From The President
Year 2017 has been a very unpredictable and disappointing year in some ways. Many people had suffered severe flood damage and property loss due to the flooding. The weather itself was a disappointment as the hot weather that we enjoyed last year was not to be this year, and the bugs and black flies were there, longer than usual. We were fortunate that most of KAPOA events seemed to have favorable weather. Bay Days had good weather and the KAPOA booth was very busy this year as members renewed their membership and new members signed up. We strongly encourage members to utilize KAPOA activities to pay their membership as we are phasing out the old custom of door knocking to collect dues. Aging volunteers and a growing membership are contributing factors for the decision. So if you want to remain a KAPOA member please send in your dues to KAPOA Box 297 Barrys Bay ON K0J 1B0 or renew your membership at any KAPOA events. We are working on introducing electronic payment option for our members. Members that fall behind in their dues will not receive the KAPOA newsletters or communication bulletins from KAPOA.
KAPOA is involved with the OMB appeal regarding Hastings Highlands Council passing a motion to eliminate the ward system. The ward system is the only guaranteed way that our ward will get fair representation. The appeal is headed by former mayor Brent Dalgleish with support from KAPOA. The boundary realignment is work in progress and will take a lot of time before completion. As everyone is aware, election time is drawing near and we have to seriously look at the way our municipality has been looked after and our tax dollars spent. We get a chance to have our say every 4 years, so let’s make it count. These people that we elect are applying for these positions and are getting paid by our tax dollars and therefore have to be accountable to us the tax payer. Please take the time to vote and let’s make sure that the people that we are voting for will represent us and tax us fairly!
I would like to thank all the KAPOA volunteers for everything that they do, whether up front or behind the scenes because without them there would be no KAPOA. I would like to thank the volunteers for their dedication and time spent making KAPOA events as successful as they are and our Association for what it is today. KAPOA always welcomes new volunteers, so if you have some time to contribute, and want to meet new friends you can be part of this exciting organization. Many hands make big tasks a breeze, so please consider joining our volunteers. You can volunteer to help one or two events a year or whatever amount of time you wish to contribute. Presently we have vacancies in our News Letter Committee, our Research Committee, or our Events committee. Some of this requires computer time with no physical effort, while others that are physically able would be appreciated by joining our team of volunteers that work at different KAPOA events, these take minimal physical effort. Be part of the TEAM, be a proud KAPOA member!!
Ed Kobylka, President
KAPOA
From the Vice President
2017 was quite the year. A near record snowfall and drastic increase in the water level in Kamaniskeg caused all sorts of damage to cottages, homes and shorelines, much of which was not covered under disaster relief leaving many people strained with the financial burden of repairing or rebuilding property. A challenging spring led to a non-existent summer but thankfully, mother nature cooperated for the annual KAPOA poker run which raised over $13,000 for the St. Francis Hospital. The fall was a great time on Kamaniskeg, an extended summer allowed many people to leave their boats and docks in a bit longer and on September 15th, the water temperature was warmer than it had been all summer.
The KAPOA board apologizes for the lack of communication during the spring flood. With a thin (volunteer) staff and a communications person that was away during this time, we have learned a few lessons and remedied the stream of communications to our members to ensure our future emergency messaging reaches you quickly. A key lesson in all of this is the need for this association to have more volunteers. Going into 2018, we are short two membership reps – 1 for Lakeshore Lane and 1 for Golfers Lane and River Road. To address the hours it takes to manually collect membership dues, we have decided to offer our members the no-hassle option of e-transferring their dues to us this year. You can sign up for e-transfer now, and details will be released soon. Don’t delay in supporting the Association that supports you!
You can still mail in your membership dues to: KAPOA Membership
Box 297
Barry’s Bay ON K0J 1B0
Bob Millar
Vice President KAPOA
THE MADAWASKA VALLEY REALITY SHOW
If attending the meetings or following the newspaper reports you really have to ask yourself “What’s going on with Madawaska Valley Township”. It is getting hard to keep track of who is on some kind of undisclosed leave, who has been dismissed at the township, or who may have resigned. Presently the township needs to replace three employees, two of which who were administrating the recreational aspects of the township assets, the third being a temporary office position. On a positive note the CAO position has finally been filled on an 18 month contract by a Mr. Doug Robertson.
