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Feature Article - February 22, 2007New Leo Club at SHS
Amanda Edgar, a grade 12 student at SHS, is hoping to start a new service club at Sydenham. Leo Clubs are junior affiliates of Lions’ Clubs, intended for people aged 12-18, who are interested in meeting new people and contributing to their communities, both local and international. The club motto is: ‘Leadership, Experience and Opportunity ," and their goal is "to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community."
Edgar, who belonged to a Leo club in Chalk River before moving to South Frontenac, said club participation can count as community service hours, and described various events the Chalk River group had organized, including dances, roadside garbage pick-ups and cancer fundraisers.
The SHS Leo Club will be sponsored by the Sydenham and District Lions Club: they plan to meet every second Tuesday evening: the first meeting will be Tuesday, February 27, 7:00 pm, at SHS: everyone welcome.
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Feature Article - February 15, 2007Frontenac Heritage Festivalby Jeff Green
Central Frontenac will come alive next weekend at the first annual Frontenac Heritage Festival.
The festival was designed to coincide with a gathering of sign makers, called a Letterheads event, in Sharbot Lake that will result in the production of two murals for the Central Frontenac Mural Project.
The festival will start with preview event, a free skate at the North Frontenac Arena this coming Sunday, February 18th, between 1 and 2:20 pm. Organisers are hoping that figure skater David Struthers will be on hand to do a short exhibition skate on Sunday as well.
Events will kick off in earnest on Thursday at several locations along Road 38, including the Piccadilly Hall, where heritage craft displays and demonstrations will take place between 10 am and 4 pm from Thursday, Feb 22nd until Saturday the 24th. Crafts include: paper and paper crafts, herbs and herbal crafts, gourd craft, rug hooking, wood carving, punched tin, basketry and knitting and weaving.
The official opening of the festival will take place in the North Frontenac Telephone Company building at 11:00 am on Thursday, where a heritage quilt show will take place throughout the festival.
The festival headquarters will be the United Church hall on Elizabeth Street . Information will be available about all the activities at that location. On Thursday, there will also be a church lunch available at that location, as well as a paddle display, a display from the Frontenac Addington Trappers and a maquette of Sharbot Lake .
The Letterheads event, dubbed February Fever, will be ongoing at the Oso Hall, and the public is welcome to check on the sign makers’ progress throughout the weekend.
On Friday morning a pancake breakfast will take place at Sharbot Lake High School between 7 and 8:30 am. Events will be ongoing at the United Church in Sharbot Lake and Piccadily Hall throughout the day. On Friday night, a square dance is scheduled for St. James Major Church in Sharbot Lake .
Saturday will be the busiest day of the festival. The Snow Rodeo will take place at the new Sharbot Lake Fire Hall (see article on page 6), First Nations Food & Fun will run from 10-4 at St. James Church, and there will be a puppet show at 11:00 at that location as well.
In addition to the ongoing events at the Sharbot Lake United Church and the Piccadilly Hall, Land O’Lakes Kitchen music, a program of local entertainment, will be featured at Sunsets Restaurant.
These are only some of the events that will make up the festival. There will also be a photo contest, as well as a Snow Sculpture Competition, which opens on Feb 18. Build your sculpture at home and call 613-279-3731 to register your entry.
Chief organiser Janet Gutowski said, “We are hoping we have good participation, that the community enjoys it, that it will be the start of recognising that our community can be lively and vital in the winter time as well.”
Brochures are available throughout the region. (Please note: there are two errors in the brochure. The puppet show is erroneously listed for Thursday. It will actually take place on Saturday at St. James Church, 11:00 am. The Heritage Quilt show, which is only listed on Thursday’s program, will be ongoing throughout the weekend.
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Feature Article - March 1, 2007Fun at the Tichborne Rink
A great day of outdoor activities took place at the Tichborne Outdoor Rink on Sunday, winding up Central Frontenac’s First Annual Heritage Festival. The events were well attended and extremely popular as over 150 people took part, either as participants or spectators.Events took place on and off the ice. Owing to the unexpected flood of participants, the start time of each event was somewhat delayed. Competitors ranged from three years old to seventy years young. Except for the men’s “Tug-of-War” challenge all events were of mixed gender. A total of seven non-skilled events were up for challenge. Each event was broken up into different age categories so there were a lot of winners. Each child, up to grade eight, was given a package of “yummies” just for participating in an event and a coupon for a soft drink or anything from the BBQ as a prize for winning an event. Thanks to the BBQ chefs for keeping up to the demand.
