Wolfe Island’s United Church congregation is without a full time minister at the moment. Their minister, Rev. Erin Burns, is on maternity leave and not due to return until July 1,2012. Her absence however has not shut down the church.
In fact, Rev, Burn’s joyful situation offered members of the church’s Ministry and Personnel committee an opportunity to consider different ways of offering Sunday Services (supply ministry) for the small but faithful church community, a congregation not unfamiliar with change.
The history of the United Church on the Island came about through change culminating in 1925 when the island’s Presbyterian and Methodist congregations fully joined together, associating themselves with the United Church of Canada.
Supply ministry has been arranged until July 1. Many of those conducting the services are Queen’s students , working toward their Master of Divinity degree. They included through April, David Colwell,
Janet Kennedy, Tom Watson, Elizabeth Amirault, Janet Kennedy (May 6th) and Robert Lawson (May 27)
Among that number are mature students who have come to the ministry program from previous careers.Rev. Mac Stienburg, retired from a career as prison chaplain will lead the Mother’s Day (Communion) service May 13 and the Victoria Day weekend service, Sun. May 20th.
Through the Sundays of June a series of ‘alternate faith’ guest speakers has been planned. While the services will be conducted by the Ministry committee of the WI United Church, the guest speakers have been invited to give insight into their different faith /religions. They include: June 3- Alia Hogben (Muslim); June 10 –Michael Rumack (Orthodox Jewish); June 17 Paul Carl (Aboriginal); The alternate faith speaker June 24th will be a representative of the Baha’i religion.
The WI United Church congregation invites you to join them for Sunday morning worship at 9:30 am. The church is located a pleasant walk east from the ferry and right at the church sign, up the hill.

(FYI—A Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew’s, was built in 1879 on the site of the present location of Marysville Public school . In 1886 a brick Methodist Church (WI UNITED) was erected where both congregations gathered, with St. Andrew’s serving as the Sunday School and hall. In 1951 the hall was moved and adjoined to the United Church serving as a church hall, open to the whole community.)

Around Town:*Fr. Raymond de Souza pastor of WI’s Sacred Heart Church is the keynote speaker at the annual National Prayer Breakfast ( Protestant in its roots) of the broad Parliamentary Community in Ottawa, brought together to consider the role of faith in common life. The title of his talk: Faith in Our Common Life: Why Politics Needs “Religion”. “It is an honour for me and for Catholics,” Fr. De Souza noted in the parish bulletin.. The Howe Island Ratepayers Association thanks volunteers for picking up their roadways during Pitch-In campaign weekend April 28/29. Much less litter than in previous years. *Join in for Thursday Night Euchre WI United Church Hall 7 pm. For more information regarding all of the following notices visit : www.wolfeisland.com 1.Frontenac County Paramedic Services seeksVolunteer Paramedic for Wolfe Island; 2.Benefit Dance for Jonathon Eves, May 5th; 3. Mothers Day Walk Big Sandy Bay May 13th; 4. Scene of the Crime Short Story Contest Deadline May 15th; 5. Spring Fling at Sacred Heart School, May 16th; 6. WI United Church Annual Fish Fry May 19th,

At a special meeting of Frontenac Islands Council held to continue budget deliberations, it was revealed that members of council are underpaid as compared to townships of comparable budgets and population. According to Dep. Mayor David Jones the results of the HR review undertaken for the township by Frontenac County illustrated numerous deficiencies in HR administration. “None the least being remuneration of its Councillors,” Jones said. The results, including a table indicating remuneration for mayor/councillor positions in townships, were presented to council at this meeting. Frontenac Islands numbers now are: Mayor $5,644; Dep. Mayor $4,15; Councillor $2,122. For the other 7 townships, the remuneration ranges were: for Mayor $9,331 to $23,073; Deputy Mayor $8,087 to $19,612; and Councillors $6,843 to $17,305. The averages for those 7 townships were: Mayor $18,085; Dep.Mayor $14,028; and Councillors $12,023.
“It’s easy to see the inequity I’m talking about,” Jones said. “I’m suggesting that we be fully transparent, discuss it today, include it in the minutes, and encourage commentary. He presented 3 scenarios for resolving the inequities and the affects on the township budget of any of a 100%, 75% or 50% increase to the averages. “I think if this inequity requires a rationale, the rationale is there. If not addressed now, someone will at a later date.”
“A good approach,” according to Mayor Doyle, ”might be to determine at what level we want to be as compared with other townships. He suggested setting up a committee of residents to look at it and determine an appropriate level increase. “But I wouldn’t be opposed to minimal increase of up to 50% of what is paid in comparable townships to get it on the table. I don’t think many people know what we earn. Until the County provided the chart, I had no idea we were so far behind.” Councillor Grant saw value in a committee of residents, two from each island to look over the review options. Councillor Springgay noted that the township had paid for the County review,” so it would be a matter of looking it over, not doing it over.” Councillor Norris expressed some concern about the vibrations through the Volunteer Fire associations who are making minimal amounts as compared to others. “This could have quite an impact ,” he said. Council members will ponder options and the issue will be on the agenda of the next budget meeting.

Dep. Mayor Jones also spoke to the rationale behind a $15,000 budget request for a proposed Howe Island Transportation Impact Study (as estimated by Frontenac County Planner Gallivan). The study could involve a traffic engineer to consider the impact of island growth (vehicles, houses) on the ferry service and working with MTO on existing and future capacity and possible mitigation strategies. This proposal stems out the Official Plan review that identified increasing island growth and comments made by Howe Island Ratepayers Associations (HIRA) that ferry service had not been looked at the same time. The Deputy Mayor invited HIRA’s Brian Humphreys to comment. “HIRA expressed to the planner at the time that there should be a correlation between growth and ferry capacity,” Humphrey’s said. “We also determined that a study would be Council’s opportunity to say what would be a reasonable service and that Council should be armed with the information to determine what growth will do.. It would be unrealistic to say no growth. The study would ensure that with whatever growth there is, an off setting strategy or adequate funding is available to address the problem, whether it be through more ferry capacity or more efficiencies. “While the Howe Island ferry service is adequate now, Howe does not want to be in a situation Wolfe Island now has,” he said. Also present from HIRA, Jim Mills & Terry Botten. Mayor Doyle concurred . “Growth and capacity must go hand in hand. A study was done to get the present Howe ferry,” he added. The $15,000 was left in the budget for the Transportation study to be lead by the County Planner with the general agreement of council that iyt should go ahead, but the decision will not be finalized until the budget is passed.
Council continued with budget decisions line by line, area by area, including a $300 “Pat Norris” sign for the Howe Island Ball Park. The next budget meeting will be held May 2nd on Wolfe Island .
Around Town: “Louie” our friendly Wolfe Island postmaster has left us for Bath…He will be missed. * Horne’s Ferry Service opens for the season May 1st * Mother’s Day Walk Big Sandy Bay, May 13.

