The SCOOP May-June 2011

SCOOP The

SPRING-SUMMER 2011

celebrates rural life

The Northern Parula

Bee-ing True to Nature

Sherry Pringle’s New Book

Erinsville at 175

Local Cemeteries

Shearing at Topsy

SCOOP Here’s the scoop.....

THE

A newsmagazine that celebrates rural life in the communities, north of the 401 and south of Hwy 7 Published six times yearly by Salmon River Marketing P.O. Box 38, 5 Ottawa Street., Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0 Voice: 613-379-1128 salmonrivercompany@gmail.com Circulated on rotation, free to about 6000 households by Canada Post.

Subscriptions by first class mail in a plain brown envelope: One year: $30 + HST = $33.90

By Angela Jouris Saxe, Editor

I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.

~James Michener Writing is a skill that is practiced every day in a variety of forms, but not everyone loves the process. To many, writing is torturous; an activity that harks back to the dread they felt when their teacher returned their assignments – words circled in red, sentences slashed, arrows indicating paragraphs indentations or other grammatical errors.

For others, writing is an unstoppable outpouring of words and images. From the opening page of a diary or journal, the writer seeks to find meaning in her reflections, observations, emotions and dreams. It’s private. The diarist isn’t interested in good sentence structure; there will be no editing, no rewrites, and no desire to be published. Diary entries are raw and honest – something to protect.

THE PUBLISHER / DESIGNER Richard Saxe saxe.richard@gmail.com THE EDITOR Angela Jouris Saxe angela.saxe@gmail.com THE COPY EDITOR Michael Saxe michael.saxe@gmail.com AD SALES salmonrivercompany@gmail.com THE CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Terry Sprague, Gary Michael Dault, J. Huntress, Debbie Fenton, Alicia Huntley, Grace Smith, Blair McDonald, Linda Selkirk, Karen Holmes, Marg Allore, Sally Bowen, Barb Wilson, Angela Saxe, Heather Spencer, Cheryl Anderson, Susan Moore, Susan Howlett, Lady Lyssa Afton & Cassandra Idola We choose not to publish some of our contributors’ email addresses. If you wish to contact them, please drop us a line that we will forward to them.

Copyright©2011.

Articles may be reprinted only with written permission from the publisher and author. The Scoop is an independent publication and is not affiliated with nor funded by any corporation or interest group.

Letters and submissions are most welcome and encouraged. This is your community newsmagazine devoted to celebrating the stories and lives of the folks who live here.

Get involved!

Let us know what’s happening in your area.

Cover photo: The northern parula has two different songs in the spring. Photo by Greg Barteluk

Other writers want to explore ideas; they want to research, interview, question and then piece together their findings into a convincing piece of prose. They want to challenge or inform the reader. Any topic is worthy of their interest and if they can hook us in the first couple of sentences, we’re prepared to follow them to the end.

When Richard and I decided to publish the Scoop we had already published Complete Health, a magazine promoting healthy alternatives for mind, body and spirit. We’ve used the same basic philosophy in both publications: it should be free, it should be written primarily by non-professionals who have a passion for their topic and it should not be blatant self-promotion for the writer. Complete Health was a successful magazine and we like to think that the Scoop is popular for the same reasons.

One of our first writers on the Scoop was Barry Lovegrove. He roamed the countryside interviewing people with a story to tell and he was always there with his camera to capture a special mo-

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ment in a photograph. After five years, Barry decided to give up his pen and concentrate more on his photography, his music and his other passions. He is sorely missed by our readers and by us. We wish him well.

Over the past five years, a great variety of people have written for the Scoop. Their writing skills have ranged from the amateur to the gifted, from the student to the professional. We’ve had retired professors and published journalists; students who eventually went on to studying journalism and retired English teachers who found themselves with the time to do their own writing. But every one of our writers shares Miguel Cervantes’s belief that, “the pen is the tongue of the mind.” The impulse to share one’s thoughts and ideas drives each person to pick up their pen, or turn on the computer. Writing is a very brave act and it’s hard work. To all Scoop writers, past and present - Thank you!

Some advice for would be writers: Do not put statements in the negative form.

And don’t start sentences with a conjunction.

If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.

Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.

De-accession euphemisms.

If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.

Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.

Last, but not least, avoid clichés like the plague. ~William Safire, “Great Rules of Writing”

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Bear by Marian Engel

By Gary Dault

S

he looked at the bear. He sat there, solid as a sofa, domestic, a rug of a bear.

She went to kneel beside him. He smelled better than he had before he started swimming, but his essential smell was still there, a scent of musk as shrill as the high, sweet note of a shepherd’s flute.”

This, it seems to me, is great writing. It’s from Bear, a novel published in 1976 by Canadian writer Marian Engel (1933-1985).

The book was wildly controversial at the time (but nevertheless won Engel a Governor General’s Award in 1976), no doubt because it is primarily about the erotic relationship between a lonely, aging and sensuously unfulfilled Toronto archival librarian and bibliographer (she speaks despairingly of “her waning flesh”) and a tattered old bear. The bear, which is half wild and half a sort of pet, is kept in an enclosure behind a now abandoned colonial mansion on an island in northern Ontario—the richly endowed library of which the protagonist has come, for the summer, to catalogue.

The librarian’s name is Lou and Engel establishes her presence and her problem quickly and vividly in the very first sentence of the book: “In the winter, she lived like a mole [the book’s imagery is alive with animals], buried deep in her office among maps and manuscripts.”

Lou needs awakening—in the sense of needing to feel something. The bear behind the island house needs care. A relationship of some sort or other is clearly meant to be.

And the fact that it does take place—and the way it takes place—created a huge fuss at the time and apparently still does. One recent Internet review—if that’s the right word for what is simply a hysterical cry of outrage—found it necessary to deplore the book in the following robust terms: “If you can stand reading about his tongue’s [i.e. the bear’s] ‘vertical crease’ or his hoo-hoodilly’s ‘cartiliginous sheath,’ if despite the bad prose, uninteresting characters, and a plotline as mind-numbingly cliché in its themes as it is freshly, grotesquely surreal in its details, and most of all, if you just have to know what in hell she did with a bear, then Bear is just the book for you.”

“Hoo-hoo-dilly”? “Bad prose”? “Uninteresting characters”? It’s difficult to believe we’ve both been reading the same book.

Positioned by most critics as Engel’s exuberant, full-bodied triumph over the misogyny of mainstream Canadian society—as a lover, Lou’s bear is apparently a warm, passionate and vital alternative to the drab, colourless, life-negating men she had previously experienced—the novel takes its place deep in that fervid emotional landscape explored by critic and theorist Northrop Frye in his book, The Bush Garden: Essays on the Canadian Imagination, 1971, and further enriched by Margaret Atwood in her Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature, published a year later.

Frye employs the now-famous term “garrison mentality” to characterize the positing of differences between, say, an outpost of light and warmth and safety, and the dark, unknowable forest hovering all around.

But of course in the case of Lou’s isolated historic house and moldering library, over which she reigns for a summer, the “garrison” polarities are reversed: it is the island, the house and the bear which provide warmth and assurance, and it is the banality and coarseness of mainland life (and especially of city life) that embody threat.

At one point, for example, Lou takes the house’s motorboat to the mainland for supplies (and, in contrast to the company of her bear, for some human—albeit unnourishing—attention). “She went to the boat,” writes Engel, “and rammed around the channel like any other foolish motorized person….”

Frye quotes British poet Rupert Brooke on the “unseizable virginity” of the Canadian landscape. Again, in Bear, the opposite is true: for Lou, the unspoiled, virgin landscape has become eminently “seizable,” whereas, by contrast, her life in Toronto, sequestered away in her basement office at the Kafka-esque “Institute,” has been arid, shriveled, and glumly isolating: “Her basement room at the Institute was close to the steam pipes and protectively lined with books, wooden filing cabinets and very old, brown photographs of unlikely people….”

What Lou needs—and what she achieves—is to be reborn from this dusty, airless anti-womb of an office and loosed into the newfound Eden that is her northern island where, like Eve and Adam, she and the bear, can frolic like children. Oh brave new world that hath such creatures in it! Despite her tender if somewhat disturbing sexual congress with the bear, there is, in the end, a palpable guilelessness and consequent deep joy in their relationship. There are times when Lou sounds almost like Christopher Robin at play with Winnie-the-Pooh: “ ‘Oh bear,’ she laughed, ‘we’re a funny pair.’ He turned around and quite definitely grinned’.”

Here are the lovers at play: “The next morning was hot. She took the bear down to the river, hooked his chain on a nail in the dock, and jumped naked into the water beside him. He seemed enormous, with his fur alternately flaring out and clinging seallike. She dog-paddled beside him, scooping little waves towards him. He slapped the water with his paw in return…”

This is the sound of the pastoral mode in operation, of the myth of idyllic childhood absorbingly enacted: here are two innocents cavorting in the fields of the lord.

Because Marian Engel’s prose is so gleamingly assured, so consummately pointed and exacting, she manages, in her joyous realism, to displace and occlude, to a very large degree, her novel’s inescapably mythic underpinnings—and this, no doubt, is the source of much of the outrage the book generated—and continues to generate.

But the thing is clearly a work of high literary art. There is unbearable sadness and exhilarating triumph in the book’s final sentence: Lou is driving back to the city and observes (her vision now clarified by her recent transformation) that “It was a brilliant night, all star-shine, and overhead the Great Bear and his thirty-seven thousand virgins kept her company.”

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Bee-ing True to Nature Biodynamic Principles To Help The Honey Bee

By Karen Holmes

H

oney bees have lived with humans for over 10, 000 years. Images of bees have been carved into the walls of Egyptian tombs and sanctuaries; Paleolithic rock-paintings depicting hives and bees have been found in Spain; and the brightly-coloured Bhimbetka caves in India illustrate bee-keeping practices of the Mesolithic era. All around the world, one finds evidence of this millennia-old relationship of respect and cooperation between honey-bees and humans: it can be seen today amongst Australian Aboriginals, and the indigenous peoples of the Amazon River basin; in the savannah of Africa and in the jungles of Malaysia. In these cultures, bees are considered the sacred carriers and magical transformers of the sun’s energies; in antiquity, bee honey was considered food for the gods and, in most cultures, could not be bought or sold.

The name for bee in Irish Gaelic is beo and can be translated as alive or living; the Greek word bios also shares relationship with the word bee. Seldom has there been a creature that has produced so many useful substances for human beings: honey for food, pollen and propolis for medicine, wax for building and candle-making; even bee venom is used to treat auto-immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The honey-bee is one of our beneficial insects: everything it touches turns toward abundance and fertility. Well-pollinated crops will have a production yield 2-8 times greater than those that receive scant or little pollination.

This remarkable being has one of the most complex and peaceful social orders in the animal-kingdom. Queen, workers and drones: the bee-colony thinks as one mind and breathes as one body. Its energies are taken up in feeding and caring for the good of the whole hive, and for its progeny, the brood. In many ways, the honey-bee is the most self-less of creatures.

A world without honey bees would be a world empty of many of the things we take for granted. Common crops such as apples, cucumbers, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, beans, buckwheat and canola would have to rely on other pollinators in order to produce their fruit or grain. (The latest report from the UN’s environmental agency claims that out of 100 crop species, which provide 90% of the food worldwide, 71 are pollinated by honey bees.) Crop yields would decline and world hunger, already a major problem, would increase. The disaster this would spell for humanity is well-documented in such recent books as Fruitless Fall by Rowan Jacobsen and A Spring Without Bees by Michael Schacker.

And this is just what we know will happen: there may be other effects and benefits of the bee that we have not yet fully identified. Mysteriously, the very presence of bees (and other stinging insects such as wasps and ants) is linked to higher rates of rejuvenation in damaged or burned forests.

The bee seems to carry within it some chemical that gives life to the plant-kingdom. If this mystery chemical that the bee carries were suddenly to disappear along with the

bees, what would be the consequences?

And the honey bee is disappearing.

In the early 1950s, there were over 5.5 million colonies of honey bees in the US; that number has now dropped to a little over 2 million. The most extreme expression of the bee’s demise is Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD. The first recorded case was identified in mid-November 2006 by Pennsylvania migratory bee-keeper, Chris Hackenburg: the worker bees from almost all of his 2900 colonies stationed in Florida abruptly disappeared leaving behind the brood and a fullstore of honey and pollen. This mysterious disorder quickly spread to other colonies and to other locations. By March of 2007 (a mere four months later), thirty-three states were reporting Colony Collapse Disorder.

As of today, there are only eleven states in the US that can say that they do not have widespread occurrence of Colony Collapse Disorder; 30 - 90% of all hives have been affected, the disorder particularly affecting the migratory bee-keepers who transport their bees across North America to pollinate various commercial crops (almonds in California, blueberries in Maine, watermelons in Texas and so on).

