SCOOP The
October/November 2019
thescoop.ca
The Taming of the Shroom
Here’s The SCOOP
The
SCOOP W Founded in 2005 by Richard Saxe
PUBLISHER & AD SALES Karen Nordrum stonemills.scoop@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Lillian Bufton, Katherine Burrows, Catherine Coles, Dianne Dowling, Todd H.C. Fischer, Glen Goodhand, Alyce Gorter, Susan Moore, Cathy Palmer, Mickey Sandell, John Sherbino, Terry Sprague, Denice Wilkins
hen the leaves of summer turn from green to the reds, yellows, and browns of autumn, it marks the time when wild mushrooms appear in our fields and forests. For the mushroom hunter, this seasonal change presents delights and challenges, and gastronomic opportunities. When the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, fall can provide an embarrassment of riches. Our forests are rich in wild mushrooms. Many are essential decomposers of wood and forest litter, while others form beneficial mycorrhizal partnerships with trees. Mushrooms are also important food items for wildlife, and some are delicious for people too. If the rains come this fall, there will be plenty of wild mushrooms to enjoy for their beauty, interesting biology, and as unique food. Look for them on your next woodland
walk, and you might be amazed at the variety and abundance in our area, as Terry Sprague was one unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend. In this issue of The SCOOP, he recounts a memorable hike, where he spotted a multitude of mushrooms along the trail side, amid other spectacular fall scenery. Our cover story profiles local business Fullerton Farms, which grows fresh, delicious gourmet mushrooms for farmers’ markets and sells kits and liquid cultures for growing your own mushrooms at home. Also in this issue, we have profiles of a new local children’s author, announcements for exciting seasonal events, and an update on Kingston’s prison farms.
Discover The Land Between bio-region, read about a brief history of Samhain, or Halloween, and learn about upcoming programs and events for genealogists provided by the L&A County Library. Wince at Alyce Gorter’s account of her finger’s terrible luck over the years and chuckle at John Sherbino’s “hunting moments” that duck hunters experience but never talk about when spinning their yarns. We hope you enjoy this fall issue of The SCOOP!
All photos contributed, unless otherwise noted.
HOW TO CONTACT US
613.379.5369 stonemills.scoop@gmail.com thescoop.ca facebook.com/thescoop.ca Please write to us at: Stone Mills Scoop 482 Adair Road Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0 The SCOOP is published six times a year. We mail The SCOOP for free to more than 6600 households in Tamworth, Centreville, Enterprise, Erinsville, Camden East, Newburgh, Colebrook, Yarker, Verona, Hartington, Sydenham, Roblin, Selby, Parham, Kaladar, Stella, Godfrey, & Marlbank. We also arrange with local retailers to display 1000 additional issues of The SCOOP in Napanee, Cloyne, Flinton, Kaladar, & many other locations.
Offering an academic, artistic, musical and nature-based learning experience Taught by certified and experienced teachers Currently a Grade 4/5 combined class For more information, please visit:
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Art Show by Jazmin Radford
SOLO FLIGHT Saturday, October 12 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
All rights reserved. No reproduction by any means or any form may be made without prior written consent by the publisher.
Harris Park Hall 5612 Perth Rd. Cres. Perth Road Village
COVER
Derek Fullerton of Fullerton Farms near Roblin with Shiitake mushrooms. Derek grows fresh seasonal gourmet and medicinal mushrooms for local farmers’ markets, caters to restaurants, and sells mushroom kits for growing your own mushrooms at home. You can check out his offerings on Facebook @FullertonFarms.
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The SCOOP • October / November 2019
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Lest We Forget
Tamworth’s “C” Company of the 146th Battalion. The 146th Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in Kingston, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in that city and the surrounding district. After sailing to England in September 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 95th Battalion, CEF and the 12th Reserve Battalion on October 6, 1916. This photo was taken in front of the Tamworth Hall.
Opening Day Ducks The early morning mist begins to clear And right before you; how long have they been there? A brace of Mallards swimming line abreast You’re up and tracking perfectly They jump and climb – back lit; a classic shot. Your safety’s on – John Sherbino
Amherstview Community Market We are happy to announce that Ernie Sands of Sands Produce will be featured at the Amherstview Community Market every Saturday until the end of October. Ernie will bring a selection of his local farmer grown produce. The Amherstview Community Market is located at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, 322 Amherst Drive, and operates from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please join us in welcoming Ernie to your market. Great selection of vendors, including those with baked goods, jams and honey, sauces, wood crafts, and more. Lots of free parking. For additional information please contact Al Beatty allanbeatty@hotmail.com.
On the Pond
Two of the stages of the monarch butterfly, captured by 9-year-old Freesia Gorter.
TAMWORTH PLAYGROUP
leaves and twigs are swirling in the wind
Tamworth Playgroup runs in the Multipurpose Room (Lions’
Beyond the rim of trees the light is cold and hasn’t cut the grey that hides the ducks.
Room) of the Arena. It runs from 9:30-12:00 every Monday,
You knew they’d land up wind so you built your blind with care and dressed it well.
excluding statuatory holidays. The program is designed to
Your field of view is clear but they come in low and from behind. All you hear are wings and they’re gone. – John Sherbino
gear towards ages 0-6, and it is a free, drop in program. 613-336-8934 x.257 October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
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Samhain, Feast of the Dead: Being a Brief History of Halloween Todd H. C. Fischer
T
he holiday we now celebrate as Hallowe’en has a long history, stretching back to the time of the Ancient Celts. For them, the evening of October 31 and morning of November 1 was the beginning of their new year. They called it Samhain (or Samhuinn, pronounced sow-en) and it was (primarily) a celebration of the dead. (In Ireland, it was Oiche Shamhna.) As the new year began with winter, a season of death, it was only natural that the Celts would honour (and ward off ) those that had already passed on. It was after Samhain that the faerie folk would depart the land, not to return until Beltane. Before leaving, the little people would cause no end of trouble, and it was considered unwise to walk alone at night, lest they take you away. Folks who had to travel would carry iron or steel to ward them off, and treats were left out for the faeries to eat.
Second Chance Sale The Second Chance Sale is a giant indoor yard sale of books, adult clothing, children’s clothing and toys, accessories, treasure room, linens and wall art, craft supplies, seasonal decor, housewares, sporting goods, tools and electronics and a bake table. It is being held Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship, 206 Concession Street. CASH ONLY.
