In an effort to educate city folk and non-farmers about where their food comes from, the Rotary Club of Kingston held their second annual Rural Awareness Day event on July 14. The event was organized by the Rotary Club's Rural committee and was headed up by Frontenac 4H Club leader and Rotarian Darlene Clement with the assistance of Neal Dick, Jim Perry, Denny Buchanan and Keith McLean.

The tour’s first stop was at Sun Harvest Greenhouses, where visitors toured their hydroponic tomato growing operation.

The second stop was the Cumpson family's Sonset Farm in Inverary where guests were treated to a tractor wagon tour of the 750-acre organic farm, a walking tour of their organic dairy barn, and up close and personal visits with a number diary and beef cattle. Guests also had a chance to see pigs and chickens and to pet one very tame orphaned sheep. They toured Sonset’s farm gate store located right beside the main farm house, where the Cumpsons sell a wide assortment of homegrown meat, eggs, spelt flour and seasonal veggies. The store also contains a plethora of educational materials about the importance of local food and local organic farming. Also on site at the event was Maple, a larger than life artificial dairy cow, on which guests had a chance to test their milking abilities.

Ongoing games took place throughout the day and included tug-o’-war games and sack races, all played on the green grassy fields surrounding the picturesque property. Local bee keeper Bill Lake Jr. was on hand with a hive of his bees. He educated guests on the art of bee keeping and passed out samples of his local honey.

A free sumptuous farmers lunch was provided courtesy of many local growers in the area. It included barbequed burgers courtesy of the Frontenac Cattleman’s Association, local tomatoes courtesy of Sun Harvest and many other delicious dishes, comestibles and fresh flowers, much of it prepared by members of the Frontenac 4H Club. This was the Rotary Club’s second Rural Awareness Day, which was begun last year in memory of Larry Ritchie, a long time Rotarian who believed strongly in the importance of supporting and promoting rural farming and farmers.

4H leader Darlene Clement, who grew up on a diary farm near Inverary and currently leads numerous 4H groups, initiated the event. She said it helps to educate kids about where their food comes from. “We just wanted to have a day to celebrate rural farm life and rural farming. It's important that people appreciate all of the work that local farmers do and I'm always shocked at how so many people don't know where their food comes from. People don't realize that farming is hard work and that it is 24/7. We want to encourage people to buy as much locally produced food as possible to support their local farmers.”

Dianne Dowling, president of the Local 316 National Farmer's Union, had a display of the local’s ongoing activities in the area set up. She said the tours help people who have no connection to a farm to see how they operate, the investment and hard work involved. “This event is great way for people to connect to farmers and to put a face on the local farming business,” she said.

Over 130 visitors enjoyed the day, including one special guest, Arada Limsirichai of Thailand, who is a foreign exchange student being sponsored by the Kingston Rotary Club. She was impressed by the difference between farming here in South Frontenac compared to her village, Nakhon Nayok, which is located in central Thailand. “In Thailand farmers concentrate on usually just one or two products; here farmers do many more things.”

Youngsters were front and center at the tour, with many young 4H members showing off their prize-winning animals. Nine-year-old 4H member Grant Perry of the Perry Maine-Anjou Farm had a chance to show off his one-year-old black Maine Anjou bull, which recently won grand champion at the Odessa Fair on July 11.

Having already successfully hosted the 5th Annual Mystic Musical Festival on the Canada Day weekend, Elphin, the funkiest little musical  village in the area, is getting ready for the 13th Annual ElphinFest and the 1st Annual  Snow Road Snowmobile Country Music Festival fundraiser.

August 3 is the date for ElphinFest, with 8 bands playing from noon till 11pm. They are 'Still Winter Hills', Claudia, Krisi Allen Band, Fiona Noakes, Ben And Me, and Stormin' Norman and the Stray Dogs. Two of the area’s most popular bands headline the event. Classic Rockers 'Sonic Roots' and   Normann. All of these bands have CDs out and more information on them can be found on the 'ElphinFest' Facebook site. Admission is only $10 for the entire 11hours and there is plenty of great food available from the popular on-site eatery: The Elf Inn Express.

The following week, August 10, at the same location, is the country music Festival and Fundraiser for the hardworking members of the Snow Road Snowmobile Club. There are seven great acts scheduled for the event. Kicking it off is up and comer Alyshia Richard from the Arden area. This 16-year-old sensation is working on her first CD and is making a name for herself. From Kingston is 13-year-old ‘Colin Watts’, who will be playing with his band and impressing everyone with his maturity and talent. Other performers include the Clyne Brothers, the Country Four, Tom King, and another local group, South of 7. Headlining the event is veteran country recording artist, George Chenier There may even be some 'surprize' guests. Admission is $20 at the gate and to keep the size comfortable a limited number of tickets are being sold. Again, scrumptious food is available from both the Elf Inn Express and the snowmobile club’s onsite barbeques.

