With a kick-off event from 7 - 9:30 pm on Thursday, November 26, Feral Five will be hosting a series of live musical evenings at The Crossing Pub in Sharbot Lake. Referred to as “Music and Friends”, the evenings are designed to showcase good quality, local, amateur musicians, and will take place on a regular basis (usually the 4th Thursday of the month). The featured guest for November will be Bob Miller, a skilled luthier (or maker of stringed instruments) who resides with his family in the Sharbot Lake area. He was an active member of the Toronto folk music scene in the late '70s and can best be described as a singer and multi-instrumentalist performing a mix of folk, Celtic music and instrumentals. I'm sure the audience will be in for an enjoyable performance. A $5 cover charge will be collected at the door. Anyone interested in a meal before the music starts, should make reservations at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn (613-279-2198) in advance.

After a break over Christmas and New Year's, “Music and Friends” will continue on the 4th Thursday of February, March and April, providing music lovers with an opportunity to escape from any 'cabin fever' that might be setting in during these winter months. Most of the line-up for these evenings has been set with the goal of exposing our audiences to both new talent and previous performers who have endeared themselves to our listeners. Having enjoyed hosting “The Center Stage Cafe” over the last number of years, we want to thank our friends at the Legion for their support and hope that our previous audiences will continue to join us at our new venue. We certainly look forward to many evenings of enjoyable, live, musical entertainment ahead.

On October 24, staff at Community Living-North Frontenac (CL-NF), were joined by many of the individuals they support along with a lively group of supporters from the local community at large, who together enjoyed a very memorable evening at the hall of St. James Major Catholic Church in Sharbot Lake.

The event, which attracted close to 100 costumed revelers, was the organization’s first ever Halloween-themed Masquerade Ball fundraiser. Community Living-North Frontenac is dedicated to providing individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families with equal opportunities to achieve independence and social acceptance in their communities, and the Saturday evening ball showed that they are succeeding in doing just that.

Marcel Quenneville, manager of supports and services with CL-NF, thought up the idea for the fundraiser with the hopes of making a splash in the community. The event not only achieved that goal but was a fun and memorable way for staff, the individuals they support and the community at large to come together while raising funds for the organization.

Emcee Brian Robertson said that when he was approached to host the event, he suggested that one of his former students, Johnathon Wisteard, whom he taught for years at Land O'Lakes Public School and who is now a grade 12 student at Granite Ridge, be offered the role as co-host. Robertson felt that Wisteard, who is one the many individuals that CL-NF supports, would be a stellar co-host at the ball due his love and keen knack for performing. He said, “Johnathon is someone who really loves to perform. It seemed a perfect fit for this event and demonstrates how the organization is striving to put the individuals they support front and center in the community.”

Wisteard nailed his role as co-emcee and thanked CL-NF for the many memorable opportunities that have come his way. Those have included a trip to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto and a visit to Eastern Cowboy Outfitters near Parham, among many others.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous assortment of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and a midnight meal courtesy of Primitive Catering as well as live musical entertainment from the local flute trio Toute Ensemble, and the Alan and Brian Duo.

Later in the evening guests danced to the tunes of local DJ Dave Barr, and Town Crier Paddy O'Connor also made a speech.

Dean Walsh, executive director of CL-NF, was dressed to the nines and was challenged to a memorable Can-Can dance competition. Walsh said the event was more about celebrating than fundraising and he was pleased to see so many members of the community take part.

Over 80 gift items were donated from the local community and were up for grabs in a silent auction. They included original art works, numerous gift certificates and more.

Brian Robertson, under the hat of president of the North Frontenac Little Theatre, headed up the hall's complete and astounding transformation into a mysterious, dimly lit, elegantly decorated night time haunt where white and black theatre face cut outs hung from the ceiling and metres of gold fabric fanned out from the centre of the room.

Judging from the turn out and the celebratory feeling, staff at CL-NF definitely not only made a splash but have started a wave.

This has been a year of transition for Gray's Grocery and more is coming.

Starting back in January, store owner Jonathan Desroche opened up a bake shop where the store's office used to be located, and ever since then the bake shop and catering business has steadily increased, to the point where “I would say it probably represents about 50% of our business now,” said Desroche when interviewed in the closet/office off the bake shop.

That is not to say that the grocery and deli sections of the store have taken a back seat.

