Photo: Alana Kapell (L) & Pat Dawson: the artwork between them is by Winona Elliott

The imagination and collaboration of three local women, Pat Dawson, Alana Kappell, and Ginny Trousdale, is bringing a whole new art scene to Sydenham. Ginny has turned the upstairs of Trousdale’s General Store into a studio/workshop space, while across the street, the Mill Street Gallery presently holds a fascinating group exhibit of encaustic work by eight area artists.

Encaustic is an ancient technique: paintings are built up with layers of melted, coloured beeswax. The resulting pictures are brilliantly coloured, with a luminous, transparent quality. As part of the show opening, Alana offered a day-long introductory encaustic workshop upstairs at Trousdale’s, and had to add a second session to accommodate all the applicants. Both days, participants enjoyed lunch provided by Pat at the Mill Street Café.

The Dawsons’ Desert Lake Gardens headquarters in Sydenham includes office, storage and kitchen space, as well as a restaurant. After a more ambitious beginning, the restaurant has cut back to serving dinner Saturday evenings, and catering special events. It is an attractive space, but Pat was looking for some way to dress up the empty walls when Alana Kapell, an Inverary-area artist, asked whether she could show some of her work there. Before long, Pat and Alana developed the idea of using the restaurant area as a gallery: Pat would provide the space and staffing for the gallery hours, and Alana would organize the shows. It didn’t take long to find the artists: this area is rich with artists who are eager to find places to show their work: the gallery is already booked for all of next year, and is now accepting exhibition proposals for solo or group exhibits in 2011.

Now, on Saturday nights from 5 to 9, Mill Street operates as a café, serving three-course meals featuring fresh, local produce, while Tuesday to Thursday from 10-4, the restaurant dining room is open as an art gallery. The present encaustic show will run till the end of December, and a new show will open in early February featuring Keith Skelton’s work, entitled "Photographs on Things Girls Do."

Meanwhile, Ginny Trousdale had been looking for some way to make different use of the space above her store. An artist herself, she developed the idea of a studio space that could be available for small groups to use for workshops. The room is ideal for anyone who can manage a short flight of stairs. It has two north windows and one east, good track lighting and lots of electrical outlets.

Presently, Ginny’s not charging rent for the upstairs workshop space, but it will not be open during the cold months, because it’s a hard place to heat. Anyone interested in holding a workshop there, should submit their proposal to Ginny at Trousdale’s General Store, 613-376-7622.

The Mill Street Gallery’s objectives include: to offer a venue to exhibit two dimensional work of a professional quality done by Sydenham and area visual artists, to provide an accessible venue which encourages the appreciation and development of all arts in Sydenham and area, to generate public interest and facilitate dialogue among artists and audiences, and to encourage the development of young artists in the community. Artists will not be charged a fee or commission, but are responsible for their own advertising, events, etc. May 05, 2010 is the deadline for submissions for 2011, and further details can be found at: http://millstreetgallery.blogspot.com.

Sydenham High School Principal Shawn Lehman, in his newly decorated office.

That seems to be the case for Shawn Lehman.

Lehman joined the Limestone District School Board this fall as the new principal of Sydenham High School after working 10 years in the Upper Canada District School Board from his home base of Brockville. He was greeted with a thick carpet of sod, a golf cart, some clubs and a flag when he opened the door to his office at SHS early on Monday morning.

“I don't know who did this,” he said later in the day, “but I think they have some IT experience.”

Lehman joined his predecessors, other new principals and vice principals at the school who found that some mischievous underlings made a few changes to their office a few days or weeks after their arrival at the school. “This was a pretty extensive job” he said, “They removed everything in the office save for two bookshelves, laid this thick carpet of sod, and brought in the golf cart.”

For Lehman it's all part of the relaxed atmosphere at SHS that he has already come to enjoy. “People have been very welcoming. This is a school with a strong committed staff, which makes my job easy,” he said.

Over the next few months Principal Lehman will be working on a school improvement plan, dealing with both educational and facility issues.

