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.

December 18, 2014
Getting Ready for Christmas-Advent on Wolfe Island

An Ecumenical Service of Advent Lessons and Carols has been part of the island’s Christmas preparation for many years.This year’s service held at Sacred Heart of Mary Church included the Kingston Community Strings, a volunteer activity and project of the Kingston Symphony. The orchestra members, instruments at the ready were seated just below the sanctuary. Included in their numbers was Rev. Canon Chris Carr, pastor of the island’s Anglican parish. The ey were led by conductor Wayne Tisdale. During the service the orchestra offered musical interludes which included a Catalan traditional carol, El Noi de La Mere; Wake ,Wake for Night is Flying and Come Thou Redeemer ( both by J.S. Bach) and the Chorus from Judas Maccabeus (J. F. Handel). They also accompanied the Ecumenical Choir led by WI United Church organist Geneva Keyes in the singing of traditional Advent and seasonal hymns.
Fr. Raymond deSouza , Pastor at Sacred Heart Welcomed all who had come, introduced Wolfe Island United Church Pastor Rev. Mike Bohler and Rev. Gerry Moore deacon at the Anglican Parish pointing out as well where Rev. Carr was seated.
The readings, 1st and 2nd from Isaiah and the 3rd from Zechariah were read by Margaret Pyke WI United, Jon de Tombe WI Anglican and Daniel White, Sacred Heart , the 4th from Luke was by Rev. Bohler, with Matthew’s Gospel read by Rev. Moore. Fr. de Souza delivered the homily. He also offered the closing prayer and blessing.
It was a wonderful evening. The beautiful church with its marvellous acoustics was filled with exciting sound of the orchestra and the choir. Fr. De Souza in his thanks to all who participated, noting that the choir also comes together to sing at funerals. Appropriate in a community the size of ours.
A sense of peace was evident in the church and people left renewed through the Advent readings , prayers, music and song, looking forward to the joy that comes with Christmas.

2. *Two days later there followed a ”Christmas Evening Service” at the Wolfe Island United Church
And what an exciting evening it was as the Sunday School Children of the UC Parish presented: “A Christmas to Believe In.” The evening included music and song rendered by island musicians Christopher Brown at the piano ,Tami Repath, violin and vocalist Vanessa Grant, along with the participation of an enthusiastic audience. Pastor Mike Bohler welcomed them all.
Marianne Walker (Sunday School coordinator) introduced the story. She had worked many hours with the children , getting them ready for this presentation done in 3 parts, 1. Elizabeth and Zechariah; 2. Mary and Joseph ; 3. The Star and the Wise Men. The children warmed to their parts and to the occasion. As it turned out it was one young boy’s (Skylar Bowers) task to tell the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus to one young girl (Emily Wroe) , “ who did not believe in Christmas and in the telling hopefully change her mind. A natural Skylar with humour, a quick repartee , and great timing along with an excellent cast of participants, dressed for their parts, acting out the story along with him, he did just that and Emily, equally well prepared now “Believes in Christmas.”
It is easy to say the children were the the Highlight of the evening but so was the music which included Joy to the World and Lo How a Rose R’er Blooming played by Chris and Tami and enthusiastically sung by all. During the 1st part of the Story, Elizabeth & Zachariah, Vanessa joined by her husband Phil Street and accompanied by Chris sang, In the Bleak Midwinter. During the 2nd part Mary & Joseph, the congregational song was Mary had a Baby Boy. Vanessa with her thrilling voice sang O Holy Night during the last part of the Story, The Star and the Wise Men. Following the offering , Christmas Prayer and Benediction by Rev. Bohler the evening ended with the singing by all of Silent Night, Holy Night. Special Thanks to Marianne Walker for her work with the children A reception followed in the church hall.
FYI Chris Brown is a Canadian musician, living on the Island. Tami regularly plays with local groups. Vanessa Grant, lawyer is freelance opera singer. Family spends as much time as possible at their island home.

