A number of the professional staff members of the up and coming website Fisherman.ca spent three days braving some cold weather on local lakes last week. They were fishing and filming on Kennebec, Big Gull and Sharbot Lake, among others, with a camera crew in tow, preparing a series of videos that will debut on their site and on the Youtube channel FisherManCanada starting in early February.

“This is a hugely attractive part of the country for fishing, said Fisherman.ca founder Brian Ineson after spending time on the lakes, “and the fishing, as you will see in the videos, is particularly good around here. Of course it helps that we have some experts along for the ride.”

Ineson was referring to the fact that he brought along some of the site's pro staff contributors with him, and they were hosted by the local member of the Fisherman.ca team, Cezar Spirala of Springwood Cottages on Kennebec Lake (located within 500 metres of the junction of Hwy. 7 and Henderson Road near Arden).

Springwood is one of the few lodges in the region that remain open year round, and Spirala's enthusiasm for fishing not only on Kennebec Lake but on all the lakes nearby became a catalyst for the rest of the Fisherman.ca crew to come to the Land O'Lakes.

The appeal of fishing for a new generation and for women is part of the theme of the videos that were being made in the Land O'Lakes, and Cezar Spirala's wife, Jola Nowakowska as well as a teenager from Arden, Christina Blackburn, who are avid fishing enthusiasts (are they fishermen? are they fishers? - we leave it to readers to settle the fishing gender question), were more concerned about catching fish than worrying about the cold.

The videos being filmed, which will be released as 10 - 20 minute episodes in the coming weeks, are designed to bring a higher profile to both the website and the Land O'Lakes region.

“It is all about creating a higher profile for the region as a destination for tourists, showing all that the Land O'Lakes has to offer, both in winter and in summer; that's what this is all about. When more people know about the fishing and everything else there is, the trails and the accommodations that are available, more people will come and enjoy it,” said Brian Ineson.

“There is really great fishing on these lakes, and you will see that in the videos” said Cezar Spirala,

Aside from showing the surrounding area and the ice huts and equipment that was supplied by the supplier Rapala for promotional considerations, the filming also included underwater video of fish by virtue of some fancy tracking equipment that fisherman.ca has acquired.

“Land of Lakes was a great adventure and we plan on coming back soon,” said Brian Ineson. He added that a spring visit to film future episodes is a distinct possibility.

From early May until late October, Bon Echo Provincial Park is a magnet for visitors to the Hwy. 41 corridor and the entire Land O'Lakes tourist region. Then the tourist economy tends to fall into a deep slumber over the winter. Now, through a combined effort of the Township of Addington Highlands, the County of Lennox and Addington, the Land O'Lakes Tourist Association and MPP Randy Hillier's office, an attempt is being made to entice the decision makers at Ontario Parks to consider offering some winter programming at Bon Echo.

“We need to find out first if there is a reasonable demand before we start lobbying and putting a business case together,” said Addington Highlands Reeve Henry Hogg, who is working with the township economic development committee to promote the "Bon Echo in winter" idea.

The survey takes only a very short time to fill out, and is readily available at http://lennox-addington.on.ca/bon-echo-survey.html

The survey refers to a number of winter activities that visitors might partake in, such as “cross-county skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding, skating, tobogganing, tubing, wildlife and bird watching, and winter camping.

Residents and potential visitors are encouraged to take the survey, which can be accessed through the web address above or by clicking on the tourism icon on the L&A County website and then scrolling to Feature Experiences on the right hand side of the page to Bon Echo Provincial Park, Winter Opportunities.

Lucas Wales, General Manager of Land O'Lakes Tourist Association, said that the Bon Echo initiative fits in well with the desires of tourist operators to promote year-round visits.

“The beauty of the Land O'Lakes is certainly something to experience in the winter, and anything we can do to provide opportunities and get the word out is a benefit for our members and the region as a whole,” he said.

by Julie Druker

Snowshoe racing, which has been popular in the U.S. for years, is fast becoming a popular winter activity in Canada as well, both for fitness lovers and more competitive types. Many snowshoe racers are road runners in the fair weather months, who have taken up the sport as a way to keep fit and / or stay competitive at a time when winter snow and ice can make for dangerous running conditions. Others are competitive athletes who use the activity as way to cross train in the winter months.

Over 70 of these varying types gathered at Frontenac Provincial Park, located just north of Sydenham on January 18 to take part in the Dion Frontenac Park Snow Shoe race, one of six races in a series that is being put on by Derrick Spafford of Spafford Health and Adventure.

The first race in the series took place in Morrisburg at Upper Canada Village on January 10 and attracted over 140 racers, which was up from the previous year.

