For three years the Colborne Curling Club has quietly been building a successful antique show as part of the annual Apple Blossom Tyme Festival.
And this year it promises to be even bigger and better.
The curling club organizers have tied in with area antique expert Marshall Gummer and have over 20 commited dealers from across the province promising to fill the curling club floor with antiques and collectibles.
Dealers from Barrie, Picton and Kingston will display a wide range of antiques and collectibles, including porcelaine, fine glass, militaria, coins and paper money, stamps, furniture, toys, linens, vintage dolls, books jewelry and more.
Through the auspices of Mr. Gummer there will also be vendors from Twindmills swelling the ranks of dealers, with items at the curling club on Durham St. N. in Colborne and at the Twindmills Purdy Rd. venue, just south of the 401.
The show will run on May 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission for the show is $3, a portion of which will be donated to the Children's Section of the Colborne Library.
Browsers have asked the club to provide a place for visitors to grab a bite to eat. The club has delivered, creating a Tea Room with sandwiches, sweets, coffee, tea or juice for $5.
It all adds up to two great days at the Colborne Curling Club and one more reason to head down to the Apple Blossom Tyme festival on May 30-31.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
The Elgin Street bridge may be repaired sooner than expected if Cramahe Township gets grant money it is seeking.
Cramahe Council approved the decision to apply for a recently announced Infrastructure Stimulus Fund grant program.
Township CAO, Christie Alexander stated, “The Elgin Street Bridge was identified in our 5 year road study as needing major repair/rehabilitation but the work had not yet been scheduled due to lack of funds.”
In his April 21 report to Council, Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher wrote, “The Township of Cramahe has received a joint letter today from the Federal minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities and the Provincial Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announcing the opening of intake two of the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund and launching the application process for the Infrastructure Stimulus fund.
The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is aimed at getting shovels in the ground for infrastructure projects across Canada over the next two years. These funds are focused on the rehabilitation of existing assets, but new construction is eligible. All parties share one-third (Federal/Provincial/Municipal) of the total eligible project cost.
It is hoped that the funding will create jobs and provide much needed stimulus to the economy.”
Deadline for the application is May 1.
A report by the consulting firm G. D. Jewell Engineering in 2007 recommended the bridge be rehabilitated. The company has been asked to provide the township with an estimate of the costs.
To be eligible the project must not be one that was already in the township plans for the next two years.
In 2007, the Township of Cramahe had individual inspection reports completed for the major bridges within the Municipality including Mutton Bridge, Victoria Street Bridge and Elgin Street Bridge.
All were identified as being in serious need of repair. The rehabilitation of the Mutton Bridge was completed in 2008 with the assistance of COMRIF III funding and the Victoria Street Bridge rehabilitation is scheduled for completion in 2009 with the assistance of the Create Jobs Build Ontario funding.
The Elgin Street Bridge was identified through inspection as needing major rehabilitation/reconstruction for a number of reasons and was estimated to cost $365,000.00 in 2007 dollars.
Due to the major construction cost and the resulting impact on the Municipal Budget this work has not been scheduled for completion.
Mr. Thrasher stated in his report to Council, “However, with the availability of “Infrastructure Stimulus Fund” and the fact that a preliminary inspection by a qualified engineering firm has already been completed it is recommended that in the interest of public safety staff be authorized to apply for funding to complete this bridge rehabilitation/reconstruction as soon as possible.”
It was further recommended that G.D. Jewell Engineering cost estimate be based on the 2007 inspection requirements.
Cramahe Council approved the decision to apply for a recently announced Infrastructure Stimulus Fund grant program.
Township CAO, Christie Alexander stated, “The Elgin Street Bridge was identified in our 5 year road study as needing major repair/rehabilitation but the work had not yet been scheduled due to lack of funds.”
In his April 21 report to Council, Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher wrote, “The Township of Cramahe has received a joint letter today from the Federal minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities and the Provincial Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announcing the opening of intake two of the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund and launching the application process for the Infrastructure Stimulus fund.
The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is aimed at getting shovels in the ground for infrastructure projects across Canada over the next two years. These funds are focused on the rehabilitation of existing assets, but new construction is eligible. All parties share one-third (Federal/Provincial/Municipal) of the total eligible project cost.
It is hoped that the funding will create jobs and provide much needed stimulus to the economy.”
Deadline for the application is May 1.
A report by the consulting firm G. D. Jewell Engineering in 2007 recommended the bridge be rehabilitated. The company has been asked to provide the township with an estimate of the costs.
To be eligible the project must not be one that was already in the township plans for the next two years.
In 2007, the Township of Cramahe had individual inspection reports completed for the major bridges within the Municipality including Mutton Bridge, Victoria Street Bridge and Elgin Street Bridge.
All were identified as being in serious need of repair. The rehabilitation of the Mutton Bridge was completed in 2008 with the assistance of COMRIF III funding and the Victoria Street Bridge rehabilitation is scheduled for completion in 2009 with the assistance of the Create Jobs Build Ontario funding.
The Elgin Street Bridge was identified through inspection as needing major rehabilitation/reconstruction for a number of reasons and was estimated to cost $365,000.00 in 2007 dollars.
Due to the major construction cost and the resulting impact on the Municipal Budget this work has not been scheduled for completion.
Mr. Thrasher stated in his report to Council, “However, with the availability of “Infrastructure Stimulus Fund” and the fact that a preliminary inspection by a qualified engineering firm has already been completed it is recommended that in the interest of public safety staff be authorized to apply for funding to complete this bridge rehabilitation/reconstruction as soon as possible.”
It was further recommended that G.D. Jewell Engineering cost estimate be based on the 2007 inspection requirements.
Cramahe staffer trains amazing canine athletes
Daisy shows her jumping style in one of her competitions.Keisha the Shih Tzu and Daisy the poodle mix are both nearly 12 years young. What makes these two little dogs so special is the fact they have been performing with the Hot Diggity Dogs Flyball Club since its very first season in 2000. With over 115 performances under their belt....er fur, they are mainstays for the club’s public performance season.
Starting their 10th season is an incredible feat for the duo. Not only are they great athletes but they are two of the smallest dogs with the 28-dog club. When the other dogs compete in the 51 foot long course, it may be a walk in the park but with Keisha’s little three-inch legs jumping the hurdles to retrieve her ball and return, it is not surprising the crowd explodes with cheers of encouragement.
Daisy fares a little better having a couple more inches in leg length than Keisha. Keisha competed in her early days in sanctioned competitions. Failing eyesight has limited her activity to the public performances where the bright daylight still allows her to still have fun and race.
Daisy continues to race on the sanctioned tournament circuit. At these indoor competitions Daisy races in the Veterans Class plus still lends a hand to her other Hot Diggity Dog team members. Proud owner Irene Doucet (Keisha) and Cramahe Township Chief Building Official, Natalie Cornell, (Daisy) look forward to their little dogs having another fun year in 2009.
A big year for club
A big year for club
This active group of canines and handlers is in for a big year as the recreational Hot Diggity Dogs celebrate 10 years of providing flyball entertainment to the Quinte and surrounding area.
Flyball is a relay race involving teams of four dogs, four jumps and a box which tosses a ball. One at a time, the dogs race over the jumps to trigger the box, retrieve the ball and return over the jumps. The next dog then starts its run. Two lanes of dogs race side by side. The first team to have all four dogs complete the course wins the heat. It is exciting, fast action and a real crowd pleaser.
The handlers are involved as much as the dogs and everyone has a great time. The Hot Diggity Dogs troupe is hard to miss with their fluorescent green uniforms. They have been bringing their fast action show to many local festivals and fairs for years.
Some local events have booked them every year since 2000. The club is best known locally but that hasn’t stopped them from travelling to places like Port Hope or Brockville to perform.
Hot Diggity Dogs also participates in sanctioned flyball tournaments. Taking as many as three teams, the club has travelled as far as Michigan, Vermont and Quebec and many Ontario locations to compete.
Hot Diggity Dogs started in November 1999 when Natalie and Denny Cornell brought the idea of a Belleville-based club home after belonging to a Kingston flyball club for 18 months.
Originally they used the old Napanee boiler works building for a practice venue. When the recycling business squeezed them out of their borrowed space for their new-found hobby, they found that the Sir James Whitney gymnasium in Belleville was available.
For the next six years the sound of happy dogs practicing their sport could be heard every Sunday afternoon.
A popular event of those early days was the Hot Diggity Dogs “Spring Showcase”. The doors were open to the public, usually during the March break, and an afternoon of flyball racing was hosted. The bleachers were packed, as fans clutched their printed race programs, some winning door prizes. There were racing awards for the teams performing before standing-room-only Sundays crowds.
In 2006 a career move saw the Cornells relocate to the Frankford area. Not willing to leave the Hot Diggity Dogs without a home, they chose to share their dog exercise building they built on their property with the club. It was full steam ahead for the club.
What was thought to be a detriment by changing location actually opened the doors to a whole new group of members. People were now coming from the Norwood and Cobourg area to play with their dogs.
Firmly established in the Quinte West area, they wanted to support the community they lived in. To bring people to the area, if only for a weekend, the Hot Diggity Dogs host a sanctioned tournament every May.
Flyball teams come from as far as Michigan and Montreal to compete at what is proclaimed by competitors as one of the best venues ever at the Trenton Community Gardens and Centennial Park.
The club’s community involvement even extends to McFarland Nursing Home in Picton where it puts on a show every Mothers Day for the seniors and their families. It is a good opportunity for the Hot Diggity Dogs to try out new acts for their show.
In 2008, puissance (dog high jump) was added after the racing portion of the show.
Encouraged by the announcer to chant, “Jump, jump”, the crowd was wowed as some of the best jumpers cleared up to 5 bars.
Encouraged by the announcer to chant, “Jump, jump”, the crowd was wowed as some of the best jumpers cleared up to 5 bars.
The club tries to help with a fund raising event in the community every year. In 2008 the Big Brother/Big Sisters Ribfest in Belleville booked them to entertain. The club was more than happy to perform in the city where they first took root. The Big Brother/Big Sister organization has already rebooked the Hot Diggity Dogs again for 2009.
So what is in store for the Hot Diggity Dogs and handlers this year? “More of the same fun and entertainment people have come to love and enjoy”, quotes Natalie Cornell. “We constantly change up the show and make sure people have a good time watching the dogs have fun”.
They want to add a 10th anniversary component to the show. “Maybe everyone will have to learn a special 10th anniversary trick,” she smiles. For more information about the Hot Diggity Dogs call 613 398-0002.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
South Cramahe kids go on dramatic voyage
There’s even a part in the play for the Big Apple. Somewhere in there is Hallie Moher.
Education is a voyage of discovery. That can surely be said for about 60 South Cramahe students who are participating this year in the school play, titled Make It a Better Place, written and co-directed by teacher librarian Kerri Jervis.
The staff and some parents from the school get together biannually to provide the enriching experience for the students. Twice-a-week after-school rehearsals began in January. Students are rehearsing in earnest now that the May 12, 13, 14 performances are approaching.
Maeghan O’Brien and Andrea Broomfield co-direct with Ms. Jervis. Deb Hoogwerf handles the tech side of it, Anne McMurray leads the costumers, and Jane Moore heads up the props gang for a cast of 42 and a student technical crew which has grown to almost 20.
Listening to Kerri Jervis talk about the play, one realizes this is about more than a bunch of kids getting up on stage; it’s a valuable life experience and an invaluable teaching tool.
The story begins with a young soldier played by either Kurt vandeValk or Jordan Jones who comes home to tell his family he will soon be stationed in Afghanistan.
His little sister sets the play by asking those questions only a sibling might ask.
He responds to her questions about his departure by telling her he wants to help Afghanistan become a great country like Canada. But he can’t explain to her why Canada is so great.
To find out, he walks across Canada in a voyage of discovery about himself and his country. On the way he meets Angus Walters, captain of the famous Bluenose schooner, Anne of Green Gables, a cod fisherman, and various other Canadian notables.
Sitting down for a few moments during a break in rehearsal, the talented Jervis revealed there is much more to the play than meets the eye.
As a teacher in a small community, she understands the need to expand the horizons of her pupils. “They need to look beyond their borders,” she explains.
And if the actual play isn’t enough in itself to broaden their sense of community, some of the proceeds from the play will go to an organization which pays the salaries of teachers in Afghanistan. “It’s about making the world a better place. You can start in your own community, but you don’t have to stop there,” she enthuses.
For some, participating in the play will be an experience they remember for a lifetime. “They won’t remember what they scored on the provincial tests, but they will remember this,” she asserts.
Students from the school will use the dramatic skills from this experience to assist them in their drama work in secondary school at E.N.S.S. in Brighton.
Jervis recognizes this will be the last major drama production to be held at South Cramahe. Cognizant of the impending move to the new school promised for Cramahe, she is confident she can carry the tradition forward.
Tickets are $5 and can be bought at the school office. The number at the school is (905) 355-2723.
The three shows held in 2007 were virtual sellouts so it might be wise to get tickets early.
On a voyage of discovery, Ben Russell, played in this scene by Kurt vandeValk, left, meets cod fisherman Kaley McKenna, Angus Walters, played by Dryden Aldworth, and Anne of Green Gables, portrayed by Zoey Read, right.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
"in this moment" coming Saturday
Cobourg Artist Barbara Buntin holds up an unnamed work that she has created for her upcoming show at the Colborne Art Gallery. The show opens on May 2.
Barbara Buntin’s decision to title her upcoming show in this moment couldn’t have been more apt.
While her work is a display of captured moments in the lives and thoughts of her subjects, the artist is, herself, currently immersing herself in every moment as she concentrates more fully in her craft.
Buntin attended the New School of Fine Art in Toronto, a school formed as a reaction to the Ontario College of Art. Much of the work done there is figurative. That influence has remained with her in her monotype printing which she began about six years ago – where the colours for a piece of work are laid down on one or more layers on glass, then transferred to paper to make a single copy.
