Photo: Mr. Hulls grade 7/8 class and their gargoyle creations at LOLPS

No one was more surprised by the enthusiasm students had for a recent art project than their teacher, Mr. Lee Hull, who introduced a 3D gargoyle project to students in his grade 7/8 class at Land O' Lakes PS in Mountain Grove. “Two-dimensional art projects are common but I wanted to challenge students with a 3D project that focused more on sculpture than flat 2D design,” he said.

The gargoyle project had students researching these ancient architectural ornaments that first appeared in ancient Greece and Rome and later were common in Gothic architecture all over Europe. Who knew that these grotesque creatures, often hybrids of mythical, god-like and phantasmagorical creatures, also served a functional purpose; for example, as spouts to drain water away from rooftops?

Students spent two and half weeks on the project, first researching the topic, then designing on paper their own gargoyles, which they then set about modeling of clay around a Styrofoam insert mounted on a wooden dowel. “One of their goals was to make sure that their gargoyle was visually interesting from every angle, and to do so, they were encouraged to explore a number of clay techniques including bas relief and other textural surface applications,” Hull said. Like all great art projects, the resulting gargoyles are as individual as the students who created them. There were hybrids of pigs, elephants, birds, dragons, fish, foxes with intricate defining features that included tusks, horns, fins, wings, woven beards, buck teeth, antennae, tentacles, chains, plus a huge variety of horrid noses, mouths, ears and eyes, each caught in various expressions of ghoulish grotesqueness.

The students loved the project and not only learned how to create a three-dimensional work of art from modeling clay, but also about the history of these fascinating architectural ornaments. “While the project is an art project, we were also able to tie language and history into the mix,” Mr. Hull said. He has plans to further the project and will invite each student to write a fable about their creature later in the term. The 26 completed works have been mounted and are currently on display in the school library, just in time for Halloween for students, staff and visitors to the school to marvel at.

For Mr. Hull the project was hugely successful and one that he is sure that his students will remember and learn from. “For a teacher the fun happens in the classroom when students outdo your expectations. Instead of falling back on existing fads and trends, the students came up with their own original ideas and, in doing so, gained confidence in their own abilities. And when this kind of thing happens in the classroom, that is the best part of teaching.”

The Sharbot Lake Panthers took on the Marie-Rivier Dragons in back to back junior and seniors games in Sharbot Lake on October 18. The junior Panthers started out strong, winning the first two sets of their game 25-19 and 25-11. It didn't take long, though for the Dragons to finally find their groove and they fought back hard, winning three in a row 25-19, 25-20 and 15-9 and clinching the win. Junior Dragons coach, Christelle Belec, said after the game, “It took the boys the first two sets to get used to the ceiling height and the size of the serving space but after that they played very well.”

In the seniors’ game that followed, the two teams battled hard back and forth, with Sharbot Lake winning the first set 25-20. The Dragons came on strong in the second, proving they were up for a fight, and took the second 25-21. In the third, Panthers Johnny Vinkle and Collum McGregor made multiple thunderous spikes, helping to put the Panthers back on top, and they took the third 25-18, making a win seem imminent. In the fourth the Dragons proved they were not ready to call it a day, and though the Panthers took an early lead, by mid-set they had lost it and were down 6 points, which they could not recover. In the end they lost the set 25-18. In the nail-biting fifth, Sharbot Lake once again took control early with a quick 4-1 lead. The Dragons turned on the fire and by mid-set were leading 7-6. In the end the Panthers were not able to turn it around and the Dragons finished them off with a flick of their tails, winning the final set 15-8 and taking the win.

Photo: Local auctioneer Garry Drew

Shoppers looking for a deal this holiday weekend had a chance to bid on a number of household items at an auction held near Long Lake Road. Many made off with some exceptional deals on kitchen aids, power tools, furniture, linens, books, records, large appliances and much more. Local auctioneer Garry Drew drew a crowd and proved he still has the pipes and the humour for entertaining a crowd while getting as much as he could from their wallets. With the backdrop of sparkling Long Lake with its surrounding autumn colours bursting forth, buyers enjoyed the scenic landscape, yummy coffee, chili, and the thrill of the hot and heavy bidding. If you haven't been to one in a while, an auction is a great way to meet members of the community, score a deal and save stuff from being tossed away long before its usable life is over.