Frontenac Islands council meetings can be full of surprises. The April meeting, held on Howe Island, was no exception when, during the regular course of business, Deputy Mayor David Jones credited Mayor Denis Doyle for his efforts at Frontenac County council, where both represent the islands.
“The Mayor has been leading the charge at the county table to recognize that not all townships are the same and that a number of (county) programs are mainland centric, like the KP Trail,” Jones announced. “We’ve won a small battle whereby the islands and North Frontenac can apply for like funding for programs like the KP Trail considered mainland centric for a similar eco tourism project, with the money (potentially $26,00) coming to us out of the Federal Gas Tax bucket.”
Jones noted that another small victory was achieved following a rather heated debate when Mayor Doyle and he, along with North Frontenac, challenged the county bylaw of accruing and storing any year end surpluses of taxes raised over expenses into a ‘working fund account.’ “The stockpile equals a working capital ratio of one to two meaning that the county could operate for an entire half year without having any income, and Mayor Doyle is doing an exceptional job in stopping the spending at the county where very little net tangible benefit is received on the islands,” Jones said. “ The argument being we would like to see that surplus going into something like infrastructure.”
Mayor Doyle added that a county finance committee which includes two county council members has been formed to come up with better ways of managing reserves which have grown to about $15 million, with a first report due in mid May. “But this year is a net on the levy. It will be reduced by 0.3% over last year,” he said.
*Another surprise came by way of Councillor Barbara Springgay, who expressed concerns about Marysville. “We have talked about this before but there are so many places in the village now that are getting out of control in terms of the way they look. If we really care about maintaining the village we have a responsibility for trying to get people to clean up their properties (in breach of bylaws, & even safety standards). I’m just raising it here, but we need to have a special meeting or some real thinking on this . We have had the Bylaw Enforcement Officer before and I don’t need to mention properties, but it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse. I know it’s ‘opening a can of worms’ but we need to open it,” she said. “We say we want to keep the boat in the village, to keep the village alive, but you know it is slowly dying with the way some people keep their homes. I think this needs to be addressed. I know it needs to be addressed.” Property safety standards will be raised at April 17th Special meeting. (With regard to construction going on without a building permit, the protocol is to notify township staff who will notify the Building Inspector.)
In other business ,*Council acting as a Committee of Adjustment confirmed the recommendation of the Planner , Peter Young, and rejected a zoning variance request to construct of an architecturally designed eight metre boat house on a vacant Howe Island property owned by Robert Rashotte. The height of the boat house would violate the township zoning bylaw as would building the boathouse in advance of building a home. “Even if we did approve it,” Mayor Doyle commented,” OMB would throw it back as it clearly violates our zoning bylaw and is way beyond a minor variance.”
*Howe Island’s Lindy Howlings confirmed the permanent locations for 8 turtle signs to be installed 3 metres from the edge of the road and maintained according to the sign bylaw
* Council: Dealt with the payment voucher which led to a series of questions around specific items requiring clarification; Approved lottery licenses (Marysville School; WI Horse Association); Approved appointment of Big Sandy Bay Management & Stewardship Committee; Approved large livestock damage payments (recoverable from the province, and fyi, MNR is not in favour of a bounty on coyotes); Will meet with XCG Water Services in May; Will consider procurement and fencing bylaws and submit changes, suggestions before May meeting.
Before adjourning to an In Camera meeting, council heard questions from the floor. Howe Islands Terry Botten asked about the monitoring of load restrictions, noting heavily loaded trucks coming from the quarry. He also applauded Councillor Springgay’s initiative. “I think it should go further because we need a trailer by law with many more containers coming on the island for storage to properties without a house.
WI resident W. Knott reminded council that the township had assumed a “Passive” position with regard to the By Law Officer rather than an “Active” one where he could roam and make judgments, (trailers, 10×10 buildings.. etc. ) “The decision was it would be on Complaint basis. If you want things done differently, you need to move away from that approach.” Council meets next May 14th on Wolfe Island .
Around Town: *Dawson Point dock parking area has been repaired. * Horne’s , Wolfe Island- Cape Vincent ferry returns to service May 1st; *Student Applications being received for employment at the WI Information Centre opening weekends beginning May 24th (www.wolfeisland.com ); *The Island Grill is also now staffing for the season. *Metal Craft Marine on Wolfe Island busier and busier. *It sure would be wonderful to see water flowing through the WI Canal. *On a personal note, our granddaughter, Violet Stafford (16) who sails at KYC and RCYC in Toronto , winner of last year’s Canadian Youth Nationals (under 17) in a Laser Radial, will represent Canada at the World Youth Sailing Championships in Dublin, Ireland in July. Violet who spends summers with us, began sailing at KYC at age 7.
Coming Events : Wolfe Island Boat Club Open House, St. Margaret’s Hall Thurs. April 19th, 5:30-8:30 pm Registration for many summer programs. (www.wolfeislandboatclub.ca ) The popular children’s Learn to Sail programs still have a few openings. Kids can now register for multiple weeks,