Her study at the Art Therapy Institute of Toronto is the other significant influence on her life and on the inner reflection found in her work. Art is a process of examination, not a finished piece, she says.
Now working full time as an artist, the Cobourg resident is stepping back from art therapy, which at times could be very stressful. She can take as much time as she wants now to explore her vision, not finding herself in a rush to complete a piece for an upcoming show.
It’s a relief to have the time, she says. Having blocks of time allows her to concentrate and gives her room to grow and explore. Now she can work with no defined goals and become immersed in her work.
The artist plans to have between 12-15 thought-provoking pieces in her upcoming show – all capturing a person or a thought, or an action at a particular place in time. It could be a flirting glance or a glimpse of a decision being made. Most will be monotypes but the former water colourist says some pieces will lift off the page as she adds paper collage and sculpting using washi paper.
In one evocative piece a woman takes a quick look back to the calm and order behind her as she steps forward figuratively into an almost blank canvass.
When asked what the show would look like, Buntin admitted that it will reflect what is happening now. There are no hard and fast ideas.
While she continues to experiment, the artist misses the opportunity to share with others doing monotyope. She says it is difficult to find others doing the same kind of work
The show, in this moment runs from May 2 to June 14 at the Colborne Art Gallery at 51 King St. E. in Colborne.
The artist will be there on opening day this Saturday, listening to the responses, a valuable, rewarding learning process, particularly when the emotions are different from the ones she intended. Sometimes the responses will lead her in altogether new directions. “You can’t control them, so you might as well revel in them.”
“I find it wonderful to make something that someone will have an emotional response to,” she beams.
Barbara recently had three of her works selected for the 32nd Annual Juried Exhibition which was held recently at the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Cobourg.
This fall her Cobourg studio will also be on the Northumberland Studio Tour.
More information about the Colborne Art Gallery can be found on its re-designed website http://www.thecolborneartgallery.ca/.
Ball players get backstop repairs
The backstops at the ball diamonds in Cramahe will be repaired – but not by the company originally expected to do the job.
The Community Services Department gathered quotes for the repair to fencing and backstop at Cramahe Township ball diamonds A and B in Rotary Centennial Park. Funding for the project was included in the recently approved 2009 budget.
Two quotes were received ranging in price from $14,500.00 to 19,500.00. The scope of work includes replacement of approximately 400 feet of outfield fence and the installation one new backstop.
At Cramahe Council on April 21, Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien recommended Walsh Fencing and its bid of $14,500
Work was scheduled to begin during the last week of April or first week of May.
That was Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the story changed.
Mr. O’Brien gave further examination of the quotations which were sought before he began employment with the township. The Community Services Director realized the two firms, Walsh and Blackthorne Fencing were not quoting for the same work.
When the low bidder withdrew from the project Mr. O’Brien asked Blackthorne to join him for a site visit. Once the scope of work was clarified for Blackthorne, the bid changed to within a few dollars of the original lowest bid.
At that point the director reported to council and scheduled the work for early May.
With the situation now in hand, the Community Services Director commented, “I understand that this project has been on the books for some time and not been completed so I am happy to get this done.”
The Community Services Department gathered quotes for the repair to fencing and backstop at Cramahe Township ball diamonds A and B in Rotary Centennial Park. Funding for the project was included in the recently approved 2009 budget.
Two quotes were received ranging in price from $14,500.00 to 19,500.00. The scope of work includes replacement of approximately 400 feet of outfield fence and the installation one new backstop.
At Cramahe Council on April 21, Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien recommended Walsh Fencing and its bid of $14,500
Work was scheduled to begin during the last week of April or first week of May.
That was Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the story changed.
Mr. O’Brien gave further examination of the quotations which were sought before he began employment with the township. The Community Services Director realized the two firms, Walsh and Blackthorne Fencing were not quoting for the same work.
When the low bidder withdrew from the project Mr. O’Brien asked Blackthorne to join him for a site visit. Once the scope of work was clarified for Blackthorne, the bid changed to within a few dollars of the original lowest bid.
At that point the director reported to council and scheduled the work for early May.
With the situation now in hand, the Community Services Director commented, “I understand that this project has been on the books for some time and not been completed so I am happy to get this done.”
Monday, 27 April 2009
Reunion celebrants can camp
Bring on the tents.
The South Cramahe Reunion Committee received approval from Cramahe Council last week to use the Keeler Centre grounds for camping as long as there are no campfires.
Council also approved the waiving of all fees for use of the entire Keeler Centre for the three-day event which runs from June 5-7.
In her letter to Council, Reunion Chair, Donna Rusaw outlined the weekend.
The returning students and staff will open the weekend with a wine and cheese party on Friday evening.
On Saturday the Keeler pad will be the centre of activities. The Rotary Hall will be used for quiet get-togethers. Five dressing rooms will each be the focus of a decade in the life of the school which is scheduled to close in 2010.
After breakfast and a car show on Sunday, it will be farewell time.
The reunion organizers hope to plant a commemorative tree or shrub at the Walter Eddy Park in the north end of Colborne, opposite Sunnyside Deli.
The group hopes to arrange with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board to move the cairn from the front of the school.
In his report to Council, Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien, stated there were no significant operational issues with the request.
The South Cramahe Reunion Committee received approval from Cramahe Council last week to use the Keeler Centre grounds for camping as long as there are no campfires.
Council also approved the waiving of all fees for use of the entire Keeler Centre for the three-day event which runs from June 5-7.
In her letter to Council, Reunion Chair, Donna Rusaw outlined the weekend.
The returning students and staff will open the weekend with a wine and cheese party on Friday evening.
On Saturday the Keeler pad will be the centre of activities. The Rotary Hall will be used for quiet get-togethers. Five dressing rooms will each be the focus of a decade in the life of the school which is scheduled to close in 2010.
After breakfast and a car show on Sunday, it will be farewell time.
The reunion organizers hope to plant a commemorative tree or shrub at the Walter Eddy Park in the north end of Colborne, opposite Sunnyside Deli.
The group hopes to arrange with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board to move the cairn from the front of the school.
In his report to Council, Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien, stated there were no significant operational issues with the request.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Taking a break
We will be taking a brief break from the blog.
We will be posting a few stories over the next 7 days, but please do not expect a response to emails until after May 4
Thanks for your patience.
Bob and Lesley
We will be posting a few stories over the next 7 days, but please do not expect a response to emails until after May 4
Thanks for your patience.
Bob and Lesley
Police continue search for Paul Slater
Update on missing person at Little Lake
Saturday, April 25
The Northumberland OPP continues to investigate the circumstances into the disappearance of a 51 year old Cramahe Township man. The man has been identified as Paul Thomas SLATER of Lake Road. Mr. SLATER was reported missing to police on April 23, 2009.
To date, search efforts have not provided any clues regarding the unexplained disappearance of Mr Slater.
Police are continuing a search of local properties in the area of his residence. Today, O.P.P. divers began searching Little Lake. Water and land searches will continue April 26, 2009
Mr. SLATER is described as: male, white, 6’1”, 170 lbs, with short brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, aqua green stretchy pants and possibly a black ball cap.
Anyone who has information about Mr. SLATER or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Brighton office of the Northumberland OPP at 613-475-1313 or after hours at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Saturday, April 25
The Northumberland OPP continues to investigate the circumstances into the disappearance of a 51 year old Cramahe Township man. The man has been identified as Paul Thomas SLATER of Lake Road. Mr. SLATER was reported missing to police on April 23, 2009.
To date, search efforts have not provided any clues regarding the unexplained disappearance of Mr Slater.
Police are continuing a search of local properties in the area of his residence. Today, O.P.P. divers began searching Little Lake. Water and land searches will continue April 26, 2009
Mr. SLATER is described as: male, white, 6’1”, 170 lbs, with short brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, aqua green stretchy pants and possibly a black ball cap.
Anyone who has information about Mr. SLATER or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Brighton office of the Northumberland OPP at 613-475-1313 or after hours at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Local soldier begins trip home
Updated on Saturday, April 25
The return home began yesterday for the body of deceased Major Michelle Mendes of Wicklow. Coalition troops gathered on the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield in the farewell ceremony for Major Mendes.
Her body is expected to arrive in Trenton for the repatriation ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26.
It will then travel to Toronto along the Highway of Heroes.
The 30-year-old soldier, who was based in Ottawa, was found dead Thursday in an accommodation room on the sprawling air base.
"Her tragic death has left many of us stunned," Padre Martine Belanger said during the ceremony as they prepared to load her flag-draped casket loaded aboard a military transport with soldiers on either side of the procession locked in rigid salute.
"We gather this evening, in sorrow, with numb hearts and stunned silence, trying to wrestle with her unexpected demise and untimely death."
The ceremony for Mendes, was the second in 10 days for a female Canadian soldier
She is the 118th Canadian soldiers to die in the Afghanistan mission since 2002.
A statement from the Department of National Defence in Ottawa said the incident was under investigation, but noted that enemy action had been ruled out as a cause of death.
No further details were immediately released.
Belanger described Mendes – "Mic" to her friends – as a person who strived to make life more enjoyable for those around her by baking cookies, making cards "or just being there when you needed a friendly ear.
"She always strove to do her best and was respected for her professional knowledge and work ethic," Belanger added. "The world will be an emptier place without her presence."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay released a statement Friday offering his condolences to the Mendes family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," MacKay said.
"The Canadian Forces continue to make an immense difference in the lives of Afghans while protecting and promoting both Canadian and international security. Despite our grief, we will continue our important mission to bring peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan."
Mendes was serving her second tour of duty in Afghanistan. She graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2001. McKay added. "Her hard work and dedication will not be forgotten."
Mendes worked in the headquarters of the Canadian task force at the airfield, which serves as the principal base for most of the 2,700 Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade," Maj. Mario Couture said in a brief statement. "Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to her colleagues."
Friday, 24 April 2009
Approval granted for ATVs on roads
ATVs will run the roads of Cramahe Township for the foreseeable future.
Cramahe Council voted on April 21 to have Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris draw up a bylaw to allow the continued use of ATVs on township roads north of 401. The arrangement extends a temporary approval granted last May. It will be reviewed by council at its May 5 meeting.
On April 7, Cramahe Township By-law officer, Jim Harris, asked council for direction regarding the renewal of the ATV by-law permitting ATVs on the roads of Cramahe township.
Responding to a request from Cramahe resident, Ferne Dobson, council tabled its decision until the April 21 meeting where four people made ATV-related presentations.
The OPP reports no accidents or injuries involving ATVs in Cramahe since the by-law was enacted. A September 25, 2008 report to the Cramahe Police Services Board by OPP Detachment Commander Doug Borton stated there were seven ATV-related incidents reported in the police.
A complaint file compiled by Mr. Harris listed 10 calls made by 10 different callers to the township office between May 6, 2008 and August 25, 2008. There were two complaints about ATVs riding on lawns and two stated ATV riders had cut fences and ridden on farm land. One was cited for speeding, two for riding illegally and one for riding on the shoulder of County Rd. 2. Two callers complained about the noise.
Most of these complaints overlap with the O.P.P. complaints. It has been Mr. Harris's policy to advise people to inform the police. As well, he spoke to the complainants about solutions and with their permission, passed on their complaints to Northumberland District Trail Riders Association.
On May 8, 2008 Cramahe Council passed by-law 08-32 giving permission for All Terrain vehicles to use Township roads north of Highway 401. The 2008 by-law contains a section that limits it to a one-year duration. The purpose of the section was to ensure an adequate review of the by-law’s effects in the community.
Cramahe Council voted on April 21 to have Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris draw up a bylaw to allow the continued use of ATVs on township roads north of 401. The arrangement extends a temporary approval granted last May. It will be reviewed by council at its May 5 meeting.
On April 7, Cramahe Township By-law officer, Jim Harris, asked council for direction regarding the renewal of the ATV by-law permitting ATVs on the roads of Cramahe township.
Responding to a request from Cramahe resident, Ferne Dobson, council tabled its decision until the April 21 meeting where four people made ATV-related presentations.
The OPP reports no accidents or injuries involving ATVs in Cramahe since the by-law was enacted. A September 25, 2008 report to the Cramahe Police Services Board by OPP Detachment Commander Doug Borton stated there were seven ATV-related incidents reported in the police.
A complaint file compiled by Mr. Harris listed 10 calls made by 10 different callers to the township office between May 6, 2008 and August 25, 2008. There were two complaints about ATVs riding on lawns and two stated ATV riders had cut fences and ridden on farm land. One was cited for speeding, two for riding illegally and one for riding on the shoulder of County Rd. 2. Two callers complained about the noise.
Most of these complaints overlap with the O.P.P. complaints. It has been Mr. Harris's policy to advise people to inform the police. As well, he spoke to the complainants about solutions and with their permission, passed on their complaints to Northumberland District Trail Riders Association.
On May 8, 2008 Cramahe Council passed by-law 08-32 giving permission for All Terrain vehicles to use Township roads north of Highway 401. The 2008 by-law contains a section that limits it to a one-year duration. The purpose of the section was to ensure an adequate review of the by-law’s effects in the community.
Gardeners meet Monday
Cramahe Horticultural meeting this Monday April 27 promises to be a busy one.
The 7 p.m. gathering at Old St.Andrews Presbyterian Church, Colborne will feature a mini flower show focussing on Narcissi/Daffodils and a show-off section of any other Spring flowers or photos of spring flowers. The mini show will be judged by Cramahe Horticultural Society members.
The guest speaker this month is Sally Rye, Master Gardener. She will decorate an outdoor urn for Spring, which will be raffled off.
The 7 p.m. gathering at Old St.Andrews Presbyterian Church, Colborne will feature a mini flower show focussing on Narcissi/Daffodils and a show-off section of any other Spring flowers or photos of spring flowers. The mini show will be judged by Cramahe Horticultural Society members.
The guest speaker this month is Sally Rye, Master Gardener. She will decorate an outdoor urn for Spring, which will be raffled off.
