Is that a Colborne Dog he's eating?
The Colborne 150th celebration is well underway. Check the gallery to see close to 50 photos of Thursday and friday events.
This movie is great!
Celebration photos
Friday, 31 July 2009
Colborne 150th - come see what's happening
Is that a Colborne Dog he's eating?
The Colborne 150th celebration is well underway. Check the gallery to see close to 50 photos of Thursday and friday events.
This movie is great!
Celebration photos
advertisement
Weekend Events Parade Route Places to eat Contacts Related Articles Accommodations
The Colborne 150th celebration from July 30 - August 3. Join us!!
Coffee morning total announced
The organisers of the 3rd annual Northumberland’s Biggest Coffee Morning announced on July 24 that $49,477 was raised this year.
With almost 100 coffee parties held across west Northumberland, guests and their hosts enjoyed laughter and fellowship, while making donations toward the purchase of new medical equipment for the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Event spokesperson and Colborne resident, Ferne Dobson, is thrilled with the final results for Northumberland’s Biggest Coffee Morning. “This result would not have been possible without an army of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and of course – the very generous attendees,” said Mrs. Dobson in the press release.
“The event was held in honour of Nick Hathway and Bob MacCoubrey and the success of this year’s event is a great tribute to their dedication and support of the hospital.”
In the past three years Northumberland’s Biggest Coffee Morning has raised $180,000 for the hospital.
With almost 100 coffee parties held across west Northumberland, guests and their hosts enjoyed laughter and fellowship, while making donations toward the purchase of new medical equipment for the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Event spokesperson and Colborne resident, Ferne Dobson, is thrilled with the final results for Northumberland’s Biggest Coffee Morning. “This result would not have been possible without an army of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and of course – the very generous attendees,” said Mrs. Dobson in the press release.
“The event was held in honour of Nick Hathway and Bob MacCoubrey and the success of this year’s event is a great tribute to their dedication and support of the hospital.”
In the past three years Northumberland’s Biggest Coffee Morning has raised $180,000 for the hospital.
Sun shines on 150th opener
The sun shone brightly for the opening event of the Colborne 150th Celebration. The golf tournament, organised by Colborne Rotary, raised over $1,000 for Food 4 All, the non-profit organization which distributes food to the needy across Northumberland County.
Cramahe Now was there for some of the action and we hope you enjoy the photos of some of this area's more illustrious golfers.
150th golf tourney
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Gardeners and kids unite
submitted by Shirley Ross
The Cramahe Horticultural Society approached Dan O'Brien and Mandy Inglis, head of the summer kids program at the Keeler Centre, to request their support to introduce the Cramahe Ecology Garden to the children in the program. They agreed and on July 24, Sandra Compton and Shirley Ross met the children and briefly introduced them to the idea of the garden.
The children were led by Sandra, down and around the paths. They were very attentive and agreed to paint some bird houses for us as they understand that birds are necessary in a garden. Several of them said the garden was "lovely" and that they would also bring along an extra house from home. One fellow has already brought in a feed station - made by him.
We have permission to place the finished bird houses on the chain link fences around the ball diamonds - on the back face of their posted ads. Sandra has also collected 70 small stones and she has requested they be painted with the first name of each child in the program and the year - to be used to edge a garden room to prevent the soil from falling into the path.
The Cramahe Horticultural Society has purchased 25 birdhouses and the paint and brushes needed to do the job. The houses are assembled and primer coated. (Mandy thinks that only about 20 will be interested in doing this.) These were taken to Mandy on July 27 and we are hoping the kids will bring the finished product to the garden on Friday, July 31.
The Cramahe Horticultural Society approached Dan O'Brien and Mandy Inglis, head of the summer kids program at the Keeler Centre, to request their support to introduce the Cramahe Ecology Garden to the children in the program. They agreed and on July 24, Sandra Compton and Shirley Ross met the children and briefly introduced them to the idea of the garden.
The children were led by Sandra, down and around the paths. They were very attentive and agreed to paint some bird houses for us as they understand that birds are necessary in a garden. Several of them said the garden was "lovely" and that they would also bring along an extra house from home. One fellow has already brought in a feed station - made by him.
We have permission to place the finished bird houses on the chain link fences around the ball diamonds - on the back face of their posted ads. Sandra has also collected 70 small stones and she has requested they be painted with the first name of each child in the program and the year - to be used to edge a garden room to prevent the soil from falling into the path.
The Cramahe Horticultural Society has purchased 25 birdhouses and the paint and brushes needed to do the job. The houses are assembled and primer coated. (Mandy thinks that only about 20 will be interested in doing this.) These were taken to Mandy on July 27 and we are hoping the kids will bring the finished product to the garden on Friday, July 31.
Colborne reporter gets apology in national controversy
Former Colborne resident, Adam Huras, was one of the key figures in an apology offered today by the Telegraph-Journal, a daily paper operating in New Brunswick.
Adam was one of two Telgraph-Journal reporters covering the state funeral for former Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc on July 3 in Memramcook, N.B.
The article contained inaccurate statements which the paper now admits should not have been published. The apology, printed on July 28, goes on to say that Adam and his co-reporter, Rob Linke, did not write the erroneous statements in the article they submitted for publication.
The story stated that a senior Roman Catholic priest in New Brunswick had demanded that the Prime Minister's Office explain what happened to the communion wafer which was handed to Prime Minister Harper during the celebration of communion at the funeral mass. The story also said that during the communion celebration, the Prime Minister "slipped the thin wafer that Catholics call 'the host' into his jacket pocket".
The article created a nation-wide controversy which has now been resolved with the apology to the reporters, and to the Prime Minister,and with the firing of two senior staff members at the paper.
The 23-year-old journalist spoke to Cramahe Now by phone from Moncton on July 29. While unable to divulge details of the situation, he was clearly glad it was behind him.
Adam began his journalistic career in Brighton, working for The Independent while attending secondary school. Upon graduation, he headed to Ryerson University in Toronto where he completed a four-year degree in journalism.
He completed an internship at the National Post and in his final year he also held down a 32-hour-a-week job on the Sports Desk. The job sent him to cover games played by the Rock, the Leafs, Blue Jays and an NCAA game.
He was working on a contract job when the Telegraph-Journal came calling. Upon the recommendation of his school, they offered him an internship. Not willing to leave a job for a prospect, he asked them to call again when they had a position.
Two days later he got the call to be the Provincial Reporter, working out of the Moncton office of the province-wide daily.
He started there on May 5, 2008.
His parents, Bill and Jennifer, and his brother, Jared, still live in Colborne.
Click to read the full text of the Telegraph-Journal:
Telegraph Journal apology
Quilts: Tangible records of our past
Cramahe Now thanks Cathy Galt for submitting this article about the quilt shsow that will be in Colborne United Church on Saturday as part of the Colborne 150th celoebration.
In the 1790s “Old Joe” Keeler came up from Vermont and settled at Lakeport (or Cat Hollow as it was called then) bringing with him several Loyalist families. These families would have brought quilts with them along with a few furnishings, for the winters were cold in their small cabins. Aaron Greeley, a surveyor, laid out the town site along the Danforth Road. He called the town Keeler’s Tavern, but the name was changed at a later date to honour Sir John Colborne.
Unfortunately few of the early quilts survived for they were used daily on beds or as coats etc. You will find one in our collection...hand-woven wool counterpane with carded fleece stuffing and a blanket backing. The wool was dyed before weaving on a homemade loom, the colour being obtained from tree bark, roots, or plant leaves and flowers. We can speculate they might have used goldenrod, onion skins or butternut shells for this brown, but rhubarb leaves or carrot tops would have worked also. The three layers of the quilt were held together with yarn ties, rather than being hand quilted.
As the town settlement grew, itinerant salesmen would have passed through, their pack horses laden with webs of cloth from England or Europe. Newcomers from England might have brought several webs of cloth with them in their luggage. In 1815 “Young Joe” Keeler opened a mercantile store where yard goods could be purchased locally. Quilts evolved into more decorative, finer bed covers with these fabrics. Every prospective bride was expected to have pieced or embroidered at least 13 quilt tops for her hope chest. When she accepted a young man’s proposal the community got together at quilting bees or socials to assemble and hand-quilt her tops. Again, because these quilts were used daily, few have survived to today.
So where do we find history recorded in quilts?
• In the patterns handed down through the generations. During the slavery period stars, pine trees, flying geese quilts were used to point the safe route for runaway slaves on the “underground railway” in this area. Whig rose or Whig’s Defeat reflected politics in England. Drunkard’s Path, usually done in the blue and white colours of the Women’s Temperance League, reflected Prohibition. Signature quilts record names of families who lived in certain areas. Elaborately embroidered crazy quilts reflect an era when having household servants allowed the lady of the house leisure time to spend on creating beautiful quilts.
• In the fabrics used in the quilts. . Shirting or ticking fabrics suggest there was a fabric mill in the local area. During war times fabric was scarce so scrap quilts made of tiny pieces without wide borders were common. Flour or sugar bag quilts reflect hard economic times. After war was over uniforms and ribbons were made into memory quiltsEven today maple leaf memory quilts are being made for families of fallen soldiers.
• In the styles of the quilts. The introduction of mechanical innovations can be confirmed. For example after 1793 the cotton gin produced finer fabric, and by 1840 the Jacquard loom produced medallion and Marseilles fabrics. The general use of sewing machines can be dated to 1856 quilts. Copperplate printing of the 1750s and roller printing of the 1800s are inventions confirmed by quilts of those periods.
The quilts here today have been chosen to reflect the history of our town from 1790 to today. In the signature and the photo quilts you can see the names and faces of the inhabitants of Colborne. The crazy quilts display the fair and school ribbons, the cigar bands and tobacco pouch labels of daily life in the late 1800s. The church banners and tree of life quilts reflect the role religion played in our lives. War time and depression quilts record the harder times in our lives, and friendship and album quilts record the peaceful times of the 1900s. The apple blossom quilt and the comfort quilts are examples of the 2000s and where we are going in the future.
We hope you enjoy the show.
In the 1790s “Old Joe” Keeler came up from Vermont and settled at Lakeport (or Cat Hollow as it was called then) bringing with him several Loyalist families. These families would have brought quilts with them along with a few furnishings, for the winters were cold in their small cabins. Aaron Greeley, a surveyor, laid out the town site along the Danforth Road. He called the town Keeler’s Tavern, but the name was changed at a later date to honour Sir John Colborne.
Unfortunately few of the early quilts survived for they were used daily on beds or as coats etc. You will find one in our collection...hand-woven wool counterpane with carded fleece stuffing and a blanket backing. The wool was dyed before weaving on a homemade loom, the colour being obtained from tree bark, roots, or plant leaves and flowers. We can speculate they might have used goldenrod, onion skins or butternut shells for this brown, but rhubarb leaves or carrot tops would have worked also. The three layers of the quilt were held together with yarn ties, rather than being hand quilted.
As the town settlement grew, itinerant salesmen would have passed through, their pack horses laden with webs of cloth from England or Europe. Newcomers from England might have brought several webs of cloth with them in their luggage. In 1815 “Young Joe” Keeler opened a mercantile store where yard goods could be purchased locally. Quilts evolved into more decorative, finer bed covers with these fabrics. Every prospective bride was expected to have pieced or embroidered at least 13 quilt tops for her hope chest. When she accepted a young man’s proposal the community got together at quilting bees or socials to assemble and hand-quilt her tops. Again, because these quilts were used daily, few have survived to today.
