CFN -Coffey’s Coffee and the Island Ink Jet and Laser Toners are please to be able to offer samples of two of the world’s rarest coffees, Kopu Luwak and Reunion Island. The coffees will be served at the Island Ink Jet at 8 Third St. West on Friday morning, 18 May 2012 for a nominal price.

There is a very limited supply of these rare and expensive coffees so it will be first come first serve for as long as the supply lasts.

If you are a true coffee lover this is an opportunity to taste these legendary coffees.

Warning…There is a down side to this event. If you happen to fall in love with these spectacular coffees their retail price is about $140 per lb!

CFN

There’s a hitch though.  I’m stopped.

I’m told that I can’t separate my role as activist or journalist.

I offer to not use my camera, ME2, and just sit in and participate but I’m told that Linda Haliday of OPG will walk if I’m present.

Linda Haliday of OPG

What a lot of people forget when working in groups is to check their ego.   I saw the look in Rebecca Sorrell’s eyes and without any fuss or muss step down.   I end up waiting nearly two hours for the meeting to end.

It gives me time to make some calls and work on some notes for the follow up to Beavergate.  It’s been inspiring to work together as a team.  It’s been inspiring to combat stubbornness and ignorance without being overly emotional about it.

Since my first story April 25th a lot of neat things have happened.  Yes, it’s important to save the beavers in Guindon Park, but this is also a metaphor about getting elected officials and those that work on behalf of the public to listen to we the public.    It’s about the process and holding people accountable.   It doesn’t always have to be an us or them fight.

Cornwall Politicians have failed big time when it comes to listening and responding to the public in a meaningful way.   There’s been a mean spiritedness in how Beavergate has been handled.

As positive these first few strands of light are, and the meeting did show some huge strands of light, the bottom line is that the only reason this meeting took place is because of internal and external public pressures.

Yesterday the Standard Free Holder came out with a story on Beavergate.   It was written by Cheryl Brink.   I’m not sure which journalism school she went to, but the Free Holder last I looked was a Broadsheet newspaper.   I personally practice Gonzo Journalism.

WIKI:

Gonzo journalismis a style of journalism that is written without claims of objectivity, often including the reporter as part of the story via a first-person narrative. The word “gonzo” is believed to be first used in 1970 to describe an article by Hunter S. Thompson, who later popularized the style. The term has since been applied to other subjective artistic endeavors.

Gonzo journalism tends to favor style over fact to achieve accuracy—if accuracy is in fact meant to be achieved at all—and often uses personal experiences and emotions to provide context for the topic or event being covered. It disregards the “polished”, edited product favored by newspaper media and strives for a more gritty, personable approach—the personality of a piece is just as important as the event the piece is on. Use of quotations, sarcasm,humor, exaggeration, and profanity is common.

Among the forefathers of the new journalism movement, Thompson said in the February 15th, 1973 issue of Rolling Stone, “If I’d written the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people—including me—would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.”^[

That being said it’s very very important to have facts in a story and even to occasionally fact check.

Ms Brink wrote in her blog:

A group of a dozen or more protesters hit up city hall this week, despite not making it onto the evening’s agenda. The Save the Beaver petitioners brought signs and homemade t-shirts, hoping to make a plea for the end to trapping of the country’s national animal in Guindon Park. When they realized they wouldn’t be invited to speak, they left in a rather noisy fashion. “I’ll see you next council, Mr. Kilger,” said Rebecca Sorrell, the unofficial leader of the group, and the petition’s author.

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Personally, I don’t think they’re going to get too far. Trapping for the purpose of population control has been going for more than two decades with very little controversy; the beavers are still around but the roads haven’t flooded. The city has little motivation to make changes … plus a couple of traps were stolen from the park this year, which I’m sure will do the opposite of helping this group’s cause.

As this video of part of the protesters entering council shows there are well over a dozen.  Why lower the number? Why leave out the facts?  Why leave out how Beavergate started?   Why slur the group by suggesting that somehow they were behind traps being allegedly stolen from Guindon park?