The Frontenac Park race attracted snowshoe racers and enthusiasts from all over Ontario, including from Whitby, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, Montreal, Inverary, and Sydenham, as well as competitors from New York state.

Derrick Spafford, who is the race coordinator for the Dion Series and the race director at Frontenac Park, said that both he and his wife Sara compete. They have been organizing the race at Frontenac Park for the last six years. Derrick said that the Frontenac Park race is a favorite for racers in the area. “This course is a challenging, rolling course and it offers racers a little bit of everything. There are fast sections and a number of climbing sections but both veterans and beginners always really enjoy it,” he said.

Asked if there is a special technique required for snowshoe racing he replied, “If you can run, you can snowshoe run.”

The racing snowshoes, which are 21 inches long and 7 inches wide, are incredibly light weight and only require a small step, not the huge wide stance that people often associate with the traditional wooden frame snow shoes.

Spafford said he believes that the sport is continually growing but a lot of people are still unaware of it. “We're trying to promote the sport as a really great way to get out and enjoy the winter while also avoiding having to run on roads or treadmills.” In an effort to attract novices, Spafford at each race offers a rental fleet of snow shoes at a cost of just $5 per day. “We have a lot of people who come out to these races who have never had snowshoes on their feet before.”

Corey Turnbull of Smiths Falls, one of the participants at the race, started up a snowshoe racing team called The Snow Squalls, which to date boasts 15 members, many of whom were competing at the park. Turnbull came third overall in the series last year. He has been racing for the last four years and credits Spafford for getting him started in the sport. He said that the Frontenac Park race is one of his favorites. “The park is gorgeous and the atmosphere here is always incredibly friendly as well.”

Also among the participants were 16 members of a team from Paul Smiths College in northern New York state. This was the third year that members of the team have traveled to Frontenac Park to compete in the race and the coach, Jim Tucker, said that the team has been racing in Canada for the past 25 years. “Frontenac Park is a great facility and is a lot like where we run at home. For some of these racers it is their first time visiting Canada.”

I also spoke with three local participants who love the sport for the fitness opportunity it offers in the winter months. Basia Farnell of Inverary said she loves to get out in the winter and she runs at the park regularly.

Here are the race results as found on the Spafford Health and Adventure website (healthand adventure.com): Nick Best of Ottawa posted the fastest time of the day in the men’s race in a time of 28:32 for the 6.6km course. Jesse Bruce of Toronto followed in 29:51, with Charley Murphy of Toronto in third in 30:46. Alan Cushman of Paul Smith’s College in New York was the top masters in the men's race in 32:42. In the women’s race, Celine Best of Gatineau, QC finished first in a time of 35:57. Chloe Mattilio of Paul Smith’s College, NY was second in 39:06, followed by Deborah Berry of Kingston in third in 42:30. Jenn Ross of Merrickville was the top female master in 47:26

The top male and female performers, who are required to run in at least three of the six races in the series, will be declared the series champions and will each receive a free pair of Dion snowshoes.

The next race in the Dion Series will take place in Brighton ON on January 31 at 10am inside the Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Centre, which is located adjacent to the parking lot. Race day registration is from 8:30 – 9:45am. For more information visit healthandadventure.com

Dave Linton, a long time volunteer with Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS), not only talks the talk but also walks the walk - and in this case, skis the lopp.

At 75 years of age Linton knows first hand the benefits to seniors of regular daily exercise, its positive impact on mental and physical health and its ability to help them live in their homes independently and with dignity for as long as possible. It is with those ideas in mind that Linton will be skiing the Gatineau Loppett, a 51 km international cross-country ski marathon, the largest of its kind in Canada, which will take place on February 14 in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec.

Linton will be participating this year, not as he has done in the past, to raise funds for the SFCSC (he also has another idea about fundraising that I will mention later), but to raise awareness of the importance of daily exercise while also promoting the seniors programming offered at SFCSC.

Linton began volunteering with SFCSC 36 years ago when he and his wife Jennifer, who is the coordinator of the SFCSC food bank, first moved to the area. He currently volunteers as a fundraiser and driver and highly recommends the organization as “a place to hang your volunteer hat.” For Linton volunteering has become a way of life and fulfills an important need. “It gives me an intrinsic satisfaction and makes me feel connected to the community.”

SFCSC runs a number of Adult Day programs at the Grace Centre in Sydenham that are geared to seniors, many of whom are physically frail and socially isolated. Some may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and may also be survivors of other illnesses. The programs offer participants a plethora of physical, social and cognitive activities under the direction of trained personnel and staff members, which help to stimulate brain and body function while offering clients a chance to socialize and interact with their peers.

