The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre, in cooperation with CFB Kingston, is helping kick off the United Way’s Success By Six week on Sunday, May 6, from 11:00am -2:00pm. A host of Military vehicles including a Bison, MilCOT, Light Support Vehicle, G-Wagon, Heavy Logistics Vehicle and more, will be displayed for the public to view and sit in. The vehicle operators will be on hand to answer any questions and Military members will be offering authentic camouflage face painting.

Warrant Officer Paul Flowers will be displaying his 2005 Victory Vegas Extreme Custom motorcycle and will be available to answer questions. He built the motorcycle to tell the story of his tour in Afghanistan in 2008. It took 2,000 hours to build and each piece is a part of the story. This motorcycle is a must see.

Mom’s Chicken will be offering free samples and the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre will be BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers.

Success By 6 is based on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. We all have a role to play in ensuring that every child has a chance to succeed early in life. Mighty Motors gives children of all
ages the opportunity to experience the Military environment in an exciting and educational way.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the family to come out and actually get to sit in the vehicles and talk to the people who run them,” said Colleen Fairholme, the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre’s Manager of Child and Youth Development. “It’s fun for the kids and their parents and it gives them the chance to learn how these big vehicles work.”

Local taxpayers are already paying through the nose to restore, maintain and operate heritage sites that definitely add to our unique culture but never seem to produce the economic benefits that were promised.

For the past several weeks, a throng of construction vehicles has been stationed daily at the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum here in the city’s east end. They’re installing a terrace to connect the original log cabin with the exhibit hall and making the city-owned property accessible to those with mobility issues. The price tag is $ 300,000.

It is only fair to point out that attracting visitors is a challenge. But the city has a responsibility to maintain its infrastructure and conform with accessibility laws.

There are many other examples of the high cost of showcasing our heritage. The Pump House Steam Museum on Ontario Street, a designated heritage site, is currently receiving a $ 975,000 facelift and restoration to address accessibility and safety issues.

The budget to restore Engine 1095 The Spirit of Sir John A. locomotive in Confederation Park is about $ 900,000. And on it goes.

Meanwhile, Queen’s University is learning the pitfalls of taking on heritage projects. It rushed in to buy the Prison for Women for just under $ 3 million and now the building stands in deteriorating condition and will become a white elephant unless the university finds the millions upon millions needed to put it in service.

Heritage doesn’t come cheap—or without complications and frustration. Just ask the folks struggling to open a new Jack Astor’s restaurant in Kingston and the hoops city staff and council have put them through because the site is across from historic Springer Market Square. Councillors have second guessed the company on everything from signage to the colour of the roof. Less patient investors would long ago have taken their money, taxes and jobs elsewhere.

There are those who think a private developer would be nuts to take on the Kingston Penitentiary property. As a national heritage site, it can’t be demolished without approval. And if you think saving the prison farm became an emotional issue for some, picture the heritage hullabaloo if the bulldozers moved in to tear down the walls of KP.

Maybe it was this concern that inspired the idea of saving the prison and replicating the famed Alcatraz Museum, home of the infamous prison closed in 1963. There is no question that tourists and locals alike would find more interest in visiting the cell of depraved killer Paul Bernardo than the sash window display at the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum.

But this is not California and the costs of maintaining and staffing a property the size of KP is overwhelming. Tourists would have to be lined up all the way from the train station seven days a week and that probably isn’t going to happen !

In the meantime, don’t hurry to save up your down payment for one of the waterfront condos that some fantasize about, don’t count on the cash-strapped federal government to provide a solution, and by all means don’t expect private developers to be lined up with sacks of money to invest in a town that has never been all that welcoming.

My bet is that dealing with this notorious hunk of real estate will turn out to be Kingston’s worst nightmare.

By: Sally Barnes

Cycle Kingston, a non-profit organization devoted to increasing the awareness and education about cycling, conducted a bike rodeo that simulated driving your bike on the roads in Kingston. It was a great exercise for kids to get a feel for riding on the road.

“This is only the second year we’ve run the event,” said David Cunningham, Chair of the Scout Bike Swap & Rodeo and Group Commissionaire for the Scouts Kingston West Division. “We hope to raise $1,500 this year to help refurbish our three camps, Otter Lake, Oskenonton, and Camp Folly.” David went on to say, “This event helps recycle bikes, so they don’t end up in our landfills.”

Jenny is a twelve year old girl who would love to dance ballet. The only problem is that she is terrified of performing in front of others! She persuades her parents to sign her up for ballet classes but is too scared to participate. In order to avoid performance, she deceives her parents and teachers so that she can rehearse only at home in the privacy of her bedroom. Eventually, she makes a friend who has her own struggles and together they discover Jenny has a hidden talent for choreography. Not only does their friendship blossom, but also their rehearsal together leads Jenny in a new direction that surprises everyone!

Dancing on the Inside is a motivational story that feels authentic and is well crafted. The novel takes place at the Kingston School of Dance where the author’s daughter attended. Glen Strathy, a professional business writer, was inspired to try his hand at fiction by his daughter’s dance experience. As a four year old, she was too shy to participate in dance lessons, yet insisted on attending and watching. Strathy says that writing Dancing on the Inside was a labour of love. He hopes that it will inspire young readers (ages nine to twelve) to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams by using their creativity.

