Fort Frances Times

AND RAINY LAKE HERALD

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010

www.fortfrances.com

Printed in Canada Volume 116 Number 36

ISSN 0834-6283 PAP No. 07429

Rainy River Cereal ready for test marketing

By Heather Latter Staff writer

INSIDE

A year-and-a-half after their unsuccessful quest for funding on CBCs Dragons Den, Andrew Atwell and Ron Allen of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation still are moving ahead with production of a wild rice popped cereal they invented. Weve already got the cereal patented, of course, and now were launching a test market, Atwell explained. Weve targeted the Ottawa Valley market just to do this test market, he noted. Weve zeroed in on them and have 15 health food retailers lined

up in writingwere just waiting for the cereal to be put on the shelf. And well do some marketing in the local area, Atwell added. The pair, along with Atwells brother, Jess, from Ottawa, were able to get some funding for the 5,000 test market units. Its going to be local labour manufacturing these 5,000 units, Atwell said. Were doing it small scale, so its going to provide some very short-term manufacturing jobs. Were going to use local Anishinaabe First Nations labour because were doing it here in the First Nation, he stressed. With the nutritional values assigned for the product and the

design of the box intact, the only things left to do are some finalizations with the Food and Health Regulations and the company in Ottawa that is supplying the packaging. Atwell said he hopes to get the test marketing underway by early February. Once the test market is accomplished and we can show how successful the cereal will be, what the consumer response is, then we go look at the partnerships and the funding sources that are available to us with that in hand, he explained, conceding they need some fairly substantial capital money to produce the cereal in a factory setting.

Wed need additional equipment, Atwell said. But other than that, were set. Weve got the suppliers lined up for multi-year contracts, he noted. We havent sign yet and that was one of the biggest issuessupplying this cereal at a reasonable price with the raw product. The pair also have a name for their cereal: Rainy River Cereal. We chose the name for a couple of reasons, Atwell remarked. First of all because of the district, bringing something to the district and promoting the district, and also rice does grow in the Rainy River system. Anishinaabe people have been harvesting in the Rainy River water

system for years. The other thing was the word association value. It may be minimal, but with the old Red River Cereal doesnt hurt, he admitted. Its a bit of marketing, but its also the intrinsic value of the district. We promote the district and we want the benefit to come to the district as much as we can, Atwell stressed. So theres a lot of inspiration in terms of creativity that comes from Rainy Lake and Rainy River because we believe there are powerful spirits that guide us, in some ways, through those waterways, he added. But their chosen name for the Please see Cereal, A9

Tories tout vision for north

Investment in infrastructure, lower taxes, and stopping the HST were just a few of the many messages Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak and Randy Hillier, his partys critic for northern development, mines and forestry, brought with them to a stop in Fort Frances last Thursday.

See story on A2

Atikokan schools tapped as full-day JK pilots

By Peggy Revell Staff writer North Star Public School and St. Patricks in Atikokan will be two of the roughly 600 schools across the province to see full-day junior kindergarten pilot projects for the 2010-11 school year. Were excited to be able to bring the early learning program to Northwestern Ontario, said MaryCatherine Kelly, director of education for the Northwest Catholic District School Board. Were pleased that the proposal has been accepted to let St. Patricks be our pilot. We have very experienced staff there, and a community that I think will embrace this opportunity, and we look forward to making it a great success for the students, Kelly enthused. All-day learning is a wonderful concept in the context of new teaching practices, said Jack McMaster, director of education for the Rainy River District School Board. The [board] has experienced the great opportunities of all-day senior kindergarten for four years and welcomes the expansion for junior kindergarten students, he added. As part of this new initiative, parents will have the option of enrolling their child in an extended program that provides before and after-school programming, for a fee, with subsidies available based on need. The program will be composed of both teachers and early childhood educators, with roughly 26 kids per classroom, according to the province. The Ontario government first announced plans to implement this full-day junior kindergarten program back in October, with both the local public and Catholic boards each allocated one pilot program class for the upcoming school year. During November, both boards consulted with each other, local day care providers, Best Start networks, municipalities, and Social Services Administration Boards before submitting their choices to the Ministry of Education before Christmaschoices that were publicly approved and announced yesterday by the provincial government. We felt that it would really serve the [Atikokan] community well to offer that full-day programming, Kelly said of the decision for the program to first run in Atikokan. Please see Atikokan, A9

Students learn about leadership

Grades 6-8 students with the Northwest Catholic District School Board had the chance last week to participate in a forum led by two speakers from Me to We, a new kind of social enterprise for those wanting to help change the world with their daily choices.

