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The third annual Algonquins of Ontario Nation Gathering is slated for the Oso beach in Sharbot Lake this Saturday.

The general public is invited to join up to 300 Algonquin Nation members from throughout the Ontario Algonquin Territory who are expected to attend.

According to Shabot Obaadjiwan Chief, Doreen Davis, the event has two major goals, the strengthening of the ties between people of Algonquin descent who have scattered over the years, and the sharing of Algonquin traditions and culture with the general population.

To accomplish this, the host Shabot Obaadjiwans have emphasized interactive displays, including muskrat skinning, birch bark canoe and basket making lessons, wild rice harvesting and preparation techniques, and more. A number of kids’ activities will take place throughout the day.

The sacred fire to mark the start of the gathering will be lit on Friday night and a sunrise ceremony early Saturday morning will be the official start of the event. Breakfast will be served after that. There will be three female drums at the event, which will start up in the morning, including the first performance by the newly formed Shabot Obaadjiwan Drum.

At 11:00 a.m. (Algonquin time) the Grand Entry of the Algonquin communities will take place. A meeting will be held in a large tent at the far end of the site (in front of the Family Health Team). The meeting, which will be an update and question and answer session about the ongoing Land Claim negotiations, is the only event of the day that is for Algonquin people only.

“The meeting will take about 45 minutes,” said Chief Davis, “and most if not all of the information that will be shared at the meeting will be included in the material about the land claim that will be available to the public.”

In the afternoon, there will be bandshell performances by Brittany Wally, Pirate on the Rideau and the headline act, Shane Yellowbird of the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta.

A former winner of the Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year at the Aboriginal People’s Choice awards and the Rising Star of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, Shane Yellowbird's show, which starts at 2:30 pm, will be a highlight of the gathering.

There will be vendors on hand throughout the day, and at 5 p.m. everyone is invited, Algonquin and non-Algonquin alike, to share in a feast, courtesy of the Shabot Obaadjiwan. While there will be salads and vegetarian fare available, and chicken as well, wild game will be featured, including Algonquin staples venison and moose, all cooked by local chef Tim Cota.

The Gathering was made possible through a “New Relationship Grant” of $24,000 from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs as well as a number of corporate donations.

(Editor’s note: Because of recent events, the Shane Yellowbird show will have an added element of poignancy, a reminder of the issues facing Aboriginal peoples throughout the country. His five-year-old cousin, Ethan Yellowbird, was killed on Monday night, July 11, as he was sleeping in his bed. Ethan was struck by an errant bullet fired as part of apparent gang-related activity on the Samson Cree Nation.)

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Photo: Lois Webster (far left) and the Olde Tyme Fiddlers at Oso hall on July 8

In an effort to raise funds for the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Anglican Church in Parham, Lois Webster of Bedford organized a potluck dinner fundraiser that was held at Oso hall on July 8.

Close to 100 diners attended the event, which attracted attendees from as far away as Ottawa and Napanee. Over $1,000 was raised, which will be used towards the future 125th celebration of the church on January 25, 2012. Lois hopes to have more than one special event in 2012. A visit by Bishop Michael Oulton has been scheduled for July 29, 2012. The church was built in 1887, originally on the other side of the railroad tracks from where it now stands. In 1912 the entire building was moved to its current location when the railway was constructed. Lois has been a member of the congregation for almost 50 years, and is also a member of the Altar Guild and the Anglican Church Women’s Guild. In anticipation of the event, she is putting together a history of the church from the church archives and will have it printed in booklet form. “We are also planning to have a banner made for the celebrations that will be happening in 2012”, she said.

Following the dinner, couples danced to the sounds of Kingston's Olde Tyme Fiddlers. Halfway through the evening, Lois donned her clogs and entertained the crowd. Anyone who missed the event, but who would like to make a donation, can call Lois Webster at 613-375-6318

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 07 July 2011 07:59

Sharbot Lake Legion to re-open

It was a case of a big problem that became a huge, and costly headache.

Back in early March the septic system for the Legion Hall in Sharbot Lake failed. Right away, members of the Legion executive, including the outgoing President Guy Cooke and incoming President Patty Middleton, knew that replacing an older system with a new system that complies with stringent new building code regulations was going to be a challenge. But they couldn't have known how much of challenge it would end up being.

“We found out that because of our commercial liquor license we required an 8,000 gallon septic tank, when we had a 1,000 gallon tank before. This was the case even though we are only open three days a week,” said Patty Middleton.

