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
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.
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.
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
.
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.
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.