News Stories from other Media Outlets | Speak Out Cavan Monaghan

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Ontario Government Fails City of Kawartha Lakes

Andy Harjula from the December 18th issue of The Millbrook Times

On Thursday December 11, the Environmental Review Tribunal heard a lengthy sordid tale and detailed testimony by Mr.. Ron Taylor, Director of Developmental Services for the City of Kawartha Lakes and from Heather Stauble, Second Term Councilor for Ward 16, an area that has attracted the attention of 15 Industrial Wind Turbines of which five turbines have already been approved by the government of the day.

The compelling testimony by both Ron and Heather generated a ground swell of sustained but polite applause by a record crowd of over 60 worried local residents.

Significantly and noted by the audience, there was not a peep of cross examination put forth by either the Lawyer representing MOE (for the Crown) or the three lawyers representing WPD Canada, the company that already have approval to build an Industrial Wind Turbine Complex on or near the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Mr. Taylor reminded the panel the City is not anti-green energy. They have approved several projects in the city, projects that met city planning requirements. In respect of the Sumac Ridge project, Mr. Taylor testified that two turbines are situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, an area of high aquifer vulnerability and near intermittent streams. Both features are protected by provincial legislation.

Mr.. Taylor stated that the REA approval of the Sumac Ridge Industrial Wind Turbines did not address the concerns the city made during the review process. Specifically, public safety i.e. fire prevention and environmental degradation, were not addressed.

Mr.. Taylor had two suggestion for the ERT, namely, (1) the project should be relocated to a more suitable landscape (2) "The City respectfully requests the approval be revoked."

Heather Stauble was elected to her second term in the October municipal election. Heather scooped up nearly 60% of the votes based on her position of environmental protection, dedication to protect public health and adherence to proper planning for Industrial Wind Turbines. The election results reflect the public's sentiment in Ward 16.

Heather's excellent presentation detailed the appearance of WPD's attempt to obfuscate the facts of their project proposal and filibuster all attempts by the City of Kawartha Lakes to learn all the facts.

A summary of some of Heather's points, include the following:

* There has been a pattern of errors, omissions and misrepresentations which undermine the reliability and credibility of the proponents reports.

* Nearly 2000 people will be affected by the cumulative effect if all 15 turbines are erected.

* WPD Canada did not consider the cumulative effect of their turbines if the other 10 turbines also receive approval.

* The Government approved an Industrial Wind Turbine Complex on the Oak Ridges Moraine contrary to their own provincial legislation.

* Most of the studies and plans routinely required were not done

* Reports were incomplete.

* WPD Canada substituted another subwatershed plan in place of the required Fleetwood Creek Plan.

* The MNR wind speed maps indicate there is not enough wind to meet the requirements of the turbines planned for the Sumac Ridge site.

* WPD failed to publish the required hydrology reports.

* Public information meetings appear to be a process of misrepresentation and distortions of the information.

* WPD's assertion they are cooperating with the City on a Access road EA is a distortion of the facts.

* No emergency, storm water, spills or fire plans have been developed.

* WPD obfuscated the facts about the public meetings in their report to the government.

* Construction of this wind project will lead to serious harm to human health and serious and irreversible harm to the environment.

* The Approval of the Sumac Ridge wind project should be revoked.

Overall, it appears the Ontario Government failed the residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes by their obvious cursory review and approval of an Industrial Wind Turbine Complex Application that did not meet the requirements of the Act.

Geotechnical Engineer testifies for WDP Canada

Andy Harjula from the December 18th issue of The Millbrook Times

On December 10th, Mr. Billy Singh, pictured below, testified for WPD Canada, the Approval Holder of the Sumac Ridge Industrial Wind Complex.

Mr. Singh's testimony was relatively straight forward as compared to some of the witnesses who generated more energy in trying to explain their Buddhist faith than is produced by a wind turbine.

Mr. Singh is a Geotechnical Engineer. His roll was to supervise a team of staff who went on site and drilled 5 holes per turbine about 25 meters deep and they also drilled 25 shallow holes for the work area.

Of the 25 deep holes, only one hole generated a water column after a month. The other 24 deep holes were dry.

The hole that generated water, Mr. Singh said, "the base of the tower would probably be at the two meter level, the water level was eight meters from the ground level and the base was 25 meters deep."

On cross examination by Mr Eric Gillespie, Mr. Singh explained his role was only to provide the bore hole analysis. A civil engineer will design the actual turbine base which could be anywhere from 16 to 20 meters across, depending on soil conditions.

Mr. Singh testified further that he was not aware of any bore hole testing being done for the access road, nor for the power grid on or off site.

Mr. Singh also recommended that the excavated soil for the turbine base, be used as back-fill and left in the immediate area.

The Belize Team is Grateful to Mr. Patel

Andy Harjula - from the December 18th issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured is Mr. Biren Patel from Sheila's Classic Lane clothing store. Biren assembled a truck full of soccer uniforms to be taken to Belize by our local Belize Team.

Biren's donations includs 7 full sets of brand new team uniforms, two boxes of soccer shoes and goalie equipment.

Sheila's Classic Lane clothing store is a second generation of proprietors who specialize in selling Canadian made clothing. About 75% of the merchandise is Canadian sourced. They enjoy loyal customers from as far away as Vancouver, Ottawa and the USA. They are located on George street immediately across the street from the Peterborough marina and provide ample free parking.

From the November 13th issue of the The Millbrook Times

The Manvers Historical Society is publishing a new book recounting the lives of the people who lived in the Village of Bethany. The Society is seeking everyone's help to dig up their roots, if they lead to Bethany.

Pictured are five members of the society who are interested in hearing from anyone who has a story to tell about Bethany and the immediate surrounding area.

Pictured from left to right are Vaneta Preston, Paul Williams, Kathy Morton (Chairperson of the Society) Wendy Fallis and Tina Cameron.

Readers will remember Wendy's irresistible buttertarts if they attended the Pontypool Harvest Festival.

The book will be a chronicle of people's lives in the Bethany area beginning with the receding ice age and the migration of First Nations people into the area.

For example, there will be a recounting of the 3000 Mississauga native people buried immediately west of Bethany.

This picture was taken on the veranda of the first brick house built in the area. For a full story of the farm house, drop by Aunt Laura's and ask Kathy Morton to give you the historical background of the building.

Other stories to be included in the new book will be about the murder trial of 1925 when the local constabulary found it necessary to lock down the town to keep peace and order. This story will rival the Murdoch Mysteries on TV as it includes a love triangle.

At the height of Bethany's commercial era, there were two train companies serving the residents. But with the introduction of the automobile, train travel faded to the history books, especially the upcoming book being assembled now.