It was very curious to see letters of support for departed staff only to find out later that there appears to have been improper administration of township properties and have situations documented in the media that seem to describe acts of breach of trust with taxpayer’s assets. It does raise a question was personal popularity gained at the public’s expense? Further to this the media reported there appears to have been some improper handling of government grants and a lack of awareness of these issues by the Mayor and Council. The main role of the people we elect is oversight to protect our interests in providing the services we pay for. In the drama that has been unfolding it appears clear that proper due diligence has failed and possibly a lack of leadership and supervision. In past when two members of council raised proper questions about spending and oversight the rest of council should have followed their concerns and acted proactively. We owe a vote of thanks to those two councilors who attempted to do their duty when it appeared they met an organized wall of resistance from some.
As yet there does not appear to have been any active measures to correct this lack of oversight, hopefully steps will be taken to gain competent control. Hopefully we will see good active leadership and strong teamwork with the valued staff of Madawaska Township.
Andy Boyd
Madawaska Valley PAC
Poker Run 2017
With all the bugs and terrible weather we experienced this summer, who would have believed the possibility of having such a glorious day for our 5th Annual Poker Run event.
We had 27 actual boats take part in the Poker Run this year raising a total of $13,445.00 for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. This year we covered the cost of two new stretcher beds for the Emergency Department at St. Francis Hospital, an amount of $13,000.00.
Thanks to all our participants and to all those who made donations, your support and generosity is truly appreciated. It is so important to support our local hospital and by doing so ensure that we keep this most precious asset in our community.
Thanks to our sponsors, Ralph Emmerson Hats, The Ashgrove Inn, Bob Millar Ski and Wake School, Dairy Freez & Grill, Grumblin’ Granny’s, Home Hardware, Homestead at Wolf Ridge Golf Course, Kam-Keg Marine, Lorraine’s Pharmasave, MAD Outdoors, METRO Barry’s Bay, Spectacle Lake Lodge, Bent Anchor Bar & Restaurant and the CO Country Market and to David Wilson for making the arrangements and compiling our BOGO prize packages.
Thanks to those who volunteered their docks and manned them so well. To The Ashgrove Inn and Wendell Henry, the Pyz Family, Sharon Mahussier, The Bent Anchor and Andy Boyd and Bill Schwieg, the Enright Family, Sand Bay Camp and Tony and Marianna Wright, and the Feaver/Henson Family.
Thanks to our Poker Run committee, Ed Ragan, David Wilson, Vince Steepe, Jeneene Bruntin, Bob Millar, Ed Kobylka, Virginia Lyon,Toni Lavigne-Conway and Michel Lavigne of The Valley Gazette for all our printing and advertising.
Special thanks to Virginia Lyon, with the help of Theresa Chapeskie, Joanne Wilson and Judy Ragan, for the preparation and serving of our delicious beach luncheon. Thanks to Valu-Mart and Metro for food discounts, the Opeongo Seniors for the use of their kitchen and coolers and Sharon Mahussier for the delicious salads.
The 1st prize poker hand was won by Ed Ragan, 2nd prize hand went to Mike Steep, 3rd prize went to Greg Cochrane, 4th prize went to Sean O’Dwyer, 5th prize went to Tony Wright.
The 50/50 draw winner Ed Ragan was definitely having a great day winning $220.00.
Thanks again, one and all, for making our Poker Run 2017 such a great success.
Lynne MacLean
Chair, Poker Run 2017
Regatta August 5, 2017
Despite less than perfect weather for the 2017 KAPOA regatta, the event was again well attended by faithful participants and newcomers alike! A quick downpour just prior to the start of the swim and canoe races (and unfortunately well into the sailing competition) only briefly dampened enthusiasm. After a few laughs while huddled under tents on the beach, it was back to business and the beach races were underway. With a cooler day comes a few less swimmers, but a lot more canoe enthusiasts. Though there appeared to be no dry advantage to canoeing this year, with a large proportion of canoes and their paddlers taking a dip!