The final event was the men challenging the women to a “One-Pull Sudden Death Tug-of-War”. The victory cheer could be heard far and wide when the red flag crossed the finish line. It was not a proud moment when the children watched their fathers go down to defeat. The dads’ humble excuse was that the women had more on their team. The truth is: yes they did, but not that many more. In the children’s “Tug-of War” challenge the competitors put on an awesome display of effort and tenacity. The pull lasted over four minutes, which thoroughly delighted the many parents and grand parents. The 16 years and over pull was also a well-fought battle, this time delighting us younger spectators. Everyone had fun and was thoroughly entertained.
On behalf of the District Four Recreational Committee, who organized and performed the duties required, we wish to thank the municipality who provided much needed support at the last minute and all who visited and participated. The day was a tremendous success.
We were so encouraged by the community’s response that we would be delighted to do it all again next year. As Chairman of District Four Recreation Committee, I am grateful to all of the members of the Committee for their superb efforts in making sure this day of fun enjoyable to all. Bob Teal
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Feature Article - June 28, 2007Central Frontenac Council
by JeffGreen
HERITAGE FESTIVAL GETS ITS OWN COMMITTEE Tom Dewey addressed council with what he thought would be a simple housekeeping matter when he requested that the Heritage Festival be separated from the Economic Development Committee.
The Heritage Festival was put on for the first time this past February, with most of the events taking place in Sharbot Lake. Tom Dewey said that the organizers for the event plan to attract volunteers who will bring the event to other parts of the township, but feels encumbered by being tied to the Economic Development Committee, which has a broader agenda.
Councilor Frances Smith expressed concern about setting up a township committee for a single event. “I think I could live with an events committee, but I fear that if we accept this we will set a precedent and we may end up with committees for every single event,” she said.
Councilor Philip Smith said, “The Parham Fair and the Festival of Trees do quite well and they have no relationship to the township.”
Mayor Janet Gutowski said that the Heritage Festival was able to get up and running quickly because it could “apply for grants and access insurance easily because of the relationship with the township. To become independent would slow the momentum of the event.”
Although Smith and Smith remained opposed, the proposal to set up a Heritage Festival Committee received the support of the other councilors. Terms of reference and a bylaw will be prepared for the next council meeting.
ELBOW LAKE TRANSFER STATION Jon Morish from the Ministry of the Environment has received the township’s request to turn the Elbow Lake dump site (south of Parham on Road 38) into a transfer station while the township attempts to expand the site, which has reached the capacity of the land now designated for it. He recommends that the township prepare an application for a transfer station by the end of July. It will take 6 9 months, or perhaps as long as a year, for the transfer station to be approved by the Ministry, Morish has informed interim CAO John DuChene.
ARDEN ROAD RESURFACING The township received a tender of $166,000 for the resurfacing of part of the Arden road, and an extra $40,000 to repair a faulty section of the road that had been paved last year without being properly prepared for paving.
The township had budgeted $165,000 for the project. Although Bryon Dawn of the Public Works Department recommended that only the first part of the job be done in order to remain within budget, he also said, “The other part of the road is breaking up due to logs from the existing corduroy road pushing up through the surface treatment. This will increase maintenance costs and it will eventually have to be repaired anyway, at a potentially higher cost.”
“I think we should repair the road properly, since it is a major access road to another township,” said Kennebec councillor Gary Smith.
Bryon Dawn said that there have been savings in other parts of the public works budget, which can cover most of the extra $40,000.
“I’m ready if the Kennebec councilors will sign a little treaty that they will not ask for more road construction for 5 years, so other parts of the township can get caught up,” said Oso Councilor Frances Smith.
Council approved the two contracts, and for the second time in the meeting councilors Frances and Philip Smith (no relation) cast the only opposing votes.
WAGNER ROAD GARAGE In a hint as to how large a police contingent is coming into the area for the planned Algonquin events in North Frontenac scheduled for tomorrow, CAO DuChene informed council that he has been approached by the OPP about the use of the abandoned garage at Wagner Road for office space over the next few days, weeks, or months.
Council agreed to let the OPP use the space.
