Oct 2/08 - Sydenham Lions receive grant for DARE

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Feature Article - October 2, 2008 Sydenham and District Lions receive OPP grant for DARE programBy Julie Druker

Gardiner's Road A&P assistant manager Ron Wells presents a checque for $900 to Mayor Gary Davison with OPP Constable Natalie McDowell, and Sydenham and District Lions members Wray Gillespie and Allan McPhail.

Last week in Kingston at the A&P grocery store on Gardiners Road, Constable Natalie McDowell of the South Frontenac OPP detachment in Hartington and Ron Wells, assistant manager of the A&P, presented a cheque for $900 to the Sydenham and District Lions Club.

The funding for the grant was obtained through the sale of the magazine, “Not for Adults”, which was sold at all A&P, Dominion and Food Basic stores throughout Ontario.

The magazine is targeted to tweens and focuses on their culture but also covers other topics like health and bullying.

The grant is to be used to teach the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE), a program in its fourth year that is taught at various elementary schools in Frontenac Township, including Storrington P.S., Perth Road P.S., Loughborough P.S., Harrowsmith P.S., Prince Charles in Verona and St. Patrick’s in Harrowsmith.

Constable Natalie McDowell explained, “The grant is completely for kids and is to provide prevention and awareness to youth.”

Cst. McDowell teaches the series of eight classroom lessons for youth in grades 5 and 6. The lessons focus on showing the students how to resist negative peer influences and how to live productive drug and violence free-lives.

The teaching materials include a booklet that outlines the negative affects of bullying, tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use. It also stresses the benefits of respecting other people’s choices and focuses on what defines true friendship.

Part of the grant will be used to purchase “fatal vision goggles”, goggles that the children can wear to show them what it is like to try to accomplish simple tasks (like throwing a tennis ball into a basket), while under the influence of alcohol.

“It really helps to bring the point home to them.” says McDowell.

The program targets students in grades 5 and 6 in the hopes of getting the message across them before problems start. At this age students can understand the issues and hopefully have not yet been pressured into using substances. Educators advised that waiting until grade 7 & 8 can be leaving it too late.

The Sydenham and District Lions Club have been on board with the DARE program since its inception in the community four years ago. The Lions specifically applied for the grant that was available from A&P to support the DARE program in the local schools in the area.

Gary Davison, Lions member and mayor of South Frontenac Township, commented, “We saw the potential (through DARE) to have some diversion…so why wouldn’t we be involved in that?”

McDowell admits that, “Not all OPP detachments are as fortunate to run the program. We’re really very blessed.”

The DARE program originated in the United States and spread rapidly to other countries.

McDowell enjoys teaching the program and believes that it is having a positive affect on the children it reaches.

Asked if drugs and alcohol are an issue in South Frontenac, McDowell replied, “No they are not and we’re hoping to keep it that way through prevention.”

She added, “I received a letter of thanks from a child who I taught who thanked me and said that the message got through. This is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Feature Article - August 21, 2008

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Feature Article - August 21, 2008 Top Class Trillium Regatta returns to SydenhamBy Julie Druker

Sydenham Lake Canoe Club competitors.

The Sydenham Lake Canoe Club hosted the Trillium Regatta this Sunday at the Point for their second consecutive summer. Qualified competitors from the Peewee and Bantam classes from 13 teams across Eastern and Western Ontario competed in this championship, the top level of competition for this age group of 10 to14-year-olds.

Paddlers from the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club competed in a number of events, which included singles, doubles and four-person teams in canoe and kayak sprints, races and relays.

Sydenham Club competitors included Emily and Jacob Sharpe, Megan Veley, Genevieve L’Abbe, Jack and Ally Fenlong, Cia Myles-Gonzales, Robyn Miazga, Erica Gibbons and Nick Willar.

Head Coach Haleigh Miazga, while busy making some last minute repairs to one of her boats, commented on the club‘s progress: “The team is doing really well today. We have a lot of first year paddlers that have qualified for these races, which is a great thing.“

Highlights of the day included the Bantam women’s C4 1000m team who had to re-race with the K4s to get a final official time. Their boat was overturned in their initial race due to boat wash from one of the official boats on the course. The team ended up taking the gold medal.

Robyn Miazga and Cia Myles-Gonzales came away with a silver in the C2 500m sprint and a bronze medal in the K2 500m sprint.