“We still do everything we've always done,” said Desroche, “including having fresh meat from Gilmour's on 38 in Harrowsmith, Wilton Cheese and our deli counter. We've only added more.”

The bake shop sells breakfast sandwiches and savoury lunches, take-out dinners, fresh bread, pies, cookies, date squares, etc.

“I'd have to say that our butter tarts are our best selling single item, though,” he said. “We sell a lot of butter tarts just about every day - up to 200 a day in the summertime.”

The bakery also does catering jobs, large and small, and thanks to employee Chris Henderson, prepares custom decorated cakes for any and all occasions. All in all, Gray's Grocery employs seven people, most of whom work full time during the summer and part-time in the slower seasons.

The Desroche family has been in the retail business in Sharbot Lake for three generations. Jonathan's mom Sharon, who works behind the counter and bakes as well, operated Marg's Shoe Store for years, which was established by her mother-in-law Marg DesRoche.

“I think we understand how important it is, in a small town, to take the time to engage our customers, who are our neighbors, after all. It is also essential to make changes to bring in more customers and keep the business growing” said Jonathan Desroche.

To that end, Gray's will be selling pizza for takeout from Thursdays to Sundays starting this week. A customer appreciation event is set for tomorrow (Friday, October 30) between 11:30 and 12:30 to thank customers and to introduce Gray's Pizza. Free pizza and cake will be available for all customers over the lunch hour.

The Community Drop In is a weekly meeting place for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Each Wednesday about 25 people meet at the Anglican Church hall in Sharbot Lake to connect with friends, enjoy a friendly game or two and share a home-cooked noon meal. The Drop In, which began in 1996, is a collaborative effort between Northern Frontenac Community Services and Community Living-North Frontenac. Over the past 19 years the Drop In has grown from an average weekly attendance of 12 to a single highest gathering of 40 at a BBQ this past summer. Favourite meals include pork chops, Pizza and Lasagna, often served with homemade bread fresh from the oven. We wish to thank St. Andrew’s Anglican Church for their continued support over the past 19 years as well as many individuals who regularly donate their time and talents. Everyone is welcome at the Drop In every Wednesday from 9am till 3pm, where the first coffee is always free. See you at the Drop In.

Parham Library Update

In her remarks to council regarding the issues raised at a public meeting held on October 17 at the IOOF Hall in Parham concerning the fate of the Parham public library, Mayor Frances Smith said that there are hopes to put in place a strategy to get more people to use the library. She also said that a kiosk-style self-service library would not be a satisfactory solution since, “Fewer and fewer books would be accessed and closure from inactivity would eventually be inevitable.” Council plans to discuss the fate of the Parham library further at their 2016 budget discussions.

Parham Fire Hall Update

In a report to council, Central Frontenac Fire Chief Bill Young updated council on the progress of the construction of new fire hall in Parham. In August of this year council approved the construction of a new fire hall in Parham at the cost of $694,800, noting that an additional cost of $95,000 would be necessary for an added library/meeting room expansion to the building. To date the township has completed roughly one quarter of the project and has spent $206,782 to cover the associated legal fees, engineering services, the purchase of the land, surveys, a drilled well, a portion of the excavation and the framing of the building. A number of unexpected additional costs totaling $8,100 were noted in Young's report and included the costs of extra back fill, an oil interceptor, along with fire rated attic access hatches. The expected occupancy date for the new facility is late November/ early December 2015.

Budget Pressure Update

In an effort to mitigate the $255,000 discrepancy identified in council's 2015 budget, Treasurer Michael McGovern outlined a list of potential savings. These included a number of revisions to council's initial budget expenses that will result in accumulated savings, reducing the 2015 budget costs for gravel, salaries, repairs and replacements, capital programs, contaminated sites and loan deferrals. The results show that the 2015 budget of $5,502,342 will be reduced to $5,247,342. To date 61% ($3,188,573) of the 2015 budget has been spent.

Council accepted McGovern's report for information.

Tax Sales

In a report to council, Treasurer McGovern outlined how the municipality is authorized to commence the tax sale process on any properties in the township that have fallen four years into tax arrears, and he noted the upcoming sale of five properties in the township that fall into this category. A tax sale will take place on November 12. Tenders will be accepted in a sealed bid process until 3:00PM.

By-law approves 1/3 of councilors' salary to be deemed “expenses”

A by-law was passed by council approving that one third of the remuneration paid to councilors be deemed expenses. The by-law is effective as of December 2, 2015.