Sara Hansen (15+) secured the Women’s Overall Swim Trophy along with Alaina Ralph, who was undefeated in the 11-14 age category. Both are returning swim champs from last year. The men’s swim trophy was shared by returning champion Ian Cox (15+), and new trophy winner, Grayden Bilous (10 and under). The overall best competitor trophy goes to the single participant from the day’s swimming and canoeing events that holds the highest score from both events. This year’s winner was a new name to the regatta hall of fame, Kyle Dempsey (11-14). Congratulations to John & Marie Craig for their 1st place sailing finish among a strong contingent of boats this year, and the very challenging conditions. Unfortunately 1 boat succumbed to the high winds and sank during the race. The day finished with a few rounds of junior and senior tug-of-war, a 50/50 draw (congratulations Manon Trudel), sand castle certificates spanning a variety of categories for every participant, and lots of thanks to volunteers who make the day possible and special. A very big thanks to our sponsors who make the regatta financially feasible: Cathy Pitts Re/Max Country Classics, Yuill’s ValueMart, SandBay Camp (Wes & Irene Oram) and the Pyz family!!
Please consider helping out with next year’s regatta – we’re in need of a few young and strong members to be in charge of putting out the dock at 11AM and bringing it back in at 4PM on the day of the event. As well, a volunteer to organize and run the tug-of-war at the end of day is needed. Please contact Kerra Wylie at kerra.wylie@gmail.com if you’re interested in taking on one of these tasks – we can’t do it without you!
Bird Sightings
When Duncan and I first purchased our cottage in 2001, we noticed a very obvious lack of birds, except chickadees. As time has gone by, the bird population has increased substantially with us sighting eagles, humming birds, American red starts, Cooper’s hawks, gosh hawks and blue jays to name a few. For the first time, this spring, we have spotted scarlet tanagers. For those of you who are bird enthusiasts check out birdstudiescanada@birdscanada.org to see what is new in the world of bird studies, reporting and sightings.
Shining a Spotlight on Canadian Science
Dr. Doug Tozer and Dr. Tara Crewe of Bird Studies Canada recently attended a joint meeting of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists in East Lansing, Michigan.
Celebrating Nature All Summer Long
It’s been a pleasure exploring, celebrating, and documenting biodiversity with fellow Canadians this year at BioBlitz Canada 150 events. Bird Studies Canada staff were involved in two recent bioblitzes, in Vancouver and Québec City.
Lessons Learned from Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring
Volunteers have been keeping an eye on marsh birds and frogs in the Great Lakes region for 23 years! The 2017 newsletter for the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program is now available.
Stewardship for Species at Risk
Did you know that, at certain times of year, Chimney Swifts and Common Nighthawks occupy unlikely habitats within Canada’s largest city? That’s why Bird Studies Canada is engaging Torontonians in research and stewardship of these at-risk species.
A Champion of B.C.’s Fraser River Delta
Bird Studies Canada Board member Anne Murray of Delta, BC recently received special recognition for leadership in environmental conservation. She has made outstanding contributions to stewardship of the Fraser River delta.
Lynne MacLean
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY???
Many of you have special talents and organizational skills and KAPOA would really like to have you involved. We are looking for fun, cost free events that our members, both young and old, can take part in to strengthen our community ties. In particular, we would like to encourage our youth to become more involved with their community by making events possible for them. Some
suggestions might be:
Getting together for a canoe/kayak paddle in the Conroy Marsh, including a stop
for lunch and a swim of course.
Getting together to go hiking to one of the many lookouts in our area.
Maybe a youth campfire or get together.
Cross Country skiing, skating, curling outdoor events.
If you or your older children could head one of these events, please let us know nd we would be happy to make announcements to our members.