No matter what your musical tastes, there is a flavour that fits at the ElphinFest site. More information is available on the Snow Road Snowmobile Club Fundraisers’ Facebook page.

For the 5th year Theresa, Becki and Katie Procter will swim 3km across Sharbot Lake to raise money and awareness for cancer prevention and research. The three sisters, who were born and raised in Sharbot Lake, began the annual swim after they moved away and were no longer able to participate in local cancer events due to work or school schedules. After losing close family members to cancer, the three try to do whatever they can to help others.

Two years ago Katie swam 3 weeks after giving birth to her first child. This year, Katie will be almost 6 months pregnant but is still planning to swim if her doctor gives her the all clear. She will be cheered on by her two-year-old daughter, Abigail. Becki’s employer, Cooperators Insurance in Mississauga, gives her a paid day off to recognize her efforts to help others. Theresa is the instigator and looks after all the organizational work and liaising with the Cancer Society.

The girls will be swimming on Saturday, July 27 , entering the water near the Sharbot Lake Provincial Park at 10am and plan to arrive at the Oso beach at about 11:30 am. Plan to attend the beach on the morning of the 27th and help cheer them on. Donations can be made at the Farmers Market or call Mike Procter 613-279-2572 or on line at http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/hopeswim2013

As another way of promoting health and fitness in the community, staff at the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team (SLFHT) held an urban pole-walking workshop on June 27 at Oso beach. Ten people participated and learned the art of urban pole walking. Staff at the Family Health Team are hoping to see more people take up the activity.

Nicole Bobbette, occupational therapist with the SLFHT, said the health benefits of urban poling are many and that it is an exercise for all ages and all fitness levels. She also said it is a "great option that is easy, affordable and fun for those with mobility issues."

The activity was developed by an occupational therapist in Vancouver and it involves walking with two poles, one in each hand. The poles offer additional health benefits to an otherwise ordinary walk by integrating core upper body strength. The exercise is good for everyone but especially those who have issues with balance and or pain, who may have arthritis, or for those recovering from a stroke or hip or knee replacement surgery since the poles add extra stability. It is also an option for those in overall good health and who might want to up their daily workout but for whom running is not an option. The workshop was headed up by Nancy Hayes of Motion Specialties, a health care vendor, and long time master trainer of urban pole walking, Kari Galasso, who runs her Fit to the Core business in Kingston. Galasso, who has been teaching the exercise in the Kingston area for six years, began the workshop first by demonstrating how to adjust, hold and use the poles, which are not just ordinary ski poles but ones that have been specially designed for walking. The poles have a carbon tip and an optional rubber booty attachment that give the walker added stability. The handles of the poles are contoured for a comfortable grip and neutralize all of the joints in the hand, making the grip comfortable for those who may have arthritis. They are marked with a unique measuring system so that they can be adjusted according to the walker's height.

“The poles address so many health and mobility issues and I can't begin to tell you how many people have told me how they have changed their lives,” Kari explained. For those just looking for a new way to exercise the whole body, urban pole walking is a great option. It activates 90% of all the muscles in the body compared to regular walking, which only activates 50%. As a result it promotes core strengthening The exercise also promotes upright posture training and is a great cardio-vascular workout.

Following her talk Galasso invited the group outside onto the grassy lawn, where she demonstrated the activity and answered questions before setting out on a walk down the trail.

Staff at the SLFHT were pleased with the turnout for the workshop and are hoping to hold a second one in the near future. Nicole will have a set of urban poles available at the medical centre for anyone interested in having a try at the exercise. The poles, which cost $100, can be purchased by those interested in making the activity a regular part of their daily or weekly fitness program. For more information contact Nicole Bobbette at the SLFHT, 613-279-2100

The beautiful rural setting of Sydenham is a big part of why the annual Sydenham Triathlon/Duathlon, which took place this year on July 7, continues to attract athletes of all ages and skill levels from larger centers around Ontario. So says Christine McKinty, partner in the Somersault Events Series, who puts on the Sydenham event, just one of the many events they run in the province.

The Sydenham Tri/Du began five years ago and was the brain child of its long-time race director Richard Cadman, who unfortunately will be retiring from that role this year. The event has been growing steadily in popularity since year one and this year it attracted over 600 participants, with 500 racers pre-registered long before race day and over 100 more registering the day of. “People really seem to love this event because its removed from the big city”, McKinty said when I spoke to her during the event. “It's a beautiful rural location and there is a lot of camaraderie here. Participants don't just come to run their event, collect their prize and then leave. They come to race and then relax, and they tend to stick around after their event and cheer others on.”

