The Sydenham High School drama club almost passed on the Sears Festival this year when they could not pull together a production they had been planning. Instead, they split into two groups and brought 20 minute long, three actor pieces called Philistines and Farmers and The Poetics.

Both plays won awards at the Festival, and the production of Poetics, by Canadian playwright Jason Sherman, was one of three plays chosen to move on to the Regional Festival in Cornwall.

Philistines and Farmers starred Curis Law, Geoff Hull and Courtney Sproul. It was an ensemble directed piece. Courtney Sproul was the stage manager and Megan Tidman handled the lighting.

The Poetics starred Dylan Parsons, Ana Donefer-Hickey (who won an acting award of excellence) and Emelie Myles-Gonzales. Stephanie Brown was the stage manager, Julie Sleeth handled the lighting, and the piece was directed by the ensemble.

Dan Raponi runs the drama department at SHS, and he has been working with this same group of students for four years.

“They really are the best student group,” he said, “and they are all graduating this year.”

Most of the above listed people worked on last year’s SHS Sears production of “the Virtuous Burglar”, which also moved on to the regional festival and on “Our Town” last June. They have been hard at work on “the Importance of Being Earnest” which will be the culminating production of this school year.

“It’s going to be an incredible production” Raponi said.

The Philistines and Farmers and The Poetics will be performed at the high school within the next couple of weeks.

Centre CFDC board chair Liz Crothers and CFDC executive director Anne Pritchard

The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) invited guests to a breakfast at the Trinity United Church in Verona on Mar. 30 to help them celebrate the over 97 projects that have been completed in Frontenac County through funds received through the Eastern Ontario Development Program.

In her opening remarks CFDC board chair Liz Crothers announced that between the EODP Funds and CFDC’s community adjustment funds, a total of $1.1 million was available for various programs and out of that a total of $793,300 was given out to local businesses and organizations for various loan and grant projects.

The CFDC Youth Internship program employed seven interns including a Communications and a GIS Intern at the County of Frontenac, a sales and marketing intern at the Land O’Lakes Tourism Association, a marketing and development Intern at Wintergreen Studios, a case management intern at Rural Visions in Sydenham and a marketing Intern at The Frontenac Stewardship Council.

The CFDC’s executive director Anne Pritchard is very proud of the CFDC’s intern program and said, “I have a special soft spot for that program in particular since it is often the first real work experience these young people have and they are always very excited about it. I am also very proud of the amount of loan dollars that went out this year in the last 5 or 6 months which a lot of good will be coming out of.”

Local businesses and organizations that benefited from CFDC funding though the EODP this last year included the Verona Community Association’s local sign project in Verona, the Verona Lion’s Club and Frontenac Farmers Markets new outdoor pavilion,The Greater Sydenham Community Association new business directory, The Frontenac Cattleman’s Association research project, the Eastern Ontario “Invest in Cheese” initiative program, and The Frontenac Arch Biosphere trail mapping project to name just a few.

Another big winner this year was the Regional Green Vision and Strategy Project, a joint venture between the County of Frontenac, the Kingston Area Economic Development Corporation and the CFDC. The project received $60,000 and will focus on promoting and encouraging green initiatives in the area.

Mid way through the breakfast Anne Pritchard announced that the CFDC has received another round of EODP funding beginning April 2010 through March 31 2011 which was great news.

Anyone business or organization looking to expand and or grow their organization or business can find more information about the CFDC’s various programs by visiting the Frontenac CFDC’s website at frontenaccfdc.com. Deadlines begin in April for the Internship program.

Just a few of many local athletes who crossed the finish line l-r Diane Wowk, Karen Murphy and Danielle Tohill of Perth Road, Kurt Hughes of Verona, and Rob Moyse of Sydenham

The Greater Sydenham and Kingston Triathlon, now in its second year, is growing in popularity and attracting local athletes and volunteers. The well organized and highly scenic event at Sydenham's Point park offers something for all athletes aged two to 82, including an Olympic Triathlon & Relay, Sprint Triathlon & Relay, Super Sprint, Canoe and Kayak triathlons as well a sprint Duathlon. Newcomers wanting to get a taste of the action can also participate in a “Try A Tri”, especially designed for the uninitiated.

Professional athletes also take part in the event and Sydenham's local world champion triathlete Scott Takala competed again this year in the Olympic Triathlon race, which included a 1500m swim, 40 km bike ride and 10km run. Scott successfully defended his title, clocking in at the finish line with a time of 1.03.35.