For the time being he is continuing to live in Brockville, with his wife, and will be commuting to the school, at least for the first year. 

 

Sydenham WI Presentation

Carol Faires, speaking on behalf of the Sydenham Women’s Institute, presented Council with photo portraits of South Frontenac Township’s first three mayors. In her introduction, Ms. Faires listed some of the WI’s many contributions to the Sydenham community since the group began in the village in 1919.

Proving the power of imagination, determination and bake sales, they have supported numerous educational projects, including public speaking in the schools, swimming lessons, scholarships and the collecting and preserving of local historical records. They have served dinners for seniors, organized community Hallowe’en parties, provided furnishings for public buildings and hospitals, donated the oak entrance doors to the township hall, and for many years, contributed to the upkeep of the hall itself. Together with the then Board of Trade, the WI purchased the property now popularly known as The Point, to be a living memorial to the local people who fought in the two world wars.

In thanking the group, Mayor Davison asked Ms. Faires to introduce the several members who were present.

Sustainable Energy Project

Steve Lapp, a local resident and coordinator of the St Lawrence Energy Systems Engineering Technology program introduced the student team of Andrew Jones and Ian Rowberry, who as a term project, have offered to produce a study and recommendations to the township on an energy-related issue. Council accepted their (free) offer: they will work in consultation with Chief Building Official Alan Revil, to develop a project of interest to the township. Councilor McPhail later asked if he could act as a council liaison. Councillors agreed, as long as they were all kept informed.

2009 Property Tax Breakdown

Following a request from the last committee of the whole, CAO Orr gave a summary report on where the property taxes go. On average across the entire Township, for a property with an assessment of $150,000 the tax is $1687. Of this amount, 23% goes to the County, 22% to education, and 55% stays in South Frontenac.

The 55% is disbursed as follows: 62% of that 55% goes to roads; 15% to Police; 9% to General Government services; 7% to Fire; 2% to Environmental Services (waste collection and disposal), 2% to Recreation, and 1% to each of Planning, Conservation Authorities and Protective Inspections. 

 

Sydenham triathlete Scott Takala (far right) wins a bronze medal at the ITU World Championships Grand Final held in Gold Coast, Australia Sept. 12. Photo courtesy of Scott Takala

No one was more surprised than 24-year-old Sydenham triathlete Scott Takala, who after completing a full course triathlon at the ITU World Championships Grand Final in Gold Coast, Australia on Sept 12, found out minutes after the race that he had won the bronze medal. The win makes Takala the 3rd fastest triathlete in the world in the 20 to 24-year-old category.

Scott recalled, “I was absolutely ecstatic. I went into the race hoping to place in the top 15 but when I found out later that I won the bronze I couldn’t believe it.”

Standing 5’7” and weighing 140 lb. Scott admitted that “When the other 70+ competitors saw me they didn’t see a real threat.” But a threat he was.

The race began with the 1500m swim in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean where Scott said, “Special nets, sonar equipment and pontoon boats with guys armed with tranquilizer guns were stationed to deal with any rogue bull sharks.”

It was in the swim portion of the race that Scott made a quick intuitive decision that got him out of an initial set back.

“I got spit out in the swim. I was kicked in the head and pushed and pulled and was way back in 50th place after the first buoy. Then I saw an opportunity and I decided there and then to take it.” He and another competitor moved to the side of the pack of swimmers, drafting off of each other which proved a very wise move and by the end of the swim Scott gained ample ground, moving from 50th into 22nd place.

At the bike transition Scott ran as hard as he could to his bike and rode full out for the entire 40 km, pushing himself into the #15 spot.

In the 10 km run Scott had a pre-planned strategy. “I knew that if I could run just 1 or 2 seconds faster than the other guys I could catch up.” He started the run at a comfortable pace, not wanting to spend himself too early and leave himself with nothing. He recalled, “I felt great after 3 km and with 2km left to go in the race I really put the hammer down.” His winning time was 1.54:23.

Prior to the Worlds, Scott competed at the ITU Canadian National Championships in Kelowna on Aug. 23 and finished 19th.