So where do we find history recorded in quilts?
• In the patterns handed down through the generations. During the slavery period stars, pine trees, flying geese quilts were used to point the safe route for runaway slaves on the “underground railway” in this area. Whig rose or Whig’s Defeat reflected politics in England. Drunkard’s Path, usually done in the blue and white colours of the Women’s Temperance League, reflected Prohibition. Signature quilts record names of families who lived in certain areas. Elaborately embroidered crazy quilts reflect an era when having household servants allowed the lady of the house leisure time to spend on creating beautiful quilts.
• In the fabrics used in the quilts. . Shirting or ticking fabrics suggest there was a fabric mill in the local area. During war times fabric was scarce so scrap quilts made of tiny pieces without wide borders were common. Flour or sugar bag quilts reflect hard economic times. After war was over uniforms and ribbons were made into memory quiltsEven today maple leaf memory quilts are being made for families of fallen soldiers.
• In the styles of the quilts. The introduction of mechanical innovations can be confirmed. For example after 1793 the cotton gin produced finer fabric, and by 1840 the Jacquard loom produced medallion and Marseilles fabrics. The general use of sewing machines can be dated to 1856 quilts. Copperplate printing of the 1750s and roller printing of the 1800s are inventions confirmed by quilts of those periods.
The quilts here today have been chosen to reflect the history of our town from 1790 to today. In the signature and the photo quilts you can see the names and faces of the inhabitants of Colborne. The crazy quilts display the fair and school ribbons, the cigar bands and tobacco pouch labels of daily life in the late 1800s. The church banners and tree of life quilts reflect the role religion played in our lives. War time and depression quilts record the harder times in our lives, and friendship and album quilts record the peaceful times of the 1900s. The apple blossom quilt and the comfort quilts are examples of the 2000s and where we are going in the future.
We hope you enjoy the show.
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
T ballers get a safety visit
There was a lot to learn from the OPP officer who visited the Castleton T-Ballers on July 28 at the Castleton Sports Fields.
After a short talk the dozen players and their families got close up to the OPP Harley Davidson motorcycle. And some of the players even got to sit up on the seat of the big bike.
Two teams of kids play every Tuesday night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., wearing shirts provided by Diemo and Henry's Concrete Finishing.
t baller photo gallery
The bell is back
The historic bell which once rang the curfew in the Village of Colborne is back in Victoria Square. The bell will be part of this weekend's 150th anniversary celebrations.
To read the full story Bell returns to Colborne
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Timmy's finally gets land
After many delays, Tim Horton's finally owns the Beaudry property south of the Ultramar on Percy Street in Cramahe.
Ken Beaudry informed Cramahe Now on July 27 that the deal, which had been in the works for over a year, had finally closed on July 22. Mr. Beaudry did not elaborate about what forced his family to extend the deadline with the company, but the township still had to approve a site plan this spring. It did not choose the company for the construction of the watermains to serve the property until May 19 and the site plan was approved by council on June 16.
Tim Horton's officials told Mr. Beaudry they would not move forward on the deal until all the approvals hade been completed.
With the change of ownership, Tim Horton's can now begin construction on the building they planned to have up by December, 2009.
Construction began last week on the $59,735 watermain which runs down from Purdy Rd. to the new restaurant. Council agreed to pay $44,735 of the cost. It is expected that one day, the main will be extended down Percy Street and join with the existing line which services Colborne to the south.
Ken Beaudry informed Cramahe Now on July 27 that the deal, which had been in the works for over a year, had finally closed on July 22. Mr. Beaudry did not elaborate about what forced his family to extend the deadline with the company, but the township still had to approve a site plan this spring. It did not choose the company for the construction of the watermains to serve the property until May 19 and the site plan was approved by council on June 16.
Tim Horton's officials told Mr. Beaudry they would not move forward on the deal until all the approvals hade been completed.
With the change of ownership, Tim Horton's can now begin construction on the building they planned to have up by December, 2009.
Construction began last week on the $59,735 watermain which runs down from Purdy Rd. to the new restaurant. Council agreed to pay $44,735 of the cost. It is expected that one day, the main will be extended down Percy Street and join with the existing line which services Colborne to the south.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Curling Club helps children
Submitted
Lynn Rusaw, left, and Ann Dobby of the Colborne Curling Club and Peg Klem and Lorna Houston of the Cramahe Library at the July 11 presentation. Club member Laurie Carrol is absent from the photo.
The Colborne Curling Club is donating $200 to the Colborne Branch of the Cramahe Public Library to support the children's section.
The $200 is a portion of the proceeds from the Antique Show hosted by the club during this year's Apple Blossom Tyme Festival. The organizers of the show, Laurie Carrol, Lynne Rusaw and Ann Dobby are pleased to turn over the monies to Peggy Klem, Chair of the Library Board, and librarian, Lorna Houston.
Lynn Rusaw, left, and Ann Dobby of the Colborne Curling Club and Peg Klem and Lorna Houston of the Cramahe Library at the July 11 presentation. Club member Laurie Carrol is absent from the photo. The Colborne Curling Club is donating $200 to the Colborne Branch of the Cramahe Public Library to support the children's section.
The $200 is a portion of the proceeds from the Antique Show hosted by the club during this year's Apple Blossom Tyme Festival. The organizers of the show, Laurie Carrol, Lynne Rusaw and Ann Dobby are pleased to turn over the monies to Peggy Klem, Chair of the Library Board, and librarian, Lorna Houston.
Coneflower Festival huge success
The first-ever Coneflower Festival was an "unbelievable success" says organizer Peggy Howden. Old Barn Perennials was crammed with people on Saturday and busy again on Sunday. Peggy says it far exceeded her expectations.
Twindmills joins Colborne celebration
This salesman's sampler was used in the late 1880's to demonstrate the latest technology in threshing machines.While the committee to organize the Colborne 150th celebration has been busy making arrangements for this weekend's party, the staff at Twindmills Markets has been quietly creating its own activities to commemorate the big anniversary.
Marshall Gummer is promoting the weekend at 114 Purdy Rd at Big Apple Drive. His comments are below:
In early May we produced and distributed a tourist brochure featuring Colborne on the front and local attractions inside and promoting our 150th Anniversary. It is located in 170 tourist locations throughout Ontario.
Our Tourist signs for Twindmills Markets were recently installed on the 401. We are placing ads in local papers to highlight our weekend events.
In addition we will be featuring an extremely rare horse drawn Racing Sled circa 1880, probably the only one in existence. Entertainment on Sunday from 12-3 will be Frank and Dave of the Shelter Valley Boys and throughout the weekend Bianka Van Egmond and Andrew Keogh will perform.
We are launching our Farmers/Craft market. Our theme for the weekend is “Celebrating our Past and Looking to the Future”. Displays will feature blacksmith tools used locally, vintage newspapers, memorabilia, photos, a tractor, a cutter and a racing sled.
We are proud to have Bianka Van Egmond and Andrew Keogh as our regular produce vendors and our representatives of the future of Cramahe Township. It is also appropriate that we have former Cramahe resident, Lawrence Massey, attending, signing his fascinating book which tells of rural life over several generations. “Aquadale, The Final Chapter” is his second book. Lawrence will also talk to visitors about our history.
Twindmills is still working on even more attractions to complement what the town is doing downtown.
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Re-enactors bring excitement to 150th
For two hours on Saturday, August 1 the lawn on the corner of Elgin and King Street in Colborne will be filled with the sights and sounds of 1812. Cramahe resident, Chris Robins will lead his group of re-enactors as they demonstrate and re-enact events and routines of 200 years ago.
The busy group draws most of its numbers from the student body and graduates of CDCI West in Cobourg where Chris teaches. Family members and friends fill out the group. On the Canada Day weekend they were at the Cobourg Waterfront Festival, and the day after they perform in Colborne they will head over to Presqu'ile.
Around noon on Saturday they will set up an encampment with displays and demonstrations. Gary Titus will talk about surgery as it was performed 200 years ago. Later in the afternoon he will double as a native warrior along with a CDCI West student who lives in Alderville.
Fashion, weapons, militia and muskets will all be on display as the re-enactors immerse themselves in the time. At the end of the two hours they will "fight" a company battle.
Chris explains that there were two acknowledged ways to fight at that time. Soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder in tight lines, or they would fight as skirmishers, hiding behind trees in loose lines, never out of hearing or sight of the commander. The skirmishers worked in pairs - one shooting and the other providing protection.
The technology at that time provided two weapons alternatives. Smooth bore muskets could be loaded up to three times a minute but they were totally inaccurate at over 30 yards. Rifle muskets were far more accurate. Sharpshooters could hit their mark at 2-300 yards. But the rifles were harder to load.
The afternoon promises to be informative and exciting as part of Colborne goes back in time 200 years.
For more photos of the Canada Day re-enactment at Cobourg:
more re-enactment photos
Hockey registration this week
Submitted by Brenda Barrett - Colborne Cramahe Minor Hockey
Hockey registration is Wednesday, July 29 form 6 p.m. til 830 p.m. at the Keeler Centre. New players must bring a photocopy of their birth certificate. Colborne Cramahe Minor Hockey will have one more registration night at the end of August.
Anyone wanting more info can also contact Brenda Barrett at 905-355-5475 or at colbornehockey@yahoo.ca
The minor hockey website is www.colbornehockey.piczo.com.
we have our registration information and prices listed and there is a link there to our online registration or they can go directly to our hockey canada registration site at https://registration.hockeycanada.ca/registration/?ID=5423.
Rep team tryouts will be starting in September.
Hockey registration is Wednesday, July 29 form 6 p.m. til 830 p.m. at the Keeler Centre. New players must bring a photocopy of their birth certificate. Colborne Cramahe Minor Hockey will have one more registration night at the end of August.
Anyone wanting more info can also contact Brenda Barrett at 905-355-5475 or at colbornehockey@yahoo.ca
The minor hockey website is www.colbornehockey.piczo.com.
we have our registration information and prices listed and there is a link there to our online registration or they can go directly to our hockey canada registration site at https://registration.hockeycanada.ca/registration/?ID=5423.
Rep team tryouts will be starting in September.
Cramahe Now reader unhappy with Township officials
The letter written below expresses the concern of Lakeport resident, Tom Philp over the staging of the Colborne 150th celebration:
I've been waiting for you, as an intrepid reporter, to chastise Cramahe Council for its lack of direct involvement in Colborne's 150th Anniversary.
As a person who grew up in Colborne, spending his first 18 years there, I can tell you categorically that the Council-of-the-day in 1959, when the village celebrated its centennial, did a lot more than this group of bozos. And 50 years later, it's volunteers who are putting together next weekend's activities.
I've checked with more than two dozen residents of both Colborne and the surrounding township. Not one of them has received a mail out ... or inclusion in a tax notice ... inviting them, as residents, to celebrate the sesquicentennial. The only material I've seen, other than an online poster on your Web site and the minor bit of advertising Cramahe's authorized in local rags, is the bookmark outlining pathetically few events for next weekend.
What in God's name is Rebecca Goddard-Sarria doing to earn her big salary as Tourism/Development/Communications person for the municipality? Has she ever had an original idea? The advertising on those recycling bins is certainly going gung ho, no?