CCD has been noted in at least five Canadian provinces. Beekeepers in this country are also facing record losses from CCD and other factors: in 2006-2007.

Winter mortality increased dramatically with 231, 034 colonies dying over the winter, a rate of 36%. Last winter (2009-2010) in Ontario, 21.6% of all bee colonies were lost.

The verdict is still out on the winter of 20102011.

Scientists and beekeepers have attempted to uncover a cause for these events.

Here is but a short list: - migratory bee-keeping practices that stress and weaken the bees giving them a form of ‘jet-lag’ - overcrowding of apiaries (again worse in migratory bee-keeping practices in which hives can be stacked 30 hives high and 6 or more wide on transport trucks) - poor nutrition (exacerbated by bees being forced to forage on monoculture and the supplementing of their diet with corn syrup, a substance they find difficult to digest) - increased incidence of disease, along with new and more virulent forms of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan diseases - increase in predatory species (varroa mites, American hive beetle) - increased pesticide and herbicide use - genetically-modified crops and systemic-pesticides i.e., pesticide that is builtinto the plant (including the use of neonicitinoids/nerve-toxins) - climate change (irregular heating and cooling patterns in the earth’s biosphere, including mild winters and unseasonable cold-snaps) - wireless signals including cell-phones and wireless internet signals - increase in natural predators (racoons, skunks and most notably bears whose numbers have been increasing in past years).

All of these factors add up and create what many call ‘a perfect storm’ for the deThe Scoop

mise of the honey bee.

The solutions to these problems usually involve two things: 1) attempts to breed stronger bees that can resist such onslaughts 2) finding new treatments (antibiotics, sprays, organic products such as essential oils, etc.) to kill the pests that afflict the bees or, more holistically, to boost the immunesystem of the bees. However, as there are complex physical, social and probably even spiritual factors at work in the current plight of the honey bee, it is unlikely there is one cause or one sliver-bullet cure.

Gunther Hauk, biodynamic beekeeper of over thirty years and founder of the Spikenard Bee Sanctuary in Floyd, Virginia, goes one step further arguing that is only by respecting and supporting the honey bees’ genuine nature that we will be able to overcome the difficulties. He believes that there is a spiritual cause for the current crisis, namely our exploitative attitude towards bees. Many beekeeping practices now reflect the drive for efficiency and productivity; these practices, he argues, have exhausted the bee, making them more susceptible to crises of physical health and malaise of spirit.

In Towards Saving the Honey Bee (2002), Hauk writes, “I cannot ward off the feeling that the GREAT BEE herself is in despair for the general misuse and mistreatment of her colonies. It is withdrawing, collapsing, and unable to give of her blessings because she is simply exhausted by our exploitation.”

Using methods that support the bee and bee-health, Hauk has been able to cut his winter and early-spring hive losses down to 5%. He has never once had incidence of American foulbrood (a bacteria that commonly attacks the brood of the hive). His principles are common-sense but demand a change in our way of thinking toward the bee; the edict underpinning them all is this: treat the honey bee as a living creature and not as a profit-making device.

Here is a summary of Hauk’s principles of biodynamic bee-keeping:

their will to live.” We should also look to the comb-structures the honey bee builds in the wild (parabolic and extending through the vertical) and give them conditions that permit them to construct these structural forms in the hives.

2. The honey bee is a creature of air, warmth and light.

During brood-season, honey bees will fan (aerate) their hives in order to maintain a temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit (very similar to the temperature of the human body). If the hive becomes too cold or too hot, then the bees’ health will suffer. The bees need good water with which to re-hydrate themselves; and must have access to natural sunlight which is, in spiritual terms, the animator of their being. Good site-selection which respects this principle is imperative.

3. The honey bee is a forager and an explorer.

The honey bee enjoys the hunt for food of different varieties and tastes traveling up to 5 kilometers to forage for food.

The honey bee needs an ecosystem that permits for such variety – and adventure!

The honey they make is more delicious for it, too! South Frontenac beekeeper Tom Kaemmer says of his forest and swamp honey, “This honey is so delicious and has real character!” food.

4. The honey bee produces her own

The best food for the bee is her own food. When harvesting, always leave honey for the bees. Tom Kaemmer puts it this way, “I have to accept the fact that I can only get 50lbs of honey per hive and not 100lbs - and it’s worth it because I’ll have healthy bees.”

5. The honey bee’s social structure needs to be honoured.

The European honey bee is 35 million years old. There is a reason for and wisdom to the social-structure of the hive and how it reproduces itself which has evolved in response to its environment over these millions of years. Humans beings tamper with this structure because some of its characteristics (particularly drones and swarming) are considered wasteful and a nuisance in the production of honey, but they may do so at the bees’ peril.

1. The honey bee is an architect.

Whenever possible, we should give bees the opportunity to build their own comb, for it is in this building-process that the bee finds outlet for its creativity and artistry. Chris Harp, bee doctor and biodynamic bee-keeper in New Paltz NY, stresses the importance of building for the soul-life for the bee: “I let them build everything.

6. The honey bee produces her own When you stick a piece of foundation in that medicines and finds them in the world of nafills in the whole frame, you have taken away ture.

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Lessons Learned

Bee products such as propolis, pol- plant unused areas of their farm with temlen and (not so) common honey are among porary cover crops/ green manures that can the most powerful antibacterial substances provide food for the bees. MOF CLIENT: TRIM: PUBLICATION: 10" x 7" Independent papers See MR known to humanity. Bees themselves have Gone are of low-mainteJOB the #: days MF-1012-H12 LIVE: 1910 Yonge St., Toronto, ON

By Blair McDonald T: 416 484-1959 a weak immune system. They need their nance bee-keeping, BW - Soccer INSERTION DATE: See MR DESCRIPTION: when keepers were able BLEED: ures that inspire products to support them. to place boxes in a field all summer long and ’ve always said and I stand by it: If you us. We like them Bees are also attracted to flowers and were able to reap the benefits of an abunare thinking it then chances are some- for what they have plants that have antibacterial properties (e.g., dance of honey come autumn. Beekeepone else is too. And if this is true, then a c c o m p l i s h e d , thyme) and which have rejuvenating effects ing is now an expensive, difficult and often I know I can’t be alone in the thought: I what they stand upon the body (e.g., bergamot) and the or- heart-wrenching enterprise with losses the have had it with all this social media, if I for and because gans (e.g., dandelion), and which are high in norm rather than the exception. We have represent hear one more newsperson or self-promot- they oxalic acid (e.g., white clover). These plants entered a new era. The plight of the honey something we could never achieve, or ing celebrity suggest that I follow them on may hold keys to the bees’ protection. bee is drawing us into deeper relationship conversely, something in us wanting realTwitter I am going to eat my shirt.

Large-scale commercial bee-keepers with it. In order to save it, we must listen to When the hype of Twitter first de- ization. For me, insights by motivational may not be in a financial position to un- what it needs; and be attentive to our hives scended on the world most of us gave it a speaker and writer Tony Robbins (@tonydertake the practical implications of Hauk’s in all seasons of the year. We must, like our quick once over and decided it wasn’t for robbins) and philosopher/writer Alain de principles. This is where hobby-beekeepers ancestors, enter into a relationship of muus. I don’t need to reiterate the conversa- Botton (@alaindebotton) serve as messenand small-scale commercial producers have tual respect and cooperation with the honey tions, but for most of us it felt like another gers of timely calls for reflection. Robbins a real opportunity to step in and become a bee. one of the Web’s promotional tools aimed reminds us: “The purpose of life is not to part of the life-line for honey bees. They Our region is a perfect sanctuaryat distracting us from our own lives and cel- get your desires. It is to become somecan become experimenters and innovators zone for honey bees with its tracts of wilderebrating the minutiae of the famous. With thing more than you are.” And de Botton of bee-keeping techniques that honour the ness and uncultivated fields, its abundance echoes of a conspiracy theorist, it was only suggests that perhaps our political beliefs bee’s true nature. of flowering plants and the absence of largefor Them. I sense some of you applauding. are tied to emotional ones: “Long before Farmers are also in an excellent posi- scale agricultural production with its massBut I discovered, like most things, I had they’re political beliefs, right and left wing tion to assist the honey bee. Melanie Kem- use of pesticide and herbicide. We can do a given into the wrong hype. I was thinking are emotional dispositions.” If the cult of pers of the Ontario Bee Association’s Tech- great deal in our region to perpetuate the against the technology, rather than with it. public celebrities still isn’t your thing, you Transfer Program offers advice to farmers wonder and mystery that is the honey bee.

The key difference is that it wasn’t can even follow something called @Inon everything from crop-spraying to land Their survival is linked to our own.

Twitter that was of no use but my relation- spire_Us which offers regular updates of stewardship. Among other things, she recship with it. But as I am learning, every- inspirational reminders. ommends that farmers choose a variety of Karen Holmes is a spiritual director, Twitter, of course, is not the be all thing boils down to perspective and the native plants and trees to act as windbreaks educator, retreat facilitator and beginner beeso-called uses and abuses of technology and end all of platforms for insight –not and field borders (willows, maples and fruit keeper living with her partner Kevin near Veare within our power to change. Months even close. But I do think that the rules of trees are excellent choices), and that farmers rona Ontario. went by and still with no account, I found Twitter serve as a metaphor for life. Who myself with a folder of Twitter favourites we follow says a lot about who we are, who that I checked up on haphazardly. Slowly we admire and what means the most to arry raham my perspective started to change. I came to us. It also serves to remind us that if we CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT the realization that Twitter had something follow the right people, learning equally PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION to say and pacing the sidelines, in conflict from their successes and failures, we might Over 30 years experience with my previous thoughts, I wanted in on better understand what it takes to find our Service to business and individuals own way in the world –with or without the game.

Personal Income Tax . Business Year Ends Why the change you ask? Because followers.

Corporate Tax . Estate tax one of the things that drives me is insight Business Start up advice . succession planning Blair McDonald teaches in the Deand some of my favourite people use Twitassistance with purchase and sale of business 113 RICHMOND BLVD., TEL: 613-354-8280 ter to post statements just waiting to be partment of Cultural Studies at Trent UniUNIT 13 COLLINS COURT FAX: 613-354-8288 learned from. We all have our public fig- versity. You can follow him on Twitter.

I

BG

B

G

EMAIL: bgraham@barrygraham.ca

NAPANEE, ON K7R 3Z8

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Erinsville at 175 Erinsville Celebrates 175 Years on Sunday, June 26, 2011

by Marg Allore

M

ost people today pass through, rather than come to the village of Erinsville.

They are all in a hurry; transport drivers and travelers on business looking for a quick route between Hwy 401 and Hwy 7, and daily commuters heading south to Napanee or to Kingston. The speed signs force them to slow down - sometimes - but not to stop at the once-thriving Erinsville that has experienced more than one metamorphosis.

According to archival records the story of Erinsville begins on February 16, 1836 when the Crown deeded the entire 200 acres of Lot 9 Concession 3 in the Township of Sheffield, to a Mr. Simon Coot Purdon. However, the true founders of the future site of Erinsville are considered to be Thomas Murphy, an Irish poet who emigrated to Canada with his family from County Wicklow Ireland in 1836, and his son, Squire John Murphy.

By the 1850s, Thomas had given the village its name and by the 1870s, father and son had acquired an additional 1000 acres of land and held title deeds to all land in the village and to all adjacent farms. They had also worked tirelessly with the Catholic Archbishop of Kingston to bring more Irish settlers to the area. Squire John, who built his stately home just north of the village, was the most significant benefactor to the growth of Erinsville. In the 1850s, he donated the land and all the lumber to build the first school at Thomas and Tullow Streets and in 1870, a new, two storey school and the present stone church received his substantial help: four acres of land and much of the material. Squire Murphy also served as Reeve of Sheffield Township and as a member of the County of Frontenac, Lennox & Addington during the 1860s. By the time Squire Murphy and his family moved away in the early 1870s, he had made invaluable contributions to life in Sheffield.

Throughout this forty year period, the entire area surrounding Erinsville grew quickly with the influx of Irish immigrants, predominantly Catholic, who were fleeing the oppressive British landlord system and catastrophic potato famines. Families settled communities in “pockets” of farm land at White Lake, MacDonnells’ Corners (Clareview), Farrells’ Corners, Ingle, East Hungerford, Larkins, and the McGuire Settlement. A good number also settled harmoniously near Balahack in the Tamworth area which was already populated largely by United Empire Loyalists. The common denominator among these geographically diverse settlements was their faith and ongoing support of the Catholic Church, first at White Lake in 1844, then in Erinsville after 1870. The church and the schools became the basis for the spiritual, educational, cultural, and economic growth of the community.