He ran against Canadian Olympic athletes Simon Whitfield, Brent McMahon and Paul Tichlarr.

In that race he also ran into trouble in the swim and fell behind the 1st pack on the bike portion and was not able to make up ground. Going into the run he knew then that he wouldn’t be able to catch the leaders. He admitted, “I wasn’t too worried about it though. My focus was on the Worlds and the Kelowna race really helped me to prepare for it.”

Scott is now back in Sydenham, where as a recent graduate from Trent he hopes to find himself a job. As far as his racing career goes he plans to apply for his International Competition Card, which will allow him to race internationally with other elite athletes and gain ITU points that will grant him world-class ranking. “My long term goal is to keep racing and get as close to becoming an Olympian as I possibly can.”

Scott is thankful for the support of his family and friends and also to the Sydenham Legion, whose donations through their Sydenham Supports program assist athletes like Scott, who have dreams of making it onto the world stage.

Back to HomeFeature Article - October 16, 2009 Sydenham and District Lions leave“No Child Without”By Julie Druker

l-r: Sydenham and District Lion Jim Kelly with LPS students Tyler Eves, Lauren Hunt and LPS Vice Principal Chad Taylor

The Sydenham and District Lions and the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation have joined forces to protect Sydenham elementary aged school children at Loughborough Public School from unforeseen medical emergencies through the “No Child Without” (NCW) program.

The potentially life-saving program was launched nationally in 2006 as a joint program between the Lions Clubs of Canada and the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation. It provides school aged children from 4-14 years of age who have pre-existing medical conditions or allergies with a free MedicAlert bracelet or necklet, which is custom engraved with the child’s medical information, member ID # and the MedicAlert 24-hour Emergency phone number.

The program ensures that first responders in an emergency situation have access to critical and potentially life-saving medical information pertaining to that child.

Emergency numbers on the back of the bracelets/necklets also provide first responders with access to a child’s current medical information. MedicAlert will also immediately notify the child’s parents.

The program brings peace of mind to parents who in the past have often worried about how their child will be able to communicate their medical condition should a crisis arise.

Jim Kelly, past president and current member of the Sydenham and District Lions, understands the value of establishing this kind of program at LPS. He explained, “Speaking personally I have friends who have grandchildren with severe allergies and I also know that several Lions members are in similar situations so we understand the importance of the program and how such a program brings both security and peace of mind to the children and to their families. “

The Sydenham and District Lions raised $3,000 for the program earlier this year through their 3rd annual Charity Golf Tournament, which was held at the Rivendell Golf club in Verona. In recognition of their commitment to the NCW program the Lions Club logo will be featured on all of the MedicAlert bracelets and necklets of students enrolled in the program.

LPS Vice Principal Chad Taylor was grateful for the Lions’ financial support, which allowed the program to be offered at the school this year. “All of the students have taken the information home to their parents and can either apply on line or come up and pick up applications here at the school.”

Principal Tiffany Mountenay said, “We are indeed fortunate to be able to provide this program to our students and families.”

The program focuses on children with severe allergies, diabetes, asthma and other pre-existing conditions. It is estimated that across Canada at least 10 % of all children have a pre-existing medical condition that warrants their inclusion in the program. Over the next five years the NCW program will be offered to all of Canada’s 12,000 elementary schools.

Tyler Eves, a grade 8 student at LPS, has a life-threatening allergy to bee stings, which is stated on his MedicAlert bracelet. He described the security that it brings him. “I feel safe when I wear it. I know that if I’m ever in a situation or have an accident where I can’t speak and need attention fast that someone will be able to help me out.”

For more information about how to apply for the program, please visit the NCW website at www.nochildwithout.ca 

Back to HomeFeature Article - October 22, 2009 South Frontenac Council –Oct 20, 2009By Jeff Green

Smooth Sailing for for Barrett Xplore

Barrett Xplore’s service roll out in South Frontenac has been considerably smoother than their aborted efforts in Central Frontenac.