The premiere race of the day is by far the Olympic triathlon, which McKinty calls “one of the sexier events, for lack of a better term.” It includes a 1500 swim in Sydenham Lake, a 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run. The Sprint Tri is also popular and is comprised of a 500m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. “We've seen the Olympic triathlon grow hugely here since we started; I think because it's part of the Olympics and also because of people having seen Canadian triathlete Simon Whitfield in all his Olympic glory. I also think a lot of people want to go all out and really challenge themselves. People who run or who might come from another discipline want to put everything together and give it a try.”

McKinty also said that the shorter events are also very popular. “The shorter events tend to attract those who might be just getting started or else getting back into the events after having kids and it gives them a stepping stone to the longer races.” Race day involves the efforts of over 100 volunteers, who included members of the Sydenham Legion and the Kingston Multi Sports Club, plus many individual members of the community at large. Sydenham resident Marianne Takala has a big hand in organizing the event locally along with Richard Cadman, and they also bring along their own small army of volunteers.

Present at the event, though unfortunately this year only on the side lines, was long time and well-known local triathlete Scott Takala of Sydenham. Takala, who has won the Sydenham Olympic tri event for at least two consecutive years, was not able to run because of having suffered heat stroke during an earlier run this week, but he was present as a volunteer.

The weather proved to be pretty good. Although it was reported that parts of the courses could be a bit slick in certain areas due to the occasional bouts of rain, the overcast skies provided a break in what would otherwise have been a very hot day for the racers.

The Sydenham event is the furthest west event that Somersault puts on in the province and it tends to attract athletes and participants from Ottawa, Kingston and the Toronto area. McKinty said that Somersault is currently looking to hire a new race director for the Sydenham event. Anyone interested can make inquiries atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Who doesn't like a summer Jamboree? That is what the Verona Lions count on for what has been one of their biggest fundraisers for the last 62 consecutive summers. Thanks to the weather, this year’s event, which took place at the Verona Lions Centre on July 4, 5 & 6 attracted sizable crowds that numbered well over 1000, who enjoyed the sizable Crown Amusement midway and games; Lions bingo under the pavilion; numerous games of chance; a 9 hole mini golf course; and a 50/50 draw. Those who came with an appetite enjoyed the famed Lions jamboree burger complete with fried onions. I caught up with the Dark family and youngsters Calvin, Ezra and Cala who were enjoying a ride on the carousel and who made the trip to the jamboree with their grand parents and great grandmother from Ottawa. The next big upcoming Verona Lions event is their annual Garlic Festival, which will take place at the Verona Lions Centre on Saturday August 31 from 9am-2pm. The Verona Lions Centre is located at 4504 Verona Sand Road. For more information visit www.veronalions.ca

The adults have had their fun at the 5th Annual Sydenham Triathlon, and now the kids will have their chance at the end of July in Sharbot Lake. The Kids of Steel Triathlon is returning after an eight-year hiatus. Race day is Sunday July 28.

For 14 and 15-year-old triathletes, the race will also be an opportunity to qualify for the Ontario Summer Games, which will be held in Sudbury next summer.

The 2013 event is part of a three-race series that is being organized by the Bytown Storm Triathlon Club, joining existing races in Stittsville and Dunrobin.

Greg Kealey, a triathlon coach and the club's founder, said that the club wanted to add an event to make the series stronger.

“I’ve been to the Sharbot Lake triathlons in the past, and I know how good the location is and how successful they have been, so it was easy to choose it as the location for a third race for our series,” he said.

He added that the added bonus for his Ottawa-based club was the ability to attract athletes from Frontenac County and Kingston who might not want to travel to the other events sponsored by the club.

In addition to being a qualifying event for the Summer games, the Kids of Steel includes events for children as young as six years old.

The distances vary depending on the age group, with 6 to 7-year-olds completing a 50 metre swim, 1.5 kilometre bike ride, and a 500 metre run. The oldest age group, 14 to 15-year-olds, swim 400 metres, bike 10 km, and run 4 km.

Online Registration for the Kids of Steel, which costs $51, is available until Sunday, July 21 at http://bytowntriathlon.com/kos-sharbot-lake/ It will still be possible to register by phone up until the day before the race, but only online registrants are guaranteed to receive a race t-shirt.

There are separate road and mountain bike divisions, and the bikes will be inspected before the race to make sure they are safe to ride. A certified bicycle helmet must be worn by all athletes as well.

“The main goal of all our races, and that is what we want to bring to Frontenac County, is to provide an introduction and a continuing opportunity for children to enjoy the sport of triathlon,” said Kealey.