What really stood out at this year's event was the number of new local participants who also crossed the finish line in various events

In total, well over 500 participants took part this year – which is up 100 from last year. It is an amazing number especially considering that last year's triathlon broke attendance records for a first-time event by Somersault Promotions of Ottawa, who runs the event. Race director Richard Cadman explained, “What happens is the event gets known by word of mouth as participants invite their friends to take part- making it more and more popular year after year.”

Christine McKinty, co-partner of Somersault Promotions, was thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by the local community, who rallied behind the triathlon both as participants and volunteers. “There is a tremendous amount of local support at this event. We have more locals participating as well as more locals volunteering at this particular event than at any others that we run.”

The Sydenham Legion was the event’s official host club this year and provided the majority of volunteers. The Sydenham Lake Canoe Club was also credited for providing boats to assist in the set up of the buoys in the lake. Trousdale's General Store and a number of other local business provided prizes, and the South Frontenac Township Council supported the event by approving its run for a second year.

Assistant race director Maryanne Takala of Sydenham said the event ran without a hitch. “Everything was in place from last year, which always makes things run a bit more smoothly.”

The only change this year was the relocation of the transition zone from the ball field to the football field, which allowed participants more space to get on and off their bikes.

Every participant I spoke to was pleased with the event, the scenery, the courses, and the organization of the races.

The only suggestion for improvement I heard was from one participant who was a bit unnerved during the bike portion of her race due to the large trucks driving on Rutledge Road. When I asked McKinty about that she replied, “Ideally we'd love to be able to close the road to traffic but sometimes logistically that just isn't an option..” She agreed that it could be looked into.

For local athletes looking for a challenge the Greater Sydenham and Kingston Triathlon is a growing trend that looks as though it will be back by popular demand.

Phys. Ed. students at Sydenham High School carry the torch for the Ontario Special Olympics Torch Run on May 28 in Sydenham

Ninety students at Sydenham High School joined forces with members of the Frontenac and other area OPP detachments for their 24th annual Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario (SOO).

The run is an annual community-based, province-wide event to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics movement in Ontario, the charity of choice for the Ontario Chiefs of Police Association. Funds are raised through donations, pledges for the runners, the sale of t-shirts and other merchandise, corporate donations and other special fundraising events.

The run began at the school and took participants along a 2.5km loop around downtown Sydenham. Vice-Principal Bryan Lambert participated in the run. He spoke about the important opportunity it offers students at the school. “It’s great to have our Phys. Ed. students fully engaged in this event. It’s a wonderful cause and since we have a number of students at the school with special needs, the event goes a long way in pulling people together in the community and bridging the gap for those students who have special needs."

Trousdale’s Foodland donated food and beverages for the runners and OPP Constable Natalie McDowell of the Frontenac detachment, who organized the event, was thrilled with the turnout that included 17 officers, most from Frontenac detachment. She was equally pleased with the funds raised, which more than doubled last year's total.

This year the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will be in London, Ontario, from July 13 to 17. Athletes from across the country will be taking part for the chance to represent Canada at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece.

Anyone who missed the run and would like to donate to the SOO can visit their website at www.specialolympicsontario.com or www.torchrunontario.com

Deputy Mayor Vandewal chaired South Frontenac’s August meeting: both Mayor Davison and Councilor McPhail were absent.

Garbage Pick-up on Private Lanes?

The issue of garbage and recycling collection for private lanes in the township was raised by residents of O’Neil Lane in Storrington District. In the discussion that followed, Councilor Stowe noted that Council had agreed to limit private lane pick-up, and now that garbage and recycling services are to be offered equally to all of the township (Bedford will come on stream in late September), a decision to change pick-up in one area will set an expensive precedent for the rest of the township. Council agreed to ask Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth to provide recommendations for the next meeting which will address the concerns for safety and cleanliness at the junction of O’Neil lane and Perth Road. Fillion asked that at the same time, a motion be brought requesting the lane in question be grandfathered into the pick-up area.

Dangerous Intersections

A delegation asked for more stop signs at the corners of Railton and Stagecoach, Forest and Stagecoach, and Forest and Boundary: there have recently been two fatal accidents in this area south of Sydenham. Council asked Segsworth to study the area, and provide recommendations for their consideration at the next meeting.