Man missing at Little Lake
Police update as of Saturday, April 25
The OPP has updated information regharding a 51-year-old man missing from the Little Lake area.
The April 25 police stateent reads:
"The Northumberland OPP continues to investigate the circumstances into the disappearance of a 51 year old Cramahe Township man. The man has been identified as Paul Thomas Slater of Lake Road.
Mr. Slater was reported missing to police on April 23, 2009. It is believed that he was last seen at his residence in the evening of April 22, 2009.
Police are continuing a search of his residence and property and are conducting interviews of people who know Mr. Slater in an effort to gather clues as to his likely whereabouts.
Detective Inspector Greg Walton of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is managing the investigation.
Mr. Slater is described as: male, white, 6’1”, 170 lbs, with short brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, aqua green stretchy pants and possibly a black ball cap.
Anyone who has information about Mr. Slater or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Brighton office of the Northumberland OPP at 613-475-1313 or after hours at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The OPP has updated information regharding a 51-year-old man missing from the Little Lake area.
The April 25 police stateent reads:
"The Northumberland OPP continues to investigate the circumstances into the disappearance of a 51 year old Cramahe Township man. The man has been identified as Paul Thomas Slater of Lake Road.
Mr. Slater was reported missing to police on April 23, 2009. It is believed that he was last seen at his residence in the evening of April 22, 2009.
Police are continuing a search of his residence and property and are conducting interviews of people who know Mr. Slater in an effort to gather clues as to his likely whereabouts.
Detective Inspector Greg Walton of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch is managing the investigation.
Mr. Slater is described as: male, white, 6’1”, 170 lbs, with short brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, aqua green stretchy pants and possibly a black ball cap.
Anyone who has information about Mr. Slater or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Brighton office of the Northumberland OPP at 613-475-1313 or after hours at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Wicklow soldier dies in Afghanistan
Thirty-year-old Michelle Mendes (Knight) is the latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.
Major Mendes grew up in Grafton with her parents Dianne and Ron and younger sister, Melissa, and was stationed in Kandahar.
The soldier was found in her Forces' accommodation room Thursday afternoon at Kandahar Air Field.
Investigators are still working to piece together the circumstances of the 30-year-old's death, meaning few details about the incident or Maj. Mendes herself are being released. However, a military spokesman here did say that "enemy action has been ruled out."
Major Mendes was first stationed in Afghanistan in 2006 and was a victim of a friendly fire incident involving American troops
In September of 2006 a number of Canadian troops were wounded in the friendly fire incident that capped off one of the country's most bloody and intense operations of the war to date, Operation Medusa. It was during that multi-day battle in the Panjwayi district, that a platoon of Canadian troops were mistaken as enemy by an American pilot flying an A-10A aircraft. One soldier was killed and more than 30 were injured in the incident.
She and about 10 other injured soldiers were returned to Canada for treatment.
She is the fifth Canadian to die in a non-combat situation in the Afghanistan campaign.
In a 2006 article in the Colborne Chronicle her mother, Dianne stated that she had graduated with a history degree in 2001 from Kingston's Royal Military College, wanted "an entire career in the army." Originally, Ms. Knight said in the article, her daughter planned to go into the infantry, but opted instead for intelligence.
Military officials in Kandahar said that Maj. Mendes' family has asked for privacy and will release a statement in the coming days. She was married to Victor Mendes.
Major Mendes grew up in Grafton with her parents Dianne and Ron and younger sister, Melissa, and was stationed in Kandahar.
The soldier was found in her Forces' accommodation room Thursday afternoon at Kandahar Air Field.
Investigators are still working to piece together the circumstances of the 30-year-old's death, meaning few details about the incident or Maj. Mendes herself are being released. However, a military spokesman here did say that "enemy action has been ruled out."
Major Mendes was first stationed in Afghanistan in 2006 and was a victim of a friendly fire incident involving American troops
In September of 2006 a number of Canadian troops were wounded in the friendly fire incident that capped off one of the country's most bloody and intense operations of the war to date, Operation Medusa. It was during that multi-day battle in the Panjwayi district, that a platoon of Canadian troops were mistaken as enemy by an American pilot flying an A-10A aircraft. One soldier was killed and more than 30 were injured in the incident.
She and about 10 other injured soldiers were returned to Canada for treatment.
She is the fifth Canadian to die in a non-combat situation in the Afghanistan campaign.
In a 2006 article in the Colborne Chronicle her mother, Dianne stated that she had graduated with a history degree in 2001 from Kingston's Royal Military College, wanted "an entire career in the army." Originally, Ms. Knight said in the article, her daughter planned to go into the infantry, but opted instead for intelligence.
Military officials in Kandahar said that Maj. Mendes' family has asked for privacy and will release a statement in the coming days. She was married to Victor Mendes.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
School Board announces job cuts
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has announced potential teaching job cuts for next year.
In a press release issued on April 21, Judy Malfara, Communications Officer for the board, stated, "Unfortunately, continued decreases in student enrolment have once again led KPR to the painful reality of having to reduce the number of teachers. Faced with an expected decline of 1,000 students, KPR is forecasting that it will need 125 fewer elementary teachers and 34 fewer secondary teachers this September.
As many of these teachers are part-time, this represents an equivalent of 95 full-time elementary teaching positions, and 24 full-time equivalent secondary positions.
On Friday, April 17, those teachers affected received notice that the Board currently does not have a position for them for September. Senior administration is working closely with the two teacher federations to assist the teachers who received redundancy notices, and to offer information sessions for them.
The Board hopes the final number of teachers declared redundant can be lowered somewhat over the next few weeks, as other factors such as retirements, resignations and personal requests for decreases in teaching time are taken into account.
Teachers who received redundancy notices are being placed on a recall list, and they will have the opportunity to be placed on the occasional teaching lists."
In a message to all staff, Director of Education Sylvia Terpstra stated: “We sincerely regret that we are in this position at this time. We have strived to express to all those affected our belief in their value as teachers.”
She added that it is unclear as yet how the declining enrolment will affect other employee groups, and added, “we will share any information regarding possible impacts in these areas as soon as we can.”
A year ago in spring 2008, 85 full- and part-time elementary teachers were notified that they would no longer be needed, due to an expected decline in enrolment of close to 1,000 students.
This meant a reduction of about 40 full-time teaching jobs. By July, all of those teachers were placed and none were left on the redundancy list.
There were no redundant secondary teachers in 2008.
In a press release issued on April 21, Judy Malfara, Communications Officer for the board, stated, "Unfortunately, continued decreases in student enrolment have once again led KPR to the painful reality of having to reduce the number of teachers. Faced with an expected decline of 1,000 students, KPR is forecasting that it will need 125 fewer elementary teachers and 34 fewer secondary teachers this September.
As many of these teachers are part-time, this represents an equivalent of 95 full-time elementary teaching positions, and 24 full-time equivalent secondary positions.
On Friday, April 17, those teachers affected received notice that the Board currently does not have a position for them for September. Senior administration is working closely with the two teacher federations to assist the teachers who received redundancy notices, and to offer information sessions for them.
The Board hopes the final number of teachers declared redundant can be lowered somewhat over the next few weeks, as other factors such as retirements, resignations and personal requests for decreases in teaching time are taken into account.
Teachers who received redundancy notices are being placed on a recall list, and they will have the opportunity to be placed on the occasional teaching lists."
In a message to all staff, Director of Education Sylvia Terpstra stated: “We sincerely regret that we are in this position at this time. We have strived to express to all those affected our belief in their value as teachers.”
She added that it is unclear as yet how the declining enrolment will affect other employee groups, and added, “we will share any information regarding possible impacts in these areas as soon as we can.”
A year ago in spring 2008, 85 full- and part-time elementary teachers were notified that they would no longer be needed, due to an expected decline in enrolment of close to 1,000 students.
This meant a reduction of about 40 full-time teaching jobs. By July, all of those teachers were placed and none were left on the redundancy list.
There were no redundant secondary teachers in 2008.
Our readers write
Alwyn Horscroft writes about his frustrations with the student loans office.
Those of you who know me, or used to read my column will have heard of our problems with the Student Loan department of CIBC.
About five years ago my daughter, Gwyneth, ran into problems with the student loan department because they seemed unable to keep track of her when she moved. This was rather surprising in view of the fact that they used to phone here quite regularly and I would update them with her phone number and address.
Nonetheless, in 2004 she somehow found herself answering the phone to a collection agency person. When she was faced with a demand for instant payment I agreed to extend her the money.
That worked out reasonably well. However, in the spring of 2007 after the usual phone calls in which CIBC Student loan department refused to tell me the problem, I finally got another call from Gwyneth.
The bank had passed her Ontario loan over to a collection agency and they were demanding instant payment. I went to the bank and they called the student loan department, but they said there was nothing they could do. They had passed it over to a collection agency.
The amazing thing to me is that the bank was always incapable of contacting Gwyneth, and yet the collection agency got hold of her the day it was passed over.
Anyway, we made arrangements with Gwyneth to increase her personal loan from me, and I paid the whole student loan off - I thought.
The bank was given her correct address.
Yesterday I received a call from Gwyneth who said that she had phoned the income tax people to find out why they weren't sending her 2007 rebate to her after a two month wait.
She was told that, while she was in default with the student loan people, they couldn't pay her.
She had phoned the student loan office previously, and had been told that her federal loan was all clear - paid off years ago.
When she called to confirm that she owed nothing, she was told that she still owed a bit after it was paid off and they had notified her by mail in August 2007. They had sent it to the wrong address and had then passed it over to a collection agency.
Her GST rebates had been taken in payment but she still owed $81.
In view of the fact that the income tax people were withholding a rebate of over $1000 she had no options but to pay the $81. But this is frustrating.
I was assured back in 2007 that this was everything. I had paid it off. Personally, I think the bank owes her something for all of this inconvenience.
The strange thing is, that I have a very good relationship with CIBC. They've just revised my mortgage to pay for repairs to the foundation wall - no problem - but that student loan department!!!
I had always wondered if the problem was with Gwyneth not keeping in touch with them, although I had met others who had similar problems.
It makes you wonder, when will her credit rating get to normal? She even had to pick her latest home according to whether the rental company wanted to investigate her credit. This sort of thing costs her money.
How does one deal with it?
Alwyn Horscroft
Those of you who know me, or used to read my column will have heard of our problems with the Student Loan department of CIBC.
About five years ago my daughter, Gwyneth, ran into problems with the student loan department because they seemed unable to keep track of her when she moved. This was rather surprising in view of the fact that they used to phone here quite regularly and I would update them with her phone number and address.
Nonetheless, in 2004 she somehow found herself answering the phone to a collection agency person. When she was faced with a demand for instant payment I agreed to extend her the money.
That worked out reasonably well. However, in the spring of 2007 after the usual phone calls in which CIBC Student loan department refused to tell me the problem, I finally got another call from Gwyneth.
The bank had passed her Ontario loan over to a collection agency and they were demanding instant payment. I went to the bank and they called the student loan department, but they said there was nothing they could do. They had passed it over to a collection agency.
The amazing thing to me is that the bank was always incapable of contacting Gwyneth, and yet the collection agency got hold of her the day it was passed over.
Anyway, we made arrangements with Gwyneth to increase her personal loan from me, and I paid the whole student loan off - I thought.
The bank was given her correct address.
Yesterday I received a call from Gwyneth who said that she had phoned the income tax people to find out why they weren't sending her 2007 rebate to her after a two month wait.
She was told that, while she was in default with the student loan people, they couldn't pay her.
She had phoned the student loan office previously, and had been told that her federal loan was all clear - paid off years ago.
When she called to confirm that she owed nothing, she was told that she still owed a bit after it was paid off and they had notified her by mail in August 2007. They had sent it to the wrong address and had then passed it over to a collection agency.
Her GST rebates had been taken in payment but she still owed $81.
In view of the fact that the income tax people were withholding a rebate of over $1000 she had no options but to pay the $81. But this is frustrating.
I was assured back in 2007 that this was everything. I had paid it off. Personally, I think the bank owes her something for all of this inconvenience.
The strange thing is, that I have a very good relationship with CIBC. They've just revised my mortgage to pay for repairs to the foundation wall - no problem - but that student loan department!!!
I had always wondered if the problem was with Gwyneth not keeping in touch with them, although I had met others who had similar problems.
It makes you wonder, when will her credit rating get to normal? She even had to pick her latest home according to whether the rental company wanted to investigate her credit. This sort of thing costs her money.
How does one deal with it?
Alwyn Horscroft
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Colborne Post Office break in
Wednesday Update
The OPP released this statement Wednesday morning:
"Further to a reported break and enter that occurred overnight on the 20-21 of April at the Post Office in Colborne. The suspect(s) used acetelyne torches and breached a safe. Stolen was a sum of money and other Canada Post products. This incident is still under investigation."
On Tuesday the OPP issued the following press release regarding a break in at the Colborne Post Office on April 20/21.
"Shortly after 7:30 am on the 21st of April 2009, Northumberland O.P.P. was dispatched to a break in to the Colborne Post Office. Entry was made into the building through a side window.
It has been determined that a quantity of currency has been stolen. Further information will be released once details become available."
The Colborne office remained closed today and mail normally transferred to Castleton through the Colborne office was not delivered.
The OPP released this statement Wednesday morning:
"Further to a reported break and enter that occurred overnight on the 20-21 of April at the Post Office in Colborne. The suspect(s) used acetelyne torches and breached a safe. Stolen was a sum of money and other Canada Post products. This incident is still under investigation."
On Tuesday the OPP issued the following press release regarding a break in at the Colborne Post Office on April 20/21.
"Shortly after 7:30 am on the 21st of April 2009, Northumberland O.P.P. was dispatched to a break in to the Colborne Post Office. Entry was made into the building through a side window.
It has been determined that a quantity of currency has been stolen. Further information will be released once details become available."
The Colborne office remained closed today and mail normally transferred to Castleton through the Colborne office was not delivered.