There is a late morning dedication of the new gazebo planned ... very hush hush so far on the name of it, although I recommended it be called the "Jane and John Boreham Memorial Gazebo" some time ago ... but absolutely nothing in the town's central park to help carry on the spirit of celebration. Once again, this council of do-nothings is not planning to set up bbqs and hand out free hot dogs and hamburgers to residents as its contribution to the day. No, the council will piggy back on the Legion's bbq, rather than investing a nickel in celebrating 150 years with people who will already be gathered in one location.
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Not a shred of evidence that these people ... with the possible exception of Pat Westrope ... actually understand their roles as leaders of this significant milestone. What would it cost? $500 in burgers, dogs and drinks? Cheap, and totally unaware.. And Mayor Marc Coombs is chief among them.
And in all of this, Bob, I'm surprised that you have not taken them to task for their lack of action. You did a great job profiling the Colborne Farmer's Market problem and subsequent resolution; you've reported that Gary Warner has arranged an extra concert for people on the Labour Day weekend; you even reported that pittance of $8,600 that Norlock brought to the party; but nothing ... not a word about this council's failure to celebrate Canada Day appropriately, or its even worse position of not helping people celebrate the village's 150th anniversary in style.
Even at this late hour, perhaps you could ask them WHY they've decided to ignore their citizens. It's shameful behaviour on council's part; but not in the least bit surprising.
Thanks for your time.
Tom Philp
I've been waiting for you, as an intrepid reporter, to chastise Cramahe Council for its lack of direct involvement in Colborne's 150th Anniversary.
As a person who grew up in Colborne, spending his first 18 years there, I can tell you categorically that the Council-of-the-day in 1959, when the village celebrated its centennial, did a lot more than this group of bozos. And 50 years later, it's volunteers who are putting together next weekend's activities.
I've checked with more than two dozen residents of both Colborne and the surrounding township. Not one of them has received a mail out ... or inclusion in a tax notice ... inviting them, as residents, to celebrate the sesquicentennial. The only material I've seen, other than an online poster on your Web site and the minor bit of advertising Cramahe's authorized in local rags, is the bookmark outlining pathetically few events for next weekend.
What in God's name is Rebecca Goddard-Sarria doing to earn her big salary as Tourism/Development/Communications person for the municipality? Has she ever had an original idea? The advertising on those recycling bins is certainly going gung ho, no?
There is a late morning dedication of the new gazebo planned ... very hush hush so far on the name of it, although I recommended it be called the "Jane and John Boreham Memorial Gazebo" some time ago ... but absolutely nothing in the town's central park to help carry on the spirit of celebration. Once again, this council of do-nothings is not planning to set up bbqs and hand out free hot dogs and hamburgers to residents as its contribution to the day. No, the council will piggy back on the Legion's bbq, rather than investing a nickel in celebrating 150 years with people who will already be gathered in one location.
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Not a shred of evidence that these people ... with the possible exception of Pat Westrope ... actually understand their roles as leaders of this significant milestone. What would it cost? $500 in burgers, dogs and drinks? Cheap, and totally unaware.. And Mayor Marc Coombs is chief among them.
And in all of this, Bob, I'm surprised that you have not taken them to task for their lack of action. You did a great job profiling the Colborne Farmer's Market problem and subsequent resolution; you've reported that Gary Warner has arranged an extra concert for people on the Labour Day weekend; you even reported that pittance of $8,600 that Norlock brought to the party; but nothing ... not a word about this council's failure to celebrate Canada Day appropriately, or its even worse position of not helping people celebrate the village's 150th anniversary in style.
Even at this late hour, perhaps you could ask them WHY they've decided to ignore their citizens. It's shameful behaviour on council's part; but not in the least bit surprising.
Thanks for your time.
Tom Philp
Friday, 24 July 2009
Doug Weston has lots more to do
You get the feeling talking to 89-year-old Doug Weston that he has a lot more to do yet in life. The World War II veteran still fly fishes Shelter Valley Creek in hip waders and looks after himself in his Colborne home, defying his age.
Doug's father, Richard, emigrated from England to Canada in 1914, settling in Toronto. Six years later Doug arrived. The family moved a lot and he recalls attending five different elementary schools. His sister, Beatrice, took him to kindergarten class at Gledhill School. After graduation he moved on to Danforth Tech where he stayed for a couple of years.
Blessed with an excellent memory, Doug recounts some of his childhood experiences.
Growing up was an adventure for the young Weston boy. He travelled across the city on streetcars. When he was 10 he roller skated the breadth of the city along Bloor Street. In the same year he delivered 50 Toronto Star Weekend edition newspapers on his paper route. He figures now his route was a three-and-a-half mile walk. If he had extras, he'd stand in front of the Woolworth's store on the corner of Lee and Queen St. shouting, "Get your Star newspapers!"
In the summer the kids would sleep on the verandah or on the beach in the area we now know as the Beaches in the east end of Toronto.
In 1936 he started driving, and in the same year he bought his first car, a 1927 Plymouth Business Coupe for the princely sum of $35.
In those days Eglinton Ave. was a dirt road. The trip from Lawrence Ave. to Victoria Park down the Don River Valley involved crossing a one-lane wooden bridge signed "Use at own risk".
Life in the Depression left marks on all who lived through it. The family was given vouchers which his oldest sister would take on the 20-minute walk north to a store on Kingston Rd. to get 3-4 pecks of potatoes and a dozen loaves of bread. The food was stored in an ice box - the family had no fridge until 1935 and Doug was 15.
He chuckles as he remembers his uncle who lived on a 40-50 acre sheep farm north of Oshawa in Raglan. The uncle refused to have electricity installed - he claimed it was a passing fad. Lighting came from a hurricane lamp. Otherwise, it was pitch black at night on the farm. Electricity arrived after the war.
Doug left high school after a couple of years and became an apprentice plumber. In those pre-war years he was lucky to get 20-30 hours of work each week. That all changed with the war. Doug says there was plenty of work for everybody, much of it for the government.
He remembers that Ajax was "nothing" before it became a munitions manufacturing town. About 600 women were hired to work in the Ajax factories; others caught on in plants in Scarborough.
He was drafted at 21, and again his eyes twinkle. He says he was turned down because he only weighed 118 pounds. A year later he weighed a whole pound more and was accepted. He guesses they were getting desperate. He signed up in January, 1942, starting as a mess boy and earning $1.10 a day in military pay.
He travelled to Britain on the Duchess of York out of Halifax. The highlight of the trip was a $10 tip.
Doug and members of the #3 Troop pose for a
photo in East Horsley, England on September 1, 1942.
Doug is in front.
He soon became an engineer in the 4th Army Division, 9th Field Squadron.
He saw action in Normandy, joining the fray when 10 miles of beach had been captured. His squadron was part of the force that took Cannes before moving on to Calais. They moved up along the coast to Dunkirk, Holland and Bruges, finally ending up in Germany at the end of April in 1945.
Doug received news early in April that his mother was dying of cancer. He couldn't leave while they were advancing on Germany, but got leave in May after his group had pulled back to Holland. It was too late, his mother had died, and he told his commanding officer.
Doug was told to keep quiet. The fighting was over - go home.
Taking passage on the New Amsterdam, he arrived home in July, 1945 and was discharged six months later.
His life took its next turn at a Hallowe'en party held by IBM in 1946. Doug was working as a steamfitter, but his sisters, Dorothy and Velma worked for the big firm. It was at the IBM country club party that he met his future wife, Doris Margaret Atkinson. They were married within the year and raised three children - Allan, born in 1949, Peggy, born in 1953, and Lorna, born in 1956.
The kids get ready for Sunday School.
There was work after the war, but a shortage of building materials kept him from working full time fofr the first few years.
Doris with Allan and Peggy.
Doug was one of the many who worked in the production of the Avro Arrow. When it was cancelled he went to IBM in the maintenance department, then on to Sunnybrook Hospital and the Royal Ontario Museum.
He retired 27 years ago. He jokes that he took "early retirement". He couldn't get a job.
Doug, left, and a friend sailing on Lake Erie.
After ten years in Norwood, he moved in 1990 to Colborne where he has spent most of his time "fishing and gardening". Doug continues to fly fish, tying his pwn lures. The week before he gave the interview for this story he was strolling down Shelter Valley Creek in his waders. He gave up cross country skiing at Presqu'ile five years ago when he was 84. He claims it was too hard on his knees.
His latest possession is a laptop he received on Father's Day. He says he's learning how to use it - quite a feat for someone who grew up at the end of the horse-and-buggy era.
Doug claims the secret to longevity is keeping active. He played hockey, and baseball, and downhill skiied from the age of 16. Living in the Beaches area, he swam near the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. He danced every Saturday at the Palais Royale
It probably doesn't hurt to have strong genes either. His father lived to 92 and he has a 96-year-old cousin.
Doug Weston is a remarkable man. He has lived a long and eventful life and continues to look forward to new adventures.
Doug's father, Richard, emigrated from England to Canada in 1914, settling in Toronto. Six years later Doug arrived. The family moved a lot and he recalls attending five different elementary schools. His sister, Beatrice, took him to kindergarten class at Gledhill School. After graduation he moved on to Danforth Tech where he stayed for a couple of years.
Blessed with an excellent memory, Doug recounts some of his childhood experiences.
Growing up was an adventure for the young Weston boy. He travelled across the city on streetcars. When he was 10 he roller skated the breadth of the city along Bloor Street. In the same year he delivered 50 Toronto Star Weekend edition newspapers on his paper route. He figures now his route was a three-and-a-half mile walk. If he had extras, he'd stand in front of the Woolworth's store on the corner of Lee and Queen St. shouting, "Get your Star newspapers!"
In the summer the kids would sleep on the verandah or on the beach in the area we now know as the Beaches in the east end of Toronto.
In 1936 he started driving, and in the same year he bought his first car, a 1927 Plymouth Business Coupe for the princely sum of $35.
In those days Eglinton Ave. was a dirt road. The trip from Lawrence Ave. to Victoria Park down the Don River Valley involved crossing a one-lane wooden bridge signed "Use at own risk".
Life in the Depression left marks on all who lived through it. The family was given vouchers which his oldest sister would take on the 20-minute walk north to a store on Kingston Rd. to get 3-4 pecks of potatoes and a dozen loaves of bread. The food was stored in an ice box - the family had no fridge until 1935 and Doug was 15.
He chuckles as he remembers his uncle who lived on a 40-50 acre sheep farm north of Oshawa in Raglan. The uncle refused to have electricity installed - he claimed it was a passing fad. Lighting came from a hurricane lamp. Otherwise, it was pitch black at night on the farm. Electricity arrived after the war.
Doug left high school after a couple of years and became an apprentice plumber. In those pre-war years he was lucky to get 20-30 hours of work each week. That all changed with the war. Doug says there was plenty of work for everybody, much of it for the government.
He remembers that Ajax was "nothing" before it became a munitions manufacturing town. About 600 women were hired to work in the Ajax factories; others caught on in plants in Scarborough.
He was drafted at 21, and again his eyes twinkle. He says he was turned down because he only weighed 118 pounds. A year later he weighed a whole pound more and was accepted. He guesses they were getting desperate. He signed up in January, 1942, starting as a mess boy and earning $1.10 a day in military pay.
He travelled to Britain on the Duchess of York out of Halifax. The highlight of the trip was a $10 tip.