In its hey day, from the 1860s to the 1920s & 30s, Erinsville grew quickly and flourished, first as immigrants came up the Addington Road to farm in this area, then as the last “service centre” for settlers and traders heading north. Cattle markets drew buyers from Kingston and other populated centres; at first they came with carts and slaughtered the animals on the spot, or drovers herded the animals south. After about 1890, as trade expanded, produce

was shipped from the new train station at Beaver Lake.

Businesses in the village also prospered. By the late 19th century, Erinsville boasted at least three hotels, two general stores and an established blacksmith shop.

The hotels, built along the Addington Road to accommodate travelers, tradesmen and socializers, did brisk business. The Drumgoole Hotel (the building still stands today), opened in 1867 and closed for business early in the 1900s. The Phelan Hotel built on Lot 9 during the 1870s burnt down around 1896. The third hotel was built in the early 1890s and is of course the still popular Lakeview Hotel. At first, it served a specific need as a juncture point for expanded travel on the new Bay of Quinte Railway line from north of Tweed to Kingston. All the commercial activity around Erinsville, especially for shipping logs and cattle seasonally, required this new hotel. It included a telegraph office, overnight rooms and a Victorian dining room. It remains successful today because its many owners have adapted its functions to meet changing needs.

The two general stores in Erinsville, both dating from the mid-1850s, established successful businesses even though they were situated directly across from each other on the Addington Road. Unfortunately, the O’Brien/Hopkins store burnt down in 1927 causing the death of its proprietor, Leonard Hopkins. The store of M.J. Hopkins and, later his son M.E. (Ed), flourished from 1910 to 1970 when it was sold. Its owners had adapted their business to embrace many innovations over 60 years: the advent of the car, improvements to road building, the inclusion of post office and telephone services, the electrification of the store and village, and accommodating the growth of the seasonal tourist industry around Beaver Lake at cottage resorts such as O’Neills’, Nevilles’, Emburys’ and Cedar Bend. Other long-term family businesses in the immediate Erinsville area were the blacksmith shop of William Hopkins and later his son Bill, from 1896 to about 1965, and the O’Neill Family resort from the 1920s on.

Ironically, two major factors which had contributed to the rapid growth of Erinsville also caused its slow decline. Initially, Irish settlers were attracted to the area by the availability of cheap land. However, when this marginal farm land could not sustain a livelihood for large Catholic families, The Scoop

many individuals and indeed entire families, abandoned their farms and moved away. Even though the rapid success of the car and improvements in transportation led to rapid residential growth in the surrounding area, most people are now traveling distances to work and to shop.

Traces of Erinsville’s early history can still be seen as motorists drive through: the stately church and school and the old Lakeview hotel. Otherwise, it’s a small, quiet village where only one home is still owned and inhabited by a descendant of an original settler family.

N.B. Factual detail for this article taken from Michael Hopkins’ Memories of Erinsville, with permission.

"

175th Anniversary celebrations Sunday, June 26 12-2 pm: Heritage Museum at the church rectory showcasing pioneer items Guided tours of the church History talks by local historians, storytelling Local history books on display Self guided village tours 2-4 pm: An afternoon of traditional team games 3-7 pm: Beef supper reminiscent of 1920 & 1930 parish picnics Accompanied by local music with Vaughan & Andrew Richmond, Gerald McMullen, Rick St. Jean, Barry Lovegrove, Peter Van Gestel & friends, Paul Clement & family **1 pm: Unveiling of revitalization plans at Erinsville train station Saturday, August 26 10am - 12: Morning museum and tours in Erinsville 12-3 pm: Celebration in Beaver Lake Park for the revitalized Erinsville train station with special guests invited Lunch available Farmers’ market, local artisans & vendors.

Afternoon entertainment with Kelly Trottier & Band, Gaeltacht music and dancers, games for children and adults.

Evening entertainment. Food available Street dance at Lakeview Tavern

Top photo: What is currently the Lakeview Tavern on Highway 41.

Below: Hopkins General Store in the 1950s.

THE GREAT ERINSVILLE HISTORY CHALLENGE How well do you know local history?

Find answers on page 14.

1. What did Squire Thomas Murphy name his home (painted in gold tones now) just North of Erinsville?

2. How many Murphy families once lived in the Erinsville area?

3. How many families descending from these Murphys still live here?

4. What was the original name of the road, (now Hwy.41) which stretched north of Erinsville to Kaladar?

5. What was the original surname of the O’Neill family who settled at Beaver Lake?

6. What was the original name of the dance pavilion at O’Neill’s?

7. The second, two storey Catholic school in Erinsville was located in the present church parking lot. Where was it moved from?

8. What was the purpose of the second storey before it became a classroom?

9. Name two Irish families who had identical surnames but were not related.

10. In what year did the great train wreck near Erinsville occur, killing two people?

Bonus. Where was the headquarters of this Bay of Quinte Railway?

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 6

The Bath Academy

Transformation

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a gift registry and art on exhibit is available for purchase. There is an art rental program and the grounds and English Garden can be rented for special events.

Janice and some of the other artists offer studio workshops in figure drawing/ painting, etc. and she has her own special “art in the schools” program to introduce 7th grade students to the art world and art’s basic principles of colour and composition. Her key message to students is that they are the best judges of what they consider to be good and bad art. Janice told me: “The students have taught me how to view art work and how to imagine a different perspective. What they see or interpret in viewing a painting continually surprises and delights me. I try to show them the role and importance of art in everyday life and convince each and every one of them that he/she has all the skills necessary to make aesthetic judgments. They simply need to trust the senses they were born with.” She further explains, “The older you are the more experience you have using your senses, but, fundamentally, your senses are the basic tools needed. If I was to give a baby something sour to eat, he would spit it out. Nothing I would do or say would convince the baby it was good to eat. That is ‘trusting the senses’. If a dog once bit a child, the next time the child encountered a dog he could not be convinced The Scoop

edge and expeience to the operation.

The Gallery will run seven exhibitions this year; the first is a show called Anticipation featuring the abstract paintings of Michelle LaRose and Sharon Thompson, both from Kingston. Susan Oomen from Collingwood is the third artist and she makes paintings with conjoined images of rural Ontario farmhouses and vases filled with spring flowers.

Anticipation runs until May 8. From May

Academy Gallery owner Janice Teare The Academy Gallery is open Fri., Sat., & Sun. from noon to 5:00 p.m. April -- Dec. For Appointment, please call (613)352-5582 E-mail: jt@academygallery.ca The Academy Gallery is located at 352 Academy St. in the old part of Bath

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Spring - Summer 2011

72 58 937 361

any people possess a sense of the good and wondrous when they see, hear or feel it, especially in the springtime. As snowdrop flowers spring through loam and a chorus of song heralds the arrival of red-winged blackbirds, a day trip to a fresh and nearby place can also bring joy and surprise. This spring residents of Stone Mills and Loyalist Township can take a lovely road trip to the Village of Bath to visit The Academy Gallery and to marvel at the amazing transformation of the former Bath Academy School.

Originally built in 1811 this schoolhouse now houses a fine art gallery which opened to the public in 2010 and which now welcomes visitors from April to December.

Parents and children can see contemporary art and sculpture by more than thirty Canadian artists and explore a beautiful English Garden created by the current owner Janice Teare.

The Bath Academy stopped being a school building in 1978; it then had a short life as a library before being used as a municipal office building until 1995. The historic site was abandoned and eventually listed as “surplus property” for sale in 2004. Ms.Teare purchased the property and restored the former school building by turning it into a residence, studio, and art gallery; she had always hoped that someday she would find such a space under one roof. I call her achievement “A Colour Field of a Dream” because in less than six years she fulfilled her dream and at the same time restored a historic landmark, added an English Garden, and opened it the public.

The front door to the gallery on 352 Academy Street opens onto a simple and elegant foyer with a staircase to the Academy Gallery and Studio spaces on the upper level. When the building was a school there were four large classrooms on the second floor and the Principal’s office was centered over the staircase. The Studio now serves as creative space for artist workshops and a display area for the artwork available for purchase or rental.

One of the doors opening from the main foyer leads to a light-filled study and another one leads into a great room referred to as the Parlour. You can sit in front of a large fireplace, whose mantelpiece was made from the wood chalk rails and trim that framed the school’s blackboards, and look through a scrapbook documenting the building’s conversion. A third door will take the visitor to the new verandah, which overlooks the English Garden with its raised beds and pruned shrubs, and in the distance there’s a lovely view of the surrounding countryside.

Paintings are hung everywhere: in the stairwell and alcoves of this fine building as well as in the main gallery with its fourteen foot high tin ceiling and its maple floor dotted with dark pit-marks where the cast iron legs of the children’s desks once stood. The paintings are dazzling, lit naturally with light coming from the eight-foot high windows.

Gallery owner Janice Teare earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Guelph in 1987--a time when there were very few women practicing engineering across Canada and America. A repetitive injury to her wrist in 1994 led her to take up painting as a means of helping her rebuild her dexterity. After realizing that she possessed a talent

for the Visual Arts, she seriously thought about becoming an artist and so she started to dream about finding a large space for a studio.

When she found the Bath Academy for sale on the Internet, she purchased it three days later. Seven months after she took possession she set to work. She worked hard, using her engineering skills and talents, but she also had help from her friends and the occasional hired contractors.

Last year when Janice opened the gallery to the public, newspapers in Napanee and Kingston commended her restoration achievement and noted the quality of the artwork on display. Featured in the gallery are many Canadian artists from as far away as Collingwood, Sarnia and Montreal, including Prince Edward County, Kingston and Bath.

The Academy Gallery maintains

14 to June 12 the Gallery will be featuring the work of Su Sheedy and Jean Campbell in a show titled Mother Daughter Reunion.

Su is a well-known artist and will be showing new artwork. Simon Andrew will be the Curator for the Gallery’s first international show, featuring the work of four renowned British painters. Four Painters--UK to CA, will run from June 18 to July 24. Please check the web site: www.theacademygallery.ca/ Calendar for details of the upcoming events and shows.

I walked through the beautiful spring garden on the way to my car, and for the rest of the day I reflected on Janice Teare’s achievements: her engineering profession, her passion for creating art and for designing and creating a public space for everyone to see art. The Academy Gallery feels right, the art is good, it’s close to our communities and I’m planning to return to see the summer and fall shows. I hope you will pay a visit--you will be rewarded with the joyful feelings art can bring to you.

Photo: R. Saxe

By Judith Huntress

the dog would not bite-- that is trusting your senses and your experiences. We automatically do this every time we make a decision.”

Janice is often surprised by the confusion some visitors express about art. When she asks them if there is an artist or image they prefer, a common response is: Oh, I couldn’t say. I don’t know anything about art.

She quickly reassures them by saying,“All you need to know is whether or not you like it, as simple as that. It doesn’t matter what I say or how many others agree with me or if an artwork sells for a million dollars, everyone can decide if they like or do not like the art. You may learn more about art and come to appreciate the skills involved, what the piece of art communicates or its investment potential, but whether or not you think it is good or bad art, you are correct in your own judgment.”

Janice also relies on the expertise of The Academy Gallery’s new curator, Sandra Goldie, a new resident to the Glenora area.

Having owned and operated a fine art gallery in Montreal, she brings a great deal of knowl-

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Page 7

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THE 4th annual

Who’s your Doggie Photo Contest?

Winners will be featured in the summer edition of The Scoop First Prize: $75 ‘Gift Basket’ full of goodies for you and your dog Second Prize: $30 gift certificate to Global Pet Foods Third prize: $20 gift certificate to Global Pet Foods Rules and Regulations 1. One entry per person (so pick your best one) 2. On the back of the photo or include in your e-mail: your name, address, phone number and of course the dogs name and breed or mix.

3. Open to all ages.

4. Photos can be old, new, black or white 5. Contest deadline extended to June 15th, 2011

Mail to:The Regal Beagle ‘Unleashed’‘, 4889 Hwy 41, RR1 Tamworth ON K0K 3G0 or by E-mail: whosyourdoggie@live.ca

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succeeded with an ambitious project - a stunning account of the tragedy surrounding the sinking of the Canadian destroyer Athabaskan with a loss of 128 young lives. Dedicated to Maurice Waitson (her Uncle Moe) who lost his life on April 29, 1944, Ms Pringle’s account of the shipmates’ stories is a moving one. The format is very accessible with interviews and photos of the seamen who survived, their stories and memories moving and poignant. Sherry Pringle did the book cover paintings and the originals are now on display at the Juno Beach Centre until Dec 31, 2011.