Rezoning Application

Darryl Silver of Sydenham asked for commercial zoning on a portion of his property on the outskirts of the village, where he would like to construct an office building. He supported his request with letters from the Frontenac Community Development Corporation, which had received requests for office space in the village. Third and final reading of Council’s approval was withheld until a more specific site plan is developed.

Household Hazardous Waste Depot

Segsworth reported that the first tender call for construction of the HHWD site on Keeley Road got no bids: a second call received three. He recommended the lowest bid, from Shelley Home Improvements, for a total of $124,900. This is more than double the 2007 estimate of $50,000. It will be eligible for funding from gas tax fund, and should be recoverable over time, through the operation of the site.

Harrowsmith Speed Limits

Council approved Segsworth’s recommendation that speed be regulated on Wilton Road in front of St Patrick’s Catholic School, and on Colebrook Road in front of Harrowsmith Public School.

Sydenham Water Plant

Council awarded tender for the upgrades to Sydenham water treatment plant to DB Mechanical (Kgtn) Ltd in the amount of $1,009,881.

The upgrades include: more energy efficient low lift pumps, improved switching and valves, ultraviolet disinfection, introduction of chloramination to reduce disinfection byproducts, and granular activated carbon to provide seasonal taste and odour control. XCG Consultants designed the upgrades and prepared the tender documents: Hargrave & Co were retained to provide peer review on the design.

Next Meeting

Next Council meeting will be Tuesday September 07.

Photo: NBCC's C4 team l-r: Robyn Miazga, Cia Myles-Gonzalez, Zaffia Laplante and Regan Jackson., courtesy of Kim and Erik Miazga

In a rare occurrence for any paddling club, two members of the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club (SLCC), Robyn Miazga and Cia Myles-Gonzalez both of Sydenham, joined the North Bay Canoe Club (NBCC) in order to be able to compete in more events at this year’s Nationals, which were held at Wascana Lake Park in Regina, Saskatchewan, August 25-29.

The change came about early in August when one member of the SLCC girls’ C4 midget team fell ill which meant that though Robyn and Cia could still compete in their C2 race, they would not have been able to compete in the C4.

That all changed when two members of the North Bay Canoe Club, 13-year-old Zaffia Laplante and 14-year-old Regan Jackson, found themselves in a similar situation. One of their parents approached SLCC coach Devon Bayly-Jones at the Eastern Ontario Division qualifying races back in August, wondering if the two crews could join forces.

Sydenham coach Devon Bayly-Jones recalled, “This is not something that usually happens. Most clubs usually want full recognition for themselves but I saw this as a means of allowing all of the girls to have a chance at the nationals in the C4 race, which otherwise would not have been possible for them. The priority as I saw it was that the girls have an opportunity to race and be given a chance to go as far as they can.”

With just two short training sessions under their belts the four girls raced under the name of the NBCC, and with a time of 5.31 placed ninth out of 27 crews from all across Canada, landing them a spot in the finals. In the final race the girls beat their earlier time, improving it by 15 seconds and they finished the 1000 meter race with a final time of 5.16, placing them in sixth place overall in the country.

The girls were thrilled. Unfortunately Robyn and Cia's priority race, the C2, was not what they had hoped due to the fact that Robyn was suffering a painful hip injury. That left them almost not able to race in the C2 heats but they still completed it, though their time fell short of qualifying them for the C2 final. This was difficult for the two ladies since their best overall C2 time of the season would have placed them in 5th place if they had repeated it at the Nationals.

That being said, the girls came home knowing that they are definite national contenders in both of next year’s C2 and C4 Juvenile races, and according to coach Bayly-Jones they will also likely compete again next year as part of the NBCC's C4 Juvenile crew. “Because we don't have two girls at our club who can compete at their level it is likely that next year they will train with the North Bay ladies again. I think that next year we stand a good chance of getting a few medals.”

Both Cia and Robyn were thrilled with their C4 results. Robyn said, “The fact that we were just thrown together at the very last minute and had been out in a boat just twice is really quite amazing. It worked out really well and I am really pleased. Cia felt similarly and said, “We all just went out there and did what we were taught and though our teams’ styles are pretty different, we still managed to beat our expectations”

Both ladies are confident that with more time to train together and to learn each other’s styles they will be medal contenders at next year’s Nationals.

The SLCC greatly appreciates the support they receive from the Sydenham and District Lions Club, the Sydenham Legion and the Sydenham Rotary Club.