The programming at SFCSC has expanded in recent years from three days a week to five and from a capacity of eight clients per day to 12. Participants in the program are provided with snacks and lunch, and trained PSWs also provide any assistance they might require while in attendance. Referrals to the program are typically made by the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) or by self-referral and are followed up with an in-office visit, after which clients receive a free one trial visit to the program. The cost is $20 per day and transportation can also be provided at an additional cost.

Dave Linton understands that skiing a 51 km marathon is definitely not for everyone, and stressed that it is the daily training leading up to the event that is most important. “It is the daily exercise required to prepare for a marathon and not the marathon itself that is most beneficial. My training equipment is not sophisticated: a chainsaw, an axe, a wood pile plus regular walking with a set of weighted poles…no running, jogging or any other high impact exercises is how I prepare for the race.”

Linton is an incredibly fit 75-year-old and is perhaps not a standard that other seniors can aspire to. He knows this but still he says regular daily exercise is key to overall health. “Daily physical activity changed my life (maybe even saved it on occasions). It is a life-enhancing tool for me and I strongly believe that it can be for others … If we seniors can stay out of nursing homes and long term care facilities, we will not only save tax payer dollars, but will enable ourselves to live healthier, happier, more independent lives in the long term”.

Now back to Linton’s idea about fundraising. He suggests that, given the fact that most seniors usually have everything they need in life, when families are celebrating a milestone event like a birthday or anniversary, they could invite guests to make a donation to the SFCSC in lieu of gifts.

For more information about seniors’ programming at the SFCSC and/or to make a donation call 613-376-6477 or visit www.sfcsc.ca

by Derek Spafford

The Dion Frontenac Snowshoe Race will be held this Sunday, January 18, 10am at the Frontenac Provincial Park. Race day registration is from 8:30 – 9:45am at the park office. This is the second race in the Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series.

The 6.6km course at Frontenac Park is flat with some rolling sections and suitable for all snowshoe runners of all ability level. Beginners welcome. Conditions in the park are currently ideal. Online registration is still available for the race, and race organizers still have a limited number of Dion running snowshoes available for rent.

Please contact to reserve. For more information visit www.HealthandAdventure.com .

Being born a right arm amputee hasn’t stopped Leah Neumann, 10, of Tichborne, from living a full and active life. In fact, she can do everything everyone else can do, sometimes with the help of a special device. Having a passion for hockey, Leah was recently fitted with a device funded by The War Amps that allows her to hold onto a hockey stick. Leah is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and, as such, is eligible to receive financial assistance with artificial limbs and recreational devices.

Leah’s parents say the hockey device allows their daughter to maintain a healthy lifestyle and that she’s excited to hit the ice. “The device gives her a much better shot. She continues to impress us as she doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving her goals,” says Mom, Angie.

Leah also says she is happy with her new device. “I have a lot more control over the puck and it is easier for me to help my team and score goals.”

The War Amps encourages Champs to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation, and live to their full potential. “Leah’s determination and zest for life is an inspiration to all,” said Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “With the public’s support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service, we are happy to help young amputees like Leah obtain the tools they need to enjoy some of their favourite activities.” For more information, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.

The Frontenac Flyers Peesee Rep team held a very successful food drive at the Verona Foodland and Trousdale's stores in Sydenham on November 22nd. The team's coach,Brian Brown, came up with the idea of the Flyer's mounting a drive to give back to the community, and the public was happy to oblige. 327.25 pounds of food and $959.11 was donated to the South Frontenac Community Services Food Bank as the result of a real team effort.

Photos: The first picture

4581_1 is 

The second one is Owen Deyo, Jacob Snider, Jarod Brown 

For many it is the local Santa Claus parades that mark the start of the Christmas season in these parts and the numerous parades that took place in North, South and Central Frontenac are always welcome and exciting events, especially for youngsters and the young at heart. This year's parades seemed especially festive with a plethora of colourful floats courtesy of the numerous businesses, organizations, service clubs and individuals, who despite the bustle of the holiday season took the time to put together their unique parade offerings. This year it seemed there were more colourfully clad youngsters, more live animals and more live music than in parades past. Whatever the reason, here are just a few snap shot memories from the parades that took place in Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Sharbot Lake, Tichborne/Parham, Northbrook and North Frontenac.