Around Town: *Frontenac Island’s Mayor Doyle was elected to serve as warden of Frontenac County Council for 2015. He had been serving as warden since September following death of North Frontenac Mayor Bud Clayton. More about that next time. ** In the meantime to all our friends, neighbours and island residents, Walter and I wish you All, A Blessed and Joyful Christmas and a Happy 2015.

by Margaret Knott \
Heritage- An Ecumenical Service of Advent Lessons and Carols has been part of the island’s Christmas preparation for many years.This year’s service held at Sacred Heart of Mary Church included the Kingston Community Strings, a volunteer activity and project of the Kingston Symphony. The orchestra members, instruments at the ready were seated just below the sanctuary. Included in their numbers was Rev. Canon Chris Carr, pastor of the island’s Anglican parish. The ey were led by conductor Wayne Tisdale. During the service the orchestra offered musical interludes which included a Catalan traditional carol, El Noi de La Mere; Wake ,Wake for Night is Flying and Come Thou Redeemer ( both by J.S. Bach) and the Chorus from Judas Maccabeus (J. F. Handel). They also accompanied the Ecumenical Choir led by WI United Church organist Geneva Keyes in the singing of traditional Advent and seasonal hymns.
Fr. Raymond deSouza , Pastor at Sacred Heart Welcomed all who had come, introduced Wolfe Island United Church Pastor Rev. Mike Bohler and Rev. Gerry Moore deacon at the Anglican Parish pointing out as well where Rev. Carr was seated.
The readings, 1st and 2nd from Isaiah and the 3rd from Zechariah were read by Margaret Pyke WI United, Jon de Tombe WI Anglican and Daniel White, Sacred Heart , the 4th from Luke was by Rev. Bohler, with Matthew’s Gospel read by Rev. Moore. Fr. de Souza delivered the homily. He also offered the closing prayer and blessing.
It was a wonderful evening. The beautiful church with its marvellous acoustics was filled with exciting sound of the orchestra and the choir. Fr. De Souza in his thanks to all who participated, noting that the choir also comes together to sing at funerals. Appropriate in a community the size of ours.
A sense of peace was evident in the church and people left renewed through the Advent readings , prayers, music and song, looking forward to the joy that comes with Christmas.

2. *Two days later there followed a ”Christmas Evening Service” at the Wolfe Island United Church
And what an exciting evening it was as the Sunday School Children of the UC Parish presented: “A Christmas to Believe In.” The evening included music and song rendered by island musicians Christopher Brown at the piano ,Tami Repath, violin and vocalist Vanessa Grant, along with the participation of an enthusiastic audience. Pastor Mike Bohler welcomed them all.
Marianne Walker (Sunday School coordinator) introduced the story. She had worked many hours with the children , getting them ready for this presentation done in 3 parts, 1. Elizabeth and Zechariah; 2. Mary and Joseph ; 3. The Star and the Wise Men. The children warmed to their parts and to the occasion. As it turned out it was one young boy’s (Skylar Bowers) task to tell the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus to one young girl (Emily Wroe) , “ who did not believe in Christmas and in the telling hopefully change her mind. A natural Skylar with humour, a quick repartee , and great timing along with an excellent cast of participants, dressed for their parts, acting out the story along with him, he did just that and Emily, equally well prepared now “Believes in Christmas.”
It is easy to say the children were the the Highlight of the evening but so was the music which included Joy to the World and Lo How a Rose R’er Blooming played by Chris and Tami and enthusiastically sung by all. During the 1st part of the Story, Elizabeth & Zachariah, Vanessa joined by her husband Phil Street and accompanied by Chris sang, In the Bleak Midwinter. During the 2nd part Mary & Joseph, the congregational song was Mary had a Baby Boy. Vanessa with her thrilling voice sang O Holy Night during the last part of the Story, The Star and the Wise Men. Following the offering , Christmas Prayer and Benediction by Rev. Bohler the evening ended with the singing by all of Silent Night, Holy Night. Special Thanks to Marianne Walker for her work with the children A reception followed in the church hall.
FYI Chris Brown is a Canadian musician, living on the Island. Tami regularly plays with local groups. Vanessa Grant, lawyer is freelance opera singer. Family spends as much time as possible at their island home.

Around Town: *Frontenac Island’s Mayor Doyle was elected to serve as warden of Frontenac County Council for 2015. He had been serving as warden since September following death of North Frontenac Mayor Bud Clayton. More about that next time. ** In the meantime to all our friends, neighbours and island residents, Walter and I wish you All, A Blessed and Joyful Christmas and a Happy 2015.

Posted by M Knott at 08:18 AM
December 13, 2014
What’s Next for Frontenac Islands Council?