If any reader have photographs, stories or artifacts they would like to share with the Historical Society, they are invited to contact Kathy Morton either by calling 705-277-2751 or by email kmorton131@gmail.com or best of all, by visiting Aunt Laura's on Hwy 7A 95 feet west of Bethany.

Anyone interested in pre-ordering a copy or several copies of the History of Bethany book are invited to contact Laura.

Local news in The Millbrook Times - one of the few local papers left in Ontario can now be found on their own website:
http://themillbrooktimes.ca/

Open House - Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden June 29

Pictured is Kathy Morton, President of the Manvers Historical Society.

Members of the Society in cooperation with Diane Chen from the Cham Shan Temple in Toronto have organized an Open House at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden on June 29th.

The Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden is located on 550 acres in the north-east corner on the breathtaking rolling hills of Cavan Monaghan.

There will be approximately 600 Torontonians participating in a Buddhist ceremony on site.

In addition, the Manvers Historical Society has arranged for approximately 600 local residents to visit the site on the same day as the Buddhist ceremony, on June 29 th.

For logistical reasons, access has been limited to the first 600 paid individuals.

At present, the site is under construction. Visitors are advised these roads are very rough and will be physically challenging for walking.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear sturdy hiking boots, bring their own water and sun protection.

High heels and open toed sandals are not suitable footwear for the rocky terrain. Recent pedicures will be transformed to instant mashed potatoes..

There will be no personal vehicular access allowed to the site. Buses will run continually from Devil's Elbow Ski Hill to the garden and return.

The organizers from the Cham Chan Temple have requested that all visitors sign a waiver of liability because the area is under construction. The waivers will be available on the buses.

The first bus to go to the Garden will leave the Ski Hill at 10 am

The last bus to leave the Ski Hill will be at 1 pm

The last bus to return visitors to their cars will leave at 2 pm. from the Garden.

The cost has been limited to $10 per person. Participants have the option of ordering lunch from three sources. Lunches are in addition to the $10 fee.

Prearranged Lunches
The Ranch, on Ski Hill Road will have a buffet available at $20 per person.
Aunt Laura's Tea Room at #1402 highway 7A will offer "make your own sandwiches" and strawberry shortcake for $12.00 (patrons do not have to make their own shortcake)
Wutai Vegetarian Restaurant in Toronto will provide a boxed vegetarian meal for $9.

Local Restaurants
Sylvia's Coffee House in Millbrook.
Julie's Kitchen in Millbrook
Buttertarts and More Restaurant in Bethany.
The new Royal Gardens in Pontypool have an excellent take-out Chinese cuisine.
Also new is King's Fortune Chinese Cuisine in Omemee

If participants wish to arrange for their own meal, they only pay the $10 fee.

The ten dollar fee is necessary to pay the Historical Society's expenses such as, rental of buses, rental of portable John's, the Society's insurance and parking lot rental.

In courtesy to the prearranged meal providers, Kathy Morton will collect their charge for meals at the same time she collects the $10. This arrangement will facilitate plans for ordering food by each of the three
meal providers.

Anyone interested in visiting the site on June 29th should contact Kathy to purchase their tickets, either by,
1. Visiting the Tea Room at #1402 Highway 7A, Bethany, from 11 am to 5 pm Thursday to Sunday
2. Calling Kathy at 705-277-2751. Kathy accepts VISA
3. Sending Kathy an e-mail at kmorton131@gmail.com

Tickets are limited to the first 600 participants.

These arrangements are flexible and are subject to change.

For further information, contact Kathy as above.

Manvers Historical Society Hosts Dinner for Buddhists

Andy Harjula

Pictured are members of the Manvers Historical Society and joined by Rev. Dayi Shi, President of the Buddhist Association of Canada and Diane Chen, the Project Manager for the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden.

Also pictured at the dinner is John Fallis, Mayor of Cavan Monaghan.

Nearly six hundred people sought out tickets to the dinner but there was room for only 200 lucky participants.

The purpose of the dinner was to host a Welcome Dinner for new neighbours, the Buddhist community. .

Because all 600 people could not be accommodated at the dinner, a second event will be held on June 29^th, 2014, which will include a tour of the temple site and lunch prepared by the Wutai Vegetarian Restaurant, on Woodbine Avenue.

This event will require numerous volunteers. If readers are interested in helping, read a follow up notice in the Millbrook Times.

Diane Chen is the project manager for the development of the Wutai Shan Buddhist Gardens now being built in Cavan. Diane extended an enthusiastic welcome to dinner guests to come and sample the vegetarian meals at their restaurant in Toronto.

Kathy Morton, President and Treasurer of the historical society did a fantastic job of Master of Ceremonies, by inviting all speakers to lengthen their speeches, up to two minutes.

Diane gave an overall power point presentation about the four sites to be developed and the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in particular.

The writer has visited the Toronto restaurant and can give a double thumbs up to the delicious meals served there.

Kathy said, “the building of the four Buddhists properties in our community "is history in the making."

"We should recognize the economic impact these projects will have on our economy," Kathy stated.

Mayor John Fallis was one of the many speakers. John took the opportunity to express his heart felt comments on behalf of the Municipality of Cavan Monaghan.

The audience was treated to a demonstration in meditation, led by Rev. Dayi Shi.

The audience also heard a presentation on the philosophy of Buddhism and a brief summary of the story of Buddha.

Buddha was born 2600 years ago to a king in India. He became enlightened at the age of 35 and practiced his philosophy for 45 years.

As part of the Buddhist teachings of peace, tranquility and to do good deeds, the audience was challenged to perform one good deed each day for the next seven days.

The reward for adopting this particular teaching of Buddhism will be a guided tour of the Wutai Shan Buddhist Gardens.

The ultimate investments in properties and four projects could reach $100 million dollars over the next 30 – 40 years.

Several speakers from the Buddhist community stated that the purpose of building the temples in the area is to encourage opportunities for cultural exchanges between different people's culture and religions.

The Gardens will also become a major world tourist draw to world wide visitors.

The statues and buildings are being built in China by Chinese artisans, then disassembled, transported to Cavan and then reassembled.

The reassembly of the Chinese made structures will be directed by eight of the original artisans from China.

As an example the Maitreya Buddha weighs 280 tons, and equivalent to a four story building. The Buddha will be shipped in many crates and reassembled here. This statue will be the largest Buddha statue north of Panama.

One policy Diane Chen, the project Manager insists on promoting is that local people be hired wherever possible. Many locals have already participated in different aspects of construction.

There will be four separate areas developed representing four sacred areas in China. The first being built north of Bethany is known as Wutai Shan Buddhist Gardens.