Cramahe resident against ATVs on roads
On April 21 Cramahe Council is considering whether to extend its bylaw which allowed ATVs on township roads north of 401 in 2008.
Pat Calder is arguing that council should wait until it has more information until it makes a decision. Her presentation to Council is below:
To Members of Cramahe Township Council:
I was astounded, to say the least, when council passed the by-law permitting use of ATVs on the roads north of 401 in Cramahe township last May 8.
Nevertheless, here I am again to plead for common sense this time around.
There is every reason why council should not pass this by-law again, and if it does, to make it temporary for yet another year, waiting for certain facts and actions to become known.
Statistics on accidents/injuries in Canada and N. America in 2008 have not yet been collated.
2. Today the Edmonton Sun newspaper reported the death of a 10 yr. old boy who was riding an ATV unsupervised when it rolled over on him. As long as by-laws like ours are in place the impression given to parents is that these vehicles are safe when even the manufacturers won’t recommend their use on roads or by children under 16.
3. The provincial committee discussing the age limit for ATV use is still meeting and has not reached a conclusion.
4. The provincial law in the making to harmonize snowmobile and ATV use is still under study in committee.
5. If the Ontario government has not yet seen fit to pass a law allowing ATVs on roads, why has council?
6. The Northumberland ATV Riders’ Club last year promised this council to be active in local schools promoting safe riding, and while they have posted a picture of 12 of their members having taken a Youth Rider ATV Safety Instructor Training Programme in March, they have yet to get their youth education goals up and running. I for one suspect that they are mainly interested in increasing ridership and membership fees for their organization. That may be a cynical presumption on my part, but I think nothing will be lost by a wait-and-see approach by council.
7. In spite of the by-law I know of no signs in Cramahe township on the shoulders of the roads reminding ATV riders that the speed limit for them is Not the same as for road-worthy vehicles. How does this lack of signage affect our liability? One lawsuit could bankrupt this township.
8. Last year I asked council to find out what out-of-court cash settlements were reached by our neighbours, Alnwick-Haldiman and Prince Edward County, who were both being sued in ATV accident cases at the time. Has this information come forward and may the public know what those costs to taxpayers were?
9. The difficulty of enforcement remains. The by-law officer can’t enforce the by-law. The MTO regulations cannot be enforced by the OPP because they are too few in number. The public can’t report which ATV they saw breaking the law because the licence numbers are too small to read from any distance. The riders themselves are confused as to which roads are county, which they cannot ride on, and which are township north of 401, which they can.
10. After testing on all types of terrain, the OPP recommends a speed limit of 40 k/p/hr for ATVs. When will this become law?
11. The accident/fatality statistics bear repeating tonight. In accidents between cars and ATVs, the ATV riders were killed twice as often as the car drivers in NB and QC. Dr. John Colby, a trauma team leader at Kingston General Hospital, reported that 41% of the deaths involving ATVs happened on the roads, and 1/3 of the deaths were children. Traumas from ATV accidents tripled in 10 years at KGH, and there was a high rate of head injuries.
12. The Canadian Safety Council recommends ATVs not be used on roads or in ditches. They do supply voluntary safety courses for ATVers, but when will these become manditory for all operators?
13. We need to wait for regular safety inspections on ATVs to become law, just as they are for road-worthy vehicles. Tires, brakes, and emissions should be examined by qualified personnel at least bi-annually.
There is strong anti-ATV feeling amongst many taxpayers in Cramahe, so why aren’t they here to voice their opinion? I’ll tell you why.
Many people have experienced the intimidating tactics of some ATV riders. The machines themselves are large and intimidating to a person walking, riding a horse, or cross-country skiing. The manners of some riders could use a bit of polish.
At the four hearings I attended last spring, an ATV rider was photographing any person who spoke against the passing of a by-law. Such intimidation tactics were not stopped by any of the councillors at any of the meetings. We did not feel safe expressing our opinion. The implication of those photos was: we know who you are and we’ll find out where you live.
On Mike Ainsworthy’s website, NATV Riders’ Club, there is a respectful statement of code of conduct recommended, and yet on this same website there are pictures posted of women and children riding double, which is against the law, and ATVs riding up stream, which flies in the face of their supposed respect for nature.
Why is Cramahe council in such a rush? Before renewing this by-law, I urge council to reconsider when there are still so many unknowns. Well over half of the townships in Ontario have Not passed such a by-law. Only three in Northumberland County passed a by-law allowing ATVs on the sides of the roads.
Certainly, until the province comes down with the decisions it is still deliberating in committee, it would be premature to make the by-law permanent.
I hope council will make the right decision. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Calder, Taxpayer
Pat Calder is arguing that council should wait until it has more information until it makes a decision. Her presentation to Council is below:
To Members of Cramahe Township Council:
I was astounded, to say the least, when council passed the by-law permitting use of ATVs on the roads north of 401 in Cramahe township last May 8.
Nevertheless, here I am again to plead for common sense this time around.
There is every reason why council should not pass this by-law again, and if it does, to make it temporary for yet another year, waiting for certain facts and actions to become known.
Statistics on accidents/injuries in Canada and N. America in 2008 have not yet been collated.
2. Today the Edmonton Sun newspaper reported the death of a 10 yr. old boy who was riding an ATV unsupervised when it rolled over on him. As long as by-laws like ours are in place the impression given to parents is that these vehicles are safe when even the manufacturers won’t recommend their use on roads or by children under 16.
3. The provincial committee discussing the age limit for ATV use is still meeting and has not reached a conclusion.
4. The provincial law in the making to harmonize snowmobile and ATV use is still under study in committee.
5. If the Ontario government has not yet seen fit to pass a law allowing ATVs on roads, why has council?
6. The Northumberland ATV Riders’ Club last year promised this council to be active in local schools promoting safe riding, and while they have posted a picture of 12 of their members having taken a Youth Rider ATV Safety Instructor Training Programme in March, they have yet to get their youth education goals up and running. I for one suspect that they are mainly interested in increasing ridership and membership fees for their organization. That may be a cynical presumption on my part, but I think nothing will be lost by a wait-and-see approach by council.
7. In spite of the by-law I know of no signs in Cramahe township on the shoulders of the roads reminding ATV riders that the speed limit for them is Not the same as for road-worthy vehicles. How does this lack of signage affect our liability? One lawsuit could bankrupt this township.
8. Last year I asked council to find out what out-of-court cash settlements were reached by our neighbours, Alnwick-Haldiman and Prince Edward County, who were both being sued in ATV accident cases at the time. Has this information come forward and may the public know what those costs to taxpayers were?
9. The difficulty of enforcement remains. The by-law officer can’t enforce the by-law. The MTO regulations cannot be enforced by the OPP because they are too few in number. The public can’t report which ATV they saw breaking the law because the licence numbers are too small to read from any distance. The riders themselves are confused as to which roads are county, which they cannot ride on, and which are township north of 401, which they can.
10. After testing on all types of terrain, the OPP recommends a speed limit of 40 k/p/hr for ATVs. When will this become law?
11. The accident/fatality statistics bear repeating tonight. In accidents between cars and ATVs, the ATV riders were killed twice as often as the car drivers in NB and QC. Dr. John Colby, a trauma team leader at Kingston General Hospital, reported that 41% of the deaths involving ATVs happened on the roads, and 1/3 of the deaths were children. Traumas from ATV accidents tripled in 10 years at KGH, and there was a high rate of head injuries.
12. The Canadian Safety Council recommends ATVs not be used on roads or in ditches. They do supply voluntary safety courses for ATVers, but when will these become manditory for all operators?
13. We need to wait for regular safety inspections on ATVs to become law, just as they are for road-worthy vehicles. Tires, brakes, and emissions should be examined by qualified personnel at least bi-annually.
There is strong anti-ATV feeling amongst many taxpayers in Cramahe, so why aren’t they here to voice their opinion? I’ll tell you why.
Many people have experienced the intimidating tactics of some ATV riders. The machines themselves are large and intimidating to a person walking, riding a horse, or cross-country skiing. The manners of some riders could use a bit of polish.
At the four hearings I attended last spring, an ATV rider was photographing any person who spoke against the passing of a by-law. Such intimidation tactics were not stopped by any of the councillors at any of the meetings. We did not feel safe expressing our opinion. The implication of those photos was: we know who you are and we’ll find out where you live.
On Mike Ainsworthy’s website, NATV Riders’ Club, there is a respectful statement of code of conduct recommended, and yet on this same website there are pictures posted of women and children riding double, which is against the law, and ATVs riding up stream, which flies in the face of their supposed respect for nature.
Why is Cramahe council in such a rush? Before renewing this by-law, I urge council to reconsider when there are still so many unknowns. Well over half of the townships in Ontario have Not passed such a by-law. Only three in Northumberland County passed a by-law allowing ATVs on the sides of the roads.
Certainly, until the province comes down with the decisions it is still deliberating in committee, it would be premature to make the by-law permanent.
I hope council will make the right decision. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Calder, Taxpayer
Monday, 20 April 2009
Former Cramahe resident earns award for heroism
Former Cramahe resident, Dwayne Guay, is currently serving as a rescue technician.
Her Excellency, Governor General Michaëlle Jean announced on March 16 that Dwayne will receive the Star of Courage for his act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
He and four others will receive the award at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The story of his bravery is told below by Sgt. Eileen Redding.
Daring Rescue Earns Highest Distinction
Honoring their pledge, Search and Rescue Technicians make decision to jump
By Sgt Eileen Redding
It wasn’t looking good. Bill Wolki, an Inuit polar bear hunter, had become stranded on an ice floe near Cape Parry, about 960 kilometers northwest of Yellowknife. For the past 12 hours he had been surviving in -30 C without provisions, underneath an aluminum boat propped up by a 2-by-4. Tracks in the snow indicated he had been running circles trying to stay warm.
A CC-130 Hercules from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 17 Winnipeg responded to the call and after several hours and in darkness, found the site. A radio was dropped and communication established. The aircraft circled overhead and asked questions but the hunter’s responses were delayed and his voice lethargic.
“If we don’t do this- this guy is going to die”, Sergeant Dwayne Guay said to Sergeant Dave Cooper.
It was one in the morning and the decision was made. Streamers, indicating wind direction, were dropped. “If there was going to be a malfunction over the open water it had the potential to be disastrous”, said Guay as he and Cooper readied their kit preparing to jump.
With equipment equivalent to his own body weight, Guay describes “waddling” as he exited the Hercules. Descending, Guay races towards the pressure ridges and away from the water. In heavy winds both landed safely on the ice near their intended drop zone. They set about erecting a tent utilizing the aluminum boat for a wind break. The Coleman lantern and stove were lit, pressure cooker prepared and their camping adventure began. Wolki, with a hot meal on board and in good spirits, warm and comfortable, slept. The SAR Techs would spell each other off for sleep throughout the night. In the morning Wolki expressed gratitude for saving his life as he felt had it not been for them coming to rescue him he would not have survived.
Weather prevented an aircraft from coming so, for the next 18 hours they would learn a lot about each other. They discussed their families, told stories and waited. A 19 Wing Cormorant arriving to pick them up was a sight to see and behold. The hunter was returned to his camp and the SAR Techs to their home base in Winnipeg.
Months after the rescue, Guay was in Yellowknife. He was downtown in civilian dress and wandered into a pet store. The next thing to happen can only be explained by fate- an older lady, a stranger, would approach and ask if he was Dwayne Guay? She had recognized him from the news and immediately threw her arms around him giving him a huge hug. With tears in her eyes she thanked him for saving her husband’s life.
A chance meeting would bring these two together. “What a small world! It is still emotional for me – in search and rescue we don’t often have closure- I needed that if I needed anything- and I got it from that outpouring of affection- it was way more powerful than the medal I am about to receive”, says Guay.
Guay, has been fortunate to experience two high profile missions in his very short search and rescue technician career and will be honored for one of them.
Guay and Cooper will be presented the Star of Courage, awarded only for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril, by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Her Excellency, Governor General Michaëlle Jean announced on March 16 that Dwayne will receive the Star of Courage for his act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
He and four others will receive the award at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The story of his bravery is told below by Sgt. Eileen Redding.
Daring Rescue Earns Highest Distinction
Honoring their pledge, Search and Rescue Technicians make decision to jump
By Sgt Eileen Redding
It wasn’t looking good. Bill Wolki, an Inuit polar bear hunter, had become stranded on an ice floe near Cape Parry, about 960 kilometers northwest of Yellowknife. For the past 12 hours he had been surviving in -30 C without provisions, underneath an aluminum boat propped up by a 2-by-4. Tracks in the snow indicated he had been running circles trying to stay warm.
A CC-130 Hercules from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 17 Winnipeg responded to the call and after several hours and in darkness, found the site. A radio was dropped and communication established. The aircraft circled overhead and asked questions but the hunter’s responses were delayed and his voice lethargic.
“If we don’t do this- this guy is going to die”, Sergeant Dwayne Guay said to Sergeant Dave Cooper.
It was one in the morning and the decision was made. Streamers, indicating wind direction, were dropped. “If there was going to be a malfunction over the open water it had the potential to be disastrous”, said Guay as he and Cooper readied their kit preparing to jump.
With equipment equivalent to his own body weight, Guay describes “waddling” as he exited the Hercules. Descending, Guay races towards the pressure ridges and away from the water. In heavy winds both landed safely on the ice near their intended drop zone. They set about erecting a tent utilizing the aluminum boat for a wind break. The Coleman lantern and stove were lit, pressure cooker prepared and their camping adventure began. Wolki, with a hot meal on board and in good spirits, warm and comfortable, slept. The SAR Techs would spell each other off for sleep throughout the night. In the morning Wolki expressed gratitude for saving his life as he felt had it not been for them coming to rescue him he would not have survived.
Weather prevented an aircraft from coming so, for the next 18 hours they would learn a lot about each other. They discussed their families, told stories and waited. A 19 Wing Cormorant arriving to pick them up was a sight to see and behold. The hunter was returned to his camp and the SAR Techs to their home base in Winnipeg.
