Back after a one-year hiatus, the Flinton Relay For Life, which took place at the Flinton Rec Centre on June 7 and 8, proved that a blast of cold, wet weather could not dampen the spirits of the many dedicated organizers and participants who took part. The outdoor Flinton rink was the central site for the event and under it, hundreds of relay luminaries were lined up for the special 10 p.m. lighting ceremony. All night long 21 teams of relayers spent the night celebrating, remembering and fighting back as they lapped the rink’s perimeter to honor those who have been diagnosed, are in treatment for, or have succumbed to the disease.

Emceed by Robbie McLuckie and Bethany Lessard, the event opened with speeches by various organizers and dignitaries including Reeve Henry Hogg, North Frontenac Councilor Gerry Martin, Flinton Relay Chair Carolyn Hasler and Craig Faucette, manager with the Canadian Cancer Society of Frontenac Lennox and Addington.

Relay committee member Sue Tobia spoke about why so many relay and said, “Everyone has their own reason to be here and has likely known at least one person who has fought, perhaps lost but hopefully survived this horrible disease.” She stressed the main goal of the event: “We are here to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer; it is their strength that inspires us to continue to fight. We must also remember loved ones lost to the disease... and lastly we fight back against a disease that takes way too much from us.” She also poignantly reflected on how the event mirrors the events that a person with the disease experiences, from their initial diagnosis to their treatments and hopefully their recovery, and all of the emotional highs and lows that go along with such a diagnosis.

Craig Faucette said that it was his first time attending a Relay event in Flinton and he expressed his gratitude to the participants and organizers. “These community Relay events help to bring the entire community together and I am really amazed by how members of this community continue to put on such a great event. It's amazing to witness it in person.”

Seven-year breast cancer survivor Sherry Tebo was the event’s keynote speaker and she spoke at length about her personal experience after being diagnosed. Her speech focused not on the ordeal of treatments and surgeries, but instead on the positivity of those who help all cancer survivors to keep going. “Without the support of family, neighbors and friends, many of us survivors would not have had the success with this fight that we have had. I feel fortunate at having gone through this fight living here in Flinton and having such great encouragement from the folk in this community.” Following the speeches, 82 cancer survivors of all ages were joined by family and friends and walked the first lap. They were joined in the second by members of the 21 teams, many dressed to the nines and carrying flags and banners. Carolyn Hasler, who has been chairing the Flinton Relay since its inception in 2010, said the reason she keeps returning to head up the event is partly due to the fact that she is by nature a community volunteer but also someone who has had loved ones affected by the disease. “There needs to be a cure for cancer and we just need to help to find it and though it might not happen in my lifetime, I think that by holding these events, we are helping to do our part in that.”

In 2011 the Flinton Relay raised over $130,000. This year the goal is $70,000 and Hasler feels confident that that is a realistic goal. Countless talented artists from the community donated their gifts and time in a number of special presentations and performances that happened throughout the night.

The Relay for Life fundraising event returns to Flinton after a one-year absence, and in spite of forecasts of rain, organizers are hoping the event lives up to the standard that was set in previous years.

Twenty-one teams will share in the 2013 relay, which kicks off with opening ceremonies at about 7 pm behind the Flinton Recreation Centre. Sue Tobia will introduce the corporate sponsors (all local businesses); there will be greetings from Addington Highlands and North Frontenac Councils, and Relay Chair Carolyn Hasler will also speak, and then the keynote address will be delivered by Sherry Tebo, a cancer survivor who has a story to tell.

The Survivors lap will start at about 7:30, and the relay will be underway in earnest.

The general public is invited to visit the relay, and there will be a silent auction and raffles as well, so bringing a chequebook is a good idea. The Luminaries will be set out at 9:30 and the Luminary lap will follow.

As the night wears on a number of other events will take place, including a male beauty pageant and pizza at 11:30 courtesy of John Grand. Breakfast is served at 4:45, courtesy of Northbrook Foodland, and relay will wrap up by about 6:00 am.

The fundraising goal for this year’s relay was set at $70,000 and a few days before the event, Carolyn Hasler said she has “no idea; I haven’t a clue how much money is going to be raised. But I know we’ll have a good time, even if we have to bring an umbrella and raincoat along.”

The Conservationists of Frontenac Addington (COFA) renewed one of their time-honoured traditions at Deer Rock Lake last week. Five children between the ages of 9 and 12, who might otherwise not have an opportunity to fish, were taken out by COFA members and Conservation Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources for a morning of fishing.