Sneak peek
Work on the new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre is moving along ahead of schedule. A sneak peek at the interior, with its numerous windows and high ceiling made of Douglas fir glulam beams, gives a good taste of what the spacious single-storey facility will look like. This specific area will be the adult fiction section. See story, more photos on A5. Duane Hicks photo

See story on A3

Study to look at economic development

By Duane Hicks Staff writer The implementation of a new Economic Development Commission (EDC) to boost economic development efforts in Fort Frances may be closer to reality. Upon recommendation of the Administration and Finance executive committee, town council agreed Monday night to finance a feasibility study by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. to look at all aspects of a possible EDC, including costs, in order to provide council will all the information it needs before making any decisions. Bill Gushulak, chairman of the local Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), said yesterday that a new EDC is a topic that has come up time and again over the years. Most recently, it has been discussed more and more by the EDAC and considered in order that the Town of Fort Frances can be in a better position to more aggressively pursue economic development for our community. While the EDAC exists as an advisory committee to town council with no budget, and is very limited in what it can do, an EDC would

Were looking to be more hands-on with things that may come up from day-to-day and be a little more prepared than maybe we are. Bill Gushulak
be an autonomous non-profit body which would conduct economic activities on behalf of the town. But it also would have a board which would make its own decisions and staff, such as an economic co-ordinator, to perform activities. Were looking to be more hands-on with things that may come up from day-to-day and be a little more prepared than maybe we are, said Gushulak. I think the RRFDC has been working well and weve had some good successes over the years with them. Were not cutting ourselves off from them, this would supplement them, he stressed. Gushulak said the town has to be able to be ready to jump on any good business opportunity it can, especially in these tough economic times. If something needs special nurturing, we want to be in a position to be able to offer that, he explained. Up until now, I think we have been doing it, but weve sometimes not been in the right position and perhaps if we can get someone on board that would be specifically for the Town of Fort Frances, then it will be a benefit to us and, really, the district. Rather than seeing it slip through our fingers and say, Oh, if only we had been there, it allows us to be on top of things a little bit more and have somebody in place for that. It would provide us with an opportunity to put a better game plan into place than what we have right now, and just be a little more aggressive in those areas, added Gushulak. I know sometimes people are more receptive to these ideas once an industry closes down or something along that line. [But] wed like somebody in place that could

LaBelle going to provincials

Judy LaBelle can see all the way to Blind River. The local skip, along with her team of third Nancy Evans, second Mary-Beth Tkachuk, and lead Trudy Badiuk, finished tied for first with three other rinks at 3-2 at the senior womens inter-region playdowns here.

See story on B1

work with the current industry and businesses in town to make sure that theyre getting what they need. And if they need some assistance with something, to be able to help them and maybe do some digging around for them. To secure information and different opportunities that may be out there for them. And also, as people come through our area or region, theres things that come up probably every day that people are looking for, Gushulak noted. Theres things happening in the States and we would like to be in a position to know what are those opportunities and is there somebody in this area that can take advantage of it, or is there someone we can move to this area to take advantage of itthat kind of a thing. It just means that you have somebody thats dedicated to that particular cause more than weve had, and thats the reason we feel it would be a good move for our community to pursue this. The EDAC has been reviewing some other communities EDC models, how they have worked, and what could be done to Please see Study, A9

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

FORT FRANCES TIMES A9

Atikokan schools tapped as full-day JK pilots

More from A1 We do have a good partnership with the day care already, she noted. As well, St. Patricks has experience in offering the full-day kindergarten program (albeit like many schools, it is on alternating days). For the 2011/12 school year, both local school boards each have been allocated another pilot project class by the governmentand plan to have these ones phased in at Fort Frances locations. Next year well be looking at the Fort Frances area, and that will be a larger jurisdiction and more day cares to enter into with, Kelly remarked. So thats why it was also good to choose Atikokan first because it was a smaller population base, too. That way, we can try the program out first and that will give us another year to work with our stakeholders in the day care business to try to work out a good scenario and a good working relationship so we can make it work well in the Fort Frances and area community, she reasoned. The province plans to have the full-day junior kindergarten program fully phased in across the province by 2015/16 school year.