Doug and members of the #3 Troop pose for a
photo in East Horsley, England on September 1, 1942.
Doug is in front.
He soon became an engineer in the 4th Army Division, 9th Field Squadron.
He saw action in Normandy, joining the fray when 10 miles of beach had been captured. His squadron was part of the force that took Cannes before moving on to Calais. They moved up along the coast to Dunkirk, Holland and Bruges, finally ending up in Germany at the end of April in 1945.
Doug received news early in April that his mother was dying of cancer. He couldn't leave while they were advancing on Germany, but got leave in May after his group had pulled back to Holland. It was too late, his mother had died, and he told his commanding officer.
Doug was told to keep quiet. The fighting was over - go home.
Taking passage on the New Amsterdam, he arrived home in July, 1945 and was discharged six months later.
His life took its next turn at a Hallowe'en party held by IBM in 1946. Doug was working as a steamfitter, but his sisters, Dorothy and Velma worked for the big firm. It was at the IBM country club party that he met his future wife, Doris Margaret Atkinson. They were married within the year and raised three children - Allan, born in 1949, Peggy, born in 1953, and Lorna, born in 1956.
The kids get ready for Sunday School.
There was work after the war, but a shortage of building materials kept him from working full time fofr the first few years.
Doris with Allan and Peggy.
Doug was one of the many who worked in the production of the Avro Arrow. When it was cancelled he went to IBM in the maintenance department, then on to Sunnybrook Hospital and the Royal Ontario Museum.
He retired 27 years ago. He jokes that he took "early retirement". He couldn't get a job.
Doug, left, and a friend sailing on Lake Erie.
After ten years in Norwood, he moved in 1990 to Colborne where he has spent most of his time "fishing and gardening". Doug continues to fly fish, tying his pwn lures. The week before he gave the interview for this story he was strolling down Shelter Valley Creek in his waders. He gave up cross country skiing at Presqu'ile five years ago when he was 84. He claims it was too hard on his knees.
His latest possession is a laptop he received on Father's Day. He says he's learning how to use it - quite a feat for someone who grew up at the end of the horse-and-buggy era.
Doug claims the secret to longevity is keeping active. He played hockey, and baseball, and downhill skiied from the age of 16. Living in the Beaches area, he swam near the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. He danced every Saturday at the Palais Royale
It probably doesn't hurt to have strong genes either. His father lived to 92 and he has a 96-year-old cousin.
Doug Weston is a remarkable man. He has lived a long and eventful life and continues to look forward to new adventures.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Market returns home
Home at last! On July 22 the Cramahe's Farmers' Market returned to the location it has held for more than 15 years. Two vendors were there to sell fresh flowers and produce to Colborne shoppers.
No one is saying much but the Cramahe Farmers' Market has returned to its traditional location on the north side of King St. E. in Colborne. The Jacksons and Van Egmonds had their stands up on Wednesday morning, the day set out in the Colborne bylaw passed in 1993.
The return of the vendors to the location they held up until mid-summer last year appears to support the view held by Cramahe Councillor Pat Westrope at the July 14 township council meeting.
At that meeting Councillor Westrope and Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris, got into an animated discussion over the validity of the 1993 bylaw. It was Mr. Harris's initial contention that bylaws passed by councils prior to amalgamation had to be ratified or they were no longer valid. He was partially correct, but not for this situation.
Councillor Westrope was surprised and expressed some scepticism at his suggestion.
Despite the uncertainty of the validity of the 1993 bylaw, Council chose to pass a new one on July 14 without consulting the provincial municipal affairs office in Kingston - but Cramahe Now did.
It appears, too, that the township failed to listen to the vendors who stated their clear preference to a market on the north side of King St. E., opening in the morning.
Penny Sharman, Municipal Advisor Municipal Services Office-Eastern Region, directed the blog to the Municipal Act e-guide. It states that any bylaw passed before amalgamation by the former Township of Cramahe or Village of Colborne is no longer valid if the bylaw was no longer permitted in 2003. But the township still has the power to enact a farmers' market bylaw - the 1993 bylaw has not been repealed, so it is still in effect.
Now, all that is needed are some customers to make the market viable and to keep the farmers here.
Anita Jackson and a happy customer consider the baskets.
No one is saying much but the Cramahe Farmers' Market has returned to its traditional location on the north side of King St. E. in Colborne. The Jacksons and Van Egmonds had their stands up on Wednesday morning, the day set out in the Colborne bylaw passed in 1993.
The return of the vendors to the location they held up until mid-summer last year appears to support the view held by Cramahe Councillor Pat Westrope at the July 14 township council meeting.
At that meeting Councillor Westrope and Township Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris, got into an animated discussion over the validity of the 1993 bylaw. It was Mr. Harris's initial contention that bylaws passed by councils prior to amalgamation had to be ratified or they were no longer valid. He was partially correct, but not for this situation.
Councillor Westrope was surprised and expressed some scepticism at his suggestion.
Despite the uncertainty of the validity of the 1993 bylaw, Council chose to pass a new one on July 14 without consulting the provincial municipal affairs office in Kingston - but Cramahe Now did.
It appears, too, that the township failed to listen to the vendors who stated their clear preference to a market on the north side of King St. E., opening in the morning.
Penny Sharman, Municipal Advisor Municipal Services Office-Eastern Region, directed the blog to the Municipal Act e-guide. It states that any bylaw passed before amalgamation by the former Township of Cramahe or Village of Colborne is no longer valid if the bylaw was no longer permitted in 2003. But the township still has the power to enact a farmers' market bylaw - the 1993 bylaw has not been repealed, so it is still in effect.
Now, all that is needed are some customers to make the market viable and to keep the farmers here.
Anita Jackson and a happy customer consider the baskets.
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
150th grant announced
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland Quinte West announced federal funding in the amount of $8,600 for the village of Colborne, presenting the cheque to Chair Pat Westrope (third from left). The money is being used by the Colborne 150th Celebration Committee to augment the July 30 - August 2 celebration of Colborne's 150th birthday.
“I am pleased that our government recognizes the importance of funding hallmark occasions such as the 150th Anniversary of the village of Colborne,” said Mr. Norlock. “Colborne and Cramahe Township are a wonderful place to live and do business, but in particular the area is full of rich history and culture that predates the creation of Canada itself. I am glad to be here to help mark this occasion and look forward to the festivities that mark this anniversary on the long weekend of August.”
The funding is allocated from the ‘Community Historical Program Fund,’ from Heritage Canada, to promote and sustain community cultural and heritage initiatives.
On hand with Councillor Westrope were several of her committee members and Mayor Marc Coombs.
Monday, 20 July 2009
Need a home?
There is a bungalow in Colborne that needs a family. The former Friendship House is set up with full facilities for a family and is available to rent.
Since 2000 the Castleton Colborne Optimists and Colborne Rotary paid the heat and hydro on the place, but decided to end the agreement this year. In 2002 a $25,000 Trillium Grant was used to upgrade the interior, but the exterior is in need of some repair.
The Rev. Barbara-Anne Ramer said the church has enjoyed having groups use its building. She explained on June 25 that the summer is a down time for most groups. If they were allowed to continue using the building until the end of December, their meetings would be disrupted in mid-year. It's better to make the change now.
The minister confirmed that the repairs to the exterior would be too costly for the church at this time. Paying the ongoing bills of about $100 per month is out of the question.
The church is open to any reasonable solution regarding the future of the building. The church owns three buildings on the property and Friendship House is surplus to its needs. The church is growing and could use the land for parking.
Another option is to have someone move in and pay a modest rent.
In June, Rev. Ramer commented that demolition is a possibility if it can be done cheaply. If someone wants to move it to another location the price would be right.
If it is still standing when the winter arrives everything will be turned off inside and there will be further deterioration. Whatever happpens, the church wants to make the decision as soon as possible.
Call the church at 905 355-2408 if you think you think you might be able to help with the house which sits at the northwest corner of King and Elgin Streets in Colborne.
Since 2000 the Castleton Colborne Optimists and Colborne Rotary paid the heat and hydro on the place, but decided to end the agreement this year. In 2002 a $25,000 Trillium Grant was used to upgrade the interior, but the exterior is in need of some repair.
The Rev. Barbara-Anne Ramer said the church has enjoyed having groups use its building. She explained on June 25 that the summer is a down time for most groups. If they were allowed to continue using the building until the end of December, their meetings would be disrupted in mid-year. It's better to make the change now.
The minister confirmed that the repairs to the exterior would be too costly for the church at this time. Paying the ongoing bills of about $100 per month is out of the question.
The church is open to any reasonable solution regarding the future of the building. The church owns three buildings on the property and Friendship House is surplus to its needs. The church is growing and could use the land for parking.
Another option is to have someone move in and pay a modest rent.
In June, Rev. Ramer commented that demolition is a possibility if it can be done cheaply. If someone wants to move it to another location the price would be right.
If it is still standing when the winter arrives everything will be turned off inside and there will be further deterioration. Whatever happpens, the church wants to make the decision as soon as possible.
Call the church at 905 355-2408 if you think you think you might be able to help with the house which sits at the northwest corner of King and Elgin Streets in Colborne.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Eden auction draws a good crowd
Eden Church in Dundonald held a fundraising auction on Saturday to raise money for new windows. See some of the action below:
How much will this go for?
This is the way I see it.
Yum yum - look who's cooking
And what am I bid for this?
A thoughtful bunch
And I bid...
How much will this go for?
This is the way I see it.
Yum yum - look who's cooking
And what am I bid for this?
A thoughtful bunch
And I bid...
Reader disagrees with possible pit
Ed. Note - Normally we do not include material in the blog which is not directly connected to Cramahe Township. We are making an exception this time and are posting this letter by one of our readers as the issue is relevant to some of our readers in the east end of the township.
Dear Mayor Chris Herrington and Council Members and Mike LeBreton of CBM Aggregates, Lands Supervisor, Eastern Region/c/o "Customer Service, at St. Marys' Cement,
I am writing to voice my clear opposition to the zoning bylaw change that St. Marys Cement Inc.,(CBM) requires to start operations at its Codrington Pit - Application (Part Lots 32-34), Concession 6, Municipality of Brighton.
I am the third of four generations of my family that continue to live in Northumberland County. Ironically I chose to come back to Brighton after spending twenty of my adult years in Montreal, Quebec. I say "ironically", because I moved here for the green, the art, the food, the beauty, nature, the heart, the wine, the golf for my friends, the cycling, hiking and fishing, the sailing, snow-shoeing, and safe places to walk my dogs in nature. More ironically, I "chose" to move to Codrington to promote my own health and wellness. My plan is to share my skills and build a business in Codrington ultimately to become a part of the successful tourism industry Northumberland County promotes.
I am broken-hearted to discover that Brighton Council (which represents myself and my friends and neighbours living in the municipality of Brighton) has knowingly and most disappointingly, "quietly" for some years, been "paving" the way for CBM or St. Marys' Cement to destroy our hillsides, and quality of life. I never ever would have moved here. I never ever would have promoted this part of Northumberland county to Montrealers.
I am completely against this proposal to amend the zoning bylaw CBM is asking you to pass. I am completely against them destroying natural habitat, air, water, beauty, and my safety on the roads. It is undemocratic that CBM wrote a letter to landowners on July 3rd, 2009 with a legal requirement that all oppositions must be filed with CBM and the Ministry by August 24, 2009. That is undemocratic because they are giving us "weeks" and they have been buying up land "for years". It is also undemocratic and deceitful that CBM was only required to distribute its letter to landowners living within 120 metres of the site. It is undemocratic that CBM has been purchasing land from local landowners who didn't know that St. Mary's cement was the buyer.