It was also a time of divination, when futures would be forecast. Lovers would place two nuts in a fire to see if their relationship would last. If the nuts burned, it showed that they had a strong relationship; if they popped, trouble may lay ahead. As the end of the year, many took the opportunity to take care of more earthly needs, such as hiring servants, closing accounts, paying debts and making new contracts. Many stock animals would be slaughtered, as it was difficult to keep many of them during the lean winters, and this act eventually took on ritualistic meaning. In fact, in Germany and Gaul, men would put on the slain animals’ skins as they thought this would gain them contact with the animal spirits and their deities. The animals that were kept were run through samhnagan (bonfires) as a means of purification (the smoke and heat did actually kill many parasites living in the cattle’s fur). Many people would run through the flames as well. Originally, some people didn’t just run through the fire, they were consumed by it. Blood sacrifice was considered a fitting payment to the earth that had sustained them during the previous year. It was a contract between them and the earth. The sacrificial victims were chosen in different ways. In some places, it was the person who cut the last stalk during the harvest. In others, lots were drawn. In Wales, everyone would race down a hill yelling, “The black sow take the hindermost!” The person who lost the race was then ritually sacrificed to the Black Sow, a spirit of death, evil and cold. Unknown to many is that Samhain was also a time of peace, when no fighting or divorce was allowed. In fact, many people got married at this time. Also, many tricks were played as it was thought that nature’s natural order was reversed. People would lead away other’s
cattle, block up chimneys and through things at notable figures. (Of course, this was all likely blamed on faeries and ghosts.) Apples and nuts played an important part in the festival. Apples were the Celtic Silver Bough, and represented the underworld, love, fertility, wisdom, and divination. It was the fruit of heaven and wise men. Hazelnuts grew from the sacred tree of the Celtic grove and symbolized life and (like all nuts) wisdom, lovers and peace. (A side note: many people think that the celebration of Samhain was named after Samhain, the Celtic god of the dead. This is not true. There was/is no such god.) When the Romans invaded Celtic territories, they adopted many of these practices, though they stopped the human sacrifice and replaced it with the burning of effigies. Samhain would have been celebrated right after the Roman holiday October Horse (October 15). On this day, weapons and produce were put into storage, and a two-man chariot race was held in the Campus Martinus. The near horse of the winning chariot was sacrificed to Mars, killed with a spear, and had its head and tail decorated with cakes and prominently displayed. The horse to many was a harvest/corn-spirit, and this horse worship led to the inclusion of the hobby horse and wicker horse in autumn celebrations.
and stables instead of kern babies. (A kern baby was a doll made of a sheaf from the last stalk of the harvest, which warded off evil powers.) Soulers later became guisers, who wore costumes (perhaps a throw-back to the men in animal skins) who were given nuts, apples and money. Many guisers carried a hobby horse. Over time, the holiday became more secular, and guisers were given all types of sweets. Apples though still play an important part of Hallowe’en, in the form of apple bobbing and cider. Many people still decorate their homes with stalks of corn and the pranks of the Celts have returned (often in the form of a threat, “Trick or treat!”). This holiday has survived periodic attempts to stamp it out, under claims it is ‘pagan’ and ‘satanic’. People who make such claims fail to realize that ‘pagan’ does not necessarily equal evil, nor that ‘Satanists’ have nothing to do with Halloween. Hallowe’en is a harmless holiday with only as much ‘evil’ portent as that which you give it. Hallowe’en has survived for thousands of years, and will likely be with us for thousands more.
Christianity likewise adopted Samhain, changing its name to All Saints and All Souls (November 1 and 2). October 31 was All Hallows Eve, which was eventually shortened to Hallowe’en or just Halloween. To them, the samhnagan were called pile fires, which were lit to guide the dead to heaven. Children, called soulers, would travel from house to house, singing songs and being given soul cakes. Later, parshell crosses began appearing on the doors of byres, houses,
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The SCOOP • October / November 2019
What’s the Number for 911 Alyce Gorter
E
veryone knows that you can’t go through life without experiencing a few bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, scratches and scrapes. Sometimes whatever lesson life is trying to teach us results in something even more serious like broken bones, a concussion, or a gaping wound requiring stitches. I accept all of that and have probably experienced just about the maximum recommended lifetime dosage of minor and not-so-minor injuries. However, as an adult with responsibilities when these “things� happen, I can’t afford either the recuperative time off or the round-theclock nursing staff to see to my every need. I also have an image to maintain for the sake of the grandkids. As a result, I have developed the “Don’t cry. Walk it out.� form of therapy and try to apply it every time it is required. And not just to me. I encourage the grandkids to apply it to themselves as well. It’s for their own good. It builds character. Plus, they don’t come whining to me as much any more. Now you’re probably thinking, “Hold on a minute. Isn’t an injury of most types supposed to be treated by one or all of the components of RICE therapy — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation?� Well, I knew you would think that, so I did my research and, sure enough, there was an endorsement for exactly what I was touting! (Now, yes, I did have to spend a fair amount of time to locate that website
— the rest of the sites all recommended RICE — but still‌) Besides the everyday variety of ouches and whimpers that occur, however, I have also been the victim of a bizarre form of torture that has caused much anguish and pain over the years. It could easily be compared to that lingering death form of execution once used in China called Death by a Thousand Cuts. But here’s the most horrendous part of all of this — it’s one of my own body parts that’s trying to do me in — slowly, gradually, and by inflicting as much suffering as possible. And it’s not a major organ like my heart or lungs — it’s the ring finger on my right hand! There is no way to recall when it first started happening or what exactly first occurred. I could not have known then the malice involved or have known that the aggravation would continue so would have just considered the experience as another one of life’s unavoidable mishaps. However, over the years, enough of “those thingsâ€? kept the knuckle on that finger in a constant state of inflammation. If a gloved finger got caught in the twine of a hay bale, it would be that finger. If a rein or lead rope got yanked suddenly, it would be that finger that took the brunt of the pull. Even though it was not the longest finger and should, therefore, have been reasonably protected, when a finger got bent, twisted, banged or hammered on — you guessed it — it was that ring finger.
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Now if you are accustomed to doing manual labour, you are probably well aware that frequent hard use will turn those long, slender digits into strong, muscular appendages that can make Superman wince with a simple
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handshake. So it took a while for me to become aware that something a bit more malevolent was occurring. When I finally noticed my irritated joint and pondered its cause, I decided I needed to treat that finger with a bit more care and concern. Perhaps if I were to demonstrate how much I needed and liked it, maybe it would behave itself. For a time it appeared this tactic was working. The soreness dissipated, and the finger stayed out of trouble. By this time, because of all the abuse and inflammation, my knuckle had increased in size out of proportion with the others and my rings no longer fit over it. Once I assumed everything had finally stabilized though, I sent the rings off for refitting. The goldsmith looked at the request and called the referring agent to see what size of woman I was. When told that I was not obese, not a giant, and not suffering from any known medical disorder that caused swelling of the hands, he requested that my finger be measured again because there had to be some mistake — no woman would require that size. There was no mistake. When the rings came back, they could have been used as bracelets for a small child but at least I could wear them again. But for some reason, my finger has gotten into a pique again and is out to get me. When I went to put the recycling in the garbage bin, I twisted the doorknob of the steel garage door with my right hand and then grabbed the edge of the door to open it wider. As I did so, a strong gust of wind caught the door and slammed it closed against — yup! My ring finger. If I had taken callipers and measured to find the exact spot to hold my finger to get the maximum pulverizing effect, I couldn’t have done any better. The heavy door smashed against my knuckle — SQUARE ON. Now, if “walking it out� can consist of steps straight up, then I walked miles, my knuckle yelling loudly at every leap. Eventually, we both simmered down.
But it must have figured that I had recuperated enough by this week to have another go at me. I was using the mandolin — not the musical instrument but one of those extremely sharp kitchen utensils that slices or grates (depending on the blade) everything in its path — to make Grandson Eden’s favourite cucumber salad. What can I say — we had company; I was in a hurry; I couldn’t find the local Chef Ramsay who buys these gadgets and is more familiar with using them, and I didn’t take time to find the thingamabobbie that holds the vegetable while it’s being sliced — I wanted to be quick, so I used my fingers. You would have been very impressed with how fast I can slice a cucumber with that thing — until it took a slice off the top of my fingernail. Not the tip. The top — T-O-P — that half-inch or so of nail you apply polish to. Unless, of course, like mine yours is missing. Blood was everywhere — except in the salad. The pain and the realization of what I had done immediately collided in the middle of my brain like two huge tsunamis crashing together from opposite directions eliminating every other thought I had been contemplating when it happened and destroying my ability to consider anything else for the following 15–20 minutes. The force of their impact swirled my stomach like a washing machine agitator and sapped all the strength from my legs. Forget the “Don’t Cry. Walk it out.� crap. I wanted to curl up in bed under the covers and bawl like a baby. So, now I’m afraid of what my self-willed finger will do to me next and each “accident� seems to get a little worse. Since I didn’t start keeping records when the first mishap occurred, I don’t know how close we are to the 1000 count and it’s making me too nervous to do anything. If I opted to have it amputated now, would OHIP see it as elective surgery or as a life-saving procedure? Considering all the grief it’s brought me, I don’t think I would miss it. Especially now that my rings are too tight again. Alyce enjoys hearing from SCOOP readers. Please email her at alyce@gorter.ca.