Study to look at economic development

More from A1 improve them if implemented here. Theres no real proof until you have it in place and have it going, but were hoping to have things dialed in so that if we do get somebody in that position, you can be ready to run with it, said Gushulak. Theres definitely a cost to having a person in that position, but if we dont have a person in that position, what is it costing us? he asked, noting somebody has to focus on trying to fill empty businesses sitting downtown and try to get new industry going here. Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig said yesterday that the cost of the feasibility study is unknown at this time. But after talking to Geoff Gillon of the RRFDC, it probably wont be too expensive or take too long. Its hoped the town will be able to pay for it out of the economic development dollars it already allocates to the RRFDC annually to provide services. Still in the conceptual stage at this point, the EDAC provided information to council to give it an idea as to how the transition from an EDAC to an EDC might work. If it were to go ahead, the EDC would be a not-for-profit corporation with a board of directors independent from the town and RRFDC. The board might consist of nine-12 members, including one town councillor, five business representatives, one Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce rep, one Rainy Lake bands rep, one tourist business rep, one legal rep, and two other members if deemed necessary. The mayor and a Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry rep would be exofficio members. A working group (possibly the current EDAC) would develop a set of bylaws for the EDC board. And once the board is formed, its first task would be to finalize new bylaws and develop policies for key operations of the EDC, such as policies for procurement and investment, media, marketing, tourism, and staffing. The new EDC board then would develop job descriptions for staff and proceed to hire them. These positions would include an economic development coordinator and possibly a marketing and tourism co-ordinator. Both these positions would be RRFDC staff with wages paid by the RRFDC. Negotiations regarding the financing and wages, benefits, and operating expenses would have to be finalized between the town and RRFDC. The EDC board would direct the co-ordinators work and activities. Both co-ordinators, the EDC board, and town staff would work closely together.

Cereal ready for test marketing

More from A1 cereal caused some confusion locally last week after the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture received a registered letter from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office informing it of a cereal company wishing to register itself with this name. Atwells father, who lives in southern Ontario, had applied for the trademark. So with the Torontoarea address on the application, the RRFA assumed a company from outside the district was attempting to steal their identity. Heres somebody trying to horn in on one of the advantages we have, RRFA president Rick Neilson had said initially. Were taking the position that any product with Rainy River on the label should have at least something to do with the Rainy River District, he had argued before learning Atwell is a district resident. Once it discovered the cereal is locally-based, the RRFA said it wouldnt be filing an opposition over the name. In fact, they wished Atwell good luck. I think its great that they are going ahead with something like this, Neilson remarked. Wild rice comes from this region, so its good. Its all about local food, he stressed. Neilson explained the RRFA trademark and logo were the result of strategic planning that was carried out in the early 1990sand were registered to brand Rainy River agricultural products and put Rainy River District on the map. And we would certainly extend that to food products of the Rainy River District. Thats the idea behind it, he noted. Atwell said hes glad to see the RRFA looking after the interests of the district. Its all good in my view, he remarked. Were all working toward the same thingimprove the economic base of the district. Its not always our first agenda, but its always a consideration. And out of this confusion has come an evolving relationship, with Neilson inviting Atwell to attend a regional food conference in Thunder Bay in March. Atwell certainly feels he and his partners have come a long way with their cereal since appearing on Dragons Den in 2008. Its still as exciting as ever, but Ive learned to be patient over time, he admitted, noting he met with the Dragons (five successful business people who choose whether or not to invest in the various ideas presented to them) back on June 13, 2008. It was the last day of shooting, Atwell recalled. They were loving the cereal, however, they thought that the marketing of such a venture, if we werent going to adhere to another cereal company and just go on our own, the cost to get it off the ground is too much. We were better off to go to an existing cereal company and make our money that way. Atwell also felt the pair offered up a somewhat dry presentation after an elder who they had lined up to assist them wasnt able to make it to Toronto. Atwell and Allen had to improvise at the last minute, and Atwell thought their presentation wasnt as solid as it could have been. There are all kinds of reasons, looking back, why it didnt happen for us with the Dragons but it was an awesome experience, he enthused. We loved it and would recommend it. Even though we didnt get funded, in hindsight were glad we didnt because they would have owned half of whatever happens with this cereal forever. We probably wouldnt have gone for the short gain on their usual terms, anyway, Atwell added. We didnt have to give anything away for the sake of businessmen that want to make money. Its more about creating jobs, bringing that resource back, and developing a value-added product from wild rice, which there arent too many around, he stressed. And its a huge resource to the native community overall. Were really thrilled to be going through this experience and well see what happens, Atwell said.

Nominees sought for teaching award

Staff If theres an outstanding educator in your life, now is the time to nominate them for this years Premiers Awards for Teaching Excellence. The annual awards are meant to recognize school and board staff from across the province who make exceptional contributions to Ontario schools. The award has six different nomination categories, including Teacher of the Year, New Teacher of the Year, Excellent Support Staff, Excellence in Leadership, Team of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement. This past year, Lori Kuzyk of Rainy River was one of the recipients. Kuzyk, an educational assistant for more than 18 years who works at Rainy River High School, was recognized with the Excellent Support Staff category of the award. The nomination deadline for this years awards is Feb. 1. More information about the award, including nomination forms, are available online at www.edu.gov.on.ca Award recipients are selected by an independent panel, consisting of members each representing a different viewpoint, including a parent, principal, student, support staff member, and teacher. The winners are expected to be announced in the spring.