South Frontenac Council received two emailed letters of concern about one of the nine tower locations that will provide high-speed internet service to residents of South Frontenac who have been relegated to dial up service thus far.

The concerns were about a tower that is to be located within view of Devil Lake on the Perth Road south of Westport, and the concerns mirrored those that helped convince Barrett to back out of a planned tower in Arden earlier this summer. The letters talked about the towers altering the well-established natural character of the lakeside.

However, whereas a public meeting in Central Frontenac was filled with members of the Big Clear Lake Association, most of whom opposed the tower installation, at a public meeting in Sydenham on Tuesday night, October 20, not a single member of the public voiced concerns about the towers that are popping up this fall in South Frontenac.

Members of council asked questions about the towers, but were assured by Bob Davie of Barrett that the towers, at 45m in height, will not resemble the much higher cell phone towers that now dot the rural landscape, and “will not be lit.”

The Barrett presentation included a map, which predicts that most of South Frontenac will be covered by already existing service and new service provided by the towers, but that there would still be significant gaps, particularly in the regions around Frontenac Park to the east of Verona and north of Sydenham.

Barrett Xplore will be offering free installation with a three-year service contract until the end of 2009. Residential service packages range from $30 to $60 per month in addition to a $50 activation fee. For business customers, the price ranges from $60 to $100 per month. 

South Frontenac building activity down in '09

Compared to a solid 2008, and a booming 2007, which included the controversial Sydenham water plant, 2009 is shaping up as a bit of down year for building in South Frontenac.

As of the end of September 2009, building permits for $17.25 million had been taken out, as compared to $18.5 million in 2008, and about $25 million in 2007 for the same time period.

By the end of 2007, permits for over $29 million in construction were purchased, and in 2008 the total was $23.2 million.

While 2009 will likely be the lowest year of the last three, it will still be higher than the total for 2006, which was $18.6 million for the entire year. The township is still poised to see over $20 million in construction in 2009.

The building slump in South Frontenac will not be long-lasting, however, as several larger commercial and institutional projects are expected in 2010.

With commercial construction projects in Inverary, at the corner of Sydenham Road and Rutledge Road, and just south of Harrowsmith all working their way through the planning department, as well as the library building/township office renovation project in Sydenham, also slated to start next year, healthy construction numbers for 2010 are anticipated. 

by Wilma Kenny

ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES:

Township residents attending council meetings have sometimes expressed frustration that they have not had access to the background information packages provided to council members and the press: the only printed material available to them has been the two-page agenda. Now, the entire information package, which can be more than 100 pages long, is posted prior to the meeting on the township’s website. As well, discussion of zoning issues is now accompanied by projected aerial photos of the property in question. These improvements not only save a lot of trees, but also make it much easier for observers to follow the discussion.

PUBLIC MEETING:

A public information meeting concerning a proposed plan of subdivision and zone change that would permit an industrial park on the southern edge of Inverary along Perth Road, drew comments from several residents. Concerns were mainly around the perceived loss of the rural nature of the area, and fears of increased traffic, noise, and vandalism. Councilors Ron Vandewal and Del Stowe both pointed out that light industrial and commercial use on the property would have less impact on water and sewage than a housing development of 35 or more houses, and might well generate less traffic. Residents were encouraged to send letters listing their concerns to Lindsay Mills, Township planner. These will be passed along to council for their consideration.

TRUCK PURCHASE:

Two 3/4 ton extended cab trucks were budgeted and tendered in July, but at the time the successful tenderer was unable to meet the required delivery date. The trucks were re-tendered, and Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth reported there had been two bids, only one of which met the specifications and provided a delivery date. Council agreed with his recommendation that Edwards Ford’s bid of $87,200 be accepted. The trucks will be Oregon Orange, in keeping with township policy.