South Frontenac Township endorses Sunday hunting

Over 70 onlookers packed the township hall in Sydenham to witness the Sunday hunt vote. Councilor McPhail said he would like a public meeting first, to allow a voice for “both sides – if there are two sides on this issue.” Deputy Mayor Vandewal noted that those who were opposed could have attended, but everyone present seemed in favour. Councilor Robinson asked whether the vote could go forward with one councilor (David Hahn) absent. Mayor Davison said Hahn, who had been strongly opposed to Sunday hunting, had chosen to attend a sub-committee meeting rather than Council. Council then voted to endorse Sunday hunting, and to inform the Ministry of Natural Resources of their stand on the issue. Councilor McPhail voted against the motion, and Councilor Hicks abstained.

Rural Reality vs. “The Toronto Solution?”

Planner Lindsay Mills presented a summary of the draft proposed changes to the township’s official plan, which have been recommended by the Planning Department and agreed to by Council. Mills detailed four areas of disagreement between Council and the ministry. 1) The ministry objects to allowing five severances from a parcel existing in 2000. Their policy is to restrict all development to the hamlet areas. Mills said that this seems to be based on the assumption that the hamlet areas have water and sewers, where in reality pockets of dense development would be likely to result in groundwater contamination. 2) The ministry objects to development on private lanes, citing health and safety issues. Mills thinks they are unaware that the township allows only waterfront development off public roads, and sets conditions re the construction and upkeep of the access lanes. Mills said he thinks there shouldn’t be much difficulty resolving these two issues, but the remaining two differences may need to be supported by studies before the ministry will accept them. The first is a proposal to extend the boundaries of the Sydenham Hamlet, and the second concerns the desire of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to expand the areas designated Prime Agricultural to twice the present size in Storrington and four times the presently designated area in Portland. No future severances or development are permitted in prime agricultural areas.

Once Council has established a position on these last two issues, the proposed revisions will be brought to a public meeting, before the plan is approved and sent on to the ministry for final review and approval. 

Photo: Matt Rennie, Steph Stewart and Karl Hammer, organizers of the 2nd annual “Sydenham Tackles Cancer”

Three close friends came together once again to remember and celebrate the lives of Mike Woodcox and Andy Green, former Sydenham High School graduates and running backs for the Sydenham Golden Eagles, who both passed away from cancer.

Karl Hammer, Steph Stewart and Matt Rennie joined forces again this year and organized the second annual fundraiser for the Mike and Andy Fund, whose donations are put towards the Regional Cancer Centre in Kingston. The funds will be donated through the University Hospital Kingston Foundation, which will match donations 9-1 through a special government initiative. Last year the event raised $4,000, which multiplied to $40,000. Karl Hammer felt pretty confident that this year, with the help of the initiative, another $50,000 would be a realistic target.

Matt Rennie was thrilled with the turn out again this year and said, “The feedback has been overwhelming and the event has been spreading largely by word of mouth. That gave us the idea to sell tickets in advance, which has worked out really well.” Prior to the doors opening on Friday night, 100 advance tickets had already been sold.

The friends remember the two young men as having similar personalities. Both were “intelligent guys and great football players, who in no way showed off. They were not particularly outspoken but that being said, when they did speak, people listened.”

Karl Hammer feels that holding the event at the school and having the school support is key since a lot of the supporters feel a special tie to the two men through the school and their involvement in Sydenham football.

Relatives and friends of both families were in attendance this year and both families continue to support and appreciate the event, which included live music by local bands Bauder Road and Still Standing, a midnight pizza snack from Papa Pete's in Harrowsmith and a free shuttle bus service provided by Watson Bus Lines.

Karl and Matt are still totaling up the numbers from Friday’s event. Anyone who missed the event can still make a donation until Friday, September 24 by calling Karl Hammer at Sydenham High School at 613-376-3612.

Photo: The smiles of Sydenham's senior Golden Eagles said it all at the 5th annual Bubba Bowl on Oct. 15 in Sydenham.

For Sydenham High School football players the annual Bubba Bowl represents a highlight in their annual season, a double header game played under the bright lights on their home field in front of thousands of fans, young and old, who loyally gather each year to enjoy what continues to be Sydenham’s biggest football game of the season.

