Wednesday, June 16, 2010

District Living
the proposed bylaw to amend Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw #2002-39, which comes almost a year after the township began reviewing its zoning bylaw pertaining to group homes after Weechiit-te-win Family Services sought to relocate its Training and Learning Centre (TLC) there from Watten Township. Before it was rural residential, he noted. We expanded it to residential and rural residential. Its down in black and white, its not genericnow its nailed down, Reeve Hammond stressed. Before it was just sitting there, it could go either way. While the proposed changes to the zoning bylaw dont disallow a group home from being established in Alberton, it does outline certain criteria that must be met before one could be established in a rural and rural residential area. Some of these proposed changes include: Site plan control shall apply to the group home and crisis centre uses in order to ensure the size, scale, and appearance of such facilities are compatible with, and integrate seamlessly with, existing residential structures and uses in the neighbourhood in which the facility is proposed to be located; Group home and crisis centre uses shall be permitted only where it can be demonstrated that such a use can be undertaken without any adverse long-term impact to the environment, to neighbouring properties, and to the rural character of the neighbourhood in which such a facility is proposed to be located; and Group home and crisis centre uses shall be permitted only where it can be demonstrated that there is a need for same to be established in the township in order to serve present and future residents of the regional market area, as same is defined in and governed by the provincial policy statement, in which the township is located. The issue first arose last summer when Alberton resident Gayle Arpin requested a zoning bylaw amendment that would have seen a portion of her land located along Highway 11/71 re-zoned from business park to institutional. If the bylaw amendment had gone through, Weechi-it-te-win planned to purchase the property for the TLCs new site. Alberton council eventually vot-

B1
ed down the re-zoning request in August, based on concerns the proposed use of the land did not sufficiently conform to the townships official plan and the intentions behind the business park zoning currently in place there. As well, council had noted at the time there was a clear mandate from the constituents [that were present] that a significant portion of Alberton residents did not want a group home of any kind in their township. At that time, it also was noted Please see Alberton, B6

Alberton invites input on zoning changes for group homes

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Alberton has scheduled a public meeting for next Wednesday (June 23) concerning proposed changes to its zoning bylaw concerning the establishment of group homes within the township. Set for 7 p.m. in council chambers at the municipal office, the meeting will give residents the chance to learn more about the proposed changes as well as give council feedback. Its more expanded, Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond said about

Watson declared senior-of-year for Alberton

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Alberton has named life-long resident George Ray Watson as the recipient of the townships Senior of the Year Award for 2010. Watson was honoured at last Wednesday nights council meeting for his years of service to the community, which included six terms sitting on council and several years working on the rec committee. If it wasnt for people like you, our recreation centre at the Millennium Park would not have progressed to the point it is today, said Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond while presenting the award to Watson. As you now see it, its become quite a complex, with the ice rink, sliding hill, picnic area, kids play area, he noted. And this summer, the installation of exercise equipment for the adults to use while the children are playing. Ray, on behalf of the council, residents, and community, I present to you this award for the Senior of the Year for the Township of Alberton, added Reeve Hammond as those on hand for the meeting gave Watson a hearty round of applause. [I was] very surprised and honoured, Watson recalled upon learning he was this years recipient. I was quite surprised when it came out in the newsletter, it was quite an honour. I lived here all my life, and enjoyed the community. Its a really good community, he added, referring to why its been important for him to contribute to the community. I think Im retired, Watson laughed when asked about any future plans. I think its time for new blood, younger people to get in and get involved, he remarked. We always pick someone who has served the community, Reeve Hammond explained after the council meeting, citing Watsons years of service on past councils and his involvement with the rec committee. If youre on a council like this, theres no money in it and its time-consumingand then you get people yelling at you if you happen to be in a restaurant, the reeve laughed. Its not a thankful job [but] everybody does it for a reason. While Watsons time spent on the rec committee occurred several years ago (before the community even had the ice rink), Reeve Hammond reasoned Watsons involvement was one that eventually led to developing what facilities are now in place at the Millennium Park. The park is coming along really good thanks to the government funding, the reeve noted, pointing to how the township has been able to take advantage of the infrastructure fundingsuch as the Build Canada Fundthat has been available over the past couple of years. Accessing this government funding required projects that were shovel ready, he explained something that was possible thanks to the rec committees ongoing work over the years. You just dont start something todayit takes people from way back to keep it going to have it ready and have a wish list, Reeve Hammond said, also praising other township residents like Beth Logue for their work on the committee. It takes people like that to keep it moving, he stressed. If nobody had done anything, [the facilities] wouldnt be here today.