A larger tank meant a larger weeping bed, and even with a filter bed system instead of a traditional septic system, that meant that the limited parking lot at the Legion would have to be shrunk almost out of existence.

“We just don't have a large lot to work with, and that stopped us in our tracks,” said Guy Cooke.

Finally a solution was found using a tertiary treatment system, enabling the use of a much smaller weeping bed that fits on the property without cutting into the parking lot. The system is made by a company called Bionest, based in Shawinigan, Quebec.

Bionest's Ontario headquarters is in Pembroke, and out of that office a solution was offered. That was the good news. The company did offer a discount for the Legion. That was also good news, but the price of the system was still a lot more than the local Legion could afford.

“With all of the labour involved, and heavy equipment, on top of the system that includes three separate tanks, etc. the whole thing would cost over $100,000 to put in,” said Patty Middleton.

A couple of things happened to make the project possible.

First, all of the heavy equipment needed to dig out a big enough hole for all the tanks, and to prepare a septic bed, as well as all the labour, was donated by local contractors. Secondly, some of the ancillary costs, such as a grease remover for the kitchen (a requirement for the system to operate properly) have been paid for through donations from community members.

In the end, the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation came through with a $40,000 loan to the local Legion branch, and once that arrangement was accepted by Ontario Command, the project was a go.

On Thursday, June 30, the trucks and cranes arrived to put the two-piece concrete tanks in place, and a host of local contractors and other helpers, including the Central Frontenac Deputy Fire Chief, were on hand to help put the tanks together.

While the first tank is a standard septic tank that removes solids from liquids, the secondary tank is the Bionest innovation. The tank is filled with a polymer ribbon, which forms a nest for bacteria to adhere to as they go to work reacting with the contaminants in the waste. Air is pumped into the tank to encourage the biological reaction. The water then moves on to secondary treatment, by the time it enters the new weeping bed that is being put in, the water is already clean.

The workers went on throughout the afternoon on June 30, but the tanks required 72 hours to set before the treatment tank could be filled with water. Work is continuing this week, and a Health Unit inspection is scheduled for July 11.

“We are hoping to be open July 15 for a Friday night supper in our newly air-conditioned Legion hall,” says an optimistic Patty Middleton. “It's been a long haul and there were moments when we didn’t know if we would ever re-open, but thanks to the community support we have received, we will be around for a long time yet.”

The Legion has been a source of funding for many community groups over the years, and now is the time for the community to come to the support of the Legion.

Friday Night suppers and other events will be raising money to pay off the $40,000 loan, and donations to the Legion will be gratefully accepted.

A formal fundraising campaign is being planned by the Legion executive.

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

To play volleyball takes talent, skill and discipline. To play really well means a commitment and a love for the game. In order to play at university level means you are devoted to the game and determined to be the best you can be. For those of us who know him, Josh Neadow, gives new meaning to the game of volleyball.

This spring Josh received an invitation, one of only 45 volleyball players from colleges and universities from across Canada to be invited to a 5-day tryout for the Junior Men’s Canada National Volleyball Team at their training center in Gatineau, Quebec. Here Josh had the chance to play with the best volleyball athletes in all of Canada and he also got the chance to meet some members of Canada’s Men’s national Volleyball Team.

Team Canada’s coaches spoke to Josh after the tryouts and told him he had a strong performance with very strong skills and he has been invited back next year. This was a thrilling opportunity for Josh, who enjoyed every second of it. To be considered one of the six best liberos in Canada is overwhelming. This was a great chance to compete at a high level and with the best. Of those invited, 85% were returning from last year so unfortunately, Josh did not secure a spot this year but you just never know what next year will bring after he has a year’s experience under his belt. Josh says, “This experience was a highlight in my volleyball career”.

Josh has been attending Trent University for the past five years and each year has played on the men’s volleyball team. His first year, he did not become the starting libero until after the Christmas break. After that, he had the privilege of holding the starting libero position for the remainder of his volleyball career at Trent University.

His second year was a great year as it was the first time in the Trent men’s program that the team went to the provincials. Unfortunately, the team lost in the quarter finals, but we’re still proud of their accomplishment. This was also the year that Josh established himself as one of the league’s top liberos and led the league in digs, which continued for the next three years. In the 2009-2010 season he had over 100 more digs than the closest person in the running!!

During his career at Trent University he had the honour of receiving the Arthur Cup. This prestigious award is given to graduating student-athletes who excel in their sport, participate in campus recreational leagues, succeed in their academics, and are involved in the community. He also earned a joint major with History and Geography. Some of the other highlights of Josh’s career include: winning the coach’s award 3 times; being named on the all-star team 4 times; being MVP for the men’s volleyball team, team captain and leading the OCAA in digs for three straight years. What an accomplishment!