Frontenac County CAO Liz Savill was surprised at the turn out on Wolfe Island Town Hall for the next to last public meeting held to find out from seniors what they would identify as a preferred senior community housing project in the county. (The last of 8 was held on Howe Island).
“We have done this before through a well documented Island study and amore than 200 person survey about the needs of Island Seniors,” Frontenac Islands Mayor Denis Doyle said in his words of welcome to the County team and the islanders in attendance. “There is a keen interest in seniors housing on Wolfe Island. There was then. There is now.” Present from the county, Joe Galivan, Planning; Anne Marie Young ,sustainability and Allison.
CAO Savill went on to describe what the county study was all about: firstly looking at what makes a strong community( ie. strong social cultural and strong economic elements), Within our planning seniors needs have been identified and more importantly the need to look at seniors housing and identify a seniors housing project and we have began looking at this in the fall, recommend a preferred option and a best fit location for a county pilot project including a financial assessment (funding,costs).
Everyone listened patiently as CAO Savill presented the statistics that indicate an increase in the number of seniors, lower senior household incomes in the county with most spending over 30% on housing (mostly owned) low vacancy rate for rental ($500-$1200). She noted retirement homes, seniors housing and long term care homes, are much more expensive with options range from independent, semi-independent to dependent living and offer differing levels of care and support. The meetings have identified increased housing affordability issues and the need for increased support services which could allow seniors in remain in their homes. Ms. Savill identified some existing models Adair in Tamworth, Abbeyfield, the Sharbot Lake model, (five private one-bedroom rental units for independent living.) Opinions were expressed, questions asked and concerns identified. Everyone had something to say and to add to the discussion
What was clear on Wolfe Island was that islanders want independence and assistance in whatever ways that makes that independence possible. There seemed to be a preference for a privately owned facility located in a (well sidewalked) Marysville, (maybe in two distinct forms): smaller bed sitting rooms within a unit with common room and some amenities(exercise space, kitchenette, garden space, etc.); another with small apartment sized units and common room, other amenities etc. added. Islanders want choices. …
With the public meetings now over, County staff will be looking over the information they have. They then will be come up with a proposed pilot project location for seniors housing with a draft document to be presented to County Council which includes the needs of seniors as identified by them. Wolfe Island with its well established community believes it would be the perfect place for a pilot project. What do you think?
30

Circle of Life Ceremony Remembers Victoria Stewart
By M. Knott
A Circle of Life Ceremony, Honouring the Life of Victoria Stewart was held at the Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre recently attended by friends and co-workers. Victoria was the founding member of the Wolfe Island Historical Society. Vicki died March 5th at the age of 64 after a short illness.
In a written tribute to MS. Stewart, her friend Captain Brian Johnson reminded us that she was born and raised in Pointe Claire, Quebec, was the daughter of Montreal philanthropist the late David Macdonald Stewart and his wife Rita McMenemy, and followed her father’s passion for Canadian and aboriginal history and heritage and eventually while raising her own 2 children joined her father at the Macdonald Stewart Foundation where she became “a tireless workhorse” responsible for many conferences, many historical writings, clarifying Scottish heritage, First Nations etc. as well as guardian of North American fur Trade Conferences. Captain Johnson added that her road to the island had been a rocky one.
Victoria Stewart came to Wolfe Island in 2005 where she bought and moved into the Armstrong house on Button Bay, painted it yellow, named it Buttercup, created a very beautiful garden and immersed herself into the Wolfe Island Community and its history. Through the Historical Society which she founded, the Old House Museum she pushed for, and into the many historical events she encouraged, Islanders now more than ever proudly share their heritage and their stories, all unique, all part of Canada’s vibrant history. Thank you Victoria.

These last couple of months there has been little news concerning the work of Frontenac Islands council mainly due to the more “news exciting” activities going on in the community that made the paper. But, Council has been busy with all members attending meetings here there and everywhere and Mayor Doyle and Deputy Mayor David Jones making their voices heard on behalf of Frontenac Islands at Frontenac County meetings.
As well, aside from the many duties and regular meetings as well as special meetings specifically at this time 2012 budget meetings council members also serve as representatives to local island organizations and boards with the mayor serving as ex officio member on all of them. This year’s appointments were made at the February meeting of Council. Councillor Barbara Springgay’s include - Wolfe Island Big Sandy Bay Stewardship Committee; WI Historical Society; WI Community Centre Board; WI Business and Tourism Association; Marysville Waterworks Class EA Steering Committee. Deputy Mayor David Jones - Howe Island Schoolhouse Group; the Cataraqui Source Water Protection Authority Board. Councillor Wayne Grant - Wolfe Island Community Centre Board; WI Recycling and Waste Disposal Committee; WI Volunteer Fire and Rescue Committee; WI Community Medical Clinic Board; Marysville Waterworks Class EA Steering Committee. Councillor Patrick Norris - Howe Island Recycling and Waste Disposal Committee; HI Fire and Rescue Committee; HI Social, Cultural and Recreational Activities Committee. (FYI..Committees of Council operate according to the Township’s Procedural By Law.)
Items of interest to the community passed at the February meeting include the placement of AED’s from the Heart & Stroke Foundation on the township ferries at Simcoe and Howe Islands; approval for the purchase of a furnace for the WI Community Hall; deferred a Howe Island resident’s request for turtle signs ; (deferred again to April on Howe Island.)
Council is reviewing the township’s procurement policy at this time. Requested by Deputy Mayor Jones, Council members receive email notifications for action reminders re certain items, also identified in minutes.
At the March meeting acting as a committee of adjustment and in consultation with Planner Joe Galivan, council supported the request to allow property entries from an abutting Unopened Road (Nokomis Property,Howe Island) Allowance and Development Agreement with the Township. Deputy Mayor Jones has lingering concerns.
In other business:1. Deputy Mayor Jones requested the Howe Island Quarry item be deferred (allowing Planner Galivan opportunity to become current with the file)., also Turtle signage due to his concerns that the overuse and inappropriate location of signs on Howe rectified by their removal during last year, will happen again. Jones thanked Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Carol Dwyre for making requested changes to minutes.
2. Council supported the circulation of a resolution that the four Fountenac County Public Works Managers in Frontenac County, ( Leo Greenwood), meet to jointly discuss challenges in areas of transportation management; waste management; possible joint purchasing cost saving opportunities; other funding sources. Outcomes will be distributed to the four councils, including recommendations. The resolution was the result of a report by Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) “Facing our Fiscal Challenges.”
3. WI resident Pat Sanford will once again rent the WI Community Hall to operate the Stone Heron Gallery from June 22nd to September 3, 2012, with access available to her from May 1st.
4. Council approved a $5000., 2012 budget request to the WI Community Centre Board to deal with current electrical bills. Councillor Grant thanked the CCB’s Paul Hogan for his efforts and the addition of a zamboni through a FCFDC grant.
5. Kathy Rothermel, WIBTA president presented a letter for the next budget meeting which calls upon the township to assume responsibility for Info Centre and Public washrooms,
6. AECON’s Guy LaPorte presented the Annual Wolfe Island Waste Site Report. “ Does anyone want to talk garbage,’ was his opening line. He commended recycling efforts, noting that it along with the continued site’s low use the site itself, it could last 2019. “Covering is an issues and should be done every other week in the summertime and at least 16 times a year,” he said. Golder and Associates presented a report and cost estimate for 2012 Groundwater, Residential Drinking Water and Surface Water Monitoring for the site.
Council concerns: Councillor Grant noted concerns re Township newsletter funding for the rink funding which will clearly identified as donations, fundraising and reserves next time. He noted DaWSON Point Dock in need of some repairs by MTO. Councillor Springgay raised concerns about recent hiring process . (length of interviews). Council members are looking for Senior of the Year Award recommendations.
FYI: Frontenac Islands (ongoing) budget meetings are long and sometimes difficult. Facing heavy infrastructure, equipment and community needs, and the fact that WI’s residential tax rate was reduced by 11 % , in 2010 deliberations are focussed at not raising taxes (too much) this year.
Council meets next Howe Island Tuesday. April 10th , 6:30
Around Town: * Watch for news of WI’s new Gardening Club. “Great 1st meeting with lots of ideas. “ The General Wolfe Hotel has opened for the Season… New menu, refreshed facilities… big plans .. * Visit the WI Boat Club for a list of summer sailing, boating courses etc, at www.wolfeislandboatclub.ca
Coming events: * Easter Egg at the rink Sat. am April 7th, 11 am * Wolfe Island Boat Club Open House, Thursday April 19th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm St. Margaret's Hall, Wolfe Island, Registration is open!