The Bath Sunday Market is open every Sunday in October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Park, Main St Bath. Great selection of vendors including home grown produce, local artisans, crafts, collectibles, preserves and more.
Weaving, Fibre Art, Wool & Rovings, Wearable Art, Jewellery, Felting and much more!
www.fallďŹ breaffair.ca Oct 19 & Oct 20, 2019 10-4pm
FairďŹ eld Gutzeit House, 341 Main Street in Bath October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
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Cartoon Chronicles: The Katzenjammer Kids Glen Goodhand
B
ack in the day, a popular saying was that children “should be seen and not heard.” In practical terms, this meant that in many family settings and at social gatherings, the extent of many small fry’s contributions to the conversation was limited to either “No Ma’am!” or “Yes Sir!” In like manner, a common belief was that it was second nature for children to be mischief bound. One of the main responsibilities of parents—even adults in general—was to steer children away from getting into trouble or punishing them if they failed. Two popular books in the “good old days” were “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn.” Despite having different names, they had the same misbehaving genes and always seemed to have a finger in the wrong pie, a hand on an apple from the wrong orchard, or a grip on the pigtails of the wrong girl in class. Like those Mark Twain classics, the American comic strip “The Katzenjammer Kids” was drawn in the same spirit. It debuted on December 12, 1897, in the American Humorist, the Sunday supplement of William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal. it is considered to be the first true comic
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strip, because, unlike “The Yellow Kid” (featured in the August/September issue of The SCOOP), it used the technique of storytelling through a sequence of panels, as opposed to a single frame. It also used “word balloons” (introduced in Opper’s comic strip “Happy Hooligan”), to represent a conversation between characters in the strip. It is said to be the longest-running funny papers series in history and is the only one to originate in the 19th century and survive into the New Millennium. The last strip ran on January 1, 2006—an amazing run of 109 years. To be fair, however, that record was not as impressive as first indicated. Between 1912 and 1914, the original artist, Robert Dirks, squabbled with the New York Journal’s owner and withdrew his services. Harold Knerr replaced him in the interim. Unexpectedly, Dirks sharpened his pencil and restarted his series—this time under the title “The Captain and the Kids.” So, for six decades both comics co-existed and featured the same characters. Dirks, a German immigrant, was given a leeway rarely seen in our politically correct society. His native language was heavily accented in the dialogues of his characters Mama, the Captain, the Inspector (truant officer), and Hans and Fritz, the scallywag imps around whose antics the stories revolved. The word “just” became “chust”; “we” became “ve”; and “with” ended up as “mitt.” “And” was pronounced “und,” and “the” became “der.” Little is known about the setting of the comic strip’s shenanigans, except that the five main characters live
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First installment of Rudolph Dirks’ comic strip The Katzenjammer Kids (1897). on an island, and that “Der Captain” was shipwrecked five years after the debut, becoming the main target of the twin’s rascally tricks, the home’s star boarder, and their main disciplinarian. In Dirk’s own tongue, “katzenjammer” means “chaos” or “confusion.” The unruly characters of Hans and Fritz continually created that atmosphere, as they often concocted outlandish pranks. Once, they attached an outboard motor to Der Captain’s bed and sent the perpetual sleepyhead adrift. Mama bore the pain of a ruse—an item disguised as a huge birthday cake covered with candles—which turned out to be tiny firecrackers. The resulting explosion left all the adults knocked to the floor with their heads spinning, and cake spread far and wide. On one occasion, as Der Inspector sat at the foot of a tree having his daily siesta, Hans and Fritz jointly pushed a lawnmower over the end of his long beard which protruded out into the open.
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While Mama was often hoodwinked by periods of good behaviour and saw the two boys as wearing halos, Der Captain had no illusions about their inherent rascally nature. Whether it was the bedraggled mother or the whiskered old salt, their adventures usually ended with a double application of “wisdom applied to the seat of knowledge!”
Artisans’ Christmas Tour in the Country Saturday, November 2 This Artisans’ Christmas Tour is a free self-guided tour located in the southeast corner of Stone Mills Township. Take in a home cooked breakfast or a gourmet lunch, drive down beautiful scenic backroads, spending the day enjoying art and purchasing quality handmade products. Moscow – Colebrook – Yarker Camden East – Newburgh
Colleen Martin-Fabius 613-379-5959 cmfclean@gmail.com www.ColleensCleaning.ca
Visit our Facebook page for all details: @christmasshoppingtourinthecountry
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Farm Girl Books Lillian Bufton
A
new children’s author has joined our local literary scene under the pen name of Elizabeth Barwell (aka Mary de Bassecourt). Mary assumed the pen name of Elizabeth Barwell for several reasons: First, it was a good way to test the market without people knowing who the real author was; second, Mary didn’t fancy putting her real name on the website; and third, she thinks it’s just fun to have a pen name. The enchanting illustrations are created by her sister and talented artist, Joan Harris. Joan also provides her professional artistic advice on layout and colour. Joan and Mary’s company is called Farm Girl Books and their books all have a rural theme. These hardcover books were designed to fit comfortably in a child’s hands. All are written, printed, and hand-bound by Mary. The first three children’s books were released this summer at Sharbot Lake Farmers Market. Joan and Mary were delighted with the enthusiastic reception of the books and plan to next target a couple of local Christmas markets. The first in the trilogy of animal tales is “A Rabbit’s Tale: A Most Particular Bunny.” Bernard Bunny brings a smile to the face of adult readers with his willful but thoughtful “badness.” Children can delight in Bernard and his gentle and cautious interaction with his world. In the book “A Beaver’s Tale: The Beaver Who Borrowed,” the big pond in Back of Beyond is home for many animals of all sizes and shapes, including Burton the Beaver. This delightful tale is based on a strange but true story about a real beaver who borrowed. Also based on a true story, the book “Cat’s Tale: The Terribly Timid Kitten” is about the adventures of a timid kitten who wandered into the lives and home of the McDuffs and Eric-the-Cat. The next book now in progress is about a very special Tamworth pig. Some readers say these little books remind them of Beatrix Potter’s publications, although the illustrator’s animals are more realistic, and they don’t wear clothes. The size of the books is close to that of Beatrix Potter books. These books are popular with grandparents as gifts for their grandchildren but are also popular with parents and aunts. Some grownups
confess they buy the books for themselves because they are reminded of stories they loved to read as children. Mary and her sister Joan Harris grew up on a small 30-cow dairy farm in the picturesque foothills of the Catskill Mountains in New York State. After lives full of work and family, in their “retirement” they are realizing their dream of pairing their talents and expertise to collaborate on children’s books. Joan’s lovely watercolour and ink illustrations complement and bring Elizabeth’s stories to life. Joan and Mary maintain that they love working together on something they love, with someone they love. After a busy and full life as an artist, art teacher and mother, Joan Harris “retired” to a second career as farmer/artist on a Columbia County farm in New York State. She lives in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, raising and painting rare breed Devon cattle, as well as illustrating Farm Girl Books. Joan’s love for animals and passion for art is vividly demonstrated in her watercolour and ink illustrations.
