Search



by Margaret Knott
Recent Entries
Monthly Archives
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
July 2003
June 2003

Annual Archives
Margaret Knott's What's New on Frontenac Islands articles appear with the kind permission of the The Kingston Heritage Newspaper.

May 30, 2010
WOLFE ISLAND FOOD PRODUCERS LAUNCH “TASTE OF WOLFE ISLAND”

Friday, May 21st marked the launch by Wolfe Island’s food producers of the “Taste of Wolfe Island” market in front of the popular Wolfe Island Bakery. On hand for this 1st joint event were: Van Wagner Farm CSA & Market; Okee Farm Organic Growers, Alex Ireland and Jan Broeders; Kathy Rothermel from Windkeeper Community Farm hosting Vegetables Unplugged organic vegetables, herbs, with her was Jennifer Hutson; Pykeview Meadows Jason & Christina Pyke (www.pykeviewmeadows.com) providing Bison meat and leather goods (since 1996); Dahlias and flowers by Margaret Pyke; Maple syrup products by Hank Connel and finally well known Henderson Farms jams and jellies.
The main criteria for Taste of Wolfe Island is that everything being sold must be grown or produced on the Island. The markets will be held every Friday from 2:30 pm until 5:30 or later depending on demand and product availability.
In January of this year Rebecca LeHeup, executive director of OCTA,the Ontario Culinary Tourism Association spoke at a meeting on Wolfe Island about increasing relationships between growers and processors, chefs, B&B’s and distributors to create new culinary tourism experiences based on a sustainable food system. a subject that clearly is becoming more and more important to Wolfe Island food producers. “Culinary Tourism is any food and drink experience that reflects the community’s heritage, LeHeup said at the time.
In fact, at the same meeting which had as it’s theme ‘a taste of Wolfe Island’, the island’s food producers had an opportunity to get together to discuss forming an association and finding ways of working together. Out of that meeting a community association was born. Its purpose to promote food grown and produced on Wolfe Island.
“We are working to support farmers/growers/producers by encouraging local food consumption as well as culinary tourism,,” said Alex Ireland, president of the newly formed association . “It is so exciting that island businesses are selling locally produced vegetables and meat and The Island Grill promotes the locally grown food in their menus.” (Both Pykeview Meadows Bison meat and Rob White’s beef are served.)
Throughout the afternoon Siobhan McCauley was promoting membership ($25. & $15. for an associate member) in the Taste of Wolfe Island (food producers) association and there was a sense of excitement in the air.
Taste of Wolfe Island can be found on Face Book. A web site is in production. An all day market is planned for Friday, July 30th in advance of the Family Ball Tournament and a Wolfe Island Farm Tour is planned for Sunday, Aug.29th.
Mayor Vanden Hoek was right (in January) when he said, ”The island is at a rebirth. We have new enthusiastic and serious food producers venturing into culinary tourism who need our support.”
For further information contact Alex Ireland, “Taste of Wolfe Island president at: ak_ireland@yahoo.ca

Posted by M Knott at 01:53 PM
May 27, 2010
Wolfe Island Women’s Institute sends out surprise cheques

The Wolfe Island Women’s Institute recently sent out cheques to three Wolfe Island organizations. The recipients knew the cheques were coming but had no idea at the time what the amount would be.

The Women’s Institute, established on the island in 1927 has a long history of providing educational programs and raising funds for community needs In the last couple of years through bake sales, quilt raffles and catering for small groups they raised $4000 and determined in early May that it was time to give it away.

Aware that the Wolfe Island Historical Society is now responsible for a small museum, it was the recipient of $1000 to purchase display cases, shelving. The WI Community Centre Board received $1000 to pay for children’s sports equipment with a request that it might be spent soon “ so that children will benefit this year,” according to institute president Sharon Staley said in her letter to them. And finally the Wolfe Island Volunteer Fire Department received $2000 toward a new “Jaws of Life”. The Wolfe Island Women’s Institute thanks all those who have supported their fundraising efforts.