The beach and park at the Point in Sydenham were swollen with 1500 plus people, including competitors, fans, friends and family, plus the boats, trailers and gear of the 13 competing teams.

The weather was perfect, clear and sunny with just a touch of wind, just what the hosting club had hoped for.

The course is a favorite for teams and fans alike. Eric Miazga, Commodore for the Sydenham club explained, “ Even though our club is one of the smaller ones in Ontario, our permanent course, which is Canada Coast Guard approved, is the primary reason why championship regattas can be held here in Sydenham.”

The course was constructed with the help of a 2003 Ontario Trillium grant. A second grant received in 2007 helped the club to expand and host the two consecutive regattas these past two summers.

Eric said he is “honored to be able to host the event here in Sydenham.” He added, “It’s a real testament to the club and the people who look after it, the coaches, members and all of the volunteers who help to make it such a successful event.”

The club provided a canteen of fresh baked and barbecued snacks and refreshments. There was ample space for vendors to set up booths to sell merchandise and other team-related souvenirs. First time visitors to the event commented on the beauty of the surroundings, the quality of the course and the hospitality of the hosting team.

Eric Miazga was pleased with the turnout and the success of the event. He is hoping to see the club continue to grow in the future.

Feature Article - August 14, 2008

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Feature Article - August 14, 2008 Sydenham’s Golden Eagles football camp hits the fieldBy Julie Druker

There is a football camp, alive and well and practicing in Sydenham. It began on Monday of this week at McClellan Park at the Point and lasts for one week only. Close to 100 campers from various elementary schools in the area, together with 15 counsellors and volunteer coaches, participate in the program.

Begun by Jimmy Latimer, Phys. Ed. teacher and coach of the Junior Football Team at Sydenham High School, the Golden Eagles Football Camp is in its fourth year of operation.

The goal according to Latimer is “to get kids at a younger age playing football. And to prepare them for the minor, junior and senior football leagues at Sydenham High School.”

Latimer advertised the camp by putting out flyers to all of the feeder schools in the area including Hinchinbrooke, Harrowsmith, Perth Road, St.Patrick’s, Loughborough and Elginburg

Guest speakers at camp this year included: Gord McLellan, a former football coach at SHS and Queen’s University, and after whom the Sydenham field is named; Mike Love, the senior coach at SHS; and Mark O’Grady, the new head coach at Queen Elizabeth in Kingston.

Each day campers take to the field and learn the fundamentals of offensive and defensive play. Their day also includes weight training in the Sydenham gym as well as swimming at the point and pizza lunches.

The camp runs from Monday through Thursday and costs $135 for the week.

The fees collected go directly towards the purchasing and maintaining of equipment used for the camp and the school’s football program, as well as providing scholarships to campers who might not otherwise be able to afford the fee.

The camp also inspired the Golden Eagles Football League, a minor touch league, that the campers can participate in from April until June.

The league consists of four teams: The Orange Crush, Purple Reign, Red Cross and the Black Plague. The teams practice twice a week and play one game per week.

Highlights for the campers are daily games of touch football, where the campers play the counsellors every day at lunchtime.

Thanks to Latimer, and the volunteer coaches, local kids are getting a chance to get out and enjoy themselves while honing their football skills in preparation for their future participation in the game.

Feature Article - August 7, 2008

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Feature Article - August 7, 2008 Sydenham Residents Gain Concession on Water Levy

At the July 15 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council had rejected CAO Gord Burns’ proposal to pass Sydenham water levy bylaw, which was accompanied by a schedule of payment for all of he affected properties in the village. Costs were slated to average between $6,000 and $8,000 for most households, depending on their road frontage and other factors.

See South Frontenac Water Debate Dribbles On

At the time, Council was divided over whether the plant was overbuilt or not, and debated whether current residents should pay for water that they are unlikely to use, instead of charging those costs to new developments that could spring upon the edges of the village over the next 20 years.

As requested, Burns submitted a second report, outlining three options and asking council’s direction.

His first option reiterated his earlier recommendation that there was "no significant justification for the township absorbing additional costs for the added capacity of the plant." In support, he said the Ministry of the Environment "is certain that once more people are hooked into the system and people become more comfortable with the use of the system (the volume of water use) will climb." Burns noted that if present use should rise, council could not claw back an adjustment, if one were made.