This site is a recreation after a temple in an area of China called Wutai Mountain. The Wutai area is recognized by UNESCO for the beautiful historic wooden buildings.

Some of the buildings have lasted nearly 1200 years. Concrete would not have withstood the rigors of time as have the wooden buildings.

The desert cookies came from the kitchen of Kathy Morton. One dinner guest admitted to becoming addicted to the lemon squares and gorged on five of them.

Everyone who would like to be a participant in the June 29^th tour and luncheon may send Kathy Morton an email at kmorton131@gmail.com or drop by Kathy’s Tea Room on highway 7A, at the west end of Bethany.

Space is limited and the guests who could not attend the dinner will be given first dibs on the June 29^th tickets.

Readers are invited to consult The Millbrook Times for updates as they become available.

Fox in the Wood House

Andy Harjula

Nancy Fox, is pictured on the right, with the lovely beaded name tag and broad smile.

Nancy is a volunteer with the Millbrook Farmers Market. Here she slings potatoes for the Pinehaven Farm, west of Millbrook. The farm is operated by the Wood family who have been grounded in the community for many years.

Readers will find Nancy at the Millbrook Farmers Market this summer, sorting potatoes into their boxes and bags. Nancy can advise customers on the best potato to use for each of recipe or she may even be able to suggest some recipes of her own.

John Wood, pictured with the hat, has seed potatoes available for anyone who would like to try growing potatoes in their own garden.

The Wood potatoes are available each Saturday morning at the Peterborough Farmers Market. John will also sell their potatoes and many other produce from the farm gate to anyone who makes arrangements ahead of time. Appointments are necessary to ensure someone is at the house when customers arrive.

According to John, the most popular potato varieties are;

(1)

Yukon Gold, Is a product of the University of Guelph back in 1960. It is excellent for nearly all recipes..

(2) Shepody. A new potato, born in 1980 from the Government of Canada spud farm. It was designed for the french fry market.

(3) Peribonka. This great potato was licensed in 2002 from Quebec. It is very good baked or deep fried.

Nancy will explain the attributes of these potatoes to

shoppers

at the Millbrook Farmers Market this summer. Final operating dates have not been announced by the organizers, who are Leni Rautiainen and Grace Glass.

The writer's favourite potato is the German Butterball. This potato remains firm after cooking . Because the potato is so firm, it can be chewed rather than gummed like some of the alternative soft potatoes.

If readers are seeking their own favourite potato, the Wood family may probably be able to supply it from their forty varieties available. Their phone number is 932-3540 for more information

October 20th Last Millbrook Farmers Market
From the October 10th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured are Grace Glass and Leni Rautiainen. Initially they were mistaken for two lost Hollywood starlets by the writer because of their Hollywood tans and their use of dark sunglasses to hide their identity.

Grace and Leni are our own local stars who spearhead the Millbrook Farmers Market with volunteer support from local residents, one of which is Nurse Nancy Fox.

The Millbrook Markets have proven to be a roaring success, not only because of the tremendous effort by Grace and Leni but credit must also be chalked up to the 20 vendors who spend countless hours preparing for the market.

The Township of Cavan Monaghan deserves praise because they have played a very supportive roll in making the parking area available to the vendors.

The market would not be a success without the support of the community who have come out enthusiastically and shopped for their fresh locally produced produce.

For those shoppers who were lucky enough to receive a cloth shopping bag for their shopping, readers may thank Didi at Foodland the next time they see her.

Grace and Leni are reminding everyone that the last market day for 2013 will be on Sunday October 20, starting at 11 a.m. The day will highlight our local garlic production and feature Relic's Band for everyone’s musical enjoyment.



Second Land Owner Withdraws From Wind Project

by Andy Harjula - from the October 10th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

Kim and Doug are the owners of the east half of Lot 1 Concession 11 in Cavan. This is the area that is proposed for five Industrial Wind Turbines to be erected on three different lots. Two lots are in Cavan Monaghan and one lot is located in The City of Kawartha Lakes.

On September 26th Kim and Doug announced they will not sign the second stage of a contract with MK Ince for the installation of two of the five turbines on their property. MK Ince is the Wind Turbine proponent, from Dundas Ontario.

They came to their decision because of requests from MK Ince to sign the second stage of a contract, as soon as possible.

Initially, Kim and Doug had signed on with the proposal with two conditions (1) the project was a community project (2) the federal health study, regarding wind turbines, was completed.

Being a community project, Doug understood each homeowner, in the vicinity of the turbines, would receive $4000 per year. The total sum distributed to the local homeowners would have been grater than what he, as the landowner, was to receive.

Doug saw no reason to rush the project prior to those health studies being completed. This was to ensure there were no adverse effects to the public.

Doug stated "Our lease agreement (with MKI) is null and void. In addition, I have informed MKI that I plan to return the initial lease deposit that I received from them."

MK Ince was contact for a comment on this issue but no comments were returned at the time of writing this article.

The Ruth families are long term residents of the community. Doug's uncle, Alex Ruth was a former Councillor on the Cavan Millbrook North Monaghan Council.

Doug's father operates a successful water well drilling business. Dough has worked with his dad since 1987 drilling water wells thorough out the region. Doug also operates a farming enterprise.

The Ruth family is the second property owner that have withdrawn from the Stoneboat Wind Turbine proposal. The first one to withdraw was Woodleigh Farms, operated by Don and Margaret Winslow.

Give Children a Brake

Message From Community Policing Committee

Schools are back in session.

Pictured is Paul Money a member of the Cavan Monaghan Community Policing Committee.

Paul is operating a traffic monitoring station in front of the North Cavan School, on the first day of school.

On this particular test, Paul was very pleased with the results that indicated the average speed was 58 km/hour in a 60 km zone.

Thirty seven drivers were a teeny bit over the limit. Two drivers exceeded the limit, had they been ticketed, their fines would have doubled because the area in front of the North Cavan School is a Community Safety Zone.

Readers are reminded that the road in front of the Millbrook School is also a designated Community Safety Zone.

Anyone interested in joining or helping the committee may call 705-277-1825 for more information.

Organic Vegetables and Straw Structures

Andy Harjula

Pictured are Chris Magwood, Andrew Flaman, Julie Fleming and Jonah.

Andrew, Julie and Jonah are operators of the Circle Organic Community Farm, on County Road # 10 south of Millbrook.

This year they are grow
ing
about 50 varieties of vegetables that they sell at the Millbrook Farmers Market, the Peterborough Market and through their Community Supporting Agriculture Program.

Of course
,
with five acres of vegetables that must be cared for organically, they are assisted by two interns, two workers and themselves.