Sharbot Lake

Elsa waves from the Northern Frontenac Community Services' Disney inspired “Frozen” float

 Denbigh

It was a crisp evening for the Santa Claus Parade in the village; even still, a good number enjoyed the lights and sights. Mr & Mrs Claus had a warm welcome for everyone at the hall, as hotdogs, hot drinks and goodies were gobbled up. The children took their turn making their requests to the Man in Red, followed by a festive program presented by the Rec. Committee. Congratulations to the LCBO on winning people's choice for favourite float with their entry decorated in gingerbread and sweets.  

 North Frontenac

The North Frontenac Christmas parade took place on November 29, starting at the township offices in Plavna and finishing at the Ompah hall.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Ross. At right: the Plevna Pioneer Club’s float proclaims “Jesus is the sweetest gift”. ton Cottages float

Mike Love, head coach of Sydenham's senior boys football team, recalled the team's final game played against Peterborough's Crestwood Mustangs at the Mary Ann Sills Park in Belleville on November 26 for the Senior AA title. The exciting win wrapped up a flawless season for the senior boys, who came out strong from the start against the Mustangs with Golden Eagle Sam Moyse scoring on the second play of the game on a pass from quarterback Dylan Fisher.

That lead spread to 14-0 when the Mustangs fumbled Sydenham's kick. With Sydenham offense in control of the ball, they moved up the turf handily with Brodie Latimer scoring on a four-yard push into the end zone. Sydenham recovered a second fumbled ball by the Mustangs and scored on a pass to Sam Moyse, moving Sydenham well ahead 21-0. Crestwood fought back hard and ran some well planned plays that failed to pan out. Sydenham scored another three points when Mike Bashall kicked a field goal, wrapping up a stellar first quarter and opening up a 24-0 lead for the Golden Eagles. Crestwood changed that fast in the second and turned their game around, scoring a quick consecutive three in a row, their third coming just five seconds before the clock timed out.

At the half the score was 24-21, making the match anyone's game. Love recalled how he and the team felt at that point. “We had the best start any team could want but Crestwood's passing game got us in the second but we managed to gather ourselves together and at half time I told the boys to calm down a bit and we reset our dials to the middle setting again after being up so fast and then coming down so hard.”

Reset they did and opening with the ball at the start of the third, Sydenham moved quickly on a long drive with Brodie Latimer scoring five minutes into the third, moving Sydenham ahead 31-21. Another long drive by the Eagles killed some precious time off the clock in the third and kept the Mustangs 10 points behind at the start of the fourth.

Early in the fourth Sydenham scored a single on a punt and their defense rallied, stopping the Mustangs from moving the ball far enough for a chance. It was five minutes into the fourth that Sydenham's Sam Moyse scored on a pass from Fisher for his third touchdown of the game, which moved the Golden Eagles further ahead 39-21. Bashall's kick put them up one more: 40-21.

The Mustangs demonstrated that they still had something left and with four seconds left in the game scored another touchdown but in the end it was not enough to move them ahead and Sydenham took the win 40-27, wrapping up a perfect season for the Sydenham seniors.

Moyse, Latimer and Fisher proved an unbeatable offensive trio not only in Belleville but all season long, as was kicker Mike Bashall who converted all five touchdowns and two single points on a kick and a punt that cemented the team's decisive win over Crestwood.

Love was proud of all his players. “They worked very, very hard for a long, long time. They came out for every single practice and just got better and better as the season went on.”

The Land O' Lakes Tourist Association's (LOLTA) promotional efforts will be front and centre on outdoors television in December as episodes of Fish TV, The Fish Finders and Crappie Kings set on lakes in South Frontenac will be airing.

“Through a partnership with Cottage Fishing Adventures the Land O'Lakes has strengthened its television exposure by entering multiple markets and stations, including Global Television, Sportsnet, World Fishing Network, and the Sportsman's Channel. The estimated reach of all these shows is in the tens of millions for viewers in both Canada and the United States," said LOLTA General Manager Lucas Wales.

Wales has been working with Sebastian Kowalczuk from Cottage Fishing Adventures to promote fishing Muckie, Gar, Crappie and Bass in the Land O'Lakes region and said, “We've spent a lot of time talking about how we can sustain the exposure we are getting and are looking at doing our own Land O'Lakes Fishing show on the web and working with Northern Ontario Travel in 2015 to keep the momentum going.”

Along with the fishing exposure the tourist association has been working with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Associations and will launch a digital campaign in the new year to highlight the trails in our region, especially the revitalized K&P Trail in Frontenac County.

Among other initiatives, LOLTA is partnering with the Great Waterways Regional Tourism Organization in a 40 square foot booth at the Ontario Outdoors Show in Toronto this winter, where they will be promoting fishing, ATV tourism and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, local golf courses, and culinary tourism.

A couple of other initiatives are also in the works at LOLTA.