In the past few weeks, the media has sensationalized the use of Military aircraft by political dignitaries. Sally Barnes wrote a fantastic column in the October issue of Kingston East News defending the choices made by our elected representatives. General Walter Natynczyk also wrote a detailed explanation to all Military personnel to explain how and when Military aircraft are used. With General Natynczyk’s permission, I have included his letter here.

Scott Milikin won the Snack Shack “Name The Mascot Contest” and walked away with a $40 gift certificate. The Snack Shack Mascot is very happy as he now has a name, Beach Bum Bill. “I feel complete now,” said Beach Bum Bill. The finalist names included Surfer Sandy, Dude, Zack Snack, Snack Shack Jack, and Bummer.

Although it can be a challenge to deal with the sweets, there are alternatives that will ensure little goblins still have fun on Halloween.

For parents with children who are living with diabetes, the Canadian Diabetes Association recommends:

Start growing your ‘Mo’ at the first of Movember and take a picture of yourself at the end of the month. All submitted pictures will be published in the December issue of Kingston East News.
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.

A small group of 29 Fort Henry Heights Skating Club members participated in the Skate-a-thon and Arena Sleepover that took place at the Constantine Arena on September 24th. In a demonstration of great skating skills and perseverance, a total of 4114 laps were skated during a two hour period raising funds in support of “Soldier On”. Well done to all who took part!

Linwood Barclay came to the Kingston Writers Fest to share readings and conversations about the art of writing crime novels. Although he was promoting his recent book, I chose to read his 2010 mystery novel Never Look Away.

Old age is challenging enough and an epidemic of scammers targeting seniors is making it a whole lot worse.

In recent weeks, close friends have fallen victim to greedy and shameless people who target the aged and prey off their generosity, trust and limited technical skills.
This is not a new experience for our family. In her late eighties, my mother became the victim of fraud by mail, which robbed her of her money but, more importantly, her dignity. Police described the practice as epidemic.

The first of four new commercial/semi-industrial buildings in the St. Lawrence Business Park is almost complete and already 80 percent leased.

“We just got the permit for the next buildings, so construction will commence shortly,” said Frank Casamatta, owner of Empire Design Build, based in Concord (a suburb of Toronto).

Kingston East is expanding again. Homestead Land Holdings Ltd, has purchased the old Highland Motel 5 and is proposing to turn the property into a combination residential and commercial complex. Homestead is seeking approval to construct up to a 19 story, 180 unit high rise apartment building at the rear of the property, and for Colonnade Developments, who has an option to develop the commercial portion of the property, to be allowed to build 40,000 square feet of commercial development fronting old Highway 15.

Members of CFB Kingston will participate in various Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the Kingston area on Friday, November 11, 2011. Please see the list below to see the various ceremonies you can attend.