Dogsledder Hank DeBruin , born and raised on Wolfe Island successfully completed the 2012 Iditarod Race in Nome, Alaska on March 17, 2012. after 12days,22hrs.13 min.50sec. Originally registered as a rookie musher he is will now be classified as a veteran of the race.
DeBruin and his wife Tanya McCready-DeBruin, also from Wolfe Island own and operate “Winterdance” a dog sledding tour company that operates out of the Haliburton Highlands near Algonquin Park.
News of his success at Iditarod came by way of family members, who announced that Hank had completed the race from Anchorage to Nome - over a 1000 miles of rugged trail through unfathomable weather conditions.
“Hank finished yesterday afternoon at approximately 5:20pm eastern time,” according to his sister Maryanne (DeBruin) Walker. “With over 3000 Facebook members from literally around the world we were able cheer on Hank and the Winterdance team. For 13 days we followed his progress through frigid temperatures, difficult trails, blizzards, frozen tussocks, blow holes, mountain ranges and valleys,” she said. “With tears in our eyes and a lump in our throat we watched Hank go under the Burly arch where his wife Tanya and four children, Logan (12), Dustyn (10), Michaela (5) and Jessica (3) were waiting to see him realize his dream.” (Hank’s Dream).
Maryanne noted that Tanya's brother Ward McCready who had accompanied Hank to Alaska was not there at the finish as he was in Anchorage looking after dropped dogs. “It was an emotional finish for anyone who was watching and following along. Hank has made history,” she concluded.
Hank Debruin reached Nome Saturday afternoon at 1:13 pm crossing the finish line in 49th position with 10 dogs on his gang-line running well.
Further information can be found on the Winterdance Facebook Fan page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winterdance-dog-sled-tours-Iditarod-bound-race-team/137784467394 Time records at http://iditarod.com/race/musher/?id=885

“ I dreamt of going to Africa, of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, its tallest peak, so when to the idea of a an (RMC) expedition to Africa, to happen during Christmas break (2011-12) came up during the summer, I knew I wanted to be part of it.” said RMC Officer Cadet Jennifer Allen, a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student, a keen scuba diver and a climbing enthusiast. Jen, 20, the daughter of Island residents Kathy Rothermel and Bill Allan, was speaking at a gathering organized by the Wolfe Island Women’s Institute (for her) to share her Kilimanjaro adventure/ Rawanda impressions.
“When we got back to RMC in September, we hit the ground running to plan the “Kili Project”, put the paperwork together ( a foot high) to prove its worth, submit an application for funding and wait. A month later, ‘Kili” was approved. We had money and a plan and set out to select a team.”
Jen said the tryouts involved military leadership, physical fitness and general motivation towards the subject area, interviews basically. The trip was to provide strong educational and humanitarian components. “Logistics before and during the trip were big and every one had a job. No one was a floater. My job was equipment and transport coordinator( tents, food, airfare etc. But this trip wasn’t only about getting to the top of a mountain,” she said. “We wanted something more than that so we decided to pick a charity and raise $20,000 for it. We chose to establish a “Summit Scholarship” for Canadian university studies by a former child soldier, in partnership with Child Soldiers Initiative founded by LGen (Ret’d) Romeo Dallaire.
Cadet Allan went on to describe the three-week expedition beginning with the physically fit team’s departure, kit in tow, money in their pockets Toronto to Amsterdam and on to Nairobi. The team included 10 Officer Cadets from across Canada, (6 young men 4 young women) at varying ages representing different faculty’s , a number very fluent in both French and English.
“On our first day, our tour guides took us to the largest slum in Kenya, a terrible place with so many people living with nothing, in terrible conditions, garbage, sewage everywhere but it was amazing , happy children who loved to have their pictures taken, came to greet us. There were smiles and easy conversation and somehow the place seems to work,” Jen said following up with pictures. The team also toured a medical clinic, and other projects in the area.
“The following day was filled with wildlife sanctuaries and sad stories about endangered species,” Allan said. “ Poaching of elephant tusks still goes on and every effort is made to save the very sensitive young .”
Day three included a bus trip (“it would not pass an emissions test”) from Nairobi to Tanzania through not very fertile land taking the team to the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro where they met their main guide, Charles, for the journey up the mountain and his team of guides and porters. He was not happy that the Canadian team intended to carry their own complete kit: back packs (food,water, tents,etc.) weighing some 75 lbs., set up on their own, without the assistance of porters and their choice of the shortest and most difficult route to the top and shortest route to the bottom to begin the educational portion of their trip.
Cadet Allen took us through the days of the climb. Nine and a half, hot, steamy hours, in a changing altitude, settling down at 10pm ( on a muddy patch with terrifying monkey noises during the night,) the First Day of the actual climb. No one quit. It was onward and up ward:
“ Blisters on our backs; tired and sore; huge spectacular panoramic views; need to focus as we climbed with no ropes. Day 3 most technical arriving at a level with the clouds; a like being on Mars; Day 4 hard to acclimatize; needed extra time; left a flag; then rocky terrain the last spot before going to the top; precarious washroom hanging on a ledge, ate at 5pm, slept,( hale/cold) till 11pm, ate chocolate, etc. ready then to climb to the top with red headlamps to keep night vision in tact; very cold, moved slowly, kept singing. Got to peak- 5895 metres at 8 am raised a flag, left at 8:30 am. Everyone was surprised and happy for us,” she said. Jen’s descriptions and pictures drew uhs and ahs. “The trek down the mountain took 18 hours with the team stumbling barely (not) able to walk.”
“But the journey was not over as the educational part of the trip began (after a 2-day break to recuperate) at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where we tried to come to grips with the genocide then and still going on in the Congo, involving child soldiers” Cadet Allan said. “We also visited a Rwandan rehabilitation centre for former fighters and heard many tragic stories.”
There was also time in those last days to visit the town, the markets, mingle with the people and play with the local children before the Team went on to the last planned visit. “Probably the most difficult,” she said, “it was to two genocide memorials that are churches in what was a Tutsis area during the 1994 genocide, where 2000 people were taken into them and killed. There was even a room to kills babies.There was evidence everywhere, clothes and belongings taken from them left in piles, blood stained walls, bones. People my age did it. Cadet Allan said. “You could feel the horror of it all. Humankind gone wrong.”
“We live privileged lives in Canada so all the Team experienced on this Rwanden trip has been life changing for us in every way. As Officer Cadets we are grateful for what we have learned. “ With a quick look at the clock and ‘a thank you for listening’, Officer Cadet Allan left to catch the ferry back to RMC.