Photo: 2011 SLHS Valedictorian, Kaitlyn Hannah

Amid countless shout outs of “I love you”, and photo ops taken by family and friends, Sharbot Lake High School graduates of the 2011 school year received their proper due at the school cafeteria on October 7, where there was standing room only. Kaitlyn Hannah, who is currently attending Ottawa University, was chosen as this year’s valedictorian. An ardent reader and writer, Kaitlyn was honoured with numerous awards and bursaries during the evening, including the school’s Writer of the Year Award. She was also recognized for her work on student council as well as on the 30-Hour Famine, Remembrance Day, and the students’ social justice committees. Kaitlyn was also active with the Student Vote movement. SLHS teacher Lorraine Ryan introduced her as an example of “Finding your passion and doing it well, keeping your individuality while creating a community of support.”

Kaitlyn had the final word of the evening and her humble and humorous speech invoked the memorable journey that students take, from fledgling grade nine newbies to confident, aspiring graduates entering the world that awaits them.

“These are definitely the most formative years of our lives and it is here that we find out who we are and where we want to go,” she said. She spoke of the intimacy of the small high school where one teacher can teach you three classes and coach you on a team: “Where you have had at least one long conversation with every student in the school and where our motto -'We are family' is completely true.” She spoke of the memorable school trips, the school dances and the way the students banded together over the years to help those in need. She also spoke of the diverse skills and talents of each of her classmates and how these varied skills will help to serve them in their upcoming years. In closing, she left the students with a few words of advice. “1. Strive to be like Mr. McVety in every way possible. In so doing, you'll be sure to succeed. 2. Always remember the people that you met in high school and don't let those friendships die. 3. Don't work too hard - life is short, have fun.” Finally she said, “Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning.”

Fitting words indeed. Congratulations to all of the graduates.

Photo: Courtesy Carol Pepper

A warm autumn glow and the soft tones of a flute accented the last market day of the season at Sharbot Lake Farmers Market. There was a definite holiday atmosphere and a steady hum of activity as shoppers came out to pick up interesting additions for their Thanksgiving dinner. Taste Fest was underway and this added a variety of new selections of savoury and sweet treats - colourful salsas, baked squash, cranberries, pickled veggies, jams, spreads and more - everything imaginable that could be gathered from fall gardens, along with some refreshing ideas on how to prepare all those great foods. There were even opportunities to support local organizations through fundraisers while you enjoyed the food and music.

By all reports, vendors and shoppers alike found it to be a highly successful and enjoyable day, and reflecting over the entire season, that it has been a highly successful first season for the market as well.

There was the bitter sweetness of this being the last Saturday to gather at the beach but it will be a break for those who could use a needed rest from the schedule and effort of producing and selling their products. Vendors report that they will miss serving their customers, the beach atmosphere, and socializing with both customers and other vendors. There was a vendor meeting and lunch at the Maples Restaurant to wind up the season and plan for the next events. Sharbot Lake Market will be participating in the Small Business Trade Show on October 19, sponsored by the County of Frontenac. The market will be donating some food items to the Lions' community breakfast at Oso Hall on October 29 and there are plans for a market float in the Sharbot Lake Santa Claus Parade.

Market vendors and organizers are looking forward to offering the community another great market season in 2012, with a Grand Opening next year on Victoria Day weekend. The community has been amazing in its support for our local market- it's what makes the whole thing possible. Thanks to the great people who care enough to cultivate these fine products and to those who organize to make it happen.

Maple Lodge is an old family cottage. You know the kind - a wide front porch where people sit and watch the lake. The family has been coming to open the cottage on the long May weekend for generations. It’s the same every summer. But on this particular May weekend, secrets will be revealed that will change the family and Maple Lodge, perhaps forever.

In NFLT’s fall play, “Maple Lodge”, which will run from November 10 to 13, every member of the family gets the shock of their lives. Karen Steele plays Tara, the powerful and famous older sister. This is her big weekend. She has organized an EVENT to raise money to rebuild the area’s beloved covered bridge, burned down by vandals many years before. Tara bosses around her young brother Dennis, played by Mark Veno, and sister Heather played by Sandy Robertson, as if they were her servants. John Stevens is the loyal Gilbert, a longtime friend, especially of Heather. Rounding out the cast is Kelli Bell, playing the mysterious Noel who arrives suddenly and unannounced.

Doug McIntyre directs this touching two-act comedy-drama at SLHS on Remembrance Day weekend. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday with a Saturday night dinner theatre and Sunday matinee. Come and be surprised and entertained by the adventures of a weekend at the cottage. For Dinner Theatre tickets, please contact Sally Angle at 613-279-2777.