Pouring the pad

Despite some delays due to the unpredictable weather of late, the cement was poured at the Emo spray park on Monday. There still are several tasks which need to be completed, however, if the park is going to be ready for July 1. Anyone wishing to volunteer should call 482-1548 or 482-2540. Dave Ogilvie photo

New Alzheimer co-ordinator settling in

By Ken Johnston Editor, R.R. Record While some people may have thought the local Alzheimer Society had forgotten about fundraising efforts here in Rainy River District, the fact of the matter is they were in a state of flux as they replaced their executive director. Lynn Moffatt took over the post on May 31 that was vacated by long-time executive director Margaret Schonewille earlier this spring. Moffatt is a native of Kenora but has ties throughout Rainy River District (in Rainy River, she is related to Ron and Mary OConnor). She brings eight years of experience in the business and marketing administration field. Her previous job was as a marketing officer for Red River College in Winnipeg, and she felt heading up the Kenora-Rainy River Alzheimer Society would be a perfect fit for her skills set. I thought it would be a neat position to utilize both my business and marketing skills, Moffatt noted last week. The organization also has a personal connection for her. Both my grandparents had Alzheimer Disease, she said. While Moffatt is just getting settled into the new job, she knows people are wondering where the Lynn Moffatt has taken over the reins as executive director for the Kenora-Rainy River Alorganization has been. We missed the Walk for Memo- zheimer Society. While a few events were missed in May, she said everything is back on track ries in May, but I am looking at a for upcoming ones. Submitted photo walk later in the summer; perhaps August or September, she reexplained. Meanwhile, all regularly-sched- rial Supper in Rainy River and the marked. The Alzheimer Society offers uled events throughout the district Chefs Dinner in Fort Frances in Right off the hop, Moffatt has found herself in an exciting new public education and also respite will continue as they did in the the new year. past. I am looking forward to renewprogram being run by the society. care services. We are currently in the process Moffatt said they are holding the ing existing contacts in the area Called First Link, it involves two co-ordinators reaching out to new- of replacing our respite center annual Ride for Memories motor- and making new ones! Moffatt co-ordinator, noted Moffatt (the cycle trip on Aug. 28. enthused. ly-diagnosed Alzheimers patients. former co-ordinator was SchoneAs well, the cash calendars for We are always looking for volOnce a doctor gives a diagnosis, willes husband, Dick, who retired 2011 will be available in the next unteers which are so very imFirst Link will be notified. They will then, in turn, contact the pa- not long after she left the organiza- few weeks, and she definitely plans portant to our organization, she to hold the Linda Johnston Memo- added. tients and offer our services, she tion).

George Ray Watson, left, was presented with Albertons 2010 Senior of the Year award last Wednesday evening by Reeve Mike Hammond. Watsons contributions over the years to the community include sitting on council for six terms and sevPeggy Revell photo eral years working on the rec committee.

Luft to open barn concerts

By Dave Ogilvie Emo correspondent This years Barn Concert series at Cornell Farms in La Vallee will kick off this Sunday (June 20) with the folk and traditional roots music of singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire, Cara Luft. One of the founding members of the Juno Award-winning folk trio, The Wailin Jennys, Lufts music has been described as a rich roots travelogue whose traditional heart beats with a wholly contemporary pulse. Luft has a wealth of experience in the Canadian folk/roots music industry, and has travelled extensively around the world spreading her laughter and love of music. She has appeared on stage at Lilith Fair, and also played at the Please see Luft, B6

B6 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Food ideas for dad on Fathers Day

My dad is a real meat and potatoes kind of guy, and doesnt stray from this beaten path very often. Although he appreciates good food and has a palette accepting of spiciness, he usually doesnt like anything too fancy or extraordinary. Many dads fall into this category, and thus I dedicate this column to them and the loved ones who cook for them. Being a dad myself, I immediately think of barbecued food when it comes to Fathers Day. But instead of grilling up the same old cookout fare like hamburgers and hotdogs, allow me to give you some refreshing ideas to add some variety to your celebration. A very popular recipe for beer chicken has been circulating for a while now. It involves standing a seasoned chicken over an open can of beer. Closing the lid of the barbecue will allow the chicken to roast and have the moisture of the beer baste the inside of the chicken as it evaporates from the can. This produces a very juicy and flavourful chicken, and is sure to be a popular item with dad. Another great idea for the barbecue is corn on the cob. Most people boil cobbed corn, but how much flavour does water have? Zero. A better way is to have them steam in their own juices directly on the grates of the grill. The way to prepare this flavorful corn is very simple and provides a fantastic presentation. Remove as much of the silk as possible while keeping the husks of the corn intact, then soak the ears for at least an hour in a pot of water to help prevent them from drying out. Remove from the water and place them directly on the pre-heated grill of the barbecue. With the ears intact, the cobs of corn now will steam in their own husks, which will get somewhat charred, adding a smoky flavour. Depending on the temperature of your barbecue, this will take about 10-20 minutes (remember to rotate them). For the best presentation, pull back the husks but keep them attached. An optional mixture of softened butter seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili powder will add an extra kick of flavour and colour. One of my most favorite barbecue side dishes is grilled red onion. With the help of a marinade, slices of this sweet onion variety get caramelized and sugary on the grill. A simple marinade of soy sauce and liquid honey will work wonders for you. Simply slice the red onions into 1-2 cm thick slices and insert two skewers per slice to keep them