The second, more political option would be for the township to pick up the additional capacity costs, based on an estimation by the engineering firm Tottenham Sims Hubiki that if the plant had been designed for half the present capacity, the cost saving would amount to approximately $775,000. The residents’ share of this would be $258,000. Should council decide to support this option, Burns, though not in agreement, would recommend that the township delete $258,000 from the total capital costs being charged to residents, pay that amount out of reserves, and recover it through future development.

His third option addressed a development fund created by adding a levy to property taxes throughout the township. Such a fund could become available to assist all township residents with drinking water issues. However, Burns said that the development and administration of such a fund would be complicated, time-consuming and expensive in terms of staffing required.

There was general agreement that setting up a development fund was a separate issue from the question of whether or not Sydenham residents were being asked to fund the capital costs of a water plant with up to 50% excess capacity.

Councillor Hahn said he found the argument that the plant had an overlarge capacity persuasive, and questioned who should fairly pay for the excess capacity: the present residents, or new development as it accesses the water system? Robinson agreed, saying, "If [residents] are only using 33% [of the plant’s capacity], the long and the short of it is that they’re being overcharged and it’s our job to help them."

A motion was made by David Hahn, seconded by Councilor John Fillion, to accept Burns’ report, with option #2 being the preferred one It passed 5 to 4, supported by Fillion, Robinson, McPhail, Hahn and York.

The impact of this decision on individual Sydenham ratepayers will be calculated in the coming weeks and a new levy bylaw will be prepared.

Sept 25/08 - Bubba Bowl

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Feature Article - September 25, 2008 Bubba Bowl and Bauder Road By Jeff GreenThe Sydenham High School Bubba Bowl, already a premier event at the school, will be bigger than ever this year as a BBQ and concert by Bauder Road are being added to the festivities.

It will actually be more than a BBQ, as sides of beef are being smoked for the occasion and there will be homemade chili for sale as well. The food and music will take place on the lower field, starting at 5:30. Bauder Road, a popular Rock'n Roll band that plays music from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and happens to be almost entirely made up of Sydenham High School alumni, will be playing until 6:30.

At 6:45 the Sydenham Eagles Junior team will take on the Regiopolis juniors, and at 8:15 the Sydenham senior team will also play Regiopolis. The junior teams at both schools have won their first games this year, while both senior teams lost their opening contests.

The Bubba Bowl is dedicated to the memory of Alex “Bubba” Turcotte, a Sydenham student and football team member in the 1990s who died in his sleep while attending grade 12 at the school.

From its inception it has been an overwhelming success, drawing up to 1,000 people to the Senior game. The new events this year are designed to extend the party and to raise money for permanent lighting for the football field.

The Bubba Bowl will take place on Friday, October 3. For further information, contact Karl Hammer at Sydenham High School, 613-376-3612.

Sept 25/08 - Abrams concert raises $1000

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Feature Article - September 25, 2008 $1000 raised at Abrams Brothers concertBy Julie Druker

Ginny Trousdale was proud to announce that close to $1000 dollars was raised during the Abrams Brothers concert in Sydenham on September 13. She was thrilled with the turnout of 300 + concert goers this year and added, “It was an overwhelming success in terms of attendance and mother nature’s cooperation.”

The cash funds plus three super-size shopping carts in food donations were happily received by The Louborough District’s Food Bank and the Emergency Relief Christmas Committee.

The funds were raised by cash donations, profits from the BBQ that was held during the concert, and for which Foodland’s donated all of the food and drinks, and from 10% of the total sales made at Trousdale’s store that day.

Scott Gordon a teacher at SHS sent down six students to manage the traffic and make sure that the parking lots of certain business were kept clear.

“It was a real community caring kind of event.“, she added, noting that everything came together very well and the event was well managed, organized and safe.

She felt very fortunate to be able to host the concert again this year (its third) and added that the location is great since the storefront makes for “a perfect natural outdoor stage”.

When asked if the show will go on next year, Trousdale commented, “While nothing has been put down in writing yet, I see no reason why not. Brian Abrams asked the crowd last year if they wanted to see this happen as an annual event and everybody cheered.”

She added, “ And it’s a kind of Sydenham homecoming for the boys.”

Also, at the David Brison memorial Concert held on August 21 in Snow Road, the Abrams raised $400 for the Sharbot Lake Food Bank.