The CSA is a program where community members partner with the farmer and share in the good times and assume the same risks. Each participant receives a box of vegetables each week and have the pick of the crop.

CSA participants pick up their weekly produce at either the farm or at the Silver Bean Cafe in downtown Peterborough.

In preparation for future expansions of their five acre vegetable garden, they are beginning to convert an additional 30 acres for future use.

This is their second year on the property. Last year they built their straw home that they now live in. When they built the structure they used prefabed straw sheets in some areas of the building.and standard insulation in the remaining areas.

Their second building project is a straw bale structure that is being constructed by Chris Magwood of The Endeavour Centre.

The second structure is scheduled to be structurally completed by the end of August.

The purpose of the building is to house a food processing centre, were vegetables are washed and prepared for sale. There is also space for future expansion.

The south facing side of the building will host the plant starter area. The Quonset hut connected to the straw bale building will serve as a produce storage area.

Chris Magwood spent seven years as an instructor at Fleming College teaching all about building straw bale buildings. For the past two years he and Jen Felgin began The Endeavour Centre.

The Centre teaches students the fine art of straw bale building and this year the 10 students are building the straw bale building at Circle Organi as their class project.

The students spen four days at the job site and one day per week in class learing the instricasies of their new trade.

The building they are working on has R 40 walls and R 60 ceiling. The building also uses both active and passive solar heating whereby the heat is stored under ground in the building buildings.

The lumber is sourced local forest insupport of their endevour to suppport a sustainable forest.

Something else new in buildings is the glass bead insulation around the building's footings.

The bathroom facilities hosts a composting throne system.

In order for the quonset hut to serve as a storage room, it will be earth covered and function just like the old time rooot cellars.

All building products used in the structure are of high quality to ensure that no chemical products are instruced that may gass off in the futre and affect the air quality inside.

When all the bales of straw have been fixed into their place, the outside walls will be plastered with local sourced clay.

Chris stated that "there are about 20 straw bales structures built in Ontario each each year."

The Building Code now recognizes the benefits of this style of construction. Furthermore, Chris said, "the Township of Cavan Monaghan staff have been very helpful in ensuring the permitting process has worked smoothly."

Anyone interested in organic vegetables can talk to Andrew at the next Millbrook Farmers Market. They may also ask Andrew about the straw buildings, at the market.

The farm is presently a construction site and visitors should wait until the building is competed before venturing out to the farm to see the wonder of it all.

Local Food Industry Continues to Grow Organically

Andy Harjula posted in The August 8th issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured are two local food producers.

Deana Hunstbarger works her land at Ganaraska Gardens and Marcy Adzich works her own property and she works on other people's land.

Marcy's enterprise is called Fox Hollow Wild Edibles.

Deana left her native Seattle for love. Their loss was our lucky gain. Deana's 25 acre parcel is her piece of heavenly delight and is located at 9788 County Road # 10.

Deana and Marcy shared a stand at the July 21 Millbrook Farmers Market because they have similar agricultural interests. That is, growing wholesome irresistible food locally.

Readers can also find Deana's produce at the Peterborough and Port Hope Farmers Markets.

Her 50 varieties of vegetables are tended with an Armstrong Cultivator, all done in the name of working with the environment.

Deana's goal is leaving the earth better than she found it.

Deana practices what she preaches, that is, composting, crop rotation, and use of green manure.

Her produce is sought after by local restaurants and her cut flowers enhance and adorn many wedding ceremonies.

Readers who wish to arrange a wedding that will be the envy of all may wish to consider contacting Deana for her flowers at 705-797-1057

She is a certified member of My Pick. This organization reassures the public that their members are selling their own fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables rather reselling produce from the cheapest local food terminal.

Deana focuses on quality rather than quantity.

Marcy Adzich, pictured, is a transplanted Edmontonian.

Marcy is the Manager of the Ecological Park in Peterborough where she has recently initiated an Edible Landscape program.

She will be stocking the Park with numerous varieties of fruit, berries and nuts for the purpose of reselling the plants to the public. Marcy will also host quest speakers to talk about and demonstrate the value of growing your own fruit.

Marcy, like Deana, grows vegetables and herbs but unlike Deana, she borrows neighbor's yards. Her works may be called a symbiotic relationship as both she and the property owner depend on each other for success and food.

Her main farm is the vacant building lot next to her home. Besides the vegetables, Marcy also is a purveyor of edible wild mushrooms.

Marcy labels herself an urban farmer and tends to her gardens with loving manual care.

She prepares goat's cheese. These she makes in small batches of six at a time so that the cheese is always fresh and delicious.

Marcy does offer Gate Sales. For this she may be reached at 905-396-2910 for her produce.

She may be reached at 705-745-3238 for information about her Edible Landscape Program at Peterborough GreenUp Ecology Park.

Franklin House Herbals will be at the Millbrook Farmers Market

Andy Harjula from the July 19th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times..

Pictured is Jill Cockerell of Franklin House Herbals. Jill will be one of the vendors at the Millbrook Farmers Market on Sunday, July 21 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Jill and her husband Gary are originally from Montreal where Jill worked for Gary in his prosthetic appliance business.

While we were walking the grounds, Jill visually surveyed the extensive farm works and said “If someone had told me in Montreal, when I was young and running about in high heels, that one day I would live on a farm, I would have laughed in their face.”

They often discussed buying a hobby farm and in 2000 they took the plunge.

They moved from Janetville to their present 70 acre farm they now call home. The farm and gate sales are located at the corner of Fleetwood Road and Ski Hill Road, about 6 clicks north of Bethany.

When readers visit the farm, they should look for the yellow signs and they will not be disappointed in their visit.

They manage approximately 35 acres, greenhouses, barns and the rest is leased out.

Gary is still an owner of a prosthetic appliance business but now located in Oshawa. He also helps operate the farm by looking after the honey production, raising meat hens and looking after the market garden.

Jill is the hands on sales person and the person with a thousand talents.

This is Jill’s fourth summer operating a sales table in front of their home, selling all their produce. The sales tables are operated from May to October from 10 am to 6 pm.

However, people can also drop in and if she is about she will help customers select their produce. Alternatively, customers may also call Jill at 277-9800 to make an appointment for a gardening class or for a consultation on Jill’s herbal medicinal products.