The event is named for Alex (“Bubba”) Turcotte, a grade 12 Sydenham High student and former player with the Golden Eagles who passed away in his sleep nine years ago.

The Bubba Bowl was the brainchild of Jim Latimer, head coach for the Junior Golden Eagles and five years ago the scoreboard on the field was unveiled in Alex’s honour.

This year’s bowl was run a bit differently from those in the past with a $2 admission fee charged to spectators with funds going towards the Point Improvement Committee. Coaches also decided to switch it up this year and for the first time the senior teams played first, setting the tone for a double header that had the Sydenham Golden Eagles soaring from end to end in both games they played against the La Salle Black Knights. In the opener the senior Eagles scored early on their first drive, taking an early lead. Following that was an interception that culminated in a touchdown and before you knew it Sydenham was leading 21-0.

The Golden Eagles maintained their lead from then on, never letting up, and by the end the senior Eagles clinched the win 54-7.

The seniors’ head coach Mike Love summed up the team’s win this way. ”It went really well early on for us. The Knights made a couple of mistakes and our guys took advantage and played a really great game.” Stellar performances included those of running back Josh Thompson who scored four touchdowns and corner back Mason Laframboise who made three interceptions scoring a touchdown on one.

In game two Sydenham's juniors similarly came out strong at the start, scoring early on their first drive. Highlights included performances by running back Branden Miller who scored a touchdown and made some devastating blocks. On defence, Matt Swift and Ben Tricky also had stellar games. The Sydenham Juniors’ head coach Jim Latimer was pleased with the outcome and said afterwards, “Our defence was a little hesitant at first but came together later in the game, which resulted in a total team effort.” The juniors won their game 35-7 and now sit in first place overall.

The cold, wet weather in no way dampened the spirits of players and fans, who enjoyed some great home field football. Both Sydenham teams’ stellar wins prove that the Golden Eagles are forces to be reckoned with.

Traffic issues in the Sydenham area  

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth presented his analysis of traffic volumes and speed at the intersections of Stage-coach and Railton and Forest and Bound-ary, which he has done in order to establish appropriate signage and intersection con-trol.  He noted that additional signage has already been installed, and his department will continue to monitor these intersections with the goal of reviewing other measures that might further reduce the danger of col-lisions. He recommended against installing stops on Stagecoach, because neither traffic volume nor collision record came anywhere near the Provincial guidelines for four-way stops. Also, stop signs on through roads can sometimes actually increase the danger of an intersection. Alternative measures might include: improving sight lines, lighting, paint-ed stop bars, larger signs.

However, Segsworth said that speed was definitely a problem, as it is on many township roads: more than half the cars on Stagecoach were travelling above the speed limit. He said the OPP was continuing to try to control speeding on township roads, but could only do so much.

Peter Bridgeland, a resident of Stage-coach Road, speaking as a delegation to Council, thanked Segsworth for the improved signage, but criticised the report, repeating residents’ request for a four-way stop.

Council did not accept Segsworth’s rec-ommendation against a four-way, but neither did they direct him to install one.

Segsworth also gave a verbal update of his department’s ongoing traffic study on Rutledge Road in the Sydenham area. There are a number of potential and proposed de-velopments along this corridor, including the new ambulance base and the Sydenham High School expansion, which in the next few years will have a significant impact on the existing infrastructure, especially the in-tersections.  One immediate concern is park-ing in front of the high school, which creates a blind intersection. Signage needs to be up-dated and sidewalks should be installed on both sides of Rutledge Road wherever pos-sible through the village. Traffic counts will be updated. Eventually, the intersection of Sydenham and Rutledge Roads may need a traffic circle or roundabout.

Next Step for Sydenham Subdivision

Further to a public meeting and Council’s detailed discussions of an application to sub-divide the former Goslin farm in Sydenham, Council agreed to forward the planner’s re-port to the County for draft plan approval.  All agencies have commented favourably, and the twenty-two attached conditions address residents’ and township concerns as well as issues raised by the project’s inclusion of a protected wetland area. Following county approval, there will be another public meet-ing to discuss zoning details, and make the conditions more specific.

Two New Barrier Free Entrances

Following receipt of a $5,000 grant through the Land o’Lakes Tourist Association, coun-cil awarded contracts to Fort Glass for instal-lation of barrier free entrances to the coun-cil chambers ($6,900) and the Storrington Library entrance ($2,400) The grant money will be topped up from the township’s acces-sibility reserve fund.