With their rising popularity we can only hope that the boys will continue to come home year after year to both entertain and aid a very appreciative community.

Sept 4, 2008 - SF Council

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Feature Article - September 4, 2008 South Frontenac CouncilBy Jeff Green

Sydenham water bylaw approved – bills to be sent out

South Frontenac Council has approved a bylaw which will enable the township to send out bills to ratepayers in Sydenham village for their share of the Sydenham water system.

The township had been on the verge of passing such a bylaw back in July, but at the last minute council decided that estimates about the amount of money that it can reasonably expect to raise through expansion of the water system was too low at $385,000.

The new bylaw is based on the assumption that the township will be able to gain an extra $258,000 in addition to the estimated $385,000 by charging fees for new housing units in the vicinity of the village to hook up to the system. This is based on revised estimates of the projected water use by Sydenham residents in relation to the capacity of the system.

In the end, the residents of Sydenham will collectively pay $1.39 million towards the water system. The total cost to build the system was $7.76 million, but the cost to the villagers was mitigated by provincial and federal grants of about $2.5 million, by $700,000 from the Limestone School Board for the two schools in the village, by the $643,000 in projected growth-related revenues and by $125,000 in costs for road repairs that was assumed by the township.

Council debated about what kinds of rules would be set out for future development, but did agree that each new house that comes into the system will pay $6,000.

The bills to cover the $1.39 million, divided up according to a formula based on road frontage and the dwelling size, will be in the mail shortly.

Burns to retire in '09 - “I don't like the content of this report,” said Mayor Davison in reference to a letter to Council from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gord Burns, which said he intends to retire in July of next year.

The letter was written at this time for two reasons, Davison said. “There has been talk of when Gord will retire, so this puts that to rest”. As well, it will give plenty of time for an orderly transition to a new individual in the job.

“I thought it only fair to provide this information to council so that they can give consideration to the process of selecting my replacement while there are still several months before my actual retirement,” said Burns.

The township intends to provide some overlap between the start date for the new CAO and Burns' retirement date. Gord Burns has been the CAO of South Frontenac since December of 2001.

$500 to Biosphere reserve – The township has renewed their membership in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve with a donation of $500. As well, the township is joining with a regional trail initiative being undertaken by the reserve.

$300,000 rescue vehicle – In line with the 2008 budget, Council approved the purchase of a new fire rescue vehicle for station 5 (Loughborough) at a cost of $265,000 from Fort Garry Fire Trucks. Once the truck is fitted with extrication equipment and a communication radio, the total cost will be over $297,000, which is still within the amount budgeted for it.

Buck Bay bridge – The tender for the rehabilitation of the Buck Bay bridge off of Westport Road has been awarded to Baltimore Development Services for $45,000. Along with the costs for engineering, which was awarded to McIntosh Perry for about $8,000, the total cost of the project is around $53,000, well under the $85,000 that was budgeted for the project.

“We had the same company do work on Rutlege Road, I was concerned that they were new to us when we awarded that tender, but they did a great job on that project, so I'm very comfortable with them now. And they were the lowest bid,” said Councillor Ron Vandewal

Building permits down – The number and value of building permits taken out in the first 7 months of 2008 are down in the township, as compared to 2007, which was the strongest year of the past five. This year 196 permits, including 44 for new houses, were taken out between January and the end of July, for a total construction value of $13.4 million. Last year, 26 more permits were taken out in the same period, including 58 for new houses, for a construction value of almost $18.5 million.

2008 figures are higher than those in 2006, when the value was $12.8 million for the same period. In 2005 the figure was $14.9 million.

Chief Building Officer Alan Revill said, in a written report, that the building department remains busy in spite of the slowdown. “At this time, I see no difficulty in fully utilising all department staff,” he wrote.

Controversy over road closing – Council received a letter from Flora Svendsen and Pam Freeman expressing concerns about the concert planned for Sydenham village on September 13 and its impact on traffic flow, business interruption, and the potential safety hazards that may result.

“We will be much more satisfied if the township will agree in writing to accept all reponsibility for crowd control and any liability arising from their permit for a public performance in the village business district especially as it will likely attract a crowd of undetermined size and responsibility,” they wrote.

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth said that he has talked to all of the business owners involved, and the area had be configured to try to ensure that all businesses will remain accessible during the event.