Josh is the son of Harry and Mary Joy Neadow, and Rachel, his youngest sister who is graduating from SLHS this year, has been offered a position on Trent’s Women’s Volleyball team.

Josh is currently enrolled in Teacher’s College for September and upon graduation he is hoping to start his teaching career and hopes to become a coach wherever he ends up.

To say that we are proud of you and your accomplishments is truly an understatement Josh. Kudos to you and your skill in volleyball, we all know that you will do exceptionally well in your chosen career path.

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

By Jeff Green

About five years ago a group called the Northern Rural Youth Partnership was founded by a number of individuals and agencies that are committed to bringing programming and services for youth to Frontenac County.

The partnership took shape in a half-day facilitated session in Sharbot Lake that was attended by about 50 people. During these kinds of sessions there are always opportunities for brain-storming, for putting out ideas that may not be easy to bring about because of costs or other factors. The one idea that everyone agreed to at that founding meeting was the creation of a youth centre.

Since that meeting, the Rural Youth Partnership, under the umbrella of NFCS, has survived. It has been able to establish a number of ongoing after-school programs, youth dances and outreach events throughout North and Central Frontenac, and starting this summer there will be a temporary youth centre set up in Sharbot Lake.

The centre will be based at the public meeting room at the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team, and will be open on Wednesdays and Fridays.

As well, NFCS has been successful in securing a Trillium Grant for $86,000 to continue offering youth programming, both at the new centre and at other locations.

Catherine Larkin, who works for the Children's Aid Society, has taken a leave of absence this winter to work on a master's degree. Part of her work has been to look at the demand for and feasibility of a youth centre in the Sharbot Lake area.

Last Thursday, March 31, she presented some of the results of her work to a meeting of the Northern Rural Youth Partnership and a number of representatives from recreation committees in Central Frontenac.

In addition to outlining the services that have been developed over the last few years, she talked about some interesting survey results. A survey of youth who participate in the existing youth program as well as students at Sharbot Lake High School, showed significant support for a youth centre.

“Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed supported the centre strongly” said Larkin “but there were other interesting results as well. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed said the youth centre should be located in Sharbot Lake. Another interesting finding, though not a positive one, was that 76% said they do not participate in any community activities currently, and 44% said they would need transportation to get to a youth centre.”

In terms of what the youth would like to do at a centre and through other programming, there was a tendency towards unstructured activities such as “computer access, a place to hang out, and a place to play games.” There was also interest expressed in movies, dances, cooking and music.

Catherine Larkin also had access to survey information that pointed to how much need there is for youth activities in the region. Some of the information is encouraging. Based on numbers that show a decrease in unemployment and in the number of families spending 30% or more of their income on housing, poverty seems to be easing in the region rather than getting worse. But some of the standardized educational test results have been discouraging. Alcohol use among high school students seems to be on the rise, and factors such as the number of students who do not expect to graduate high school and the number of students, particularly boys, who do not have a “positive sense of belonging” to the community is high.

“All of this information points to a need for youth programming and a youth centre,” said Larkin, “and it is a good first step to have this temporary centre in place.

“The partnership with the Family Health Team has made the youth centre possible,” said NFCS Executive Director Don Amos, “and what we need now is more engagement from youth and families to bring about more events and activities.”

Participants in last week's meeting brought forward ideas about activities they can help to organize and it is hoped that the recreation committees and the youth partnership will work together to bring more programs and events for youth.

A major video dance is being planned for May. It will be a collaboration between the North Rural Youth Partnership and the Oddfellows and Rebekkahs of Harrowsmith, and is taking place at the Frontenac Community Arena in Piccadilly. (see upcoming issues for details)

The youth centre at the Family Health Team will be starting up this June. 

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 30 June 2011 07:58

Parham Fair hosting Parham Idol contest

The Parham Fair has teamed up with eastern Ontario’s favourite country-rock band, Ambush, to host a Parham Idol singing contest for area youngsters.

Ambush is playing the Parham Fair Friday, Aug. 26 and the top performers in auditions will have an opportunity to perform live on stage with the band during their August show. The fair performance will be recorded and the young vocalists will be given a copy of their performance.

Auditions for Parham Idol will be held Wednesday, July 27 from 6pm to 8:30 pm at IOOF Hall on Rd 38 in Parham. It’s open to anyone up to and including the age 16.