SYDENHAM WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

Council accepted the minutes of the water committee’s October 7 meeting. At that meeting, Cameron Smith of XCG Consultants reported that they now have nine months of water testing data measuring water temperature, dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) and Trihalomethanes (THMs). He noted that in spite of seasonal temperature fluctuations, the levels of DOCs had remained consistent, which should make it somewhat easier to design the corrections to the plant. Smith agreed to have his first technical memo complete and ready for peer review by October 20, following which it will come to Council, then will be communicated to the public.

SYDENHAM LIBRARY

There was good attendance at last week’s public open house to view and comment upon the architect’s draft drawings of the new library. A list of comments and suggestions from both the open house and the library committee following their recent library tour have been forwarded to architects Shoalts and Zabak, who plan to produce updated design drawings before the end of October. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 3, 2009 Sydenham High Tackles CancerBy Jeff Green

The start of the school year brings back memories of years gone by for Karl Hammer. Karl went to Sydenham High School (SHS) in the early ’90s, and played football for the Golden Eagles back then.

After going on to university and starting a family, Karl has been back at SHS for a few years, teaching the School to Community class.

During his football playing days, two of the Golden Eagles’ top running backs were Mike Woodcox and Andy Green. Karl remembers them both as “quiet, good-humoured guys who really shone on the field.”

It’s a sad coincidence that both Mike Woodcox and Andy Green succumbed to cancer while they were in their 20s, Mike from testicular cancer and Andy from brain cancer.

Thinking about this, and about the “Kimmy fund” fundraising event held each year to honour another SHS grad Kim Taylor, Karl got the idea of tapping into the “football brotherhood” to raise money in Mike and Andy’s name. “I was originally thinking about some sort of football reunion,” Hammer said.

One thing led to another, and since Karl plays in both ”Bauder Road” and “Little Betty” the idea of a fundraising dance with a football connection has come together.

So, to coincide with the season’s opening football games for both the Jr. and Sr. Sydenham Golden Eagle teams, a dance will be held on Friday September 18 from 8:00pm to 1:00 am at the Sydenham High School gymnasium to raise money for the Mike and Andy fund.

“Sydenham Tackles Cancer” will be a licensed event (18 & over) and will feature a silent auction in addition to the dance. The auction will include a soccer ball that has been signed by all the members of the Toronto FC soccer squad, and hopefully some items from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tickets will be $15 per person, and will be available at the door.

Other SH football alumni, including Mike Rennie, have been working with Karl Hammer on the event.

“I received a call from Karl about a month ago,” said Cindy Woodcox, Mike's mother, “telling me who he was and that he played football with Mike. Then he told me what he was planning to do and I thought it was a great idea. Mike’s been gone 10 years now, and I think it's wonderful that we can do something now, and the money can be used locally.”

Cindy Woodcox said she would be meeting with the Kingston Hospital Foundation to work out the details. The Woodcoxes will direct half of the money that is raised and the Greens the other half, and all of the money will be spent on local cancer treatment.

For those who are unable to attend the dance but would like to make a donation in honour of Mike and Andy, look to the News next week for details. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 24, 2009 Sydenham tackles cancer - and winsby Julie Druker

Friends and members of the Woodcox and Green families. Back row (l-r) - Don Meadus, Kelly Green, Cindy Woodcox, Stephanie Stewart, Matt Rennie. Front row (l-r) Karl Hammer and Rob Woodcox.

On Saturday night at the Sydenham High School it was very apparent how the rich culture of Sydenham football seems to create bonds that survive long after high school has ended.

This was evident in the turnout for the first-ever cancer fundraiser in honour of Mike Woodcox and Andy Green, two former Sydenham football players who played running back for the Sydenham Eagles in the late 80s and early 90s, and who both sadly succumbed to cancer when they were in their 20s.

Organized by Karl Hammer, a current teacher, former student and football player at SHS, with the help of friends and members of the Woodcox and Green families, the event was a tribute and also an uplifting way to raise money for a worthy cause.

Karl Hammer, who plays guitar in both bands that performed at the fundraiser on Sept. 18, paid tribute to his two former teammates. “The event is in Mike and Andy’s names and really it is about them, but also about every single one of us here tonight because it’s up to us to tackle cancer where they left off. They both did their best and tackled it hard and now it’s up to us to keep up the fight.”