Some of her offerings include;
-        40 varieties of roses. Roses that do not sell she turns into oil
-        teaching and demonstrating her square foot garden
-        making soaps, pickles and preserves
-        preparing cooking seasonings that contain no salt or MSG
-        lectures on gardening Wednesday nights
-        raising over 100 herb in her magnificent medicine wheel
-        giving instructions on how to use medicinal herbs
-        growing heirloom vegetables from around the world, including peppers and lettuce and tomatoes
-        preparing more than 20 skin care products that she makes in small batches with therapeutic grade essential oils

She only has one crab-apple tree from which she makes jelly. Admittedly, this writer introduced Jill to a few new fruit, nuts and berries she could add to the farm. After all they do have 70 acres and they “have all of January with nothing to do” according to Jill.

There are no pesticides or herbicides used on the farm but the farm is not certified organic.

It is worth a trip to Franklin, 6 clicks north of Bethany to witness the magic of Jill’s garden and kitchen.,



Rally in the Valley Support Team

By Andy Harjula

Behind every event there are hundreds of hard working volunteers who work hard to make community events a success.

Pictured are Paul Galloway, Ross Smith, Elaine MacDonald and cooking is Dan Maebrae.

These four workers represent some of the volunteers at the 402 Legion who served breakfast and lunch on Saturday for the crowd viewing they Rally in the Valley, gravity car race on King Street.

For breakfast, they prepared peameal bacon on a bun with coffee and all the fixings. The hot coffee was a welcome relief during the cool Saturday morning as the sun had not yet began to creep over the horizon.

Lunch included beef on a bun or jumbo hot dogs, fries or onion rings.

The Legion strives to buy locally and patronizes the Millbrook Foodland whenever possible.

Besides all the activities at the Legion, they also conduct a `Meat Draw` at 4.30 every Saturday. There are five draws each afternoon for items such as pork chops, peameal bacon and eggs and roasts. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Leslie Graham is Your Man

Andy Harjula for the May 9th issue of The Millbrook Times

Leslie Graham is your man, for rototilling your garden. Leslie is pictured on his diesel Kubota dragging a 48 inch rototiller with a shaft drive.

With the torque power of the diesel and a 360 pound rototiller, Leslie does a fine job on a garden that has hardened up after last falls harvest.

Leslie is a long term Cavan resident having been born on Zion Line where he still resides with his wife Judith. Leslie is a mechanic by trade but also works in carpentry to augment his property maintenance work.

Judith's specialty is growing vegetables and flower gardens. You may soon see her vegetables at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market which is open every Friday from 3 pm to 6.30 starting in mid June.

Judith was born across the pond and retired from teaching in Prince Rupert. After teaching, Judith moved about the United States of America.

From the U.S.A. she came to Peterborough to visit her sisters. This is where she met Leslie and settled down to an ideal life in rural Cavan.

Besides rototilling your garden, Leslie does snow removal (but only when we have snow) lawn care, scrap removal and leaf cleanup.

For a free estimate on any work you would like done, call them at 932-5260.

Patti Burns; Foot Care Nurse

Andy Harjula from the May 9th 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured are, Nurse Patti Burns and five anonymous toes that have become the envy of their neighbourhood.

Nurse Patti hangs her white nurse’s cap in Cavan where she opened a new personal health care service for the Cavan Monaghan market area.

She is pictured with an intense determination trying to eradicate a humongous callus from her patient's beautifully sculptured left foot.

Patti comes by her trade honestly, having worked at St Michael's, Bronson, North York General and at our own little gem, Millbrook Centennial Place.

Prior to joining the nursing profession, Patti hitched her sled to a moving company, at the age of 13.

She then followed in the steps of Ringo Starr and played drums on a cross Canada tour. The first band she joined was named The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Patti most likely represented The Good.

In 2003 she heard the light call her name and she moved to Cavan with her two close friends and began work at Centennial Place.

Patti's mixed career path has most recently led her to practice her nursing skills in the foot care health system.

She calls her service "Foot Care Nurse" which describes her service to a T and the name fits on a business card, with room to spare.

Patti's emphasis is to provide function and comfort for her appreciative patients.

She files away calculus with a mechanical grinder, slices away corns and repairs ingrown nails.

Her loving care results in greater mobility for her patients and she offers suggestions to everyone how they can improve their walking habits so as to save their feet from harm.

Patti will bring her service to your home, by appointment. Give her a phone call.

She completes her foot care treatment with a heaven sent foot massage. The mesmerizing massage impels her patient into making another appointment immediately.

Diabetic patients are welcome to make an appointment for special care of their feet.

In the future, Patti will add foot reflexology to her personal repertoire of health care services.

Patti's hobbies include drumming, and practicing for the next big gig. She also helps her friend care for two elderly horses.

Patti is available to accommodate people's busy schedules six days a week, excluding Sundays.

Male readers may wish to consider giving a foot care treatment as a present on Mother's Day. A partner may reciprocate with a similar gift on Father’s Day. Foot care is not exclusively a female service.

"Real men do eat quiche and have their feet treated."

A special introductory price is now available for her services. Patti can be reached for an appointment at 705-277-2056

Slightly higher rates are available to patients further away, for example, Oshawa, Hong Kong and Dublin.

Similar to the song made famous by Mahalia Jackson in the 1950s, "She has got your whole feet, in her hands

Mount Pleasant Women's Institute Inaugurate New Kitchen

by Andy Harjula - from the May 9th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

On April 27, the Mount Pleasant Women's Institute held a pancake breakfast to showcase their sparkling new kitchen facilities.

The cost of their new kitchen was made possible from funds the Institute raised during fund raising, The Provincial Trillium Fund and the generosity of the Cavan Monaghan Council via their Community Grants Program.

Pictured is Wayne Blaby who was one of the first persons to enjoy his delicious breakfast of pancakes, ham, beans with rhubarb and strawberries for desert.

Liam and his father Greg were there also to enjoy their robust breakfast. Greg was of course sporting the success of his favourite hockey team.

Hilda Hilditch, Veronica Wickens and Margie Moore are pictured working in the new kitchen. The kitchen cupboards are the star attraction as is the three new sinks.

The kitchen was designed and installed by John Ireland, a local cabinetry expert residing in Cavan.

With the new kitchen facilities, the community are looking forward to many more wonderful meals being served at the Institute.

Readers are also reminded to watch this paper for an announcement on the start of the Farmers Market which is again being planned for every Friday afternoon, as soon as local vegetables, lamb and beef are available.

Centennial Place Hosts Free Tax Clinic

Andy Harjula from the February 28th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times.

Pictured are Grace Buck, Karen Wolff and Gary Earle.

Grace Buck is the coordinator of a group of volunteers who prepare tax returns for free. The criteria is that the return must be simple, straight forward and the family income should be under $40,000. This excludes complex returns such as "final returns" and returns with business income.