Photo: Bill Pyle, Dave Hansen and Governor Earl Oliver

Close to 150 Lions members from the 50 clubs in district A3, including members from Tillsonburg, Ont. and as far away as Pennsylvania, gathered at the Verona Lions hall on Oct. 1 to celebrate the Sharbot Lake and District Lions Club’s 60 years of service in the community.

Chartered on September 29, 1951, the Sharbot Lake and District Lions Club has been serving the community in a number of ways. First and foremost they have served people who are blind and deaf through their vision and hearing screening programs, which will begin again in area schools this month.

The evening provided members with a chance to keep current in the ongoing work of Lions clubs across the various districts and a chance to visit members from afar.

Sharbot Lake Lion Dave Hansen, past district governor and the longest serving governor at the event, has been a Lion for 46 years. He emceed the event, which was attended by no fewer than 19 white-jacketed members, each one a past district governor.

When interviewed later, Hansen recalled that he joined the Lions “because it was a fun club, a healthy club, at the time.”

Although a lot has changed since he joined in 1965, the Lions have remained true to the vision that drew him to the club in the first place.

“We do what we can for the local community. One hundred percent of the money we raise through fundraising must be spent in the community. We always said that the Lions are the best kept secret in the community, any community,” he said.

For many years the Sharbot Lake and District Lions have distributed eye glasses and assistive devices for people who needed them, and given assistance for baseball teams, among other items.

The Lions are also directly responsible for the establishment of Sharbot Lake’s Oso Beach, which at one time was the location of Allen's cottages, and was on the point of being sold for cottage lots. The Lions petitioned the then Oso Township to expropriate the land and turn it into a public beach.

Since then the Lions have built the covered picnic area and in 1999 refurbished a broken down stage into the band shell that is there today. The picnic area and band shell were donated to Central Frontenac Township.

The club has had its ups and downs over the years as membership has waxed and waned, and Dave Hansen said that it is in a strong state today, partly because of a number of dynamic husband and wife teams who have become involved over the past ten years or so.

At the anniversary dinner, Dave Hansen introduced Lion Dave Voisey of the Barrhaven Lions Club, a past council chair who was chosen as the evening’s guest speaker.

Voisey spoke of the important work the Sharbot Lake and District club continues to carry out in the community.

“The members of the Sharbot Lake & District club are true pioneers and have been fully involved in serving the community through Easter Seals, various civic improvements, school bursaries, sports tournaments, the volunteer fire department, the food bank, Christmas hampers and much more, all through a number of fundraising programs and community events. This club also has a very proud history of providing leaders, and many have served on the international and district levels. I have a sense here tonight that many will be seeking district offices in the near future.”

Voisey mentioned members Dave and Dawn Hansen in particular, who “have attended more MBA conventions, international conventions, and USA/Canada forums than anyone I know – these are truly knowledgeable Lions.”

Also in attendance was Roy Benn, who served as president of the club from 1957-58. He said he had to step down when the Lions changed their supper hour from 6 to 7 p.m., which conflicted with his schedule as a diary farmer at the time.

Asked about the biggest changes he had seen through the years, he said, “They definitely didn't have the white jackets back when I was a member but the good work they are doing in the community remains unchanged.”

Other highlights of the evening included an awards presentation. Lions Secretary Bill Pyle was presented with the Helen Keller Fellowship Award for his untiring service.

He said he was overwhelmed. “This award just shows my love of Lionism.”

Last year’s president, Dawn Hansen, was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award, honouring her for her many years of dedicated service.

Betty-Anne Blyth, the club’s current president, was thrilled with the turn out at the event and stressed the hope and need for new members to join. “These clubs have existed for decades and through events like this we are striving to get the word out that our members absolutely love what they are doing. We also want to stress our need for younger members who can keep these clubs going. Sadly, if younger people don't start getting involved, a lot of the community services that we offer will not be able to continue - and that would be a very sad thing indeed.”

Anyone interested in joining the Sharbot Lions can contact Bill Pyle at 613-539-8190. Residents in other districts interested in joining a club can google A3 Lions for more information on how to join.

Photo: Glen Matson of Matson Contruction and other Friends of Ardern clear a roadway to the lookout.

Two weeks ago, two special events took place that are intended to benefit residents and visitors to the hamlet of Arden for years to come.

In addition to a location in the midst of several beautiful lakes, Arden's topography has provided a scenic lookout, which unfortunately has been accessible only to those fit and hardy enough to manage a lengthy hike through bush and up a series of steep rock faces.