Ed Yanch, former Principal at North Addington Education Centre, picked up the five youngsters from their homes early in the morning, and brought them to Deer Rock Lake near Flinton. There they were met by COFA members and the Conservation Officers and their boats and off they went fishing. COFA provided each child with a rod and a reel and line and lures, which they got to keep.

“We had a real good day,” said COFA President Ron Pethick, “everyone managed to catch at least one fish, some more than that, and they learned something about fishing and boating along the way.”

By noon the fishing was done and it was time for a shore lunch. COFA members prepared potatoes and bacon and showed the kids how to clean and filet the fish they’d caught for frying.

“We all had a taste of fresh fish,” said Pethick, “and there isn’t anything that tastes much better than that.”

But even with food on the table, the youngsters were more interested in fishing. They had to be called to the table from their perches on shoreline rocks where they were fishing for sunfish.

Ed Yanch brought the well-fed kids home as the COFA members and Conservation Officers dealt with the boats. COFA is an organization that is devoted to preserving wilderness and fish habitat in North Frontenac and Addington Highlands.

Long wait for a bathroom break:

Paul Orser, who purchased the former United Church in Flinton and has been seeking leave to put in a septic system for nine months, will have to wait a few months longer. Orser intends to purchase part of a road allowance next to his property in order to have enough land to put an approved septic system in place, and Addington Highlands Council has indicated it is willing to sell. However, this cannot happen overnight.

Reeve Henry Hogg told Orser that Council must first declare the land surplus; there also must be a survey done, and then the land can be put up for sale, which requires public notice.

“It will take at least three months, as much as six,” said Clerk Jack Pauhl.

“It’s very complicated, and I’m afraid I haven’t explained it very well, “ said Reeve Hogg.

A rather bewildered Paul Orser, who has been using a rented porta-potty ever since taking possession of his property, said, “It’s very complicated for someone who just wants to go to the bathroom. So the minimum is three months - I’m sure you can understand my frustration.”

Council did take the next step in the process, by declaring the land surplus and approving its sale in principle. The motion passed by a 4-1 margin. Councilor Snider opposed it.

“Now what do I have to do?” asked Orser.

“Wait” advised Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

Denbigh stage cannot be moved: Council considered a request to rent out a semi-portable stage that was constructed out of a converted tractor trailer and is on more or less permanent loan from the township to the Denbigh Recreation committee. Councilor Tony Fritsch said that a tractor is used to move the stage park in Denbigh for different uses from time to time, but it never goes more than 100 or 200 feet and never on a roadway.

“I think we should just say no to this request,” said Councilor Snider, and the rest of Council agreed.

Support for community efforts: Council agreed to waive waste site fees for the Skootmatta District Ratepayers Association annual clean up in August. It will also donate a number of clear logo bags to the Conservationists of Frontenac Addington for use during their annual fundraising BBQ on April 27.

The Denbigh hall rental fee has been waived for a Relay for Life fundraiser.

Fire Hall project still in limbo – Fire Chief Casey Cuddy asked Council if a decision is pending on whether to go with a design-build contract for the planned fire hall in Northbrook or to put out a tender for an architect to design the building.

“That decision will have to wait until budget deliberations,” said Reeve Hogg. Council will be discussing the 2013 budget next Tues. April 9 at 9 am.

Fixing potholes and sweeping up

Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath said crews have been grading some roads on warmer days, but those days have been followed by freeze ups so it has felt more like one step forward two steps backward. "Once we get a run of warm days we'll be able to get all the roads in reasonable shape" he said, "and next will be dust on paved roads."

"Don't tell them in Northbrook, but they were sweeping when I was in Roblin the other day," said Reeve Hogg.

The Township of Addington Highlands is requesting public nominations for the Ontario Senior of the Year Award.

This award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local Ontarian who after the age of 65 has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community. Recipients must be at least 65 years of age and must have made their community a better place to live. Seniors who qualify for this award may have contributed in many different fields, such as the arts, literature, community service, voluntarism, education, fitness and sport or humanitarian activities.

Although only municipalities can nominate seniors for this award, we are requesting community input. If you have someone that you would like the municipality to consider, please send the information to the township office by April 11, 2013. You should include the name and address of the person being nominated along with a brief description about them (40 words or less). Your submission may be by hardcopy (72 Edward Street, PO Box 89, Flinton, Ont K0H 1P0) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Some information on the award is available on the Provincial Government website http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/seniorofyear.shtml

The certificates are presented to the recipients by your municipality at a local event during the month of June – Seniors' Month.

If you have any questions, please contact the township office at 613-336-2286.