According to Linda Van Hal past president “Each of our 15 members bring their particular talent to our fundraising
efforts. Some members bring their ideas and organizational skills, some bring their cooking, baking or quilting skills, some bring their terrific ability to sell tickets and some contribute in all these areas. We really enjoy working together”, she added, “whether it is to organize an educational event or a fundraising event. We welcome others to join us as we work to make a difference in our communtiy.” Linda Van Hal, ( lvanhal@kos.net 613-385-1521)
For more information contact Roxann Bustard, Public Relations Officer R.bustard1@sympatico.ca 613-385-2618

The Wolfe Institute is a branch of the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario (FWIO) a not-for-profit charitable organization with affiliations around the world, working with and for women in rural and small town Ontario. Their vision: an Ontario where women work together for safe, healthy families, communities and pursue an enriched and balanced lifestyle. Through their network of Branches, they advocate for social, environmental and economic change, and work towards the personal growth of all women, for home and country.

Posted by M Knott at 01:27 PM
May 21, 2010
Medical Emergency leads call for a change to the Wolfe Island Volunteer Ambulance Service

A medical emergency on Wolfe Island has led to a call for a change which might eventually lead to licensed fire fighters trained and licensed to drive the local ambulance. Tough new training requirements (which are the same for all provincial services including volunteer services make it difficult to serve with the Wolfe Island Volunteer Ambulance service leaving local volunteer numbers low. The township is looking for some flexibility particularly with regard to drivers to assist the volunteer service
Island resident Dan Mosier attended the Frontenac Islands council meeting where he was invited to speak of about the family medical emergency and a call for an ambulance.
Paul Charbonneau, Frontenac County’s Chief of Paramedic Services attended the meeting. Also present David Gemmill, Deputy Chief of Operations and Susan Brown, Deputy Chief of Quality Assurance.
Mosier stated that his emergency call brought out the only certified ambulance paramedic on duty at the time. The patient required a transfer to Kingston. Provincial requirements are for two trained attendants, the 2nd to drive the ambulance, which meant in this instance that a staffed ambulance would have to come from Kingston to transport the patient back to Kingston. Mosier said he was very upset at the time because there were people on the spot licensed to drive trucks including firefighters whom he felt could have driven the ambulance.
“My question is, if we are short of an ambulance attendant once in awhile, I am sure that any of these guys is qualified. It’s a case of 2 hours coming and going back to drive that ambulance. My daughter has had 2 open heart surgeries and I am going to get her across come hell or high water.” (Fortunately an air ambulance in the area at the time was available and the situation was resolved.)
In response Paul Charbonneau noted that a proper license is required to drive an ambulance. “That being said, is there an opportunity to utilize the WI Fire department. Yes there is, but it would involve training in a number of components all done in terms of the provincial regulations ensuring that the county is not at risk,” he said.
Charbonneau reminded council that when the Wolfe Island Ambulance service was established in 1974 volunteers required standard First Aid and a chauffeur’s license. “In late 1975 the province introduced a regulation requiring all full time paramedics attend college for one year, now a 2 year program,” he said adding that the regulation was extended even further in 1989 to anybody going to work even part-time on ambulances, a requirement that must be in place by Dec. 31, 2011 (training hours in 1974 were 48; in 2009 are184). He noted during the last recruitment there were delays in getting volunteers into service.
Mayor Vanden Hoek said that some funding ($10-12,000) has been budgeted for fire fighters who do want to upgrade to allow them to assist ambulance volunteers. Frontenac Islands will also petition each of the 4 major Federal Political parties to request that the Federal Government of Canada introduce a $ 3,000 refundable tax credit for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance personnel across the country, and seek county support. “If the policies and regs coming out from the Ministry of Health do not lend themselves to supporting our volunteer service, we have a job to do to gain political support.” He noted two issues: the emergency issue (response time) and the absolute chaos that’s caused to the transportation system by a Kingston rig coming down, boarding an empty ferry and leaving 50-60 cars behind. “We all need good will, but you can’t do that too often.”
In other business: 1. Council had been reluctant to pay the bill for photos taken for the township by Paul Hogan during the construction of the WI Wind Farm. Members assumed some responsibility in not following up on what they thought had been agreed to and the bill will be paid from the amenities agreement fund.
2.Effective May 10th the wage for part time equipment operators will be increased by $2.00 per hour. There has been difficult to retain operators on Wolfe Island.
3. Howe Island’s Austin Page was present to address a number of issues including, a disappearing stop sign on a private road (Goodfriend & Baseline) which has led to 2 accidents, Baseline Road upgrading and the need for a Township littering by-law. The road work concerns and sign replacement (on municipal property) have been forwarded to the Road Superintendant. A littering bylaw with a possible fine will be prepared.
4.Deputy Mayor Pat Fiene was appointed township representative on Frontenac County’s Green Energy Task Force.
5. A plan to save and move the old Howe Island school house seems to be going nowhere.
6. Concerns raised by Councillor Norris regarding propane delivery on the County ferry at any time, with no regulation, causing disruption and line ups, have been forwarded to the County .
June was declared Parks & Recreation month for Frontenac Islands.
Council meet next June 14th, Howe Island, 6:30 pm
Around Town: * Don’t forget about Community Euchre. WI United Church Hall Thursday’s 6:45 pm.* Big Sandy Bay Now Open weekends only May 15 to June 13th, then full-time until Labour Day. * WIBTA’s major fund raiser, the WI Classic Road Race is Sunday July 4th. Check www.wolfeisland.com * No garden contest this year but pots used in Marysville last summer are available for use by anyone interested in growing flowers again. Call Linda 385-1947. *On a personal note Pat & Joe Sandford celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary early in order to welcome one son home from Afghanistan for a few days before he heads back to Afghanistan, where his brother is also stationed.
Coming Events * As part of Emergency Medical Services week, Frontenac Paramedic Services will be participating in Shari’s Mission (www.sharismission.com) – an opportunity for healthy Canadians 17 to 50 to give the gift of life to a total stranger through the Stem Cell Challenge and to join the matching donor ‘One Match’ stem cell and marrow network. Get swabbed at WI Ambulance Station between 10 am- 4 pm on Thurs. May 20th Further info: (613) 548-9400 ext. 400 Fish Fry & Plant Sale Wolfe Island United Church Hall Sat. May 22nd. Doors Open at 4:30 pm. * Ecumenical Pentecost Service at Sacred Heart of Mary Church Sat. May 22nd at 8pm * Hear Ret. Colonel Britt Smith, author ‘ Legend of the Lake’ Wed. May 26th. WI United Church Hall 7:30 pm. WI Historical Society event. *Nature Walk - Sunday, May 30th, Big Sandy Bay, Guided by naturalist Marjorie Bousfield. When: 7 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Posted by M Knott at 04:46 PM
WOLFE ISLAND FOOD PRODUCERS LAUNCH TASTE OF WOLFE ISLAND

