Year in Review in photos – September 2018

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Year in Review in photos – September 2018

The lakeside village of Wellington was swept up in a wave of performances, interactive events, concerts, art and more in a week-long celebration of water. The flood of events filled ‘Water Week’ – seven days devoted to an unusual array of uniquely-inspired events connecting the theme of water, varying from world-class musical concerts to an art exhibition, play readings and film screenings, as well as children’s programming. – Sharon Harrison photo

The first day of school at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s newly revamped Grade K-12 facility is in the books. Grades K to 6 students from Queen Elizabeth Public School in Picton are at PECI for the first time. Students from Grades 7 and 8 and from the former Pinecrest School in Bloomfield started at PECI last September. The changes follow the decision by the Hastings and District School Board last spring to consolidate the schools as it faced mounting repairs, declining enrolment and funding. – Olivia Timm photo

A macabre meeting of killer women brought the second annual Crime Writers’ Festival to life over the Labour Day weekend. Women Killing It featured authors included Kim Moritsugu, Y.S. Lee, Janet Kellough, Gail Bowen, R.M. Greenaway, Vicki Delany, Caro Soles, Linda Wiken, Laurie Scott and Catherine Astolfo. – Sharon Harrison photo

A community’s vision, innovation and partnerships were celebrated on the front steps of an elementary school destined for closure. A five-year lease is now in place between the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board and the County Food Hub for use of the west wing at Sophiasburgh Central School – keeping its doors open and its students learning in their own community. Community members with a vision to create a County Food Hub in 5,800 square feet of surplus space (five classrooms and storage area) led to the creation of a food-based hub which will contribute to the school’s ongoing costs of operation and allow it to stay open, serving approximately 130 students in JK to Grade 8. – Sue Capon photo

Following days of near record-breaking heat, a cool weather weekend was welcomed by those attending the 183rd annual Picton Fair. Rain or shine, the fair brings return visitors year after year to enjoy the atmosphere of a country fair. As well as the usual favourites – dog show, wrestling, demolition derby and tractor pulls, the horse and cattle shows also had good attendance. – Olivia Timm photo

Improvements to County Road 3 officially ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony by all three levels of government. Joining Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff for the ceremony at Fire Station 5 in Rossmore were Neil Ellis, MP for Bay of Quinte, and Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, along with County council and staff members.

Team Fraser waving their way along the parade route to the Milford Fairgrounds.

It was hot as blazes for merriment at Milford’s Fall Fair but during this year’s ‘celebration of rural roots’, it was taken in stride – with plenty of water, coveted shady spots and gentle breezes. “I think it’s rained maybe three times on the Milford Fair over the past 72 years,” said Bruce Dowdell, long-time volunteer. Once, appropriately, on the year honouring farmers. “We sure like the sunshine here but I have to admit today’s heat is something else.” – Sue Capon photo

On a portion of the Millennium Trail near Lake Street in Picton, volunteers came with shovels and spades in hand – including a gleaming gold one – but mostly they came with smiles and joy that upgrades to the trail are under way. The informal outdoor ceremony included a few short speeches and an acknowledgement of thanks to the many who have worked to reach this point. Lead by Patrick Maloney, Chair of the Prince Edward County Trails Committee, volunteers gathered to ceremoniously break ground – declaring the official start to the Millennium Trail Upgrade Project. Maloney was joined by PEC Trails Committee members, the Ad Hoc Committee, Friends of the Millennium Trail, as well trail users, supporters, volunteers and a few dignitaries. – Sharon Harrison photo

Wellington’s Hailey MacDonald brought home fourth place, confidence and an experience of a lifetime after participating in the Miss Teen Canada Globe pageant show this summer in Toronto. MacDonald says she’s excited to take all she’s learned to the next level and will be travelling to the Dominican Republic in April to represent Canada in the Miss Teen Petite Beauty International Pageant. – Olivia Timm photo

Ameliasburgh’s Fall Fair celebrated community roots and tradition over first weekend of autumn. For some, attending the agricultural fair is a tradition where rural families spend time celebrating community.

SMILE! Tim Hortons’ annual Smile Cookie Campaign raised $5,438 for priority medical equipment needs at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. The campaign ran for one week, September 17-23. Pictured at PECMH from left at back, PECMHF Campaign Manager Marthe Robertson, PECMHF Chairperson Monica Alyea. At front, PECMHF Communications Co-ordinator Briar Boyce, Tim Hortons Owner, Paul Massey and PECMHF Executive Director, Shannon Coull.

Ice-making is under way as curlers in Prince Edward County celebrated the completion of a new refrigerated floor in the Curling Club at Picton. An Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $39,800 was the boost the club needed to complete the surface and other projects. The club also received $15,000 from the Parrott Foundation, $10,000 from the Cattlemen’s Association and $40,000 from membership donations. Cutting the ribbon to celebrate are club vice-president Tom Dmytar, Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Charlene Whiteman, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, acting mayor, councillor Barry Turpin and Curling Club president Ron Stakes.

A new name and new look brought close to 150 cyclists to southern parts of Prince Edward County. The Picton Kiwanis Club hosted its 14th annual Fall Colour Fondo welcoming riders at the Waupoos Estates Winery. Formerly known as the Colour Cribbage Ride, the event changed its name, start location and routes in a bid to attract more riders. The Italian word ‘fondo’ roughly translates to ‘Big Ride’. Cyclists started and finished at the winery following one of three routes – a 25K Piccolo Fondo, 50K Medio Fondo or the 100K Gran Fondo.

Following a marathon session at Committee of the Whole – featuring four deputations and 23 speakers from the public – council approved Official Plan and zoning amendments related to regulating short-term accommodations (STAs) in Prince Edward County. The licensing bylaw is to be brought forward in the first quarter next year. The amendments and licencing drafts were presented Sept. 10 at a public meeting at the Wellington Community Centre. Since, more than 500 comments have been received, and feedback resulted in changes.

Time to Renew Fundraising Committee Chair Alexandra Bake (centre) received a donation from Elizabeth Etue, (left) committee member, and several cheques from individuals wishing to maximize their contribution in October’s special $100,000 matching funds campaign – thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Barbara Sweet, the Library’s CEO said the cheques totalled $7,000 and so will realize $14,000 for the expansion project.