Many Municipal Councils have already been sworn in, their members intent on moving their communities forward. Those of the Frontenac Islands council will do the same Dec. 8th at their regular meeting. All of them including Mayor Dennis Doyle worked hard to be returned to serve the people of Howe, Wolfe and Simcoe Islands. Their efforts of all the candidates, those returned and those new to campaigning was impressive. It was apparent all were intent on improving life and living on the island for all residents in one way or another.
Among them was Howe Island candidate Natalie Nossal who having served an appointed term of office campaigned to be elected . She replaced Councillor Pat Norris when he resigned. Rather than a promotional package of what she proposed to do if elected she carried a post card sized announcement of who she was, where she could be reached and outlining on one side what she hoped to accomplish. On the other side was the picture of a (the) Howe Island the quilt, put together by a group of Howe Island women and auctioned off at the island’s Terry Fox run one year.
“In using the quilt as a campaign logo I wanted to show that although the responsibilities of council are more profound and far-reaching than constructing a quilt there are analogies to be made in the work of council,” she said. As the swearing date looms Councillor Nossal’s comments about that quilt made at an all candidates meeting are worth remembering. . “ In making it we met often over many months to plan what we wanted to do and how we would do it and with a vision of what we wanted to achieve at the end of our efforts,” she said. “We researched, gathered information, discussed amongst ourselves and with others what should be included in the quilt. We also practiced constant cooperative problem-solving ¬ not only in choosing the content for the scenes for the panels but also how they should be constructed, working together towards a common goal,” she added. “Looking at the Howe Island quilt suggests not only the physical beauty of the island(s) but also the power of working together to achieve the goals that serve the community,” she concluded. Councillor Nossal will serve as Deputy Mayor of Frontenac Islands and join Mayor Denis Doyle at Frontenac County where he is presently serving as Warden .
Winter has arrived… How do I know?
Winter has begun in earnest now that MTO is moving “the boat’’ from “town” to the winter dock at Dawson Point some 3 miles from Marysville as of Dec. 6th. This is important to know since it can be a long cold walk from there to the village, if you are unaware or missed the sign that Dawson Point is where the ferry lands. There is no bus service. The location offers improved lighting and a warm trailer to wait in and a telephone. MTO cameras track city and island (ferry) traffic..
For many residents who go to work in the city the ferry move changes little, It continues being a “Park & Ride” or “Drop Off-Pick up” or cycling for the very hardy just as it always is. Coming from the foot of the island however makes for a shorter run. For Marysville residents who generally walk to the ferry and are without a vehicle the move to Dawson creates problems. Fortunately the ingenuity of people sees them getting to the ferry one way or another.
For visitors and friends to the island, Please don’t let the ferry location stop you. We have the very best covered rink in the region…. There are winter events , fun activities, birds, wildlife not to be missed, and best of all great people to meet. The WI Pub &Pizzeria and Fargo’s are there to welcome you. Why Not Come On By…..
Around Town: *The response to WI Community Medical Clinic survey provided positive, useful ideas, and several more volunteers according to clinic board member Hugh Cowan. He noted 1st anniversary of Specimen Collection Centres, steady numbers (10-14),and contributions covering most clinic costs involved. Collected specimens are transported to LifeLabs Kingston by 3 WICMC volunteers (Liz Crothers, Wlima Sjonger, Hugh) who have obtained the required Transportation of Dangerous Goods certification . WICMC hopes to add 1-2 more to that number. “Rhonda Brown has been a real trooper in performing the phlebotomist role every two weeks over the past year !” * The WI Community Rink lighting is fabulous and the winter programs along with family skates with music and a raft of other stuff began in earnest Dec. 6th with more to follow during the Christmas season. 88 The WI Womens Institute has Cook Books for sale; contact Theresa at 385-2729 or Martine : 385:2507. Great Christmas gift. ** Don’t forget Sarah Greenwood’s Coat & Boot Drive for Homeless Shelters Call her at 385-2105. **VON prepared to offer a ’Falls Prevention Program” on the island IF 10-12 islanders register. call:634-0131 ext.2499
Coming events: ** “Trees Ontario” management workshop. Dec. 10th 7 pm, WI United **Advent Lessons & Carols Dec. 12th Sacred Heart Church at 7:15 pm (not 7:30) **WI United Church Christmas Pageant Dec 14th at 7PM. All Welcome ** Holiday Skating. Check Rink schedule www.wolfeisland.com

Posted by M Knott at 11:59 AM
December 12, 2014
Frontenac Islands Inaugural Meeting held on Howe Island

Heritage-At the well attended inaugural meeting of the new Frontenac Islands Council held on Howe Island, the four members councillors Natalie Nossal, Barbara Springgay, Wayne Grant and Mayor Denis Doyle in a spirit of togetherness, read their swear-in oath. Individually they thanked family, friends and voters for supporting them, expressed commitment to their role and outlined certain issues that are priorities for them.