In March 2012, the novel won a Reader Views Literary Award for 2011 in the Canada East regional category and received the Donna Kakonge Award for best Canadian Regional book. Strathy co-wrote with Stephen Leeb a New York Times 2006 best seller business book The Coming Economic Collapse and in 2009 contributed to Game Over. Glen Strathy and his family love living in Kingston East. They love the location close to downtown, the Kingston School of Dance, Glocca Morra Farm, the local walking path and our Pittsburgh historic library.

He was very proud of my brother, Trevor and I and involved himself in whatever we were doing. When I bought an old “Handy man’s special” house in Toronto and decided to fix it up, Mom and Dad were there every weekend to help. I learned how to do basic electrical, plumbing and carpentry from Dad over two wonderful years. When Trev decided to build a bed and breakfast near Hamilton, Mom and Dad were there to help. When I decided to start a newspaper, Dad wrote the “Day Tripper” highlighting day trips you could do from Kingston. And most recently, when Trev decided to build a new bed and breakfast just north of Tweed, Mom and Dad were there to help.

One of his last legacies was the fire pit he built for Trev. For years, he was intently interested in learning how to build a dry stone wall. Since Mom and Dad lived in the city, there was nowhere to build one; but Trev has a six acre bed and breakfast on the water and there’s plenty of space to build a large fire pit using dry stone wall techniques. Dad quarried every piece of stone for the fire pit from Trev’s property and in fine ‘Dad’ fashion, built the best damn fire pit anyone has ever seen.

Dad was in the Air Force for his entire working career and worked his way to the top of the non-commissioned ranks, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. He was a perfectionist and excelled at whatever he did. As a part-time custom picture framer, he wasn’t satisfied to simply put a frame on a picture, he painted mini pictures on the matt, or created an artistic masterpiece for every picture. His frames are displayed in hundreds of houses in Canada and the USA.

When he decided to turn our family photo albums into scrap book works of art, his sense of humour came through in every page.

It’s hard to find just one word to sum up my Dad, but “The Best Dad In The World” pretty much says it all. (OK that’s more than one word – a little humour for you Dad. LOL)

Dad, we miss you every day, but you’re in our hearts and our thoughts always.

Love,

Lain, Terry and Trev

PS My marketing background is coming through here and I have to tell you that you can see Dad’s famous fire pit by booking a room at Trev’s luxurious bed and breakfast. You can make reservations by calling him at 613-243-7711. It will be ready this summer.

The Kingston Scottish Festival offers a variety of sights and sounds beginning at 9 am. Solo bagpiping, drumming and dancing competitions start the morning. Young and old alike love the sight of wee dancers springing over the swords and the strains of marches, jigs and reels from the competition circles. Band contests rule the afternoon at one end of the venue, while top level dancers showcase the amazing athleticism and technical prowess of highland dancing at the other end.

Over fifteen bands from around Ontario and nearby States will be participating in this event involving several hundred competitors. For the first time, the top bands in Ontario will be performing in Kingston, bands that will go on to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland in August. This is a rare opportunity to see and hear Grade 1 level Pipe Band music locally. The day finishes off with a massed bands performance, which is always a thrill.

Throughout the day, spectators can browse a great selection of vendors offering Celtic wares from pottery, jewelry, clothing and gifts, to Scottish and English sweets. A Kids zone engages the young ones with crafts, face painting and activities. Western Cut BBQ will be on site all day offering a traditional Scottish breakfast and other food. And it would not be a proper Scottish Festival without a beer tent.

By Mary Jane O’Donovan

The pH level in the soil affects the growth of plants in various ways. In a soil with balanced pH, nutrients are readily available and easily absorbed. Beneficial bacteria and fungi will increase in numbers and activity, making the plant stronger and healthier. The prevalence of plant disease and the solubility and potency of toxic elements are both greatly reduced.

Signs of a soil that is too acidic or too alkaline, include stunted growth, yellowing, poor yields, lack of blooms, weakness, and even the death of the plant. These symptoms can occur even though the soil has plenty of nutrients, lots of organic matter, sufficient moisture warm temperatures and sunlight.

The level of acidity or alkalinity in the soil is measured on a scale, similar to a ruler or thermometer, referred to as a pH scale. The scale ranges in value from 2 to 9, with 2 indicating an extremely acidic soil and 9 indicating a highly alkaline soil. Most plants require a neutral level around 5.5 – 6.5. An acidic soil is frequently referred to as “sour”, while an alkaline soil is “sweet”. (This does not mean that an alkaline soil is better than an acidic soil, a balance is needed).

Acidity or alkalinity occurs naturally in the formation of the soil. Since soil is formed by the breaking and erosion of rocks into fine particles over millions of years, the type of rock determines the initial pH level of the soil. Decaying plant material also affects the pH level during this process. The addition of a large quantity of organic matter, fertilizer or peat moss can affect the pH level, especially if it is repeated year after year.