Karen Wolff, Office Manager, at Centennial Place Long-term Care Home, in Millbrook, is pleased to announce that Centennial Place will host their 5^thAnnual Free Tax Clinic in their Fireside Lounge. Karen said "We are pleased to provide this service to our community and welcome everyone to attend and enjoy a light refreshment."

Gary Earle is one of the volunteers who generously donates his time each year to help people conquer their tax returns.

The volunteer program is coordinated nationally through the Revenue Canada Agency.

The Centennial Place service is available from 9 am until 3.30 pm on Monday, March 18. There will be approximately four volunteers who will serve the public on a "first come first serve" basis.

Anyone who is unable to attend the Millbrook clinic may attend a clinic at Mapleridge Seniors Recreation Centre on Fridays March 15 and 22. Also on Fridays April 5, 12 and 19.

Mapleridge Centre is located at 1085 Brealey Drive in Peterborough.

Soccer Donations Arrive in Belize

Andy Harjula from the February 28th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured are 17 soccer players from Christ the King Anglican School in Dangriga Belize.

The players are wearing soccer equipment brought to Belize by local volunteer workers.

David Britton, owner of the Millbrook Home Hardware store, performed a great service by providing one of the collection points for the donated soccer equipment. Certainly there were times the collection box overflowed with donations and customers thought they were in a Sports Goods Store rather than a hardware store.

When the students were invited to pose for this photo-op of their "new-to-them" equipment, they rushed the principal's office en-mass and pandemonium ensued. They tore through the boxes of goodies like a herd of Boxing Day shoppers searching for the perfect fit.

One youth was so excited to join the pick-up game that he only had time to put on one soccer boot.

This happy scene was made possible by many thoughtful and generous local families who made the effort to donate their used equipment to youngsters who had no hope of ever being able to purchase their own equipment.

The equipment was not restricted to only boys. One young girl sported a soccer shirt promoting Millbrook Chiropractic.

Anyone who would like to donate their soccer equipment for the next mission trip to Belize, may call the writer at 277-1825.

Readers are reminded that our local soccer season will start soon. Players may sign up in three ways; (1) February 23, from 9 am to 1 pm or (2) February 27 from 6 pm, to 8 pm, both locations are at the Lions Den on County Road # 10. (3) Players may also register on-line at www.mlcfc.com.

As in the past two years, there will be women's teams for those women over 29 years of age. Thankfully, there is no maximum age restriction, grandma can come out to play too, especially now that the soccer pitches are being repaired.

Team Reports Successes After January Trip

Andy Harjula from the February 14th issue of The Millbrook Times

From left to right Veronica Wickens, Bev Hilditch, Fiona Skurjat, Ray Roseboom, Katrina Bulman, John Roseboom, Larry Gooch, John VanVolkenburg. Front row, Andy Harjula and Linda Hipwell.

The group were attracted to the painting project by a sense of exotic adventure and intrinsic dedication to help their fellow neighbours in Belize. The group were true volunteers and covered their own expenses and they purchased their own painting supplies.

The purpose of the project was to paint a building that had served as former convent, former school and plantation home. Now it is home to Father Gerry and Father Dominic who live upstairs. The downstairs accommodates the head office for the local Catholic School Board serving 4000 students with a staff of three. The other end of the building serves as a HIV clinic.

The ten volunteers have a varied background.
Veronica Wickens lives happily on Hayes line, selling real estate and volunteering with the Mount Pleasant Womens Institute.

Bev Hilditch from Cedar Valley Road was the staff that people leaned on for positive reinforcement. Bev, the ever optimist, jumped right into the local music scene and played the organ at the Sacred Heart Church and the Anglican Church.

Fiona Skurjat, a Torontonian who works for the city building standards branch. Fiona and Veronica are sisters and the painting project provided the perfect opportunity for them to bond unconditionally, in a sisterly fashion.

Ray Roseboom is from Stewart Line, the same line as our famous violinist, Brooke Stewart. Ray operates a school bus and he competes internationally in horseshoe tournaments. Ray's strong arm was much appreciated for painting with a ten foot extension poll.

John Roseboom, John's Brother, joined the volunteer crew all the way from Gananoque. John was noted for his dedication for sanding and painting the 12 foot ceilings of the two verandas.

Katrina Bulman, standing between the two handsome brothers, is a recent arrival to Millbrook. Katrina's fame comes from raising butterflies commercially and was happy in following the painting crew doing touch-ups and cooking omelets.

Larry Gooch from Millbrook is a member of the Millbrook and District Lions. Larry, a professional painter, demonstrated numerous tricks of the trade, such as painting fake window frames for windows that lost their frames during past hurricanes Larry also assisted in delivering hand made dresses, made from pillow cases, to the Mayan children in Belize. The group affectionately called them, Larry's dresses.

John VanVolkenburg is from the City of Kawartha Lakes. John was instrumental in securing a donation of five electric sanders, sand paper and extension cords from the Lindsay Home Hardware Building Centre. The sanders made the job significantly quicker and easier. John generously made available his bus to transport the group to and from Pearson airport.

Andy Harjula, a retired tree planter from Cavan, helped wherever he was needed.

Linda Hipwell from Bethany provided the humour that is necessary to offset the lack of a pay cheque for such a large volunteer project. Linda dropped her apron at Heaven on Seven Restaurant where she works and picked up a paint brush. Linda kept us all in good humour the entire two weeks.

Other personal stories must remain behind sealed lips. What happens in Belize stays in Belize.

Anyone wanting to hear about the next trip in 2014 may contact anyone above for more information. The 2014 team will be seeking donations of soccer shoes, shirts and soccer balls. Please contact the writer if you can help.
Starting Vegetables from Seeds

Andy Harjula from the February 14th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times.

Jill Bishop, pictured, conducted a lively seminar on starting vegetable plants indoors from seed. The seminar was on February 6th at the Old Millbrook School.

The seminar was hosted and organized by Transition Cavan Monaghan. Anyone interested in more information about TCM may contact Ian McQuarrie at ian@millbrookbears.com

Thirty people came out to hear Jill's lively seminar and demonstration. Jill is with the Peterborough Community Garden Network and may be reached at 745-3238 for more information.

Jill went through the key points of starting vegetable plants indoors with both humour and practical information.

She suggested the most important step is to buy good seeds from a reputable dealer. The seeds need to be fresh and demonstrate a high degree of germination.

Many seeds are only good for one year so it is best to determine their germination rate. A simple test is to place 10 seeds in a damp napkin and place this in a plastic bag. After five days, check to see how many germinated. If 90% of them germinated you are safe to plant one seed per pot. But if only 20% germinated you are further ahead to get fresh seeds or take a chance and plant three seeds per pot.