This book is an important document of a major wartime event that affected many Canadian families. The photos of the cemeteries, the reproductions of wartime letters and the wonderful stories of the men serve as a lasting tribute and testament. I saw the book for sale at Hart’s in Roblin. Ms. Pringle may be reached at 354-3475.

The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 8

A Natural View IDENTIFYING BIRD CALLS BY EAR IS NOT ALWAYS EASY - BUT GETTING BETTER

By Terry Sprague

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fter almost 40 years of listening to the recorded songs of over 300 species of birds known to occur in this area, I am pleased that I can now identify by ear almost everything I hear singing in the field.

I even offer workshops at Prince Edward County’s popular Birding Festival on identifying by ear. However, while I can offer a few tips on how to recognize certain sounds, it isn’t something one can learn in a twohour workshop; it needs to be committed to memory, and that takes time - a lot of it!

Identifying by ear is an ongoing exercise. Surprises are thrown at listeners of bird song from every direction. Northern parulas that arrive here from their wintering grounds in Mexico in May have an interesting song, in fact, two. Described by Peterson in his field guide as a “buzzy trill that climbs the scale and trips over at the top,” we can compare it to the sound of a zipper being zipped up. Another song is a series of buzzy notes, terminating in a sort of trill. But why do large numbers of these parulas upon arrival, favour one song over another, suddenly swinging over to another delivery at a given time as though governed by a single impulse? Is it temperature related? Does it have something to do with one song used as an expression of joy while another is reserved for territorial claims? We may never know - and really - is it necessary that we do? One of the joys of birding is the speculation and investigation into why birds do what they do. Sometimes, as film makers John and Janet Foster say, the best ending to any wildlife story is a mystery.

Adding to the problems in identifying by ear are dialects. That’s right. Birds have local dialects. Some are detectable, but despite the subtle differences, still reasonably identifiable. Some dialects are so subtle that only electronic analysis can detect the differences. All geographic populations of birds have different dialects, much the same as we do, depending on where we live. Yellow warblers in Kaladar probably sound different from those in Algonquin, who sound different from those at Point Pelee, and they all sound different from the resident yellow warblers in Florida who do not migrate. We may not be able to detect these differences, but electronic analysis can. It has even been shown that migratory birds arriving here on territory, will sing in what can only be loosely termed a “southern accent”, having picked it up from their counterparts while wintering in the south. They lose it quickly, of course, once they are on territory. Amazing stuff, when sophisticated electronic equipment comes into play.

So, it’s not a case of learning one song, and applying it to a given species of warbler. In most cases, we must learn several songs, and be ready when they throw a new one at us. Black-throated Green warblers are notorious for this, I find. Even the yellow warbler can sound like a Nashville warbler once in awhile, or a chestnut-sided warbler. Sometimes you have to raise your binoculars, just to make sure. Others, like the spirited staccato of the Tennessee warbler, are unmistakable as is the yellowthroat, cerulean, and ovenbird, as well as the notoriously late mourning warbler.

Some songs we don’t hear, at least, some of us can’t. Blackpoll warblers are among our latest arrivals in the warbler family. It undertakes the longest migration route of any songbird, a few even traveling from Brazil to Alaska, some 8,000 kilometres. Some of this distance is over a 3,000 kilometre stretch of the Atlantic Ocean - over 80 hours of continuous flying. While most warblers have rather pleasing, little whistled songs, chirps and a variety of other pleasant notes, the blackpoll warbler has a song that is missed by many people who are unable to detect the extremely high frequency notes.

One birder friend who prides himself in being able to identify most birds by ear, claims he can see the bird singing through his binoculars, but he is unable to hear a thing. His ears just can’t pick up those thin notes that make this bird unbearable to people like myself who experience no trouble hearing it. In fact, only three or four songs from this bird, and I will have developed an unbearable headache. Liken it, if you will, to someone dragging their fingernails down a school blackboard. It is a frequency that I am unable to tolerate beyond 30 seconds.

There are others out there, too, with similarly thin, but less irritating high frequency songs. Only last year, I managed to successfully differentiate between the see-saw notes of the black-and-white warbler and the very similarly delivered song of the bay-breasted warbler. Perhaps it was because someone had already told me that a bay-breasted warbler was around, and I purposely strained to hear it, but there seemed to be a definite difference between it and a black-and-white warbler that was singing nearby. The Cape May warbler, too, has a similar song, and adds to the challenge of identifying these “butterflies of the bird world” by their songs. It has taken me 40 years to get this far.

The American redstart, also a warbler, is perhaps one of the most difficult to identify by song alone. Its repertoire of songs is amazing, and each one is delivered differently, but after a few decades of being in the field, it all starts to register somehow.

Today, it takes a very talented redstart to fool me.

All of these tiny members of the warbler family, having journeyed thousands of kilometres from their southern wintering grounds, begin arriving in our area as early as late April, peaking in mid-May, and petering out by early June as they work their way to the boreal forests to breed.

Technology in learning these songs is improving. We have come a long way since the days of Roger Tory Peterson’s long play recordings of birds when we would have to start up the phonograph and gently drop the needle onto the record. Now we have CDs, MP3 files and the popular Thayer’s interactive computer program. One birder always carries his hand held IPod with him, the device no thicker than a piece of thin cardboard, containing the songs of every North American bird species, and their photos. I have just received my latest toy - a preloaded 8 GB IPod with a tiny portable IPod speaker that I can carry in the field with me on guided hikes. On it are multiple songs and photos of all the birds of North America, range maps, and a built in quiz to keep me on my toes. And, if I should get tired of listening to birds songs, it also has The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

enough memory to hold almost 2,000 human songs!

Your expertise will improve with each passing year. How hard can it be?

After all, there are probably no more than 130 variations of songs from the 36 species of warblers that pass through each spring.

For more information on birding and nature and guided hikes, check out the NatureStuff website at www.naturestuff.net Terry Sprague lives in Prince Edward County and is self-employed as a professional interpretive naturalist.

Top: Scanned cover of Thayer’s Birds of North America Above: Yellow warblers often mimic chestnut-sided and Nashville warblers. Photo

by Derek Dafoe of Belleville

Birds Galore!

Our good friends Kenneth and Carolyn attract many interesting folks to their home north of Kingston, many of which are colourful birds. On their feeder you’ll see the Rose Breasted Grosbeak (middle) that sounds like a robin who has taken singing lessons, a rare Red Headed Woodpecker and the ubiquitous Blue Jay to round out the colour spectrum.

Page 9

Rest in Peace a Scoop back roader

By Angela Saxe & Barb Wilson I see their scattered gravestones gleaming white Through the pale dusk of the impending night.

O’er all alike the imperial sunset throws Its golden lilies mingled with the rose; We give to each a tender thought and pass Out of the graveyards with their tangled grass.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, from Morituri Salutamus (l. 120)

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road trip without a set itinerary or hotel reservation isn’t the ideal holiday for everyone. The stress of not knowing where you’re going to sleep that night or being confined in the car for hours leaves many a traveler anxious and exhausted. Yet, the freedom and excitement of discovering new places off the beaten path is what has fed our passion for taking backroaders. With map in hand, Barb and I make spontaneous decisions discovering something unexpected: a hidden cove or a waterfall tumbling through a ridge. Although we may decide to drive by a well-publicized local attraction, we never miss the opportunity to stop at a cemetery.

Cemeteries provide local history: the connection between the surnames on old headstones and the names on the local business signs, which families were linked in marriage, which wives died at child birth; how many people in a community died during the flu pandemic in 1918. But we especially love the cemeteries situated on the headlands where windswept headstones face the open sea or the small modest village cemeteries still tended by suc-

cessive generations.

Too often we overlook the places closest to where we live, so this time Barb and I decided to explore our local cemeteries and to take a backroader through our section of eastern Ontario.

We always do some research in preparation for a road trip, so I went to see Cora Reid, former genealogist of the Lennox & Addington museum who lives across the street from the Reidville cemetery near the intersection of the Enterprise Road and County Road 4. Cora’s wealth of knowledge is astounding. She graciously spent a couple of hours telling me about the various cemeteries: the early family homestead cemeteries where families can trace their roots back to the first settlers, the abandoned old burial grounds now the responsibility of the local township, and the active well tended cemeteries that will still sell you a plot of land.

Much of her knowledge comes from the years Cora spent collecting data with a group of volunteers who scoured the County looking to identify every cemetery. In 1974 a group of volunteers fanned out across the County of Lennox & Addington intent on recording all the information that had been carved into the tombstones of cemeteries, burial grounds and memorial monuments. Armed with notebooks divided into precisely spaced pages, they wrote in the name, date and any other biographical information found on each tombstone. Sometimes they had to rub chalk on the worn stones to reveal the faint lettering, and then they

photographed each inscription on every gravestone, footstone and memorial marker. The Cemetery Recording Information Project was funded by New Horizons grant program that provided funds to any volunteer organization that included a significant number of senior

Stan Teeple citizens. By the time the grant money had been exhausted, the notebooks had been returned to the Historical Society where a volunteer used a newly bought typewriter, typing table and chair to enter the data.

Further funding created PROPEL (People Recording Our Past, Exploring, Learning). The same volunteers set about collecting and transcribing oral history, collecting newspaper statistics and publishing a township bro-

Quaker cemetery near Adolphustown The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

chure. This group of volunteers worked very hard and their names appear on the descriptions of the cemetery they recorded. If you go to the Ontario Genealogical Society Cemetery Transcriptions website and click on Lennox and Addington County (or South Fronte-

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nac if you live there) you can access a complete list of cemeteries, their locations (concession and lot number) and other information required to find your own ancestors.

The Reidville cemetery which contains a tombstone marking a burial from 1844 is still selling plots 167 years later - board member Gerald Wilson oversees the daily business and upkeep of the cemetery. Family names such as Wilson, Brown, McGregor, Hannah, Shannon, Haggerty and of course Reid are carved into the stones – each one revealing a small piece of local history.

Meanwhile, Barb did her research in South Frontenac County.

Blue bird boxes, each mounted on an individual pole by the Queen’s Biological Station, are scattered in a field on the Opinicon Road, a lovely road stretching between Perth Road north of Kingston and Chaffey’s Lock on the Rideau waterway. But what really caught my eye when I first drove by was the tiny cemetery in a wooded glade at the edge of that field. The Opinicon cemetery is one of those lovely old graveyards dotting our back roads and if one has the time, they can provide a rewarding and reflective walk among crumbling and sometimes unreadable limestone slabs.

But the ones you can read tell parts of stories that often leave more questions than answers. So, I stopped and this cemetery did not disappoint.

Like many of these small cemeteries, just a few family names dominate.

In this case, the name Teeple appeared to be the most represented. Over the years I had been drawn to this cemetery for its serenity and its humbleness, and it also happens to be the cemetery clos-

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est to where I now live on Buck Lake.

In the last couple years the cemetery has expanded into the bluebird box field, and new names have appeared, possibly people like myself - a new wave of what Newfoundlanders call the “comefromaways� who want to stay close to their new homes for eternity.

So when Stan Teeple, a sprightly 82-year canvasser for Heart and Stroke stopped in one day, I asked him whether he was related to the Teeples in the Opinicon Cemetery. That was the beginning of a longer conversation that brought the cemetery to life for me. As it turned out, Stan was now on the cemetery board—a group of people who look after selling plots and maintaining the now provincially-owned cemetery.

After retiring from his career as a wildlife biologist for the government, he returned to the house where he was born just down the road from what I had always thought of as the Teeple Cemetery.

I decided to visit Stan this spring to find out more about this old cemetery where many of his relatives lay buried and, a little more about how the bylaws that govern non-denominational cemeteries have changed over the years.

At one time, the province proposed to abandon these small old cemeteries; this had caused Stan’s parents to decide to be buried elsewhere fearing that the Opinicon cemetery would no longer be cared for. It is ironic that their youngest son is the person who looks after the upkeep of this expanding burial site in Storrington Township.

One of the curious features of

this cemetery is that there is no church and never was one. It seemed to have been arbitrarily plunked down on this lonely stretch of back road to serve the sparse local population, which must have grown slowly if the number of infants and children buried there in the last two centuries is any indication. I can only imagine the heartbreak of women and/ or children who died by childbirth or by the great variety of infections referred to as “fever�. The stones, often decorated with hands or trees symbolizing life, are particularly touching when the age is recorded in scant years and months and when the graves of several children from the same small family are lying side by side. The earliest stone dates from 1872 but it is generally speculated that older markers have been lost.

Before I left Stan he showed me his family tree dating back to when his grandfather came to the area around 1825. I commented that I had not seen his great grandfather’s stone in the cemetery so he took me to the back of his property to see the stone he had erected where his grandfather is said to be buried: John Teeple, died October 12, 1883, Aged 81 years. These days laws prevent us from staying for eternity in our own backyards and when asked, Stan concedes that he too will join the other Teeples up the road in the old Opinicon Cemetery among the bluebirds.

