Cramahe Now

Waterfront Ride to stop in Colborne

2010-03-05T01:10:00.000-05:00

Cramahe Township will once again host a rest stop on the annual July Waterfront Trail Adventure.

The adventure is a bike ride along the shore of Lake Ontario on the Waterfront Trail. The ride promotes the trail and its use. Cramahe will see the riders through on July 6.

Last year's stop was voted one of the top four stops on the eight-day ride by the 250+ riders. They could pick up snacks and drinks and get a quick massagae of their weary muscles before heading east.

Day four on the third annual 720 km. ride this year starts in Cobourg at 7 a.m.. Colborne's Victoria Square is the second morning rest stop, after a break at Wicklow Beach. They end the day in Picton.

The ride starts July 3 at Niagara-on-the-Lake and ends at the Quebec border on July 10. Some riders take the entire journey. Others opt for 1-4-day jaunts.

Cramahe Now has moved

2010-02-28T19:04:00.001-05:00

Cramahe Now has now officially moved to www.cramahe-now.com. To get to the website try one of the following options in your address line

http://www.cramahe-now.com/
http://www.cramahe-now.com/
http://cramahe-now.com/

If you are still having trouble getting there, email us at lowen@xplornet.ca

Thanks for your support. We hope you join us at our newly launched website.

2010-02-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

Change your favourites - we're now www.cramahe-now.com - catch all the latest news at our new website.

For full listings of coming events go to www.cramahe-now.com

Last week for Cramahe-now.blogspot.com. The website Cramahe-now.com is up and running.

Cramahe Now offers "subscriptions"

2010-02-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

A number of readers have asked us if they could "subscribe" to Cramahe Now. Their requests have generated a great deal of discussion and up until now we have resisted the idea. We are grateful for a generous subscription from one of our appreciative readers and this has pushed us to reconsider.

If you would like to "subscribe" to Cramahe Now by making a donation, it would be gratefully received. Subscriptions can be sent to Cramahe Now,
R R 2, Colborne, K0K 1S0.

If you wish to be acknowledged publicly let us know and we will post a page which lists Cramahe Now subscribers.

..... and don't forget we're moving to our new website http://www.cramahe-now.com/ (http://www.cramahe-now.com/) at the end of this month.

Last week for the blog

2010-02-25T19:23:00.000-05:00

This is the last week that we will post stories on www.cramahe-now.blogspot.com. At the end of the week all stories will be posted ONLY on www.cramahe-now.com.
If you are having trouble changing over please contact us at lowen@xplornet.ca.

World Day of Prayer Friday, March 5

2010-02-23T00:43:00.001-05:00

On Friday, March 5 members of Cramahe and area will gather at Old St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Colborne to celebrate the 2010 World Day of Prayer.

The 3 p.m. ecumenical service will mark 35 years of coordinated work by area churches. The services were inaugurated 90 years ago in the U.S. as the Women's World Day of Prayer and spread world-wide two years later. This year's service is the creation of the women of Cameroon.

The clergy and members of all Colborne churches, Eden and Salem United will take part in the 2010 service hosted by the Catholic community and St. Andrew's.

The theme this year is "Let everything that has breath praise God."

Update your Internet Explorer

2010-02-22T20:59:00.000-05:00

Are you concerned that you won't get the full cramahe-now site because you are on Internet Explorer 6 or 7?
Don't worry. Check the menu in the top left corner of www.cramahe-now.com and look for the "Having trouble viewing this page? comment.
Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions - and you are updated.

Latest condo news in Colborne

2010-02-22T00:26:00.000-05:00

Read the latest news about the Johnston condo proposal for Colborne in http://www.cramahe-now.com

Are you travelling?

2010-02-21T22:49:00.000-05:00

We've been watching as our readers shift over to www.cramahe-now.com. Most of our stay-at-home readers have switched over, but many who are travelling have not. If you are having trouble getting the website try using the following address - http://www.cramahe-now.com

You have a week to make the change - this Friday we will begin posting only on the website.

Spring Break info

2010-02-20T00:32:00.002-05:00

For information about Spring Break art classes go to http://www.cramahe-now.com/ or http://www.cramahe-now.com/. - your total news source.

Vet's Views

2010-02-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Veterinarian, Dr. Michelle Chiunti is a regular contributor to Cramahe Now. This month she takes a humourous poke at some the more unusual "emergency" calls.

WHAT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY:

The Funny Side

Michelle Chiunti, D.V.M.

Rinnnggg ..., Rinnnggg ..., Rinnnggg ..., Rinnnggg ... It takes at least four of these annoying sounds to wake the blissfully sleeping veterinarian on call for emergencies in the middle of the night. Even alarm clocks and ringing phones heard on television make my blood pump to jump into action. That call better be important.

As discussed last month, the dog or cat with constant vomiting and diarrhea, the cat unable to urinate and screaming in agony, the dog that just got hit by a car or poked by a porcupine, the bitch unable to have her puppies, the animal unable to breathe normally, or the cold and unresponsive animal are ALL emergencies. Over the years, though, it is hard to imagine the non-emergency calls we have received in the middle of the night.

Listening intently to the slurring person on the other end of the phone who just got home from the bar at 2:00 a.m. to discover that the new puppy just vomited up worms is NOT an emergency call. We all realize that our judgement is impaired after returning home from a night of drinking (that is why you took a cab home). However, before you pick up that phone to call the veterinarian about that “emergency”, I implore you to ask yourself these questions. Is your animal still happy, bright and more alert than you? Is that animal about ready to eat the vomit you just produced upon seeing the worms on the floor? Was this problem present before you went out partying? Will your animal live until the morning? The answers to all of these questions are “YES”. Therefore, your response will be to clean up all the messes, and call the veterinarian during regular business hours to arrange for deworming.

I also love hearing from shift workers in the middle of the night. Those whose night is day, and day is night forget that the world does rest opposite to them. We have had many midnight phone calls from shift workers regarding fleas and ticks on their animals. However, when you explain that they can come during the day to pick up the flea retardant of their choice, their invariable response is “but that is when I am sleeping. Aren’t you open 24 hours a day for emergencies? This is an emergency. My dog has fleas!” Fleas and ticks are NOT an emergency. Before you pick up a retardant, you can pick off and kill the pesty critters, eliminating half of the problem. It would also do well for you to remember that the veterinarian that you just woke up still has to put in a 10-hour day on top of managing your emergency flea problem in the middle of the night.

And then there is the invariably favourite emergency phone call about your dog being “stuck” to the neighbor’s dog. Yes, they are literally stuck together – it is called a “tie”, and they will part amicably in about 20 minutes. You will also likely have adorable puppies because of the “tie” in 63 days. Please do not disrupt this process as it could harm either or both the male and female dog. Look away, call your neighbour and start making plans for the impending birth.

Some of my all-time favourite emergency phone calls concern accidental medication ingestions. When your Labrador Retriever eats your pack of birth control pills, not to worry. Your dog will be fine (including fending off the neighbor dog’s advances!), but you may want to get to the drugstore as soon as possible.

Or the poodle that accidentally ate the anti-depressant that you just dropped on the floor. Your dog will also be happy for the rest of the day (who knows, it may even help the dog to be able to live with you more easily!). However, the possible side effects include monitoring him/her for suicide. Don’t let him/her near that rope toy for 24 hours! Luckily, the clients that I have talked to regarding these emergencies realize the humour in these situations, and it is easier to defuse the panic.

There are certainly some medications that are harmful if ingested by your pet, and calling your veterinarian or poison control center should be pursued. I am just saying that at times you can create your pet’s emergency without it trying hard.

At times, let logic, and sometimes sleep, prevail before you pick up that phone to call the veterinarian in the middle of the night.

Sewage treatment report

2010-02-18T22:28:00.002-05:00

To find out about the new sewage treatment report presented to Cramahe Council on February 16 go to

http://www.cramahe-now.com/
or http://www.cramahe-now.com/

Has kindness disappeared?

2010-02-18T22:26:00.002-05:00

A compassionate driver on Percy Rd. last week has acquired a more cynical lack of faith in the generosity of his fellow human beings.
The driver was driving down Percy St. just before 8 p.m. when a black Lab ran across in front of him and was hit. The driver stopped to check on the animal and found him still alive. The injured dog and the driver were only seconds from the Northumberland Veterinary offices but the dog was too heavy to get into the back of the truck.

For 10 minutes the driver watched as others drove by. Some ignored the situation; others opened their windows to hurl obscenities at the driver whose truck, with its lights flashing, was blocking part of the southbound lane.

Finally a young woman stopped and went back to get Dr. Chiunti.

The good news - the dog escaped with little more than scrapes and bruises and is back home.

The bad news - we have one more example of how little care we sometimes give to the feelings and needs of others.

Time to move over and get more news

2010-02-18T01:16:00.000-05:00

As we begin to wind down the operations on the Cramahe Now blog and move to the Cramahe Now website, we encourage you to go to the website to see more stories and photos that are not being shown here.

To get to the website try one of the following options in your address line

http://www.cramahe-now.com/
http://www.cramahe-now.com/
http://cramahe-now.com/

If you are still having trouble getting there, email us at lowen@xplornet.ca

Get healthy with Sandy

2010-02-18T00:58:00.000-05:00

It was a welcome to Colborne evening for Sandy Grant on February 17.

Ms. Grant has joined Angel's Hair Salon and Polished Esthetics as and will offer nutrition and wellness consultations.
The former resident of Brampton has been providing health education in the areas of disease prevention and lifestyle management for several years. She will build her private practise, working out of the King St. E. centre.
On Wednesday she was giving small groups a chance to learn more about nutrition and disease prevention. Her programs include stress management, detoxification, digestive disorders, allergies, weight-loss management, cooking and a variety of other disease-related topics.
In her consultations she helps people reverse the progression of disease and maintain healthy living through nutrition.

Appointments can be made by calling the spa at 905 355-3260.

Castleton soccer registration coming

2010-02-18T00:30:00.002-05:00

Get those runners out - it's time for the annual Castleton Soccer Registration.

It's at the Castleton Town Hall on Tuesday Feb 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m., and on Saturday Feb 27, from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Bingo anyone?

2010-02-18T00:29:00.000-05:00

Why go out of town to spend your gambling dollars when you can spend them in town and support local activities for youth?

The Castleton Colborne Optimists host a weekly bingo every Wednesday at 5:30 at the Keeler Centre. It's great fun and you might get lucky!

Profits from the bingo support the Apple Blossom Festival Soap Box Derby, the Santa Claus Parade, scholarships for local graduates, school programs and educational activities, the Legion Christmas hampers and local minor hockey and figure skating programs.

Through the bingo, and the Rockin' Walkathon, the Optimists improve the lives of the young people of our community. Come out and support their bingos - and have some fun.

Vehicles for sale

2010-02-17T23:32:00.001-05:00

Need a pickup, a flail mower, or possibly a lightly used fire truck?
Cramahe Township has them for sale.

All three items have been replaced and will be sold by tender. The truck is a 1995 Chev 4WD one-ton. The fire truck is the 26-year-old pumper which will be taken out of service when the township’s new truck arrives in a matter of weeks. It has a mere 34,000 km but it has little value due to its age.

The vehicles will be advertised with the highest bidders taking home the prizes.

Council was set to advertise for only the mower and pickup, because the pumper is not available. The replacement pumper is in Brampton and will arrive soon. Councillor Tim Gilligan suggested the municipality put them all in the ad. Potential buyers will have longer to think about it.

Councillor Pat Westrope wondered about the suggestion made a few weeks ago that the Works Department keep the pumper and adapt it.

Works Department Director, Barry Thrasher said they had rejected the idea. The tank on the pumper is only 600 gallons and the single-axle pumper is not designed to hold more. The current tanker owned by the township holds 2,000 gallons.

Drive slowly at crossings - save your car

2010-02-17T00:50:00.000-05:00

Cramahe resident, Donald Maybin spoke to council last night about rail crossings.

Cramahe Township shares a problem with all the municipalities in the south end of Northumberland County. The rail crossings in the township are regularly in need of repair.

Cramahe resident, Donald Maybin brought the problem to the attention of Cramahe Council on February 16 and it seems as though he has some agreement. The Simpson Rd resident has done some research with the assistance of former municipal politician, Ted Pedlar. Mr. Maybin is concerned primarily with four roads which are more densely populated south of the tracks.

He has observed that the crossings are repaired on a demand basis. The repair has been spotty and inconsistent, deteriorating quickly.

Councillor Pat Westrope agreed, noting that on Peters Rd. where she lives the crossing has been repaired twice in five years.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond farms south of the tracks and has come close to losing hay when crossing.

Mr. Maybin approached Brighton, Alnwick/Haldimand and Cobourg to see what they are doing.

The neighbouring municipalities of Alnwick/Haldimand and Brighton have both purchased rubber matting which the rail companies have installed at some crossings. And the County of Northumberland has installed one in Lakeport. The problem is that they are expensive - $25,000 for a two-line crossing. He acknowledges that $100,000 is a lot of money for the township to fork out for rail crossings, but suggested to council that it phase in the addition of the rubber mats.

The mats appear to be a better solution than the current method of replacing the ties and hot patching the edges of the track. Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher explained to council that the trains create vibration which in turn causes wear on the ties and adjacent road materials. The township is not allowed to repair the portion of road adjacent to the tracks.

There seemed to be agreement on council that the township should move in the direction of finding a suitable solution. Councillor Westrope says the township needs to get started.

The concern was expressed about the money already forwarded to the rail companies to pay for maintenance. That money is used largely for the monthly electronic-signal checks. Councillor Tim Gilligan wondered about the idea of withholding the maintenance money.

Due to the cost of rubber matting, it will be some time before the residents of the township see any improvement. Under the rules governing the upgrades, the municipality pays for the materials and the rail companies install them.

Just call me Super Dan

2010-02-17T00:06:00.000-05:00

Cramahe Township moved quickly in a closed meeting on February 16 to replace outgoing Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher, with Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien.

Mr. Thrasher leaves his job this Friday to go to a Deputy Director's job in Cobourg.

Cramahe Now broke the story on January 13, suggesting this as one of three options open to the municipality. It was stated at the time that township CAO, Christie Alexander, had approached Mr. O'Brien about the concept of running two departments.