Karl made a poignant analogy when he recalled the coaching advice of former coach Foster. “He always said, 'You never assume that your defensive guy is going to make the tackle; you always get in there and gang tackle until the guy is down.' That’s what it’s like with cancer. We all have to help.”

Money raised from the event will be put towards the construction of the new Cancer Centre at KGH, and with the support of the Kingston University Hospital Foundation, all funds raised will be matched nine to one.

The event attracted many friends and family members of the two former players, who had a chance to catch up and remember the two young men who had touched their own and many others’ lives.

Sydenham football alumni and former students also came in droves and greeted one another with secret handshakes, hearty backslaps, hugs, kisses and genuine camaraderie; and no doubt many tears were shed.

Cindy Woodcox, Mike’s mom, was on board with the event from the start. She was thrilled with the turnout and was involved with the fundraising end of the event. She’s grateful to see the funding being put towards the local KGH cancer centre. She recalled the difficulties she and her family experienced while Mike was being treated because of all of the traveling involved.

She explained, “I would really like to see enough money raised here for the Kingston Centre so that people don’t have to leave their community for treatment.”

The $15 ticket included a night of musical entertainment by local bands Bauder Road and Little Betty, a silent auction which included hockey tickets, signed soccer memorabilia and lulu lemon products, food, and a free shuttle bus service to Kingston provided by Watson Bus Lines at the end of the night.

Karl Hammer was pleased to announce that close to $4,000 was raised. This translates to close to $40,000 that will be donated to the construction of the new Cancer Centre at KGH. Now I call that a touchdown.

Anyone who missed the event but who would still like to donate, can contact Cindy Woodcox at 613-353-2882. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 17, 2009GSCA celebrates the harvestBy Julie Druker

Photo: Andrea Cumpson (centre) of Sonset Farm in Inverary with GSCA chair Lori Reed and Anne Pritchard of the FCSDC at the GSCA’s harvest celebration

The Greater Sydenham Community Association (GSCA) is a community group striving to raise awareness and business activity along the Rutledge Road corridor, and specifically in the three communities of Perth Road, Sydenham and Harrowsmith. At their meeting on September 9, the GSCA invited food producers from in and around the community to set up displays at the Sydenham Town Hall.

Lori Reed, who is chair of the GSCA and also a member of the National Farmers’ Union, explained her motivation. “It’s harvest time and our concept is always to try to promote local business, so it only makes sense that we invited local farmers and their products to help us celebrate this special time of year.”

GSCA members and guests had a chance to mingle and get to know the faces of a number of local farmers whose products are available in and around the community. The event reflected the current global movement towards locally grown, sustainable food and food systems.

The meeting proved to be both informative and inspiring for those looking for alternative sustainable food choices close to home.

Present at the meeting were many well known local farmers including Kim Perry of Local Family Farms in Verona who, along with her husband Dave, owns and operates Perry-Maine-Anjou Farms where they specialize in pastured pork, beef, maple syrup, vegetables and preserves.

Leona Andrew of Southern Frontenac Community Services represented the Good Food Box Program, (GFB) a community-based volunteer initiative whose aim is to make fresh fruits and vegetables available and affordable to everyone in the community. The program runs out of the Rural VISIONS Centre in Sydenham and offers reasonably priced boxes of fresh food and vegetables in a variety of sizes. The program began in 1995 with 40 orders taken from a single site and has grown to the point where now over 800 orders a month are made available at over 41 host sites. (For more information on the program visit www.ruralvisionscentre.org or call Leona Andrew at 613-376-6477.

Also present was Gary Gorr of Gorr’s Maple Syrup, 1085 Gorr Road in Harrowsmith. Gary brought a wide array of pure maple products that he and his family have been making for close to a quarter of a century, including a new product, maple butter. On his farm 1623 trees are tapped on 45 acres of land. His products are available at local stores and at his door.