DONATION OF TRUCKS Council is donating a 1967 fire truck to Circle Square Ranch, which they were unable to sell earlier this year when they advertised surplus equipment, and which Fire Chief Mark MacDonald said has no monetary value. The truck will be fixed up and used to water the grounds and as a historical artefact for the campers to enjoy. A second vehicle, an old van and chassis that was originally purchased for $1,000 several years ago as a first response van for the Olden department, is being donated to a volunteer fire department in the Palmer Rapids area. The van has no monetary value to the township.
BURN BARREL DEBATE TO GET ITS DAY In response to the fourth letter fro Heather O’Reilly in the past two years, council has decided to hold a public meeting on August 9, at 7 pm in the Mountain Grove Hall to discuss the pros and cons of burn barrels. Burn barrels are not permitted in Lennox and Addington and parts of Lanark Counties because of the potential for pollution from low temperature burning and the burying of inappropriate materials. ■
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Feature Article - August 16, 2007Verona Festival soaks up the summer sun
Perfect weather greeted record crowds at the 12th annual Verona Festival last weekend.
The unique event includes a variety of activities including a parade, soap box derby, duct tape boat race, live local music all weekend, an antique auto show and an ecumenical service.
This year’s theme for the Festival was “clowning around in Verona”. The Friday night parade was dominated by clowns this year, and all weekend clowns could be spotted throughout the Festival grounds.
Wayne Conway, who is the current general manager of the Festival, said the “volunteers who run the festival are so well ingrained in their roles that they take care of al the issues. It’s very easy for someone in my role.”
The Verona Festival is not intended as a fundraising event, but as the Festival has grown in popularity it has been able to generate a small surplus. Any extra money goes to other projects of the Verona Community Association, such as the new Verona Village signs.
Over the years the Festival has become a sort of reunion weekend for families with connections to the Verona area, and the relaxed visiting that takes place on the festival grounds is as important to many people as any of the events are.
Among the new events this year was a “tribute to our soldiers” which took place after Sunday’s ecumenical service.
The Sydenham Legion provided the colour party, and four World War 2 Veterans from Verona were on hand. The speaker was Ray Idzenga, a 30 year member of the Canadian Military, who talked about his recent mission to Afghanistan, providing a perspective on the Afghanistan mission that is different from what people are used to hearing in the press.
He also talked about how supportive the local community has been to his family while he was away in Afghanistan, to the extent that he has decided to settle in the area after moving around throughout his military career.
As always, the Verona Festival comes down to a celebration of community.
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Feature Article - September 13, 2007Exciting Season for Tay Valley Choir
September 10th marks the beginning of the fall season for the Tay Valley Community Choir.This choir of men and women started singing together in 2004. What started as a small group of individuals who shared a love of song, has grown to a lively, friendly group of over 20 people.
Drawing its members from across Tay Valley and the surrounding area, the choir is led by well-known Perth vocalist/music director and music therapist, Nicola Oddy, and assisted and accompanied by Ann McMahon, former teacher and director of several area choirs. The musical selections cover a broad range of styles from contemporary to standards arranged in three and four part harmonies, with members deciding which parts they are most comfortable singing. This relaxed approach to singing includes vocal exercises and performance techniques.
Last year the choir performed at events in Maberly and Perth, and for residents of Lanark Lodge. This non-auditioned choir practises every Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. New members are welcomed.
COME JOIN US – EXERCISE YOUR VOCAL CORDS WHILE MAKING NEW FRIENDS!
If you would like more information, or would like to invite the choir to perform at your event, contact Nicola Oddy at 613-264-0242, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nussberger_07-41
Snow Cross Champion
Another snowcross season is just around the corner, and Sonya Nussberger can't wait for the snow to fall.Nussberger,
22, is the 2006-07 Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) Sport
Women champion, and she will be going in the Pro women class for this
upcoming winter.Sonya’s home town is Northbrook and she currently
lives in Sydenham, working as an advertising specialist. She has been
racing for 2 years.This year she plans to do about 10-12 events in
Canada as well as some in the New York area. She plans on trying to
make it to Duluth, MN for the huge World Series event at the end of
November, which will really test her skills.In the off-season Sonya
stays in shape by riding a dirt bike, as well as training 3-4 times a
week doing cardio and weights. Her long-term goal is to be the next pro
women champion. Been_there
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Christmas Edition - December 20, 2007 If you had been there? By Rev. Will Keller, Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church With the season of Christmas now upon us, many are busy getting ready. There's cleaning, cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, shipping, giving, receiving, many events to attend, and of course the eating.But before we get lost in all the events and stuff of Christmas, take a few moments and in your thoughts come back with me to that first Christmas.