A quick telephone call to the police would have given Ms Brink the police report filed April 26, 2012 numbered CW12005380 in which the Trapper, Mr. Quinn, complained of one trap, valued at $33 being stolen from near its location near the Forest Washrooms.

Why would there be a trap near the washrooms next to the RC track where kids play?

When I started Beavergate after hearing about the plight of Guindon Park from Mr. Wyatt Walsh my first home work was talking to experts; scientists, biologists, and gaining the facts of this situation.   Could not Ms. Brink.   Ms Sorrell and her group didn’t start until after the 26th.  Why slur them, even loosely in her story?    As well I spoke to Mr. Pat Quinn the trapper who said four traps were stolen and that complained that we media were a big part of the problem and hung up on me.

My request for a 90 day moratorium was met by the trap being moved to the beaver lodge – clearly showing a lack of good faith or willingness to dialog.

Was it because Council and the CAO have a hard on for CFN?  I don’t know.  I do know it was unnecessary.

After the meeting I again; for the third time emailed Mayor Kilger, the CAO, Council and management requesting an immediate 90 day moratorium of trapping in Guindon Park.

I hope this time it’s met with the reality that we as a city have a huge opportunity.     Lesley Fox of  The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals has clearly offered to send at their cost a team to deal with the issues of Beaver Control in Guindon Park.

Not only will this ultimately save the city dollars.  It will help Guindon Park become an even better attraction.  They also will be training city staff at no cost and some volunteers who are excited about the opportunity as this service, which is evolving very quickly can be costly and is a growing area of jobs as there’s an acute shortage of people that can provide these services.

So as you can clearly see this is a huge opportunity for we citizens of Cornwall Ontario.  It’s truly a win win situation for all involved if they embrace it.

OPG left the meeting first last night.   Since that first phone call to me where they basically lied they’ve been a dark shadow on this process.   I hope Ms Haliday’s employers in Toronto realize that there are always options to better the environment and respect your neighbors.

As for Ms. Brink’s comment above:

Trapping for the purpose of population control has been going for more than two decades with very little controversy

It’s our job in the media to help bring issues to light.  If we in the media don’t bring concerns to our pages how ever will an issue become controversial enough to bring pressure on our elected officials to respond?

And to end this piece is a video we shot with Rebecca Sorrell, her wonderful dog Ridley who hopes to play safely in the future in Guindon Park and Mr. Wyatt Walsh who expertly reputed OPG’s Engineers report to kick off the meeting.

Ms Sorrell is not going to let her tootsie off of the gas pedal.   Her petition continues online and in stores like Island Ink Jet (3rd street and Pitt across from the Royal Bank) and she still hopes to present to council with her supporters at the next meeting.

You can post your comments below.

UPDATE 9:17 AM

We just received word from Mr. Stephen Alexander, General Manager Planning, Parks, and Recreation Services from Cornwall Ontario

There was an e mail last night asking for consideration of a 90 day moratorium on traps in the park. 

 In fact,  following the meeting,  staff determined , and put into action  steps to remove the only trap that was remaining in the park while we are considering if any other approaches can achieve the objectives of protecting the park infrastructure etc.  for park users. 

To my understanding,  from information this morning,   by the time you get this e mail it may have in fact been removed,  together with the signs. 

I personally want to thank Mr. Alexander for this amazing gesture and step forward by the City Management of  Cornwall Ontario!

CFN

If you wish to submit your photo or video rant of the day email info@cornwallfreenews.com

POSSESSON OF STOLEN PROPERTY

            Cornwall, ON- Ryan Selleck, 28 of Ottawa was arrested on May 15^th, 2012. It is alleged that between October 2011 and November 2012 a break & enter occurred in Akwesasne and police conducted an investigation. A search warrant was sought and he was found to be in possession of the stolen property. He was held in custody until court the following day.

BREACH

            Cornwall, ON- Kenneth Kuno, 52 of Cornwall was arrested on May 15^th, 2012. He was bound by a Probation Order with the conditions of not to not attend any parks, swimming pools where persons under the age of 16 may be or may be expected to be and keep the peace and be of good behaviour. It is alleged that on May 15^th, 2012 he was located on the bike path and police were contacted. He was charged with 2 counts of breach of Probation Order and released to appear in court on June 26^th, 2012.