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Not surprisingly, Mary’s favourite course at university was Children’s Literature. Her working life took her on a winding detour to administrative and teaching positions and running a desktop publishing/editing home business. During those years, she lived with her husband and children in Ottawa. Mary, like Joan, returned to the country for her “retirement.” She lives with her husband in the beautiful setting of the rugged Canadian Shield and tends a large garden. For Mary, living in the country and writing children’s books in collaboration with her sister, the talented artist-illustrator, is her dream come true. Because the books are hand bound, the production level is neither high nor fast. (Joan and Mary ask that you allow 4-6 weeks for delivery, but sometimes books can be supplied within two weeks.) Mary says that for now, the scale and speed of production suit her and Joan. She enjoys the process of bookbinding while listening to audiobooks and says that producing a quality product from start to finish is very satisfying. “Joan and I talked about working on children’s books together for many years. Finally, we are realizing our dream and enjoying it immensely!”
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To order books or to contact Farm Girl Books, Mary and Joan invite you to email them via their website: www.farmgirlbooks.ca
The trilogy of children’s animal tales published by Farm Girl Books this summer. Some readers say these delightfully illustrated litttle books remind them of Beatrix Potter’s publications.
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dundasbakery.com October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
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The Magic Behind the Mushrooms at Fullerton Farms Katherine Burrows
gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.
hat do you get when you take a guy with a tech education background, a passion for growing mushrooms, and a strong belief in sustainable stewardship, and transplant him from the Toronto suburbs to the middle of a growing food and beverage district?
Derek explained they make Lion’s Mane mushrooms into supplements which can improve memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, nerve growth, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), insulin regulation, and sleep patterns.
W
You get the creative, high-tech approach of Fullerton Farms, which has quickly become part of the local business community, making appearances at the Belleville Farmers’ Market and the Black Cat Café in Stone Mills. In 2017, Derek, his wife Kendra, and son Adam left Bowmanville, moving away from family, friends, and urban life to buy a rural property with just under two acres south of Roblin. When they moved in, the property was just grass. Currently, Derek estimates they have about 5000 square feet of garden space with plans to expand next year. The couple started growing classic market garden veggies but found that the season was quite short, and many other vendors were selling the same items. To lengthen the selling season and differentiate their product, they began to focus on canning what they grew. This year, they’ve sold canned goods at the Belleville Farmers’ Market and the Black Cat Café in Tamworth on Fridays. At first glance, it may seem that computer technology and farming are very different industries, but Derek finds that his tech background comes in very handy when problem-solving on the farm. With the drought conditions of the past two years, he’s had to create watering solutions for the crops. Progressing from hand watering last year, this year Derek implemented a rain catchment system. Next year, he plans to add an irrigation system. Derek has long been intrigued by the medicinal properties of mushrooms and has grown them as a hobby for thirty years. He has some professional experience working for a mushroom grower in Orono that has since closed down, and wanted to explore both
Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms are sold both fresh and dried, with fresh available seasonally. Their oyster mushrooms are also used to make the Fullerton Farms popular mushroom jerky, a tasty, vegan-friendly snack. Selling mushrooms provides lots of opportunities to educate the customer. Many people have questions about whether the mushrooms are poisonous and what interactions may occur with other medications or natural supplements. It is best to consult your health care practitioner regarding your specific health concerns or potential drug interactions. Besides informal conversations at the market booth, Fullerton Farms also teaches workshops on how to grow mushrooms at home and sells readymade kits. Indoor kits contain a ready to fruit bag suitable for countertop growing and are sold year-round. Outdoor kits such as King Stropharia can increase the production of vegetable gardens and is also edible. They also sell glow-in-thedark bioluminescent mushroom nightlights called Living Lites, which make a great gift for kids or that hard to buy for person. Another innovative addition to the product line at Fullerton Farms is their dog biscuits, made from spent brewer’s grain and a few other ingredients. Derek makes beer as a hobby so finding a purpose for the spent grain is another way of making good use of resources. Derek gave me a tour of the outdoor gardens, a mixture of veggies, herbs, and fruit. He noted that he has been pruning the apple tree that came with the property and it has such a bountiful crop this year they plan to preserve the apples.
Just some of the many canned and dried goods offered by Fullerton Farms near Roblin. Photo by Katherine Burrows.
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The SCOOP • October / November 2019
Then we went into an outbuilding where the mushrooms are grown. Here was another place where I could see Derek’s creativity at work. The Oyster mushrooms are grown in artificial logs with straw. (Think a log-shaped plastic bag stuffed with straw, hanging vertically.) Other varieties are grown in hardwood sawdust—the same type of pellets that are used in pellet stoves. Derek notes that there is no compost or manure used so the odour that one might expect is not present. Customers can buy mushroom liquid cultures online that are sent in syringes. He also takes orders in January for mushroom spawn, for spring log inoculation. It takes some basic knowledge to know when to cut the trees and how to inoculate the logs, but when done successfully, they can produce for five or more years.
Derek Fullerton grows Oyster mushrooms in artificial logs with straw. Photo by Katherine Burrows.
Visit the Fullerton Farms booth at the Farmer’s Market for samples of canned goods, including Cowboy Candy, their candied jalapeños. I sampled the Killer Beans, Killer Pickles, and Tasty Tomatoes—definitely a unique take on preserves. Kendra does most of the picking and processing. During my visit, she was busy cooking a batch of Awesome Sauce—a tomato-based sauce loaded with veggies and their oyster mushrooms, containing all home-grown ingredients, which is great on pasta, chicken, and just about everything else.
continue to grow at Fullerton Farms. Plans are in the works to open a farm gate beginning next year from April to November. Stay tuned to the website https://fullerton-farms.myshopify.com and Facebook page @FullertonFarms for the opening of The Shroom Shack. In the meantime, call 905-623-0640 to make an appointment.
It’s obvious from the couple’s teasing comradery that they collaborate well together and enjoy their farm. Derek admitted that they were a bit nervous at first to move far away from family, but that everyone has been very friendly here. They’ve found that people are very willing to help promote their business. He emphasizes that the Black Cat Café is owned by great people and that Fullerton Farms enjoys participating in Friday pizza nights.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kendra likes the “buy local” feeling and appreciates the support they get as a small local business from community members. “People really care about their neighbours.” “We wouldn’t change it in terms of where we landed. It’s peaceful and quiet. This will be our final community.” Derek says as he and Kendra exchange a spirited smile. The creative ideas, however, will
CALLING ALL AND ARTISTS! Do you have what it takes to be published in The SCOOP? Send us your best photos and artwork documenting rural life in our area: stonemills.scoop@gmail.com
A Natural View: Depot Lakes on Thanksgiving Terry Sprague
F
ive years ago, back in the days when I used to lead interpretive hikes, I seldom scheduled a hike for the Thanksgiving weekend. Few participants would turn out, so it was never worth the effort. Folks had other plans for that weekend. Usually, I had other plans, too. However, I remember one hike that I scheduled for Thanksgiving and I am glad I did. Weather-wise, we hit pay dirt, with a full complement of autumn enthusiasts turning out for this event. The location was Depot Lakes Conservation Area, northwest of Verona. This 1200-hectare (3,000 acres) property is the signature conservation area of Quinte Conservation. It has three interconnecting lakes, stitched together with narrow creeks, rapids, and a small waterfall. It is Canadian Shield country, so the terrain is challenging in places, but offset by towering granite cliffs, strategically placed interior campsites, and breathtaking views. In the fall, the senses are enthused by the fragrance of decaying forest litter, presence of wildlife, and cascading autumn colour. We were on a pilgrimage of sorts, 12 of us celebrating one of the most gorgeous Thanksgiving Sundays in recent memory. The air was perfectly still, the temperature hovering at a comfortable 20 degrees and not a cloud in the sky for this seven-kilometre walk through rugged terrain. To a certain extent, we felt like a group of rejects, seemingly without better plans for Thanksgiving Sunday, but it took only a scan across the sparkling waters of 2nd Depot Lake from atop a high granite escarpment to the tiny islands beyond, dazzled by the reds of autumn, for us to realize what others were missing today and how fortunate we were.