Mr. O’Brien will be Acting Director of Public Works, supervising four full-time and 20 part-time employees as well as his Community Services Department staff. The job description, created in 2007 for his Public Works position, is extensive and over three pages long. It includes supervision and training, financial oversight and a wide range of daily duties.

He will oversee the operation of the wastewater treatment plant which serves Colborne.

Township Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander stated after the meeting that Mr. O’Brien will receive a modest raise to reflect his added responsibilities. She will sit down with the acting director and consider any additional costs and staffing needs he may have.

Mr. O'Brien has been Cramahe's Director Of Community Services barely a year. Prior to joining the Cramahe staff on February 2, 2009, Mr. O'Brien held senior positions with the Markham Fair and Canadian National Exhibition. With the departure of Mr. Thrasher to Cobourg, Mr. O’Brien becomes the sole head of department who lives in the township.

Twindmills Roadshow a sellout

2010-02-16T01:12:00.000-05:00

Twindmills Roadshow was a sellout last weekend, appraising over $100,000 of cherished treasures.

The Antique Experts at Twindmills Antiques in Colborne could hardly keep up with demand for their services at the second annual Roadshow Style Appraisal Clinic in Support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. By the end of Sunday well over $800 had been raised for the Foundation.

Highlights of the weekend were an 1812 Napoleonic war helmet valued at $6500, an extremely rare 1950s Omega Speed Master wristwatch at $4000, a rare Georgian inlaid gent's chair $2800, an early Quebec pine cupboard $2500, and a pair of folk art penquins by renowned folk artist Ewald Rentz valued at $1,800.

Not all items were valuable but you cannot put a price on sentiment and many items were cherished treasures passed down through the family. The Twindmills experts are rapidly gaining a reputation for their expertise and honesty as well as injecting a healthy dose of humour into their appraisals. They are putting the fun back into collecting!

Curious owners came from as far away as Toronto and Kingston. The next clinic is March 13/14 from 11-4 with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society and appraisals once again will be $5.00/item 3/$10.

Twindmills would especially like to thank Experts Ed Fedora and Ray Cobbing for donating their valuable time and all the curious collectors who helped support this worthy fundraising cause.

Twindmills Antique Market is located at 114 Purdy Road. Hwy 401 Exit 497 Colborne Ont.
905-355-3715.

Corporal Baker repatriated

2010-02-16T01:08:00.000-05:00

Corporal Joshua Baker, the 140th soldier to die in the Afghanistan mission, passed through Cramahe Township on the Highway of Heroes on Monday afternoon.

Township breaking Police Service Board law

2010-02-16T01:07:00.000-05:00

The township appears to have been breaking the law regarding the operation of its Police Services Board.

For years the township has not been paying the members who have been appointed by the province to supervise the operation of the OPP in Cramahe. That is despite the regulations of the Police Serives Act of 1990 which states in Section 27 Clause 12, "The council shall pay the members of the board who are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or Solicitor General remuneration that is at least equal to the prescribed amount."

The matter was brought to the attention of the Cramahe Township Police Services Board by board member, Roseanne Quinn. According to accounts of a recent PSB meeting the OPP officer at the meeting concurred with Ms. Quinn.

Some members of Cramahe Council seemed to be aware of the requirements when the matter came up at the council budget meeting on February 9.

Mayor Marc Coombs noted that honorariums were legally required but hadn't been distributed "in years".

Councillor Pat Westrope was aware that neighbouring municipalities were paying the provincial appointees $60 per meeting. Councillor Westrope did not feel that council could go back and re-budget for 2009 to pay what was owed last year. And Deputy Mayor Jim Williams commented that it was "the least painful way to reduce costs". Councillors are not appointed by the province to the board and do not have to be paid.

In any event, Ms. Quinn will not let the issue rest. She feels she is due the money for meetings attended since she joined the board and will appeal to higher authorities if she does not get her due.

How to get to website

2010-02-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

Having trouble getting to our new website? Try one of these options.
Type in http://cramahe-now.com/ or http://www.cramahe-now.com/.

Good luck

Cramahe schools get a music boost

2010-02-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

South Cramahe and Castleton Public school kids and their caregivers are getting a unique opportunity to have some fun and learn through music.

Noted Kindermusik teacher and retired educator Sharon Graham is leading four, 45-minute programs at the schools on February 24-5. The free interactive music sessions are geared to children in kindergarten to grade two. The children who attend must bring a parent with them and must register in advance.

The programs are part of the school plan to bring the families of the two schools together as they prepare for the new Northumberland Hills Public School in the fall. Kids and parents may choose to attend at either school for the music program.

On February 24 the kindergartens start first at 5:00 at Castleton Public School. At 6 p.m. the grade ones and twos do their stuff. The next day the order is reversed at South Cramahe, with the grade ones and twos getting the 5 p.m. start.

The program is funded by the Ontario government and the Parents Activity Councils. Space is limited and parents interested should call Alison Osborne at either school for information or registration.

School board supports brain science workshops

2010-02-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is promoting two brain science workshops for parents. A $47 full-day workshop is being held on February 24 at the Lion's Community Centre in Cobourg. Participants will learn more about the latest findings of brain research and how they affect parents and educators.Feature speaker is Alanna Mitchell, Toronto-based writer and journalist. Ms. Mitchell ran a recent series on brain research.

Also on February 24, How our Brain Works: Debunking the Myths, a workshop for parents and their school-aged children, will be held from 7-9 p.m. at Terry Fox Public School in Cobourg. Donations will be accepted at the door. For information, contact Donna Harris, Coordinator of the Northumberland Domestic Abuse Monitoring Committee, at 905-377-8702.

2010-02-15T01:34:00.001-05:00

(submitted)

The Municipality of Brighton and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board have joined forces to build a new track and sports field at East Northumberland Seconday School.

The fundraising kick-off event, called "Out of the Blocks" will take place on Friday, March 5 at 6:30pm at the Community Hall in the Brighton Arena. Show your support for this project by coming to "Out of the Blocks" on March 5. Members of the fundraising committee will be delivering invitations to the kick-off event to local business. Thank you for your support.

Now a little about it..... the event already has Mayor WIlliams, Mayor Herrington, MP, Rick Norlock, MPP, Lou Rinaldi, the Trenton Base Commander, and Cramahe Mayor Marc Coombs confirmed to be there. There will be wine served, as well as some light refreshments, and food. At the kick-off we will be talking about the goals, where the money goes, and what else we are doing for fundraising events, as well as accepting donations.

The goal of the committee is to raise $850,000 by May 2011, and to date we have already had donations! Brighton Municipality has committed $200,000 as a matching grant for any funds raised locally, and KPRDSB has agreed to budget $140,000, and we are still in the progress of gathering other donations. The organisers of the event will have donation cards, and you will have the option of purchasing a "piece" of the track in the form of your donation. The pieces will be sold, Platinum - $500, Gold - $300, SIlver $100 and Bronze $25.

Parents invited to complete survey

2010-02-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee is inviting all parents to complete an online survey. The survey results will provide information on how parents prefer to communicate about their children’s education, and will help determine awareness of various parent involvement activities, such as in-school volunteering, school councils and the Parents’ Conference.
The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and is accessible from the home page of the school board website at www.kprschools.ca. The survey is active until March 8.
“We know that parent involvement is so very important to student success, and we continue to search out ways to further encourage and support our parent community,” says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board.
“We really want to know more about why and why not parents are involved in our schools. We will use this information to increase awareness about certain activities, and address any barriers that discourage parents from being more involved,” says Parent Involvement Committee Chairperson Heather Robinson.
“Parents are busy, important people and we thank them in advance for taking time to complete this survey. This is one of many examples of how we can work together to continue to do great things for our students,” says W.R. (Rusty) Hick, Director of Education.

Canadian killed in training accident

2010-02-14T10:07:00.000-05:00

Corporal Joshua Baker became the 140th soldier to die in the eight-year Afghani mission when he died in a training exercise near Kandahar City. Four other soldiers were injured in the accident which is under investigation. The injured soldiers are in stable condition.

"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them to maintain high levels of expertise," said Brigadier-General Daniel Menard, the commander in Kandahar.

An Edmonton native, Cpl. Baker, 24, served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to Baker's family, saying he served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan.

"The courage demonstrated by Canadians on this mission speaks to their dedication to creating a better country for the Afghan people. Their commitment to this goal is not diminished by this incident," Harper added.

Governor General Michaelle Jean said Baker served bravely and generously to support Afghans’ hopes for security, justice and a better life. "He merits our wholehearted admiration."

Defence Minister, Peter MacKay, called Baker's death "a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces."

Speaking personally about Cpl. Baker, Brigadier-General Menard, said Cpl. Baker had a laugh that lightened up any room. "Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."

The Brigadier-General described Baker as an "extremely passionate" person who loved his job. "Joshua was mentally tough, physically robust and had a personality that made him a natural leader," he said.

"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them. He also had a deep love for his faith; it was something he took pride in and that gave him strength."

News of the soldier's death came as Canadian troops were taking part in Operation Moshtarak, the largest air assault of the Afghan war in neighbouring Helmand province.

American, British, Afghani and other coalition troops stormed the insurgent-held town of Marjah and the district of Nad Ali early Saturday morning.

Three Canadian Chinook helicopters helped ferry 1,100 coalition troops to Nad Ali, under the watch of four Canadian Griffon escorts.

The repatriation ceremony for Corporal Baker is tentatively set for Monday, February 15.

Cottage break in at Little Lake

2010-02-14T10:03:00.002-05:00

On February 11 at approximately 4:52 p.m. the Northumberland OPP responded to a break and enter to a cottage located on Barnes Road in Cramahe Township. Culprits broke a window in the front door and gained entry and once inside, made off with a stereo system and a chainsaw.

Is township set for new super director?

2010-02-13T01:02:00.001-05:00

Is Cramahe Township preparing to appoint Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien, to a new position overseeing both Community Services and Public Works?

A source advised Cramahe Now on Friday that the township CAO, Christie Alexander, had approached Mr. O'Brien with the idea. The story could not be confirmed by anyone at the township.

The township, in theory at least, has a vacancy at the head of Public Works due to the resignation a week ago of Barry Thrasher. Mr. Thrasher left the township to take a Deputy Director's position with the Town of Cobourg. His duties there begin on February 22.

That doesn't leave the township much time to decide its direction. There have been no in camera meetings to discuss the situation so it is unclear how much discussion has been held on the matter by council and staff.

There appear to be three options open to the township.

It can hire a new Director of Public Works, it could offer Mr. O'Brien more responsibilities, or it could promote two of its current staff within the Works Department to supervise rural and urban activities. The third choice would be somewhat ironic since the township went the opposite way six years ago before hiring Mr. Thrasher, claiming it was a cost-saving move.

Time to make the move

2010-02-13T00:44:00.000-05:00

Have you changed over to http://www.cramahe-now.com/? You only have 2 weeks before we stop posting on this site. On March 1 all stories will be posted on http://www.cramahe-now.com/.

If you are having trouble getting to the website try typing http://www.cramahe-now.com/ and when you get there save the address in your favourites.

Let us know if you are having trouble making the change. It's not always as easy as we try to make it sound.

School yard sale coming

2010-02-12T01:36:00.002-05:00

The Castleton 7/8 class is hosting an indoor yard sale at the Castleton Town Hall on Saturday February 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be baked goods, some artisans and of course, lots of great yard sale items. For all those yard sale fans itching to get out, here is a fantastic opportunity!

For more information, please contact jennifer_breckenridge@kprdsb.ca

Food for thought?

2010-02-12T01:27:00.000-05:00

We do little in this country to support our farmers. Our municipalities have gobbled up prime farm land until there is now a fraction of what there once was in southern Ontario. Unlike some countries we provide little financial support as our farmers fight rising input costs and diminishing returns.

Today is Food Freedom Day. It's time to thank a farmer for the endless hours spent raising and growing the quality food we demand. We include the press release below sent to us by reader Pat Johnston which heralds the day when we have earned enough to pay for our food bills for a year.

On February 12, 2010, the average Canadian will have enough income to pay his or her individual grocery bill for the entire year.

"Farmers are very proud of their role in providing high quality food produced at the highest food safety and environmental standards," said Laurent Pellerin, Canadian Federation of Agriculture President.

Food Freedom Day is occurring on the same day as it did in 2009, which is slightly later than in previous years, due to the effects of the recession on disposable income and an increase in the price of food. The calculation is a simple comparison of Canadian’s disposable income and the amount they spend on food.

For Food Freedom Day 2010, the CFA looked back at food prices over the past 30 years at both the farm gate and retail levels. This research highlighted the hard work farmers do in ensuring Canadian’s receive great value for their food dollar.

“While the prices Canadian consumers pay for food has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years, the amount that returns to the farm gate is relatively small,” said Pellerin.

The Farmers' Share, a recent study commissioned by prairie members of the CFA, showed that, on average, only 27 per cent of the cost of an entire week's worth of groceries for a family of four goes back to the farms where the food is produced.

To ensure that consumers are able to identify Canadian food products and support our agriculture sector, the CFA will continue to advocate for effective ingredient-based 'Product of Canada' guidelines that are both informative to the consumer and practical to the agri-food sector.

New track and field plans unveiled

2010-02-12T01:15:00.001-05:00

The plans for a new track and field at East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) were unveiled for Cramahe Council on February 9. They are ambitious, but they are needed,say school officials. And ENSS Principal, Jeff Kawzenuk and Head of Physical Education, Tim Larry believe they can be achieved.

The two secondary school representatives were at council to ask for a grant of $30,000 a year for three years to help pay for the $850,000 revamp of the facility. About 25% of the 1,400 students at ENSS live in Cramahe.

This is not a pie-in-the-sky idea.

The planning committee has a commitment from the Municipality of Brighton for $200,000. It is based on matching donations from the community. Quinte West students make up about 30% of the school population. That municipality has pledged $50,000. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) has chipped in another $140,000. If the matching grants are maximized, the organisers can now count on $590,000 of their total.

In his powerpoint presentation, Principal, Jeff Kawzenuk, took council through the history of the track and field and the way to a better future.

He explained there has been a need for a long time. The school has a long history of academic, artistic and athletic excellence and it has been a consistent contributor to the feeder communities.