We chose an early spring day for our backroader and headed down to the Loyalist Parkway (Highway #33) eager to discover old burial grounds and cemeteries in one of the oldest parts of Ontario, but also to enjoy the view of the

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lake as it warmed to the new sun. Our first stop was St. John’s Church in Bath, an Anglican church originally built in 1787 with the cemetery circling the building on both sides. As we walked through the cemetery we noticed the Academy Gallery across the street (see: J. Huntress’s article) and walked over for a tour of this fabulous space and beautiful art work. Ars longa vita breuis, Barb quoted as we got back into the car: Art lasts, life is short. How true!

After leaving Bath we continued along the Loyalist Parkway to Adolphustown - a must-see destination on our tour - this is where the oldest monument dedicated to the United Empire Loyalists is located. We pulled into the United Empire Loyalist Heritage Centre and Park to visit the site of the first

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landing of the Loyalists in Ontario in 1784 under the leadership of Major Peter Van Alstine UE. When a child died during the journey crossing the lake, the group established the first Loyalist burial ground on the same site. In 1884 the Ontario government erected an obelisk to honour the Loyalist landing site and eventually the old headstones were embedded into a stone wall that runs the length of the cemetery. Deserted at this time of year, we could well imagine how crowded the park must be during the summer months, and how peaceful it must be to take a quiet walk through the old cemetery.

We then back-tracked and turned onto the Quaker Hill Road which took

Rivendell Golf Club

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The course is in excellent shape! Test your shot making skills. Enjoy a great meal afterwards.

We’re located on Highway 38 just north of Verona and still have the prettiest golf course in the area. www.rivendellgolf.on.ca The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 11

Continued on page 13

Good Fats Bad Fats

By Cheryl Anderson

I

n the mid 90s while I was living in Nova Scotia, Udo Erasmus was on a speaking tour promoting his newly revised and renamed book, Fats that Heal and Fats that Kill. I was fortunate to be able to attended his lecture in Halifax . The original title of the book was Fats and Oils and first printed in 1987. Over 15 years ago, Udo Erasmus was a voice crying in the wilderness warning people of the dangers of trans fats.

I remember very clearly Udo repeating the fact that cultures that ate pure, unrefined, saturated fats did not have the incidents of heart disease and other crippling diseases that those in the cultures that were eating refined oils did. He likened the refined, odourless, hydrogenated oils that all had a similar colour and no taste as ‘“edible plastic”. Having grown up in the era where most people ate margarine because “it was better for you than butter” I realized that we had all swallowed a bunch of lies. I had already stopped using the hard, ½ cup squares of Bluebonnet margarine for spreading on toast, potatoes etc. but I still used it for cooking. After the road trip to Halifax I realized I had a lot more to learn about fats and had more changes to make in my family’s diet! No more hydrogenated oils or margarine in our house.

Hydrogenated fats are trans fats. At room temperature, vegetable oils are very unstable and liquid but by adding more hydrogen molecules to the carbon chain of the fat, the oil is made more chemically stable and has a much longer shelf life. It could be transformed into a solid - hence margarine was made. Vegetable oils are also very sensitive to damage from light so when purchasing oils in clear plastic bottles, you know they are highly processed and hydrogenated. Vegetable oils should be organic if possible to avoid genetically modified oils (most canola unless organic is GMO), cold pressed and packaged in dark glass bottles.

Many packaged food items now state they are trans fat free. This is a little white lie as products claiming to be trans fat free can contain up to 0.2 grams of trans fat per serving. Note that this is not per package but per serving so one may be ingesting more trans fat than they expect in a food item that claims in bold print on the packaging to be-

ing trans fat free. The government’s deceptive advertising and nutrition information laws benefit the food manufactures not the Canadian consumers.

One fat receiving a lot of recognition lately is coconut oil. Many are asking how can coconut oil be a good fat since it is a saturated fat and both the medical profession and Heart and Stroke foundation have for years been warning us that saturated fats are bad fats and the main cause of heart disease. Coconut oil is a medium chain, saturated fat. High quality, raw coconut oil contains nine different fatty acids, the majority being medium chain fatty acids such as lauric, capric and caprilic acids that have status of being fats that have beneficial and medicinal values. Medium chain fats provide energy to the body but do not deposit fat in the body. Researchers at McGill University found that medium-chain fatty acids travel directly to the liver where they are oxidized, whereas long-chain fatty acids are transported to peripheral tissues where they are mostly deposited into adipose (fat) tissue.

Coconut oil lends it self well for use in the kitchen for frying, stir fry dishes, baking, or used raw in smoothies. Coconut oil is heat stable, with a smoke point of 450°F (230°C), the highest of any vegetable fat, compared to olive oil 375°F (190°C) and flax oil 225°F (112°C).

Coconut oil taken internally has been said to be helpful in normalizing cholesterol, boosting energy, stamina, enhancing physical and athletic performance, strengthen the immune system, aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation, and acts as an antiviral and antimicrobial.

Externally coconut oil is used to moisturize the skin, relieve eczema and dermatitis, hair treatments, massage oil, and as a lip balm in cold, dry or windy weather.

Why not give this medium chain fat a try? Purchase a good quality, extra virgin, preferably raw bottle of coconut oil and use it for cooking or for your skin.

More information on coconut oil can be found at: www.EyeOpener-Magazine. com or www.alive.com Oils used in their natural state, unadulterated are healing to our bodies. As the title of Udo Erasmus states there are some fats that heal and some that kill, coconut oil has been shown to have healing properties.

Book S h o p

Hart’s Content

T

im and Morris Hart’s grandfather Peter Hart started the landmark Roblin business as a blacksmith shop in 1912 and operated it until 1941.

His son Ken then ran it as a service station followed by Tim and Morris who purchased it from him in 1975.

The business has gone through its transformations over the years but it has always been a welcoming gathering place - a spot for a cup of coffee while having tires changed or gas pumped. Do the math; it’s been in the family for 99 years and just recently Tim & Morris decided to retire.

The new owners are Geet Joshi and his wife Poornima Joshi who don’t plan to make any changes to the successful business. They want to rent out the bay to a mechanic - so anybody interested please contact Geet at 388-2276.

Above L-R: Tim Hart, Poornima Joshi, Geet Joshi and Morris Hart who is handing over the keys to the landmark family business and ready to retire.

Below: The morning coffee scene has not changed much over the years. A lot of information has been exchanged here over the decades.

We at The Scoop wish everybody concerned the very best in their new endeavours.

PIZZA’S ON!!!

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WINGS - WEDGE FRIES . GARLIC BREAD PANZEROTTIS . FRESH SUBS! . BREADSTIX DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO SURROUNDING AREA. Call our hot pizza hotline to order:

378-2000

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reenhouse full of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, fruits and vegetable plants & garden accessories. Also available: seeds, seed potatoes, onion sets and soils. New Country Style, coffee and fresh baked goods daily. Nestle Ice Cream (scoop) and Slush Puppies. Gas, diesel, propane Ice & worms Grocery needs

FIREWORKS!

Movie rentals Shoes, boots and clothing

We have far too many items to list!

Come pay us a visit in Camden East.

Local Quinn’s meats, Wilton Cheese and Reinink’s eggs Quality Second Hand Books: Bridge Street East at Peel, Tamworth

Hundreds of new arrivals. Fri Sat Sun, 11 am - 4 pm 379-2108 www.tamworthbookshop.com

613-378-2683

Weekdays: 5:30 am-9:30 pm Fri-Sat: 6 am-10:30 pm Sundays: 7 am-9:30 pm

The Scoop

McCormick’s

Spring - Summer 2011

Country Store

Page 12

Horses Get

Spring Fever Too!

By Heather Spencer

N

ever have the sayings: “Kick up your heels”, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”, and “Spring Fever”, been truer than when they relate to horses in the springtime.

This is the time of year when horses start shedding their winter coats. As you brush them their hair becomes airborne and invariably sticks to your jacket, gloves, hair and skin.

No amount of shaking will dislodge the horse hair and later it will clog your washing machine.

Horses remove the rest of their hair by rolling in the mud leaving their entire bodies caked in a cement-like coating. As you try to remove this layer, it will stick to your jacket, gloves, hair, face…well, you get the picture. Nothing is more precious than the smile on your horse’s face when he is rolling in the mud just after being groomed. On the plus side, the thick crusty layer of mud protects them from insect bites, especially when the first swarms of black flies attack.

At this time of year, horses will be on the lookout for that first blade of juicy, crisp grass. Even if that first crop is on your neighbour’s side of the fence, your horse’s enthusiasm will not be contained. This is definitely the time to check your fences for any damage after the winter, and to hike up all that split rail fencing that has fallen from the weight of the snow. Grain and hay farmers are not amused by thousands of hoof prints dug deep into their fields. They may be your “neigh”bour, but they don’t really like horses.

Trust me on this.

Spring arrives and you can’t wait for that first ride. The sun is shining, and for once, the wind is not howling across the landscape. So, you grab a halter and rope and head for the paddock. Your horse, in search of that first blade of grass, may try to run from you, Continued from page 11

us to the hamlet of Dorland, where a plaque and a burial ground commemorate the site of the first Quaker community. Philip Dorland arrived in 1784 from the American colonies escaping abuse and the confiscation of his property because of his pacifist beliefs. Other members of the American Quaker community who were also pacifists or Royalists followed him to Adolphstown. There they established an agricultural community and became involved in local politics. We spent time examining the thirty-five tombstones dating from 1818 that are now embedded in a rock wall: some of names include Dorland, Noxon, Clapp and Haight.

Continuing along South Shore Road we came across a beautiful two-storey, heavy timber frame building, covered in plain wood siding. A plaque identified it as the Old Hay Bay Church built

by United Empire Loyalists in 1792. It is the oldest Methodist building in Canada designed to serve as a meeting house for religious and secular meetings and is now used as a museum. Across the street is a simple cemetery with wooden markers

or he may not recognize you without eight layers of winter clothing on, or he may not recognize you because he hasn’t seen you in four months. Undeterred, excited by the prospect of your first ride and with a treat in hand, you will eventually catch the little darling When it comes time to get on, your mount may look like the same quiet horse you rode last fall, but beware - some time during the winter, your sweet pet may have turned into a wild beast. Be prepared for bucking, rearing, and spooking at “tigers in the bush”.

It doesn’t matter that the trees have no leaves yet for the tigers to hide behind, or that tigers are scarce in Ontario, to your horse - they are there! Don’t forget to strap on your helmet when you finally get into the saddle and be prepared for a faster pace. Your horse will try to rush the ride. He has to get back to find that first blade of grass, remember.

My best advice is just to persevere, hang in there, be on the alert, and try to have fun. Even if the first ride is more exciting than you wanted it to be, remember that it is just the first of many to come this spring, and the more you ride, the easier it gets. Horses aren’t the only ones with spring fever, riders get it just as badly! Now, where did I leave my boots?

Heather Spencer is the owner of Harrowsmith Horse Country, a retail store selling equestrian equipment, and yes, helmets. www.

HarrowsmithHorseCountry.com and a large stone in memory of those who lost their lives while crossing Lake Ontario. Further along the South Shore Road is one of the many burial grounds and cemeteries established by early settlers for members of their extended fam-

The Scoop

Healing, Transformation and Higher Consciousness Deepak Chopra in Kingston June 17

A

re we in the midst of a major paradigm shift in science?

Is there an ultimate reality?

Does consciousness conceive, govern, construct and become the physical universe?

Is the universe becoming self aware in the human nervous system?

Is the next stage of human development conscious evolution?

Do we have the ability to influence the future evolution of the cosmos?

How does our understanding of consciousness as pure potentiality enhance our capacity for intuition, creativity, conscious choice making, healing, and the awakening of dormant potentials such as non local communication and non local sensory experience?

How does our understanding of consciousness also enhance our capacity for total well being (physical, emotional, spiritual, social, community, financial and ecological)?

Deepak will address all these questions as well as practical ways to experience higher consciousness, transformation and healing.

Deepak Chopra is the author of more than fifty-five books translated into over thirty-five languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers in both the fiction and nonfiction categories.

Deepak is the Founder of The Chopra Foundation, Adjunct Professor at Kellogg School of Management and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.

Time magazine heralds Deepak Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century and credits him as ‘the poetprophet of alternative medicine’.

Dr. Deepak Chopra will visit Kingston on Friday, June 17th, appearing at 7:30 p.m. at the K-Rock Centre.

Named one of Time Magazine’s “Top 100 Heroes & Icons of the Cenilies. We stopped at the Loyst cemetery which is beautifully situated overlooking the waters of Hay Bay before heading back home.