It was sad to see two interior campsites we came upon along the trail vacant as days like this are what many campers dream about in the fall. The waters from Depot Creek cascading over The Falls could be heard clearly long before we reached a canoe portage that skirts this obstacle along this popular canoe route. For some, this was their first visit to Depot Lakes, and they represented a wide range of areas including Carrying Place, Erinsville, Prince Edward County, and even Toronto. As we crossed Rowley’s Rapids, we paused to reflect on an earlier life here, of logging days in the 1850s by the Rathbun Company of Deseronto, and the Irish logging camp cooks who had a cabin here, two bachelor brothers, after whom the rapids got its name. The giant, almost over-sized leaves of Large-leaved Asters padded the edge of the trail throughout the walk, and dark, green fronds of Polypody Fern hugged the edges of granite boulders, accented by club mosses and Reindeer Lichen contrasting sharply with their rich greens and greys. A Pileated Woodpecker broke the silence, and soon we saw him pass by, but only for a few seconds. Chipmunks clucked in the deciduous woods, a sound which some claim suggests fall. Two Garter Snakes were spotted by several in our group, out enjoying the warmth of the day, and a tiny Leopard Frog seemed comatose on a large granite boulder where it likely had been since early morning, trying to recoup its body temperature that it lost during the night. It was hard to believe that just a few hours earlier, everything had been awash with the season’s first major frost, and now sweaters were coming off. It was discouraging to realize that none
Participants on our guided hike enjoy lunch at a vacant campsite along the trail. Photo by Wendy Culmer.
Gorgeous scenery at the mouth of Deport Creek as it empties into 2nd Depot Lake. Photo by Terry Sprague. of us had mushroom savvy, as we found so many along the trail side, some of them flame orange, but remaining unidentified. Others like miniature spiny puffballs were everywhere. It added to the enjoyment and the mystique of the day, as we need a few unsolved mysteries on any hike, to be researched after we get home. Others we came across looked almost like liverworts. For five hours we hiked, seeing no one else until we neared the parking lot. Depot Lakes, with its nine kilometres of trails, is an ideal location for pondering and losing oneself in profound thoughts. And, losing oneself quite literally. The trails loop and reconnect, and we even made a wrong turn at one point, ending up on a historic logging road. It would have returned us to one of the main trails eventually, but at a cost of missing the rapids and our lunch spot high above the Depot Creek. Hike leaders never like to admit they are lost—just momentarily confused. It helped little to announce that I often get turned around in a supermarket. However, we erred by only a few metres and were soon back on the right trail. Birds ahead of us on the trail had the profile of sparrows, but it was hard to tell as more than a dozen kept bouncing from tree to tree. Finally, our binoculars focused on one long enough to determine that these were Fox Sparrows. It was a treat to reacquaint ourselves with these large sparrows, as they do not nest around here, but in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. It is only at this time of the year when they pass through, usually in twos and threes, thinning out in November as they head to their wintering grounds in the southern United States. It was one of the high points for us this day as such large numbers are seldom encountered in one
concentrated spot. By mid-April, we shall see them again, on their spring migration northwards. It was Thanksgiving, and we were surely thankful for the gifts of Nature that were bestowed on us during this hike. The hike reminded us of the importance of preserving these wild places that feed our soul, on not only Thanksgiving but every day of the year. Terry Sprague lives in Prince Edward County and is a retired interpretive naturalist and hike leader. See his website at www.naturestuff.net. He can be reached at tsprague@xplornet.com
A Harvest Of Quilts Saturday, October 26 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Our quilt show will be held at: Trinity United Church 6689 Road 38 Verona, Ontario Entry Fee $5.00 This gives admission to the quilt show, boutique, demonstrations, and local vendor displays. The show focuses on quilts using both traditional and modern methods. The show will feature the works of a local fiber artist, Beth Abbott. There will be refreshments and lunch available for additional costs. Local vendors will have displays offering items for sale. The Trinity Quilters will have a boutique selling a variety of handmade and machine made items. Raffle tickets will be sold on site. The proceeds from this event will be shared among: Trinity United Church, South Frontenac Community Services and the Trinity Quilters (for their ongoing charitable projects).
Mon-Tue 10am-6pm • Wed-Fri 9am-6pm • Sat 9am-noon
Thanksgiving Dinner October 11-12-13 Closed Monday and Tuesday
For more information please contact Angie @ 613-374-3711 or email her at trinityquiltshow@gmail.com.
October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
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The Land Between: An Important Place to Protect Mickey Sandell
T
he Land Between bioregion is found in south-central Ontario, between the Canadian Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands, and spans from the Georgian Bay Coast across nine counties to the Ottawa Valley. It is virtually the last mainly intact wilderness left in southern Ontario and is a final refuge for many common species in Ontario such as the black bear, moose, river otter, osprey, and ruby-throated hummingbird. It is the last stronghold for 57 federally listed species at risk and an additional 30 listed provincially, including the Blanding’s turtle, Loggerhead Shrike, Common Nighthawk, Little Brown Bat, Western Chorus Frog, Eastern Ribbon snake, Five-Lined Skink, and more… Because of its diversity, richness, and physiographic features, the Land Between provides a wealth of ecosystem services that support the health and vitality of both southern Ontario and northern Ontario, and especially during climate change. “This region is a land of hope. It has buffering capacity against Climate Change that no other area in Ontario can match, and it will support our well-being and that of our children into the future, but only if it remains intact” explains Leora Berman, Founder and Chief Officer of the Land Between charity, a non-government organization that bears the same name as the region it cares for.
Both The Land Between bioregion and the charity received due recognition and also support in a grant awarded by Environment Canada, as one of only 15 areas across Canada chosen under the Community-Nominated Priority Places program. The Land Between, however, received special attention in the media release: “One of the projects under the Community-Nominated Priority Places program targets The Land Between bioregion. It covers almost 3 million hectares, from Georgian Bay to the Ottawa Valley. This project (in collaboration with 10 partners) is expected to benefit 57 species at risk, including the little brown bat, the eastern (Algonquin) wolf, and the golden-winged warbler. Details on other projects will be released over the coming months, as agreements with local partners are finalized.” “As a grassroots and non-government charity, we are very honoured to be awarded this capacity. We take this opportunity seriously and will work to ensure it translates into meaningful solutions and protection of our natural capital-wildlife and biodiversity to benefit all,” said Leora. “We will be using agile, innovative mapping and integrative and strategic planning, but equally importantly, we will use a collaborative and community approach to achieve many of our goals under this grant, working directly with landowners for all species, but especially when it
comes to Algonquin Wolf.” Leora has expressed that both herself, and her Board of Directors made up of local landowners, seasonal cottage owners, and First Nations, have trepidations over the approach taken within the Algonquin Wolf Recovery strategy. “We have concerns that the research is perhaps limited in scope, and that it has not included enough local knowledge. There are outstanding questions. It does not seem to sufficiently explore the behaviour, biology and impact of the hybrid species, the coy-wolf.” Leora explains that she has heard many concerns expressed by hunters and trappers throughout the region and even to the north, that the hybrid coy-wolf may be negatively affecting beaver populations and other food sources, on which wolves depend. And this may be significant because, if true, the coy-wolf may not only impact wolves in this way but wildlife species at all levels of the food chain. Leora says she has also heard many other incongruous accounts that need to be heeded and concerns even over wetland habitat in general that need to be considered. “We would like to get a picture of what is happening on the landscape from those that live on the landscape and then we can compare notes with the science that has been conducted.” The Land Between will, therefore, be calling for and convening local “Talking Circles” to focus on the wolf issue.