ENSS has won the Bay Of Quinte track and field championships for 25 consecutive years, a dominance that is unlikely to be matched anywhere in the province. The teaching of sports is an element in the development of capable adolescents.

The existing track is 50 years old and beyond repair, and it is too small. Despite being a dominant player in secondary sports and the largest school in the KPRDSB, ENSS cannot adequately host any track and field events. With the proposed facility, the school can host regional, provincial and national events.Local athletes can be showcased in front of a home audience.

ENSS has a large group of special needs students. With a new track and field the school could host a special olympics event.

The current field is unsafe. It has poor drainage and wears out.

The school recognises it can't do this alone. It must be a partnership with the community. The two presenters pointed out how the partnership is a two-way street. Relay for Life, the Terry Fox Foundation, local walking clubs and soccer teams all benefit directly from student fundraising and organization. They have also paid for most of an eight-room school built in Tanzania and collected money so that 105 children had Christmas presents last year. Cramahe foodbanks received a portion of the 10-foot high pile of food collected last December. Businesses and local communities are stronger with a better-equipped school. And the students who attend the school deserve to learn using the best possible facilities.

The planned project will have a six-lane track worth $440,000, an irrigated field which costs $147,000, and environmentally lighting valued at $113,000.

Perhaps in anticipation of a council question, Mr. Kawzenuk explained the need to ask fro money from the local communities. Every secondary school is facing the same kinds of needs. The KPRDSB must share its resources equally and it can't pay for everything. The school is reaching out to the community to fill the void.

The fundraising committee will also be seeking grant money from various agencies, including the Trillium Foundation. They hope to have the fundraising done by May,2011 and the track and field installed by that fall.

The educators did not get an answer to their financial request. Mayor Marc Coombs told them it is a tough budget year. Council has had numerous requests for money and not all Cramahe kids attend ENSS. A decision will be made later this spring after council has pared down the draft budget for 2010.

Strawberry Lane gets sweet little grant

2010-02-11T01:19:00.001-05:00

The residents of Strawberry Lane, a private road in Cramahe Township asked for and got $196.50 from Cramahe Council on February 2.
The request came from the Strawberry Lane Secretary-Treasurer, Donald Maybin. His accounts for 2009 showed a shortfall of $196.50. The lack of funds was the result of a dramatic increase in snowploughing last year. Their road was ploughed 12 times, almost double the six times in 2008. The township has a reserve set up in 2009 for this purpose. It currently has over $4,000 in it. Another $5,000 is slated to go into the fund this year if council does not cut it from its budget.

Barry Thrasher off to Cobourg

2010-02-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

On February 5, Cramahe Now announced the resignation of Cramahe's Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher. In a February 9 interview, Mr. Thrasher revealed that he has taken a position as Deputy Director of Public Works in Cobourg. He has resigned his position in Cramahe effective February 19, and will start in Cobourg on February 22.

Mr. Thrasher has been with the township since April, 2004.

He brought 16 years municipal experience, six in a rural community, the rest in an urban posting, when he joined Cramahe. The previous 10 years were spent in Perth, where he lost his job in a re-structuring move

The move to Cobourg will be a step up for the departiing director and will be primarily in an urban setting.

Mr. Thrasher was upbeat in his February 9 interview. "I think the future in Cramahe Township is promising and exciting with the developments that are occurring,' he noted. "I am grateful for all the help the administration and council have given me over the past six years. We have built a strong team. I wish everyone all the best."

Mayor Marc Coombs praised Mr. Thrasher in the February 9 township budget meeting and thanked him for all his work on behalf of the township.

Cramahe tenant history unveiled

2010-02-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

It was billed as a chance to learn about the history of Cramahe - it was much more than that.

Dr. Catharine Wilson gave her audience of 60 a detailed history of tenant farming in this township and across Ontario. The speech was the result of groundbreaking research which re-wrote the story of rural life in the 1800's.

Cramahe became the focus of her research, due in large part, to the efforts of James Merriman, a conscientious census taker in 1842. Merriman's records were thorough and they survived to provide a new insight into farm life in pioneer times. The Cramahe records are now being studied by historians across the country.

Dr. Wilson took those records and then followed the family trees of the tenant farmers, taking them back to 1802 and forward to late in the same century. What she found has changed our view of how this country was settled.

The history books depict Upper Canada (Ontario) as a land opened by freeholding yeomen. Lower Canada (Quebec) was perceived as feudal. Tenants were ignored by the leaders of the day and by those who recorded life at the time.

It came as a surprise to Dr. Wilson that up to half of those who farmed in Upper Canada were tenants. She recounted in her speech her findings about settlement east of Colborne. Merriman's 1842 records showed that 157 farmers were owners and 97 were tenants. In 1848 the census showed 47.2% of farmers were tenants. By 1871 tenancy had dropped to 22.3%

In eight years before the 1842 census Charles Fiddick, his wife and eight children had been landless. At census time they had cleared 260 acres of a 400-acre parcel. They had 1,500 bushels of oats, 1,200 bushels of potatoes, 18 cattle, 42 sheep and 24 hogs.

Their neighbours across the road, Reuben and Eliza Crandall, harvested 160 acres of field crops.

To the west the aging John Garbutt had a servant and 60 cleared acres where he had planted oats and potatoes.

To the east of the Fiddicks, Mr. McFall was over 60 but still had over 90 acres of crops.

All were tenant farmers.

Dr. Wilson explained that life for tenant farmers was different in the new world than in Europe. To induce farmers to stay, they were given credit for improvements they made to the land. They used the credits they had earned through their labours to improve their holdings. Some went on to purchase their own farms, by selling the improved leases to other farmers.

Most of those who decided to rent and become tenant farmers fell into three categories - young men starting out, newcomers, and anyone who couldn't afford to buy.

When she traced the families back to the 1820's, Dr. Wilson found that there was little settlement north of Colborne, and tenants predominated. Joseph Keeler owned and leased land.

In her study, the professor looked at Lot 27, Concession 2 and found 11 changes in the leasehold between 1802 and 1842.

Some farmers, as they got older, chose to lease or sell their farms. Thomas McMurray advertised his land for sale or lease in the July 21, 1845 edition of the Cobourg Star. In Cramahe Township Nathan Gould chose to lease his land to his son, Burr. Richard Haynes and David Bradd did the same. The lease held by David Reddick was passed on through several generations.

The professor concluded from her studies that tenant farmers weren't poor, slovenly or on the move, as they have often been depicted in the past. Tenant farmers were on the social ladder. Labourers were below them and land owners were above them on the ladder.

When she tracked the families forward, Dr. Wilson found 1/3 became landowners, 1/3 left the township and were hard to trace. One-third remained tenants. Thomas Ventress, David Turney, Caleb Purdy and Andrew Inglis were among the farmers she followed. Purdy sold his land and bought land elsewhere.

William Cox, John Garbutt and John Nellest all had large improved farms near Colborne with livestock. Julius Ives had a large collection of books. Charles Fiddick was a leading member of the agricultural society. Albert Yerrington lived in a two-storey home with four fireplaces, five servants and the only fancy carriage in the township.

Figure skaters do well at Interclub

2010-02-10T01:57:00.002-05:00

Colborne Cramahe Figure Skating Club does well at the Trent Interclub Competition in Baltimore – January 30 -31, 2010!

The skaters brought home 6 Gold Medals, 13 Silver, 11 Bronze, 5 Fourth Place, 5 Fifth Place and 6 Sixth Place! What an amazing weekend for all the skaters in the club. Congratulations everyone and keep up the great work!
Here are the skaters Individual results:
Skater Name Results Event
Abby Kober 1 Introductory A Freeskate - 9 & younger
Abby Kober 6 Introductory Individual Elements
Abby Kober 3 Introductory A Team Elements
Cassidy Bowditch 1 Stage 4 Freeskate - 8 & older
Cassidy Bowditch 1 Stage 4 Individual Elements
Cassidy Bowditch 5 Stage 5 Team Elements
Christie Mutton 1 Introductory A Freeskate - 10 & older
Christie Mutton 3 Introductory Individual Elements
Christie Mutton 3 Introductory A Team Elements
Christie Mutton 2 Introductory Solo Spiral
Ellie Norton 3 Stage 4 Freeskate - 8 & older
Ellie Norton 6 Stage 4 Individual Elements
Ellie Norton 3 Stage 4 Team Elements
Gabby Corbeil 2 Introductory B Freeskate - 9 & younger
Gabby Corbeil 2 Introductory Individual Elements
Gabby Corbeil 2 Introductory B Team Elements
Gabby Corbeil 4 Introductory Solo Spiral
Jordan Bartley 6 Introductory A Team Elements
Jordan Bartley 4 Introductory Create A Solo
Jordan Bartley 3 Stage 6 Freeskate - 9 & older
Jordan Bartley 5 Stage 6 Individual Elements
Jordan Kemp 2 Introductory A Freeskate - 10 & older
Jordan Kemp 2 Introductory Individual Elements
Jordan Kemp 3 Introductory A Team Elements
Jordan Kemp 2 Introductory Solo Spiral
Kayla Read 4 Introductory B Freeskate - 10 & older
Kayla Read 3 Introductory Individual Elements
Kayla Read 2 Introductory B Team Elements
Laura Robinson 3 Stage 5 Freeskate 8 & older
Laura Robinson 3 Stage 5 Individual Elements
Laura Robinson 5 Stage 5 Team Elements
Lauren Buchanan 4 Stage 3 Individual Elements
Lauren Buchanan 6 Stage 3 Team Elements
Lexie Kober 1 Stage 4 Freeskate - 7 & younger
Lexie Kober 2 Stage 4 Individual Elements
Lexie Kober 3 Stage 4 Team Elements
Lexie Kober 5 Canskate Solo Spiral
Leya Kober 2 Introductory B Freeskate - 10 & older
Leya Kober 2 Introductory Individual Elements
Leya Kober 2 Introductory B Team Elements
Leya Kober 5 Introductory Solo Spiral
Leya Kober 4 Introductory Create A Solo
Lindsay Kemp 2 Stage 6 Freeskate - 9 & older
Lindsay Kemp 6 Stage 6 Individual Elements
Lindsay Kemp 6 Stage 6 Team Elements
Lindsay Kemp 4 Canskate Solo Spiral
Madison Turk 1 Stage 5 Freeskate 8 & older
Madison Turk 5 Stage 5 Individual Elements
Madison Turk 5 Stage 5 Team Elements
Madison White 3 Stage 4 Freeskate - 8 & older
Megan McLaughlin 2 Stage 6 Individual Elements
Megan McLaughlin 6 Stage 6 Team Elements
Megan Shepherd 5 Stage 4 Freeskate - 8 & older
Megan Shepherd 3 Stage 4 Individual Elements
Megan Shepherd 3 Stage 4 Team Elements
Morgan Turk 3 Stage 3 Individual Elements
Morgan Turk 6 Stage 3 Team Elements
Rianna Hess 5 Stage 4 Freeskate - 8 & older
Rianna Hess 2 Stage 4 Individual Elements
Rianna Hess 3 Stage 4 Team Elements
Sarah Harnden 3 Stage 2 Individual Elements
Sarah Harnden 6 Stage 3 Team Elements

Cramahe staff faces tough test

2010-02-10T01:55:00.000-05:00

Department heads in Cramahe Township will need sharp pencils in the next three weeks.

Township Council took its first long look at the 2010 budget on February 9. If it were passed as it was presented, Cramahe taxpayers would be facing a 17% increase in the township portion of the tax levy. For a homeowner with a property valued by MPAC at $100,000 it would mean an increase of $140 and a total tax bill of close to $1,700 per year. Half of the total collected stays in the township. The totals do not include any increase in water or sewage treatment rates which are currently under study.

The projected increase was unacceptable to council and the heads have been sent back to find about $800,000 in cuts from a $4,957,405 budget. Last year the township budget was $3,906,787.

Council began the process on Tuesday with cuts to a several reserves of about $15,000, but it was clear from the tone of the meeting that this was only the beginning.

Residential taxpayers pay about 80% of the municipal tax. Farms and commercial establishments pay most of the rest.

The wish list presented to council would wipe out the work done by the township to bring its taxes more in line with other rural municipalities in Northumberland County. In 2009 is sat fourth out of eight in terms of taxes paid out by its residents on a $100,000 home. It was second highest among the rural municipalities, with only Trent Hillshigher. Residents in Port Hope’s Ward 1 paid the highest tax bills in 2009, almost 25% more than Cramahe residents. Port Hope’s Ward 2 had the lowest tax rate.

Cramahe’s tax rates have gone down 6.42% since 2002. Last year the rates dropped by over 7%. The county rates have risen by 14% in eight years. Councillor Ed Van Egmond advised council that taxpayers don't care what the mill rate is - they want to know how their taxes will change.

Cramahe Mayor Marc Coombs suggested that council would like to see a budget total of $4.1 million presented by staff when council next sits down to review the figures on March 2.

Some heads have already seen the writing on the wall. Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien proposed that council cut his new proposals in order to bring his totals close to last year’s.

It is uncertain what will happen in the Works Department where Director Barry Thrasher is leaving on February 19 to take a Deputy Director’s position with the Town of Cobourg.

Once the township has brought its department budgets into line, it will see what it has left to grant to 15 agencies and groups who have made requests for funding.

Already a couple have been discarded. The county physician recruitment request for $17,000 is gone. Deputy Mayor Jim Williams agreed with a suggestion made by Mayor Coombs that a decision on a request for $30,000 by ENSS for a track and field renewal is premature.

Councillor Tim Gilligan launched a debate on the merits of using public funds to support private businesses. He pointed to the township support of the Auction Barn Jamboree. The township has paid for signs located at municipal boundaries to promote the annual country music jamboree.

Councillor Pat Westrope countered that there is a spin-off when 2,000 people visit the community. They purchase goods and services during their stay.

Go Girls really gets to go

2010-02-10T01:09:00.001-05:00

(submitted)

Northumberland Big Sisters BigBrothers

Go Girls! program gets $5,000 boost from United Way

The United Way has come through for Northumberland Big Sisters Big Brothers with a $5,000 Community Impact Grant to our “Go Girls!" program, which is designed to provide girls aged 12-14 with information to help them make informed choices about healthy, active living and support them in dealing with the emotional, social and cultural issues they may face.