It is unacceptable that my elected representatives would try to pass a zoning bylaw that intends to bombard our rural, agricultural, tourism and artisan-based community with a proposed 300 giant trucks a day. I would remind you that your constituents elected you to represent us, regardless of the huge, short-term sums of monies that may result for the township from such a venture. They "will" leave a huge hole here for years and years to come while simultaneously killing the rural nature of our community with their 300 trucks a day rumbling up and down our highways, barrelling in, around and through our small communities. This is truly unthinkable.
I'm sure our tourist friends coming to Oak Heights Winery or Timber Ridge Golf Course, or local boaters, campers, cyclists, shoppers, and travellers of all kinds won't be coming back to Northumberland County should this zoning bylaw pass. Good decisions are made when we consider "seven generations" ahead. If St. Marys Cement had nothing to hide, then why did they. Amalgamating seven pits into one? Not acceptable in our community. Ruining my water, the quiet, the beauty, the habit of safety walking with my friends or my dogs on the side of the road is unacceptable.
St. Marys Cement, or CBM has purchased land from Aranda Way in the heart of Codrington down to Old Wooler Road. Let them donate it to the Trent Conservation Authority. This part of Ontario is famous for migrating and rare birds and other species that bring photographers, bird watchers, all kinds of tourists, who eat at our restaurants, want to shop in our stores, stay at our B&B's, and retreats, play a little golf at one of our find golf courses. The state of Vermont was most successful in transforming from a Dairy based, agricultural economy to one based on Green tourism. I am hopeful we will be the Ontario example of such a thriving healthful economically thriving community.
I implore you, don't just think of so-called "dollars" you can mark on your very temporary resumes now. Be proud of where we live and what we intend to share through the generations in economically viable, thriving, creative ways.
I thank you in advance for being my elected representatives and taking the well being of all of your constituents into consideration now and forward through the next seven generations. I look very forward to hearing back from you.
C. C. Rider
Dear Mayor Chris Herrington and Council Members and Mike LeBreton of CBM Aggregates, Lands Supervisor, Eastern Region/c/o "Customer Service, at St. Marys' Cement,
I am writing to voice my clear opposition to the zoning bylaw change that St. Marys Cement Inc.,(CBM) requires to start operations at its Codrington Pit - Application (Part Lots 32-34), Concession 6, Municipality of Brighton.
I am the third of four generations of my family that continue to live in Northumberland County. Ironically I chose to come back to Brighton after spending twenty of my adult years in Montreal, Quebec. I say "ironically", because I moved here for the green, the art, the food, the beauty, nature, the heart, the wine, the golf for my friends, the cycling, hiking and fishing, the sailing, snow-shoeing, and safe places to walk my dogs in nature. More ironically, I "chose" to move to Codrington to promote my own health and wellness. My plan is to share my skills and build a business in Codrington ultimately to become a part of the successful tourism industry Northumberland County promotes.
I am broken-hearted to discover that Brighton Council (which represents myself and my friends and neighbours living in the municipality of Brighton) has knowingly and most disappointingly, "quietly" for some years, been "paving" the way for CBM or St. Marys' Cement to destroy our hillsides, and quality of life. I never ever would have moved here. I never ever would have promoted this part of Northumberland county to Montrealers.
I am completely against this proposal to amend the zoning bylaw CBM is asking you to pass. I am completely against them destroying natural habitat, air, water, beauty, and my safety on the roads. It is undemocratic that CBM wrote a letter to landowners on July 3rd, 2009 with a legal requirement that all oppositions must be filed with CBM and the Ministry by August 24, 2009. That is undemocratic because they are giving us "weeks" and they have been buying up land "for years". It is also undemocratic and deceitful that CBM was only required to distribute its letter to landowners living within 120 metres of the site. It is undemocratic that CBM has been purchasing land from local landowners who didn't know that St. Mary's cement was the buyer.
It is unacceptable that my elected representatives would try to pass a zoning bylaw that intends to bombard our rural, agricultural, tourism and artisan-based community with a proposed 300 giant trucks a day. I would remind you that your constituents elected you to represent us, regardless of the huge, short-term sums of monies that may result for the township from such a venture. They "will" leave a huge hole here for years and years to come while simultaneously killing the rural nature of our community with their 300 trucks a day rumbling up and down our highways, barrelling in, around and through our small communities. This is truly unthinkable.
I'm sure our tourist friends coming to Oak Heights Winery or Timber Ridge Golf Course, or local boaters, campers, cyclists, shoppers, and travellers of all kinds won't be coming back to Northumberland County should this zoning bylaw pass. Good decisions are made when we consider "seven generations" ahead. If St. Marys Cement had nothing to hide, then why did they. Amalgamating seven pits into one? Not acceptable in our community. Ruining my water, the quiet, the beauty, the habit of safety walking with my friends or my dogs on the side of the road is unacceptable.
St. Marys Cement, or CBM has purchased land from Aranda Way in the heart of Codrington down to Old Wooler Road. Let them donate it to the Trent Conservation Authority. This part of Ontario is famous for migrating and rare birds and other species that bring photographers, bird watchers, all kinds of tourists, who eat at our restaurants, want to shop in our stores, stay at our B&B's, and retreats, play a little golf at one of our find golf courses. The state of Vermont was most successful in transforming from a Dairy based, agricultural economy to one based on Green tourism. I am hopeful we will be the Ontario example of such a thriving healthful economically thriving community.
I implore you, don't just think of so-called "dollars" you can mark on your very temporary resumes now. Be proud of where we live and what we intend to share through the generations in economically viable, thriving, creative ways.
I thank you in advance for being my elected representatives and taking the well being of all of your constituents into consideration now and forward through the next seven generations. I look very forward to hearing back from you.
C. C. Rider
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Jamboree adds a concert
The Gene Watson concert planned by Auction Barn Jamboree promoter, Gary Warner has sold out. In a phone interview on July 16, Mr. Warner announced that all 1,000 tickets for the September 2 concert were sold in three weeks.
There is good news for all those who wanted to go but didn't get tickets. Mr. Warner has arranged with Gene to come a day earlier and put on a second concert.The $30 tickets are now available for the September 1 show - in Colborne at Warner's Auction Hall, in Trenton and Belleville at Arden's, in Cobourg at Vezina Auto and in Marmora at Cook's Barber Shop.
The jamboree organizer promises this will be a memorable evening. Gene and the Farewell Party Band are driving up from Texas for this gig only.
Fans will be treated to some of the best old-time country music anywhere in the pre-jamboree concerts at the Keeler Centre. Passes for the rest of the jamboree are not valid at the Watson/Church performances.
Anyone who goes back a bit will remember some of Gene's big hits. Farewell Party was one of the biggest country tunes ever by the man with the 'hard' traditional country sound.
The man with the golden voice also made hits out of Love in the Hot Afternoon, Paper Rosie and One-sided Conversation.
His success, including performances at the Grand Ole Opry, has earned him a place in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
The early bird concerts are part of Gary Warner and Linda Grills' plan to build the jamboree, making each year a little bigger and a little better than the last.
Tickets are available in Colborne at Warner's Auction Hall, in Trenton and Belleville at Arden's, in Cobourg at Vezina Auto and in Marmora at Cook's Barber Shop.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Walkway to honour Cramahe resident
Suzy Kernaghan was widely admired and respected for her work as a teacher and a mother when she died in an automobile accident last winter. Thanks to the efforts of Colborne residents, Alex Rutherford Jr. and Don Clark, future residents and visitors to the community will have a reminder of her presence.
The township plans to build a path between the Twin Diamonds, which are in Rotary Centennial Park, through Colborne Creek Subdivision to the Keeler Centre. That walkway will be named the Suzy Kernaghan Path.
The idea was originated by Mr. Rutherford, and Mr. Clark took it from there. He has approached Cramahe Council and has received the blessing from Suzy's husband, Roger Doidge, as well as her sister Julie Williams, and brother John.
Mr. Clark plans to initiate a fundraising campaign to give the project a kick-start
The township plans to build a path between the Twin Diamonds, which are in Rotary Centennial Park, through Colborne Creek Subdivision to the Keeler Centre. That walkway will be named the Suzy Kernaghan Path.
The idea was originated by Mr. Rutherford, and Mr. Clark took it from there. He has approached Cramahe Council and has received the blessing from Suzy's husband, Roger Doidge, as well as her sister Julie Williams, and brother John.
Mr. Clark plans to initiate a fundraising campaign to give the project a kick-start
Canadian soldier dies on security operation
The commander of the Canadian military forces in Afghanistan used the death of Private Sebastien Courcy to remind the world that Canada is not deterred.
"These security operations are sometimes accompanied by a heavy price – the heaviest there is – but the challenges we face will not deter us from our ultimate goal and commitment we have to Canada's role to bring about positive change for the people of Kandahar," said Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance. The Brig.-Gen. did acknowledge that Pte. Courcy's death was a "grim reminder of the Afghan mission's often heavy toll".
"Sebastien gave his life for Canada. Such is the price soldiers must sometimes pay to honour their obligation to their country and to the missions set before them."
Pte. Courcy died during an operation in the Panjwaii district about 17 kilometres southwest of Kandahar.
"At the time of his death he was participating in an important operation to separate the insurgency from the population in Panjwaii district," Vance said.
No other soldiers were injured.
The 26-year-old soldier was a member of 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment – known as the Van Doos – based at CFB Valcartier outside Quebec City. He is the 125th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.
Pte. Courcy joined the Canadian Forces in 2006 and arrived in Afghanistan in April.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement of condolence to Pte. Courcy's family and friends.
"His tragic passing illustrates some of the risks that the selfless men and women of the Canadian Forces face every day in carrying out their duties," said the Prime Minister.
He commented on Courcy's "self-sacrifice" during a mission that is ``helping those in need and defending the interests of those who can't yet defend themselves."
Courcy is survived by his mother, Ginette, and his sister Julie.
July is one of the worst months on record for international forces in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
According to figures compiled by The Associated Press, there have been at least 47 deaths among NATO nations, including five Canadian deaths.
Cpl. Nick Bulger was killed on July 3 by a roadside bomb, Master Cpl. Charles-Phillippe Michaud died on July 4 from injuries suffered during a foot patrol in Panjwaii in June, and Master Cpl. Pat Audet and Cpl. Martin Joannette were killed on July 6 in a helicopter crash.
There has been increased fighting in the lead up to Afghani presidential and provincial council elections next month, and an increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Many of the 57,000 American troops have been involved in combat missions.
Britain has 9,000 troops in Helmand Province. Fifteen of them have died this month.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Cramahe applying for heritage award
Heritage Cramahe is applying on behalf of the township for a heritage award presented by the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT).
The award, now in its second year, rewards four communities in Ontario for exemplary leadership in built, cultural and natural heritage conservation and promotion. The communities must show an integrated approach to consrvation of heritage properties.
Heritage Cramahe reviewed its application for the Community Leadership Award on July 15, just prior to sending it on to OHT. Cramahe is competing in the under 10,000 population category.
Heritage Cramahe member Bruce Bowden is spearheading the application. Details from the submission can be found below.
