horses Feeling the force of one thousand pound hoof beats against the sandy arena floor.

Breathing in the dust off the ground at a lope.

The feeling of our minds being stitched together, we soar as if we are birds.

Riding with the beat of your horse, realizing, this is love.

— Jazmin Radford

Solution to the crossword puzzle on page 17:

Puzzle Page Crossword: “Eight Is Enough” by Matt Gaffney

Word Search: Camping Out

Sudoku

August / September 2017 • The SCOOP

17

“In the Money” and “Crinolines and Confederation” Jane Foster

C

elebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with just a loonie admission to the Lennox and Addington County Museum, Napanee. During July and August, the County Museum is host to “In the Money,” a travelling exhibit from the Bank of Canada. This fun and engaging exhibit explores how paper is made, compares security and printing features, and provides insight into ancient coins and notes. Through interactive stations and displays, visitors will explore a behind-the-scenes glimpse of modern methods for developing, testing, and producing secure, innovative bank notes. Can good engraving foil a counterfeiter? What are those little holograms for? Visitors will have a chance to fold a polymer note and measure how many times it has already been folded, tilt the bills to watch vibrant colour changes of their holograph foils and inspect a polymer note that has been folded many times.

Lennox and Addington County has a notable link with paper currency. The Museum will also display one of the early promissory notes printed for issue by the Freeholders Bank of the Midland District at Bath in 1837. The beautifully engraved promissory notes of five and twenty-five shillings were printed by a New York firm.

In 1837, sixty-three subscribers formed the Freeholders Bank of the Midland District at Bath as an alternative to the Bank of Upper Canada and the Commercial Bank of the Midland District in Kingston. The Bath venture was part of a movement to establish banks under deeds of settlement, without formal incorporation. Many prominent local names were among the subscribers: Benjamin Ham, William Sills, Peter Davy, Samuel Clark, John Hawley, Hammel Madden, John V. Detlor, Phillip J. Roblin, Joshua R. Lockwood and Elijah Huffman.

A unique portrait of Napanee a few years before Confederation is presented in the work of photographer Stephen Benson (1843-1901). Benson came from Loyalist roots, and his father John Benson (1808-1882), served as Reeve of the Village of Napanee in 1855 and Clerk from 1860-1862. Reproduced from wet collodion glass negatives, Benson’s images give us a first-hand glimpse into what Napanee was like as Confederation dawned.

It was a promising decade. Lennox and Addington had come of age and was in the throws of separating from Frontenac and incorporating as an independent County.

John Stevenson, Reeve of the Village of Napanee, was the Provisional Warden.

His trend setting Italianate mansion set amid the tall pines on the western ridge looked down over the growing town.

Trade and commerce were at its centre, and merchant stalls were being built along the length of the Town Hall. Below the falls, Stevenson launched a new schooner, appropriately named the John Stevenson.

The Campbell House, a splendid new brick Italianate building, had recently been built opposite the Town Hall and to the north of the Hall, a new spired stone church replaced an earlier chapel on the site of the Eastern Methodist Church (Trinity). In 1867, Stevenson, then Warden of the newly independent County, was appointed speaker of the new Ontario Legislature.

Then, fast-forward a century to 1967 when Canada celebrated its 100th anniversary. It is a time well remembered by boomers when the “Jackie,” popularized by Jackie Kennedy, the mini and the hippie were popular.

Representations of these styles are

The articles of partnership were printed in a pamphlet distributed to the membership. Notes were to be issued by the Company, based on conveyance of the borrower’s right, title and interest in freehold property, and were payable in twelve months. The borrower, in return, was to give the Cashier of the Company a promissory note for the amount borrowed, due nine months after the note was issued. The Company would renew the promissory note as long as may be required by the borrower, on the security of real property.

When the Provincial Legislature passed an Act to protect the public from the injury of private banking, Peter Davy and 386 freeholders petitioned the Legislative Assembly to be allowed to continue. To their disappointment, the bank was directed to wind up its affairs.

James Fraser, William Sills and Benjamin Ham were appointed commissioners to settle the affairs of the bank. By November 1838, their dream had vanished.

In addition to “In the Money”, visitors will have an opportunity to view the Museum’s Canada 150 exhibits featuring what Canada wore at its milestone birthdays. In 1867, a collection of colonies along the St. Lawrence River in British North America were reshaped into a country with a common national identity. Growing national pride was reflected in fashion. Gigantic crinoline skirts, popularized by European fashion leaders, were also seen on the streets in the emerging urban areas in the young, energetic country.

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The SCOOP • August / September 2017

”Crinolines and Confederation”, part of the L&A County Museum’s Canada 150 exhibits featuring what Canada wore at its milestone birthdays. displayed in the foyer cases, adjacent to “In the Money.”

The Lennox and Addington County Museum and Archives is located at 97 Thomas Street East in Napanee.

Find out more about this exhibit and other events at www. countymuseum.ca.

All this and more for just a loonie!