Friday, May 21st marked the launch by Wolfe Island’s food producers of the “Taste of Wolfe Island” market in front of the popular Wolfe Island Bakery. On hand for this 1st joint event were: Van Wagner Farm CSA & Market; Okee Farm Organic Growers, Alex Ireland and Jan Broeders; Kathy Rothermel from Windkeeper Community Farm hosting Vegetables Unplugged organic vegetables, herbs, with her was Jennifer Hutson; Pykeview Meadows Jason & Christina Pyke (www.pykeviewmeadows.com) providing Bison meat and leather goods (since 1996); Dahlias and flowers by Margaret Pyke; Maple syrup products by Hank Connel and finally well known Henderson Farms jams and jellies.
The main criteria for Taste of Wolfe Island is that everything being sold must be grown or produced on the Island. The markets will be held every Friday from 2:30 pm until 5:30 or later depending on demand and product availability.
In January of this year Rebecca LeHeup, executive director of OCTA,the Ontario Culinary Tourism Association spoke at a meeting on Wolfe Island about increasing relationships between growers and processors, chefs, B&B’s and distributors to create new culinary tourism experiences based on a sustainable food system. a subject that clearly is becoming more and more important to Wolfe Island food producers. “Culinary Tourism is any food and drink experience that reflects the community’s heritage, LeHeup said at the time.
In fact, at the same meeting which had as it’s theme ‘a taste of Wolfe Island’, the island’s food producers had an opportunity to get together to discuss forming an association and finding ways of working together. Out of that meeting a community association was born. Its purpose to promote food grown and produced on Wolfe Island.
“We are working to support farmers/growers/producers by encouraging local food consumption as well as culinary tourism,,” said Alex Ireland, president of the newly formed association . “It is so exciting that island businesses are selling locally produced vegetables and meat and The Island Grill promotes the locally grown food in their menus.” (Both Pykeview Meadows Bison meat and Rob White’s beef are served.)
Throughout the afternoon Siobhan McCauley was promoting membership ($25. & $15. for an associate member) in the Taste of Wolfe Island (food producers) association and there was a sense of excitement in the air.
Taste of Wolfe Island can be found on Face Book. A web site is in production. An all day market is planned for Friday, July 30th in advance of the Family Ball Tournament and a Wolfe Island Farm Tour is planned for Sunday, Aug.29th.
Mayor Vanden Hoek was right (in January) when he said, ”The island is at a rebirth. We have new enthusiastic and serious food producers venturing into culinary tourism who need our support.”
For further information contact Alex Ireland, “Taste of Wolfe Island president at: ak_ireland@yahoo.ca

.