Mayor Doyle in his remarks also offered “heartfelt thanks” to township staff for conducting “a historical first electronic voting.” He acknowledged a number of critical priorities to be defined during a strategic planning process in early January. “Transportation continues to be the top priority by far from residents and includes planning for the replacement and/ or enhancement of the Howe Foot and Simcoe ferries, and the Howe County ferry bubbler system,” he said. “The biggest concern is any delay in enhancing/ increasing capacity of the Wolfe service, primarily the second 75 car ferry. We must lobby for a summer ferry like they do at Glenora,” he said , adding that the “Howe Island ferry service has more capacity than Wolfe Island’s.”

Mayor Doyle also referred to need for other short term/ safety/dangerous goods /and transportation and demand management improvements. While he hopes to keep tax increases to the rate of inflation he noted that OPP costs have tripled, and township asset “mostly roads” replacement costs are high. The mayor spoke positively about seniors housing, public communications (website,IT ) improvements, waste management in both wards, support for volunteer groups and respect for staff and the public.
Councillor Natalie Nossal’s position as Frontenac Islands Deputy Mayor was formalized at the meeting. She expressed thanks for strong community support and is looking forward to working with the community in the ongoing business of the township, but is also looking to moving forward on some new initiatives for Howe Island. She sees strategic planning as important. “ I hope to work with the council and the public to establish strategic goals that can be brought to fruition within the next 4 years with council committees and constituents in areas of recreation, transportation, communications, waste management.. Feel free to contact me.” she said.

Councillor Springgay thanked staff for their assistance with special thanks to Councillor Grant for helping her in those early days following her first election. She sees transportation and a close liaison with MTO as essential to gains improvements. The budgeting processes, careful staffing and communications are important areas for here. “We have to be out there.”
Councillor Wayne Grant thanked WI voters for their support and staff for their efforts. He spoke of the many issues that he heard about on the campaign trail. “And there is no money coming from the province. But I believe that council working with staff can keep taxes down and WI a great place to live.”

South Frontenac Deputy Mayor John MacDougal, and Frontenac County delegate, was there to congratulate the new council. “If this many people attended our meetings, we would know we had done something wrong,” he said. Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender, who was also was in attendance added to his congratulations, “Your priorities are our priorities,” he said. Mayor Doyle is the current Warden of Frontenac County. He and Deputy Mayor Nossal will serve on County Council for the 4 year period.

Briefly in other business: * A by-election (electronic voting) will be held on Howe Island, as soon as possible to fill the councillor position left vacant by the resignation of David Jones. 2. Council received as information input regarding the WI.com website up-grades from Curtis Ireland; Information re: On Serv IT services/ training from Davis Lesueur (I Compass meetings and agendas, links to websites, etc.) 3. The HI Ratepayer Association’s ferry service survey results were presented by Bruce Mills.
*Further, a bylaw to prohibit the discharge of guns or other firearms in a portion of the Wolfe Island district failed. *Christmas bonuses were approved for permanent and part time staff. * Strategic planning by council coming up in early January. Concern was raised about danger to cyclists coming off the ferry first in the dark at Dawson and the need to hold them back until the ferry is unloaded, with request to post this on MTO screen. * Concern also about money spent by Community Centre board before council approval.. “There should have been a special council meeting for that expenditure, “Doyle said. * Thanks extended for the donation of a Community Christmas Tree in Marysville.
Before closing Mayor Doyle always asks if there are questions from the public. In this instance, Walter Knott asked: “How many accounts does the township have ?” and was informed that there were at least 10 accounts. “We are in the process of consolidation,” Mayor Doyle added. Council meets next Wolfe Island : Mon. Jan. 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm.
Around Town: *The Christmas Skating schedule at the rink is posted: wolfeisland.com; CCB face book; WI Network face book .*Great rink line painting * Winterfest /Chillifest March 1st . * WI Womens Institute Cook Books contact Theresa 385-2729, Martine : 385:2507. **VON will offer a ’Falls Prevention Program” locally IF 10-12 islanders register. call:634-0131 ext.2499 “It certainly looks a lot like Christmas!”
Coming Events:Specimen Collection Dec. 19th, Wellness & Specimen Jan. 2nd .