Months after the rescue, Guay was in Yellowknife. He was downtown in civilian dress and wandered into a pet store. The next thing to happen can only be explained by fate- an older lady, a stranger, would approach and ask if he was Dwayne Guay? She had recognized him from the news and immediately threw her arms around him giving him a huge hug. With tears in her eyes she thanked him for saving her husband’s life.
A chance meeting would bring these two together. “What a small world! It is still emotional for me – in search and rescue we don’t often have closure- I needed that if I needed anything- and I got it from that outpouring of affection- it was way more powerful than the medal I am about to receive”, says Guay.
Guay, has been fortunate to experience two high profile missions in his very short search and rescue technician career and will be honored for one of them.
Guay and Cooper will be presented the Star of Courage, awarded only for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril, by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Our readers write
Cramahe Now reader, Mary Jackson took advantage of an unusual concidence when she read about Jeff Kawzenuk and Steve Truelove in Malawi, Africa.
Mary and Art Jackson's daughter, Brenda, lives in Malawi with her husband, Jean-Marcel.
Mary wrote to us:
After I had read the article "High School Principals head to Malawi" in the Northumberland News of Feb. 27, 2009 I emailed Mr. Steve Truelove to inform him of Brenda living in Malawi and gave him Brenda's email address.
Also I 'snail mailed' a copy of the article to Brenda, as well as emailing her saying she may hear from Mr. Truelove.
On Mar. 30 she received the posted article and told us she had already contacted Steve Truelove and he had replied, she said and I quote " Don't know if I will get to meet them as it looks like they will be south of here and will probably fly through Blantyre rather than Lilongwe, but we will see."
Brenda, is one of our Cramahe Now readers. Her email location shows up periodically on our world map of readers. She works at Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.
An expanded story of the two secondary school principals with additional information about their 2008 trip to Tanzania, was posted on April 17 in Cramahe Now.
Mary and Art Jackson's daughter, Brenda, lives in Malawi with her husband, Jean-Marcel.
Mary wrote to us:
After I had read the article "High School Principals head to Malawi" in the Northumberland News of Feb. 27, 2009 I emailed Mr. Steve Truelove to inform him of Brenda living in Malawi and gave him Brenda's email address.
Also I 'snail mailed' a copy of the article to Brenda, as well as emailing her saying she may hear from Mr. Truelove.
On Mar. 30 she received the posted article and told us she had already contacted Steve Truelove and he had replied, she said and I quote " Don't know if I will get to meet them as it looks like they will be south of here and will probably fly through Blantyre rather than Lilongwe, but we will see."
Brenda, is one of our Cramahe Now readers. Her email location shows up periodically on our world map of readers. She works at Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.
An expanded story of the two secondary school principals with additional information about their 2008 trip to Tanzania, was posted on April 17 in Cramahe Now.
Cramahe schools help fight cancer
Colborne and South Cramahe Public Schools will be part of the fifth annual tour of the Pedal for Hope Cycling Team.
On Tuesday, May 5, the cyclists will roll first into Colborne and then later in the morning to South Cramahe as they raise money for paediatric cancer research.
In 2005, the Peterborough Chapter of Cops for Cancer took on a new identity. The Pedal For Hope Cycling Team was born and local children fighting cancer had a new support team behind them. Local police personnel, a retired N.H.L. hockey player and a great crew of support personnel have been dedicating time to this cause.
Each year they continue the tradition.
Starting on April 20 in Peterborough, for three weeks, the Pedal For Hope team cycles over 1,000 kilometres, visiting local schools and delivering a message about kids living with cancer.
A presentation in each school takes on a serious side about how important it is to support paediatric cancer research. The team shows a team video, shaves a few heads, cuts a few ponytails and then turns on the fun.
Students are involved in ice cream eating contests against their favorite police officer, showing the lighter side of police officers in their community.
Thirty schools across the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) will welcome the Pedal for Hope team this year.
KPR schools have supported the Cops for Cancer cycling team for five years, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over that time. All money raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.
On Tuesday, May 5, the cyclists will roll first into Colborne and then later in the morning to South Cramahe as they raise money for paediatric cancer research.
In 2005, the Peterborough Chapter of Cops for Cancer took on a new identity. The Pedal For Hope Cycling Team was born and local children fighting cancer had a new support team behind them. Local police personnel, a retired N.H.L. hockey player and a great crew of support personnel have been dedicating time to this cause.
Each year they continue the tradition.
Starting on April 20 in Peterborough, for three weeks, the Pedal For Hope team cycles over 1,000 kilometres, visiting local schools and delivering a message about kids living with cancer.
A presentation in each school takes on a serious side about how important it is to support paediatric cancer research. The team shows a team video, shaves a few heads, cuts a few ponytails and then turns on the fun.
Students are involved in ice cream eating contests against their favorite police officer, showing the lighter side of police officers in their community.
Thirty schools across the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) will welcome the Pedal for Hope team this year.
KPR schools have supported the Cops for Cancer cycling team for five years, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over that time. All money raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cramahe looking to clean up
Cramahe Township hopes to top the list in the coun ty-wide competition for Litter Clean-Up Week. In a bid to build local support for clean up day on Saturday, Cramahe ByLaw Officer, Jim Harris, issued the letter below to the residents of the township
Counsellors, employees and residents of Cramahe Township;
This is Litter Clean up week all over Northumberland County (The Mayor's Challenge) and I am sure that we in Cramahe have all the other Municipalities worried because of the number of participants we have. I am confident that we will have about 100 people involved on Saturday 25 April, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at about 2:00 p.m.
The dumpster will be in the Public Works Yard on Victoria St., and the barbeque will be right across the street in Memorial Park, starting at about 10:30 a.m.
The weather forecast is sunny and warm, so come on out and "Pitch-In" and join in for the hot dogs and drinks.
We are still looking for a dedicated Hot Dog Chef!
Please forward this email to other Cramahe residents with a strong sense of community.
Jim Harris
Township of Cramahe
905-355-2821 Ext 225
Counsellors, employees and residents of Cramahe Township;
This is Litter Clean up week all over Northumberland County (The Mayor's Challenge) and I am sure that we in Cramahe have all the other Municipalities worried because of the number of participants we have. I am confident that we will have about 100 people involved on Saturday 25 April, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at about 2:00 p.m.
The dumpster will be in the Public Works Yard on Victoria St., and the barbeque will be right across the street in Memorial Park, starting at about 10:30 a.m.
The weather forecast is sunny and warm, so come on out and "Pitch-In" and join in for the hot dogs and drinks.
We are still looking for a dedicated Hot Dog Chef!
Please forward this email to other Cramahe residents with a strong sense of community.
Jim Harris
Township of Cramahe
905-355-2821 Ext 225
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Cramahe Now celebrates 1,000 readers
Today marks the end of the first three weeks of operation of Cramahe Now.
Thanks to the support of our readers, the news blog will be read by its one-thousandth unique visitor on Monday.
Over 2,300 pages of news have been read and large numbers of our 1,000 readers are returning to catch up with the latest news in Cramahe.
Over 90% of our readers live or work in Cramahe, but the stories about you have been read on every continent – from Pakistan to Brazil, from Germany to New Zealand – and even in the depths of Africa.
We thank you, our readers for your continued support as we continue to try to improve the blog and serve you better.
Thanks to the support of our readers, the news blog will be read by its one-thousandth unique visitor on Monday.
Over 2,300 pages of news have been read and large numbers of our 1,000 readers are returning to catch up with the latest news in Cramahe.
Over 90% of our readers live or work in Cramahe, but the stories about you have been read on every continent – from Pakistan to Brazil, from Germany to New Zealand – and even in the depths of Africa.
We thank you, our readers for your continued support as we continue to try to improve the blog and serve you better.
Friday, 17 April 2009
South Cramahe students take environmental lead
The students of South Cramahe Public School are leading the way with their environmental choices.
The Grade 6/7 class has started a recycling challenge to reduce students’ environmental impact and take personal responsibility for making environmentally conscious choices. Students are busy comparing their garbage waste and recycling, and have started composting their food waste.
The Grade 6/7 class has started a recycling challenge to reduce students’ environmental impact and take personal responsibility for making environmentally conscious choices. Students are busy comparing their garbage waste and recycling, and have started composting their food waste.
Province prohibits pesticides
Starting on April 22 pesticides will no longer be used or legally sold for cosmetic purposes in Ontario.
Areas covered by the ban are lawns, gardens, parks and school yards.
The ban covers over 250 products and includes more than 80 pesticide ingredients.
Exceptions will be granted for public health reasons such as fighting West Nile virus, killing stinging insects, or controlling poisonous weeds such as poison ivy.
The ban overrides municipal bylaws.
Areas covered by the ban are lawns, gardens, parks and school yards.
The ban covers over 250 products and includes more than 80 pesticide ingredients.
Exceptions will be granted for public health reasons such as fighting West Nile virus, killing stinging insects, or controlling poisonous weeds such as poison ivy.
The ban overrides municipal bylaws.
Colborne Principal in Malawi
Jeff Kawzenuk, Prinicipal at ENSS in Brighton, lives in Colborne. He is currently working in Malawi with fellow Principal, Steve Truelove. They have given a brief synopsis of the situation in Malawi.
Below the article there are excerpts from an interview given by Jeff after his trip to Tanzania last year.
Steve Truelove pictured with some of the kids.
Only Half a World Away...
Thirty six hours of travel and secondary school principals, Steve Truelove and Jeff Kawzenuk arrived in Malawi, the world’s fourth poorest country. Having worked in Tanzania for the past 4 years and sharing their story of hope with school communities within Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB, nearly 100,000 dollars have been raised for HIV/AIDS orphans.
In 2009, the journey of hope took them to Malawi.
The AIDS epidemic is responsible for eight deaths every hour in Malawi. Of the thirteen million people living in Malawi, there are 1 million HIV positive people and 1 million orphans.
The area they are working in has a 30% HIV rate - the poverty here is overwhelming as is the number of orphaned children.
The present government has established freedom of speech, the release of political prisoners and a more liberal climate in which AIDS education can be carried on without fear of persecution.
Steve and Jeff believe that every child has the right to an education - for it is through education that students acquire knowledge that leads to understanding and freedom.
Imagine the worst place you have ever seen in terms of the human condition, then magnify it - and you would be in Malawi.
Hello from Malawi,
Well, we have been working extremely hard and we are accomplishing great things. We have been working at a rural school about an hour from Zomba.
The poverty is unbelievable as well as the number of orphans. Poverty, famine and AIDS are rampant.
Excerpts from 2008 -
Why does a person spend time in a remote rural village in Tanzania moderating the suffering of a few people when there are literally millions in similar conditions?
Colborne resident and Cobourg District Collegiate West secondary school principal Jeff Kawzenuk faced that question as he worked in the Catholic village of Kilema, Tanzania. The answer was a painful one.
There is so much suffering and the people have so little. Thousands and thousands of the children are orphans, their parents taken from them in the AIDS pandemic. How can this happen in our world? How can so many need so much?
While the global questions remain unanswered, Mr. Kawzenuk knows now: you have to start somewhere, helping a few kids. He is firm in his belief that every child has the right to food, drink, proper nutrition and an education. All are problems the world could solve tomorrow if the will was there. And everyone has the right to die in dignity. No one in their final hours should have to endure the agony and squalor he witnessed, he believes.
A life-changing experience
He returned in 2008, convinced he had gained more than he gave. In the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro where he worked, over 100,000 people live with no hydro, no refrigeration and no clean water. Infrastructure as we know it is almost non-existent. Barely passable roads, primitive health care and limited education inhibit any movement toward a subsistence lifestyle.
One in four mosquitoes carries malaria. Kindergarten children whose parents can afford the $250 a year to attend school walk eight miles up and down the foothills to school each day. The school of 350 is served by two outdoor toilet pits.
Lunch is an unpalatable mix of rice and beans cooked over an open fire in an unventilated cookhouse. When lunch is done, the kids rinse their bowls in the creek and then fill them up to drink.
Painkillers don't exist. Women requiring Caesarian sections endure them with no morphine. People in need of a doctor walk to the village and line up for four hours in the early morning in the hope of seeing one. AIDS has eliminated almost everyone between 25 and 45. It is a generation wiped out.
The orphans of the dead have no chance to improve themselves without sponsors to pay the $250 school fees. With school comes a daily lunch - a necessity for the orphans fortunate enough to attend. The prospects are grim - and this is in an area receiving assistance from the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance.
The village of Kilema set up by the Catholic Church is small, but over 100,000 live in the nearby bush in crushing poverty. There are four primary schools, a secondary school and a vocational school to serve their children. But the vocational school has four sewing machines and 40 students.
AIDS
The effects of AIDS in Africa are gripping. Grandparents care for parentless children. One toddler he met last year was being cared for by his great, great grandparents. The baby's mother was 14 and left soon after bearing the child. Her parents and grandparents were dead or gone. Mr. Kawzenuk stopped to talk to the great great grandfather. His wife wasn't available - she was out working.
Malnutrition brings with it assorted complications. Legs break easily. In his rounds at the hospital Jeff saw a patient in traction - a couple of sticks to prop up the leg weighted down by a bag of dirt and held by twine. The night air was perforated by the screams of the sick and the dying.
Before he went to Tanzania, Mr. Kawzenuk did not understand why AIDS could not be prevented. He can rhyme off the list of reasons now - infrastructure, education, economy, healthcare.
The problems he witnessed were so vast and complex. He got the message. "I don't have the answers. They need so much," Mr. Kawzenuk acknowledged.
His experiences and those of Steve Truelove will be incorporated into the character education programs they offer at their schools. "We have so much to be grateful for. So many have so little. We can help and be aware. We can support others in so many ways. Poverty is awful. There is no dignity dying of AIDS," Mr. Kawzenuk says. If Canadian kids can understand these things, he feels there is hope: "It's a start."
Below the article there are excerpts from an interview given by Jeff after his trip to Tanzania last year.