Alberton invites input on zoning

More from B1 that under the existing zoning bylaw, an organization wanting to establish a group home potentially could purchase land zoned as Rural Residential, and a group home could be established on the land without council having any say in the matter. With this in mind, Alberton council passed a resolution and interim control bylaw that prevented the establishment or operation of a group home on any land designated as Rural Residentialwhich would be in effect for a yearwhile they investigated whether or not the group home use can be legally eliminated from the zoning bylaw and whether the most appropriate means of resolving issues with the group home use is to eliminate it as a permitted use or to modify and/or impose conditions related to the use, as well as several other planning and legal issues related to the same. An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by a handful residents over this interim bylaw was dismissed back in April of this year. Changes to the zoning bylaw being proposed at next Wednesdays meeting are the result of the planning report put together over the past year. The complete planning report and background information, as well as the proposed draft bylaw, are available online at the townships websitewww.alberton.ca or by contacting the municipal office. Oral submissions at the public meeting, or written statements submitted prior to the bylaw being passed by council, are required if a person or public body wishes to appeal councils decision to the OMB. As well, if no submission is made, a person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the OMBunless the OMB decides there are reasonable grounds to do so.

from falling apart into onion rings. Then mix the marinade and soak the slices for one-12 hours, turning occasionally. Pre-heat the barbecue and grill on each side until caramelized. Season with salt and freshly-cracked pepper, and serve. These are just a few of the endless dishes that you can accomplish for a fantastic Fathers Day meal. There are many unique and tasty recipes available to you on the Internet and at the local public library, and one always should take advantage of these resources. Dear Chef Dez: I love barbecued chicken with the skin on, however it always seems to get burned on the outside well before the centre gets cooked. I know many people cook skinless chicken pieces and they have no problem, but I enjoy having the skin on. However, the fat from the skin promotes flare-ups and thus gets burned. How can I avoid this without losing my enjoyment of having the skin? Tracey S. Abbotsford, B.C. Dear Tracey: There are two ways you can go about preventing this. One is to use a combination of cooking methods between the oven and the barbecue. Starting the cooking process of the chicken in your oven will cook much of the fat from the skin before it even hits the grill. Lay seasoned chicken pieces in a baking dish and cook halfway through. Then transfer them to a pre-heated grill to get the flamebroiled taste and to finish the cooking process. Barbecue sauce is best added just before the chicken is cooked on the cue. If this seems like too much effort, the other way is to use lower heat on the barbecue and place the chicken pieces on an upper rack (if equipped). This will take more time than the first option, however, by doing all the grilling outside, your home will stay that much cooler. Send your food/cooking questions to dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 6R4. Chef Dez is a food columnist, culinary instructor, and cooking show performer. Visit him at www.chefdez. com

Anniversary celebration
Guthrie United Church in Devlin celebrated the 85th anniversary of the United Church of Canada earlier this month. The Guthrie church was build in 1913, and the congregation continues to live out their faith by serving the community through many acts of Christian service. Submitted photo

Luft to open barn concerts

More from B1 prestigious International Guitar Festival in the United Kingdom. Wherever she travels, Lufts engaging smile, infectious laughter, and her openness immediately endears her to her audience. Her sense of honesty, integrity, sparkling personality, and spontaneity permeates and resonates throughout both her music and live performances. According to the Toronto Star, The Light Fantastic (Lufts latest CD) showcases her exceptional abilities as a guitarist and her compelling and distinctive voice. This production is a collection of 13 songs that expertly combines Lufts use of imagination, rhythmic power, and social commentary. The Light Fantastic can best be categorized as a skillful blend of country music with the best aspects of traditional roots, spiritual, and folk music. It is clear this Canadian musician literally has spent a lifetime perfecting her musicianship. Lufts style of music, which is an appealing blend of country and roots rock, only will be further enhanced by the close, friendly atmosphere and unique acoustics offered by the barn at Cornell Farms. Kim Cornell is extremely pleased to have such a great performer in the barn. I have always been impressed with Caras musical accomplishments, he said. I first saw her perform as one of the Wailin Jennys and have followed her career ever since. She is one of those Canadian performers who are not to be missed, Cornell stressed. As has been the tradition over the last couple of years, Sundays Barn Concert will begin with a talented local musician. Cornell Farms is pleased to announce that Kenneth Kellar will be the opening act for Luft. Kellar, currently studying performing arts at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont., is well-known for his performances while a student at Fort Frances High School, especially his unforgettable rendition of Jean Valjean in the schools version of Les Misrables. Kellar also was the 2008 winner of Quest for the Best, is lead singer for local band Haphazard, and recently performed with the Borderland Community Orchestra as part of its 10th anniversary concert. Kellar last performed at Cornell Farms last year as part of the Concert of Excellence. He also performed there in 2008 with Haphazard. Cornell Farms is very happy to invite him back for this performance in the barn. Tickets for the first Barn Concert cost $15 in advance (available from the Fort Frances Public Library, the Clover Valley Farmers Market, Greensides Store in Devlin, and Cornell Farms) and $18 at the door. If you have questions, feel free to give Cornell Farms a call at 486-3477.

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