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Bytown Storm Triathlon is presenting the Sharbot Lake Kids of Steel Triathlon on Sunday July 27.

The event will be part of a five-race series making up the Ontario Youth Cup, so it will attract athletes from far afield, but organizers are also hoping to attract youth from Frontenac County to take part in the event. Different age groups, starting with the Fun Du for the under six set, can participate in the event, as can 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12 to 13-year-olds, while youth between the ages of 14 and 15 will be eligible for the provincial qualifying distance.

According to the Bytown Storm Triathlon Club website, “The 2014 Sharbot Lake Kids of Steel Triathlon is poised to be one of Ontario’s premier events. It is the centerpiece of the 2014 Ontario Youth Cup. It is also one of only 3 draft legal events in Ontario and promises to bring triathletes of all ages and skill levels to the centre of the province to promote fun and competition.”

Greg Kealey, president of club, says the Sharbot Lake site is “historic and ideal. The proximity of the water, the Trans-Canada trail, and a road that is in perfect condition is hard to find elsewhere, and the connection with Simon Whitfield and his status in the history of Triathlon in Canada and worldwide makes it extra special. We are thrilled to be putting this event on and hope local youngsters are able to take advantage of it.”

For information about the Kids of Steel and to register, go to bytowntriathlon.com or call 613-323-5255. Advance registration is open until July 21.    

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 17 July 2014 01:56

2014 Verona Cattail Festival

The Verona Cattail Festival has announced this year's entertainment line-up. The festival will take place on Aug. 9 and 10 at the Verona Lions Centre, Verona. The festival, which began 19 years ago, will feature 14 outstanding bands from Kingston and the Frontenacs.

" It is important that the festival provide a platform for local talent to play," stresses Linda Bates, entertainment coordinator. "Kingston and the Frontenacs have a lot of awesome musicians. It was very difficult to narrow the list of incredible talent down to 14 bands. The line-up includes Juno nominated musician Gary Rasberry, the KingsTown Tenors, the Limestone City Voices, the Monarchs, Rockabilly Allstars, and much more." Linda adds, "The energetic lineup offers a mix of different genres that should keep everyone enthused and tapping their toes for both festival days. The wide range of music includes Country, Celtic, Blues, Folk to Rock and Roll. The Verona Cattail Festival is a wonderful venue for the community. It provides a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere to sit back and enjoy all the local talent. " Linda concludes

The Verona Cattail Festival is a Verona Community Association event, with proceeds going back into the community. Since its inception, the festival has helped create The Music in the Park Concerts, the Family Fishing Day, Christmas in the Village, the Christmas Day dinner and the Flower Barrel Contest, all free events. Admission to the Verona Cattail Festival is $5 for each day, children 12 and under are free. For more information visit veronafestival.com

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Thursday, 17 July 2014 01:53

Land o' Lakes Fishing Tournament

The second edition of the now annual Land O’ Lakes Large and Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tournament is set to reel anglers to the region on Saturday, August 16. In its inaugural year the tournament drew nearly 400 fishermen to the region to partake in an incredible day of fishing across the five different lakes. This year the tournament shifts to mostly different areas of the Land O’ Lakes. “Our central hub for the tournament this year is Beaver Lake in Stone Mills Township,” says Lucas Wales, general manager for LOLTA. “After the tournament is over there is going to be a BBQ and prizes handed out at Lakeview Tavern with a live band playing after the tournament.”

“We’ve also got Skootamatta, Kashwakamak, Bob’s & Stoco Lake in the line up for this year, and some awesome cash prizes across each lake.” He continues, “There is $500 up for grabs on each lake for the angler who reels in the biggest bass. We’re also running a promotion until Canada Day that centers around tickets sales to the event. If we can sell 350 tickets by noon on Canada Day then we will be giving away $1000 to the angler who catches the largest bass overall on the day.”

Again, like at last year’s event, there is a prize just for purchasing a ticket without having to fish the tournament itself. The prize is for a 2014 Legend 14 FT Ultralite Boat with a motor and trailer. There is an iPad up for grabs this year as well. Your odds of winning these prizes is 1 in 500.

“At the end of the day, it’s really about the economic benefits that these tournaments bring to some of our small communities. If we can bring in 500 people to the Land O’ Lakes region for a Saturday, that is going to give a big boost to our area businesses and create some awareness about not just fishing, but other things our communities have to offer as well. We have such a diverse region with our dark skies, awesome trails system, and topnotch golf courses, but it’s really our lakes that we are known for. If we can continue to bring people into the area, they are going to naturally begin to discover the other adventures too.” Tickets are available online at this link: http://bit.ly/1pUcjw9. You can also purchase your tickets at various businesses in the area: Sunset Family Campground, Sharbot Lake Employment Services, North Frontenac Township Office, Fernleigh Lodge. A detailed listing of places is posted on the Land O’ Lakes website travellandolakes.com.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

It is the generosity of the sponsors coupled with great fishing on the back lakes surrounding Hartington that attract bass fishers year after year from far and wide to the annual Portland and District Firefighters' Bass Derby. The derby this year attracted close to 100 participants, a little fewer than last year but making for a greater chance for fishers to win big.