ASSAULT, MISCHIEF, THREATS & BREACHES

            Cornwall, ON- Shawn Disotell, 26 of Cornwall was arrested on May 16^th, 2012. He was bound by Probation Order with the condition of keep the peace and be of good behaviour. It is alleged that on May 15^th, 2012, he got into an altercation with an 19-year-old acquaintance and assaulted and uttered threats to him. During the altercation property was damaged. The victim did not require medical treatment. Police were contacted and an investigation followed. He was charged with Assault, Utter Threats to cause death, Mischief under $5000.00 and breach of Probation Order.  He was released to appear in court on a later date.

WARRANTS

            Cornwall, ON- Adam Lacoste-Marshall, 20 was arrested on May 14^th, 2012 under the strength of an outstanding warrant. It is alleged that hefailed to report to the probation office and failing to notify probation of his change of address. He was released to appear in court on June 26^th, 2012.

Cornwall, ON- Laura Boots, 24 of Akwesasne was arrested on May 14^th, 2012 under the strength of two outstanding warrants. It is alleged that she failed to appear in court on October 31^st, 2012 and November 4^th, 2012 and bench warrants were sought. She was held in custody until court later that day.

Cornwall, ON- Andrew Landry, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on May 14^th, 2012 under the strength of an outstanding warrant. It is alleged that he failed to attend court on May 10^th, 2012 and a bench warrant was sought. He was released to appear in court on June 26^th, 2012.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

            Cornwall, ON- A 55-year-old Cornwall female was arrested on May 14^th, 2012. It is alleged that she got into an altercation with her 72-year-old common-law husband when she broke property, assaulted him, struck him with a wooden sign and a basket.  It was also alleged that she pointed an edged weapon at him and threaten him. The victim did not require medical treatment. Police were contacted and an investigation followed. She was charged with 2 counts of Mischief, Assault, 3 counts of assault with a weapon, 2 counts of Utter Threats and 2 counts of Possession of Weapons Dangerous. She was held in custody until court the following day. Her name was not released as it would identify the victim.

CFN

It’s a bit poetic as Mr. Brownell is a former teacher himself before becoming a MPP; something that he truly loved doing before retiring before the last election due to health issues.

I spoke with him recently and I could still see his love of politics as he spoke of  the current political situation in Ontario.

Mr. Brownell’s shoes were difficult to fill and the seat changed hands with new MPP Jim McDonell taking over for the Tim Hudak led Progressive Conservatives.

From St. Lawrence College:

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The college is among the numerous institutions and groups that have benefitted from Brownell’s service. He lobbied on behalf of the college during his years as Member of Provincial Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh, helping to secure $5 million for renovations to the campus. Those renovations, completed in 2011, have transformed the college into a modern, aesthetically pleasing campus.

May 19th marks the one year anniversary of Mr. Brownell’s Private members bill that passed to honour the British Home Children; one of the high points of his political career.

From Mr. Brownell exclusive to CFN:

“I am truly honoured and humbled by this award. It was always my pleasure to encourage and see my former students walk across the stage at St. Lawrence College to receive well-earned diplomas. I am humbled to think that this award is based on my community involvement, although this is something that I encouraged in my classroom.”

To read more about the Honourary  Diplomas bestowed visit the SLC web page.

CFN

The extensive renovations to the vintage building are almost complete.  The liquor license has been approved and the final steps of preparation are being completed!

Vintage Truffles Video Commercial shot by KAV Productions!

There’s been a void in the downtown core of Cornwall that should be filled with the much larger and amazingly designed new Truffles!

We will be updating this story shortly!

CFN

We interviewed him to make sure it wasn’t another Barrie Brown hoaxing us with fake I’m alive communication.

Our Condolences to the family of anyone that did pass away and please note that you can post your Birth, Death, or Special occasion notices on the Cornwall Free News for only $99+HST   – This is a one time fee!  Not per year or per month.