Historical Context
Local newspaper editor Eileen Argyris’ history of Cramahe Township and Colborne in 2000 opens with John Ralston Saul’s phrase that “the past is not the past, it is the context.” Without an awareness of heritage that has been built over 200 years and that then is integrated into its modern life, Cramahe would lose its visible distinctiveness, its own narrative, its sense of place. Cramahe deserves recognition by the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Community Leadership Program, for heritage is a value that is a fundamental aspect for sustaining this community. We draw your attention in particular to the record of the years 1995-2009, during which an awareness of heritage has progressively been built, becoming a unifying force for the two distinct local entities that were summarily amalgamated by the province on January 1, 2001.
This summer marks the celebration by Cramahe Township of the 150th anniversary of the organization of Colborne into a separate municipality. The township – originally much larger - was officially created in 1792, and the town’s own history certainly predates the opening of the first store in 1815. Settlement in the township began to create a regional identity in the first decade of the nineteenth century, the very first “Late” Loyalist having arrived in 1793. Many of these settlers had ventured north from the Albany region of New York and west from Vermont while the area around Salem east of Colborne had been a land grant to an officer commanding a provincial regiment, Col. Peters. The founders that commissioned the first survey laying out a town-site around a village square (infrequently used in Ontario) were the first two generations of the Joseph Keeler family, the settlement originally being known as Keeler’s Tavern. (M. McBurney and M. Byers, Homesteads, U T P, Toronto, 1979, 144-155). Indeed, according to this source, two frame homes dating to the War of 1812 period and still in good condition on King St., (old highway 2) nearby each other might be the original Keeler tavern (146-147) for the one locally associated with the Keeler name was not actually family property until 1832. The town that had also been known as The Corners, was renamed while Sir John Colborne was Lt. Governor, possibly after a visit by Sir John to the Cobourg area with the Keelers. (E. Argyris, How Firm a Foundation, Boston Mills, Erin, Ontario, 2000, 39)
“Young Joe” Keeler (surely a distinctive Ontarioism) is also credited with advancing the project of building the Murray Canal to the Bay of Quinte at Carrying Place, as well as the founding of Norwood on the Trent River, and the mill village of Castleton ten kms. north of Colborne. (The Purdy grist mill with its equipment still stands in Castleton and its designation is currently being considered by the owner and the Heritage Committee.) Transportation links between these three settlements by stage coach from three railway stations in Colborne linked eastern Northumberland County, and the Grand Trunk/CN station remained in use from its opening in 1856 until its closure in 1968. Both Castleton and Colborne were therefore centres of local government until their amalgamation for this century, the one of a rural township, the other a small town whose economic fortunes were closely tied to the region’s agriculture.
For more - Heritage Cramahe's Full Application
The award, now in its second year, rewards four communities in Ontario for exemplary leadership in built, cultural and natural heritage conservation and promotion. The communities must show an integrated approach to consrvation of heritage properties.
Heritage Cramahe reviewed its application for the Community Leadership Award on July 15, just prior to sending it on to OHT. Cramahe is competing in the under 10,000 population category.
Heritage Cramahe member Bruce Bowden is spearheading the application. Details from the submission can be found below.
Historical Context
Local newspaper editor Eileen Argyris’ history of Cramahe Township and Colborne in 2000 opens with John Ralston Saul’s phrase that “the past is not the past, it is the context.” Without an awareness of heritage that has been built over 200 years and that then is integrated into its modern life, Cramahe would lose its visible distinctiveness, its own narrative, its sense of place. Cramahe deserves recognition by the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Community Leadership Program, for heritage is a value that is a fundamental aspect for sustaining this community. We draw your attention in particular to the record of the years 1995-2009, during which an awareness of heritage has progressively been built, becoming a unifying force for the two distinct local entities that were summarily amalgamated by the province on January 1, 2001.
This summer marks the celebration by Cramahe Township of the 150th anniversary of the organization of Colborne into a separate municipality. The township – originally much larger - was officially created in 1792, and the town’s own history certainly predates the opening of the first store in 1815. Settlement in the township began to create a regional identity in the first decade of the nineteenth century, the very first “Late” Loyalist having arrived in 1793. Many of these settlers had ventured north from the Albany region of New York and west from Vermont while the area around Salem east of Colborne had been a land grant to an officer commanding a provincial regiment, Col. Peters. The founders that commissioned the first survey laying out a town-site around a village square (infrequently used in Ontario) were the first two generations of the Joseph Keeler family, the settlement originally being known as Keeler’s Tavern. (M. McBurney and M. Byers, Homesteads, U T P, Toronto, 1979, 144-155). Indeed, according to this source, two frame homes dating to the War of 1812 period and still in good condition on King St., (old highway 2) nearby each other might be the original Keeler tavern (146-147) for the one locally associated with the Keeler name was not actually family property until 1832. The town that had also been known as The Corners, was renamed while Sir John Colborne was Lt. Governor, possibly after a visit by Sir John to the Cobourg area with the Keelers. (E. Argyris, How Firm a Foundation, Boston Mills, Erin, Ontario, 2000, 39)
“Young Joe” Keeler (surely a distinctive Ontarioism) is also credited with advancing the project of building the Murray Canal to the Bay of Quinte at Carrying Place, as well as the founding of Norwood on the Trent River, and the mill village of Castleton ten kms. north of Colborne. (The Purdy grist mill with its equipment still stands in Castleton and its designation is currently being considered by the owner and the Heritage Committee.) Transportation links between these three settlements by stage coach from three railway stations in Colborne linked eastern Northumberland County, and the Grand Trunk/CN station remained in use from its opening in 1856 until its closure in 1968. Both Castleton and Colborne were therefore centres of local government until their amalgamation for this century, the one of a rural township, the other a small town whose economic fortunes were closely tied to the region’s agriculture.
For more - Heritage Cramahe's Full Application
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Council tries to sort farmers market confusion
The view of King St. E. at mid afternoon on Wednesday.
This was the area used by Anita Jackson for several years.
It felt like mass confusion at times during press question period at Cramahe Council on July 14.
In question were the actions taken by Cramahe staff as they dealt with the former farmers' market and a proposed farmers' market for downtown Colborne.
The problem goes back to last summer when complaints were made by local businesses about parking spaces being taken up by the sole market vendor, Anita Jackson.
Mrs. Jackson and Cramahe's Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, disagree about what was said a year ago.
Mrs. Jackson says she was asked by Mr. Harris what gave her the right to set up there and was told she would have to move. She couldn't fit all her produce in her Jimmy so she stayed all day.
Mr. Harris stated on July 14, 2009 that she was never asked to leave. She was asked to move to another location.
In a July 13, 2009 phone interview Mrs. Jackson says she questioned the request and asked Mr. Harris, to look for the farmers' market bylaw. He couldn't find it but allowed her to stay for the next four weeks to sell her raspberries. She hasn't been back since, and this year grew fewer flowers.
The 20-year market veteran knew there was a bylaw. She was selling her produce on King St. E. with Marjorie Bailey and others when it was passed in 1993. She remembers the first day of the market. It was closer to Division St then. There were flags up to mark the spaces - and it rained.
A request to the townhsip by Cramahe Now has produced the document and it validates Mrs. Jackson's contention that there was a legitimate market. The bylaw has never been rescinded.
The 1993 farmers' market bylaw required that each vendor pay $20 a season. At the beginning of one season a few years ago Mrs. Jackson went to the township office to pay her $20 and was told not to bother.
Mrs. Jackson's husband, Terry, doesn't fault the bylaw enforcement officer but wonders why action was taken on these complaints 15 years after the bylaw was enacted. He says there is something wrong.
In defence of his actions, Mr. Harris stated at the July 14 meeting of council that a bylaw written for Colborne in 1993 "doesn't mean anything".
That drew the ire of Councillor Pat Westrope, who sat on council at that time. "It's still enforced if it hasn't been rescinded," she asserted.
Mr. Harris replied that it was his belief that bylaws had to be re-written within five years of amalgamation to be valid.
To which Councillor Westrope replied, "Then we're going to be busy."
Mr. Harris later claimed the 1993 bylaw was superseded by a post-amalgamation bylaw covering parking. He is responsible for the updating of township bylaws.
Cramahe Now made a request to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs on July 15 to determine if the 1993 Colborne bylaw is still in force. No reply has been received yet.
A farmers’ market may return to Colborne.
In any event, Ms Goddard-Sarria was asking on July 14 for council direction on a location for a new market and offered two choices - Victoria Square and the parking lot beside the CIBC.
Ms. Goddard-Sarria claimed in her written report that two locations were discussed by her and potential vendors who approached her. The Community Development Officer was on holidays this week and was unavailable to identify who approached her. Cramahe Now has learned that Bianka Van Egmond and her partner Andrew Keogh spoke to her at different times.
Ms. Goddard-Sarria's perspective wasn’t supported by Mrs. Jackson who says that she was approached by Ms. Goddard-Sarria to see if she was interested in being a part of a new farmers' market. The township official told Mrs. Jackson she would be recommending either the CIBC parking lot or Victoria Square. The farm producer told the Cramahe staffer that the afternoon hours suggested by Ms. Goddard-Sarria were not ideal.
None of the discussion with Mrs. Jackson was in the report which council discussed before it chose the CIBC parking lot location.
Can you find the market?
Cars block visibility and the parking lot
where the market is proposed is full of cars.
After some discussion about possible damage to the park, it was decided to propose a Wednesday farmers' market on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m.. There will be no cost for vendors.
Bianka Van Egmond of Brick House Farm Market was out at the market on its first day.
On July 15 Ms. Van Egmond showed up to sell her organic and home-grown vegetables. She was told to put her stand behind the Mac's Milk store this week. She ignored the suggestion which would have put her completely out of sight of any traffic, and set up on the shoulder in front of the convenience store on the south side of King St.
This was the area used by Anita Jackson for several years.
It felt like mass confusion at times during press question period at Cramahe Council on July 14.
In question were the actions taken by Cramahe staff as they dealt with the former farmers' market and a proposed farmers' market for downtown Colborne.
The problem goes back to last summer when complaints were made by local businesses about parking spaces being taken up by the sole market vendor, Anita Jackson.
Mrs. Jackson and Cramahe's Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, disagree about what was said a year ago.
Mrs. Jackson says she was asked by Mr. Harris what gave her the right to set up there and was told she would have to move. She couldn't fit all her produce in her Jimmy so she stayed all day.
Mr. Harris stated on July 14, 2009 that she was never asked to leave. She was asked to move to another location.
In a July 13, 2009 phone interview Mrs. Jackson says she questioned the request and asked Mr. Harris, to look for the farmers' market bylaw. He couldn't find it but allowed her to stay for the next four weeks to sell her raspberries. She hasn't been back since, and this year grew fewer flowers.
The 20-year market veteran knew there was a bylaw. She was selling her produce on King St. E. with Marjorie Bailey and others when it was passed in 1993. She remembers the first day of the market. It was closer to Division St then. There were flags up to mark the spaces - and it rained.
A request to the townhsip by Cramahe Now has produced the document and it validates Mrs. Jackson's contention that there was a legitimate market. The bylaw has never been rescinded.
The 1993 farmers' market bylaw required that each vendor pay $20 a season. At the beginning of one season a few years ago Mrs. Jackson went to the township office to pay her $20 and was told not to bother.