Steve Truelove pictured with some of the kids.
Only Half a World Away...Thirty six hours of travel and secondary school principals, Steve Truelove and Jeff Kawzenuk arrived in Malawi, the world’s fourth poorest country. Having worked in Tanzania for the past 4 years and sharing their story of hope with school communities within Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB, nearly 100,000 dollars have been raised for HIV/AIDS orphans.
In 2009, the journey of hope took them to Malawi.
The AIDS epidemic is responsible for eight deaths every hour in Malawi. Of the thirteen million people living in Malawi, there are 1 million HIV positive people and 1 million orphans.
The area they are working in has a 30% HIV rate - the poverty here is overwhelming as is the number of orphaned children.
The present government has established freedom of speech, the release of political prisoners and a more liberal climate in which AIDS education can be carried on without fear of persecution.
Steve and Jeff believe that every child has the right to an education - for it is through education that students acquire knowledge that leads to understanding and freedom.
Imagine the worst place you have ever seen in terms of the human condition, then magnify it - and you would be in Malawi.
Hello from Malawi,
Well, we have been working extremely hard and we are accomplishing great things. We have been working at a rural school about an hour from Zomba.
The poverty is unbelievable as well as the number of orphans. Poverty, famine and AIDS are rampant.
Excerpts from 2008 -
Why does a person spend time in a remote rural village in Tanzania moderating the suffering of a few people when there are literally millions in similar conditions?
Colborne resident and Cobourg District Collegiate West secondary school principal Jeff Kawzenuk faced that question as he worked in the Catholic village of Kilema, Tanzania. The answer was a painful one.
There is so much suffering and the people have so little. Thousands and thousands of the children are orphans, their parents taken from them in the AIDS pandemic. How can this happen in our world? How can so many need so much?
While the global questions remain unanswered, Mr. Kawzenuk knows now: you have to start somewhere, helping a few kids. He is firm in his belief that every child has the right to food, drink, proper nutrition and an education. All are problems the world could solve tomorrow if the will was there. And everyone has the right to die in dignity. No one in their final hours should have to endure the agony and squalor he witnessed, he believes.
A life-changing experience
He returned in 2008, convinced he had gained more than he gave. In the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro where he worked, over 100,000 people live with no hydro, no refrigeration and no clean water. Infrastructure as we know it is almost non-existent. Barely passable roads, primitive health care and limited education inhibit any movement toward a subsistence lifestyle.
One in four mosquitoes carries malaria. Kindergarten children whose parents can afford the $250 a year to attend school walk eight miles up and down the foothills to school each day. The school of 350 is served by two outdoor toilet pits.
Lunch is an unpalatable mix of rice and beans cooked over an open fire in an unventilated cookhouse. When lunch is done, the kids rinse their bowls in the creek and then fill them up to drink.
Painkillers don't exist. Women requiring Caesarian sections endure them with no morphine. People in need of a doctor walk to the village and line up for four hours in the early morning in the hope of seeing one. AIDS has eliminated almost everyone between 25 and 45. It is a generation wiped out.
The orphans of the dead have no chance to improve themselves without sponsors to pay the $250 school fees. With school comes a daily lunch - a necessity for the orphans fortunate enough to attend. The prospects are grim - and this is in an area receiving assistance from the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance.
The village of Kilema set up by the Catholic Church is small, but over 100,000 live in the nearby bush in crushing poverty. There are four primary schools, a secondary school and a vocational school to serve their children. But the vocational school has four sewing machines and 40 students.
AIDS
The effects of AIDS in Africa are gripping. Grandparents care for parentless children. One toddler he met last year was being cared for by his great, great grandparents. The baby's mother was 14 and left soon after bearing the child. Her parents and grandparents were dead or gone. Mr. Kawzenuk stopped to talk to the great great grandfather. His wife wasn't available - she was out working.
Malnutrition brings with it assorted complications. Legs break easily. In his rounds at the hospital Jeff saw a patient in traction - a couple of sticks to prop up the leg weighted down by a bag of dirt and held by twine. The night air was perforated by the screams of the sick and the dying.
Before he went to Tanzania, Mr. Kawzenuk did not understand why AIDS could not be prevented. He can rhyme off the list of reasons now - infrastructure, education, economy, healthcare.
The problems he witnessed were so vast and complex. He got the message. "I don't have the answers. They need so much," Mr. Kawzenuk acknowledged.
His experiences and those of Steve Truelove will be incorporated into the character education programs they offer at their schools. "We have so much to be grateful for. So many have so little. We can help and be aware. We can support others in so many ways. Poverty is awful. There is no dignity dying of AIDS," Mr. Kawzenuk says. If Canadian kids can understand these things, he feels there is hope: "It's a start."
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Minor hockey planning ahead
The season may be over but Colborne Cramahe Minor Hockey has been busy.
The club has a new website - http://www.colbornehockey.piczo.com/.
Two major events loom on the hockey calendar.
The potluck awards banquet is this Saturday, April 18 at the Keeler Centre.
Junior and Senior IP (tykes) at 11 a.m.
Novice, Atom and PeeWee at 12:30p.m.
Bantam and Midget at 2 p.m.
The club Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Keeler Centre. Anyone wishing to coach next year must apply before the AGM.
This year, for the first time, players can register online as the club goes high -tech.
The club has a new website - http://www.colbornehockey.piczo.com/.
Two major events loom on the hockey calendar.
The potluck awards banquet is this Saturday, April 18 at the Keeler Centre.
Junior and Senior IP (tykes) at 11 a.m.
Novice, Atom and PeeWee at 12:30p.m.
Bantam and Midget at 2 p.m.
The club Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Keeler Centre. Anyone wishing to coach next year must apply before the AGM.
This year, for the first time, players can register online as the club goes high -tech.
RIDE yields drug seizure in Cramahe Township
On the 15th of April at approximately 2:07 p.m. members of the Northumberland OPP were conducting a RIDE program on County Road 25 in Cramahe township when they stopped a vehicle with two males in it.
As a result of the check approximately two ounces of marijuana was seized along with $9,000 in cash. Two Campbellford men were charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime .They were released on a promise to appear.
As a result of the check approximately two ounces of marijuana was seized along with $9,000 in cash. Two Campbellford men were charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime .They were released on a promise to appear.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Council approves $40,000 for gazebo
Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien will oversee the building of a gazebo in Victoria Square in Colborne.
Cramahe Township will soon have a gazebo in Victoria Square in Colborne.
Cramahe Council approved the spending of up to $40,000 from reserves and grant money to build the structure.
Director of Community Services, Dan O'Brien, will act as project manager with the assistance of Community Development Officer, Rebecca Goddard-Sarria, and Chief Building Official, Natalie Moroz-Cornell.
The Colborne 150th Anniversary Committee, and Heritage Cramahe will be consulted
to assist in determining the size, style and location of the gazebo.
Council approved the formation of 150th Anniversary of Colborne Committee with
Councillor Westrope as Chairperson, in July, 2008. The committee has representation
from Heritage Cramahe, local service clubs, and residents.
The committee has had discussions concerning commemorative projects and
was considering the purchase of a clock for the downtown area.
Councillor Westrope commented after the April 7 council meeting, stating that the clock project could not proceed due to lack of the requisite funding from outside sources.
During the 2009 Budget process it was suggested that the $25,000 in the gazebo reserve be combined with $15,000 from the Investing in Ontario (CBJO) funds to provide $40,000 which could be used to construct a large gazebo in Victoria Square.
In the background document prepared for council on April 7, the staff involved stated, "Given the fact that the Colborne Council (prior to amalgamation) found the gazebo project worthy of placing $25,000 in a reserve to ensure future feasibility, the gazebo project appears to be a fitting commemorative project for the 150th anniversary of the Village of Colborne".
Councillor Westrope added her support as Chair of the 150th committee, stating, "I am pleased with council's decision to move forward with a gazebo. It seems fitting that the project will move forward in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of Colborne.
Cramahe resident, Ted Pedlar was instrumental in bringing this project forward and for him I am pleased that he will see it happen.
It will also provide a wonderful opportunityto showcase some local and invited talent in our beautiful park during the warmer months. I see it as a focal point for community happenings."
Council hopes the gazebo can be completed in time for the anniversary celebration. In
order to facilitate this it Council recommended that the Director of Community Services be the
project manager to facilitate meeting the target date and to meet with the 150th
Anniversary Committee and Heritage Cramahe to seek their inputs.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Township tells derailment story
Township Emergency Coordinator, Jim Harris updated Cramahe Council at its April 7 meeting about events surrounding the March 21 train derailement near Blyth Park Road in Cramahe Township.
His story follows:
On Saturday 21 March 2009 at about 5:30AM, six cars of an eastbound C.N. Train derailed near Blyth Park Rd. The train was a total of 137 cars and the six that derailed were towards the rear.
Of the six cars that derailed, two were empty flatbed cars, two were tankers that just jumped the tracks, carrying some form of liquid plastic. The other two cars came right off the tracks and tipped over. One burrowed into the ground about 4 feet deep. These two cars were each carrying 116 tonnes of molten naphthalene. Naphthalene is a hazardous material that is easily ignited and difficult to extinguish. It causes respiratory problems if inhaled, and is an irritant to the skin. It is a carcinogenic.
At 7:30AM the O.P.P. called Cramahe Township Fire Department, which responded. Cramahe Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher, was also contacted by the O.P.P. and he initiated contact for the Emergency Control Group.
Mayor Marc Coombs, Chief Administrative Officer Christie Alexander, Mr. Thrasher, Fire Chief Gary Cammack, and Mr. Harris attended at the scene.
Issues such as scene containment, evacuation, media contact, and first responder safety were all discussed.
C.N. Railways Dangerous Goods Officer arrived at the scene, inspected the cars that had derailed and formulated the plan that CN would use to clear the rails.
There was a very minor leak, which was captured in a bucket. There was no environmental damage, or danger to residents.
Cramahe Fire stood by until the cars were secured, then left the scene. They returned when the derailed cars were being removed from the scene.
The Fire Department was on scene for a total of approximately 8 hours.
We (the township) will be looking into the possibility of some cost recovery from Canadian National Railways.
His story follows:
On Saturday 21 March 2009 at about 5:30AM, six cars of an eastbound C.N. Train derailed near Blyth Park Rd. The train was a total of 137 cars and the six that derailed were towards the rear.
Of the six cars that derailed, two were empty flatbed cars, two were tankers that just jumped the tracks, carrying some form of liquid plastic. The other two cars came right off the tracks and tipped over. One burrowed into the ground about 4 feet deep. These two cars were each carrying 116 tonnes of molten naphthalene. Naphthalene is a hazardous material that is easily ignited and difficult to extinguish. It causes respiratory problems if inhaled, and is an irritant to the skin. It is a carcinogenic.
At 7:30AM the O.P.P. called Cramahe Township Fire Department, which responded. Cramahe Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher, was also contacted by the O.P.P. and he initiated contact for the Emergency Control Group.
Mayor Marc Coombs, Chief Administrative Officer Christie Alexander, Mr. Thrasher, Fire Chief Gary Cammack, and Mr. Harris attended at the scene.
Issues such as scene containment, evacuation, media contact, and first responder safety were all discussed.
C.N. Railways Dangerous Goods Officer arrived at the scene, inspected the cars that had derailed and formulated the plan that CN would use to clear the rails.
There was a very minor leak, which was captured in a bucket. There was no environmental damage, or danger to residents.
Cramahe Fire stood by until the cars were secured, then left the scene. They returned when the derailed cars were being removed from the scene.
The Fire Department was on scene for a total of approximately 8 hours.
We (the township) will be looking into the possibility of some cost recovery from Canadian National Railways.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Cramahe Now update
This week Cramahe Now will pass the 2,000 hit mark. In just over two weeks well over 700 different email addresses have logged onto the site which serves Cramahe.
Most of the readers are from our neighbourhood, but there have been some notable exceptions.
We have been read on almost every continent, with hits from Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Zambia, Korea, several South American countries, various American states and Canadian provinces. Thank you for passing on the word to friends and relatives who want to keep up to date with our township.
Loyalty to the site is growing, with an increasing number of people returning to find out the latest news in our community. Over 10% of our readers are hitting the site almost daily, while most check the news on weekdays.
It has been successful because you are sending us your news, tips, photos, and notices of coming events. Thanks for sending them and keep it up!
Most of the readers are from our neighbourhood, but there have been some notable exceptions.
We have been read on almost every continent, with hits from Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Zambia, Korea, several South American countries, various American states and Canadian provinces. Thank you for passing on the word to friends and relatives who want to keep up to date with our township.
Loyalty to the site is growing, with an increasing number of people returning to find out the latest news in our community. Over 10% of our readers are hitting the site almost daily, while most check the news on weekdays.
It has been successful because you are sending us your news, tips, photos, and notices of coming events. Thanks for sending them and keep it up!
Colborne Hardware awards Dream Kitchen prize
Colborne Home Hardware co-owner Heather Grant, right, helps Joy Boudreau with her prize in the Dream Kitchen Makeover Contest.
It pays to shop at Colborne Home Hardware.
Lucky Joy Boudreau was one of ten second-place prize winners in the nation-wide Home Hardware $50,000 Dream Kitchen Makeover Contest held in February.
Mrs. Boudreau took home a Cuisinart Stand Mixer from Colborne Home Hardware in March.
Store owners Doug and Heather Grant were pleased that one of their customers was a winner. It was an opportunity to thank people for shopping locally and will certainly make cooking easier in the Boudreau home.
Store owners Doug and Heather Grant were pleased that one of their customers was a winner. It was an opportunity to thank people for shopping locally and will certainly make cooking easier in the Boudreau home.
Entries were made between Sept. 27, 2008 and Dec. 8. The actual draw was held in February. Over $60,000 in prizes was awarded.
Home Hardware is Canada’s largest independent hardware, lumber and building materials, and furniture retailer with over 1,000 stores. It was formed in 1964.