Talking Circles are an ancient and democratic way of dialogue and decision-making that ensures that everyone is heard. Talking Circles have been used effectively by the charity in past projects to understand the state of the resource across the region, and according to Leora, they are needed more and more: “Community meetings, public engagement, and listening to local knowledge seem to be falling by the wayside in our modern and fast-paced arenas”. These circle-meetings will be held across the region for landowners to share accounts of what they are witnessing on the land. “Most biologists that we have consulted with recognize that the largest limiting factor for an apex predator such as the wolf is habitat. Therefore, we need to explore all facets of that equation in moving forward with any meaningful actions.” Besides strategic mapping, planning, and “wolf-circles,” Leora says that landowners can expect opportunities to emerge from the effort including ways in which people can become involved in Citizen Science or habitat management, from turtle road surveys to bird bioblitzes, angler diaries, and invasive species control teams. She also says to expect some direct support in the form of site visits and habitat monitoring, stewardship, and restoration plans for individual landowners. Berman expresses, however, the need for patience because, “there is a ton of work to do and in a very little time!” The Federal grant extends until March 2021. To find out more or to contact The Land Between charity, visit www. thelandbetween.ca or email Leora Berman at info@thelandbetween.ca.
• General excavation - land clearing, basements, retaining walls, trenching, etc. • Septic systems - design and licensed installer • Landscaping • Trucking - sand, gravel and topsoil • Demolition - buildings, barns, etc. For all your excavating needs call RICK at Cell: 613-561-6585 Email: rick.tuepah@gmail.com
Deborah Carr-Harris R.N.
Amherstview Community Market Garage Sale September 28 & October 26 You are invited to join us with
• 40+ yrs. experience in mental health • In-patient/out-patient and private practice (fee for service) • Currently expanding my private practice to include phone sessions, providing counselling services from the comfort of your own home or office
Initial contact to sort details:
debcarr-harris@hotmail.com
your garage sale items. There is NO FEE. Just come out and we will assign you a space. Hope to see you at one or both of the two upcoming Garage Sale Saturday(s)! For more information, please contact Al Beatty: allanbeatty@hotmail.com
THE BOOK SHOP
Reading
JOHN STEFFLER & STAN DRAGLAND
LANE Veterinary Services
Serving Animals Mon, Tue, Thu: 8:30 am to 5 pm Dr. Calvin Lane, DVM Pets & Farm
Thurs: 8:30am-5pm Saturday, October 19 @ 2 p.m.Mon, Tues, 211 McQuay St. Free event. All are welcome.
GOOD QUALITY, SECOND HAND BOOKS
October hours: Fri-Sat-Sun, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. November & December hours: By chance or appointment
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Since 1983
Wed: 8:30am-7pm Fri: 8:30am-4pm R.R. #3 Yarker, ON K0K 3N0 Sat: 10am-1pm
211 McQuay St. off Cty. Rd. #6 Wed: 8:30 am to 7 pm (between Colebrook & Moscow) RR#3 Yarker, Fri: 8:30 amON to 4K0K pm 3N0 Emergency Service By Appointment Sat: 10 am to 1 pm
Bridge St. E. at the foot of Peel www.lanevetservices.ca TAMWORTH www.lanevetservices.ca www.lanevetservices.ca info@lanevetservices.ca info@lanevetservices.ca Farm Emergencies By App’t. 613-379-2108 www.tamworthbookshop.com info@tamworthbookshop.com (613) 358-2833 or 1-888-832-1904 “Prevention is the Best Medicine”
The SCOOP • October / November 2019
(613) 358-2833 or 1-888-832-1904
Returning to Our Roots: Down to Earth Forestry
Supporting Budding Genealogists at the Library
Susan Moore
Catherine Coles
I
G
f you would like to learn the latest in forest science, practical woodlot advice, and wildlife citizen science, then the 30th annual Trenton Woodlot Conference is for you.
enealogy is a popular pastime that involves tracing family lineages and discovering one’s ancestral history. It is an interest shared by many Canadians, including Nobel Awardwinning author Alice Munro.
This year’s theme is “Returning to our Roots: Down to Earth Forestry.” The Ontario Woodlot Association (Quinte and Limestone chapters) and Hastings Stewardship Council will host the event on Friday, November 22 at the Batawa Community Centre, just north of Trenton. The Trenton Woodlot Conference is a 30-year-old gathering of woodlot owners, foresters, forestry service providers, and ordinary people drawn by the calibre of speakers, workshops, and vendors. The Trenton Woodlot Conference was originally created as one of three regional conferences; the others being Kawartha and Kemptville. The Trenton Woodlot Conference quickly became (and still is) the premier woodlot event in our area. For many, the Conference is a highly anticipated reunion with old friends and catching up on the news. For new woodlot owners, it’s a chance to absorb the knowledge of experienced landowners and forestry professionals. Those who do not own a woodlot, but savour the forest environment, will enjoy the offerings and a like-minded crowd. The program features a wide variety of speakers. The Inclusive Forest: Wetlands, Water, Wildlife and Wood will be presented by Thom Snowman. Thom retired recently, after serving 26 years as a forester supervising the 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) of actively managed oak and pine forests that protect Boston’s drinking water, a forest-filtered system that serves 2.2 million customers. Thom will relate how lessons learned from managing those forests might be applied to maintain healthy, productive Ontario woodlots. What’s Under the Leaf Litter presented by Sebastian Belliard, Soil Management Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs. Sebastian will explain nutrient cycling, soil structure, and soil ecology, including how to read the landscape and understand soil variability. Learn more about soil and woodlot ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and water purification. Beavers: Struggles with Co-existence presented by Joseph Reid, General Manager of Transportation and Operations with the City of Belleville. How do we protect fur-bearing animals in their natural habitat, while protecting the existing environment? This will help everyone to think outside the box in developing sustainable long-term approaches to beaver control and co-existence. Technology in the Woodlot: Creating Your Biodiversity Inventory. Ian Fife is the Ontario Forest Birds at Risk program coordinator with Bird Studies Canada. Ian will help landowners with citizen science stewardship of their forested properties, focusing on current technology and apps for collecting data. Chainsaw Safety Basics presented by Todd Fritzley, owner & instructor of BPF Safety & Consulting. Todd owns a tree care education business specializing in
In her 2006 novel of short stories “The View from Castle Rock,” Munro writes about the fascinating, tumultuous lives of her ancestors. Developed through years of thorough research, Munro (nee Laidlaw) tells several stories, beginning with the Laidlaw family in the hills of 18th century Scotland.
chainsaw use and safety training. He will relate all the essentials you need to know when you pick up a chainsaw. Always a hit at the conference is the field trip, an afternoon option. This year, the woods walk (right next to the Batawa Centre) will be led by Justin Smith, a professional arborist and Tim Trustham, an ecologist at Quinte Conservation. Join the group for Forest Vigour: Things to Look for in Your Woodlot. You will be well fed! At noon, attendees will enjoy a litter-less locally sourced hot lunch prepared by chef and woodlot owner Andreas Appelbaum – extending stewardship and sustainable practices from the forest to the table. This is a zero-waste event: all waste will be composted or recycled. Also, a carbon footprint survey of the conference will be done. The large exhibitors’ area is a central focus of the conference, featuring conservation efforts in our communities, as well as products and services. The extensive book table is a great resource. Help celebrate the 30th annual Trenton Woodlot gathering. Learn practical forestry tips, hobnob with the forestry professionals, and take an inspiring walk in the woods.