It is hard to believe that with spring upon us Wolfe Islanders can look back on a winter where water levels stayed well up and the ferry, the community’s life line remained in Marysville, not once forced to pull in to the winter dock. And what a winter it was. Little snow, fluctuating temperatures, rain and lots of wind leaving downed trees and broken branches everywhere.
In spite of the weather, the Community Centre Board along with WIN the (Wolfe Island Network for a Healthy Community) and the WI Community Medical Clinic offered a variety of activities and programs for everyone throughout the winter and continue to do so. At the new rink, ( closed now due to warm weather) there were skating programs for children and adults, lots of free skating and hockey. As well, a number of visiting teams came to the island to take advantage of the NHL sized rink for hockey practice and a game or two. (Next year with a better winter there will no doubt be more of that.) And of course there was Chili Fest held at the Community Centre for the first time, which was a wonderful success. (A spring and summer line up of activities, dates and times is being finalized.)

The Community Medical Clinic which features a lower level , was the location for 2 sessions of quilting, one night weekly for 10 weeks each . Both sessions were followed up with a mini quilt show. The Community Medical Clinic itself has been the location for a number of meetings and programs offered through the KFL&A Health Unit and the Kingston Seniors Association which also holds a Foot Care Clinic every 6 weeks .
And now WIN In conjunction with the Kingston Seniors Centre is offering a new 8 session program ‘Movement for Life’ focusing on wellness through movement. Further, with Lyme Disease on the rise, the KFL&A Health Unit will once again alert the public to signs and symptoms , testing for and prevention of Lyme disease at a meeting also at the Clinic. (March 28th, 7 pm) . And finally, Cooking for One (or two) a four-week series designed for those over 60 begins at the WI United Church Hall.
A Youth Strategy program is underway, a Community Garden is planned . Add to the list many community information meetings, (ie. the Emerald Ash Borer, tree planting project , upland habitat through Tall Grass Ontario),
At the same time the very popular WI Historical Society continues its Speaker’s Series most recently with Dan Haslip of Explorer Diving and The WIPP continues to offer music and fun events. All this to say that Wolfe Island with its small population and very active and committed volunteers, works hard at keeping people active and engaged. For more information about coming events and WIN visit the www.wolfeisland.com web site

The Emerald Ash Borer is wending its way across Ontario killing ash trees. Aerial surveys in 2010 in southwest Ontario identified 35,000 hectares of dead or dying ash trees. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is known to exist from Windsor east to Toronto in the Ottawa area and is on the move. Can Wolfe Island and the Kingston area with their beautiful mature stands of ash escape ?
The Emerald Ash Borer is known to impact all varieties of ash trees. The invasive insect, a bright green beetle moves quickly on its tree killing spree. The borer destroys the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the bark. Infested trees exhibit canopy die-back usually starting at the top of the tree.
“The arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer in our area is pretty much inevitable,” according to Cam McCauley, Frontenac Stewardship Council. Coordinator. “Wolfe Island presents some unique possibilities for control of the borer, due to its restricted access. We want to fully inform landowners, so they can formulate a plan,” he said.
To that end the Frontenac Stewardship Council is hosting a meeting on Wolfe Island Tuesday March 6th, at the Wolfe Island United Church Hall beginning at 6:45 pm

Guest speaker, Martin Streit, Leeds & Grenville Stewardship Coordinator, will describe the EAB’s life cycle and the history of its spread, provide the necessary information for landowners to identify signs of EAB infestation damage, and to devise plans for their properties before the ash borer reaches this area.

At the same meeting The 50 Million Tree Planting Program will be presented by Rick Knapton, Forestry Technician for the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. The program ( familiar to Wolfe Islander’s) offers landowners the opportunity to have trees planted on their property for pennies a tree. Committed to planting 50 million trees by 2020 to help fight climate change, the Trees Ontario and Ontario government program is designed to significantly reduce costs of large-scale tree planting. Landowners, in return for agreeing to maintain the trees, receive native seedling trees planted on open land by an experienced crew.
“Its all about trees. If you want to combat climate change - planting trees is the easiest and most effective way,” McCauley added
The meeting will also include a discussion about The Assisted Migration Project by Gary Nielsen and Barb Boysen. The question being: Will tree species from the southern United States adapt to a colder climate and further adapt over time to our warming climate?
Remember the date: Tues. March 6th, Wolfe Island United Church Hall, 6:45 pm. All are welcome at no charge.
Coming from the mainland, consider walking onto the ferry, After departing the ferry, turn left walk to Victoria St, turn right on to the church.
For more information, contact Cam McCauley, Frontenac Stewardship Coordinator at 613-531-5714 cam.mccauley@ontario.ca OR contact Barrie Gilbert, FSC member and Wolfe Island resident at 613-385-2289 barrie.gilbert36@gmail.com

Around Town: WI resident George Merry wants to set a date for a meeting to hear all about “Tall Grass Ontario” and how it could benefit Wolfe Island. Call him at 613-385-2816 or 613-888-8555 . Leave suggestions. “There is no work, no executive, no committee. Just your interest ,” according to George.