Even though some burial grounds are overgrow or abandoned there are still

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 13

tury” and Toastmaster’s “Top 5 Speakers in the World” Deepak Chopra will make his only appearance in south eastern Ontario to present his ideas on Healing, Transformation & Higher Consciousness and share Practical Tools & Discussion for Change.

One of the world’s leading experts in the field of mind-body medicine, Chopra has written more than 55 books that are translated into 35 languages, and have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. He is a frequent contributor to Oprah.com and a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the Washington Post On Faith.

Deepak Chopra is the Founder and Chairman of the Chopra Foundation, and Founder and co-Chairman of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. He is an Adjunct Professor at Kellogg School of Management and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.

For a full list of speaking dates, books and other information, please visit: deepakchopra.com

so many that are easily accessible. We encourage you to take the time to acquaint yourself with local history: read the names of the men, women and children who settled on this land and “give to each a tender thought.”

Opinicon cemetery

Lawyer 3 Rideau St. Kingston 613-546-3274 gmcdiarmid@on.aibn.com

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Spring is here! Need help?

Colleen’s Gardening Service

Chartered Accountant 6661 Wheeler Street, Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0 613-379-1069

I install and maintain shrubs, flower beds, herbs, vegetables, planters, re-pot house plants, weed, plant, edge, prune and design.

For Free Estimates Call Colleen at 613-379-5959

613 • 379 • 5958

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Solid Gold Organic Pet Food. 100% organic! No Chemical Preservatives! Beef, Lamb and Fish/ Vegetarian Formulas.

Pick-up or delivery available. Please call for more information and catalogue. Call the Regal Beagle: 613-379-1101

Network and Internet Security Specialists

Wired, wireless, Network Design and Implementation Computer repairs and sales.

New or reconditioned soscs@omniglobe.ca www.soscomputers.ca 613-379-5874

Napanee & District Chamber of Commerce 47 Dundas St. E • Napanee 613.354.6601 www.napaneechamber.ca

Networking • Business Seminars Programs That Can Save Businesses $$ Ask Us About Membership

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Visit www.tamworth.ca

Answers from Pg 6

1. Mt. Tara 2. 13 3. None 4. The Perry Road 5. Nail 6. The Palmetto 7. It might have been the single storey church at White Lake.

8. A hall for dances and oyster suppers 9. Hopkins, O’Neill 10. 1892

(613) 379-5612 (Erinsville) email: ravenx@netscape.ca

for an up-to-date list of community events

do it now!

WILD BC SALMON delivered to your door at wholesale prices. Visit: www.wildbcfish.ca or our shop in Tamworth.

Salmon River Company

Plant and Bake Sale in Harrowsmith Grandmothers by the Lake will hold their third annual Plant and Bake Sale at Tiffany Gift Shoppe on Highway 38 in Harrowsmith on Saturday, June 4, starting at 9 a.m.

There will be a wide variety of homegrown plants for sale – annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs – and a table full of delicious home-baking. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Grandmother to Grandmother Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Throughout sub-Saharan Africa grandmothers are struggling to raise a generation of orphaned children and to deal with the pain of so many deaths from AIDS. Through the Stephen Lewis Foundation this local group, Grandmothers by the Lake, helps support AIDS- related grassroots projects run by and for African grandmothers and their grandchildren.

Come out and show your support on June 4.

The Scoop

custom cuts, freezer orders

STONE MILLS MEATS For all your BBQ needs - and more!

Locally owned and operated by Scott Gargaro 613-379-9092 5 Ottawa Street, Tamworth (in the old Hotel)

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Spring - Summer 2011

Warm country comfort on the Salmon River in Tamworth.

Retirement Residence for comfortable independent living. Delicious homecooked meals, full time staffing. Very reasonable rates. Vacancy now available.

PLEASE TELL OUR ADVERTISERS THAT “I SAW IT IN THE SCOOP” AND THAT THEIR ADVERTISING WORKS. “Advertising is the grease that keeps The Scoop’s wheels turning smoothly and brings you a quality publication.” ...the publisher

Page 14

T

NOTICE ABOUT SCOOP DISTRIBUTION

YOUR

HORO-SCOOP The Merry Month of May

he postal rates to distribute The Scoop have become prohibitive but we have come up with a compromise solution. If you are receiving this issue in your mailbox you are fortunate. Next issue will be on a regional rotation and you may not get yours in the mail - but others will.

We have arranged with local retailers to carry free issues of The Scoop: Tamworth: just about everywhere. Centreville: Township offices. Camden East: McCormick’s. Newburgh: Hilltop. Yarker: Quinns, Variety Store. Colebrook: Variety store. Harrowsmith: Variety store, Horse Country, Verona: Local Food, Variety stores, Sydenham: Desert Lake, Trousdales, Hillside, Variety store, Napanee: John’s Restaurant, Business Centre, most variety stores, Napanee Mall, Wilton: Variety store, Kingston: Tara Foods, Sigrids, Sleepless Goat, Bath & Days Rd News, Odessa: Grocery & Variety, Subscriptions to The Scoop cost $30 + HST annually by first class mail ($33.90). We encourage you to subscribe; if we get enough subscribers, it helps to cover a print bill.

If you like what we are doing, you can become a financial partner in The Scoop and help us grow to the next level where all writers and photographers will get paid and our reach will expand throughout the area. Give Richard a call on 613-379-1128 to learn more.

FARM MUSINGS

Every farm is provided with its soup garden, filled with herbs and especially with onions. The farm people make a great meal of onions; with a little bread, these often make up the whole meal for their supper.

Peter Kalm Travels in North America 1750 “They have great fields of cabbages and turnips that they can keep all year round. They keep the turnips in root cellars. They leave the cabbages in the fields after they pull them up, heads on the ground and roots in the air. Then they use them as they need them. The two vegetables always go into the pot together, often with big pieces of salt pork, in soup.” Sieur de Piereville, 1700 “Turnips, carrots, onions, cabbages, peas and beans: these were the vegetables that the pioneers grew most often. They liked these vegetables because they were the most reliable, and the easiest to grow. They would also keep well through the winter.

The root vegetables like turnips and onions could be kept in a root cellar. Cabbages could be pulled up and left in the field under the snow. Peas and beans could be dried and kept all year round.

Once the very first years of a settlement were passed, the pioneers grew many other kinds of vegetables. Lettuce, cucumbers (which were thought of as fruit), melons (which were sometimes thought of as vegetables) asparagus and other vegetables were grown in the settlements. The same vegetables were not popular in all settlements. In early New France potatoes were thought to be fit only for pigs. In Loyalist settlements, potatoes were thought to be one of the best of foods.”

Building a New Life, Stan Garrod & Rosemary Neering, 1977

Tamworth & Erinsville: What’s Going On in June

Thursday, June 2: EMMA’s Play 4 A Cure, Golf Tournament for Juvenile Diabetes, 613 379 9901 Friday, June 3: BINGO, Tamworth Legion, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 4: Saturday afternoon Euchre, Tamworth Legion, 2:00 p.m.

Dale Campbell, Lakeview Tavern, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 5: D-Day Parade 10:45 a.m., Centotaph Service 11:00 a.m.

Indian Buffet, A-1 Corner Restaurant, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reservations would be helpful and appreciated 613 379 2202 Saturday, June 11: Chuckwagon Express, 5:30 – 9:30 pm/. Lakeview Tavern Friday, June 17: Dinner music by Barry Lovegrove, Lakeview Tavern, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 18: Saturday afternoon Euchre, Tamworth Legion, 2:00 p.m.

Open Mic with George Chenier, Lakeview Tavern, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

The Legends of Rock & Roll – Elvis, Roy Orbison & Patsy Cline, Tamworth Legion, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 19: Father’s Day Breakfast, Tamworth Legion, 9:00 a.m. – noon Father’s Day Breakfast, Lakeview Tavern, 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Saturday June 25: Fred Brown & Friends, Old Time Fiddlers, Lakeview Tavern Sunday, June 26: Celebrating Erinsville’s 175th Birthday, St. Patrick’s school & surroundings 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 29: Beginner Line Dancing, Tamworth Legion, 7:00 p.m.

Every Wednesday: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Tamworth Legion, 9:15 – 11:00 a.m.

Every Thursday:Just for Fun Darts, everyone welcome, Tamworth Legion, 8:00 p.m.

Every Friday: Seniors Euchre, Tamworth Library, 1:30 p.m.

Bridge 12:30 p.m., Tamworth Legion If you would be interested in assisting with the Gaeltacht by hosting a student of the Irish language who is attending one of the sessions being held this summer in Tamworth, please contact Dorothy Burley from the At Home Bed and Breakfast 613-379-2035

ARIES March 21 – April 20 You will soon discover The May wind is a vagabond lover Brushing by with a warm caress Where it roams, I can only guess Perhaps you should be somewhere else, it is time to throw off the yoke of responsibility and wander away on that well earned vacation. If you are not looking forward to friends dropping by or the phone ringing, it is time to roam different roads for a few weeks. Once home again your confidence should be high boosting your drive and determination.

TAURUS April 21 – May 21 Winter stung With snow and ice Now May is here How very nice Something is coming to an end and something new is on your immediate horizon. Don’t waste time wondering if you are up to tackling this new project just wade in and know that this is a productive time for you. Spending part of you leisure time in the great outdoors can help to revitalize you as will communing with nature in your garden.

GEMINI May 22 – June 22 Thunder crashes overhead Making me leap out of bed Lightning flashes in the night Quite a bright celestial sight An intriguing encounter may come thundering into your life. Sudden surprises and developments are certainly heading your way. This is a good time to pay extra attention to people who are close to you and strengthen the ties of friendship. Stay on the path you are on and your confidence will bring you closer to your longterm goals.

CANCER June 23 – July 23 Snow’s gone From the lawn Spring’s arrival Brings a green revival Some things have changed and you will start moving in a new direction. Your outlook is bright and fresh and nothing will hold you back.

Off with the old, on with the new get out and make things happen. If a situation arises that you cannot alter, make the best of it until you can make the changes you want.

LEO July 24 – August 23 Crocuses endured Until Spring lured Them from their winter hiatus To their showy Spring status If there is a challenge that encompasses you and others be the first to break out and try new options. Have faith in your intuition. You know what your plan is so just start walking in the direction you have chosen. Your world is what you make it so make it burst forth with success for you.

VIRGO August 24 – September 23 The wind’s song Rambles around All the day long Then it’s somewhere bound You will see or hear something that encourages you to view your surroundings in a new light. If someone is around who upsets you emotionally and you feel like moving on, just do so, don’t waste time on trivial things.

Courtesy of the Tamworth / Erinsville Community Development Committee To Have Your Business or Organization’s Future Event Included Just Call 613-379-2808 This information is also available at www.tamworth.ca

"

The Scoop

By The Oracles Lady Lyssa Afton & Cassandra Idola

Spring - Summer 2011

LIBRA September 24 – October 23 The springtime breeze Whispers through pine trees Secretly telling drowsy flowers It’s bringing April showers A number of dramatic events could be taking place soon leading to unavoidable changes. A surprise invitation could open new opportunities for you and introduce possible new friends into your circle. Secrets are afoot and will benefit when they are revealed, maybe a surprise party is in your future.

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22 Flowers waltz into Spring Leaves bud, birds sing Sunshine’s all around It’s the talk of the town There is a lot of talk around you now so try to see both sides of the story and you will see opportunities waltzing toward you. This is a sociable time so try to remember names and faces of people you meet as you may well see them at different functions in the near future. A new romantic interest could be on the horizon for Scorpio singles, or an old flame may stroll back into your life.

SAGITARIUS November 23 – December 21 Springtime walks Quiet talks Perhaps by chance The start of romance Your heart is in the right place and you will be surprised to discover that the rest of you will follow along. You are about to gain greater material success and there is no reason to believe that love is not in the air. You can achieve wonderful things if you let your inspiration motivate you.

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 20 All along the seafront White seagulls fly about Swooping around a blue sky Squawking their raucous cry Resist the urge to listen to the verbal ranting of others who will try to influence your position on a matter that is in your best interest. Stand up to any interference and make your own decision.

You don’t lack for confidence Capricorn and your life is very much worth living your way.

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19 Spring flowers reborn Colourfully adorn Field and roadside Where flora and fauna reside Do what feels natural to you. Changes and transformations are coming your way. You may decide to beautify your surroundings by painting or replacing furniture. To keep in touch with family and friends, throw a couple of back yard potlucks or BBQ’s. The responsibilities that have weighed you down will lighten as you share laughter and good times with family, friends and co-workers.