The night when God's Promise arrived, His Son, Jesus, coming as a baby, was born as it had been previously foretold in Bethlehem, to a virgin and laid in a manger.
His birth heralded by Angels to Shepherds, who upon hearing this news responded with obedience and travelled to Bethlehem to find "The Promised One." And when they did, scripture tells us "they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child" (Luke 2:17b).
The Wise men, or Magi, travelled a great distance to Bethlehem based solely on the appearance of the star and a prophecy of scripture. When they found Him, we’re told "… they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, NLT)
About ten kilometres away from Bethlehem, in Jerusalem we find King Herod. Herod was so wrapped up in the fear of losing his position as king that he became so obsessed with protecting his throne at all cost. It was that fear which led to mass murder. The Bible states that: “Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, because the wise men had told him the star first appeared to them about two years earlier.” (Matthew 2:16, NLT)
Then there was the Innkeeper, whose name is not even mentioned in scripture, but we presume there must have been one, as someone had to make the manger available to Mary and Joseph. And so the Innkeeper is cast as an individual that was so busy that he misses both the miracle and his part in it, which took place a short distance away (perhaps only mere feet).
And let us not forget Mary and Joseph. From scripture we learn that they were God followers. Mary was greeted by an angel as one "who was highly favored," and Joseph we're told "was a righteous man." In spite the odds, and the likely negative public opinion they submitted their wills to God. The result - the arrival of Jesus - the greatest Christmas present ever!
Various players took part in this first Christmas, some named, some not. The rich, the poor and those in between. Each had the same opportunity, but had different responses.
Here's the thought I leave you with to ponder. If you had been there, if you were one of the "major" players we often see portrayed in Nativity scenes, "WHO WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN?" And perhaps the bigger question, "WHO DO YOU DESIRE TO BE?"
This Christmas may we seek after the answer to that second question, and in so doing, share the greatest gift of Christmas with others.
May the presence of Christ in your life, enrich this Christmas for you and for others.
Rafferty
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Feature Article - December 6, 2007 Mini ATV Racing: The Latest Craze in Children's SportsBy Kate Brown, S.L.H.S. It’s difficult to determine at what age a child becomes a ball of never-ending energy because it seems as if they are hardwired this way from the day they are born. In an attempt to burn some of this energy, most parents involve their child in an activity, hoping that after a few hours of non-stop movement, the kid will have tuckered himself out for the night. Sports such as baseball, soccer, hockey and gymnastics have become or have always been popular options, but what about an alternative for those who are looking for something different? Something new and exciting, that not only provides an adrenaline rush for the child involved but entertainment for the parents and fans that are watching as well?Recently, the racing of mini ATVs has exploded into popularity throughout the province, with hundreds of children participating in the many events that are hosted to showcase the sport. At the present time, there are four mini ATV racing series in Ontario, including the Maguires Motocross Series (MMRS), the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA), CMX Racing (CMX) and the Canadian Motorsports Racing Club (CMRC). And although the sport has taken on a rough reputation, due to the assumed dangers that are attached to it, many measures have been taken in order to ensure that the children involved are racing safely.
Two of these children are sister and brother Sarah and Connor Rafferty (ages 11 and 7), who are residents of Verona and who have been competing for the past 3 years in Ontario mini ATV racing under the team name SISBRO (short for sister brother racing). During the past 2007 season, both Sarah and Connor raced in the CMA Series, as well as some of the CMX and MMRS series and couldn’t have asked for better results. In this year’s CMA Provincial Championship, Connor won first in the 70cc modified class, which is a class for children aged 7-11. He also took on the title of Iron Man because he won the TT Series, MX Series and Cross Country Series. Sarah did just as well this year, placing first in the CMX Provincial Championships, in the 90cc stock class, second in the CMA stock class and third in the CMA modified class. Both have not only shown an incredible aptitude for the sport but have improved skills such as focus and stamina, as well.
The best thing about motocross racing, though, is the family atmosphere that surrounds it. Allowing parents to race in the events have accomplished this as well, in classes separate from their children. The importance of family is always promoted and parents are very much encouraged to attend their children’s events whenever they compete.