The Colborne store has been owned by the Grants for almost 20 years.
Plans for Castleton Library get a boost
Cramahe Council appears to be moving forward with lower-level renovations to the Castleton Town Hall.
The township has allocated $40,000 in its 2009 budget for renovations to the library which has been closed since May, 2008.
Council voted on April 7 to appoint Chief Building Official, Natalie Moroz-Cornell, to liaise with a task force to be formed by Mayor Marc Coombs. The committee is expected to draw on her construction expertise.
She will report the group’s findings back to council regarding the renovations it recommends and requests. The task force will include representation from the Cramahe Library Board, Heritage Cramahe and the residents of Castleton.
In her background document to council, the Chief Building Official outlined the recent history of the library which was closed due to health and safety concerns during renovations done upstairs in the hall last year.
She reminded council there has been “much discussion and various meetings with the (Cramahe) Library Board and residents to discuss the future direction of the library”. Possible renovations were also considered.
The current plan has the township moving ahead with plans in 2009.
Cramahe Library Board Chair Ed Gereenwood is throwing his support behind a quick return to service. "The Township of Cramahe Public Library Board is committed to providing local library service to Castleton residents, and intends to work with the township, drawing on library reserves set aside for this purpose, to reopen the Castleton library branch as soon as possible," he commented on April 13.
Castleton Town Hall is the home of the closed library.
Talks heat up
Talks about the future of the library began to heat up last September.
Close to 50 people showed up at a September 10, 2008 meeting hosted by the Cramahe Township Library Board. It was clear from the start, the people in attendance wanted to keep a library in their community and they wanted to see some changes.
The board hosted the meeting, hoping to find a focus group of people from north of the 401, and to collect ideas for the group to discuss.
In his welcome at the September meeting, Board Chair Ed Greenwood advised the group that the option of having the library in the planned new public school was not viable: the township's share would be $200,000.
Numerous suggestions were elicited from the crowd, including the addition of high-speed internet service and changes to the opening hours.
Since then, Heritage Cramahe has expressed interest in using some of the space for historical archival material.
Some progress was made to clean the room up using volunteers and a call was put out in January, 2009 by the Library Board for someone in the community to take the lead on the re-opening and renovation plans.
At the time, Mayor Coombs stated, "I would see the proposed person (or persons) that would spearhead this as being in charge of setting meetings, interfacing with the board and the township, and driving the project forward with enthusiasm. My own feeling is that we want to see more Castleton involvement and input, but not so much from a follower role, though that's important as well, but more from a leader role. "
Library Board Chair Greenwood seemed to concur, stating, "We need Castleton people to be very much part of this discussion. We don't want to decide for them what an appropriate saw-off between costs and what library service will be in Castleton. We want them to be the spearhead of the process. So, yes, ideally we would have someone (or someones) from the north of Cramahe to become the leader and coordinator of this project, and the library board and the township (probably through the Chief Building Official) will work with them.”
Costs
Since the January meeting various numbers have been tossed forward regarding possible costs.
The Library Board advised council on January 16, 2009 that it might cost between $30-40,000 for renovations, plus additional funds to remediate moisture problems. The estimated cost was reached after a study of the situation by a focus group and consultation with the Chief Building Official.
Library Board member Peggy Klem suggested in March, 2009 if the area has a bank of computers with high-speed Internet access, additional books on the shelves and the kind of furniture people have stated they wanted, the costs would reach $100,000.
The township has over $50,000 in reserves which it can allocate to the project.
The township has allocated $40,000 in its 2009 budget for renovations to the library which has been closed since May, 2008.
Council voted on April 7 to appoint Chief Building Official, Natalie Moroz-Cornell, to liaise with a task force to be formed by Mayor Marc Coombs. The committee is expected to draw on her construction expertise.
She will report the group’s findings back to council regarding the renovations it recommends and requests. The task force will include representation from the Cramahe Library Board, Heritage Cramahe and the residents of Castleton.
In her background document to council, the Chief Building Official outlined the recent history of the library which was closed due to health and safety concerns during renovations done upstairs in the hall last year.
She reminded council there has been “much discussion and various meetings with the (Cramahe) Library Board and residents to discuss the future direction of the library”. Possible renovations were also considered.
The current plan has the township moving ahead with plans in 2009.
Cramahe Library Board Chair Ed Gereenwood is throwing his support behind a quick return to service. "The Township of Cramahe Public Library Board is committed to providing local library service to Castleton residents, and intends to work with the township, drawing on library reserves set aside for this purpose, to reopen the Castleton library branch as soon as possible," he commented on April 13.
Castleton Town Hall is the home of the closed library.
Talks heat up
Talks about the future of the library began to heat up last September.
Close to 50 people showed up at a September 10, 2008 meeting hosted by the Cramahe Township Library Board. It was clear from the start, the people in attendance wanted to keep a library in their community and they wanted to see some changes.
The board hosted the meeting, hoping to find a focus group of people from north of the 401, and to collect ideas for the group to discuss.
In his welcome at the September meeting, Board Chair Ed Greenwood advised the group that the option of having the library in the planned new public school was not viable: the township's share would be $200,000.
Numerous suggestions were elicited from the crowd, including the addition of high-speed internet service and changes to the opening hours.
Since then, Heritage Cramahe has expressed interest in using some of the space for historical archival material.
Some progress was made to clean the room up using volunteers and a call was put out in January, 2009 by the Library Board for someone in the community to take the lead on the re-opening and renovation plans.
At the time, Mayor Coombs stated, "I would see the proposed person (or persons) that would spearhead this as being in charge of setting meetings, interfacing with the board and the township, and driving the project forward with enthusiasm. My own feeling is that we want to see more Castleton involvement and input, but not so much from a follower role, though that's important as well, but more from a leader role. "
Library Board Chair Greenwood seemed to concur, stating, "We need Castleton people to be very much part of this discussion. We don't want to decide for them what an appropriate saw-off between costs and what library service will be in Castleton. We want them to be the spearhead of the process. So, yes, ideally we would have someone (or someones) from the north of Cramahe to become the leader and coordinator of this project, and the library board and the township (probably through the Chief Building Official) will work with them.”
Costs
Since the January meeting various numbers have been tossed forward regarding possible costs.
The Library Board advised council on January 16, 2009 that it might cost between $30-40,000 for renovations, plus additional funds to remediate moisture problems. The estimated cost was reached after a study of the situation by a focus group and consultation with the Chief Building Official.
Library Board member Peggy Klem suggested in March, 2009 if the area has a bank of computers with high-speed Internet access, additional books on the shelves and the kind of furniture people have stated they wanted, the costs would reach $100,000.
The township has over $50,000 in reserves which it can allocate to the project.
Twindmills supports Easter Seals with donation
Vintage toy expert, Rick Mutton, appraises c.1940s Mobo England mechanical bronco for Jacoba Skinner of Cobourg.
Antique Expert Marshall Gummer Appraising Val Smith's of Cobourg cherished Canadian made Reliable Doll c. 1925.
Rick Mutton appraising a rare late 1940s US Zone Germany remote control car with original box for Jacoba Skinner.The last of three fundraising clinics at Twindmills Antique Market in Colborne raised over $200 for Easter Seals. Organizer Marshall Gummer commented after the final clinic on April 12, "We would like to thank all the people who brought items in to support the chosen charities."
He reminds people to watch for our clinics for local charity groups next spring. http://www.twindmills.com/
For three consecutive months the people at the stained glass studio and antiques and collectibles market have been hosting antique road show style appraisal clinics and donating the proceeds to charity.
This month Easter Seals got the nod, as accredited appraisers evaluated vintage and childhood toys, antiques and collectibles. The $5 charge for evaluations at the two-day appraisal clinic was donated to Easter Seals.
Twindmills is at the corner of Purdy Rd. and Big Apple Drive just of 401 in Cramahe Township.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
St. Lawrence has a new name
The times they are a-changing.
As of April 15, St. Lawrence Cement, a fixture in Cramahe, will have a new name. It will be called Holcim (Canada) Inc.
The company informed Cramahe Township of the change in a February 27 letter which was released at Cramahe Council on April 7.
Company General Manager, Stephen Harkness explained in his letter that Holcim is the brand name of the Switzerland-based parent company founded in 1912. The company is a leading brand in the building materials industry and recognized for leadership in environmental performance, corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction.
Its core businesses include the manufacture and distribution of cement, and the production and distribution of aggregates.
It employs 85,000 people with production sites in over 70 countries and a market presence in every continent. It had sales of over $26 billion CDN in 2008.
The GM assured the township there will be few changes locally, outside of a revised logo.
As of April 15, St. Lawrence Cement, a fixture in Cramahe, will have a new name. It will be called Holcim (Canada) Inc.
The company informed Cramahe Township of the change in a February 27 letter which was released at Cramahe Council on April 7.
Company General Manager, Stephen Harkness explained in his letter that Holcim is the brand name of the Switzerland-based parent company founded in 1912. The company is a leading brand in the building materials industry and recognized for leadership in environmental performance, corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction.
Its core businesses include the manufacture and distribution of cement, and the production and distribution of aggregates.
It employs 85,000 people with production sites in over 70 countries and a market presence in every continent. It had sales of over $26 billion CDN in 2008.
The GM assured the township there will be few changes locally, outside of a revised logo.
ENSS is tops for Terry
East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton was the top money maker for the Terry Fox Fund this school year.
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board released figures with ENSS collecting $50,690, almost one fifth of the $275,589.50 raised by 85 board schools and staff in the annual Terry Fox drive. The secondary school was second in the province.
Top elementary schools in this area were Brighton with $5,974 and Spring Valley with $5,332 raised.
The board total increased by more than $12,000 over 2007.
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board released figures with ENSS collecting $50,690, almost one fifth of the $275,589.50 raised by 85 board schools and staff in the annual Terry Fox drive. The secondary school was second in the province.
Top elementary schools in this area were Brighton with $5,974 and Spring Valley with $5,332 raised.
The board total increased by more than $12,000 over 2007.
Last chance to talk about ATVs
Cramahe Township By-law officer, Jim Harris, has asked council for direction regarding the renewal of the ATV by-law permitting ATVs on the roads of Cramahe township.
Responding to a request from Cramahe resident, Ferne Dobson, council has tabled its decision until next meeting, Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
People who wish to make presentations to council must apply in advance. Call the township office at (905) 355-2822 as soon as possible and preferably by April 16 if you wish to make a presentation for or against allowing ATVs on township roads.
If you have something to say, or an experience to relate about ATVs, now is the time.
The OPP reports no accidents or injuries involving ATVs in Cramahe since the by-law was enacted.
A September 25, 2008 report to the Cramahe Police Services Board by OPP Detachment Commander Doug Borton stated there were seven ATV-related incidents reported in the police.
A complaint file compiled by Mr. Harris listed 10 calls made by 10 different callers to the township office between May 6, 2008 and August 25, 2008.
There were two complaints about ATVs riding on lawns and two stated ATV riders had cut fences and ridden on farm land. One was cited for speeding, two for riding illegally and one for riding on the shoulder of County Rd. 2. Two callers complained about the noise.
Most of these complaints overlap with the O.P.P. complaints. It has been Mr. Harris's policy to advise people to inform the police. As well, he spoke to the complainants about solutions and with their permission, passed on their complaints to Northumberland District Trail Riders Association.
On May 8, 2008 Cramahe Council passed by-law 08-32 giving permission for All Terrain vehicles to use Township roads north of Highway 401. The by-law contains a section that limits it to a one-year duration. The purpose of the section was to ensure an adequate review of the
by-law’s effects in the community.
Responding to a request from Cramahe resident, Ferne Dobson, council has tabled its decision until next meeting, Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
People who wish to make presentations to council must apply in advance. Call the township office at (905) 355-2822 as soon as possible and preferably by April 16 if you wish to make a presentation for or against allowing ATVs on township roads.
If you have something to say, or an experience to relate about ATVs, now is the time.
The OPP reports no accidents or injuries involving ATVs in Cramahe since the by-law was enacted.
A September 25, 2008 report to the Cramahe Police Services Board by OPP Detachment Commander Doug Borton stated there were seven ATV-related incidents reported in the police.
A complaint file compiled by Mr. Harris listed 10 calls made by 10 different callers to the township office between May 6, 2008 and August 25, 2008.
There were two complaints about ATVs riding on lawns and two stated ATV riders had cut fences and ridden on farm land. One was cited for speeding, two for riding illegally and one for riding on the shoulder of County Rd. 2. Two callers complained about the noise.
Most of these complaints overlap with the O.P.P. complaints. It has been Mr. Harris's policy to advise people to inform the police. As well, he spoke to the complainants about solutions and with their permission, passed on their complaints to Northumberland District Trail Riders Association.
On May 8, 2008 Cramahe Council passed by-law 08-32 giving permission for All Terrain vehicles to use Township roads north of Highway 401. The by-law contains a section that limits it to a one-year duration. The purpose of the section was to ensure an adequate review of the
by-law’s effects in the community.
April 5th, 2009
I thank you for taking the time to contact my office and share your views on the budget. I received calls before and after Budget 2009 was presented and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
Firstly let me say that I think it is important and healthy to hear from my constituents it helps with the work I do on your behalf.
During a recession, business competitiveness and economic renewal are extremely important. Given the stark reality of the current economic situation the province had little choice but to make tax reform a priority. “A single sales tax in combination with other tax reform measures including reduced corporate and personal tax cuts will put Ontario on a path towards increased competitiveness, productivity and economic recovery that will benefit every Ontario resident and every business operator in the province.” A quote from Mr. Len Crispino, president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He went on to say “These are smart, but politically difficult choices, and are exactly the kind of leadership decisions we need to position us for recovery form these difficult economic times.
The income tax cuts along with the sales tax credits are both initiatives to help Ontarians while the single sales tax is implemented. Statistics show in other provinces that the single sales tax has brought savings to consumers in the first year and a further savings within 3 years.