Some 22 years ago I spent my first year living in a waterfront home on the river. Having never lived so intimately with water, I was totally unaware of its moods or what to expect of it. Each day brought a new insight. That first winter , the coldest I remember, the bay in front of our home froze like a plate of clear glass. Trudging out onto the ice with my husband and the family members who had come to visit we looked down through the ice and could see the fish. Powerful winter winds filled that first winter, which lasted well into spring. The ice began to break and melt, the water began to rise up over our shore line reaching the height of the dock and the boat house which was there. That boathouse was taken down by those same strong winds a couple of years later following usually very high water levels that continued through July (due to heavy rainfalls). In our first summer the water remained relatively high through June. By July we had a shoreline once again and sufficient water to launch a power boat with ease. The “up and down” of the water levels has caused much damage our shoreline that new environmental regulations and high costs make hard to fix. As a rule the water begins a very slow descent through August/September followed by a very rapid descent in the fall. It is that rapid descent and high winds that sees the Wolfe Islander ferry move to the winter dock.
During that second year on Wolfe Island I attended a community meeting where transportation was on the agenda. I asked about the changing water levels and was told the annual “up in the spring and down” was the way it is. Island resident Sandy McCready set up a meeting with Peter Yee from the International Joint Commission to talk about water levels in the Lake Ontario and Upper St. Lawrence as part of the International waterway and the when and why’s the water is let out. It provided good information but still the water went “ up and down.”
And complaints about the damage caused to shore lines, fish and wildlife, etc. and problems for recreational boaters, commercial fishing and tourism that the controlled water regulations have caused, have gone on for years.
Recently however, we have been made aware of a NEW plan to control water levels titled Plan BV7 released by the International Joint Commission which aims to restore the natural flow of the river , address environmental concerns, improve life for river residents as well as satisfy commercial shippers and Hydro producers. Watch for dates set for ‘Public consultation of the Plan BV7’ with possible implementation by 2013. Islanders and all those interested in the welfare of the St. Lawrence will find more information and an outline of the plan at: www.savetheriver.org. Save the River is an organization dedicated to saving the Upper St. Lawrence River, and is located in Clayton, NY
Around Town: The grade 7 and 8 class at Marysville Public School has entered a Parks Canada Contest Parks Canada. They have submitted their Canadian history video about “The Mounties of Fort Walsh”.They need votes. If they make “Top Ten”, they have a chance to win a class trip to Banff National Park. To vote: http://www.myparkspass.ca/video-gallery

Anyone coming to Wolfe Island these days probably thinks the island has gone into hibernation despite the fact that the ferry continues to operate from the village of Marysville. Traffic to and from the island, except at morning and late afternoon peak periods, is down…. Way down.

Like other tourist destinations where businesses close up for the winter, Marysville has come to a standstill except for Fargo's, Megaly's, and the WIPP. A canon ball could course its way down the main street without hitting a thing…. Or so it appears.

But in the big scheme of things Wolfe Island is perhaps experiencing its busiest winter in years. Aside from the regular winter activities, church and school functions, AGM's, and regular meetings of its many organizations, committee planning for summer events, and dining at the WIPP (WI Pub & Pizzeria) there has been a surge in community participation, involvement and activity among all island age groups.

Some might say the surge has come as a result of the new, hockey sized artificial ice rink, proudly maintained by members of the island's Community Centre Board. And indeed the rink, dreamed about for many years, has brought about a new enthusiasm and excitement about the skating programs, hockey and free skating opportunities, and programs for children and youth that were not available for years due to changing winter weather conditions.

But a new group, The Wolfe Island Network for a Healthy Community (WIN), brought together community (not for profit) and municipal (Frontenac Islands) organizations along with the City of Kingston and Frontenac County to find ways of promoting islanders health and well being and is now active on the island. Based on information collected from an ad hoc group to form the Network (WI Medical Clinic, Friends of Big Sandy Bay, WI Boat Club, the Early Year's Centre WI Transportation Committee), they included results of a health needs assessment, a community profile, and a Rural/Urban Health Status Report from KFL&A Public Health, and they submitted an application to the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport, Healthy Communities Fund. They received a grant to plan and carry out initiatives focused particularly for youth and seniors. A WIN management committee oversees Network activities with the project coordinator, Kayo Murakami-Wood. Their email address is win.healthycommunity@gmail.com

While the island boasts Euchre and Ping Pong groups, it has added to the list a number of new initiatives including Fall Harvest Community Lunches with the school children, a series of workshops/talks (hobbies,travel) led by members of the Wolfe Island community, partnerships with Kingston Seniors Association and the KFL & A Health Unit, smoking cessation initiatives, foot care/blood pressure checks, Kingston Gets Active in Partnership with WIN encouraging healthier choices, a pedometer (walking) public library program. www.kingstongetsactive.ca, quilting classes, a weekly walking program at Sacred Heart School, broomball, and an exciting program of activities at the rink and, finally, a new initiative will be undertaken to develop an after school program that incorporates physical activity and healthy eating. All in all it has been an interesting fall and winter on Wolfe Island. Amazing what one small community can achieve. For further information check out the Wolfe Island Network at: www.wolfeisland.com

Around Town: Council meets on Howe Island, Monday,Feb. 13,2012 6:30 pm

Chili Fest Sunday Feb. 19th , begins at 1 pm at the Wolfe Island Community Centre .

Frontenac Islands council meetings are never dull, and the January meeting was no exception.
Among many items of interest, Mayor Denis Doyle's updated council on a meeting he and Howe Island Councillor Pat Norris had with the Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli and Attorney General MPP John Gerretsen, regarding island ferry services: i. e. the MTO recommended WI (75 car) ferry and a rebuild of the County's Howe Island Ferry. ( “Re-Drive Project).

” Instead, we heard that the Province is in dire straits financially, and will cut expenditures and budgets,” Mayor Doyle said. ” The Minister suggested that if the Township wanted to proceed with a new ferry that the matter be dealt though our Official Plan, and with our planner, to determine what we can do locally to raise the money for a ferry ourselves . Improvements for Wolfe Island are in the future unless we chose to keep the pressure on. We will stay current and we will be in touch with our planner,” Councillor Norris added that in his view, “Minister Chiraelli was reinforcing what Mike Harris said pre-amalgamation, basically there was no more free ride. Its status quo, but anything beyond that, you pay.”