If you have any suggestions for possible events, please contact us at kapoacares.ca or telephone any of the directors of KAPOA. Remember, we need YOU to make KAPOA an exciting and vibrant organization.
Lynne MacLean
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Bulletin
Please see the attached fact sheet for information regarding epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer, as it was detected in southern Ontario for the first time this September. It is important to note that there are no human health concerns from EHD, but it has the ability to cause large-scale outbreaks in white-tailed deer populations, and has potential implications to the domestic livestock industry.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/epizootic-hemorrhagic-disease-deer
The MNRF asks that you report sightings of deer that appear sick or are found dead as soon as possible to the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940 or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781.
Jennifer Card
Partnership Specialist – Bancroft District
Tel: 613-332-3940 x260
PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE DUCKS
They eat in the same place where they defecate. Among other causes, ducks feces can cause diseases like skin rash (Swimmer’s itch) especially in kids and also adults.
Why Bread is Bad for Ducks: Not only can bread be fattening to ducks and make it harder for them to fly and otherwise evade predators, feeding ducks bread can also lead to other problems.
Duckling Malnutrition: In an area where ducks are regularly fed bread, ducklings will not receive adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. Furthermore, because ducks will naturally seek out an easy food source such as human handouts, ducklings will not learn to forage for natural foods as easily.
Overcrowding: Where an easy food source is abundant, ducks and other waterfowl will lay more eggs and the pond or lake will become overcrowded. This makes it more difficult for the birds to seek out healthier food sources and increases the likelihood of territorial aggression.
Pollution: When too much bread is offered to ducks, not all of it will be eaten. The soggy, uneaten bread is unsightly and rotting bread can create noxious odors as well as lead to greater algae growth that can clog natural waterways. This concentrates the pollution and can eventually eradicate fish and other life in the vicinity.
Diseases: Feeding ducks bread can increase the spread of diseases in two ways. First, a carbohydrate-rich diet leads to greater defecation, and bird feces easily harbor bacteria responsible for numerous diseases, including avian botulism. Second, moldy bread can cause aspergillosis, a fatal lung infection that can decimate entire duck and waterfowl flocks.
Pest Attraction: Rotting supplies of food leftover from sated ducks will attract other unwelcome pests such as rats, mice and insects. These pests can also harbor additional diseases that can be dangerous to humans.
Loss of Natural Behaviour: When birds become accustomed to handouts, they lose their natural fear of humans and may become aggressive in order to get more food. Their loss of fear can also cause other dangers, such as a willingness to cross busy roads in order to reach picnickers and other likely sources of food.
COLLEEN’S CORNER
“Cheesey” Scalloped Potatoes
6 medium potatoes
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
dash of black/white pepper
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Grease casserole dish and place potatoes in dish.
Slowly stir in flour into butter and milk mixture using a double boiler
Add other ingredients and pour over top the potatoes.
Bake for (1) hour at 350 F
Safety on the Water
KAPOA strongly supports safe operation of boats and Jet Skis. Whether you’re just cruising or tubing please do it safely and responsibly. Everyone on Kamaniskeg Lake is entitled to enjoy the waters on a hot July day, keep in mind that there are swimmers and canoes in the water and fast operation of a watercraft in narrow stretches of water makes it hard to see them. Let’s make Kamaniskeg a safe lake for all of us.
Please Don’t Litter!!
The past summer has shown an increase in litter on the roads and in the ditches around Kamaniskeg Lake. Let’s do our part to protect the beauty of the area we live in and insure the value of our properties, please don’t litter. There are plans to organize a “Litter Pick Up Day” in the spring, watch for bulletins for more information in the spring. If you are interested in taking part in a litter pickup around your area, please contact us kapoacares@gmail.com.
SOLICITATION FOR NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
Dear KAPOA member,
As the new editorial staff of the KAPOA Newsletter, we are turning to you for input to the Newsletter. If you have an article you would like to write and submit or if you have any ideas regarding either the content or format of the Newsletter, we encourage you to forward them to the staff.
We can be reached at: kapoanewslettereditors@gmail.com