Mrs. Jackson's husband, Terry, doesn't fault the bylaw enforcement officer but wonders why action was taken on these complaints 15 years after the bylaw was enacted. He says there is something wrong.
In defence of his actions, Mr. Harris stated at the July 14 meeting of council that a bylaw written for Colborne in 1993 "doesn't mean anything".
That drew the ire of Councillor Pat Westrope, who sat on council at that time. "It's still enforced if it hasn't been rescinded," she asserted.
Mr. Harris replied that it was his belief that bylaws had to be re-written within five years of amalgamation to be valid.
To which Councillor Westrope replied, "Then we're going to be busy."
Mr. Harris later claimed the 1993 bylaw was superseded by a post-amalgamation bylaw covering parking. He is responsible for the updating of township bylaws.
Cramahe Now made a request to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs on July 15 to determine if the 1993 Colborne bylaw is still in force. No reply has been received yet.
A farmers’ market may return to Colborne.
In any event, Ms Goddard-Sarria was asking on July 14 for council direction on a location for a new market and offered two choices - Victoria Square and the parking lot beside the CIBC.
Ms. Goddard-Sarria claimed in her written report that two locations were discussed by her and potential vendors who approached her. The Community Development Officer was on holidays this week and was unavailable to identify who approached her. Cramahe Now has learned that Bianka Van Egmond and her partner Andrew Keogh spoke to her at different times.
Ms. Goddard-Sarria's perspective wasn’t supported by Mrs. Jackson who says that she was approached by Ms. Goddard-Sarria to see if she was interested in being a part of a new farmers' market. The township official told Mrs. Jackson she would be recommending either the CIBC parking lot or Victoria Square. The farm producer told the Cramahe staffer that the afternoon hours suggested by Ms. Goddard-Sarria were not ideal.
None of the discussion with Mrs. Jackson was in the report which council discussed before it chose the CIBC parking lot location.
Can you find the market?
Cars block visibility and the parking lot
where the market is proposed is full of cars.
After some discussion about possible damage to the park, it was decided to propose a Wednesday farmers' market on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m.. There will be no cost for vendors.
Bianka Van Egmond of Brick House Farm Market was out at the market on its first day.
On July 15 Ms. Van Egmond showed up to sell her organic and home-grown vegetables. She was told to put her stand behind the Mac's Milk store this week. She ignored the suggestion which would have put her completely out of sight of any traffic, and set up on the shoulder in front of the convenience store on the south side of King St.
Habitat home update
It was reported yesterday in Cramahe Now that Habitat for Humanity has not found a lot for a home in Colborne.
Cramahe Township and the social services agency looked at three lots on Durham Street earlier this year but local residents objected and the lots were rejected.
Since then Cramahe staff has come up with a lot on Spencer Street. But it faces some limitations due to a small waterway that transverses the property and was ruled out by Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Kim Lauder.
Mayor Marc Coombs and Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris are to look at available properties in Colborne this week. Township Treasurer, Mora Chatterson, has provided a complete list of properties owned by the township. There are five available.
Between 9 and 11 Durham St. N.
At the corner of Durham St. and King St.
Between 8 Durham St. N. and 153 King St. E.
Spencer St north of Hwy 2 and south of Scott St.
5 Cedar St.
These do not seem to include the parcels of land on Durham St. N. which were originally set aside as entrances for a possible development west of Durham St.
If the Durham St. lots are not going to be reconsidered as Mayor Coombs stated on July 14, Spencer St is unacceptable, and the Cedar St. lot is unopened, there are few choices.
Cramahe Township and the social services agency looked at three lots on Durham Street earlier this year but local residents objected and the lots were rejected.
Since then Cramahe staff has come up with a lot on Spencer Street. But it faces some limitations due to a small waterway that transverses the property and was ruled out by Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Kim Lauder.
Mayor Marc Coombs and Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris are to look at available properties in Colborne this week. Township Treasurer, Mora Chatterson, has provided a complete list of properties owned by the township. There are five available.
Between 9 and 11 Durham St. N.
At the corner of Durham St. and King St.
Between 8 Durham St. N. and 153 King St. E.
Spencer St north of Hwy 2 and south of Scott St.
5 Cedar St.
These do not seem to include the parcels of land on Durham St. N. which were originally set aside as entrances for a possible development west of Durham St.
If the Durham St. lots are not going to be reconsidered as Mayor Coombs stated on July 14, Spencer St is unacceptable, and the Cedar St. lot is unopened, there are few choices.
Township buys truck locally
Cramahe Township Council has responded to an initiative taken by Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher.
The director had planned to budget for a new pickup in 2010 but saw that current prices are very low. In his oral report to council the director suggested trucks were now being discounted by $8,500 or more. He went out and got three written quotes on two-wheel and four-wheel drive pickups and presented them to council. Even though the township hadn’t budgeted for the $27,283 expense, it decided it was too good a deal to let go by.
Money for the vehicle to be bought from Johnston Motors in Colborne will be taken from the vehicle reserves.
It cost the township about $350 to buy locally. The lowest quote came from Thomas Motors. McKeen Chrysler was the highest fo the three who responded to Mr. Thrasher's request.
When asked about the need for a four-wheel drive vehicle, Mr. Thrasher stated most municipalities go that way now. He added that 95% of the time he's fine with his two-wheel drive truck.
The new vehicle will replace the 1999 model now used by the Community Services Department. It has already cost the township about $3,000 in repairs in 2009.
Because Mr. Thrasher had gotten three written quotes council felt there was no need to put out tenders.
The director had planned to budget for a new pickup in 2010 but saw that current prices are very low. In his oral report to council the director suggested trucks were now being discounted by $8,500 or more. He went out and got three written quotes on two-wheel and four-wheel drive pickups and presented them to council. Even though the township hadn’t budgeted for the $27,283 expense, it decided it was too good a deal to let go by.
Money for the vehicle to be bought from Johnston Motors in Colborne will be taken from the vehicle reserves.
It cost the township about $350 to buy locally. The lowest quote came from Thomas Motors. McKeen Chrysler was the highest fo the three who responded to Mr. Thrasher's request.
When asked about the need for a four-wheel drive vehicle, Mr. Thrasher stated most municipalities go that way now. He added that 95% of the time he's fine with his two-wheel drive truck.
The new vehicle will replace the 1999 model now used by the Community Services Department. It has already cost the township about $3,000 in repairs in 2009.
Because Mr. Thrasher had gotten three written quotes council felt there was no need to put out tenders.
advertisement
Is your garden an award winner?
Enter
THE CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY CONTEST
for CRAMAHE GARDENS "As viewed from the street".
NOMINATIONS accepted in 4 Categories:
RESIDENTIAL up to 100’ frontage
COMMERCIAL up to 100’ frontage
RESIDENTIAL over 100’ frontage
COMMERCIAL over 100’ frontage
SUBMIT NOMINATIONS by JULY 17, 2009 to -
Cramahe Horticultural Society, Box 916, Colborne, ON, K0K 1SO.
Or PHONE Jo-Anne 344-7484, Shirley 355-2156 or Shirley 355-3116.
JUDGING WILL OCCUR the week of July 20-24
WINNERS WILL BE PUBLISHED in Cramahe Now or the Cramahe Township ad in the Thursday edition of Northumberlandtoday.
An Apple Blossom Award and a native plant will be awarded in all categories.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!!!
Is your garden an award winner?
Enter
THE CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY CONTEST
for CRAMAHE GARDENS "As viewed from the street".
NOMINATIONS accepted in 4 Categories:
RESIDENTIAL up to 100’ frontage
COMMERCIAL up to 100’ frontage
RESIDENTIAL over 100’ frontage
COMMERCIAL over 100’ frontage
SUBMIT NOMINATIONS by JULY 17, 2009 to -
Cramahe Horticultural Society, Box 916, Colborne, ON, K0K 1SO.
Or PHONE Jo-Anne 344-7484, Shirley 355-2156 or Shirley 355-3116.
JUDGING WILL OCCUR the week of July 20-24
WINNERS WILL BE PUBLISHED in Cramahe Now or the Cramahe Township ad in the Thursday edition of Northumberlandtoday.
An Apple Blossom Award and a native plant will be awarded in all categories.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!!!
Habitat still seeks lot in Colborne
Habitat for Humanity still has not found a lot for a home in Colborne.
Cramahe Township and the social services agency looked at three lots on Durham Street earlier this year but local residents objected and the lots were rejected.
Since then Cramahe staff has come up with a lot on Spencer Street. But it faces some limitations due to a small waterway that transverses the property and was ruled out by Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Kim Lauder.
Despite the disappointment, Ms. Lauder remains keen to find a suitable site in the township.
Mayor Marc Coombs and Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, will take a look later this week at a list of other properties within Colborne which the township owns.
That proposal seemed to be conditionally accepted by Councillor Ed Van Egmond, who reminded council it had his support as long as it didn't take too long.
In the question period after the meeting Mayor Coombs said that the Durham St. lots would not be reconsidered.
Owners of Habitat for Humanity homes work with the construction crews who build their homes. The owners' labour is counted as sweat equity. Once they are in their homes the owners pay for them through regular mortgage payments.
Cramahe Township and the social services agency looked at three lots on Durham Street earlier this year but local residents objected and the lots were rejected.
Since then Cramahe staff has come up with a lot on Spencer Street. But it faces some limitations due to a small waterway that transverses the property and was ruled out by Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Kim Lauder.
Despite the disappointment, Ms. Lauder remains keen to find a suitable site in the township.
Mayor Marc Coombs and Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, will take a look later this week at a list of other properties within Colborne which the township owns.
That proposal seemed to be conditionally accepted by Councillor Ed Van Egmond, who reminded council it had his support as long as it didn't take too long.
In the question period after the meeting Mayor Coombs said that the Durham St. lots would not be reconsidered.
Owners of Habitat for Humanity homes work with the construction crews who build their homes. The owners' labour is counted as sweat equity. Once they are in their homes the owners pay for them through regular mortgage payments.
Cramahe moves into computer age mapping
Cramahe Township will join most of the other municipalities in Northumberland County and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping.
Township Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, explained to council that GIS is the new way of mapping. It will save staff time and provide up-to-date maps. It can be used to help locate new roads, find underground pipes, and assist with zoning and ownership questions. Other features will allow map readers to determine elevations, and the township can add features like gutters as they are completed.
Mr. Harris suggested the township save money by joining a county coalition which is putting a GIS platform together.
Deputy Mayor, Jim Williams was very enthusiastic about the proposal. He had seen what it could do at a February, 2009 Good Roads convention.It would help with the maintenance of roads.
Mayor, Marc Coombs, had seen an earlier version 10 years ago at Sir Sandford Fleming College and had been very impressed.
Councillor Ed Van Egmond wondered about privacy issues. In response, Mr. Harris described in some detail how the information is gathered.
Later in his presentation the Bylaw Enforcement Officer explained how it could be used by emergency response teams. Cobourg has the floor plans of its municipal buildings filed in the system so emergency workers can know where people might be located in a fire.
Economic development could be promoted by placing some of the GIS information on the township website.
The township has $12,000 available this year for the work but Mayor Coombs says it will cost a lot less than that.
Council’s approval of the plan was required before the Northumberland GIS Co-operative Committee to proceed with a needs assessment, strategic plan and implementation plan.