Essential plant nutrients are most available in a soil with a balanced pH level. The pH of the soil can be tested in a few minutes using a pH tester kit. Various types of kits are available at most nurseries and garden centres. Carefully follow the instructions given for the tester. Local laboratories can also give very detailed tests.

pH levels in the soil can be adjusted with the use of soil amendments. The addition of agricultural lime can reduce the acidity of the soil, while adding sulphur, peatmoss, or compost can decrease the level of alkalinity. Follow instructions carefully when adding amendments. It is preferable to add less of the amendments, then retest the soil after 2 weeks and add more if necessary. This method reduces the risk of destroying good bacteria and fungi present in the soil.

The addition of organic matter such as well rotted manure, green crop and compost is definitely an asset as it helps to keep the pH balanced as well as provide nutrients for plant growth.

Once the soil pH is adjusted, it will be much easier to determine nutrient requirements for your garden.

Guy Gariepy is a horticulturist and owner of Gariepy Lawn and Garden. He can be reached at 613-542-8077 or ggariepy@cogeco.ca

Since the CAV Motorcycle Units were started in 2003, they have assisted, and continue to assist, numerous charities in achieving their monetary goals. Charity Event Riding and Community Support Events are an integral part of many of their members adventure. In addition to this event, the CAV also assists other events such as the Red Ride and Ride for Dad by providing volunteers and participating in the rides.

“This event is a great way to support the troops,” said ‘Drifter,’ the show organizer. “It also gets the non-motorcyle-riding community out to meet the black-leather-wearing riders and see that we’re a group of good hearted people. When you see a group of six or more riders, we’re generally out riding for a cause or charity. For the Military members who come back from a tour of duty with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, going for a ride often helps clear out the cobwebs from their mind. ”

Hank and Marsha, owners of the Boot Hill Hearse Company, displayed their Harley Davidson hearse, which is fashioned after the Black Mariah. The $80,000 hearse is the only Boot Hill Hearse in Canada.

Dave Sopha displayed a print of his “Portraits Of Honour” painting that depicts the men and women who gave their lives in Afghanistan. The original artwork is ten feet high and fifty feet long. In addition to the portraits of fallen soldiers, Dave is now painting a poppy pedal for each soldier who has lost their lives in battle from World War 1 until today. To date, there are 82,136 poppy pedals. The original print has been displayed across Canada and has been seen by over one million people. The picture travels in its own tractor trailer and is the only vehicle that’s been allowed to park on Parliament Hill.

Outside, Mario Hebert, the driver of Bouts Transport, displayed Raynald Bouthillier’s truck, a tribute to his son, Jack Bouthillier, who died in combat in Afghanistan. The truck is painted with portraits of Jack, the Bison he was killed in and the names of Canadian soldiers who have served and lost their lives in Afghanistan.

The Canadian Forces Parachute Team, the Sky Hawks, dropped in at noon with a breath taking demonstration of precision parachuting. The crowd was ‘wowed’ by many aerobatic displays with a grand finale of the Candy-cane.

The fifth annual CAV Motorcycle Show hoped to raise $10,000 to be donated to their four chosen charities. If you missed it this year, watch for it next year at the Thompson Drill Hall, CFB Kingston.

Residents on Grenadier Drive have the opportunity to have traffic calming measures installed upon a favourable return of survey’s which are to be returned no later than May 25th. There will also be an open house in Memorial Hall on Wednesday May 9th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for residents of the city who have their streets designated for traffic calming measures in 2012.

On Wednesday April 18th the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund Annual General Meeting was conducted, but with a very poor attendance by district residents, with only 16 showing up. In April of 2011, 86 residents attended but the majority were very disappointed that their votes meant nothing, owing to a huge number of proxy votes. A motion was presented at the AGM in 2011 to reduce the number of proxy votes one resident could posses but was defeated. Many residents after the meeting who spoke with me or contacted me via e-mail said they would not attend in 2012. The turnout out this year was proof of that, as 16 residents turned out and there were 443 proxy votes. We will have to find a balance for the issue of proxy votes or the PCB Fund will not function for the benefit of all residents. I would advise concerned residents to make your thoughts known by e-mailing our Fund Secretary Dawn Ellis-Thornton at Dawn.EllisThornton@forthenry.com. I believe that it is vitally important to have as many residents involved in the ongoing administration and success of the PCB Fund. There is a hard working Board of Directors in place who are willing to listen to feedback.

Our next Pittsburgh District Town Hall Meeting is now scheduled for Thursday June 21, 2012, so please mark this on your calendars. We will begin at 7:00pm and conclude at 9:00pm. There will be no guests at this meeting. I will make a presentation to start and then open the floor to questions and issues of concern to Pittsburgh District residents. I would invite any of our District Associations to contact me and prepare time for them to present updates at this meeting. (Kingston East Business Association etc.)
Have a wonderful spring, enjoy the warmer weather and all the amenities that our beautiful City of Kingston offers, and I will see everyone on June 21.

The Sky Hawks have been performing for forty one years and are currently booked every weekend until October.