Regarding the Howe ferry refit, Doyle said the Minister was not happy that the MTO plan had progressed so far without public input. “The County will be in touch with MTO, but we will let them know our concerns, the risk being that the service could get worse instead of better. The plan is ferry dust to me,” he said. Councillor Norris added that “MTO wants to spend $500,000 on a battery pack. There are no costs savings to the plan, no consideration for heat under the deck.”

PRESENTATIONS TO COUNCIL:

*Anne Prichard, Exec. Dir. of Frontenac CFDC was on hand to update Council on the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP changes to the program, and opportunities available for funding, noting that the township can apply. “It's all about sustainable long term job creation, innovation and collaboration, with time lines to March 31st 2014.” The first round will be February 6, 2012 for projects with a start date of April 1st. EODP information is available at the township offices and at, www.frontenaccfdc.com (Non profits, municipal groups, corporations, economic development groups, commercial enterprises etc. may apply)

• Cataraqui Source Protection Committee members Karla Maki-Esdon and (WI resident) Rick Lindgren came to update council on the Draft Source Protection Plan and the approach for Frontenac Islands, including times lines for 2012. The plan highlights the protection of drinking water, an initiative under the Ontario Clean water Act. Lindgren advised that it is important for council to examine the draft policies for Kingston as well for Frontenac Islands, and to inform the committee “if the Kingston policies do not go far enough to protect your municipality from combined sewer overflows.” It was noted that some policies are mandatory for some municipalities. Most of the policies for Frontenac Islands at this time are categorized as strategic action policies. There will be a Public Comment period, and Public Meetings will be held in March. For information: www.cleanwatercataraqui.ca

• After nine years of service Linda Thomas, president of the Wolfe Island Business and Tourism Association (WIBTA), announced that she was stepping down as a member of the board of directors. Citing fatigue and certain frustrations, Thomas made the announcement following her presentation of WIBTA's 2011 year end review of activities (WI Road Race, Photo Contest, Food to Table Dinner, etc), a budget for 2012, and a ($4500.) funding request for certain fixed coasts. “We expect further costs will be covered by the Classic Road Race although its numbers are down” she said. Speaking for the board of directors Thomas asked that the Township to take over responsibility for the Porta-potties on Victoria St and the operation of Tourist Information Centre “I have worked hard for WITA because I value the village but fewer businesses are involved. It is time to ask where do we go from here,” she concluded citing a Business Improvement Area (BIA) model under the Township as a structure for organizations that promote local business and tourism. “The more we able offer locally, the more people will stay around and use the boat far less.”

Mayor Doyle thanked Linda for her service to the community and took her report under advisement. At the same time he indicated the township will support ($500) a new regional promotion initiative by KEDCO with Cape Vincent and Wolfe Island.

In other business: 1.The Wolfe Island Community Medical Clinic was be rezoned from Residential to Community Facility. 2. December Council minutes amended to also include OPP Constable K. Lamacraft's suggestion for rubber traffic calming humps, further that Council did not support the LOON group regarding the Windstream Wolfe Island Shoals Project. 3. The Procedural By-Law as requested by Councillor Norris will be amended to include that a council representative from each district make up the quorum for a meeting unless agreed upon by the council. 4. Accumulated surpluses or deficits in any area rated department will be transferred to area rated reserves, and the $50,000 for Howe Island roads/ferry from Frontenac County be put in a reserve for Howe Island Transportation. 5. No decision yet on council committee representatives.

There were questions about payment vouchers, trucks and truck safety, culverts and roads, as well as recreation costs, separate budgets, policing estimates etc., etc. all to come up in budget deliberations. (The first meeting was held January 18th ).

*One issue came up at the end of the meeting. Mayor Doyle said that a land owner is creating roads up at the eastern end of the village, “too narrow, not ditched, culverts too small, poor drainage, etc. And now a Quonset type building is going up. Was there a permit? We should have addressed this before,” he said. “Is that what's causing flooding on some of the streets? A letter will be sent to the developer outlining minimum township road standards. Council meets NEXT on Howe Island, Mon, Feb. 13, 2012 at 6,30 pm.

Around Town: Please take note that a CFB Kingston (10 person) military team will set up at the Big Sandy Bay parking lot Feb. 7th through 8th to conduct a simulation program.

*Chili Fest Feb. 19th at the Community Centre and Rink Begins at 1pm.

“Come on Margaret, you of all people should know it is not going to happen” were the words directed to me by a fellow Frontenac Islands taxpayer, a Wolfe Islander. His words were in reference to the results of the Wolfe Island ferry study recommending a new 75 car ferry operating from the winter dock in conjunction with the Wolfe Islander III. I had said that based on the depth of the study, the oversight by MTO, the urgency of the situation for increased service, and the lack of complaint by Wolfe Islanders, indeed satisfaction with the study results, along with the ongoing improvements around the docks etc., that this time, the project WOULD move forward. That happened in September. *The idea of a bridge to Wolfe Island was set aside at this time (20) years as Kingston awaits approval for a bridge over the Cataraqui River referred to most often as “the 3rd crossing.”

More recently Frontenac Islands Mayor Denis Doyle sought and received the support of the City of Kingston for the WI ferry project, and its fast tracking . As we all know, the WI Ferry Service is the life line for islanders to work, education, health care, etc., as well an important tourist attraction for Kingston. Travelling on it also provides access to Cape Vincent NY, from Wolfe Island via Horne's Ferry. Interesting to note that Cape Vincent is also a 'US- Metal Craft Marine-Canada' location across the river from Metal Craft Marine's active Kingston facility. So what now?

With the way things are going in Ontario at this time, perhaps I was wrong to be hopeful, to dream in colour…. The news is that that the province has an incredible debt and deficit, that must be reduced and that Ontarians had better get ready for slash, cut and burn, suggesting that “only hope based on need” remains that a new ferry will come our way. On a theory of creating jobs in the ship building industry, maybe that could happen. .but who knows, and that who is Premier Dalton McGuinty (and maybe our Kingston and the Islands MPP John Gerretsen).

However he, John, was not very forthcoming when asked about the ferry study and MTO's recommendation at the City of Kingston's New Year's Levee. “Well, the study is done isn't it,” he said , while to another he said, “You have a ferry that gives you hourly service now.” A lot was left unsaid and unexplained as he moved quickly to perhaps friendlier visitors to the levee.