Posted by M Knott at 01:14 PM
May 14, 2010
High Industrial Tax Base Lowers Taxes on Wolfe Island

In one the earliest conclusions to the annual budget process, Frontenac Islands adopted the 2010 budget. Wolfe Island’s high industrial tax base, as a result of the “Wind Farm,” has led to a significant reduction in the residential tax rate for the ward of 11%. However, individual Wolfe Island home owners may not experience the total impact of the 11% because their individual property assessments may have increased. In the Howe Island Ward tax rates have gone up by 1.6%. Overall funds to be collected changed little in either ward.
Before adopting the budget council, assisted by Marian Vanbruinessen, Frontenac County Treasurer and Carol Dwyre, Treasurer/Planning Coordinator, proceeded through a final review altering some figures either up or down as required. Councillor Doyle requested some clarification regarding a job description for a projected contract staff position.
An interesting portion of the meeting was taken up with what Mayor Vanden Hoek called “significant ask’s” not identified in the budget. For instance CAO O’Shea announced that WI’s Fire Chief White would like to see a 10’ extension to the Training Room at the island’s Emergency Services Building, adding that there is a reserve of $42,000. Councillor Grant said Chief White is looking to make the training room wider (240 sq. feet) when the planned construction for Para Medic accommodation begins.
“The Chief spoke to Paul Charbonneau ( Frontenac County Director of Emergency Services) about it and the cost would be ours,” he said. For budget purposes a rough estimate of $25,000 (approximately $100/sq.foot) came up as a possible cost for the addition. The township previously allotted $2000. to determine if (building standards) upgrades were required for the Fire Hall.
The Mayor noted that “this was a ‘verbal ask’ with no documentation. “The (accommodation) building has been designed and the contract let (for completion March 31, 2011). That’s not to say you can’t give political direction to staff to ask the county if they can defer the construction to determine if Chief White’s request is possible.” Council agreed to getting the information from the county as well as a $25,000 addition to the budget.
And there is another wrinkle. CAO O’ Shea said that there was a County request that the township share the cost of moving the septic system (holding tank) for the new facility. After quite a discussion about septic systems, the size of the new Medical Clinic’s system, tile bed costs, larger holding tank etc. it was concluded that there would be no cost to the township if the present holding tank was “just moved out of the way,” which is a construction cost requiring no budget addition. Instead staff will search out with the Health Unit information regarding septic systems, holding tank sizes and tile bed requirements if any.
There followed a budget discussion with Roads Superintendant Leo Greenwood regarding loose top, dust control, road line painting, truck payments, consulting services, and Howe Island roads etc. The township will add $100,000 from Wind Power money to the WI road reserves fund (now at $0) which up’s the total transfer to $535,000. (A contract for WI Surface Treatment has been awarded to Smith Construction.)
The mayor received support for the development of a policy governing the painting of lines on feeder roads that must include serious traffic counts. WI Landfill site reserves and the XCG Water study costs also came under some extra scrutiny.