All are welcome...

Every Sunday at 3:30pm at the Volunteer Bureau

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New Years windfall

It certainly was a Happy New Year for Joel Burgess of Sarnia, who won the $2,000 up for grabs on Jan. 1 in the Rainy River District Mutual Aid Associations weekly cash calendar draw. Bert Besyk (Dryden) won the $100 prize for Jan. 1. Winning $30 for Jan. 1-2 were Wendy Taylor (Atikokan) and Dean Gerrie (Thunder Bay).

To hear talks given on the Bible

This is non-denominational. (No collection taken)

Friday, January 15th

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Royal Canadian Legion Fort Frances Branch #29

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Country Jam
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January Dinner Features

Starters

The Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club would like to thank the following for their support and participation in the success of the

Pork Tenderloin $850

Tender morsels of pork tenderloin schnitzel with a marsala wine demi glace

Shrimp n Scallop Kebab $1050

A combination of shrimp and scallops on skewers glazed with a spicy saffron beurre blanc

Atikokan Snowarama 2010

32nd Annual Snow Machine Ride to the White Otter Castle Saturday, January 30, 2010
Registration at the Sno-Ho Club Chalet
Airport Road, Atikokan Friday, Jan. 29th- 7 to 9pm & Saturday, Jan 30th- 8 to 10am

La Place Rendez-Vous IPC Securities (George Emes) Sight and Sound B93FM Fort Frances Times Westend Weekly CBC Thunder Bay Howarths Home Centre Canadian Tire Dianas Needle Art Terry Munn, Bob Rousseau, Norne Gill, Ryan Whalen, Paul LaFreniere, Fort Frances Fire Department, Jim Cumming, Josh Spooner, The Sound Man

2010 POLAR PLUNGE

Thank You to All of Our Jumpers

Main Entres

Marinated Chicken Salmon in Papillote

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6 oz. chicken breasts served with ratatouille

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Dinner/Prizes/Social/Dance/Live Music At the Royal Canadian Legion starting at 5:30 pm

Join with all the other snowmobilers to enjoy a day on the trail and a relaxing evening with friends. Trail permit day passes will be available at a cost of $35.00 For more information or to download a pledge sheet, visit www.easterseals.org, call 1-800-267-3778 or [email protected]
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS www.ofsc.on.ca

8 oz. Norwegian salmon let with shallots, capers, diced lemon and glazed with a white wine & lemon herb butter

Muskie Sports Association: Paige Silver, Chelsea Hill, Justin Anderson, Yvonne Calloway, Hailey Clendenning. Basketball: Jolene Stahn. Volley Ball: Emily Drouin, Chantal Jodoin, Alanna Walsh. Muskie Cheerleaders: Cassandra Spade, Chantelle Matthews, Sara Pruys, Kelsey Veert, Brittany York, Kelly Dyke, Rylie Yarmovich, Maeghan Spooner. Dancemakers: Marina Jewell, Jayde Wright, Hana Johnson, Talyssa Kellar, Mandy Barker, Gabriella Peters. Sunset Country Squash Club: Anniss Seid, Kaitlyn DeGagne. St. Marys Youth Group: Thomas LePine, John Piotrowski, Samantha Dunn Schattel, Robin McCormick Canadian Lutheran World Relief: Liam Quast, Julia Quast, Rev. Jacob Quast Riverside Foundation: Jeff Wright, David Filleul Maureen Hahkala, (Music Festival); Michael Luoma, (Ronald McDonald House); Rev. Barbara Miller, (Knox Youth Group); Gillian Gustafson (FFAST); Jarett Rousseau, Lana Acorn (Voyageur Lions Members); John Rafferty, (Special Olympics); Dale Gill, Jim Martindale, Bill Michl.

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Raise a minimum of $10000 in pledges and youll receive FREE Lunch at Browns Clearwater Resort, FREE Dinner and Social Admission at the Royal Canadian Legion!

Thanks also to all who pledged to the jumpers, and to those who came to watch. Your generous support raised over $13,500 for community groups in Fort Frances and Voyageur Lions Club projects. Special mention for the outstanding effort by Special Olympic Athletes, who raised money for their designated jumper, MP John Rafferty.

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