This mentor-led seven-session program incorporates fun, educational games and activities that stimulate self-reflection and group discussion. Each weekly session is two hours long.

Go Girls! mentors are young women who are passionate about healthy, active living and sharing their life experience with a younger generation. Each mentor will need to complete an application, screening and training process (which requires two evening sessions). Since its launch in 2007, 134 girls have benefitted from the course, which is provided at local schools and recreational facilities.

Some comments from past participants about the program, which offers a valuable volunteer development opportunity:

“ I’ve always done volunteer work, but I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun doing it!” Mentor

“ I have learnt that even though I am not good in sports I can still participate and have fun!” Participant

“The girls were really interested in my personal experiences with peer pressure and what I was like at their age.” Mentor

For more information or to set up an interview with a mentor, contact:

Sandra Clegg, Go Girls! Coordinator
Northumberland Big Sisters Big Brothers.
905-885-6422 or 1-888-278-2484

Do you have talent?

2010-02-09T00:59:00.000-05:00

Are you young? Do you have talent?
Old St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Colborne is hosting a talent night and is looking for young people from 8-16 who can sing, dance, play, musical instruments, or public speak.
They haven’t set the date yet, but plan to hold it on a Friday night. If you are interested call John Rutherford at 905 344-7481 for more info.

Cramahe Now is launched

2010-02-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

We are now ready to launch our latest venture to make your news reading better. Since April, 2009, we have strived to make the blog www.cramahe-now.blogspot.com a better product, and one that meets the needs of our readers and advertisers. We have grown and you continually stretch our limitations with your ideas for improvement.

Our list of advertisers is growing and our readership is currently just under 2,000 per week. In December, we were approached by Cramahe resident, Tony Meekes. He saw potential that we did not – we decided he was right. It was time to become a website.

In December, he created the new website www.cramahe-now.com and for the past two months he has been revising while guiding us as we learn how to use this new tool.

It is now time to move forward.

Today marks the official launch of www.cramahe-now.com. We ask you to change your “favourites” to the new address. Explore the new features the new website offers. Check the calendar – we are particularly pleased with it!

The site is optimized to the latest versions of internet browsers - Internet Explorer 8, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. If you have trouble with some of the content in the new site you can get a free update for your browser by going to the menu in the top left corner of the site and following the simple instructions after you click on "Having Trouble Viewing This Page"..

We will continue to post our stories on the blog and on the website until March 1. If there are no major problems with the transition, we will cease posting on the blog. However, you will still be able to access the blog archives using the old blog address or a link at the top of the website.

The new site looks great on our computer and should be the same on yours. We do need to know if it does not.

So if you are having any difficulties, please let us know. We need your input to make this transition go smoothly. Email us at lowen@xplornet.com

Arrest made in Comeau murder

2010-02-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

A military commander from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in eastern Ontario has been charged with the murder of Corporal Marie-France Comeau of Brighton.

At an Ottawa news conference today, OPP Detective Inspector Chris Nicholas announced the arrest in Ottawa of Colonel Russell Williams, 46, of Tweed, Ont., the 8 Wing Commander at CFB Trenton.

Williams has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Corporal Comeau and Jessica Lloyd, 27, whose body was found Monday off Cary Road in the Municipality of Tweed. Ms. Lloyd had been missing since January 28 from her home outside Tweed, about 30 kilometres north of Belleville.

Nicholas said police linked the two slayings because of similarities in the cases. They do not expect to make any other arrests.

In addition to the murder charges, Williams faces counts of forcible confinement, breaking and entering, and sexual assault in relation to two home invasions in the Tweed area in September 2009.

Williams made a court appearance Monday afternoon for a bail hearing, walking into the provincial courthouse in Belleville, Ont. His hands and legs were shackled and he wore a blue prison-issue jumpsuit.

When asked, he said he understood the proceedings against him. He was remanded in custody and will appear in court by video on Feb. 18.

A publication ban was ordered, as is typical in bail hearings, and the names of the sex assault victims cannot be published.

Ms. Lloyd was last heard from on the night of January 28, when she sent a text message to a family friend. She did not report for work in Napanee the next morning.

Her disappearance prompted a massive 48-hour air and ground search by police, the military and more than 100 volunteers.

Det. Ins. Nicholas said Williams was brought to the attention of police based on evidence gathered while questioning people along Highway 37 last Thursday night.

Police would not comment on possible links among the cases other than to say they took place within the same geographic area. They said they were looking at where Williams has been for the past several years and were continuing their investigation.

Lt.-Gen. André Deschamps, chief of air staff for the Canadian Forces, issued a statement saying "although one is considered innocent until proven guilty, in light of the seriousness of the charges, and in consideration of the high level of responsibilities" attached to Williams' position, an interim wing commander for 8 Wing Trenton will be appointed to replace him.

A review will also be done by 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg to determine the most appropriate action pending the outcome of his trial, said the statement from Deschamps, chief of the air staff.

It was not immediately clear if the military has suspended Williams in the meantime, or if he will continue to be paid while he is relieved of his duties.

Williams joined the Canadian Forces in 1987 after earning a degree in economics and political science at the University of Toronto. He moved steadily up through the ranks, taking postings in Shearwater, N.S., and Ottawa and receiving his master's in defence studies at Royal Military College along the way. He became wing commander at CFB Trenton in 2009.

2010-11 school year announced

2010-02-08T01:43:00.001-05:00

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board announced its 2010-11 school year calendar on January 28. The schedule conforms with that of the separate school board.

1st day of classes – Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Last day of classes – Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Winter Break – Wednesday, December 23, 2010 through Thursday, January 6, 2011

March Break – March 14, 2011 to March 18, 2011

Godly Play returns

2010-02-08T00:55:00.002-05:00

The activity program, Godly Play, which ran at Colborne United Church last fall, is back.

Rev. Anja Guignon started the one-hour program on February 2 with Brenda Chapman and Patricia Lawrie, and will continue to run it through the winter. The kids from 4-12 come to the church at 6:30 p.m. They sing songs, and do crafts as they learn about the stories of Jesus.

Anja says it’s a chance for kids to learn about Jesus, especially if they can’t make it to Sunday School. Parents can stay for the hour and observe or they can drop the kids off and pick them up at 7:30.

There is no charge for the fun. Anja asks that parents fill out a registration form when they arrive for the first time. Call 905 355-3010 for more info.

The fall session attracted nine participants.

Twindmills hosts Heart and Stroke "Roadshow" clinic

2010-02-07T23:49:00.000-05:00

Twindmills Market at the corner of Purdy Rd. and Big Apple Dr. is hosting its second annual series of Roadshow appraisal clinics starting this weekend.

Last year the antiques and collectibles market hosted the charity fundraiser clinics and they were such a success they're doing it again.

This Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14 the Twindmills experts with a combined expertise of 150 years will evaluate that knickknack, family heirloom, childhood treasure or antique, and tell you what it's worth.

The format is simple. You pay $5 for single items or $10 for any three items and they will appraise them for you. All the money raised this weekend will go to the Heart and Stroke Fund.

Ray Cobbing will draw on his expertise in furniture, primitives and glass. Ed Fedora will hande the militaria and Orientalia. Marshall Gummer, fresh off his live tv stint on breakfast television can tell you all you want to know about china, pottery, art and jewelry. Rick Mutton handles memorabilia and advertising, while Robert Watt does the toys, implements and coins.

It promises to be two fun-filled days with surprises guaranteed. Last year the team of appraisers raised over $1,500 and valued more than $150,000 in treasures.

Spectators are welcome. Appraising starts at 11 a.m. both days and ends at 4 p.m.

If you miss this one, there will be two more, on March 13-14 for the Cancer Society and on April 17-18 for the Easter Seals Foundation.

Fire truck is on the way

2010-02-07T01:33:00.003-05:00

The new $236,900 fire truck which Cramahe Council voted to purchase at a special meeting on January 28 is on its way from Seattle, Washington.

Cramahe Township Council approved the purchase of the vehicle after extensive research was done by a Fire Department selection committee. The price included $6,900 of options designed to make the truck safer and more efficient.

The first choice cost $5,000 more than the second choice but had features which outweighed the slight increase. The preferred 2009 model pumper is a heavier vehicle, designed to carry 1,000 gallons of water, rather than 750 gallons. It also has an enclosed area to store the ladders and equipment and a better hose setup. In the $231,500 model the equipment is inaccessible when the ladders are pulled down.

The purchasing committtee was able to negotiate favourable prices for an additional foam system, extra shelving and an extra divider for the hoses. They got the axes and wrench sets mounted on the truck and a heat pan installed under the pump so it doesn't freeze. A traffic advisor will be mounted on the back of the truck. A metal piece will be installed on the back of the cab to protect the operator, and safe running boards will be installed.

The new truck is expected to arrive around the beginning of March.

It will be paid for through $210,000 now in the fire department reserves. The balance will come from the 2010 budget.

The township may keep the old truck, depending on research being done by Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher and Fire Chief, Jim Harris.

Lucky us - figure skaters win draw

2010-02-06T02:00:00.000-05:00

Colborne Cramahe Figure Skating Senior Girls along with Club President Catina Bowditch accept a cheque for $500 from Rodger Oliver, Sales Representative of Lamontagne Chocolate Inc. The figure skating club was the lucky winner of a random draw done by Lamontagne Chocolate Inc. from all participating clubs with in the Eastern Ontario Division for their fundraisers.

Birthday girls celebrate

2010-02-06T01:48:00.000-05:00

Birthday girls Peggy Tozek, left, and Cheryl Ashbridge both celebrated at the Salem Lunch on Friday. Peggy is happy to announce she is now 85 years old. Cheryl's age is her own secret.

ENSS Student Athletes of the Month

2010-02-06T01:27:00.003-05:00

ENSS -Subway Student Athlete of the Month

Curtis Sansom and Danielle Quinn have been selected as the ENSS -Subway Student Athlete of the Month for the December-January Time period.

Curtis Sansom is a member of the ENSS wrestling team and has had a very successful season on the mats for the Blue Dragons. He is a leader on the team and is rounding into form as the wrestling season winds down. In the classroom, Sansom is always at or near the top of his class, in spite his busy wrestling season.

Danielle Quinn is a member of the Jr Girls volleyball team. She is always one of the first to practice and is one of their top players, showing leadership on her team through her play and her conduct. She is a very dedicated student as well, achieving success in all of her course.s

Colborne kids help Haiti

2010-02-06T00:52:00.000-05:00

There may only be 162 students at Colborne Public School but they know how to raise money for a good cause. When the Haiti earthquake brought devastation to the impoverished country the Colborne students went to work.

They wore hats for Haiti, had hops for Haiti, sold popcorn, had coin collection days, and even had a buy-your-way-out-of-class day for $2. The staff joined in with a wear-your-jeans-to-school day.

Together the efforts of the group brought in $2,488.08. On February 3 the school assembled for an official cheque presentation and popcorn party.

In announcing the total the principal, Susan Wilks, told the kids that their money would be matched by the federal government, bringing the total to $4,976.16 – not bad for a bunch of kids!

Public Works Director resigns

2010-02-06T00:27:00.000-05:00

Cramahe's Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher, has resigned his position effective February 19. Cramahe Now received the news Friday afternoon. It has not been announced by the township. It is understood he has accepted a position elsewhere.

Mr. Thrasher has been with the township since April, 2004.

He brought 16 years municipal experience, six in a rural community, the rest in an urban posting, when he joined Cramahe. His last 10 years were spent in Perth, where he lost his job in a re-structuring move

Mr. Thrasher's time here has been relatively uneventful, but he came into the position amid controversy which was not his own doing.

In December, 2003 the township demoted four of its senior Works Department employees in a re-structuring move. Jim Black, Brian Williams, Greg Davey and Jim Blakley took reduced positions as the township went about hiring a new director.

A township press release at the time stated it would "be looking for an individual who has a civil engineering background, MOE certification for water and waste water , and demonstrated experience managing a diverse works department with an urban/rural mix."

The township office was contacted to Friday afternoon for comment but none was made. It is understood Mr. Thrasher will begin his new position on February 22.

Library Board does some math

2010-02-05T00:57:00.002-05:00

The Cramahe Township Library Board did some math this week, adding three and subtracting one.

Marie Prins has served on the board a number of years, some of the time as treasurer. She has resigned.

New to the board are the Rev. Mary Ryback, Melenie Killman and Megan North.

Cramahe Council approved the changes at its February 2 meeting along with the resignation of Bruce Bowden from Heritage Cramahe. Mr. Bowden no longer lives in the community.

Johnston unveils condo plans

2010-02-05T00:52:00.000-05:00

Dana Johnston has unveiled the plans for condominiums he hopes to build this summer.

At the Wednesday meeting of Probus Dana and his builder, Mike Voskamp, provided drawings and details about the proposed single-storey buildings set to be built east of Victoria Street and south of Colborne Creek.

If Dana gets approval for zoning changes from Cramahe Council this spring he hopes to start one of the two buildings with possible residency this fall.

The proposed residential development is being proposed for part of a parcel of land bought by the Johnston family back in the 1980's. When the original subdivision plan was approved in 1988-9 the zoning allowed for a three-storey apartment. In the interim, houses were built along the outside edges of the property.

Dana says the timing is right to get together with Mike Voskamp, one of the prominent builders in Cramahe, to build the two townhouse-style buildings. One will house four condominium apartments, the other, five. All will have attached garages and be approximately 1,200 square feet. Construction will start when they have some units pre-sold.
The condominiums fit within most of the parameters of a study done in 2007 by Lakeport resident, Clare Musselman.

In his study Clare found that most people wanted a home costing between $175,000 and $250,000. Most of the 19 people who returned their surveys wanted two bedrooms plus an office or den. They wanted handicap compatibility, an eat-in kitchen, air conditioning, high-speed internet, new appliances and a deck or balcony.

The Johnston units will be heated by forced-air air exchangers. The only element which appeared to be lacking from the survey was the deck. They will be built on slabs, with frost walls to eliminate cold penetration.

The base units complete with appliances are expected to cost $180,000 and the end units are expected to be about $10,000 more. Dana says they can put anything the buyers want in the condominiums including granite counter tops, gas fireplaces and skylights - but they will add to the cost. Mike agreed and added that radiant in-floor heating could be installed. But he noted that it would duplicate the heating already being installed.