With the approval of Central Frontenac Council as the property owner, Glen Matson, along with family members, Councillor Jeff Matson, Chad Matson and Donnie Scott, mobilized their construction equipment and undertook to provide access to the site. With a crew of volunteers, including Councillor Tom Dewey, ninety-two year-old Dorothy Proctor and 15 others working ahead clearing trees and brush, they built a road through the bush and up the hillside.

Approximately three-quarters of the way to the top, they constructed a small parking area that could accommodate four or five vehicles. The remainder of the trail to the top was then trimmed and raked. The result was the provision of accessibility for almost anyone, to a site that provides a scenic view for miles over the forest and surrounding lakes.

In addition, at the same time four of the local young people including Kaitlyn Scobie, Bailey and Michaela Paddick, and Cameron Scott, were tackling the staining of picnic tables at the community centre, beside the Millpond and in the Recreation Park, coordinated by Diane Nicolson and Wanda Harrison.

The two groups took a break together at noon to enjoy a lunch prepared by Betty Matson.

These two projects were part of the ongoing efforts of the Friends of Arden and represent two more significant steps toward the revitalization of the hamlet.

Next to be undertaken will be the blazing and clearing of a trail to the gorge south of Arden and the painting/staining of the canteen and facilities in the Recreation Park.

Residents in the Arden area are encouraged to watch for further information and are invited to join in the efforts to improve the hamlet and life in it.

Photo: students and staff at St. James Major Catholic school in Sharbot Lake

Students and staff at St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake welcomed the public to an Open House on October 5 to show off their new digs. This past summer the school’s four portables were replaced with four new models, which opened up the school and are providing more space and a brighter atmosphere for students and staff alike.

School Principal, Mike Arsenault, says he is very pleased with the new layout. “Part of our responsibility is provide students with a clean, safe, and ready to use environment so we were looking at what we had and thought of changes that could be made to improve the learning environment. We had to consider the allocation of resources, so we decided to replace what we had with new buildings from another location, rather than trying to repair the old portables.”

The layout of the school has changed considerably and now consists of a larger main hallway and two bigger and brighter classrooms along with a third multi-purpose room, which acts as a library, French room and staff resource center. The back part of the building serves as staff office space.

The school, which is comprised of six staff members and 23 students, celebrated the new changes at an open house that included a blessing of the new school by Father Don Oberwarth, followed by a BBQ and bake sale. Students and staff alike are thrilled with the new accommodations, which were funded by the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

Principal Arsenault said the new buildings attests to the fact that the board regards St. James Major as a very viable school. “The school board’s willingness to put these new resources into place proves to the community that the board strongly believes that this Sharbot Lake school is indeed viable and that there is every plan for it to continue as such.”

Photo: Meghan and Kaitlin Balogh and Bob Miller entertained at Nomad’s Rest

Guests at Nomad’s Rest, the magical Bed and Breakfast located on Highway 7 near Mountain Grove, enjoyed a moonlit Ceilidh on September 10 courtesy of hosts David Daski and Linda Tremblay. The co owners and operators of the business have a reputation for putting on quite a party and Saturday night was no exception. The event began at 7:30 pm with the full moon rising and guests gathered by the sparkling backyard pond and sweet smelling gardens to enjoy an intimate outdoor concert of Renaissance music, courtesy of three local players, sisters Kaitlin and Meghan Balogh, both on violin, and Luthier Bob Miller, who sang and played one of his own hand-crafted guitars.

The trio has been playing together since the sisters were tots and they eased into an evening of Renaissance classics transporting listeners to an earlier place and time. Their rich repertoire included a mixture of Irish and Scottish classics, tunes like the Scottish air “Huntington Castle”, “’P’ Stands for Paddy”, “the Martin Hayes Waltz”, “The Waters Wide” and “The King of the Fairies”. These favorites were interspersed with numerous reels and gigs including “Swallowtail”, “Lisdoonvarna”, “The Rolling Wave” and Brendan Tonra’s Jig, with ne'er a break bewtixt each. The sisters played beautifully together, wile Miller added the perfect guitar accompaniment and also played a few of his original tunes in the old style tradition.

I spoke to Meghan in between the sets and she spoke of the ability of music to bring people together. “It's been proven that all kinds of music can bring a random group of people together. Music is a binding force and it has been scientifically proven that endorphins are released that cause listeners to feel closer to one another than they otherwise would.”

The event was free and donations were accepted to the music, technology and linguistic departments at Land O'Lakes Public School. Between sets, listeners sipped hot cider and enjoyed dessert and had a chance to mingle under a bright moon. Perhaps the only sad note uttered during the event was Linda's announcement that this would be the last musical event at Nomad's Rest. But guests can rest assured that she has other events planned for the near future.