Members of Ambush and Parham Fair’s entertainment chairperson Debbie Smith will be judging the performances.

Mark McDonell, the band’s front man, says he’s really looking forward to hearing what Parham and area youth have to offer musically. “They should have a song prepared and it can be in any style they want. If they can bring accompaniment, that’s great. If not, they can do it a cappella,” he says.

McDonell competed in his first talent contest at the Maberly Fair and credits talent contests at small town fairs with inspiring him to become a musician. He remembers attending the Parham Fair as a child. “All three of the guys in Ambush come from Perth – just down the road from Parham and we know how hard it is for kids to find an outlet to perform. We’re really hoping lots of local youngsters take advantage of this opportunity,” he says.

Ambush will be marking 20 years on the Canadian music scene in 2013.  The trio, dubbed “the little band with the big sound,” has had two singles from their self-titled album do extremely well on Canadian charts in the past year. “My Little Girl” stayed in the top 30 for three months and “Take My Picture” which also had a lengthy stay on the charts was nominated for Country Song of the Year at the Canadian Radio Music Awards. 

Please contact Debra Smith at 613-377-6431 as soon as possible to ensure you get an audition spot.

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 07 July 2011 07:59

A picture perfect Canada Day

Photo: Tugging in Harrowsmith

Perfect weather had local members of the community out in droves for Canada Day celebrations across the county. Revelers enjoyed parades, live music, demonstrations, art, festive food, lakefront fun, and a plethora of activities for the whole family at various locations including Harrowsmith, Sydenham, Sharbot Lake, Arden, Denbigh, Long Lake, Crow Lake and Desert Lake Bedford, Verona, Snow Road, Maberly, Plevna, and Ompah. There were music jams, pig roasts, karaoke, astronomers, strawberry socials, boat tours, drummers, kids crafts, bingo, strong man competitions, duct tape boat races and so much more. Hats off to all of the community groups, recreation committees and individual volunteers who put so much time and energy into creating a cross county party that so many come out to enjoy year after year from near and far.

As usual, the festivities ended with many a bang as a number of firework displays closed off what many agreed was a pretty much perfect and very memorable Canada Day.

 

Photos: Left - Jello eaters in Harrowsmith. Right - Elvis at Oso Beach, Sharbot Lake

Published in FRONTENAC COUNTY
Thursday, 24 March 2011 07:27

Birdies a Buzz at SLHS

Photo:  Lloyd Arnold and Carol Belanger

Every Thursday evening between 7 and 9PM the gym at Sharbot Lake high school comes alive with the sound of squeaking rubber-soled shoes and the whoosh of high-speed birdies.

That is the time that anyone seeking a bit of good, clean, social fun and fitness can meet on the badminton courts in the gym and enjoy two hours of non-stop play.

Ron Abbott of Godfrey is almost always there. He mans “the box” and will happily supply racquets and birdies (a.k.a. shuttlecocks) to those in need. Ron has been heading up the weekly sessions ever since retired SLHS teacher Gary Giller started the tradition close to 30 years ago. When Ron is not manning the box he is on the court enjoying a game. “It's such a great way to keep in shape and they say that in badminton you actually use more muscles than in any other kind of sport.” That being said, Ron adds that it is also not a particularly strenuous sport. He can count the number of injuries he's witnessed in his decades of play on one hand. He stressed the fact that it is also a relatively easy game that almost anyone can play and quickly become good at.

The two courts in the gym can hold eight players at a time and usually anywhere from 8-15 players will show up on any given Thursday night. Many of the regulars have been coming for years and to keep games interesting it is pretty common to see teams regularly switch up partners. Ron informed me that a good team is one where “the two players can anticipate their teammates’ moves and who cover each other on the court.” Because the game tends to be one of strategy, two partners who work together will tend to go a long way.”

The more competitive players will tend to seek each other out but competitive play on the whole tends to be a secondary consideration for most. Instead it is a friendly feeling of camaraderie that prevails in the gym.

Ann Temple is the newest player to the sessions and she travels 25 minutes to come every Thursday night to play. “I heard about it from a friend and started coming and found the environment very welcoming, helpful and easy going. Though I wasn't very good when I started I feel I've come along way.”

Lloyd Arnold of Crow Lake, who will be turning 80 in June, has been attending the sessions since moving to the area. He is an experienced player and played in an industrial league in Montreal back in the 1950s. “I have always loved the game and when I moved out this way thought I should get back at it. I have always enjoyed playing the game and it definitely helps keep me nimble.”