Using his many years in the automotive business as his guide, Dana explained the rationale for offering the units as condos. It was his experience that you want to buy something if you think it will appreciate over time. If it is going to diminish in value, you lease. He anticipates that the condo fees might be about $100 a month. One the condos are occupied the owners will have to establish a board of directors to manage the common elements.

This was the first public presentation of the development. The project goes to council on February 16 for re-zoning. Dana has made arrangements with local real estate salesperson, George Boycott, to evaluate anyone's home who might be considering the move.

Guide leaders commended for their work

2010-02-04T01:34:00.001-05:00

Area Guide leaders were commended for their service to young people at the Cramahe Township Council meeting on February 2. Mayor Marc Coombs presented the women with certificates. In front, from left, are - Linda Thompson (10 years), Maria Wakimoto (27 years). Behind - Meghan North (5 years), Emma Root (15 years), Ciji Robb (6 years), Ann-Marie Stone (17 years), Mayor Marc Coombs.

Absent from photo - Shelley Nelson (2 years), Kristin Dingman-Price (2 years), Crystal Beaudry (8 years).

MPP addresses Cramahe Council

2010-02-04T00:55:00.000-05:00

Northumberland-Quinte West MPP, Lou Rinaldi's admission to Cramahe Council on February 2 was not a surprise – last year was a tough year full of economic challenges. Ontario was particularly hard-hit with its extensive industrial base.

The MPP is encouraged about future prospects and sees potential opportunities for growth in this area. He says he has talked to more potential investors in the past year than he has in all the other five years he has been in office combined.

The provincial budget, expected in March, will maintain support for education and health at current levels. Other ministries will see their budgets managed.

Mr. Rinaldi handed out a summary of the grants promised and received by the township and Northumberland County last year.

Cramahe Township got $4.4 million in funding for a new school last year and will have all-day every-day kindergarten at all its schools in the fall. It will also receive over $2 million pledged by the province for the waste water expansion now in the planning stages.

Other grants included half a million dollars for roads and bridges, $158 thousand spent on the Castleton Town Hall, and $274,700 in Trillium grants.

At the county level the province provided $55 million to ensure there is high-speed broadband across the county. Another $2.7 went into county court facilities.

Councillor Tim Gilligan asked the MPP about money being invested by the province in companies from outside Canada which are developing wind generation.

Mr. Rinaldi spoke to the comment about the money being spent on a wind generation project built by Samsung. He explained that the money was being spent to build four plants in the province. The total government input will be $400 million over 25 years, or about $1.60 per Ontario ratepayer. Samsung is putting $7 billion into the project.

Funds from the same provincial source are being spent at Wheetabix and other companies.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond asked the MPP to be mindful of the plight of farmers whose input costs are extremely high and product prices are so low.

Mr. Rinaldi admitted beef and pork prices are at their lowest since the BSE scare. His government is working with agricultural federation representatives. He noted that Ontario's farm industry is very diverse, unlike that in other jurisdictions. The diversity makes finding solutions more difficult.

The MPP admitted that we will be in trouble when we have to depend on foreign sources for our food.

Mr. Van Egmond replied that we are doing that now in the pork industry.

Mayor Marc Coombs thanked the MPP for his co-operation and contributions regarding the new school being built in Cramahe and infrastructure projects.

To sell or not to sell?

2010-02-04T00:33:00.000-05:00

It’s only a small piece of land off in a corner of the former Village of Colborne, but it is causing considerable discussion at Cramahe Council.

The subject property at the corner of Earl and Victoria Street came up for tax sale last fall but was not sold. A late bidder expressed interest in the property but did not submit a bid at the December deadline, and council has been struggling ever since with how to proceed.

The potential buyer, Mr. Wayne Patrick, approached the township on December 15 about buying it. For him to do so now, the township would have to declare the land surplus to needs, obtain at least one appraisal of fair market value, and give notice to the public regarding the proposed sale.

The township has a statement from George Boycott recommending it be listed for $20,000. Mr. Patrick is not interested in it at that price.

Councillor Pat Westrope wanted assurance that township policies be followed, and Deputy Mayor Jim Williams agreed but suggested that the appraiser not necessarily be certified.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond wondered if the property might be suitable for Habitat for Humanity to build a home.

Mayor Coombs replied that it was not.

At the regular meeting on February 2, council decided to get two written appraisals and put the land up for sale. It must get $10,841.13 to pay off all taxes owing. Of that total, $3,227.39 must be forwarded to other levels of government.

Area sports leaders feted

2010-02-04T00:28:00.001-05:00

Three leaders in sports with ties to this area received certificates honouring their efforts at a special reception on January 27 hosted by Northumberland-Quinte West MPP, Lou Rinaldi.

Leaders from across the riding were given awards recognising their many efforts on behalf of their communities. They were nominated byy members of the public for their unconditional contributions to the development and experience of athletes of all ages and levels of competitiveness.

In his notes, Mr. Rinaldi stated, "It is important to take time to recognize those special individuals who give their valuable time so selflessly. We are fortunate to live in the best province in the best country in the world, where neighbours colleagues, friends and family are giving back. Volunteers are the backbone of our communities..."

Included in the list of recipients are the three below with ties to Cramahe. Attached are the biographies read at the ceremony and a brief note on Bill Dunk -

Ed. Note - Bill Dunk grew up on the family farm in Cramahe Township with his parents Bill and Edna. Bill Jr. moved to Brighton in 1959. The father of his Bill Jr.'s wife, Sandra (Turney) ran a garage in Colborne many years ago.

WILLIAM DUNK - Bill has been involved in community sports in Brighton since the late '50's when he began coaching minor hockey. His coaching career continued into the 60's and 70's and 80's, where he shared his talents behind the bench with men's hockey and fastball. Bill was on the committee that saw the first set of lights installed at the ball diamond in King Edward Park. As years passed, Bill then became part of the Brighton Curling Club, sitting on the executive for years and is still on the Board of Directors. Bill has been a member of the curling club for over 30 years as well as the ice maker for over 14 years. He now acts as a consultant to the ice-maker as his expertise is very helpful when needed. Bill was very active with his own children growing up; be it hockey, golf, curling, basketball, soccer or baseball. Bill's saying was "Never send your child to sports; take them and be there for them". Today we honour a volunteer that has been involved in sports in Brighton for over 50 years.

TIM LARRY - Tim Larry, in his 27th year of teaching at ENS S and has coached thousands of students in basketball, cross-country and track and field. Tim is also involved in coaching soccer and hockey within his local community. This past year Mr. Larry celebrated his 25th Bay of Quinte track and field championship, while turning 50 years old. For half of his life, he has produced championship track and field teams. ENSS has also won the last 9 out of 10 COSSA championships in cross country. No other coach in the history of school sports in the Bay of Quinte Region has dominated a sport as ENSS has, and all under the coaching of Tim Larry. Tim is passionate about sports and this love for athletics is contagious among other staff and students. He believes that involvement in school and community athletics will make students better citizens. Tim is recognized Provincially and Nationally for his coaching and mentoring. He is the co-convenor of COSSA (Central Ontario Secondary Sports Association) and organizes track and field and cross country meets and events across Ontario. Currently, Tim is very involved in raising funds for a new track and sports field at ENSS and given his drive and motivation for ENSS and sports in general, they are bound to reach their goal.

DAPHNE SIMMS - Daphne Simms has been a teacher/coach at ENSS since 1986. Ms. Simms has volunteered as coach to thousands of students in volleyball, basketball and track and field, and has won numerous championships over the years including Bay of Quinte, COSSA and placed at OFSAA. Regardless of how talented her teams may be, Daphne consistently demands her teams to demonstrate good sportspersonship, dedication, hard work and improvement in skills. Ms. Simms organized school intramurals and athletic councils and worked as a teacher-facilitator at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre. She has always focused her efforts around athletics and student leadership. Ms. Simms has single handedly raised money to repair and build schools in Nepal, through hat days at ENSS, bake sales and other events. Daphne Simms truly exemplifies the true meaning of humanitarian, mentor and coach. Ms. Simms has announced she will be retiring this month and plans to referee volleyball in her retirement.

No new storage for the Keeler Centre

2010-02-03T00:15:00.001-05:00

There’ll be no new storage at the Keeler Centre in Colborne in the near future.

In December, 2009, Cramahe Council accepted a bid of $85,745 from the only bidder, Greydanus Construction.

The company has since advised the township that it cannot build the building for the quoted price due to increased engineering and material prices. It now needs $18-21,000 more.

The new price was unacceptable to township council.

In his written report to council, Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien suggested that the prject be put out to re-tender. In his comments to council the Community Services Director expressed his concern that additional costs would raise the cost to over $100,000. If council were to consider this option, he felt that the other potential bidders should be contacted. He went on to suggest that it is in "our best interest to explore other options". It was clear that he and Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher have already had some discussions and can see other choices.

Mr. O'Brien wondered aloud about the possibility of adding on to the west end of the Keeler Centre, an idea that was later squashed by Councillor Ed Van Egmond who suggested the cost might be as much as $1/4 million. Other possibilities include building two smaller buildings on two sites to replace the 60 by 108 foot steel building that was going to be built beside the community centre.

After some discussion it was agreed that Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Thrasher will look at more options and consider pricing two buildings. They will report back to council in March.

The change will not affect budgetting as the money for the addition was to come from reserves. It could not be started now until April due to the weather.

Four of five on Council will run

2010-02-02T23:58:00.002-05:00

Mayor Marc Coombs Deputy Mayor Jim Williams

Councillor Pat Westrope Councillor Ed Van Egmond

Councillor Tim Gilligan

No one in Cramahe Township has submitted papers for the fall municipal election, but every current member of Cramahe Council except one has declared. Mayor Marc Coombs, Deputy Mayor Jim Williams, Councillors Pat Westrope and Ed Van Egmond all stated on February 2 that they will run this fall for the positions they currently hold. Only Councillor Tim Gilligan is undecided. Mr. Gilligan says he is "contemplating" whether he will run.

Group seeks to end child illiteracy

2010-02-02T00:25:00.000-05:00

Poverty is a major factor in illiteracy in children and a significant impediment to life success.

In a one-day conference on January 27 at the Keeler Centre, the Northumberland Poverty Reduction Action Committee (NPRAC) looked at the issues facing impoverished children and listened as community leaders described their attempts to improve the lot of the disadvantaged.

The group acknowledged there are difficulties reaching some low-income families. Depsite that, there was ample evidence that the social services agencies and the school boards are attempting to bridge the gaps that separate the poor and their peers.

Steve Girardi, spoke for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

He acknowedged the board's programs must attempt to "balance the odds", and help bring children "to be the best that they can be". It is a team approach with parent councils joining staff, parents and trustees to provide the best possible environment for learning.

Breakfast and lunch programs run by parents and supported by food agencies are in most schools and are accessed by a wide range of students. The public school board has a poverty prevention fund which can be used to fund programs. Mr. Girardi was particularly proud of the teen mom program run at CDCI East in Cobourg. Mothers and their babies attend school each day. The babies are cared for while their mothers earn the credits needed to graduate. The board also runs a literacy skills program for adults at its CIS Centre.

The board operates various programs within schools to facilitate language development.

In her presentation, Joan Ruf told the small crowd that the Catholic school board has many similar programs. She spoke of the screening programs used before children enter kindergarten. Ms. Ruf hit a consonant note when she pointed out that children must be self-regulatory to succeed at school. In one Northumberland County school 65% of the children who registered for school were not considered ready. She felt that having Early Childhood Education staff working with young children will be invaluable. Her board offers an evening activity night for parents to learn how to help their children with the skills they will need in school. A bag of materials is sent home after the evening. She broached the problem of dealing with dignity when engaging the parent who cannot read.

Numerous programs are offered by the Northumberland YMCA. Each summer preschoolers in Cramahe benefit from the a month at School's Cool, a program designed to teach skills needed in the first year of formal education. The Y also operates six Early Years Centres and a summer camp for little children. Its play-based Playing to Learn curriculum is child-led and develops self-regulating skills.

YMCA spokesperson, Linda Givelas reminded the audience of the importance of getting to children as early as possible. The Y's Sandparents program operating in Brighton, ties seniors with pre-schoolers for an hour a week for language development.

The Learning Disabillities Association of Peterborough serves this area. It provides programs at cost for children with learning problems. Mary Lou Maillet stressed that learning disabilities are communication disorders, not intellectual deficiencies. She highlighted programs to assist kids ini dealing with technology and in entering secondary school.

Barb Smith was the final speaker of the afternoon. Ms. Smith looks after children's services for the Colborne Branch of the Cramahe Township library. She reminded the audience that now, more than ever, the library is an important part of the community. Kids go there before they enter school. It is crucial to reach them and their caregivers before they enter school. One of the programs offered at the Colborne Library helps meet that need. The one-hour Colborne Storytime drop in program for pre-schoolers and their caregivers is free.

Ms. Smith admits that's not enough. Statistics prove that 95% of kids benefit from early intervention. If you wait until they are nine years old to give assistance, 70% have trouble.

"Poverty is real. We need to talk about equity." That was the final message given by Marilyn McIntosh.

Lois Cromarty is clearly an impassioned advocate for the poor. She listed the seven needs of the poor - income security, education, economic development, housing, advocacy, transportation and co-ordination of services. She implored the group to, "speak up, get involved, take action to become a champion of literacy and poverty reduction".

Find out about Cramahe pioneers on Monday

2010-02-01T23:01:00.000-05:00

Area residents will get a unique opportuunity to discover Cramahe's pioneer history next Monday.
Historian and writer, Catharine Wilson will be at the Castleton Town Hall at 7 p.m., February 8 to discuss Cramahe's pioneer history and transitions through the 1800's.

Her talk will most certainly relate to anyone in the community with pioneer ties. In her book summary Dr. Wilson says, "Two chapters are devoted to Cramahe farm families, their agricultural practices, family strategies, aspirations and successes. Running throughout the other chapters are numerous examples of Cramahe landlords and tenants. The study began with the farm owners and tenants who appeared on the 1842 census for Cramahe Township. I then linked these people with numerous other records going back as far as 1802 and moving forward in time so that their multi-generational experience on the land could be understood."