And now for something completely different, a scene from Monty Python

CFN

At issue is the Conibear Kill trapping in a city owned nature trail; Guindon park.  When a 90 day moratorium on Kill Trapping was requested the city moved a trap to the Beaver lodge all but wiping out the family just about the time that CAO Paul Fitzpatrick returned from Sick Leave.    Some are stating that it’s his heavy handed punitive style that gave the order to move the Conibear KILL TRAP to the beaver’s lodge.  One insider even mocking that the CAO was the city expert on beaver….

The City also refused to allow Rebecca Sorrell and her protesters to speak before council.    A group from BC( The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals)  offered at their own expense to educate and implement options besides kill trapping which the city as of this writing as refused to even consider never mind accept.

Protesters attend Council

With over 1,000 signatures and comments in a little over a week it’s almost as boggling as having a City Councilor sit on an Conservation Authority’s board of directors and say nothing as Councilor Bernadette Clement has.   The St. Lawrence River Institute for Environmental Sciences has still to comment to CFN about her continuing on their board in light of Beavergate.

Further irony is that Dr. Brian Hickey spoke with CFN while we researched our earlier stories!

Rebecca Sorrell and Supporters Speak Out!

Ms Sorrell has her petition online and in stores that will carry it in the area.   She’s to attend a meeting with some government officials and OPG on Wednesday, but the silence of Council Monday night really struck a nerve.

Cornwall Ontario Council seems to refuse to allow delegations to present at council with contentious issues.    The standard operating procedure seems to be to smile and ignore an issue until it goes away while secretly moving behind the scenes….not very transparent or accountable.   Surely the people of Cornwall Ontario deserve better?

You can post your comments below and we’ll be updating the story as more information becomes available.

CFN

It is amazing how things grow and change over spring days.  The fragrance and subtle beauty of apple blossoms are an absolute delight to the senses.  New visitors such as the Bluebird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and the honey bee visiting our dandelion dressed lawn lift the spirit. With spring moving forward in full throttle we are preparing are yard and beds for the upcoming season of planting, growth and harvest.

We have had a compost bin, 4’ x 4’ x 4’ for several years.  It is has acquired a lean over time however it is still standing and useful.  We have decided to add a second compartment next to it so that we can start a second pile once the first if full.  This was done simply by attaching three pallets.  Attaching one to the first bin and then the rest to each other with ties.  It’s not very pretty at the moment as noted below however it will look better over the season when the wild daisies (which grow about 5 to 6 feet tall) and the sunflowers grow around the side and back perimeters of the bins during the summer.  A move to help us compost more of our yard and household organic matter.

In my jaunts in the fields beyond the compost bins, debris is often found that has been blown out of garbage and recycling bins. I make it a point to pick up this foreign matter and recycle or garbage as needed. On one such walk a sponge noodle was found. You know the floatation noodles that kids or adults use in swimming pools? I decided to repurpose this into a peonies support.  Several branches that were trimmed from our bushes and trees were sharpened at one end for easy insertion into the noodle and then into the ground around the peonies plant.  Once the branches were secured into the ground, the noodle was pushed to a height which will support the flowers and plant as it continues to grow and bloom.  This will keep the heavy blooms off of the ground which we guess will allow us to enjoy the blooms a little longer and make it easier to groom the ground around it.  Now we are not suggesting that noodles be purchased for this purpose, our hope is to inspire you to think about how some of the things that normally end up in your garbage or recycle bin can be repurposed in and around your home.

I came across an article on a social media site that talked about growing celery by planting the cut-off end piece in the ground.  Supposedly this would grow new celery.  Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?  So I embarked on a little experiment.  Because it is still cool to think about planting things in the garden I decided put a couple of these ‘end celery pieces’ in water so that it would have a chance to grow some roots before planting outdoors.  A couple of weeks in a south facing window sill in a bit of water have produced the following results.

Both ends have grown roots and new growth has begun in the middle of the ends.  This experiment will be planted outdoors this week-end. A report on the progress of this trial will be shared in the coming weeks; so exciting.

We would love to hear about what is happening in your backyard.  Your commentary is encouraged and always welcome.