By-laws regarding new speed limits passed

A number of new speed limits were approved by council in the form of a new by-law and will be posted. These changes will include the following newly posted signs: a 40km/hour sign on the Arden Road north of civic number 5916, and a 60km/hr sign south of civic number 5916; a 50km/hr sign on the Henderson Road from Highway 7 to Baker Valley Road, a 60 km/hr sign from Baker Valley Road to the hamlet of Henderson and a 50km/hr sign in the hamlet of Henderson. Further, a new 60km/hour limit sign will be posted on Long Lake Road beginning at Public Beach Road and running south for 1000 metres.

On October 10 the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation held their chief and council elections.

Elected Chief Doreen Davis won 127 votes, over other candidates Joseph Galipeau and Ann Marie Wilson.

Councilors elected were Buffie Knapp Jamie Deyo, John Davis Jr., William St. Pierre and Josh St. Pierre. Danka Brewer and Donalda Wilson did not get enough votes to join the council.

The Chief Electoral Officer was Anne-Shirley Salmond and her assistants were Tammy McIvor, Jackie Salmond and Tammy Parks.  

In an effort to give local area moms a chance both to give and receive new and gently used clothing and toys for their children, a first time “Mom 2 Mom” sale was held at St. James Major Catholic Church in Sharbot Lake on October 17. Organized by Jennifer Ross, chair of the parent council at St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake, the sale was initiated as a way for local moms and their kids to get connected, network, and support each other as well as to exchange, sell or purchase items they are in need of. Organizers offered up an inexpensive not for profit lunch for moms and their kids as well as coffee and tea. A few youngsters had a chance to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and sold lemonade at one the tables in the hall. Ross said that Sharbot Lake was chosen as the location since it is central. “Those moms who would normally have to travel to Perth or Kingston or even further afield to find the items they are looking for may indeed find exactly what they are looking for right here”.

Having the sale in the early fall before winter arrives also gives moms a chance to purchase or exchange the items they need for the colder weather as well as to do a bit of early shopping for the upcoming holiday season. Ross said that based on the turnout, she may consider making the event an annual or bi-annual one. Proceeds from the event will support the parent council at St. James Major School and will help to fund various school activities and programs.

Council welcomes new public works manager

Mayor Frances Smith introduced to members of council and staff the township's new public works manager, John Badgley, who attended his first meeting after arriving from Peace River, Alberta where he had been working as an operations manager in highway maintenance. Badgley, who was born and raised in Tweed, Ontario, is now working alongside Steve Reynolds until he gets his bearings. The mayor also introduced students Luke Maloney and Amanda Herbert from the University of Guelph, who are studying rural planning and development.

Council approves road signage to deter trespassers

In a delegation to council, Central Frontenac resident Alyce Gorter addressed the issue of hunters and ATVers trespassing on her private road and property. In 2014, the owners of a hunt camp near the property received township approval to construct a road from Fifth Lake and Mountain Roads, which follows the municipal boundary for a short distance. In a letter to council, Gorter explains that this approved road “now leads directly to a long established road that was developed by a local land owner for his private use” and one, that Gorter claimed “has not now, nor has ever been open to the public.

Gorter said that drivers on the approved road are now continuing along the private road and that “despite the installation of a hinged gate and a large 'private property' sign”, the road is still being used by the public, mainly by hunters and weekend ATVers to access interior lakes and camps. Gorter claimed that not only was the hinged gate removed by trespassers but beaver dams on her property have been either damaged or removed altogether.

Her first request was for signage at both ends of the private road, which Council agreed to do. Gorter's second request was for council to enter into a “partnership” with the affected residents in an effort to prevent illegal trespassing.

In denying the second request Mayor Smith stated, “We have to be careful that we are not drawn into a 'he said she said' situation” but she agreed that staff could assist by advising the two parties and helping them come to an agreement.

Construction numbers up

Chief Building officer Jeremy Neven was pleased to report that the overall construction numbers were up significantly in September. Construction values ($610,564) tripled those of September 2014, and the year date numbers ($5,643,735) are $2 million over 2014 levels after nine months. Permit fees were just short of double the 2014 year to date total at just under $80,000.

Amnesty Load numbers

This year's amnesty load program was used by 609 residents, resulting in 16% of residents taking advantage of the program, which according to the report amounted to lost tipping fee revenues for the township of $20,464.