Over 50 sponsors from local businesses and individuals donated items and the biggest sponsors of this year's derby included Percy Snider and L.D. Powersports, who donated a 13 foot Smoker Craft bass boat, and Leonard Fuels, who donated a trailer. The second prize was a Mark 4 HDI fish finder and third prize was a Shakespeare electric 38 pound trolling motor. The first place prize for youngsters was a CCM Mountain bike and every child received a prize; many left with brand new fishing rods.

The event included a 50/50 draw. Funds raised from the derby are used to help the firefighters purchase necessary equipment for the hall. Volunteer firefighter Ron Neil announced the winners after the 5pm weigh in and many happy fishers young and old left the fire hall with prizes under their arms. Congratulations to Stan Babcock, whose 4.38 pound catch landed him the boat and trailer and congratulations to all of the winners of the day.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC

The 13th annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 21 at Hunter's Creek Golf Course on Hwy. 506 near Cloyne. As in previous years, this year's tournament was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and community members, raising over $16 900. These funds are used for a variety of items at Pine Meadow which cannot be included in the regular budget.

Over the 13 years of the tournament's history the items purchased have included a defibrillator, mobile shelving units, towel and blanket warmers, solo electric beds, wrought iron fencing and concrete walkways in the courtyard and garden areas, a picnic shelter, SARA and other overhead lifts, Hi-low beds, and more. The funds are also used for monthly excursions for residents at Pine Meadow. Funds raised this year will be used to purchase wrought iron fencing for a new courtyard space behind the Pine Meadow expansion and for this year's excursions.

This year 71 golfers participated in the tournament on a bright, sunny day at Hunter's Creek. The Flynn family was well represented with 16 participants. Raffle prizes included a beautiful quilt made by the Land O’ Lakes Quilters and valued at $1100, which was won by Marilyn Stewart and a propane barbeque subsidized by Lookout Building Centre in Plevna, valued at $660, won by Luella Foster. There was also a 50/50 draw with a prize of $130, won by the Flynn family, who generously donated the money back to the fund. The microwave, donated by Smitty's Appliances, was the prize for the ladder golf game and was won by Dave Anthony.

The members of the first place team at the tournament were Jeff South, John South, Miller Hodgins and Dave Anthony. The second place team was comprised of Mark Freeburn, Michael Wood, Travis McLuckie and Cory Andrew, who donated their winnings back to the charity. The men's closest to the pin was won by Gregg Wise and the women's closest to the pin was won by Barb Dion. The men's longest drive was won by Don Fobert and the women's longest drive was won by Freida Hynne.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS

For her fourth year, certified swim instructor and lifeguard, Holly Dickinson, will be heading up the Central Frontenac Swim Program, which will take place at four public beaches in the township this summer.

The program offers accreditation in the Red Cross Swim Kids and Pre-School Program in two separate three-week sessions. The first runs from July 7 to July 25 and offers a choice of morning classes at Long Lake near Parham or afternoon classes at Big Clear lake in Arden. The second session runs from July 28 to August 15 with a choice of morning classes at Sharbot Lake or afternoon classes at Eagle Lake. The lessons, which cost $45 per session, are available to children 4 years and older and include instruction in swimming skills, water and sun safety, ice and water rescue and rescue breathing. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a badge for the level they have completed.

Katie Hawley will be assisting Holly for her second year. Dickinson said that program is an important way to promote confidence in youngsters around the water. “In this area known as the Land O'Lakes we are surrounded by so many lakes and so much water that it is really important that kids know how to be confident in and around it so that they can stay safe.” The program is geared both to youngsters new to the water and to children who already know how to swim. Regarding the latter, Dickinson said that the program teaches swimmers what they do not know, specifically how to react in stressful, unexpected or dangerous situations in and around the water. “The program prepares those who already know how to swim, how to swim or stay afloat in any unforeseen and unplanned situations. In high stress situations not only children but also adults who know how to swim can get into trouble simply because they get scared and panic. But when the swimmer can recall some kind of previous preparation that they have learned beforehand, they are much more able to deal with the situation.”

Dickinson cited the 2014 Drowning Report, which states that incidents of drowning in Ontario have increased by 8% since the previous report and most accidents involve water craft accidents, and the absence of life jackets, i.e. situations where people and children are unprepared. Along those lines Dickinson said children are taught an in-water safety tactic called a “help huddle”, which instructs them to huddle together in a group to stay warm and to conserve energy by linking arms and holding their knees into their chests. The program also teaches disoriented entries into the water, which simulate accidental falls into water. Participants learn how to somersault into the water and how to surface and swim back to a safe place.

While safety is a key element of the program, Dickinson said that the focus is also on fun, fitness and confidence. Dickinson said that for youngsters who tend to be fearful, she and Katie use positive and encouraging reinforcement and utilize numerous games and activities that make learning to swim fun. They also provide one-on-one time for children who need special attention. Children who may not show a desire or affinity for swimming often benefit from swimming in a social situation where there are other children around.

For more skilled swimmers the program also offers the Life Saving Society's Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross accreditations for children 13 years and older, which focus primarily on water rescues and first aid. These advanced programs are preparation for further life guard courses. For more information about the program or to register call 613-279-2935 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
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