PISCES February 20 – March 20 Dreams fly Quickly by If one comes along Snatch it before it’s gone Believe, just believe and opportunities will fall like raindrops on your path. Trust your instincts, have faith and banish doubt. Don’t worry about what you haven’t got; work with what you do have. Follow your dream and maintain your magical outlook.

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Technology: Friend or Foe?

By Linda Selkirk

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he other day I noticed an ad for an Xbox game system; the price seemed way higher than I recall ever paying when my kids played with the game. I quickly learned that this Xbox had Kinect. I was sure that it was a nice feature, if only I had a clue what it was! Reading further, I learned that I could read stories to my grandchildren through a video feed. Sold - when I could afford it!

Thinking about rural life and technology in the same sentence is something of an oxymoron. Denizens of the country have had to wait longer than their urban cousins for the latest technology, from getting a private line without the joys of a party line (for those under thirty, yes, we used to have to share a common phone line with neighbours!!) to getting a strong cell phone service. Many of our country friends had lived for years without a television (by choice) let alone receiving over a hundred channels like our city friends. But times are changing and now many people in rural areas can access satellite television, Internet, cell service, videoconferencing et al.

Is this wonderful? A colleague went into hospital recently armed with her laptop and cell phone lest the world disappear while she was “recuperating” (to be fair with all the endless dreadful events in Japan and the Middle East, she may be onto something, but we hope not). The medical profession was not as amused and suggested she put the laptop into sleep mode along with the rest of her. Some of us may giggle at this but I honestly can recall doing the same thing years ago when corporate bosses needed all the staff on a leash, albeit longer, when ill or on vacation. Thinking back to a day on the deck of the cottage working away on a laptop and answering cell calls while monitoring the kids playing and swimming, it now strikes me as the antithesis of a “vacation”.

Since we live in the Land O’Lakes area, we will soon be joined by our urban friends as they return to their cottages, camps and trailers. Will playing bowling, tennis or dancing indoors with a Wii game system add-on be their exercise, or will they take nature walks, go hiking and climbing and do other normally outdoor exercises?

This is a time of great change and shifting priorities. It is perhaps important that we take stock of what we value now before the moment passes us by. If we can visit friends and family via Skype (essentially an Internet videophone) will we forgo some visits in person? Will we miss the camaraderie enjoyed at conventions, conferences and reunions and instead rely on a webcast or a teleconference in our home offices or living rooms?

Many cars now have in-car systems to report an accident or when we need help. No need for the good Samaritans we relied on previously (thinking back just three winters ago when one young man helped us by pull-

B

rian Quinns Meats Ltd. was established in June of 1976. Over the past 35 years we have established ourselves as a first class, top quality operation. We have twelves dedicated, loyal employees; many of them have been with us for over 15 years. Our facilities are one of the most modern in Ontario. We take great pride in the quality of our work and the cleanliness and sanitation of the environment that we work in.

Brian Quinns Meats Ltd. is conveniently located half way between Toronto and Montreal and two hours away from Ottawa. We are just north of Kingston, Ontario. We are an abattoir and retail/wholesale company. The company is owned and operated by Brian Quinn. All meat processed at Quinns Meats is done under Ontario Government Inspection. We buy all of our livestock from local feedlots and farmers.

All meat sold from Quinns Meats is naturally aged on the premises. There are no boxed assembly line substitutes. All meat is cut and trimmed and packaged by trained professionals in a clean, sanitary and regulated environment.

ing our car out of a snowdrift) but at what cost?? One of the wonders of living in a rural community is knowing most people by sight and by name. Our children or grandchildren are living the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” and there are many safety benefits for our young people.

I have made some wonderful friends via the Internet so it is not something I want to walk away from completely, however, recent studies reveal that we are spending (or it can be seen as frittering away…) a great deal of our time with computers, gaming, texting and phone calls. So we need to be vigilant. At a conference I attended one of the presenters was a police officer and he spoke to teenagers at length about cybercrime and cyber-bullying, things unheard of a generation ago. At the other end of the spectrum is the dizzying array of scams targeted at seniors who, prior to this computerized world, would be somewhat more trusting and accept at face value that, if someone was in need or a cause needed funding, they were there to help. Today, the needs are often disingenuous and the causes phony. They are in reality sharks circling trying to lure hard-won savings from the hands of vulnerable seniors.

Thus far we don’t have cameras at every intersection recording our every move and most of us still know, if not always love, our neighbours. When tragedies occur, everyone rallies to help personally not via an Internet posting. I still recall the time when a lovely man, who had only recently moved to our community after having bought a store in town, passed away. Having lived in town only a short while, his wife remarked to the local undertaker that only a small space would be needed for visitation since they were so new to the area. He knowingly smiled and assured her that he would provide the appropriate size room because there would indeed be a great number of people (many of them strangers) who would come to comfort her and her family, and he was right. That’s just the nature of life in the country as opposed to the city where strangers would post a condolence electronically instead of stopping by.

There is no perfect answer to this dilemma.

There are benefits to having technology at our disposal but we need to remember its dark side so we can continue to enjoy the rich life of the outdoors, the fresh air, the comparative security and the benefit of rural friendships through both hardship and joy.

The Scoop

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We have our own store made bologna, meat loaves, salami, pepperoni, Montreal smoked meat, etc.

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Assorted meat packages consisting of pork, beef, chicken and specialty items also available.

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Hours Monday to Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Spring into Action

By Grace Smith, Student at Sydenham HS

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nce again, everything has begun to change. The snow has melted and the cold has slowly crept away. New life is beginning to peek through the cracks; a layer of vibrant emerald coats the ground and the trees are blossoming into the green giants of summer. Mornings become a time to listen to the sweet notes the birds have to offer. And every now and then, Heaven opens up and let’s the rain come down and feed it all.

Spring is here and with it comes a new spark and everything begins to change: we leave the safety of our homes and venture outside.

First, it’s small. People everywhere take that extra moment on their way into their houses to enjoy the newfound warmth or breathe in the fresh, clean air.

And after that moment of hesitation, it spreads quickly and easily. After all, it is the reason we endure the long harshness of winter.

Next comes the always surreal moment when the barbeque is used for the first time that year. After that first exciting use, we will be eating hamburgers once a week for the next six months. It’s inevitable: for some reason, people like cooking outside in warm weather.

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Then comes the more drastic changes. We can’t seem to stop ourselves from being outside. We begin eating those barbequed hamburgers on our patios or back decks. We turn off our TVs and sit on the front steps of our home and just talk and watch; we watch as others begin to do the same. We decide to walk that short distance instead of driving or bumming a ride. We find that perfect spot in our backyards where we can curl up and enjoy the scenery or read a book. The warmth calls us and we always respond.

But perhaps the biggest change of all is that kids of all ages leave behind their technology and enjoy the simple things that nature has given us. Their laughter and playful shouting fills the streets and adds to the warmth.

They enjoy every aspect of spring.

They gather on the road with their hockey sticks and smiles and play with all their hearts until someone yells, “Car!” They practice their free throws in their gravel driveways at all hours of the day, striving for perfection. They pass around a soccer ball in the backyard or a nearby field, hoping that the extra touch time will improve their game. They can’t help themselves; they need to be outside. And every spare moment is devoted to this pastime: before school, after school, after dinner.

It is a need that has to be quenched. But it’s not just children that have this need.

We all do.

The season of spring has the uncanny ability to get us all on our feet.

We leave behind the laziness of winter and jump into action. We finally take a moment to breathe in our surroundings and experience the changes of life. And though we do it every year, we are still amazed by this phenomenon, as we will be in all the years to come.

Vote for Real Food!

By Susan Moore

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alfalfa crops (since alfalfa is insect pollinated), threatening the future of organic food and farming in Canada. The genetic engineering of food and forage crops is relatively new technology, and testing for environmental and health outcomes is only in early stages.

Alfalfa growers do not need nor want GM alfalfa and have been trying to stop it for at least five years. Alfalfa is used as pasture and high-protein feed for dairy cows, beef cattle, lambs and pigs, and is also used to build up nutrients in the soil, making it particularly important for organic farming. If introduced, GM alfalfa would ruin export markets for alfalfa products. Already western farmers are prevented from selling their canola crops to the European Union, because the EU has banned the import of GMO products. There is now a call for a moratorium on GM alfalfa, but the Federal Conservative government is doing its utmost to block this moratorium.

At the Grassroots Growers’ meeting, folks wanted to know how to take action. The best solution (advocated by the Grassroots Growers) is to go to the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network website www.cban.ca (and hit resources, alfalfa). Add your voice to the demand for a moratorium on GM alfalfa through an easy-to-follow electronic letter. Our Members of Parliament need to hear a chorus of voices if we wish to preserve a sustainable kind of agriculture. The livelihood of our farmers and the essence of our rural way of life are at stake.

The personal solution is to grow your own food without pesticides, with whatever space you have available. Any produce straight from a garden will be superior in freshness, flavour and nutritional value. Attend the plant sale of the Grassroots Growers on May 28 at Beaver Lake Park, Erinsville. Buy local food! For a list of local growers, visit www.fooddowntheroad.ca. Their publication, The Local Harvest (at www.thelocalharvest. org) comes out in May. There will also be an Open Farms day on September 18, 2011 (see www.openfarms.ca).

We need to support our farmers and ensure the safety of our food supply. If we all dig in and write a letter, grow our own vegetables, and buy from farmers’ markets, there is hope for healthy food on our tables. I vote for real food with real flavour: just what was on grandma and grandpa’s plates.

et’s take a look at a picture of our changing food.

Great grandma and grandpa ate food that came from the fields down the road or within the county. They ate fruit and vegetables that were in season and they were full of vitamins and minerals. In winter, they saved their turnip, potato and carrot crops. If they sampled our flavourless, way-too-long-distance tomatoes and our pre-packaged meals, they would fall off their kitchen chairs. Studies of nutrition in current foods indicate that nutrition levels have dropped by 10 to 651 percent. The question has to be asked: What is happening to our food supply?

On April 5 the Grassroots Growers hosted an evening with Tom Pawlick to hear about his research on food. Forty-five people concerned about this issue showed up at the Tamworth Library. Local people are worried about the state of our food industry and the direction our government is taking on genetically modified crops.

Tom Pawlick is a journalist and editor, three-time winner of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association Award, and recipient of a National Magazine Award for his agricultural reporting. He wrote the best-selling The End of Food, and also The War in the Country. He was also chief editor of Ceres magazine (for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization).

He currently lives on a 150-acre farm near Marlbank.

We now know that our food is losing its freshness and nutritional value. Agrifarms choose their produce varieties by the following parameters: shelf life and toughness (to allow lengthy transport), and consistent size, shape, and cosmetic appearance. What is missing? How about nutrition and flavour?

According to Pawlick in The End of Food, the Globe and Mail in 2002 reported that, “fruits and vegetables sold in Canadian supermarkets today contain far fewer nutrients than they did 50 years ago…

The average… potato has lost 100 percent of its vitamin A, important for good eyesight; 57 percent of its vitamin C and iron, a key component of healthy blood; and 28 percent of its calcium, essential for building healthy bones and teeth.”2 Apart from producing food with lower nutritional value, the other major threat to our food and agricultural industry is the pervasiveness of genetically modified seeds. In the USA, the Monsanto Corporation has lobbied and won the right to References 1 & 2: The decrease in introduce GM (genetically modified), her- nutrition levels came from Food Tables bicide tolerant (Roundup Ready) alfalfa prepared by the Canadian Dept. of Agriinto the marketplace. If GM alfalfa is per- culture and US Dept. of Agriculture. mitted in Canada, organic farmers will be unable to prevent contamination of their

Humour Me

Be Careful what you say

By Debbie Fenton

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about explaining the huge difference between a house cat and a cat house!

There is an old joke about a bridge game in which new players are introducing themselves to each other. Naturally, this turns to, “And what do you do?” “I’m a doctor,” says one, “I’m a lawyer” says another, “I’m a scientist” states a third.” The

or the first few years of our marriage my husband and I had one longstanding disagreement, and each of us believed the other to be contrary to the point of obsessive compulsion. If, for instance, he wanted to know my vegetable selection for the evening meal he would phrase it as follows: What would you like besides peas? To me, that always meant we were certainly having peas, and I should select an additional vegetable.

Apparently to him the comment “besides peas” meant that we were out of peas, and that I had a choice of any other vegetable as long as it was not peas. When I sat down to eat, I did not find peas on the menu and the circular It’s funny that our brains and mouths conversation would begin are not connected once more. It took us an amazing couple of years to discover that when he said “besides” he meant “instead of ”, and when I used that fourth proclaims that she is a high school English teacher. An awkward hush falls phrase I meant “in addition to”.

Now I know what you’re think- on the crowd, and one of the first three, ing: she has a husband who makes dinner, after a pause, asks “Okay, whom deals?”