At this point Councillor Dennis Doyle called for one more budget addition of dollars for the Wolfe Island Early Years program. At the April council meeting and a subsequent budget meeting he had expressed concern about their financial difficulties .
His concerns were supported by a submission from Angie Vaughan, Chairperson Wolfe Island Early Years Centre, who along with EY board secretary Patti Niles and Beulah Besharah (grandma and user of the centre), were present to outline the problems facing the program.
“The Early Years program is very important to those raising a young family on Wolfe Island making it easier for parents to cope with some of the challenges of living here,” Doyle said. “But more importantly it is of great value in the development of young children. While the EYC board must continue pursuing other sources of funding they need some immediate help.”.
The WI Early Years centre for children from birth to 6-years and their parents and caregivers was established in 2002 when the EY committee received a 3-year, ($18,000 plus a year) grant from the Ontario Early Years Challenge Fund which ended in 2005. They were required to raise an additional $7000, for each of the 3 years which they did. The program offers socialization in isolated communities, and continues to operate out of Sacred Heart School half days Mon.-Friday. Last year, on average, the centre was used by 46 island children and 32 parents/caregivers per month, with each user coming on average 2-3 days per week,
“For the last 3 years we have had a Trillium Foundation grant (now finished), grants from Frontenac County, United Way and Community Futures Development (only available every 2-3 years) and we fundraise,” ($4000-$5000 annually), Angie said. “We have a $24,000 per year budget which covers the $19,000 wage of our licensed Early Childhood Educator who plans and initiates all programming. The remainder goes toward programs, snacks, and equipment. Currently we have $19,000 in the bank but the executive is tired and after 7 years we have exhausted funding avenues. Without funding we will have to close when the reserve is empty.” After some discussion the township offered a two year plan of assistance with $10,000 in the 2010 budget and a further $10,000 proposed for the following year. “You will have one year of certainty,” Mayor Vanden Hoek said. It was noted that the Historical Society and the Medical Clinic will also receive funds this year, and WIBTA funding has been significantly increased.
Frontenac Islands council meets next on Wolfe Island Mon. May 10th at 6:30 pm .

Around Town: Horne’s Ferry to from Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent NY is back in service. Remember it requires a Passport to enter the US and Canada. * WI’s very popular 2-week (kids) Sailing program is already filled according to organizers. * Even life long Islanders say they have never seen the water so low at this time of year. Moving aside some of the rocks would create some quite delightful beaches. Now Ernie’s is for sale.
Coming events: *Watch for Fish Fry posters. It’s that time of year. * Big Sandy Bay Spring Nature Walk - Sunday, May 30, 2010 sponsored by the Friends of BSB. Check website for details.

Posted by M Knott at 04:41 PM
May 01, 2010
Wolfe Island s Dr. George Merry to be honoured by Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has announced that their Collins Creek wetland project in Kingston will be dedicated to Wolfe Island’s Dr. George Merry in recognition of his ongoing support for Ducks Unlimited and wetland conservation. A rock cairn and bronze plaque will be placed there as a permanent record of this tribute on May 28th.
“The Collins Creek wetland is the ideal project to dedicate to George,” according to Gary Down DUC Ontario Provincial Chairman. “Built in 1983, it is a 25 acre impoundment located on the private land in a highly visible corner of highways 401 and 38 where DUC engineering and biological expertise combined to create a permanent haven for hundreds of species of plants, waterfowl and other fish and wildlife. And on top of that, the landowners, long time DUC supporters, welcomed the chance to honour George,” Down said. The dedication ceremony will take place at the site on May 28th at 1 p.m.
Merry has been an active DU volunteer for over 30 years, a founding member of the Kingston Fall (fundraising) Chapter. Over the years he has served on the Ontario Provincial Volunteer Council (as chair 1996-99) and the DUC National Board of Directors. As well as being part of many DUC Chapters and among the first DUC major gift donors, George donated land on Wolfe Island as a Feather Society member, conveying his belief in DUC and the need to conserve wetlands as habitat for waterfowl and as special places for people.
Now retired, George is dedicated to his family, works at his pheasant farm, pursues his love of water fowling, trains dogs and is an active participant in the affairs of Wolfe Island. Dr. Merry was a founding member of the WI Medical Clinic in 1973 staffing it for 8 years with his wife Catherine, a nurse.
For further information regarding the Dr. George Merry dedication ceremony call Kingston DUC office: 613-389-0418
Around Town: 1.Fundraising for island resident Tanya Greenwood moved into high gear this past weekend with a Prime Rib dinner with tickets for 80 donated by the General Wolfe Hotel followed by a successful auction organized by Linda and James Kirkham raising some $6,500. There was a barbecue and raffle organized by island co-worker Lynn Brown and Tanya’s fellow workers at Unity Savings & Credit union. There was a very large flower sale at Fargo’s, a lemonade stand organized by the Vaughan kids, a “Round Out” your purchase at Megaly’s, collection jars in every store, donations accepted at Unity Savings and on the island (and they were large) and many other fund raising events. While there is still some money to come in, the tally is in the area of an incredible $22 to 23,000 according to Lynn Brown. The rural community of Wolfe Island continues to take care of its own. 2. Frontenac Islands has passed the 2010 budget. More about that next week.

Posted by M Knott at 11:05 AM