Perhaps it was not a good place to ask about the future of the WI ferry service but after reading news statements by Ontario's Minister Duncan and most recently by Don Drummond, an economist, enlisted by Premier McGuinty to report on the finances of the Ontario Government, I couldn't help myself.

In advance of his report, Drummond is reported to have said that most government ministries face cuts, as much as 30 per cent. And things will have to be done in a different way to get more value for every taxpayer's dollar. (Will it be NDP 'Ray Days'? 'Draconian Mike' Harris cuts? Status quo? )

Statements carry me back to past governments, different ministers, and past ferry studies and presentations on how things could happen on Wolfe Island, (shorter routes/bridges): Public Private partnerships was one way, contracting out another, Chanel Crossing Joint Ventures, a casino on the island to support improvements etc, etc. But then all for naught.

So here we are, Wolfe Islanders remembering the 2011 MTO presentations acknowledging the island's need for improved transportation and recommendation for a new 75- car ferry. (Was money been set aside, a shipbuilder selected, a date of delivery confirmed?) Faced with possible cuts in all provincial ministries what will MTO do, how will they do it or can they do it at all? Could all MTO's plans to make it happen be confined to the shelf as just another study? Will this to have been, once again all for naught?

Around Town: Due to higher water levels and very little ice in Barrett's Bay the Wolfe Islander continues to operate from Marysville. * The Wolfe Island Network (WIN) has set up a new series of presentations on Hobbies.* Check out dates and times for' Hobby Talks' as well as the new Skating Schedule at the island's (incredible) rink at : www.wolfeisland.com * Community Euchre at the WI United Church Hall Thursday evenings at 7 pm. * Euchre at St. Margaret's Hall, Monday evenings at 7:30 pm sponsored by WI's Trinity Anglican Parish, prizes, lunch, etc.

Following a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) presentation to Frontenac County Council in November with regard to upgrading the Frontenac-Howe Island Ferry's propulsion system, MTO's Stuart Jones and Paul Papps, attended the December meeting of Frontenac Islands Council to outline what was supposed to be a good news story, about sustainable improvements to the county ferry as designed by a marine architect. The MTO project however, has left Frontenac Islands councillors surprised and perplexed instead.

In summary, the project includes the replacement of the diesel engine with high efficiency batteries (20 year life spans) to power an electric motor and the replacement of the single drum hydraulic winch system with a double bull wheel drive, requiring a change only once a year. The ferry would have a backup generator to charge battery if required. Battery charging would go on overnight and two regular half hour periods will also be required during the day to ensure adequate charge. The changes would effectively eliminate direct diesel emissions, result in a quieter operation, reduce ferry downtime and save some $50,000 annually in fuel costs. “An increase deck width at drive house by 4-6 inches might be achievable,” Stuart Jones said, noting that MTO assumes 80% of the operating costs as well as fuel costs, ramp, and land based moving parts of the ferry. “The major costs are for fuel and power for hydraulics and the province is looking for efficiencies,” Jones said. “The changes will mirror what is in place,” he said.

Councillor Pat Norris was not happy. “Has this concept been tested in ice conditions,” he asked. “Are we to be guinea pigs once again? This is not what we asked for. The on demand nature of the ferry particularly through the summer does not allow for down time. Save money fine,” Norris said , “but don't cut back on service.” Deputy Mayor Jones saw much uncertainty in what was being gained from “such a dramatic change”.

In general council opinion was that the changes would offer little reduction in operational costs, no improvement in speed, and would simply be (as was stated), a mirror of what they have now rather than reducing the problems that confront the community regarding transportation. Council will further consult on this project together and with the public . Council will also meet with the operator of the ferry ,Frontenac County.

In other Business: 1. Constable K. Lamacraft of the Ontario Provincial Police was present to discuss in particular speeding on Township roads. Constable Lamacraft said little could be done if proper signage was not in place. “You might also need to change speed limit , but until signs are properly posted at right distances etc., I can do nothing .,” he said . “Public education is another measure. There has to be an attitudinal change regarding speed, the safety of residents, particularly the children.”

Measures talked about which could be taken by the Township include a review of all signage to ensure compliance with MTO regulations, public consultation on speed limits, changes to school bus pick up stops as required, sign purchase or rental showing rates of speed, maybe local citizens committees. A request by WI resident Claire Muller requesting speed bumps in Marysville was considered. Since the speed limit in Marysville was recently changed to 40 km/h and signs posted,no further action will be taken at this time to see change is acknowledged. Howe Island speeding concerns suggest formation of a community committee

2. Frontenac County Planner Joe Gallivan attended the meeting to enlighten council members regarding the County's stated priority to establish a Official Plan for Frontenac County. Gallivan has submitted reports to County Council citing what a plan would look like, its advantages and type either detailed or more high level crossing every boundary i.e. environment, natural heritage, transportation. “Because council mandates end in 2014 it is important that all councils be involved in the process from start to finish,” Galivan said . “We hope to have a plan finalized and approved by the province within your term of office.”

3. In response to a letter from the WI Community Medical Clinic a zone change application “institutional or community facility” will be prepared. Council will seek legal advice on designating the property as a 'municipal capital facility' as allowed by the Municipal Code. This was because of the change in assessment from an exempt status to 'residence' and taxable.

4. The domestic waste collection (tendered) contract for Howe Island went to Stark Battams. The Township will advertise for Howe Island residents interested in serving on a waste management committee.

5. Council formalised a Reserve for the Wolfe Island Historical Society and Old House Museum to receive donations for either group. A letter from the National Wall of Remembrance Association will be forwarded to the WI Historical Society.

6. Council supported, Town of Richmond Hill resolution concerning chronic lyme disease, and by Huron County related to restrictions on use of farm buildings.

7. Many thanks to the City of Kingston, Downtown Kingston Business Association and KEDCO for their support of the Wolfe Island Transportation Study following a presentation by Mayor Denis Doyle. Further thanks to Theresa James for a beautiful Christmas tree and Roly Jansen for its installation, beautifully lighted, at the Wolfe Island Town Hall.

8. A Christmas Bonus for staff, permanent employees ($50.) and part time ($ 25.) were approved.

9. Council held an In Camera session concerning a municipal property matter and potential litigation.

And finally, due to a lack of planning time, the custom of a New Year's Levy Mayor Doyle hoped to establish for Frontenac Islands was set aside for this year. Perhaps next year?

So on that note let me say that It has been my privilege to keep you informed of at least some of the 'Goings On' in Frontenac Islands. I wish a Happy New Year to All!