I remember once trying to explain what the heck does she have to complain about? I’m not really complaining; I sup- to a class that ‘whom’ was not ‘who’ wearpose I’m either picking an argument or ing a tuxedo, dragged out of the nether just marveling at the English language. regions of the subconscious when trying How can the same phrase mean two com- to impress the listener. To no avail.

To many of us language has bepletely opposite things, and how can two come such a habit we don’t even hear ourrelatively intelligent people take so long to selves talking; we’re just filling up space figure this out?

Perhaps it is because I have recently with phrases. I remember my husband restarted my love affair with the French coming home from a hardware store one language by taking a conversational class time. He was amused and perplexed all at that I am reminded of the many inexpli- once. He had just purchased road hockey cable nuances of language. Faced with a balls which our dogs love to chase and barrage of questions from a classroom of swim to retrieve. We lose several of these adult learners struggling to discover and a year since the dogs suddenly tire of the relearn the complexities of a language we game and the current takes them downhaven’t studied since high school, our frus- stream. He had decided to buy in bulk, trated teacher, trying to explain yet anoth- and purchased two dozen of them. The er anomaly in the grammar only half-jok- clerk looked up helpfully and asked automatically, (because she had been trained ingly proclaimed: Because I said so!

It suddenly made sense to me - noth- so well), “Would you like these in a bag?” ing in a language really plays by the rules Now imagine for a minute the alternaall the time. Imagine trying to explain to tive.

I suddenly had a vision of my husa newcomer to the English language why band adeptly juggling two dozen orange we pronounce the words: bough, dough, rough as we do. And what is the rule that balls as he proceeded through the parkdictates that we cut a tree down, in order to ing lot, dodging traffic and opening the chop it up? And it is ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after trunk without losing rhythm, in order to ‘c’ ....with the proviso of many exceptions. deposit his purchase.

Enjoy the many nuances of lanHow do we explain that it makes perfect guage, but think before you speak. Why? sense in English to say to the person on the phone: My wife will be down as soon Because I said so! as she is up. And don’t even try to think

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Spring - Summer 2011

Page 17

Get your bike in gear !!

Find Your Passion

Then Run With It

By Alicia Huntley, a grade 12 student from NDSS “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” his inspiring line, written by the 19th century German poet and dramatist Christian Friedrich Hebbel, reflects what I believe. If you want to accomplish greatness it is good to have a strong interest or better still a passion for whatever you want to do. Once you find something that inspires you it opens up a whole new dimension to your life where you can find so much joy. It may be a simple hobby, a career, a charity, the rights of others, or a larger cause. For me it comes in many forms such as writing, singing, art, and working hard for charities and human rights groups.

Being passionate for other people is one of the greatest feelings. Lately I have been trying to do more for the community and helping out other people.

Over the last month and into the upcoming months I will be involved in and have donated to at least six or seven charities.

I’m involved with programs like the poverty challenge that took place a couple of weeks ago and that helped me to open my eyes to local problems that are around us.

I am also taking a World Issues course this year that has exposed me to so much heartbreak that at times I cannot help but feel inspired to help out.

Being passionate means one thing. You care. Caring is a fulfilling feeling and if that means fulfillment for yourself by a good performance or the fulfill-

T

ment of looking into someone’s face when you know that you are changing their life for the better, then do it. There is no other feeling like it. That is the feeling I live to experience. Each year I hope that I am able to find more passion into changing things. It means becoming more productive and challenging yourself beyond limits you never thought you would set for yourself.

You don’t have to change the world though to find happiness. Happiness can come within discovering your own talents, finding the limits and sharing it with people. Just knowing that you can accomplish something you love will only drive you to push yourself further, therefore creating the opportunity to set limits to do something great.

You may even be passionate about something that you are not good at. This is a success in its own by sticking with it. When you are passionate with this idea you want to accomplish you become more likely to practice as well only making you become better all the time.

There is always ways to improve your success and your greatness.

The greatest stories are always about finding your great passion, succeeding against all odds and finding true happiness in your life. Though it is obvious that not everyone’s life comes to this conclusion it is best to strive for it at any point in your life. Become passionate about your family; make them one of the things you truly care for. Become passionate about creativity and learning the most interesting ways you can change and make

something you. Become passionate about helping people and doing things not because it makes you look good but doing it for the good cause of improving the lives of others. Finally you could become passionate about life, your own life. Making it the most positive, adventurous and non regretful life there ever was.

I suggest if you stuck about finding something your passionate about always try new things and always work hard at discovering what you love.

Sometimes it will only take a bit of time. Other times it could take years to accomplish like the little puzzle pieces that are only meant to fit together and make sense in the end.

Waterfall Tea

Room

2810 Bridge Street, Yarker, Ontario

Come and enjoy our vegetarian lunches and our wonderful home made pies.

On weekend evenings, eat in or take out our own slow-smoked ribs and our delicious rotisserie chicken.

Enjoy the view of the spectacular Yarker Falls.

Chef: Eric DePoe Open weekends from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving Wednesday through Sunday July 1 to Labour Day Noon to 8:00 p.m.

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Holiday Mondays www.waterfalltearoom.com

613 377-1856

The Centreville Agricultural Society is planning a vibrant 2011 Fair. Friday night music is back and the Fair has been extended to Saturday evening with the addition of a Truck and Tractor Pull. Agricultural events and exhibits will be front & centre on Saturday. There are plans for an enhanced midway and the youngest visitors can play in the shaded Kiddie Corral.

Mark your calendars for September 2nd & 3rd. At five bucks a day the Centreville Fair is a deal for everyone.

TOWNSHIP OF STONE MILLS NEWS Stone Mills Township Fire Advisory Line

Please be advised that dogs located within the Municipality are required to wear a current dog tag issued by the Township of Stone Mills

Once again the open air burning season is here.

It runs from April, 1 until Oct. 31. Residents are responsible for safe burning, and must follow the burning by-law 2008-435.

If you would like a full copy of the burning by-law you can pick one up at the Stone Mills Township office, or download a copy at

Dog Tag Fees:

Between January 1 and March 31, 2011 $15.00 per dog tag After March 31, 2011 $25.00 per dog tag

www.stonemillsfire.ca

Kennel License Fees:

The Stone Mills Township Fire Department has a Fire Advisory Line for all Residents to call to check if there is a Fire Ban in place or if it is advisable to burn or not to burn.

Between January 1 and March 31, 2011 $125.00 per kennel license After March 31, 2011 $250.00 per kennel license Residents considering the purchase of a kennel license must contact the Township Office to obtain the appropriate application forms.

Please Note: Specific restrictions apply.

Please call either of these two numbers: Local - 613-379-5255 or Toll free - 1-877-554-5557

Dog Tags Are Available At: » Beaver Lake Variety, 5804 Cty. Rd. 41, Erinsville » Hilltop Variety. 2068 Cty. Rd. #1 & Main St., Newburgh » Kingston Humane Society, 1 Binnington Crt., Kingston » McCormick’s Country Store, 2561 Cty. Rd.1,, Camden East. » Stone Mills Municipal Office, 4504 Cty. Rd. 4,Centreville » Tamworth Hardware, 2 Concession Street, Tamworth » Winner’s Circle, 1593 Lake Road, Enterprise, Ont. » Yarker Lucky Dollar, 4255 Cty. Rd.6, Yarker

If you have any questions, please contact The Municipal Office at 613-378-2475

TO AVOID ADDITIONAL CHARGES RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BUY DOG TAGS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE If you have any questions please contact the Municipal Office at 613-378-2475 or call Frontenac Municipal By-Law Enforcement, Ken Gilpin at 613-541-3213 (24 hour service)

Darlene Plumley, C.A.O. Clerk Township of Stone Mills

www.stonemills.com

The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 18

THE ALREADY FAMOUS

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Frozen salmon portions, fillets and shellfish available.

Our smoked maple almonds are available as gifts to ship by mail.

Buy Wholesale and save!

379-1128

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Summer hours: Thurs-Fri-Sat: 11-4 or by chance www.wildbcfish.ca

FREE DELIVERY TO THE SURROUNDING AREA FINALIST FOR 2010 ‘SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR’ IN L&A

WISEACRES

Organically Grown Strawberries

☞ Pick your own ☞ Orders taken for

picked berries ☞ Please call ahead While driving through Croydon a sign saying “Artwork for Sale” was spotted.

Our friend David stopped to view the offerings and purchased this fine little original painting from Ms. Emma Hyatt, a promising young artist whose work should soon be in great demand.

Centreville

613-378-2583 WILD BC SALMON delivered to your door at wholesale prices.

Visit: www.wildbcfish.ca or our shop in Tamworth at 5 Ottawa Street to see the exotic wild seafood from all over the world.

Salmon River Company 613-379-1128

Celebrating 30 Years Serving Tamworth and Area!

539 Maple Road Odessa 613-386-3426 www.burtsgh.com Professional Horticulturalist Opinion Says the Sun will Shine!

The Scoop

Spring - Summer 2011

Page 19

Shearing Action at Topsy Farms

By Sally Bowen

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hearing is a very busy time on a sheep farm and it requires everyone’s help. By 8 am Friday morning the first three sheep are sitting on their bottoms on the shearing floor ready to have their belly wool sheared. It promised to be a lovely day although the forecast warned us to be prepared for nasty weather to come. We’d prepared the bestsheltered pasture with water, grain and fencing for the almost 500 sheep that were to be shorn the first day.

Instead of pasturing, we decided to bed the newly naked ewes in the “new barn” for the first night: cold, wind and rain are potentially hypothermic conditions to be avoided. The sheep not yet shorn were all accommodated inside the “grey barn” in order to keep them dry for the next day.

An experienced top-rated shearer can remove all the wool from a single animal without leaving a single nick in less than three minutes. Each shearer works in their own catchment area; they click a counter when they’ve finished each ewe, send her through a swinging door leading to the outside, grab the next one, set her on her bum and start again. Meanwhile a roustabout has to grab the fleece in a particular way so it can be flung right side up onto the skirting table. Another “rousie” has to sweep the shearing floor, making sure to keep out of the way of the shearer.

Just imagine the activity with three shearers each producing three fleeces in less than three minutes.

The fleece is then skirted: all the dirty bits are removed and separately bagged. The fleeces are then bundled into an eight-foot bag suspended below the floor. Carl packs each one firmly then he sews up the filled bags with baler twine using a sharp curved needle. He hauls each bag up with a block and tackle, laying it on the floor. While he is doing this, the skirted fleeces are piling up. Who ever is close by climbs a ladder up a 9 foot metal frame from which an overflow bag is suspended; the fleeces are quickly thrust into that bag until Carl is ready to start packing his next bag. The filled bags are each hand-carried out the door and down to the farm wagon below. Once the wagon is filled, it is covered with a tarp and another wagon is moved into place. This spring we loaded three wagons with a total of eighty bags, each weighing about 140 lbs. This included some of last year’s wool that couldn’t fit on the truck when we shipped last year.

Meanwhile Dianne is busy in the kitchen providing five meals a day. The

shearers and Christopher get a hearty breakfast before going to the barn just after 7:30. She hauls hot water for washing, as well as coffee, tea, water, juice, fruit, and three kinds of homebaked snacks to the barn (upstairs) twice a day for mid-morning and afternoon breaks (called ‘smokos’ by those downunder). She provides a hot dinner for all the shearers and the helpers at 1pm; and dinner for the shearers and Chris in the evening.

Don, Ian and Jacob are kept busy moving the sheep up into the shearing holding pens before 8 am, adding more sheep during each break, and moving those already shorn to their destinations at mid-day and the rest after shearing ends at 6pm. The days are long and active, as each smaller holding pen has to be watched and kept replenished.

On Saturday it poured all day.

April showers bring shepherds headaches but we managed to keep the sheep that needed to be shorn under cover and dry, and to provide shelter for the newly shorn sheep. Shearing was finished by mid-morning on Sunday.

I wish I could send a sound track with this little story. Sheep are quiet when grazing, but quite vocal when disrupted. They have an impressive range of alto to deep bass voices. The guard dogs too, are uneasy when routines are disrupted, and they hang around, tails tentatively wagging but foreheads furrowed.

At the end of the day after we were all tucked away in our beds, our rambunctious teenage dog, who was required to stay in the barnyard, sang his mournful dirge to the night sky.

If you cannot visit Topsy Farms on Amherst Island, please visit www.topsyfarms. com or call 613-389-3444

Mike, dumping wool down on Nathan in belly wool bag. Leah sweeping the shearing floor (shearer in background). Newly shorn lambs, crossing in front of our yard in evening light, on their way to shelter. The skirting table; Jacob, Jean and Caroline.

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