An activity that has always been considered more of a dangerous pastime than a sport has become more and more recognized as a safe sport, since the organization of proper series, such as the ones mentioned previously and improved safety equipment, which the children are required to wear during any race. For children who race regularly, the equipment includes a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet or goggles, a motocross jersey with elbow and shoulder padding, front and back chest protector, motocross gloves with finger padding, a kidney belt, motocross pants with hip and knee pads, and motocross boots with ankle protection. As well, the children are all extremely well trained and practiced before they are allowed to compete.
Websites such as http://www.cmrcracing.com and http://cmxracing.ca/ offer more information about the sport, such as the classes of racing and equipment costs, along with registration forms.
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Feature Article - February 7, 2008 Frontenac Heritage Festival – back and betterBy Jeff GreenThe second annual Central Frontenac Heritage Festival is slated to open on Tuesday February 19 but there are so many events in this year’s festival that it will really be getting underway a few days earlier.
The
Heritage Festival will take place in all corners of Central Frontenac
this year, and Central Frontenac Mayor and key organiser Janet
Gutowski (photo left) is hoping this year’s event will build on the success of
the inaugural event.
“I am hoping we can increase attendance from 800 to 1200 this year,” Gutowski said, “so the businesses can benefit, and the vounteers can feel successful. We’ve achieved a lot of what we’ve set out to do since the whole commuity is involved this year, reagrdless of age or geography. That was a major goal.”
The first event in what has become a 10-day, 16-venue etravaganza, will be the 2nd Annual Snow Rodeo on February 16 at the Sharbot Lake High School.
The Snow Rodeo is a celebration of motorised winter sports, and is sponsored by the “Safe and Sober Alliance” which includes the Sharbot Lake Snow Riders and the Frontenac ATV club among others
Other events in the days leading up to the official start of the festival include a Family Fun Day at the Tichborne rink on February 17, with curling, a BBQ, and skating, of course, and a family matinee movie at the Kennebec Hall on the Family Holiday Monday (February 18)
The Festival itself, which has the theme of “Our Crafts and Heritage” will open on Tuesday February 19 with the unveiling of a new railway mural at the Sharbot Lake Pharmacy. A Historical Night will follow at the Oso Hall. There will be a potluck dinner and everyone is encouraged to bring old photos and dress in vintage attire. There will be a prize for the best attire. Among the evening’s entertainment will be the announcement of the winners of the 2008 photo contest, as well as a “meet the authors” event, featuring several local authors.
Highlights of the events that will be taking place over the next five days include a special display at the Crow Lake Schoolhouse.
Heritage Festival goers last year are sure to remember the quilt exhibit that was provided by Peter Bell at the North Frontenac Telephone Company. This year, Peter Bell has provided more from his collection of historical artifacts and antiques, enough to turn the restored schoolhouse into a replica of a pioneer kitchen, complete with furniture, a hearth, and anitque kitchen tools. “Lunch with Ludwig” will be an added attraction, with Master Chef Ludwig Ratzinger preparing wild leek soup, homemade pies, and buns for sale. The proceeds will go to the schoolhouse. Ludwig will be cooking in the schoolhouse kitchen, so no antiques will be harmed in the preparation of the pies or the soup. The antique kitchen display will be open for the five days of the festival.
Outdoor events will be featured in this year’s festival. A snow sculpture contest is scheduled, and the awards will be presented on Feb. 20. Participants can build their snow sculptures in their backyard or elsewhere in Central Frontenac. Call Community Living at 613-279-3731 to be included in the contest.
There will also be a cross country ski run, a girls’ pond hockey tournament, and snow golf and soccer.
A major craft exhibition will take place at the Oso Hall from Thursday to Sunday, and will include a gallery of major works, demonstrations, affordable gifts, and a continuous slide show, all courtesy of the Land O’Lakes Artisans Guild.
The popular First Nations Food and Heritage display, will be back at St. James Major Church for another year. There will also be other displays and demonstrations, including cheesemaking, canoe paddles, maple syrup, bow making, willow basketmaking and a display by the Trappers Association.
Musical events this year include a Square Dance (with live band) at Land O’Lakes School in Mountain Grove, a Variety Show (hosted by Roger James) at Sharbot Lake High School, and a Kitchen Party at the Arden Legion, where the festival’s closing ceremonies will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 24.
Look in next week’s Frontenac News for more detailed information and a brochure containing a full scehdule of events.