Another test not covered at the lecture is to dump your seeds into a bucket of water. Stir them about, like you would some ice in a glass of whiskey, to remove any air pockets on the seeds. Those seeds that sink to the bottom are most viable. Those seeds that remain suspended and probably OK. But those seeds that float should be discarded.

Another obvious decision a gardener needs to make is to determine what they wish to grow. Some vegetables must be started earlier than others because they take longer to germinate and require a longer growing season.

For example peppers and tomatoes should be started in early March. Melons, pumpkins and cucumbers can be started a month later.

These dates are determined by the first frost free period for Cavan which is June 6th for a 100 year period. But the long week-end in May is when most people begin to prepare their gardens.

Lighting is also important. Ideally the seed tray should be placed in a south facing window. The tray should be rotated once or twice a week to prevent the plants from growing in one direction rather than straight up.

Seeds come with their own energy pack and do not need the benefit of manure or fertilizer to germinate. But they do require some water. Watering is best done by dampening the soil rather than watering after the seeds are planted. The golden rule is that plants do not like wet feet as they do not tolerate excessive watering.

The containers used for the plants need to be washed and sterilized to remove any diseases or fungus from the previous year.

After filling the containers with damp soil/vermiculite, press the soil gently and add one good seed per pot.. Do remember to label your pots because if you have five varieties of tomatoes and you intend to save the seeds it will be more convenient in the fall when you collect the seeds to know what you are collecting.

Jill for example plants 80 varieties of tomatoes. Her nightmare is about customers coming into her greenhouse and switching labels between plants, as a joke.

A small fan definitely helps to keep the air circulating about the plants and reducing the chance of damping off disease. If a fan is used, the pots do have a tendency to dry out more quickly and will require more frequent watering. The fan will also assist in hardening off the plants before they are placed outside.

Many green house stores sell handy trays with clear plastic covers to grow plants from seeds. The plastic covers are not necessary for healthy growing conditions.

If the outdoor conditions are not appropriate for your plant and the plants are becoming as large as ficus shrubs, the plants should be planted into bigger pots to prevent them from becoming root bound. Root bound is when the entire pot becomes filled with roots all tangled up like a Gordian Knot.

If your plants, such as tomato plants, are visited by worms, the green solution is to use diatomaceous earth. If using this product, it is important not to breath it into ones lungs. The alternative is to pick the worms off with ones fingers or if squeamish, use tweezers.

Before transplanting vegetables outside, it is a good plan to harden the plants off. You can do this by placing them outside during the warm days and bringing them into the house during the cool nights.

When planting tomatoes outside, the entire plant can be planted into a deep hole and only leave a few leaves above the ground. This is particularly useful if your plants are long and spindly.

If you wish to fertilize you plants, Jill recommended a fish emulsion which is a natural product rather than a chemical fertilizer. From the author's practice, a $12.00 jar of fish emulsion is sufficient for about 100 fruit trees. Most soils already are fertilized naturally but the soil may need manure or sand to break up a clay soil or if it is a sandy soil, some organic material will help.

Jill recommended five tomato plants were sufficient for a family rather the a row of 20 plants, unless the objective is to feed everyone living on the street.

Jill invited everyone to join the 8 th Annual Seed Sale and Exchange on March 10 from 2 pm to 5 pm at the George Street United Church. Many heirloom vegetable seeds will be available.

Mount Pleasant Women’s Institute Receives Trillium Grant

By: Andy Harjula from the January 8th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times.

Mrs. Irene Best was pleased to advice that the Institute has received a $12,600 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Irene is the President of the Mount Pleasant Women’s Institute.

The grant will be combined with another generous grant the Institute received from the Cavan Monaghan Community Grant program.

The two grants will allow the Institute to modernize their kitchen with new features such as cupboards, stove, refrigerator and sinks. The purpose of the modernization is to bring the kitchen into compliance with today’s Health Standards.

Irene stated, “No work will be done to jeopardise the historical integrity of the hall.”

Members of the Mount Pleasant Women’s Institute have been meeting since 1905. Obviously, the present members were not involved at the inaugural meetings.

The Institute Vision is “Working together shaping tomorrow’s world.” In this regard the Institute was instrumental in convincing Peterborough County to install the flashing light at their main intersection. The Institute is also planning to request the County to upgrade the same corner with additional safety features to help reduce dangerous vehicle movement.

The Institute members are very pleased with the 2012 Farmers Market organized at the hall. They are excited to begin planning for another season in 2013 and probably on the same Friday afternoons from June until Jack Frost arrives.

The farmers market is something everyone in the community can look forward to.

Anyone wanting to join this exciting and vibrant local organization may call Marilyn Marshall at 749-3246. Men are also welcome to come and help during the Institute’s events

Lions Donate $250 to Locals going to Belize

By: Andy Harjula from the January 10th, 2013 issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured is Larry Gooch, a member of the Millbrook and District Lions Club. Larry is also a member of a group of volunteers who are going to Belize this January. Larry received the $250 donation, on behalf of the group, from President Carl Brown.

This is the second year the Lions have helped support the work in Belize. The funds are not used to defray any of the volunteer's expenses Instead the funds are given to a local school principal to help sponsor a school. In the majority of instances, the funds are used by the principals to provide a lunch program for students who are unable to bring a lunch from home. The other major program these funds represent, is to provide scholarships for students.

In Belize, most schools are operated by religious orders. The Lion's money will support the Anglican Schools.

Students in Belize must pay a tuition to attend school, starting from kindergarten.

The vast majority of students are not able to complete their primary education due to family poverty and for the lack of tuition funds. The second reason for students failing to graduate from high schools is the fact that their parents require them to work picking fruit in plantations operated by multi-nationals.

Out of every one hundred students who start in grade one, only six are able to graduate from high school because of these two factors.

The Lions contribution could nearly fund one student from grade one to a high school graduation.

During the same exchange pictured above, President Brown accepted $250 from the Community Policing Committee to be used towards Lions community service work.Huge Crowd Squeeze into Municipal Chamber

By Andy Harjula special article..

Pictured is Judy Coward from OMAFRA discussing the results of the November 14th Downtown Millbrook Focus Meeting with Paul Nopper who is representing our Township as the Downtown Revitalization Coordinator.

Close to 50 excited residents crowded into the Council Chambers to lend their wholehearted support and encouragement to the Millbrook Downtown Revitalization project. The Council Chambers were well suited to accommodate the noisy crowed because of room`s excellent acoustical characteristics, as compared to the gymnasium.