“We are going to try to work with everyone,” said Mark Segsworth.

“It kind of sickens me to hear these complaints because everything is going to charity and it will raise the profile of the village,” said Mayor Davison.

Feature Article - August 7, 2008

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Feature Article - August 7, 2008 Sydenham Residents Gain Concession on Water Levy

At the July 15 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council had rejected CAO Gord Burns’ proposal to pass Sydenham water levy bylaw, which was accompanied by a schedule of payment for all of he affected properties in the village. Costs were slated to average between $6,000 and $8,000 for most households, depending on their road frontage and other factors.

See South Frontenac Water Debate Dribbles On

At the time, Council was divided over whether the plant was overbuilt or not, and debated whether current residents should pay for water that they are unlikely to use, instead of charging those costs to new developments that could spring upon the edges of the village over the next 20 years.

As requested, Burns submitted a second report, outlining three options and asking council’s direction.

His first option reiterated his earlier recommendation that there was "no significant justification for the township absorbing additional costs for the added capacity of the plant." In support, he said the Ministry of the Environment "is certain that once more people are hooked into the system and people become more comfortable with the use of the system (the volume of water use) will climb." Burns noted that if present use should rise, council could not claw back an adjustment, if one were made.

The second, more political option would be for the township to pick up the additional capacity costs, based on an estimation by the engineering firm Tottenham Sims Hubiki that if the plant had been designed for half the present capacity, the cost saving would amount to approximately $775,000. The residents’ share of this would be $258,000. Should council decide to support this option, Burns, though not in agreement, would recommend that the township delete $258,000 from the total capital costs being charged to residents, pay that amount out of reserves, and recover it through future development.

His third option addressed a development fund created by adding a levy to property taxes throughout the township. Such a fund could become available to assist all township residents with drinking water issues. However, Burns said that the development and administration of such a fund would be complicated, time-consuming and expensive in terms of staffing required.

There was general agreement that setting up a development fund was a separate issue from the question of whether or not Sydenham residents were being asked to fund the capital costs of a water plant with up to 50% excess capacity.

Councillor Hahn said he found the argument that the plant had an overlarge capacity persuasive, and questioned who should fairly pay for the excess capacity: the present residents, or new development as it accesses the water system? Robinson agreed, saying, "If [residents] are only using 33% [of the plant’s capacity], the long and the short of it is that they’re being overcharged and it’s our job to help them."

A motion was made by David Hahn, seconded by Councilor John Fillion, to accept Burns’ report, with option #2 being the preferred one It passed 5 to 4, supported by Fillion, Robinson, McPhail, Hahn and York.

The impact of this decision on individual Sydenham ratepayers will be calculated in the coming weeks and a new levy bylaw will be prepared.

Nov 6/08 - SF Council

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Feature Article - November 6, 2008 Sydenham Water Plant Faces Potential $1.4 million UpgradeBy Wilma Kenny

Only days after Sydenham residents paid their portion of the capital costs for the village water treatment plant, a bill that averaged $5.000 per household excluding hook-up and internal plumbing changes, Council learned they were facing additional costs up to $1,420,000 for improvements to the plant necessary to bring the village water up to Provincial drinking water standards.

When chlorine is used for disinfection, it combines with organic substances to form disinfectant byproducts, primarily triahalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids.

Plant manager Kevin Riley, of Utilities Kingston, reported that total THM results in Sydenham have "routinely been detected at levels greater than 100 Fg/L (micrograms per litre), which is the current maximum acceptable concentration." To further complicate matters, Health Canada is expected to lower this limit to 80 F/L, in line with the US standard.

Del Stowe led off the Council reaction by asking why the MOE had approved the present system.

"That’s why you have experts,” he said “this plant is only three years old. I’m at a loss for words."

Councilor David Hahne said "You buy a new car, it comes with a warranty. Why doesn’t this system work? What did we get for our money?"

"I’m really cheesed, said Deputy Mayor Bill Robinson. “We paid a lot of money, and I don’t think we got a lot of bang for our buck."

Utilities Kingston has consulted XCG Environmental Engineers, and Cameron Smith of XCG presented his report. Early trials showed that byproducts of disinfection were formed relatively quickly, and so the problem did not appear to result from low use of the water system, as had been suspected.

Two alternative solutions were proposed.