To that end there is even a FunDu division for children under six years old - a 50 metre swim, 200 metre bike ride, and 100 metre run. Registration for the FunDu and can be done on the day of the race.

The Kids of Steel started up in Sharbot Lake in the 1980s, attracting athletes from Kingston and beyond, including Canada's most celebrated triathlete, Simon Whitfield, whose accomplishments (Olympic gold and silver medals in four appearances in the games) are marked by a plaque on the beach.

Volunteers are also being sought for race day.

“We like to get a number of volunteers so the time commitment can be limited and volunteers can still have time to cheer their friends and relatives on,” said Greg Kealey.

For further information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karen Lahey, one of the new owners of The Oaks resort, is also a licensed fitness instructor. She will be offering a morning stretch and strength class for three weeks this month in the Crow Lake Schoolhouse. All proceeds from the class fees, which are $60 for 15 sessions, will be donated to the school-house committee.

The classes are effective for pain relief and increased flexibility and mobility, and are suitable for men and women of all ages.

Karen Lahey has been a fitness instructor since 1983, and worked most recently in the Fitness program at Hotel Dieu hospital. She is a registered fitness instructor with Canfitpro (see Canfitpro.com)

“I'm happy to bring these classes, which are designed to help local people improve their fitness level, and to raise some money for the school house, which is so important as a gathering place for the the Crow Lake community,” said Lahey.

The classes will begin on Tuesday, July 16, and will run each weekday between 8:30 and 9:30 am, until Friday, August 2. Visitors can attend individual classes, for a $5 fee. Registration will take place on the morning of July 16, or in advance. For further information, call Karen at 613-279-2986.

Two local scouters were honoured at an awards ceremony that took place on June 16 and coincided with the final day of a two-weekend training session for volunteers held at the Scouts Canada Camp located on Otter Lake in South Frontenac Township.

Harold Dalmas received the Silver Acorn Award and Bill Racz was presented with the Bar to the Silver Acorn. There are a number of awards in Scouting and the Silver Acorn is one of the more prestigious that is awarded for especially distinguished service to Scouting.

Scouter Dalmas has been involved for over 30 years in scouting and has been the Group Commissioner for the South Frontenac Group for the past 20 years, where he is responsible for recruiting, selecting and training volunteer leaders. He is also responsible for encouraging a positive attitude for growth, enabling the group to offer more youth the opportunity to take part in scouting.

Bill Racz receives his Bar to the Silver Acorn Award from Jim Peverley, Voyageur Council Commissioner

Bill Racz has been involved in the scouting movement for over 35 years. Scouter Racz currently acts as the Group Commissioner for Bayridge, organizes the annual Apple Day Fundraiser, held in October, and is the Deputy Area Commissioner, responsible for Property. He also serves as the Warden for the Loyalist Area Camp at Otter Lake. He was presented with the Bar to the Silver Acorn, which is awarded to a scouter who continues to provide particularly distinguished service to scouting. He received the Silver Acorn award in 2008.

The award ceremony took place at the conclusion of a Wood Badge 2 Course. This training session attracted leaders from the Ottawa area, as well as Brockville, Petawawa and Kingston. The session offered more detailed training for volunteer leaders who worked with youth in Beaver Colonies (aged 5-7), Cub Packs (ages 8-10) and Scout Troops (ages 11-14). 

The 12th annual Pine Meadow Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 22 at Hunter’s Creek Golf Club on Hwy 506 near Cloyne. This year’s tournament, as in previous years, was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and organizations in the community and raised a record $15,500. The funds are used to support the Pine Meadow Nursing Home and to help purchase items for the home that cannot be included in their regular budget.

Items purchased by funds raised over the tournament’s 12 year history have included a defibrillator, mobile shelving units, towel and blanket warmers, solo electric beds, concrete walkways in the garden area, a picnic shelter, SARA and other overhead lifts, Hi-low beds, and more. This year 70 golfers took part and goodies up for grabs included a Sterling propane barbeque donated by Snider’s Sand and Gravel, valued at $500, and a gorgeous hand-made quilt donated by the local quilting group Treadles, valued at $900. There was also a 50/50 draw, and a game of “ladder golf” in which the lucky winner took home a bar fridge donated by Smitty’s.

This year’s tourney was made even more special by the participation of the Flynn family, 12 members in all, who took part as a way to celebrate their 50 years at Lake Kashwakamak and who donated more than $500 to the cause.

Laury Hitchcock, who is part of the Pine Meadow Special Needs Committee and takes care of sponsorship for the tournament, said that the money raised this year will be used to help with monthly excursions as well as acquiring new overhead tracks and lifts.