The meeting began with introductions by Rachel Crawford who is the Chairperson of the Downtown Millbrook Revitalization Management Committee. (DMRMC)

The DMRMC is made up of the following local members; Jenn Austin Driver, Braydon Lloyd, Rob Ross, Matt Smith, Peter Ramsay, Bonnie McQuarrie, Karen Jopling, Judy Crawford (OMAFRA), Lynda Todd, Karen Ellis, Brenda Whitehead, Nancy Young and Paul Nopper.

All of members of the above management committee are seeking ideas from community members as to how Millbrook`s downtown can be revitalized.

There were two phases to Thursday's meeting. At first, the crowd split into four groups for the purpose of documenting what goes on in downtown Millbrook over a 24 hour period and repeated 365 days a year. Each group documented extensive lists of activities including Mr David Tong's late shift at the drug store, activities at the Legion, church suppers and the noticeable evidence left behind, proving that dogs have roamed the streets.

The the second exercise was for each person to envision, document and submit their ideas of what they think Millbrook will look like in the year 2042. In the majority of cases, participants were able to fill in the entire card given to them for the documentation.

Lyle Shields shared his vision for Millbrook to the responsive wild cheers from the crowd.

Next; the Management Committee will interview members of the BIA and they will conduct a survey of local residents for their ideas..

More meetings are planned as the process progresses. Anyone who missed this meeting can still catch up and join the fun. Residents may also contact Paul Nopper at the Twp, office and ask to be placed on a contact list, if they wish to be reminded of future meeting.

From

Halls are Alive with Music
By: Andy Harjula from the September 6th, 2012 issue of The Millbrook Times

Pictured are Julia Fenn and Benj Rowland musicians extraordinary. At any moment, the crowd of customers at the Women's Institute Hall were expecting the River Dance Troupe to perform in the isles of the hall.
Their music was lively and intoxicating. The music is sure to bring shoppers back to the hall in the future. Anyone who did not shop at the hall last Friday will regret missing this great memorable event.
These two talented and wonderful musicians were busking at the August 31st. Farmers Market, at the Womens Institute Hall in Mount Pleasant..
It was a shear pleasure to sit back and suck on a cup of coffee, like a new born calf, while listening to Julia's and Benj's toe tapping music. It was hard for people to sit still and control themselves and not jump up and dance. But, the hall is a former temperance hall and dancing is strictly prohibited.
Julia and Benj were joined by their shy, mute rooster, who was sitting on the table between them and enjoying the aroma of Margaret Winslow's fresh organic vegetables.
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is open every Friday from 3 pm to 6.30. and will continue operating until mid December. Readers are invited to drop by, stock up and pickle the vegetables for use on a cold winter night in January

FroFF

70 Varieties of Potatoes

By: Andy Harjula from the August 3rd issue of The Millbrook Times.

Pictured is John Wood of Pinehaven Farm. John and his mother Marg operate the farm which consist of about 30 acres of potatoes. The entire family farm is made up of 400 acres.

John is a forth generation farmer. Some of the Wood family are the offspring of the United Empire Loyalists..

The farm is located at number 64, County Road 21 at the west end of Millbrook and adjacent to The Marsh Trinity Anglican Church, which itself was established in 1867.

John attended University of Guelph, where he studied Crop Science and mathematics. Math is his strength and he teaches mathematics at Sir Sanford Fleming College.

Potatoes are obviously John's passion. He spoke about growing his potatoes as if his potatoes were family members. Any potato that grows up on John's farm can be assured of a good loving home, whether they get mashed, boiled or fried.

John related the story of wild potatoes, which are still grown today. The original [potatoes can be traced back 7000 years ago to the Andes mountains in Peru. From there the potatoes spread to Europe and especially Ireland.

Interesting tid bit about potatoes is that they are in the Family Classification Solanaceae. This is the same family as tobacco, chilli peppers and deadly nightshade. If the potato is allowed to grown on top of the soil, exposed to the sun, the skin will become green. The green portion of the potato can be mildly poisonous.

The Irish adopted the potato as a primary crop and consequently become very dependent on a single crop. However, when the famous crop failure occurred in 1845, caused by a blight, many people suffered from starvation. Others decided to move to North America, including Cavan.

John only has 70 varieties of potatoes. There are about 4000 varieties world wide.

A famous potato story revealed itself after WW ll. The Germans were about to attack Stalingrad now called Volgograd . The scientists at the Pavlovsk Experimental Farm, outside of Stalingrad, operated a large gene bank of potato plants. In order to save the potato gene bank from possible destruction, they moved all the plants inside St. Petersburg. During the WW ll, 12 of the scientists died of starvation while protecting their life saving potatoes.

John speaks with the same passion for his potatoes as those scientist who moved their precious potatoes to St Petersburg.

Pinehaven Farm is not limited to potatoes. John also growsbeets, carrots, beans, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.

John explained that the varieties of potatoes have different flavours and textured and some are better for one dish than other potatoes are for other dishes.

John suggested the following varieties (from his farm of course)

For Boiling; Irish Cobbler, matures early and exhibits a good flavour, however, John finds them difficult to grow. His cull potatoes are fed to his cows and the cows recognize the tractor he uses for pulling cull potatoes to them and will meet him at the gate.

John also recommends Envol from Quebec which is also an early variety.

He did not mention Yellow Finnish which may be the world's best potato.

For Baking; The Russets have several varieties such as the Russet Burbank. John prefers a dry potato. He also recommended the Yukon Gold for baking.

For Salads; Fingerling potatoes are waxy and good textured and are excellent for salads. Unfortunately, fingerling can't be planted or harvested mechanically. They require hand work because of their small size.

Anyone who would like to grow potatoes can buy their seed potatoes from John. To be a successful potato producer, John recommends a sunny location, fertilize with manure, adequate moisture, bury the seed potato about 4-6 inches deep. and watch out for the potato bugs.

He does sell his produce from the farm gate but he asks that people call ahead so he can arrange for someone to be there. 705-932-3540.

John's potatoes can also be found at the Mount Pleasant Womens Institute Hall, every Friday afternoon from 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The potato display is close to Kathryn Wilson's display of pickled eggs. Potatoes and pickled eggs make an excellent meal in themselves.

The other local location for John's potatoes is the Millbrook Farmers Market at the Old School on Dufferin Street. The next market day is August 19 starting at noon. Shoppers will be entertained by our very own violinist, Ms. Brooke Stewart. Brooke who will have recently returned from France may entertain us with some French tunes.

Every Saturday you will find John at the Peterborough market. Shoppers will find it more sensually rewarding to shop locally in the pastoral ambiance of his farm and minimize their carbon footprint. If you go to his farm, please call ahead.

Articles, opinions, letters, comments & all other media is the sole responsibility of the original author and only the original author, unless specifically stated otherwise.

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