Trenton Woodlot Conference
With vibrant prose, Munro details the family’s life in Scotland, their eventual voyage to Canada, and the difficulties they faced living as pioneers in the new country. The book traces through the generations, culminating with Munro’s first-person stories set during her own lifetime. Living in the County of Lennox & Addington, we are lucky to have many genealogical resources at our disposal. The County Museum and Archives provides users access to Lennox & Addington census records, published and unpublished genealogies, genealogical reference works, micrographic sources, card indices, and family files. The library offers patrons free access to ancestry. com for in-library use. If you are interested in some of the resources the museum (and County Libraries) offers budding genealogists, take note of some of our upcoming programs. On October 10 at the Tamworth Branch Library at 10 a.m., you can learn about historical property searches with Kim Kerr, Archivist at the Lennox & Addington Museum & Archives. Historical property searches are incredibly useful for genealogists as they can give one insight into where their ancestors lived and when they lived there. Kim will give you a rundown on how you can learn more about your family and/or community history using this important archival tool. This workshop will also be held at the Amherstview Branch on November 6 at 10 a.m. and the Napanee Branch on December 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Also on October 10 in Tamworth at 11 a.m., Kim will be holding an Ask the Archivist session. Do you want to learn more about the archives? What about how to access and read records? Not sure where to start in your genealogy research? This is your opportunity to ask an expert. Ask the Archivist will also be held at the Amherstview Branch on November 6 at 11 a.m. and the Napanee Branch on December 4 at 4:30 p.m. Finally, we’ll be holding a special presentation titled DNA for Genealogy: Which Test and Why? With so many DNA kits on the market, are you wondering which one is best suited for your needs? Whether you are giving it as a gift or would like it for personal use, Joyce Fingland will explain the differences between the kits to help you decode your DNA. Join us on November 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Amherstview Branch or 2 p.m. at the Napanee Branch. “The View from Castle Rock” is available to reserve at your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries. For further details about our upcoming programs and events, please visit www. CountyLibrary.ca.
Location: 81 Plant Street, Batawa, ON K0K 1E0 Date: Friday, November 22 Time: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program begins at 8:45 a.m. RSVP by November 15 (to ensure your place at the lunch table) Register online at: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/trenton-woodlotconferenceregistration-69774097203 For (non-E) tickets and more information, contact Dave Sexsmith at owalimestone@gmail.com or 613-373-9334 October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
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Lennox Community Theatre 2019-20 Season Cathy Palmer
W
e are looking forward to the opening of our first show of the season at Selby’s Lennox Community Theatre. “The Dressing Room” is a comedy by Kingston playwright, Peggy Hallett, and is a unique opportunity to have a director/ playwright bring her show, set, and costumes to our theatre. Local actor Abigael Roy is on the Selby stage again. Watch for her playing the role of Rebecca! The production will run for six shows: September 27, 28, October 5, 6 at 8 p.m. and for two matinees, September 29 and October 6 at 2 p.m. You can buy tickets in advance online at www.lennoxtheatre. ca/tickets or reserve a seat at the door on the day of the show. Our next play will be a comedy called “The Rented Christmas” by Norman C. Ahern Jr & Yvonne Ahern. It will be directed by Michelle Dorey Forestell and
runs from November 22 to December 7, just in time to get you into the Christmas spirit. In the new year, from February 7 to 9, we are holding a Community Variety Show produced by Nicole Butler. Keep your fingers crossed for no ice storms! By March, we will be ready for the hilarious comedy, “The Dixie Swim Club” by Jessie Jones, Nicolas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. It runs from March 20 to April 4 and will be directed by Andy Palmer. To close out the season, we have a musical comedy, “Married Alive!” by Sean Grennan. It runs from May 29 to June 13, and Lisa Flannagan is directing. If you are interested in acting or volunteering contact the theatre at info@ lennoxtheatre.ca. We’d love to have you join us!
the knitting elves are working on knitted items for the Christmas baskets. They are looking for knitters and wool donations. Contact Brenda Mayhew at 613-379-9906 or visit www.TheKnittingElves.org
Walk On Free indoor walking program November to April INVISTA Centre
Memorial Centre
Perth Road Public School
Napanee District Secondary School
9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
Rideau Heights Community Centre 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday
In partnership with: City of Kingston and Limestone District School Board
For weather cancellations, visit kflaph.ca/Calendar.
kflaph.ca/WalkOn
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The SCOOP • October / November 2019
QFN Lecture Series Denice Wilkins
H
ow can we live a good life while consuming less and even producing zero waste? How is the climate crisis affecting us locally? Why is saving caribou so vitally important but also one of Canada’s most daunting conservation challenges? These are a few of the interesting questions explored in the Quinte Field Naturalist’s 2019-2020 Lecture Series held the fourth Monday of each month from September through April. In the September lecture, wasp expert Dr. Thomas Onuferko dispelled some common misconceptions about wasps and described their ecological and economic importance. In early October, biologist and professional birding guide Mike Burrell revealed the Best Places to Bird in Ontario. On November 25, Trent Biology professor and passionate advocate for the North, Jim Schaefer, will explain what is required of us as a nation to keep the iconic caribou on the landscape. Laura Nash, host and producer of the podcast, “Zero Waste Countdown”, will be the speaker next January 2020. She will share insights on sustainable living gleaned from interviews with everyone from fashion designers to the federal Minister of Environment & Climate Change.
veteran Presqu’ile Naturalist David Bree, will share stories about the raft of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies that he has watched migrate through the park every spring and fall. In April, the series will wrap up with a fundraising dinner and presentation by Max Finkelstein – named one of Canada’s top 100 living explorers by Canadian Geographic and recipient of the Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature. He will lead a virtual journey of discovery, based on his book, “Canoeing a Continent: On the Trail of Alexander Mackenzie.” It’s a must-see for anyone who loves wild places, history, and the magic of canoes! The Quinte Field Naturalists is an affiliate of Ontario Nature and works locally for education and conservation of our wild species and wild spaces. Programs are held at 7 p.m. at Sills Auditorium, Bridge Street United Church in Belleville. Programs are free (donations appreciated) and open to all. Refreshments are served. For more information, please contact Denice Wilkins at 613-478-5070 or visit www. facebook.com/QuinteFieldNaturalists.
WAYLEN CAR WASH
In February, Quinte Conservation’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Brad McNevin, will speak to how climate change is affecting the Quinte area and what can be done to mitigate its effects. Next March,
DRIVE WITH PRIDE… Keep your vehicles looking their best!! Dave & Barb Way
CTY RD. 4, TAMWORTH
Solution to the crossword puzzle on page 13:
Puzzle Page Crossword: “All in the Family” by Matt Gaffney
Sudoku
October / November 2019 • The SCOOP
13
Kingston’s Prison Farms Abuzz With Activity Dianne Dowling
T
hings are buzzing at Kingston’s two prison farms these days—literally.