The sessions are held throughout the regular school year with breaks for Christmas and in March.

Anyone is welcome to play and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Normally the fee is $5 per semester, though this year the fees were waived due to a surplus in the coffers.

Ron encourages anyone interested to come and try it out. “It’s a lot of fun and usually after a few tries people tend to pick it up pretty quick.”

Players just need to wear rubber-soled shoes and Ron will be happy to get them every thing else they need.

 

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Photo: Hinchinbrooke Grade 6/7 students lead the Fun Days.

Students at Hinchinbrooke Public School are coming to understand the daily hardships that youngsters in Kenya face thanks to the efforts of HPS teacher Debbie Jones and her grade 6/7 class. For five years now Ms. Jones and her students have been holding Fun Days for Kenya, monthly school-wide fundraisers designed as a fun way for students at the school to raise money for people in Kenya. Hope2 Kenya is a not-for-profit organization begun by Sandy Foster, a long time educator from North Bay who in the past has visited HPS personally to thank them for their ongoing support. The organization raises funds to implement a number of different projects in Kenya, all of which aim at helping Kenyans to become self-sufficient. In Sandy's words the projects are meant to provide “ a hand up” rather than “a hand out”.

In July 2010 Sandy was joined by an eight member team and traveled to Kenya to complete a number of different projects they had started there, including Veronica Home, an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Kolongolo School. The team also set up a food distribution centre for widows in need.

HPS students in Ms. Jones’ class explained in particular what they are learning by putting on these regular fundraisers to support Foster and the organizations ongoing efforts in Kenya.

“We are fund raising to help give the kids in Kenya a chance to do what we always get to do,” said Hanna Smail. Megen Hole added, “We tend to take for granted everything that we have here at home so this is a chance for us to see that we can make a difference and help others who are in need.”

The Fun Days take place in the gym and every class in the school is invited to participate in a number of different games and activities. Debbie Jones' students are in charge of designing, setting up, and organizing the entire event. They also sell the tickets, run all of the booths and afterward do an in-depth analysis of which activities were successful, which were not and assess all the numbers.” Not only are the students becoming aware of others in the world who are in need and learning that they can help make a difference, but the event also provides the students with an opportunity to practice a number of educational skills that they are learning- math, geography and a number of other related skills.

Ms. Jones feels it is important to give her students a chance to do something to help others in need in the world and likes to share Foster's motto, a motto Foster borrowed from Helen Keller that states, “I am only one, but still I am one. I can not do everything but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

In Sandy Foster’s words, this means, “No child should be dying of malnutrition, water borne diseases, malaria, TB or AIDS. No child should be left an orphan without having basic needs fulfilled. The little I can do might help the child who may one day lead Kenya into democracy and peace.”

So far this year Ms. Jones’ class has helped the school to raise $700 for the Hope2Kenya team, which for its size is no small feat.

For more information visit www.hope2kenya.org

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Central Frontenac Minor Softball Association (CFMSA) and Central Frontenac Soccer Association (CFSA) are excited to be working together this year year in order to allow kids the exposure to both baseball and soccer over the summer months allowing them to be active all summer long. Baseball will begin in May and run until July and soccer will run from July to September.  Players can choose to play both sports and receive a discount on their registration fees or register for just one.  The In-person registration day has been changed and will now be held on Sunday March 20th from 12pm to 4pm at the St.James Catholic Church hall Hwy 38, Sharbot Lake.

Softball - The CFMSA would like to remind parents that we are still in need of some coaches and assistant coaches for the upcoming year and anyone interested can let us know at the registration or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As in the past, we will also be looking to send some people to the umpire and junior umpire clinics. We will have more information on the dates and times of these clinics soon and will email that information to those who express an interest. We are hoping this year to have enough teams to play locally in the lower age groups. To ensure kids have lots of play, we are capping each team at 13 players. After the cap, names can be placed on a waiting list.

Soccer - The Central Frontenac Soccer Association is a youth organization for girls and boys ages 3 – 18 years serving Central Frontenac and the surrounding area. New for the 2011 season we will begin play evenings beginning July 18th and run through the remainder of the summer.  There will be no change in fees from last year and the registration fees will be $30 per player with discounts for those who sign up for baseball and those who have multiple kids registering. For those who are unable to attend the in-person registration on Sunday March 20th, mail-in registration forms will be sent to the local schools and child centre. We will hold another in-person registration at a later date for those wishing to only sign up for soccer. For further information, please contact Lynette Whan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-279-2366.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
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With the participation of the Government of Canada