Beekeeper Tom Kaemmer of ToBa Apiaries near Sydenham comes from a long line of beekeepers and he currently manages 100 bee colonies from which he produces honey and beeswax. He was happy to share his fascination and admiration of bees and spoke of some new and serious challenges presented to bee keepers, namely mites, viruses and the Colony Collapse Syndrome. Despite these difficulties both his work and the bees continue to inspire him.

Darryl Silver of Silverbrook Garden Centre on Rutledge Road between Sydenham and Harrowsmith was also present with the wide array of fresh farm produce and products that he grows right at his businesses location

Andrea Cumpson, president of the NFU’s local 316, operates Sonset Farm, a family farm in Inverary with her husband and son. They sell a variety of organic meat, milk and produce to local buyers. Ever passionate about farming and aware of the tough and critical issues facing farmers today, Cumpson recommended to me viewing the documentary film “Food Inc. to understand what today's farmers are up against.” Cumpson said, “We have to start supporting these local initiatives like Kim Perry’s and when we go to the stores we have to forget about the price. Growing food is not an easy job and neither is marketing it and we have to start really thinking about our purchases and start supporting these people. We (the public) have a lot of power in how we spend our food dollars and right now things are happening in the corporate world that are undermining the farmers' ability to make a decent living and even their ability to survive.”

Prior to mingling with the local farmers and food producers, Lori Reed had a chance to update guests about the GSCA’s recent accomplishments: namely the publication of their 2009/10 directory, the establishment of key signage in all three communities and the recent creation of a website, all of which are helping to draw attention and business to the area.

Anyone interested in joining the GSCA or finding out more about the association can visit www.tgsca, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Lorie Reed at 613-353-1011.

Everyone is welcome at the next GSCA meeting, which will be held at the Township Hall in Sydenham on Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00pm 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 10, 2009 Sydenham Lake Canoe ClubBy Erik Miazga

Robyn Miazga and Cia Myles-Gonzalez in their C2 at the National Canoe/Kayak Championships in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

On August 8 & 9 at the Point in Sydenham, the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club (SLCC) hosted the Eastern Ontario Division Championships, with clubs competing for the right to compete at the Trillium and Ontario Championships to be held in Sudbury on Aug. 22 & 23. Sydenham fared well, placing paddlers Jacob Sharpe, Jack Fenlong, Cia Myles-Gonzalez, Robyn Miazga, Kristian Jones, Erika Gibbons, Ally Fenlong, Emily Sharpe & Genevieve L'Abbe in events in Sudbury.At Sudbury, the standout for Sydenham was Genevieve L'Abbe, who collected three bronze medals for her PeeWee K1, Bantam K1 and Bantam K2 with Emily Sharpe. Genevieve also was asked to join a C15 War Canoe race in a boat with a crew from the Rideau Canoe Club, for her first time competing in the C15, Genevieve took home the gold Trillium medallion! The SLCC looks for big things from Genevieve next season as one of their brightest upcoming athletes.Also in Sudbury, Sydenham struck bronze as Cia Myles-Gonzalez and Robyn Miazga took third place in their C2. The crew of Robyn Miazga, Erika Gibbons, Ally Fenlong and Cia Myles-Gonzalez also took the bronze medal for their women’s C4 entry.All these weeks of competition for Sydenham prepared them for gaining the right to compete at the National Canoe Kayak Championships in Sherbrooke, Quebec on Sept. 2-5. With generous support from the Sydenham branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and their athletes fund, Erika Gibbons, Ally Fenlong, Cia Myles-Gonzalez, Kristian Jones and Robyn Miazga were able to make the long journey to Sherbrooke to compete against the best in their class from across the country.At Sherbrooke, Sydenham competed in the women’s K2, K4, C2 and C4. The C2 and C4, both taking third place in their respective races, giving them hopes at a berth in the finals. Unfortunately Sydenham fell just short of competing in the finals and a chance at the medal round.The SLCC members, athletes and families are extremely proud of their children/athletes. It is not everyone who can say that they have competed at a provincial, let alone a national level and they can be very proud of their accomplishments.