Posted by M Knott at 08:05 AM
December 08, 2014
Refurbished Bubbler System in place for Howe Island

There has been much discussion about the Ministry of Transportation (MTO’s) bubbler systems located along the paths of Frontenac Islands ferries but particularly Howe Island. Last winter Howe Islanders were unhappy with the system, convinced that it was not working right. The severe winter led to ferry delays, long line up’s, a shut down or two or three of the Frontenac Howe Island ferry and frustrated residents. Their frustration was even greater when they learned from MTO with the assistance of divers, that the bubbler system was not working at all.
The bubbler system is a network of pipe that lays on the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, aligned with the path of the ferry. Compressors on the mainland pump air into the pipes, which is released as air bubbles into the water, preventing the formation of ice and keeping the docks and ferry route clear.

Last week representatives from Frontenac County, the Township of Frontenac Islands, and the Ministry along with many interested citizens gathered at the Howe Island , Frontenac Howe Island ferry dock to watch the restored system bubble away.

Frontenac Islands Mayor Denis Doyle was delighted “The ferry and the bubbler system are in excellent shape for the winter, better than ever with enhanced bubblers at the good deep docks to keep them from clogging. None the less we must also remember high winds and severe weather can cause disruptions to ferry service that we have no control over”, he added.

Early in 2014, a group of Howe Island residents spearheaded efforts to get the bubbler system repaired leading to collaboration among island residents, County Council and staff, and then Minister of Transportation, Glen Murray,and MTO staff. There followed several public meetings, with the community providing feedback to keep the project on track.

MTO completed the repairs including pipe replacement, inspecting the four compressors, changing oil, filters, seals and conducting Megger testing during the summer and finally last weeks public testing of the system over a number of days.

Presently MTO is researching innovative system designs for keeping the water clear of ice in severe winters and the township is looking at Howe Island foot ferry improvements to ensure an even more reliable backup if for some reason the Frontenac-Howe Islander ferry service is disrupted. The County has established an electronic notification system to alert ferry users of outages.

Why all the fuss about the Bubbler? For islanders, shutting down the ferry is like shutting down Highway #401 but in their case having no other alternative.

Around Town:*I suspect we will know soon if and when the Wolfe Islander III will move to the winter dock. Maybe we will also hear how MTO will deal with the ferry’s(overdue) 5-year refit, what will replace her, when she will be gone… for how long etc. ** It is an interesting survey the WI Medical Clinic is asking residents to complete. Wellness clinics offer opportunities for all of us to keep track of our own health and alert us to possible problems as they occur.** What a dilemma for Bee Keepers and Grain Farmers. Bee Keepers must find ways to protect their bee hives. Grain farmers must protect their crops. Governments must find ways of maintaining jobs and the economy. Hard to think about what comes next as we watch loads of hay, corn , soybeans being trucked off the island. **Members of the Kingston Community Strings,an amateur string orchestra will be part of the Ecumenical Advent service of Lessons & Carols Dec, 12th at Sacred Heart Church at 7:30 pm. They come at the invitation of Rev, Canon Chris Carr whom we see very often walking up the hill off the WI ferry, with violin case in hand. **Sarah Greenwood is looking for Men’s , Women’s, Kids “Coats & Boots for Homeless Shelters.” until Dec. 10th Call her at: 613-385-2105 Check the poster at wolfeisland.com. A tough winter looms for those without a warm coat or boots.** The swearing in of members of Frontenac Islands Council for the next four year term of office takes place at the regular meeting of Council on Dec. 8th , 6:30 pm at the Howe Island Municipal Offices. And speaking of Council meetings, one of the highlights (for me) comes near the end of each meeting when the Mayor asks each member of council if they have concerns of one sort or another. And it is at this point council members frequently bring forward the local concerns they have heard from constituents. It could be anything from noisy dogs, speeding in the village, thoughts about the canal, road line painting, illegal hunting, noise,etc., ** One of the loveliest Christmas memories I have of the island is that of an Outdoor Christmas Pageant held outside at the WI United Church on a very cold, star lit night where the children sang like angels, as the wondrous tale was presented. This years Christmas Pageant will be held once again : Sunday Dec 14th at 7PM at the WI United Church. Everyone welcome.
Coming events: Wellness Clinic Dec. 5th at WI Medical Clinic; **Christmas Fair, Marysville Public School , Dec. 6th. 11am-3pm.. ** WI Christmas Parade from Fire Hall, 1pm Dec. 6th ; . *** “Trees Ontario” workshop. Dec. 10th 7 pm, WI United ***Advent Lessons & Carols Dec. 12th Sacred Heart Church 7:30 pm ** Check out www. wolfeisland.com**

Posted by M Knott at 07:34 AM