1) Use of granular activated carbon to remove organic matter prior to chlorination. This has the additional benefit of removing taste and odour, or 2) A combination of ultraviolet irradiation and chloramination, which although less expensive ($.6 million), would be "apt to lead to public awareness/concern related to the addition of ammonia to the drinking water," according to Smith.

As well, this process has potential for nitrate formation (one of the problems the water system was originally intended to address.) XCG recommends that the granular activated carbon (option 1) be the preferred treatment alternative.

On the day of Council meeting, No. 4, Ministry of he Environment (MoE) representatives said that in combination with the proposed carbon pilot test, additional coagulation/flocculation jar testing should be done.

CAO Gord Burns said he and the Mayor had met with the Minister, and had been told the THM problem had to be solved.

"Time is of the essence," agreed Plant Manager Riley.

Councilor Ron Vandewal said "I don’t like what’s happened, but the reality is we have to do something about it."

Councillor Hahn argued that there must be a public information meeting, once the pilot study is complete. Mayor Davison agreed, "We must be open and transparent," adding, ‘we’re just trying to be a little low-key at the front end here."

As for funding, gord Burns said the province’s 5-year grant of $20,000/year would cover the $50,000 cost of the pilot study, and application was in process for a Build Canada grant: both the MoE and Public Health had written letters of support. Council agreed to proceed with the pilot study. (Neither Councilors York nor Fillion were present for this meeting.)

CAO Search Committee

CAO Burns is retiring August 09. Mayor Davison, Deputy Mayor Robinson and Councillors York and Stowe will form a search committee for a new CAO with the assistance of William Winegard.

Sydenham Triathlon, 2009

Council expressed interest in a proposal for a one-day race event to be held July 5 in Sydenham. It would include swimming, running and bicycling at a range of levels, all the way from Olympic to a children’s one-km run. The village has nearly ideal conditions for such an event.

Restarting the Clock on Severances

Council plans to vote on this issue at their December 2nd meeting.

Sydenham Library Expansion Committee

Council approved a budget of $15,000 for a topographical survey, soils investigation and architect fees to include analysis of the resulting information and siting of the proposed building.

Coyote Predation

Coyote kills were high this month: four sheep, a goat and a calf, at a total of four different locations in the Township.

Santa Claus Parades

Sydenham’s parade will be 10 am November 29, and Harrowsmith’s will be the same time the following week: Dec 6.

Nov 6/08 - Sydenham Supports Athletes

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Feature Article - November 6, 2008 Sydenham Legion proposes “SYDENHAM SupPORTS”By Julie Druker

Derrick Anderson, vice president of Sydenham Legion, recently proposed to the Legion executive that a fund be created to help young local athletes who may require financial assistance while pursuing their athletic aspirations.

Anderson realized the need for such a fund when he worked years ago as Vice Commodore (VC) for the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club (SLCC) and witnessed cases of young, talented athletes with long-term aspirations being limited by financial needs.

Anderson recalls one athlete in particular, Natasha Ostopovich, who won a silver medal at the Nationals while a canoeist at the SLCC. She eventually changed her sport to kayaking and then to rowing. She has since won a scholarship to Washington State University, where she currently rows on the Varsity team. She is aspiring to make the Canadian Olympic team in four years’ time.

Scott Takala (photo left) is another Sydenham athlete who has serious long-term aspirations. He won the men’s 20-24 triathlon world championships in Vancouver this past summer in Vancouver and has his sights set on the 2010 Olympic Games in London.

With the specific athletes in mind, Anderson approached John Pickernell, president of the Sydenham Legion, who was 100% on board with the idea of setting up a fund to support all serious local athletes who may require financial assistance to reach their goals.

The two men approached the Legion executive and put forward a four-year proposal called “SYDENHAM SupPORTS”, which will entail a number of fundraising events. The executive was supportive and the plan is now in its very early stages.

Anderson explains his motivations, “It’s great for the community to have athletes of this caliber and with this kind of ambition, and it would be great if we as a community could support them in their endeavors.”

He says, “If you want to see Sydenham represented on the international stage….join us in a four-year commitment to support our hopefuls during this long training session.“

Sydenham Legion Branch 496 invites the business and social communities around Sydenham to join them in sponsoring the youth in the area in their athletic endeavours.

Anyone interested in donating or helping with the fundraising can contact Derrick Anderson at 613-376-3739.