Ghosts of Turkeys Past

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to a recent letter you published from a Mr. Mason about the Iroquois Farmers Market vendor permits. 

In his letter he referenced our farm located in Ingleside and that people such as myself are taking all the permits from local area vendors.

First let me start off by saying that permits are available to all and any persons willing to operate at the local area farmers markets and are available at the township office at the beginning of every year. We purchased our permit back in March of this year, and it states directly on it that sales of any goods are to start no earlier than April 15 and end no later than December 31 of that same year that they are purchased. 

It does not state an exact date for the market to begin and we have chosen to begin our market days in June as that is when the produce will be ready for our customers. 

I am sorry if Mr. Mason did not purchase his permit at an earlier date to ensure he had the right papers in place to sell his wears. 

As for the fact that we are not local vendors I am very saddened by this comment. It is true that we no longer reside in South Dundas, but before purchasing our farm we were long time residents of South Dundas (we lived in Morrisburg and in Williamsburg) and my husband’s family still resides in Morrisburg. Our farm is located on the South Dundas/South Stormont border. 

It is people like Mr. Mason and his opinions that have made it so that new vendors would prefer to take their business to larger cities instead of staying close to home and offering their services or products to the local residents. 

I am happy that I will be bringing my Gluten Free Baked goods and organically grown produce to South Dundas as there is a need for these products in our community. 

I hope that comments such as those made by Mr. Mason do not scare off potential new vendors. And instead of them looking to the larger cities they will look to our local farmers markets to sell their products so that there will be many options available for those who come to the markets every week. 

We should be encouraging others to come to South Dundas to sell their products not frowning down on them or belittling them.  

As only five permits are issued every year, we should be looking at the township to increase these numbers and ask them to make available more permits for vendors so that we can bring forth more people willing to sell their products instead of turning them away just as the township did to Mr. Mason in the first place. 

His issue should be with them and not with me.

I thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say and in listening to my side of the story as I felt like I was being attacked by the words Mr. Mason had to say in regards to his very upsetting letter to you. I hope you will publish this letter so that others can read about the other side of being a new vendor and purchasing permits.

Sincerely,

Ann Marie Hollister

SHELDANNA FARM

[…]

Welcome to Care Close to Home – an ‘inside view’ of Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH).  Learn about our services – as well as how to take care of your own health.  This month, we’re talking about VTE, including what you need to know before you travel.

Stop the Clot!

It’s called Venous Thromboembolism or VTE and it is a life-threatening condition.  At WDMH, the entire care team is working hard to prevent it. 

VTE is essentially a blood clot that can travel through your bloodstream to your lungs. It is more likely to happen when you are unwell or less active than usual. Some surgeries or longer stays in the hospital can increase the risk of VTE. 

A new program at WDMH ensures that every patient is assessed for VTE, and that those at risk receive special treatment and medication. Everyone has a role to play in keeping patients safe. If you are coming to the hospital, ask about VTE and tell your healthcare team if you have a history of blood clots or other risk factors such as:  recent surgeries, recent trauma or injury particularly to legs, cancer, age, chronic medical conditions, obesity, blood disorders, pregnancy and use of contraception or hormone replacement therapy.

Travel Safe

Another time to think about blood clots is when you travel and may be sitting for extended periods in a car, train or plane. If you are planning a long trip, speak with your doctor and follow these simple tips:

Take breaks often. If possible, get up out of your seat and walk around to get the blood moving.

Stretch/flex your calf muscles while sitting.

Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages.

Avoid constrictive or tight clothing around your waist, legs and feet. Consider taking your shoes off or wearing compression stockings.

[…]

Stormy Howard here with the up to date news at Seaway!

Last week at Seaway was spirit week! We had exciting games and activities. Monday started assassin that went on all week. We had some very sneaky people! “I was ambushed by two girls! I was running around the school trying to hide,” said Michael Butler. Thursday was really fun too. It was hick day and Seaway students dressed up in their finest redneck wear!

These past few weeks have been busy with sports. 

Cross country had their first meet in Port Hope at the annual Trinity Harrier Meet. Brynn Gilmour came in third, Sophia Currier placed 24th, Lauryn Henry finished 73rd and Kendra Buter finished 115. Great work ladies! The next tournament is in Mooney’s Bay on September 27th – Good luck to all in Ottawa. 

Boys volleyball also had the first pre-season game. Ms. Last would like to thank the boys who played last Thursday. They not only played some impressive volleyball but also showed some awesome Seaway spirit! Their next tournament is October 3rd at Rothwell-Osnabruck

Brody Casselman and Greg Bolton will be featured in an upcoming Cornwall Standard Freeholder article. Brodey is in the Agriculture High Skills Major at Seaway! He is doing a dual credit with Kemptville College–year one Dairy Herdsperson. Greg is in the special edition featuring future leaders from a number of area high schools. Greg worked for the Canadian Military last summer and volunteers at Seaway and at St. John Ambulance

This coming Friday, Seaway is having a sport day! We have golf, kayak/canoeing, soccer, cycling, swing dance, swimming, badminton, tennis and bowling. Each student gets to pick two activities (except cycling, that’s running all day). 

That morning we are also taking our Terry Fox walk, after the pep rally. We are selling paper feet to support cancer research.  Cancer is a disease that affects everyone, so make sure to bring some spare change and decorate your paper feet in honour of those who have met with the disease.

Seaway is also taking part in the Williamsburg Harvest Festival parade. We will have a school float with the theme of “Barn building”. The parade is on September 29 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Community hours are also available for this activity. Contact Mrs. Gilmour if you would like to participate.

We have been very busy here at Seaway. It’s hard to believe that our first month is coming to an end and Thanksgiving is around the corner. 

It feels like just yesterday we were shy, nervous grade 9’s, but now we’re in the swing of things and ready to succeed.

Taking time for a hick day photo at Seaway back l-r are Becca VanBeilan, Stephanie Roskell, Alyssa MacMillan, Helen Mathieu (EA), Shannon van Moorsel and Jessica Hartle. Front are Mackenzie Barkley (left) and Maggie Perry.

[…]