Township Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Jim Harris, explained to council that GIS is the new way of mapping. It will save staff time and provide up-to-date maps. It can be used to help locate new roads, find underground pipes, and assist with zoning and ownership questions. Other features will allow map readers to determine elevations, and the township can add features like gutters as they are completed.
Mr. Harris suggested the township save money by joining a county coalition which is putting a GIS platform together.
Deputy Mayor, Jim Williams was very enthusiastic about the proposal. He had seen what it could do at a February, 2009 Good Roads convention.It would help with the maintenance of roads.
Mayor, Marc Coombs, had seen an earlier version 10 years ago at Sir Sandford Fleming College and had been very impressed.
Councillor Ed Van Egmond wondered about privacy issues. In response, Mr. Harris described in some detail how the information is gathered.
Later in his presentation the Bylaw Enforcement Officer explained how it could be used by emergency response teams. Cobourg has the floor plans of its municipal buildings filed in the system so emergency workers can know where people might be located in a fire.
Economic development could be promoted by placing some of the GIS information on the township website.
The township has $12,000 available this year for the work but Mayor Coombs says it will cost a lot less than that.
Council’s approval of the plan was required before the Northumberland GIS Co-operative Committee to proceed with a needs assessment, strategic plan and implementation plan.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Cramahe Horticultural Show results
The Best in Show were on display at the Cramahe Horticultural Society Flower Show
submitted by Mary Jackson
CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
DETAILS OF FLOWER SHOW - JUNE 29, 2009
Total of 114 entries in 53 categories by 15 Exhibitors (of which 3 were Novices)
Best in Show Red Ribbons Awarded to:-
Paul Ross Best Rose Floribunda “White Gold”
Jill Sellers Best Decorative “Emerald Isle”
Kris Rahn * Best Potted Plant Crown of Thorns
Shirley Stalford Best Flower of the Year
Native plants,grasses,trees Milkweed
Pam Frederick-Taylor Best Exhibit Dephinium – White
Number of Winning Entries for each Exhibitor:-
Carol Brown 2
Warren Brown 2
Gayle Burgess * 1
Sandra Compton 1
Pam Frederick-Taylor 18
Anne Harrison 9
Peggy Howden 9
Mary Jackson 12
Georgina Millions 3
Kris Rahn * 8
Shirley Ross 1
Paul Ross 9
Mary Ryback * 7
Jill Sellers 11
Shirley Stalford 5
* Novice
submitted by Mary Jackson
CRAMAHE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
DETAILS OF FLOWER SHOW - JUNE 29, 2009
Total of 114 entries in 53 categories by 15 Exhibitors (of which 3 were Novices)
Best in Show Red Ribbons Awarded to:-
Paul Ross Best Rose Floribunda “White Gold”
Jill Sellers Best Decorative “Emerald Isle”
Kris Rahn * Best Potted Plant Crown of Thorns
Shirley Stalford Best Flower of the Year
Native plants,grasses,trees Milkweed
Pam Frederick-Taylor Best Exhibit Dephinium – White
Number of Winning Entries for each Exhibitor:-
Carol Brown 2
Warren Brown 2
Gayle Burgess * 1
Sandra Compton 1
Pam Frederick-Taylor 18
Anne Harrison 9
Peggy Howden 9
Mary Jackson 12
Georgina Millions 3
Kris Rahn * 8
Shirley Ross 1
Paul Ross 9
Mary Ryback * 7
Jill Sellers 11
Shirley Stalford 5
* Novice
Yoga moves
submitted by Nancy Smith
I have been teaching yoga classes on Thursday nights at the Keeler Centre in cooperation with the Township of Cramahe since January. We have now moved these classes to my studio at 13474 County Road #2.
As these classes were open for drop in, we may have new students show up unaware of the change. Students should now call for registration.
Studio on the Hill ~ Nancy Smith
studioonthehill@sympatico.ca
www.studioonthehill.ca
905.355.2151
Simple yoga anyone can do
I have been teaching yoga classes on Thursday nights at the Keeler Centre in cooperation with the Township of Cramahe since January. We have now moved these classes to my studio at 13474 County Road #2.
As these classes were open for drop in, we may have new students show up unaware of the change. Students should now call for registration.
Studio on the Hill ~ Nancy Smith
studioonthehill@sympatico.ca
www.studioonthehill.ca
905.355.2151
Simple yoga anyone can do
Colborne young people needed
submitted by Diane Patterson
CALLING ALL COLBORNE YOUTH
From Toddlers in Strollers to Teens
Come and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Colborne
By taking part in the parade on Saturday, August 1st.
Dress up as someone from the past.
For Example: overalls, shirt, straw hat, boots long skirt, blouse, ribbons in hair, hats
AND maybe carry an antique like: a lantern horseshoes, watering can etc.
Bring your bicycles, wagons, wheelbarrows.
MEET AT THE KEELER CENTRE at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1st.
After the parade there will be a ceremony in Victoria Park
THEN
Head out to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church grounds and join in the fun with many events for ALL AGES
First CONTEST will be a 2:00 PM
Pie Eating Contest 3-Legged Race
Hula Hooping Bolo Batting
Bubble Gum Blowing Water Balloons
And so much more…
TODDLERS…… bring your Mothers and strollers and enter the Wiggle Walk Race.
PARENTS………tell your children to join us
CHILDREN……tell your friends and neighbours to join us
FRIENDS and NEIGHBOURS……tell everyone!
SEE YOU THERE - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!
CALLING ALL COLBORNE YOUTH
From Toddlers in Strollers to Teens
Come and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Colborne
By taking part in the parade on Saturday, August 1st.
Dress up as someone from the past.
For Example: overalls, shirt, straw hat, boots long skirt, blouse, ribbons in hair, hats
AND maybe carry an antique like: a lantern horseshoes, watering can etc.
Bring your bicycles, wagons, wheelbarrows.
MEET AT THE KEELER CENTRE at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1st.
After the parade there will be a ceremony in Victoria Park
THEN
Head out to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church grounds and join in the fun with many events for ALL AGES
First CONTEST will be a 2:00 PM
Pie Eating Contest 3-Legged Race
Hula Hooping Bolo Batting
Bubble Gum Blowing Water Balloons
And so much more…
TODDLERS…… bring your Mothers and strollers and enter the Wiggle Walk Race.
PARENTS………tell your children to join us
CHILDREN……tell your friends and neighbours to join us
FRIENDS and NEIGHBOURS……tell everyone!
SEE YOU THERE - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Cobras are gone
The Colborne Cobras are no more.
The Junior C team was sold to Dennis Lagrois by Randy Walling and moved to Port Hope on June 3. Sale of the team was condition of Ontario Hockey Association approval.
Director of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Paul Henry, says there were several reasons for moving the team west from Colborne. Mr. Lagrois owns the Ontario Truck Training school Academy which runs out of Oshawa and Peterborough. Having a team closer to his business is better for establishing sponsorships.
The departure of the Port Hope Predators to Trenton left a hole and a group of people with strong hockey ties and links to Port Hope. All of the Predators front-end staff will be on board with the new Panthers Junior C Club, as will most of the back-end staff. Twelve people applied to coach the team. Former Cobra coach, Jim Watson, got the nod. He is the only staffer who has any association with the Cobras.
The team will not be affiliated with any Junior A club. Mr. Henry does expect that some of the players on his team will be affiliated with some of the area junior teams and be called up for some games.
Mr. Henry was with the Predators for seven years. He knows what support he can expect. At the club's unveiling press conference last Thursday most of the Port Hope Council was there, along with senior municipal staff and representatives from minor hockey.
Next season there will be seven players on the team who live in Port Hope. And more will be coming as some of the 450 kids in the minor hockey program get older. The team will have an easier time than Colborne drawing players from Clarington and the Oshawa area.
The Director of Operations insists the move is not a knock on Colborne. It's a business move to a community with an excellent facility. In fact, he's trying to find a way to reward long-time Cobra fans by offering them a deal to encourage them to support the new team.
Mr. Henry says there is hope for another junior team in Colborne. He thinks in three-five years there may be a new Junior D league in the area. Kids in the Colborne and Brighton area could form the nucleus for a local team in that loop.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Cattlemen's Association Beef Day a roaring success
It was the Northumberland Cattlemen's Annual Beef Day BBQ at Harry and Penny Jeninga's farm on Thursday and over 500 people came from as far away as Guelph to share the fun and the beef dinner.
Cattlemen's Beef Bbq photos
Cattlemen's Beef Bbq photos
Two soldiers repatriated Thursday
The hearses carrying Master Corporal Pat Audet and Cpl. Martin Joannette travelled through Cramahe Township on July 9.
The two soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on July 6.
Probus holds annual picnic
If its July then the members of Colborne Probus may be found at the McKinnney farm holding their annual summer picnic. The event wraps up the year for the club and they take a break until the fall.
Click on the link below to see photos of the July 8 picnic.
Probus Picnic
Click on the link below to see photos of the July 8 picnic.
Probus Picnic
Liberal Party President rallies the troops
The President of the Liberal Party of Canada was in Colborne on July 8 and he appeared to be offering a simple message - the party is growing stronger - get ready for an election.
Alfred Apps spoke to about 35 members of the party at the Colborne Legion. He pointed to the party's growing membership and financial stability as signs that support is growing across the country.
On January 1, 2009 there were 36,000 members nationally. At the end of June there were 90,000. The party executive expects that number to grow to 120,000 by Labour Day and 200,000 by the end of the year.
In 2008, an election year, the party raised $5.8 million. By comparison the Conservatives raised $21 million says Mr. Apps. By this time last year only $1.6 million had been raised by Liberals.
This year $5,65 million has already been poured into the coffers. The president says that a total of $21 million in 2009 is not unthinkable.
The polls show a 13-18 point change in voter preferences if you take in the Conservative drop and Liberal rise in the past few months. Mr. Apps says the party can win five more seats in the Maritimes, 20 in Quebec, a handful in the Prairies and again in B.C. With an increase of 40 in Ontario, he feels the party can regain its status as the governing party.
Currently the party holds 17 of 31 seats east of Quebec, another 14 in Quebec and 38 in Ontario. The Liberals have eight seats elsewhere in the country.
To reach his goal of 40 new seats in this province the Liberals would have to take about 60% of the seats now held by Conservative or NDP members. The Conservatives only hold 10 ridings in Quebec. The Bloc Quebecois holds 48.
Mr. Apps believes his party has had so much success in the past because it has governed with competence, confidence and with compassion. To grow in the future it must rely on the grass roots, and coordinate its supporters. The party saw what could be done in the United States when the Democratic Party took advantage of the internet. The Liberals have taken that program and are applying it in many ridings across Canada.
The development of computer-based technology is a factor in what Mr. Apps considers "one of the most phenomenal recoveries in his 38 years in politics. He believes Canadians want to vote Liberal with its tradition of great leadership.
In the next election he anticipates the party will not take the defensive stances it did in the past election. It will have a focussed, thoughtful, economically competent platform.
Mr. Apps believes Stephen Harper wants to divide Canadians and find enough votes to win. He was critical of the government's approach to the recession and the environment.
He asked the party members if they were ready to pull up the sail and catch the wind as the party prepares for the next election.
Two people have already declared their candidacy for the Federal Liberal nomination in Northumberland-Quinte West. Kim Rudd and Andrew McFayden have stepped up and local officials say that there are up to six considering running against the incumbent Conservative, Rick Norlock.