The historian relies on information provided by one of Cramahe's enumerators back in the 1800's. In her overview of the work done on the book Dr. Wilson states, "The census for Cramahe was compiled by James Munroe Merriman, sawyer and assessor for the township, and a landlord himself. This was the first year he had done the census and the assessment. He seems to have been very conscientious in his wrok as the document is internally coherent and complete, and it largely agrees with other records, the assessment, reserve records and land registry. Of all the censuses that survive for other townships, this is one of hte most carefully filled out, and certainly one of the most detailed concerning land tenure.

Landlords, from ordinary farmers to absentee aristocrats, are also part of the story and the much-criticized clergy reserves take a positive role. An intimate exploration of Cramahe Township follows tenants over the generations as they supported their families and combined liberal ideas with household-centered ways.

Admission to this talk, sponsored by Heritage Cramahe, is $5.

County projects possible 1.95% increase in taxes

2010-02-01T12:10:00.000-05:00

Director of Finance, Jennifer Moore presented the 2010 Draft Budget Overview for Northumberland County which outlined the 2010 Budget objectives including maintaining current services and programs provided by the County; minimizing the levy increase due to the ongoing economic crisis; planning for future expenditures and building reserves while assuming minimum new debt. County departments kicked-off the budget cycle in September 2009, reviewing all programs, services and projects in detail to develop the draft budget.
The Department draft 2010 budgets were scrutinized by the Department Coordinators over November and December 2009. Department presentations were made for Corporate Services, Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development. The remaining Departments including Social Services and Housing, Waste Management, EMS and the Golden Plough Lodge will be making their 2010 Draft Budget presentations to County Council on February 3, 2010 and budget approval is tentatively scheduled for the same day.

Highlights of the budget include

1.95% levy increase which is the lowest in over 10 years
Current programs and services remain at existing levels
No projects will be financed by debt
Several departments have built reserve contributions into their base budgets in 2010

Building off to slow start

2010-02-01T11:51:00.002-05:00

Building has gotten off to a slow start in Cramahe Township this year.
Chief Building Official Natalie Moroz-Cornell's January report revealed that there were only two permits issued valued at $41,000.

Johnstons expand product line

2010-02-01T01:28:00.002-05:00

Johnston Motors is expanding its service and sales lines.

They are now servicing a full range of small engines - lawnmowers, snowblowers, snowmobiles, ATVs and motorcycles can all be serviced now by a qualified small engine mechanic on site.

And if you can't find a pre-owned vehicle on the lot, Dana can get you the new car you need.

Schools hold get-together party

2010-02-01T01:16:00.000-05:00

The Rotary Room of the Keeler Centre was hopping on Saturday night as over 250 students and family members got together from South Cramahe and Castleton Public School.

The party/dinner/dance/silent auction was just one of the numerous activities planned for this year as the two schools prepare to amalgamate into the new Northumberland Hills Public School this fall.

Five members of the two parent committees organized the January 30 night of fun. Kristin Dingman-Price, Mary Norton, Mike Filip, Michelle White and Principal Michele Adams were highly visible, ensuring everyone had a good time.

The tables were lined with a wide range of items in the silent auction. People could bid on everything from a side of beef to a patio slab. Barbies, gift baskets, trees, tools, and tickets to hockey games were all out there taking bids. Ms. Adams explained that all money raised would go toward new equipment at the school which is currently under construction. If $5,000 is collected she will have a smartboard installed in the library.

Ms. Adams was highly appreciative of all the effort which went into the evening. All items in the auction were donated by local businesses and families. The support was overwhelming. The Rotary Hall was donated by the township and food was sold to the group at cost. Staff and students created the decorations which festooned the hall.

Numerous other activities are taking place this year as the staff of the two schools prepare the students for the change.

The grade three classes are skating together on donated ice time at the Keeler Centre. The grade four-to-six classes, with assistance from some grade sevens worked together solving Mathlete problems in the South Cramahe gym. Grade sevens and eights from both schools got together before the January 30 event to learn some new dances.

Perhaps Mike Filip put it best when he welcomed everyone to the fabulous new community.

For photos of the party Get-Together Party

Salem Sampler February, 2010

2010-01-30T23:24:00.000-05:00

A SALEM SAMPLER…..REVISITED

A gala celebration of Mary Bellamy’s 85th. birthday was held in the Salem church hall after services on Sunday, January 10th.with a delightful luncheon, complete with birthday cake and balloons, hosted and presented by her family - to which the Salem folk were invited. It was a surprise! And it really was.

We extend the very best wishes of good wishes to Mary; who has been such an integral and valued part of the Community for many years.

Best wishes are extended, too, to Elsie Cullum on her early January birthday from the Salem folk

Kendra Peters’ birthday of January 6th should have been fitted in the previous column with the Epiphany and the visit of the Magi .. Well, she is a gift.

All best wishes, Kendra.

And our best wishes, too, to Jim Peters for his February 6th birthday.

The Rev.Anja Guignon presided at the installation of the Salem U.C.W. executive for the coming year. The new executive: Past President, Marjorie Bailey; incoming president, Lenna Broach; Vice President, Gwen Bellamy; Secretary, Laura Haferkorn: Treasurer, Muriel Todd; Devotions and Social Committee, Doris Simpson; Social Convener and Sunshine, Ruth McKenzie; Reviewer, Cathy Galt.

Where would we be without our U.C.W?

Congratulations to Laura Haferkorn who won first prize for her essay submitted to the contest sponsored by the Federal Women’s Institute of Canada.

So sorry to hear that Gwen Bellamy suffered a fractured rib after an unfortunate fall at home . We’re thinking of you, Gwen; we knew it had to be something serious for you to miss miss church on the 17th.

On Monday, February 8th. Catherine Wilson will introduce her new book, ‘Tenants in Time”, a study of Cramahe Township's earliest settlers, at 7:00 pm in the Castleton Town Hall. There is a $5:00 charge which will be donated to the Northumberland United Way. There will be refreshments to follow the event hosted by Heritage Cramahe.

Sounds fascinating! Where are your roots?.

The Colborne half of the Colborne Probus Pool Team, featuring Alan Cullum and Doug Galt, triumphed mightily, so I heard, over the second half of the team of Bill Doherty of Shiloh and Clare Mussellman, of Lakeport, at the Games of January 12th.; but who’s gloating…

Bill and Mary Jane hosted a luncheon at their farm in Shiloh for the squad and their wives that same afternoon. We didn’t get to meet Norma personally; she was in the barn and the snow was too deep for our short boots.

“GODLY PLAY” re-commences at the Colborne United Church on Tuesday evening, February 2, from 6;30 PM. till 7:30 pm. and will continue until Easter.

All children are welcome.

The yearly reports are all in, or nearly so, and it's once again time for the annual Congregational Meetings for all three churches in the charge. The dates are as follows:

Colborne: Sunday, Feb. 7 at 1:00pm Snow date: Thursday, Feb.11, 7:00pm

Eden: Sunday, Feb.14 at 7:00pm Snow date: Thursday, Feb.18, 7:00pm

Salem: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1:00pm Snow date: Thursday, Feb.25,7:00pm

Joint congregational meeting at Salem on Sunday, Feb.28 at 1:00pm.

Snow date: Thursday March 4 at 7:00pm.

It may be only January but the Bazaar Committee at Salem is already at work planning this year’s event. Yes, it’s a year in the planning. The Committee is requesting that, should you have any unused articles you may have received as gifts which are either unsuited to your tastes or requirements, that you might consider passing them along to the Committee. Things like soaps and lotions or books or things of that nature would go to good homes and would serve a good cause.

And, just so you know, I retired from the Column after 17 years of weekly reports. I did so with regret, but felt it was time for something different.

Now we are without a newspaper of our own, so, thanks to the generosity and skill of Bob Owen we will attempt to re-establish communications within the Community.. We’ll see how it works.

Nancy.

Cramahe okays new pumper

2010-01-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

Cramahe Township Fire Department will soon have its new pumper.

Cramahe Township Council approved the purchase of the $236,900 vehicle at a special meeting on January 28 after extensive research was done by a Fire Department selection committee. The price included $6,900 of options designed to make the truck safer and more efficient.

A week earlier on January 19, council refused to accept the recommendation of its interim Fire Chief, Jim Harris. The Chief wanted permission to purchase the truck from a single source without taking it to tender.

In the end the result was much the same, but the firefighters got a truck which met their specifications, and the decision passes public scrutiny.

Township staff met with the firemen after the January 19. A committtee of three firemen was formed to locate possible suppliers and to detemine exactly what was needed. Chief Harris commended John Jakab, Gary Cammack, Larry Dadson and Ken Awender for their efforts in getting the best possible vehicle at the best possible price.

Through extensive research they located seven possible suppliers and asked each to provide quotes on stock vehicles. Some did not have stock, others had stock which failed to meet the township needs. Dependable Trucks, located in Brampton, had three.

Chief Harris had stated from the beginning, that time was of the essence if the municipality was to get one of the last remaining 2009 trucks. He met for three hours with members of the committee on January 23 to create a prioritized list of availablle vehicles. Their first choice was the one selected by council, even though it cost $5,000 more than the second choice.

The truck will be paid for through $210,000 now in the fire department reserves. The balance will come from the 2010 budget.

The preferred 2009 model pumper is a heavier vehicle, designed to carry 1,000 gallons of water, rather than 750 gallons. It also has an enclosed area to store the ladders and equipment and a better hose setup. In the $231,500 model the equipment is inaccessible when the ladders are gotten down. The third choice was a custom ordered truck at a cost of about $280,000 and with a delivery time of 8-10 months.

The committtee was able to negotiate favourable prices for an additional foam system, extra shelving and an extra divider for the hoses. They got the axes and wrench sets mounted on the truck and a heat pan installed under the pump so it doesn't freeze. A traffic advisor will be mounted on the back of the truck. A metal piece will be installed on the back of the cab to protect the operator, and safe running boards will be installed before the truck arrives in 4-6 weeks from Seattle.

Councillor Pat Westrope wondered what will happen to the 26-year-old pumper which is being phased out.

Chief Harris and Works Director Barry Thrasher are to meet with a person who will give them an estimate on the cost to convert it for use by the Works Department. It cannot be used as a fire truck because of its age, but has very low mileage - only 34,000 km. It's sale value is considered minimal.

There will need to be some adjusting done at the fire hall as the firemen juggle their equipment so that the new truck is housed indoors. When it arrives the firefighter will receive training from the supplier.

Curling Charity Spiel aids unwed mothers

2010-01-29T22:42:00.002-05:00

Each year the Colborne Curling Club hosts a charity spiel. This year's event raised money to support Alpha House, the residence for pregnant teens and teens with newborns.
On January 16 they raised $2459 as 16 teams battled their way through curling, shuffleboard, mini putting and euchre. Five club teams competed against two Rotary teams, the Optimists, M and M's, the Bank of Montreal, Grafton Public School, two foursomes from Alpha House, Computer Solutions and Cramahe Township.

Scott Arnold, Bonnie Young, Scott Arnold, Kevin and Wanda Lansley were the winners of the fun day of events. John McKnight (left) presents golf passes to the winning foursome. .

Find out more about the Colborne Curling club at Colborne Curling Club Home Page

A tribute to the fallen

2010-01-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

They are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters - sometimes mothers and fathers. The passing of the fallen Afghanistan veterans is a moving experience for those who stand on the bridges.

Kim and Wendy Carr have been among the bridge people, and they wanted to do more. Last September they decided to create a Highway of Heroes Quilt. For the past four months the mother and daughter team have sewn a single poppy square for every soldier who has died in the conflict since 2002. Wendy sewed each of the many poppies. Kim added the names of each soldier in script. The poppy squares were sewn together to create a powerful reminder of the cost of war.

Wendy thought they had completed the quilt in December but five more soldiers died late in the month and the quilt was re-worked with new squares added. Fortunately they had enough material. They ran out of the red at one point but Kim found some more in the U.S. through an internet search. The women estimate it took 100 hours to complete the massive project. The quilt records the soldiers who died between 2002 and 2009.

There were few dry eyes in the Salem Church hall when Rev. Anja Guignon delivered the blessing which reflected on loss and hope.

The quilt will soon find a permanent home in the Warkworth Legion. Joyce Nickerson, 1st Vice in the Warkworth Branch says the Legion will have the quilt recorded as a historic artifact, one that will be looked upon in 100 years. There will be a dedication service when it will be placed on a memorial wall.

Purdy Rd. - a holy mess!

2010-01-28T18:46:00.001-05:00

The trip across Purdy Rd. in since it was paved late last fall has turned into an obstacle course as drivers dodge the growing number of potholes and chunks of broken pavement.

Cramahe Now checked into the situation with Works Director, Barry Thrasher, and received the following information:

"The cause of the pavement failure is being investigated by Geo-Logic Inc, a company which specializes in the analysis of soils and pavements. They took 7 samples of the asphalt and underlying gravel and are currently studying these samples to determine if one, or both does not meet specification and led to the breakup of the pavement. We haven't received their report yet.

The township has a signed agreement for a fixed price for this contract, and the contractor is responsible for supplying material which meets specification. If the pavement and gravel that was put down has to be replaced, then it will be done at his expense. The unexpected cost of hiring Geo-Logic is something Council will have to decide on later as far as recovering that cost goes.

Asphalt plants don't resume operation again until Spring so on-going maintenance of this section of road will be required till then. A meeting has been held with the contractor and he has agreed to place cold-patch in the potholes through the rest of the winter."

So - keep your eyes open for now...

New school update

2010-01-28T01:37:00.002-05:00

Our thanks again to Lisa Meekes for keeping us up-to-date with the progress of the growing Northumberland Hills Public School, scheduled to open this September. These photos were taken on January 21.

Principals making a difference in Tanzania

2010-01-28T00:39:00.002-05:00

Colborne resident and secondary school principal, Jeff Kawzenuk is on his annual trip to Tanzania to assist in community projects. We have enclosed his first "note home" and a reference to the blog he and fellow principal, Steve Truelove are keeping.

Hello All,

Things are going very well in Tanzania.
Working very hard. Lots of meetings - (more than KPR!)
We are beginning to see a difference to this comunity, in part and thanks to the students of KPR.

Please check out our blog...