We’ve Got An Agent For You! Todd Steele 613-354-4810

Jesslynn Millen 613-372-2980

Donna Hodson 613-354-5680

Rick Bowen 613-354-4810

Nikole Walters 613-372-2980

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Sally Blasko 613-353-2739

Susan L. Wright 613-373-9733

Kathy McCaffrey 613-378-6847

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MIKE BOSSIO, M.P. Member of Parliament for Hastings—Lennox and Addington Main Office: 20-B Richmond Blvd, Napanee (Mon-Fri, 9am to 4pm) Satellite office hours throughout the riding—call for details!

mike.bossio@parl.gc.ca | Toll Free: 1-866-471-3800 www.mikebossiomp.ca

Ancient Ways Promise New Beginnings Susan Moore and Leora Berman

P

eople on the land know the intricacies of nature: how the turtles nest, where the wild leeks grow, when it is time to plant, harvest, and hunt. They watch the weather and know that big environmental changes are causing significant problems. These observations from people on the land will be appreciated this fall in traditional Knowledge Circles.

How? Indigenous Talking Circles are an ancient and traditional way of sharing knowledge and building community.

This will be the central part of the Knowledge Circles project, a grassroots model of inclusive leadership across our region that gives a voice to the people and their life on the land.

The Knowledge Circles project is the cornerstone of The Land Between organization (www.thelandbetween.ca) – a national non-governmental charity with a mandate to support and conserve the natural, cultural, and socioeconomic assets of this region – in partnership with the Hastings Stewardship Council and

Curve Lake First Nation. Funding for the Knowledge Circles project is being generously provided by the Government of Ontario under its Partnership Grant Program.

The Land Between bioregion spans nine counties stretching from Georgian Bay to the Ottawa Valley; situated between the St. Lawrence Lowlands (limestone based) and the Canadian Shield (granite based).

This region is what ecologists call an ecotone: an area of transition. Species from the north and the south meet here: moose and deer, blueberry and strawberry, river otter and woodchuck, and blackfly and mosquito. The region also has the highest mix and diversity of habitats in Ontario.

Knowledge Circle events will be held this fall in four locations across The Land Between region: 1. Simcoe/Muskoka/Haliburton 2. Peterborough/Kawarthas 3. Hastings 4. Lennox & Addington/Frontenac/ Lanark

The goals of these Circle events are to share local knowledge, understand the conditions of the land, get to know each other in our neighbourhoods, and these Eco Store & Naturopathic Clinic build relationships. A natural outcome of 46 Dundas Steet East, Napanee Talking Circles is the 613.308.9077 discovery of new solutions and added Your individual path to optimal health. capacity for action to meet the

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TURNER’S BARN REPAIRS & PAINTING

environmental problems we face.

To gather this local knowledge, we appeal to our experienced allies: farmers, hunters, anglers, woodlot and forest tract owners, beekeepers, gardeners, kayakers, hikers, and nature-lovers. You are the citizens invited to the Knowledge Circle events. Please note that political agendas are counterproductive to these gatherings; the focus is on grassroots efforts. (See the sidebar for how to register.)

Led by First Nation and community group members, a feather is passed around the circle allowing each participant to share their observations and voice their experiences. Everyone in the circle has equal status, and all are interconnected. Each contribution is valued for its insights into the state of our land and the priorities of people in our communities.

The Knowledge Circle gatherings offer another chance to share stories. A video booth will be set up to record and publish your accounts for a series called “TLB (The Land Between) Talks.”

WE WANT YOU!

Who knows the Land? Who can speak for the Land?

Nation will offer tools and resources to groups to support inclusive leadership practices. There will be opportunities to be mentored, including the use of the Talking Circle as a meeting model.

For more information, contact Leora Berman at info@thelandbetween.ca or 705-457-4838, or contact Matt Caruana at info@hastingsstewardship.ca or 613-3919034. For more about the project, visit knowledgecircles.ca

At the Knowledge Circles, you will make new friends and find many with like concerns. There is no charge for these events, and lunch is provided. Space is limited, so register early.

We are hosting Knowledge Circle conferences for landowners and resource-users (farmers, hunters, etc.).

Full-day (10 am – 4 pm) conferences will be held:

The plan is to hold Knowledge Circle events every two to four years. The benefits for our communities will be felt into the future, as new insights and improved relationships will increase our understanding and our ability to act. We also support new capacity in grassroots organizations. Throughout the year, The Land Between with Curve Lake First

• Saturday October 28 in Verona at Verona Lions Club, 4504 Verona Sand Rd. • Saturday November 4 in Madoc at Hastings Arts Centre, 230 Durham St. South Registration is required (the event is free): Please contact Leora Berman at 705-457-4838 or info@thelandbetween.ca or register online at knowledgecircles.ca

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Tree PlanTing?

FUNDING SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

If you are planting trees on your property, you may be eligible for funding assistance. Planting trees on your property helps fight climate change and

If you have at least 2.5 acres of productive land, you could qualify.

increases wildlife habitat and water conservation.

Call or visit us at:

Forests Ontario is working with its tree planting

Forests Ontario

partners across the province to deliver the Ontario government’s 50 Million Tree Program.

416.646.1193 www.forestsontario.ca/50mtp

Paid for, in part, by the Government of Ontario

Celebrate Canada 150

In Lennox & Addington

Saturday, August 19th at 7pm Outside at the County Court House 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Free Admission!

70’s Revolution

Featuring Andrew Martin

Bring a lawn chair!

Circus Orange

Sol & The Switchblades

The Napanee Beaver

The Irish Descendants

www.Celebrate150.com 20

The SCOOP • August / September 2017