You will find enclosed a copy of my press release which I hope you will take the time to read. To help families adjust to the new single sales tax we have made provision for more than $10.6 million in permanent tax relief and direct payments to families and individuals. This budget includes decreased income tax rates for 93 per cent of Ontario taxpayers.
You will also find enclosed the editorial from the Trentonian which provides their view of this budget. Other comments on the budget can also be found on the following sites: http://www.thepost.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1502667
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/2009/03/30/8934631-sun.html
A recent C.D. Howe report that examined the effects of GST harmonization in the Atlantic Provinces found that the benefit to consumers can occur quickly, the majority of the savings passed through to consumers in the first year."
More Experts Agree: McGuinty Government Supporting Families and Businesses
Queen’s Park – Experts from all sectors agree that the Ontario Budget will support families today and strengthen businesses for tomorrow:
Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto:
It's a budget for the ages
Hugh MacKenzie, Economist and Research Associate, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives:
Ontario's 2009-10 budget establishes the right direction for the next few years. It provides substantial economic stimulus. It is consistent with the new orthodoxy that relies heavily on governments to help rebuild damaged economies. It imposes some coherence on an incoherent federal plan. It increases support for low-income families and individuals. It modernizes Ontario's consumption tax.
Alexandre Laurin, Senior Policy Analyst, C.D. Howe Institute:
By harmonizing now, Ontario not only reaps a long-term gain, but may see a short-term boost as well.
Jack M. Mintz, Palmer Chair in Public Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary:
Nonetheless, sales tax harmonization will reap large benefits to the Ontario economy. The McGuinty government will go down in history for its leadership in moving ahead with a major tax reform that will only help the Ontario economy in the long run.
Greg Pollock, President and CEO, Advocis:
The Open for Business initiative that commits to reducing red tape by 25% over the next two years is a positive move
Fred Gibbons, Vice-President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce:
I think this has been a good news budget for consumers and small businesses as well. The budget goes a long way to containing many items to position Ontario for an economic recovery…the keystone for business has been tax reform, especially the blending of GST and PST. We supported this as a chamber several months ago. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction to be a better and more attractive place for businesses to grow.
Nancy Frater, President, Canadian Book Sellers Association:
The Ontario government's move to a harmonized sales tax is good for small retailers and the exemption on books is good for consumers…this is a win for literacy and reading.
Mayor Tom Laughren, City of Timmins:
I give them nothing but kudos because it wasn't an easy task… To go into deficit, no government wants to do that. The history of the federal and provincial government is a balance or surplus. Looking at the times we're in, I think it's the right thing to go…
David Clegg, President, The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario:
We applaud the fact that the government is increasing funding for elementary and secondary education at a time when the economy is faltering and student enrolment is declining
Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation:
This is a landmark day for the literacy and basic skills cause in Ontario. The first time in over a decade that community literacy organizations have seen an increase and that workplace literacy has been funded in Ontario…ABC CANADA is committed to raising the importance of workers upgrading their reading, writing and math skills. We applaud the Government of Ontario and our literacy partners for delivering this major step forward. Today's news will provide the people of Ontario with a greater opportunity to train and upgrade their skills and education as they meet the demands of the new knowledge economy
Ken Lawenza, President, CAW:
Governments have a responsibility to boost spending during a recession, and this budget does that
Mary LaRocque, Peterborough Marlin Travel:
It's exactly what we were looking for…It was a very, very positive budget
Gilbert Heffern, Acting Executive Director, Ontario Long Term Care Association:
We understand and appreciate that the sector will receive some additional funding this year including toward the additional staffing commitments in last year's budget
John Davies, President, Humber College:
It's well recognized that particularly in this economic downturn colleges are really going to play an important part in terms of retraining… We're running towards a situation where we'll have at the same time, if we're not careful, people without jobs but also jobs without people…we're jammed so the infrastructure money will really help us
Gary Lipinksi, President, Métis Nation of Ontario:
I am especially pleased that the New Relationship Fund will continue to be available to us in future years so that we can continue the work we have already begun to increase consultation capacity in our communities…The Métis Nation of Ontario has already expressed its support for the proposed Green Energy Act. Including loan guarantees for Aboriginal participation in energy projects will help to ensure the Métis are partners in the plan to expedite the growth, transmission and distribution of renewable energy through sustainable economic development opportunities that align with Métis values as stewards of the land
Hugh Lawson, President, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association:
This is an impressive amount of money being made available to the community-based affordable housing sector and we thank the government for this large investment…It represents a level of understanding that housing is an asset which plays a major role in helping people and shaping a strong economy.
After the Harris/Eves Conservative government era of closing hospitals, hacking and slashing services like health care and pitting teachers against school boards and school boards against parents in a turmoil education system where our kids lost far too many school days I decided to run as M.P.P. I wanted to make a difference and bring back services to this community. I believe that Northumberland-Quinte West is the most wonderful place to live work and play in this great province. Rural Ontarians right here in our community deserved a better education system for our kids and grandkids, better health care services for our seniors closer to home. I am proud of achieving that for you. I am proud to work with a government that has listened to our needs and delivered the much deserved services to the people of Northumberland-Quinte West. I will continue to advocate on your behalf to make sure this community continues to grow. Working together makes us all stronger and healthier.
I have taken note that you would like me to pass along your objection to the tax harmonizing and I will certainly share this view with Premier McGuinty and Finance Minister Duncan at our next Caucus meeting this week. If you would like me to discuss this further with you I would be most happy to give you a call if you provide your phone number to my assistant by return email.
Again, thank you for sharing your concerns and views with me.
Sincerely,
Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P.
Northumberland-Quinte West
I thank you for taking the time to contact my office and share your views on the budget. I received calls before and after Budget 2009 was presented and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
Firstly let me say that I think it is important and healthy to hear from my constituents it helps with the work I do on your behalf.
During a recession, business competitiveness and economic renewal are extremely important. Given the stark reality of the current economic situation the province had little choice but to make tax reform a priority. “A single sales tax in combination with other tax reform measures including reduced corporate and personal tax cuts will put Ontario on a path towards increased competitiveness, productivity and economic recovery that will benefit every Ontario resident and every business operator in the province.” A quote from Mr. Len Crispino, president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He went on to say “These are smart, but politically difficult choices, and are exactly the kind of leadership decisions we need to position us for recovery form these difficult economic times.
The income tax cuts along with the sales tax credits are both initiatives to help Ontarians while the single sales tax is implemented. Statistics show in other provinces that the single sales tax has brought savings to consumers in the first year and a further savings within 3 years.
You will find enclosed a copy of my press release which I hope you will take the time to read. To help families adjust to the new single sales tax we have made provision for more than $10.6 million in permanent tax relief and direct payments to families and individuals. This budget includes decreased income tax rates for 93 per cent of Ontario taxpayers.
You will also find enclosed the editorial from the Trentonian which provides their view of this budget. Other comments on the budget can also be found on the following sites: http://www.thepost.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1502667
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/2009/03/30/8934631-sun.html
A recent C.D. Howe report that examined the effects of GST harmonization in the Atlantic Provinces found that the benefit to consumers can occur quickly, the majority of the savings passed through to consumers in the first year."
More Experts Agree: McGuinty Government Supporting Families and Businesses
Queen’s Park – Experts from all sectors agree that the Ontario Budget will support families today and strengthen businesses for tomorrow:
Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto:
It's a budget for the ages
Hugh MacKenzie, Economist and Research Associate, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives:
Ontario's 2009-10 budget establishes the right direction for the next few years. It provides substantial economic stimulus. It is consistent with the new orthodoxy that relies heavily on governments to help rebuild damaged economies. It imposes some coherence on an incoherent federal plan. It increases support for low-income families and individuals. It modernizes Ontario's consumption tax.
Alexandre Laurin, Senior Policy Analyst, C.D. Howe Institute:
By harmonizing now, Ontario not only reaps a long-term gain, but may see a short-term boost as well.
Jack M. Mintz, Palmer Chair in Public Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary:
Nonetheless, sales tax harmonization will reap large benefits to the Ontario economy. The McGuinty government will go down in history for its leadership in moving ahead with a major tax reform that will only help the Ontario economy in the long run.
Greg Pollock, President and CEO, Advocis:
The Open for Business initiative that commits to reducing red tape by 25% over the next two years is a positive move
Fred Gibbons, Vice-President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce:
I think this has been a good news budget for consumers and small businesses as well. The budget goes a long way to containing many items to position Ontario for an economic recovery…the keystone for business has been tax reform, especially the blending of GST and PST. We supported this as a chamber several months ago. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction to be a better and more attractive place for businesses to grow.
Nancy Frater, President, Canadian Book Sellers Association:
The Ontario government's move to a harmonized sales tax is good for small retailers and the exemption on books is good for consumers…this is a win for literacy and reading.
Mayor Tom Laughren, City of Timmins:
I give them nothing but kudos because it wasn't an easy task… To go into deficit, no government wants to do that. The history of the federal and provincial government is a balance or surplus. Looking at the times we're in, I think it's the right thing to go…
David Clegg, President, The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario:
We applaud the fact that the government is increasing funding for elementary and secondary education at a time when the economy is faltering and student enrolment is declining
Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation:
This is a landmark day for the literacy and basic skills cause in Ontario. The first time in over a decade that community literacy organizations have seen an increase and that workplace literacy has been funded in Ontario…ABC CANADA is committed to raising the importance of workers upgrading their reading, writing and math skills. We applaud the Government of Ontario and our literacy partners for delivering this major step forward. Today's news will provide the people of Ontario with a greater opportunity to train and upgrade their skills and education as they meet the demands of the new knowledge economy
Ken Lawenza, President, CAW:
Governments have a responsibility to boost spending during a recession, and this budget does that
Mary LaRocque, Peterborough Marlin Travel:
It's exactly what we were looking for…It was a very, very positive budget
Gilbert Heffern, Acting Executive Director, Ontario Long Term Care Association:
We understand and appreciate that the sector will receive some additional funding this year including toward the additional staffing commitments in last year's budget
John Davies, President, Humber College:
It's well recognized that particularly in this economic downturn colleges are really going to play an important part in terms of retraining… We're running towards a situation where we'll have at the same time, if we're not careful, people without jobs but also jobs without people…we're jammed so the infrastructure money will really help us
Gary Lipinksi, President, Métis Nation of Ontario:
I am especially pleased that the New Relationship Fund will continue to be available to us in future years so that we can continue the work we have already begun to increase consultation capacity in our communities…The Métis Nation of Ontario has already expressed its support for the proposed Green Energy Act. Including loan guarantees for Aboriginal participation in energy projects will help to ensure the Métis are partners in the plan to expedite the growth, transmission and distribution of renewable energy through sustainable economic development opportunities that align with Métis values as stewards of the land
Hugh Lawson, President, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association:
This is an impressive amount of money being made available to the community-based affordable housing sector and we thank the government for this large investment…It represents a level of understanding that housing is an asset which plays a major role in helping people and shaping a strong economy.
After the Harris/Eves Conservative government era of closing hospitals, hacking and slashing services like health care and pitting teachers against school boards and school boards against parents in a turmoil education system where our kids lost far too many school days I decided to run as M.P.P. I wanted to make a difference and bring back services to this community. I believe that Northumberland-Quinte West is the most wonderful place to live work and play in this great province. Rural Ontarians right here in our community deserved a better education system for our kids and grandkids, better health care services for our seniors closer to home. I am proud of achieving that for you. I am proud to work with a government that has listened to our needs and delivered the much deserved services to the people of Northumberland-Quinte West. I will continue to advocate on your behalf to make sure this community continues to grow. Working together makes us all stronger and healthier.
I have taken note that you would like me to pass along your objection to the tax harmonizing and I will certainly share this view with Premier McGuinty and Finance Minister Duncan at our next Caucus meeting this week. If you would like me to discuss this further with you I would be most happy to give you a call if you provide your phone number to my assistant by return email.
Again, thank you for sharing your concerns and views with me.
Sincerely,
Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P.
Northumberland-Quinte West
Thursday, 9 April 2009
South Cramahe Reunion update
South Cramahe School Reunion is fast approaching June 5-7, 2009. Our History book is going to print this weekend and the invitations are being prepped for mailing.
Thank you to everyone who has loaned the committee pictures and those who have written stories of their memories. Since this is a large job please pass the word to all former students as we don't want anyone to be left out.
Please check out our website www.southcramahereunion.com and fill out the registration.
The committee is always happy to receive financial donations to help cover costs and advertising. Please look for upcoming snippets of this history making event. For further info please contact Chairperson, Donna Rusaw at 905-355-2684
Thank you to everyone who has loaned the committee pictures and those who have written stories of their memories. Since this is a large job please pass the word to all former students as we don't want anyone to be left out.
Please check out our website www.southcramahereunion.com and fill out the registration.
The committee is always happy to receive financial donations to help cover costs and advertising. Please look for upcoming snippets of this history making event. For further info please contact Chairperson, Donna Rusaw at 905-355-2684
Colborne Jazz Band is rolling
The kids in the Colborne Public School Red Hot Jazz Band have the beat. From left, Rylan Newport, Drew O’Gorman, Justice Fritz, Isaac Hall and Cory Fryer show off their skills on the bass drums.The 21-member Colborne Public School Red Hot Jazz Band is filling some important playing dates.
The Kiwanis Music Festival was in early in April. Their biggest gig of the season is a three-day trip to Montreal where they will see the sights of the city and participate in its rhythm festival
May will be a busy month. Belleville is the first stop, where they will compete in the Quinte Rotary Music Festival in the first week.
In February they travelled to Toronto to the Next Generation Jazz Festival, the qualifying competition for the countrywide Musicfest competition. Their current repertoire consists of four pieces, three of which were new to the kids this year.
Many of the grade fives and sixes who joined the band this year were non players when they started. Very few kids in the community have a music background.
The grade 5-8 band practises before school twice a week under the direction of teacher/conductor Chad Morford.
The school also boasts its own 17-member drum line.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