Loan approved for Fifth Lake Road construction project

Council approved Treasurer Michael McGovern's recommendations to approve a five-year loan agreement with RBC in the amount of just over $1 million at an interest rate of 2.15%. These loan payments were approved in council's 2015 budget and Mayor Smith reminded council that a $2 million grant through the SRNMIF (Small Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Funding) program will cover two thirds of the total costs of the project, which came to $3 million.

Olden Ball Field construction plan revisited

At the request of Councilor Jamie Riddell, Treasurer McGovern presented the original 2010 plan to revamp the Olden Ball Field. The total estimated cost of the plan at that time was $340,000 and included costs for lighting, parking lot and roadway, fence, benches, dugouts, canteens, washrooms as well as a playground facility. Riddell said that he would bring the report to the recreation committee and return to council with their input in time for the 2016 budget deliberations.

At the end of November, North Frontenac Little Theatre will present the Samuel French production of William Gibson's “The Miracle Worker”.

In researching this play, certain aspects of Helen Keller's life stood out. Firstly, she keenly appreciated nature and described it with exquisite attention to detail. She also took great pleasure and comfort in simple, daily tasks and in learning about life. These enjoyments were expressed much later when she wrote several books. Her early years however were marked by much struggle.

Because she could not speak or hear but she could think and reason, she was terribly frustrated and expected much from herself. She put her hands on others' lips to feel them speak for example, and wondered how to make her own mouth work. She had a tendency toward terrible outbursts.

The play The Miracle Worker is a vivid portrayal of Helen's family life and their struggles. We get a good picture of her mother's fierce love and anguish, of her father's frustration, and of her brother's resignation. We see their family dynamics not centred on Helen, but greatly influenced by her.

We learn of key people in their lives, including Dr. Alexander Graham Bell who suggested that Helen could be taught, and Bell's son-in-law Mr. Anagnos of the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston who sent a young teacher, Miss Annie Sullivan, to Alabama to live with the family.

Annie struggled with her own levels of blindness and had a fierce stubborn streak that left an indelible mark on her existence. When Helen and Annie met they clashed greatly. There are several scenes of their conflicts in the play. Yet Annie's perseverance and Helen's determination come to a pivotal moment, when together they create the poignant connection in Helen's communication between words, objects and letters.

This is an award-winning play that has some timeless qualities including the families’ personal evolution in overcoming hardship, their colourful family dynamics, and their struggles in finding breakthroughs in understanding and communication.

The cast and crew are working hard at creating a memorable performance. Mark your calendar to see this NFLT production. Performance dates include Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21 at 7pm; Saturday, November 28 at 7pm and Sunday, the 29th at 2pm. You won't want to miss it!  

Students at the Granite Ridge Education Centre (GREC) in Sharbot Lake celebrated the 35-year anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope by doubling their donations at this year’s annual run, which took place at the school on September 30.

The run, now in its third year, was preceded the week before by a visit to the school from Ms. Ng-A-Mann, who brought with her a replica of Terry's prosthetic leg. This inspired the students to “double the dream” of Terry's wish to have every Canadian donate $1 to cancer research.

Cathy Reynolds, an educational assistant at the school, headed up the event, which began in the school’s back courtyard where two young cancer survivors who attend GREC, grade three student Kylie Babcock and grade six student Dylan Walker, helped to show their fellow students how their donations can make a difference. Dylan spoke fondly about Terry Fox, whom he called one of his “super heroes” and who he said “has shown how every single person can make a difference.”

The two students were invited to draw the winning tickets for two prizes, the first a Terry Fox Foundation t-shirt and the second, two free passes to the Museum of History in Ottawa and special Terry Fox display there. School mascot Grif the Gryphon, Vice-principal James MacDonald and Reynolds joined the two students and spoke about the Marathon of Hope National School Day Run, a fundraiser that takes place in schools across Canada. Over $675 million has been raised in Fox's name for cancer research, 84% of which has gone directly to cancer research.

These kinds of events always have their special moments and one young student said that she would be donating her toonie, probably the following day once she receives the funds from the tooth fairy. Vice-principal McDonald said the event underlines the character traits that Terry Fox possessed, and which the students at the school are encouraged to emulate. They include grit, perseverance, humility empathy and determination. “Terry was all of that wrapped into one”, Reynolds said.

Following the assembly the students set off on the walk/run, which took them on a route around the school and village. By the end of the day over $600 was raised for cancer research.