After a small pilot beekeeping project in 2018 with two beehives at Collins Bay Institution, this year there are ten hives each at Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions. About 25 inmates have been looking after the hives, attending courses, and have received certificates in beekeeping to add to their employment files. CORCAN, the division of the Correctional Service of Canada that operates employment-training programs, expects they will harvest about 25 gallons of honey, which they will be bottling for use in area institutions. The beekeeping project is part of the return of the prison farm program at the two Kingston institutions. Almost ten years ago, the federal government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, closed the six prison farms across Canada, despite a vigorous 18-month grassroots campaign in the Kingston region to keep the prison farms operating. At the time, there was one prison farm each in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, and two within the boundaries of Kingston. The government said the program was costing $4 million annually and that few inmates were getting farm jobs after they served their terms. Prison farm supporters argued the farms offered training in important employment skills that are applicable in many occupations and provided rehabilitation and therapy that helped inmates to better integrate into life outside the prison. The 2018 federal budget, under the Liberal government, provided funds to
re-open the program at the two Kingston prison farms. Since then, inmates have been involved in producing field crops, repairing drainage systems, building fences, and renovating farm buildings. Inmates are tending gardens at both sites and have donated several hundred pounds of fresh vegetables to community organizations such as the food bank, shelters and food providers such as Martha’s Table and Loving Spoonful. On a recent tour of the prison farm at Joyceville, staff discovered that the old orchard trees on the farm are loaded this year with apples and pears. The fruit, which is in beautiful condition, has been donated to community organizations. CORCAN will engage inmates in managing the orchards in future years. There are plans to expand Joyceville’s maple syrup production (a program for Indigenous inmates), and discussions are being held about establishing hazelnut trees at Collins Bay, as part of a research project through Queen’s University. A small number of cattle arrived at the prison farms in the spring—six dairy yearlings at Collins Bay and 17 beef stockers at Joyceville. Plans call for construction of dairy cow and dairy goat operations at Joyceville, and caring for young goats and cattle at Collins Bay, giving inmates at both institutions the opportunity to work with animals. These steps towards re-establishing prison farms in Kingston are satisfying to the hundreds of people in this region, and across Canada, who fought a decade ago against the closure of the prison farms. Thank you to prison farm supporters everywhere for persevering in the campaign to save (and to re-establish)
Beehives at Joyceville Institution, September 2019. Photo provided by CORCAN. our prison farms. While the process of restoring the farms is underway, public support is still very valuable in keeping the process going. We look forward to seeing the prison farm program succeed here, and for it to be adapted and implemented at other prisons in Canada. Dianne is a member of the Save Our Prison Farms organizing committee and a member of CORCAN’s prison farm citizens advisory panel. Her family operates a certified organic farm on Howe Island, east of Kingston.
THANK YOU A special thank you to Lorraine Prue for organizing the Quilt Show for another year. Also thank you to: Maureen Gaffney for printing up the flyers, Heidi Lind for her hard work displaying the quilts, Marie Williams for the Lion’s Food Box, Mavis Way, Michelle Way, and Cheryl Gaffney for working the Quilt Show. The gladiolas donated by Michele & Cam Mather were a nice surprise and lovely addition to the show. Last but not least, my personal thank you to Mark Oliver for putting the photos & stories together and printing them for me. A warm thank you to Sheila Way who looked after the Guest Register. Thank you to all who supported the quilt show. It was so wonderful seeing old friends & making new friends.
Congratulations to the new Repair Café Stone Mills! We at Repair Café Frontenac wish you a resounding success with your first repair café! Repair Café is an exciting international initiative that’s growing rapidly, with 1,895 repair cafés around the world as of September 11. Repair Cafés are free meeting places and they’re all about repairing things together, keeping items out of our landfill sites, and building the repair/re-use philosophy. Fixers at Repair Cafés love the challenge of diagnosing and trying to fix or help you fix things to make them usable again, so bring on your broken things! Welcome aboard, Repair Café Stone Mills!
We are so fortunate to live in a community where people care about each other. Close-up of one of the apple trees at Joyceville Institution, September 2019. Photo provided by CORCAN.
Elsa Knight
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Winter – Embrace It and Stay Active
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t’s tempting to stay inside and cocoon for the winter but fall prevention experts recommend keeping active. Walking helps us to avoid falls because it improves our balance, strength, and posture. A brisk, invigorating walk is also a great way to enjoy a change in scenery, lift your spirits, and socialize.
Getting Started
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Begin gradually and build stamina. If you haven’t been physically active, increase your walking every day. Join a walking group such as Walk-on, KFL&A Public Health’s indoor walking program, or organize a neighbourhood walk. Check out other exercise options by calling 211 or visit www. southeasthealthline.ca.
Walking in the Great Outdoors
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Choose clothing that is bright and reflective so you can be easily seen. Check the conditions to decide what to wear. Dressing in layers keeps you comfortable and allows you to make changes as you warm up. Choose footwear that is stable, well-insulated and with a non-slip sole. Visit www.ratemytreads.com for winter boots that have been tested in different winter conditions. Not all brands have been tested, but you can see some that have a good rating for slip resistance. Monitor the weather. Do a different activity if it is too icy, windy, cold or an otherwise hazardous day. Many falls happen on days following an ice storm. Use canes, walking poles, ice-grippers, and other assistive devices to help prevent a fall.
Plan Ahead
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Tell someone where you’re going and for how long. Wear sunscreen, especially around your ears and lips, when the UV index is high. Even when it’s cold the sun’s rays can cause harm. Bring your cell phone in case you run into difficulty. Know where the washrooms are. Walk with your hands free; not in your pockets. If you start to slip, you can regain your balance easier if your hands are free. Scan your environment for dangers. Look for trip hazards, black ice, cracks, uneven and changing surfaces, and objects that block your way. Walk on designated paths and look for areas with benches to rest. Move slowly if you find yourself walking on ice. Keep your knees loose, shorten your strides and shuffle your feet. Wet leaves, rain and snowdrifts can be as risky as ice. Take extra care on the last step of stairs. This is a common place for a fall. Use the handrail whenever possible for support. Give time for your eyes to adjust when going from outdoors to indoors and vice versa, especially if you have glasses with lenses that turn dark in sunlight. Take your time and enjoy the walk.
After Your Walk
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Assess how you feel. If you are sore, switch to shorter walks and gradually increase your walking time. Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you dizzy. This increases the risk of falling. Women need 9 cups of fluids
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Helpful Tips
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Robert Storring OFFICES 44 Industrial Blvd. Napanee
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each day; men need 12. Look out for others. Inform your municipality about any trip hazards that are their responsibility.
If you drive to a walking area, get out of your car slowly. Turn your whole body out of the vehicle and place both feet firmly on the ground before standing up. Plan your walks for when you are well-hydrated and not overly hungry. Maintain a regular schedule of vision and hearing checks to ensure you are fully aware of potential hazards. Keep your doctor informed of your physical activity level. Medication could increase your risk of falling. Take your time. This is the best tip of all!
For more information on physical activity for older adults go to www.csep. ca. If you would like more information to
keep yourself independent by avoiding falls, the partners for Fall Prevention Month have a toolkit of resources including a large section for older adults and their caregivers. Visit www. fallpreventionmonth.ca. Contact KFL&A Public Health for more information on fall prevention resources and programs in the community, 613-549-1232, ext. 1180. “Adapted and reprinted with permission from Huron-Perth Boomers Magazine www.huronperthboomers.com by authors Marguerite Thomas and Emily Powell”.
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FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE from The Stone Mills Fire Department Call us for a home fire safety check: 613-378-2475 DECEMBER 13-15, 2019 Roblin Wesleyan Church 3100 County Rd 41, Roblin On
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