Welcome to Tanzania

Many thanks,
Talk soon,

Jeff and Steve

ed note - Blog did not appear to be functioning on January 28.

Avon calling???

2010-01-28T00:29:00.001-05:00

While visiting the township offices recently one of our readers thought she observed an Avon lady doing business behind the counter during office hours. So we checked...

Treasurer, Mora Chatterson, is filling in for Cramahe Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander while she is on vacation.

Ms. Chatterson responded, "There are a few employees within this office that this Avon representative, deals with. She usually is just dropping off books (and/or previously ordered products), for these employees to review on their own time at home, rather that have to drive out of town to their homes. She usually tries to come in to the office around their coffee or lunch breaks."

So, there you have it.

Castleton gains from Colborne 150th

2010-01-27T23:54:00.002-05:00

It was Castleton's turn to benefit from the celebration of Colborne's 150th, held last summer.
Standing in the bitter cold on the steps of the gazebo in Victoria Square, Northumberland-Quinte West MP, Rick Norlock announced a federal Heritage Funding grant of $17,100. The grant will be used to improve the ventilation in the Castleton Town Hall where valued books and artifacts have suffered from problems related to dampness.

"I am proud to be part of a government that values the preservation of this knowledge," stated the MP.

Colborne 150th Chair, and Cramahe councillor, Pat Westrope commented, "I am delighted to receive these funds. Preservation of pictures and artifacts of a historical nature is important to the present and future community of Cramahe Township."

The money, most of which will arrive in the near future, will pay for exterior filtration, window treatments, and archival cabinetry and storage units for historical material being stored and displayed there.

401 update

2010-01-27T17:08:00.002-05:00

The following statement was issued by the OPP at 1:25 p.m. today:

The Northumberland OPP advises that Highway 401 is now open to traffic. The driver of the Tractor Trailer sustained minor injuries.

Motorists are advised to slow down and take extra time as roads are very slippery.

401 westbound closed

2010-01-27T12:12:00.001-05:00

Noon

The OPP is advising motorists to take an alternate route following a collision on the westbound lanes of the 401, west of County Rd. 25 in Cramahe Township.

The Northumberland OPP is currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer on Highway 401 westbound lanes west of County Road 25 in Cramahe Township. The highway is completely closed.

Motorists travelling westbound on Highway 401 are advised to go north on County Road 25, west on County Road 22 and south on County road 45 to Highway 401.

Motorists are advised to slow down due to slippery road conditions and keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front of them.

Cramahe Now reader wonders about office reno

2010-01-26T23:39:00.005-05:00

                                    Township receptionist/ tax clerk Tracey Deveaux
                                    stands in the newly renovated reception area last
                                    October.

Cramahe Now reader Lorraine Chapman-Arthur has some concerns about the $34 thousand renovation done to the Cramahe Township office reception area last fall.

She makes her point below:

"I am really concerned about the priorities in the Cramahe Township office. Is anyone overseeing the daily activities? Why did the township hire someone who had to drive all the way from Kingston to renovate the offices when there are local contractors available? A basic contract like this should go to someone local.

Was it contracted or tendered? If someone local did the work, the township would see a return when property taxes were paid by the contractor.

This is very frustrating."

We asked Cramahe Township Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander, "Who did the renovations/painting in the office last fall, where the company was from, how much it cost, and the process used to determine the contractor(s)?"

She forwarded the Chief Building Official's report passed by Cramahe Township Council on August 11, 2009.

Natalie Moroz-Cornell states in her report: Tenders closed July 30, 2009 to refurbish the Municipal Office reception area including the supply and installation of an accessible customer service counter.

Two compliant bids were received as follows.

K. Knudsen Construction Limited $36,155. plus GST

Rockwood Design $34,650. plus GST

This contract is for a general contractor to supply all equipment and supplies to dismantle, and remove the existing office reception counter and two work stations in the reception area.

The contractor is to build/supply a new counter with wheelchair access as per design provided. New work stations are to be installed as part of this counter space as per the furniture specifications.

An office separation is to be installed in the hallway area. The scope of work also includes replacing the existing carpet flooring in all offices and hall way with new carpet tiles, and painting the main office area.

The contract was paid with $25,000 from the Colborne Town Hall capital budget account, and $12,000 for new carpet under building maintenance.

Pumper decision to be made Thursday

2010-01-26T01:24:00.001-05:00

A special meeting of Cramahe Council will be held Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the council chambers, 1 Toronto Street, Colborne.

The purpose of the Meeting is to consider a proposed acquisition of a Pumper Truck for the Fire Department.

Ham dinner/concert draws a good crowd

2010-01-26T01:06:00.001-05:00

It may have been cold outside but the atmosphere inside Colborne United Church on January 23 for the ham dinner and concert was warm and tasty.

Filling those plates is serious business!

The waters rise in Colborne

2010-01-26T00:47:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since the waters have run this high. Our thanks to Dave Perry for these photos taken in Memorial Park and on Elgin St. S. in Colborne.

Winter rains combined with runoff over frozen ground to fill waterways quickly.

At one point the water was running over the walking path and across Elgin St. S.

It was definitely a water spaniel day!

Olympic Torch Committee thanked

2010-01-25T01:30:00.000-05:00

Cramahe Mayor, Marc Coombs, left, and Cramahe Tourism Coordinator, Rebecca Goddard-Sarria, right, presented gift baskets to the members of the local Olympic Torch Run Committee - Elizabeth and Harold Kuschnik, their daughter Rachel Kuschnik, Maureen Young and Crystal Beaudry. The presentation was made at the January 19 meeting of Cramahe Township Council.

Cramahe year-end building report

2010-01-25T00:15:00.001-05:00

The year 2009 was another good year for building in Cramahe - if you built very large buildings.

Thanks to the construction start of the new $6,732,000 Northumberland Hills Public School and the opening of Tim Horton's, the building total for the year swelled to $12,547,420. It's not a record, falling behind last year's $13 million total into second place. In 2005, the only other year to see eight-digit totals, the township saw $12,468,641 in building starts.

The 2008 total was buoyed by the $6-million July launch of the HD Supply warehouse and the $900,000 addition to the Cambro Lasertek.

Back in 2001 when the $3-million Keeler Centre was built, permits totalled $7,516,552.

Housing starts have shown a steady decline since the peak of 59 in 2005. There were 17 single-family homes started in 2009 compared to 19 in 2008, 34 in 2007, and 27 in 2006.

Northumberland-Quinte West MPP hosts tax meeting

2010-01-24T01:41:00.001-05:00

By Andrew Keogh

Northumberland-Quinte West M.P.P, Lou Rinaldi, took his Harmonized Sales Tax (H.S.T.) presentation to the Keeler Centre in Colborne on January 21. A group of about 15 people took in the information and posed questions for the M.P.P.

On July 1, 2010, the 13% H.S.T is being instituting province wide. The tax merges the existing 5% G.S.T and 8% P.S.T, and has significant implication for businesses.

The H.S.T will apply to all retail purchases, professional service purchases, fuel and energy purchases, and property purchases. The 31-page hand-out provided to the participants took them through savings outlined by the Ministry of Revenue. The M.P.P. added his own comments to explain the implications for his constituents.

Mr. Rinaldi claims that returns will be seen anywhere between 5 and 10 years and that using the H.S.T. as an investment will produce jobs and growth and keep Canada competitive.

Small businesses and corporations alike can benefit by claiming H.S.T on all business expenses. Under the current structure they cannot claim the P.S.T.

Additionally, R.S.T (retail sales taxes) fronted by retailers on all business inputs (materials and services employed by the business) will be reshuffled into a V.A.T (Value added tax) at all levels from primary producers, to manufacturers to retailers. It is anticipated that these savings will be carried forward to the consumer.

The H.S.T. also will simplify business administration through one set of books, one remittance, one audit etc.
Corporations will be provided $4.5 billion in tax relief over three years through corporate income tax cuts, eliminating surtaxes and exemptions from the corporate minimum tax. . Businesses can also benefit from property tax relief through a marginal reduction in the education levies of property taxes.

Individuals in the lowest and middle income brackets will receive $4 billion in transition relief with rebates for couples and parents of up to $1000.00 and singles up to $300.00.

Personal income taxes for those brackets (i.e $0-$37,106/year) will see a reduction in rates from 6.05 to 5.05% this year. There is an additional $270 million in property tax credits and up to $260.00/adult in sales tax credits, both applying to low and middle income earners.

The H.S.T will apply to all goods and services that are subject to the existing G.S.T. The breakdown provided by the M.P.P. suggests that 83% of goods and services taxes will remain unchanged.

All fuels and energy inputs will have additional taxes placed on them as of July 1, 2010. The H.S.T will be applied on top of existing excise and fuel taxes.

Most private professional services and administration costs like insurance brokerage fees, public transit, hair dressing, and realty charges will fall under the new H.S.T and be paid at point of sale. Any qualified rebates will be returned to the claimant when taxes are filed.

Reports circulated by Revenue Canada claim that the average Ontarian will experience a neutral or very marginal change in expense in the coming years, totaling no more than $50-75 either in deficit or surplus. Estimates claim that the lowest income earners will benefit $90/year on average, and the top income earners in Ontario will have to pay $390 more annually.

A Cramahe View

2010-01-24T01:36:00.002-05:00

Northumberland M.P.P Lou Rinaldi and his team greeted about 15 Cramahe citizens with smiles and charm at the Keeler Center on Thursday, January 21. With no flute in hand however and no cobra in a sack, it was clear that charm was in full force.

Now charm is another way really to say fool, and this generally is a tactic to gain favour, or more often, to get something out of somebody. And what more does the provincial government want but more taxes for bigger budgets. This revenue translates into a new flowery and quite beautifully worded, H.S.T or harmonized sales tax. Where the harmony comes into play, I’m not too sure, but it’s probably worded accordingly to charm you into believing it’s benefiting us in some way and calm you when your bills start coming in.

As of July 1, 2010, as you may already be aware, the H.S.T is being instituted province-wide. This cure-all tax is a merger of the existing G.S.T and P.S.T basically and has further implication for businesses. With G.S.T at 5% currently, and P.S.T measuring in at 8%, H.S.T will be a 13% tax on all retail purchases, professional service purchases, fuel and energy purchases, property purchases and nearly everything in between. The hand-out which was provided, walked us through 31 pages of savings outlined by the Ministry of Revenue, and I have to hand it to them, they make it seem pretty good.

Granted, many attendants at the meeting met the news of tax hikes with nods of approval and understanding. Most of these came from the ladies of the office of Mr. Rinaldi, and generally most women 40 and older in the audience, who have too been charmed by Rinaldi’s down-to-earth and small-town connection.

This is not an attack on Mr. Rinaldi in the least.

Read more

Letter to the blog

2010-01-23T23:35:00.001-05:00

It was with interest that I read the report of the last council meeting especially in regards to the proposed apartment on the corner of Victoria and Arthur Street by McDonald Homes from Brighton.
When consultant Mr. Josephs made his report there was nothing in the councillor’s information package that they receive before a scheduled council meeting.
The government agencies report he was referring to, was not given to councillors.
There was nothing regarding the petition with about 100 signatures and the numerous letters sent in opposition, to town hall from taxpayers.
The information submitted that the property zoning was amended from “Residential” (R1) to “Institutional” (CF) in 1999 was not mentioned.
No mention that the Johnston subdivision plan across the street, is now back alive zoned R3, a building is already planned on the east side of Victoria Street- across the street from the proposed apartment building by McDonald Homes.
The submitted government papers regarding Noise Assessment-Stationary Source of Sound was not presented, this is in regards to the hydro transformer by the work sheds.
I would like to know if this was an oversight or whether this was done on purpose.
We the tax payers elected a council to look after our interest and we sure do not need someone to either do backroom deals or keep council in the dark as to what is really going on.
I am sure that there are very few taxpayers that will be happy if council has to make a decision, without knowing all the facts.

Anyone that wants to contact me via email can do so. I will forward them to council.
My email address is: john.ton@sympatico.ca

John Ton

Earl and Victoria land may sell

2010-01-23T00:30:00.001-05:00

Vacant property on the southwest corner of Earl Street and Victoria Street went under tax sale by Cramahe Township late last year.

One interested buyer arrived minutes before the deadline and missed his chance before bidding closed at a minimum bid of $10,841.13.

Council deemed the land surplus at the January 19 meeting and is waiting for the receipt of two appraisals at fair market value of light industrial land.

If the un-named buyer is interested in purchasing the property at the appraised price, and it is sold, Cramahe Township will receive $3,227.39 in property back taxes.

Whoa - hold that pumper!

2010-01-22T00:26:00.001-05:00

By Andrew Keogh

Cramahe Township decided on January 19 to call an additional meeting on Thursday, January 28 to decide on the purchase of a new fire pumper.

The council meeting will follow a January 27 in-house fire department meeting, where all interested parties will discuss the quotes of available vehicles and recommend a purchase.

The decision came as a response to an unusual request from the township Fire Chief, Jim Harris.

Chief Harris requested that council allow him to obtain quotes from a single source on a new truck worth up to $240,000. He also asked that council allow Mayor Marc Coombs, Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander, and himself to approve the purchase of the proposed vehicle without returning to council for approval.

Cramahe purchasing policy does not allow a purchase of this size without requesting tenders. The policy would have to be over-ridden by the requested council vote.

The chief explained that the desired standard models with 2009 engines are going fast, often within two weeks of being quoted. One of the four companies he has contacted has already sold out of the 2009 models. The 2010 models have added pollution controls which add $8-15 thousand to the cost. Custom-made trucks cost about $400 thousand or more. Mr. Harris indicated the purchase of a “stock” pumper was most timely and within budget.

Councillor Tim Gilligan expressed concern over the exclusion of firefighters and deputy chief Gary Cammack in this decision and was unhappy that no dialogue had occurred between Mr. Harris and the fire department regarding the purchase of the new pumper.

Mr. Cammack responded by indicating he had been invited along with deputy chief, John Jacobs, to join those discussions.

The typical process of purchasing a replacement fire pumper begins with the collection of specifications from the firefighters who will use the vehicle. These specs. are sent to fire vehicle manufacturers or dealerships and tenders are sent back. The department then decides on the best options available and brings them to council.

