Letters_11-05
Back to HomeLetters - February 3, 2011Letters: February 3
Re: Proposed Subdivision for Kennebec Lake, Terry Kennedy
Re: Civics class fundraiser, Timothy Rigby
Re: Daycare Woes, Jennifer Farnum & Mark Saunders
Re: Hello Verona, Barnaby, c/o Gordon McGaw, Verona
Re: Proposed Subdivision for Kennebec Lake
I would like to clarify your report of my statements to Central Frontenac Council at its meeting of January 25. I was not suggesting that there was a disagreement with staff from McIntosh Perry Consultants believing that lake capacity could be assessed by simple measures of Phosphorus found in a lake. I was indicating that this is the common approach used in the province but that it was too simplistic and we needed to work together to do better in Central Frontenac.
We have to acknowledge that factors such as sound intrusion, aesthetic alteration, shoreline habitat damage and other results of human activity, can all impact significantly on a lake and its residents. My intention was to point out that this reality should play a part in making decisions about approving the current subdivision proposal and in assessing those additional proposals that may come in the future.
The difficult part is coming to agreement on how these less tangible elements might be assessed and built into determining the capacity of a lake to handle further shoreline development.
The Kennebec Lake Association welcomes the opportunity to partner with McIntosh Perry and Central Frontenac in addressing this challenge.
Terry Kennedy, President,Kennebec Lake Association
Re: Civics class fundraiser
Thank you for covering the wonderful work of two of our students at SHS (Civics Class Fundraiser, January 27, 2011). As a teacher involved on a daily basis with the young people of our community I am aware of many such 'good news' stories in our school and school board. Our work is to prepare tomorrow's leaders by providing opportunities in areas such as sports, student council, drama, music, community involvement, the trades and academic excellence among others. When I hear disparaging words about my profession, I sometimes humorously offer the retort that I spend my days with a thousand teenagers and offer the opportunity for the speaker to join me. Most who have lived with a teenager in these challenging years are quick to decline the offer. You have blunted the humorous retort quite thoroughly with your story, because now everyone will know the facts. As well as dealing with the daily challenges, teachers also get to educate amazing young minds and influence the future through our students. With the likes of Kody and Jonathan the future is in good hands.
Timothy Rigby, Sydenham High School
Re: Daycare Woes
It was disheartening to read about the threat to our local daycare (Editorial: Daycare Woes, Frontenanc News, Jan. 27/11). It’s a shame that such a valuable community resource, dedicated to the community’s youngest children, could be at risk of closing.
Our two children have attended the daycare on a part-time basis for the past 3 years and we have been consistently impressed with the excellent care, enrichment and support from the staff. Our daughters look forward to going to see their friends and teachers and the daycare has played a huge role in preparing them for kindergarten next year, both academically and socially.
The level of professionalism, skill and training of all of the staff has always been exceptional, and the consistent support and kindness they offer extends to the parents as well as the children.
I hope that some resolution can be reached to help maintain this valuable childcare service so that new families in the future can have the opportunity to benefit from this excellent community resource.
Jennifer Farnum & Mark SaundersHello Verona
My name is Barnaby Bear and I am the mascot for class 2M (ages 6/7) at Larbert Primary school in Scotland. I have taken a two-week vacation to come here to learn about Canada, its customs and traditions. I hope to do sledging (tobogganing?) at Fort Henry Hill, Hockey at KROCK (as long as it’s not teddy bear toss night), meet Chris Whyman, the Town Crier (world’s number 1, eh?) and even will be going to school with my nephew Mason McGaw. I wish to observe the teaching here and hopefully enlist the class to be pen pals with my class, via writing and not email.(Shortbread will be provided). Whilst here, I will send postcards back to Scotland and keep a daily diary. On my return, I hope to educate my children about Hockey, Baseball, Football (not soccer), Ottawa the capital and winter sports, the history of Canada (and my fellow Scot Sir John A), how to make Totem poles, what the weather is like. I know! its minus something….absolutely freezing?) but I will learn how to dress in layers (toques?). The time difference, other types of bears and animals here, how maple syrup is made and all about the maple leaf and Canadian flag. In class on my return, I will teach them to sing O Canada and then they will make pancakes and discover the taste of real maple syrup that I bring them back. Photographs will be an important part of my trip so if you see me out and about, having my picture taken with my “wee” Scottish flag, please stop by and say hello, so I can tell them just how friendly Canadians are. While I am on vacation, the children have set up a Canadian tourist booth in their class, with flags and souvenirs.
Thanks for having me
Barnaby, c/o Gordon McGaw, Verona