Mr. Harris’ intention was to expedite the process, with his concerns over unavailability and cost, by requesting authorization to purchase the new pumper carte blanche.

Councillor Pat Westrope voiced caution about making a hasty purchase for an item of such a cost, remarking further that council would like to see a collection of quotes from which to choose.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond questioned the dismissal of 2010 models with pollution controls adding that a “green council” might be better represented by making green choices

The township must replace its 26-year-old pumper truck in order to maintain the standard set by the insurance underwriters.

The purchase of a $240,000 new pumper would exhaust the current fire equipment reserve and tap into $30,000 from the 2010 budget reserve.

Councillor Van Egmond highlighted the need for new equipment also such as gas masks on the pumper itself, costs not currently considered in this discussion.

New hope for Apple Blossom Tyme

2010-01-22T00:06:00.001-05:00

By Andrew Keogh

The Apple Blossom Tyme Festival may get a new lease on life if a proposal made by Cramahe Community Services Director, Dan O’Brien gains community support.

In recent years the festival has fallen increasingly on the shoulders of Cramahe residents Pat Johnston with assistance from Carl Wilce. In a recent conversation with Cramahe Now, Ms. Johnston expressed her desire to retire and her concern that the festival carry on. She acknowledged Mr. O’Brien’s statement that there is a need for long-term planning and succession. In recent years the festival has been a financial and artistic success despite reduced participation from a broad cross section of the community in the organization.

Ms. Johnston has enlisted the assistance this year of Councillor Pat Westrope, but Mr. O’Brien’s vision will provide a more integrated and cohesive organization with a mandate to plan well into the future if it is put into place.

If he can find the support from inside the community, he is proposing that Apple Blossom Tyme be restructured. Mr O’Brien remarked that the event could be classified as an agricultural fair or the like so to open up opportunities for grant proposals and other funding available under the provincial Agriculture and Horticulture Act.

The director feels he can help establish an organizational structure which will ensure the festival’s continued existence. Under his proposal, interested stakeholders would create a governing board which would plan and execute the fair.

Numerous groups in the community already conduct fundraising at the festival so they may want to take an active part in keeping the festival alive and in helping it thrive in the long term.

Cramahe Council decided at its January 19 meeting to permit Mr. O’Brien to take action in building a board of stakeholders. The next step for Mr. O’Brien is to contact and bring together all interested parties including service clubs and local businesses. Through these meetings, Mr. O’Brien hopes to explain the process of instituting a board of stakeholders and gain support and commitment to the cause.

McDonald homes apartment reports updated

2010-01-21T23:59:00.000-05:00

By Andrew Keogh

Cramahe Council has decided to accept the planning report of the McDonald Homes apartments after hearing from its Municipal Planning Consultant, Peter Josephs on January 19.

In his report, Mr. Josephs reminded council of the public meeting held last October to discuss the multi-unit building proposed for the northwest corner of Victoria and Arthur streets in Colborne. At that meeting there were numerous concerns expressed by the owners of neighbouring properties.

Some area residents, and Councillor Tim Gilligan, who lives on the adjacent crescent spoke of concerns about the potential residents in an apartment building, and suggested reasons why people might not want to live in it

Mr. McDonald and his consultant, Bob Clark, assured the group that the apartments were geared to seniors with incomes and people who chose not to own their own homes. The plans fit with all provincial guidelines and goals, said Mr. Clark.

Steve Bowskill, who is involved in the proposal, wondered aloud at the October meeting whether the people were opposed in concept, or because it would be “in their back yards”.

In the end, council asked for more details from the developer.

On January 19 council got answers to some of its questions.

By early December, the developer had provided the results of stormwater and archaeology studies. Township also has a statement from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing stating it has no concerns. The Lower Trent Conservation Authority has no objections to the stormwater plan for the property.

But the consultant’s report suggested there is still more clarification needed. An environmental assessment has been done but not reviewed yet by the township. Mr. Josephs was also uncertain about the attached drawings. The applicant forwarded the drawings as a proposed design. Mr. Joseph was not sure if this was a formal commitment to construct the building in the drawing.

The rendition placed before council on January 19 shows a raised 14-unit, two-storey building, with six units on the first and second floors and two in the basement. Parking has been moved back from the west property line to give the neighbouring property additional buffering.

Township staff has yet to consider traffic and site –servicing matters.

Copies of these reports and plans were forgotten in the Jan 19th council agenda. They were requested from Deputy Mayor Jim Williams and presumably given to all members of council to study.

It is expected that council will make a final decision regarding a proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment at its March 2 meeting.

More signs - more money

2010-01-20T23:19:00.000-05:00

By Andrew Keogh

Cramahe Township Council decided on January 19 to spend $10,585 on three promotional and directional signs for its industrial park. The money will come from a Community Adjustment Funding grant. $12,745 was granted to the township in total.

Carved in Stone, a Cramahe sign manufacturer was awarded the project after bidding in a Request for Proposal process.

Township Development Officer, Rebecca Goddard-Sarria recommended that council accept the $10,585 bid of the local firm, Carved in Stone.

Port Hope-based LB Graphics submitted the lowest bid of $7,760. The other four bidders were from outside of this area and ranged from $9,750 to $14,189.

Ms. Goddard-Sarria advised council that she had contacted seven county-based companies before Christmas. Of these, only 5 requested proposal forms. 2 local companies ultimately submitted proposals to compete with 4 others outside of our county.

Each of the criterion was broken down into segments and given an overall value. Bids were ranked according to their scores.

Deputy Mayor Jim Williams added that while Carved in Stone has a Brighton number, it does in fact lie within Cramahe borders and approved the support of a local business.

Councillor Pat Westrope questioned Ms. Goddard-Sarria, asking for justification for spending 35% more than the lowest bid on the project.

Ms. Goddard-Sarria highlighted the townships history with the company, and the suitability of the design, the locality of the business. Her comments were enough to earn Councillor Westrope’s approval.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond wondered how the evaluation criteria of different companies were allotted.

Ms. Goddard-Sarria explained that she based her preference on a company overview (10%), work plan and project development (10%), experience with similar projects(20%), creativity and suitability of the proposed design (30%) and cost (30%).

Ms. Goddard-Sarria couldn’t specify on how the remaining $2,160 would be used but suggested it would be eaten up in the negotiations with Carved in Stone.

Watch for our new writer

2010-01-20T00:46:00.001-05:00

Keep your eyes open for the latest news - brought to you by Andrew Keogh.

Andrew has joined our team and will cover various community events and some meetings of Cramahe Council. His first council notes will be on your screen within the next 24 hours.

Some of you are already familiar with Andrew's camera work. He was the official Cramahe Now photographer for the 2009 Rotary Harvest Auction.

Keep those doggies rollin'...

2010-01-20T00:43:00.001-05:00

The Community Services Department reported to Cramahe Council on January 19 that the Optimist Club has donated a hot dog roller machine to the Keeler Centre kitchen in Dec of 2009.

In his written report, Community Services Director Dan O'Brien stated, "This machine is a valuable asset to our kitchen facilities and assists us in improving our generation of revenue while providing food service at the Keeler Centre.

Colborne water meets all standards

2010-01-20T00:38:00.000-05:00

Cramahe Township Council was advised on January 19 that its municipal water supply is safe and meets all requirements of the Ministry of the Environment.

The report, tabled by Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander and Works Director, Barry Thrasher, explained how this year's report was a slight improvement over the 2008-9 year when the township was 99.48% compliant.

The 2008-9 score was a result of a lack of detail in indicating the sampler and exact time of test on the Daily Log Sheets. Subsequent to that score being received, senior staff met with Paul Kairns, Drinking Water Inspector, Ministry of the Environment, to determine what would be required in the way of improvements to the operational log sheets. As a result a modified operational log sheet was designed and put in use. The Ministry of the Environment confirmed that the modified log sheets met their requirement and as a result a rating of 100% was attained this year.

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has a rigorous and comprehensive inspection program for municipal residential drinking water systems. Its objective is to determine the compliance of municipal residential drinking water systems with requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, associated regulations and MOE Certificates of Approval.

Their tests cover capacity, treatment processes, operation manuals, emergecny planning and water quality monitoring.

County has new Growth Strategy

2010-01-19T00:52:00.000-05:00

Northumberland County now has a Growth Management Strategy which it has forwarded to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The strategy, created by the county consultant, Meridian Planning Consultants, and passed on December 9, 2009, outlines how the county and the seven lower-tier municipalities will implement the province's Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

The provincial plan sets out to coordinate where the population and emplyment will grow between 2009 and 2036.

The county report contains recommendations that address how the population and employment forecast in the Growth Plan developed by the Province should be allocated to the seven local municipalities; what the minimum intensification and Greenfield density targets should be in the six urban area with built boundaries; and what policies should be considered by the local municipalities when bringing their Official Plans into conformity with the Growth Plan.

The Growth Plan was allowed a county-wide population growth of 16,000 between 2001 and 2031. By 2006, the county population had already grown by 3,705, leaving only 11,877 to allocate in the plan which has been sent to the province for approval.

Of the 4,000 jobs recommended in the plan, 1,000 were already created by 2006, leaving 3,000 to allocate to the various municipalities.

In Cramahe the strategy allocates a population growth of 611 in Colborne and 184 in the rest of Cramahe by 2031. Given the current average household size and number of house starts in the township in 2009, the prediction is relatively accurate.

Brighton has been allocated 1,245 of which only 87 are slated for rural areas.

Bearing this mind, the report states the strategy does not serve to restrict population growth, provided infrastructure is available.

The potential does exist to exceed the provincial forecast. In the case of intensification, the only test to be met is whether it is good planning.

It is important to note a provincial statement indicating,“A land supply that exceeds the growth currently forecasted does not mean the County’s municipalities must halt development (subdivision and zoning) approvals. Local municipalities may approve new development where land is already designated for development and for which servicing has already been approved and allocated. The municipality’s decisions to approve future development must however meet the Growth Plan objectives of building complete communities, directing major growth to settlement areas that offer municipal water and wastewater systems and limiting growth in rural areas.”

It will be up to the local municipalities to determine how they will bring their Official Plans into conformity with the Growth Plan. Public meetings will be held, and residents and landowners will have an opportunity to comment on the decisions made at the local level to implement the Growth Management Strategy under the Planning Act.
The Final Summary Report entitled “County of Northumberland and Its Member Municipalities Growth Management Strategy” that may be viewed by the public on the County’s website at: http://www.northumberlandcounty.ca/forms/growthmanagement.asp

Students get first aid training

2010-01-19T00:28:00.000-05:00

East Northumberland Secondary School Physical and Health Education Students in Ms. Simm’s and Mr. Larry’s Grade 11 classes recently were certified in Emergency First Aid. The program was carried out in class over the period of 4 days. East Northumberland is grateful to both the St John’s Chapter in Belleville for providing the expertise of instructors Ron and Dennis and to the Brighton Rotary Club for providing funding.

Repatriation set for Tuesday

2010-01-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

The repatriation of the body of Canadian soldier, Sergeant John Faught is set for Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Sgt. Faught was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol near Nakhonay last Saturday. Sgt. Faught is the 139th Canadian soldier to die on the Afghanistan mission since 2002. He was a member of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Who are you?

2010-01-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

Several times in the past few months someone sitting on the equator in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa has been on Cramahe Now. We can't even seem to find land in that area. If you read this can you send us an email - to satisfy our curiosity.

Salem Sampler - reprise

2010-01-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has lived in this area for any length of time and read the Colborne Chronicle will remember the down-to-earth musings and recollections of Nancy Ellis in her regular Salem Sampler column. The column was discontinued some years ago, but Nancy has generously agreed to bring it back – 2010 version, once a month. Today’s posting is her first in the new online Salem Sampler.

A Salem Sampler –reprise

Let me see, now where was I…

Oh yes… I was passing on information about events in Salem community.

It’s a new year, 2010.

Do you realize we’re now a whole decade advanced into the much-vaunted Millenium? How will you pronounce it? Two thousand and ten, or the shortened twenty-ten?

Anyway, now that we’ve packed Christmas firmly away for another year, I’d like to give it one more thought.

Christmas for us at Salem invariably begins with the annual Country Fare Bazaar and Tea which takes place at the end of November. This year’s event, dubbed “The Magi” was outstanding due to the talent, creativity, dedication and plain hard work of its organizing committee, its members and the Salem community. Everyone participated.

The king-sized sign on the church lawn announcing the event was cut into the shape of a camel. Despite the comments of its perpetrator, Cathy Galt, that it looked more like a donkey, I thought, as did many others, that it depicted a perfectly respectable camel.

Most folk seemed to appreciate the innovative changes made in the bazaar this year. It began at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts and carried on till 4 in the afternoon with the serving of the traditional afternoon tea and all its delights.

The Magi, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, clad in their gorgeous costumes were in residence answering questions about their attendance.

Atmosphere was created by the swathing of a night-blue material filled with twinkling stars across the ceiling of the hall. You could almost believe you were among the sand dunes of a Mesopotamian desert. Very impressive.

It was a most successful event, as it usually is; we are most grateful for the talent that abounds in Salem.

We offer our sincere thanks to all the folk who supported the event and have done so over the years. We do appreciate you.

There’s always something new and exciting happening in Salem.

There was an almost-packed church for the rainy-night Christmas Eve service with the Rev. Anja Guignon presiding. Our candles, snuffed out rather than extinguished, disseminated their wisps of smoke into the atmosphere as tendrils of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love.

And now, Happy New Year!

The Salem Valley Quilters began their spring session in the church hall on January 6. These get-togethers will continue every Wednesday evening beginning at 7 and ending at 9. It’s a good group which gathers for the practice of this skill; if you’re interested just pop in and join them. Help is available if you need it.

The Quilters displayed their works of art at the bazaar and were a delightful addition.

The Salem Lunch Ladies are back, serving their delicious comfort food. The next lunch is Friday, January 22, at 11:00 a.m., and every two weeks after that.

We have a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen at Salem – very up-to-date and efficient, and a delight to work in. Have you seen it yet?

If you have any information or news that you would like to share with other Salem folk and the greater community, please let me know as soon as you can and it will be included in the February missive. My phone number is the same 355-2051. Or you can pass the information on to any Salemite and they can contact me.

Hear from you in February?

Nancy Ellis