Mark your calendars! You could be The Next Country Music Star. Live auditions begin March 5, 2016 at The Ranch Resort in Bethany!
http://www.TheNextCountryMusicStar.com

Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Amsoil Kawartha Cup, Bethany, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, Brimacombe, City of Kawartha Lakes, skiing, snow, Snow Cross on February 8, 2016| Leave a Comment »
What Can We Do This Winter in the Kawarthas – Part 2!
Mark your calendars for February 20 – 21 and
February 27 – 28th
Enjoy the excitement of the Amsoil Kawartha Cup Snowcross Races Feb 20th and 21st
The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) is the governing body that organizes, promotes and regulates snowmobile competitions in Canada – primarily in Ontario and Quebec. And the races are coming to the Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds Feb 20-21!

Professional snowmobile racing is a rapidly expanding sport and Snowcross is the most popular form of snowmobile racing. Snowcross offers high flying aerial displays on a compact track. Competitors race around tracks featuring tight turns, banked corners, and a variety of jumps allowing racers to catch what is referred to as “big air” in full view of lucky spectators.

Between 10 and 12 events are held each season from October through to April. The series attracts thousands of spectators, some who travel from one competition to the next.
If you have not been involved in snowmobiling before, and especially racing, you might be surprised to learn that the youngest competitors are as young as 4-6 years old! They are restricted to a speed limit of 12 mph.

For a complete list of the ages and categories for competitors, see the Snowcross Website at www.snowcross.com. Call 905-722-7771 for more information.
Take your family and friends to Brimfest
from February 27th at 9 a.m. until February 28th at 4:00 p.m.
Brimacombe is a not for profit organization dedicated to their approximately 3,000 members – both skiers and snowboarders. They boast over 15,000 visits annually.
The Brimacombe websites assures their visitors that they “do not support Winter Blues, February Blahs and/or Cabin Fever!” And that is good to know! Where January was featured as “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month”, the end of February will be a weekend long celebration on the slopes – perfect for the whole family.

The event, called Brimfest, is sponsored by KX96 and 94.9 The Rock – so you can be sure the music will be great! In addition to the music, the organizers are promising lots of different events for the whole family, displays, competitions, giveaways – and more!
Keep an eye on their website at https://brimacombe.ca to get the latest news on Brimfest 2016.

In the meantime, get out and enjoy some great skiing or snowboarding. The Club is committed to the values of “family, fun and safety as well as quality and affordability.”
Formerly known as the Oshawa Ski Club, Brimacombe is located at 4098 Regional Road 9 in Orono, ON L0B 1M0.
Check the conditions by calling the Snow Line: 905.983.SNOW
Interested in lessons?
Call the Brimacombe Snow School: 905.983.6451
Email: snowschool@brimacombe.ca
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, bethany local business, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Russel deCarle Trio, The Ranch Resort and Conference Centre, The Ranch Resort Bethany, Valentine Dinner and Dance on January 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Hockey, Hockey Day, Millbrook, Road Hockey on January 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Celebrate Hockey Day in Downtown Millbrook at the Annual 4 on 4 Road Hockey Tournament on February 6, 2016!

Artwork is courtesy of the Millbrook Times – http://www.TheMillbrookTimes.ca
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, ice fishing, polar dip, polar plunge, snow on January 28, 2016| Leave a Comment »
What Can We Do This Winter in the Kawarthas – Part 1!
Mark your calendars for February 7th and 13th!
You don’t have any reason to be bored this winter! Instead of staying indoors, get outside and enjoy the variety of winter sports and activities that the region has to offer.
Bel Rotary Polar Plunge – Sunday February 7th
You won’t want to miss the February dip into the Chemong Lake – all for charity! Of course you can simply be a warm spectator and watch dozens of people brave the icy water to raise money for the local Rotary Club.

Or you can put a team together and raise some money for the local community. Join the fun so you can be ‘Freezin for a Reason!’ Each person taking the plunge is asked to raise a minimum of $200.
In over 35 years the group has raised in excess of $600,000 for charities and local organizations. Go see all the fun in Ennismore on February 7th.

Get all of the details and even register a team at http://www.belrotaryplunge.com/
The fun will take place at the Ennismore Waterfront Park on Ennis Road.
The Ontario Family Fishing Event Saturday February 13th
Have fun with more than 1,000 people on Chemong Lake for the annual family ice fishing event.
You can fish during one of the two annual license-free fishing events in Ontario. Representatives from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters will be on hand to help first time ice anglers catch a fish. The kids will love the excitement! And every child who participates gets a prize!

It can’t get any easier – the holes are drilled and the equipment is supplied – your family just has to dress warm and enjoy the fun!
And after the fishing derby there will be free family fun including an archery range, wildlife displays, a movie in the amphitheater, hot chocolate and popcorn – and a fish feeding frenzy in the giant fish aquarium.
Mark your calendar for February 13th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bel Rotary Park, Chemong Lake, Ennismore Ontario, 1495 Yankee Line.
Check out the website for updates at http://www.hfhc.ca/slides/family-ice-fishing-day-2016.
For more information, please contact the folks at the Ontario Family Fishing Events at 705-748-6324 ext. 254.
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, bethany local business, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Devil's Elbow, Kawartha Ski and Snowboard School, Manvers Township, Ski Lessons, skiing, snow, snowboarding on January 25, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Winter is a wonderland if you enjoy winter sports. And staying active with your family and friends helps to keep you physically and mentally fit.

Devil’s Elbow Ski Area
The Kawartha Ski and Snowboard School can get you started no matter what your age or skiing/snowboarding level.
The staff are certified by the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance and can provide the right instruction no matter what level you are at: a newbie, an intermediate skier, or an experienced skier who has reached a plateau. Too shy for the small group lessons? Then consider a few private lessons to get your started.
Check out the website to get all of the details on programs starting at Kinder Ski to learning to ski in a weekend. There are also ski camps for every special holiday – all the way to March Break and Easter.
Some people prefer snowboarding. But don’t be fooled into thinking it is so simple you can do without a lesson or two. A qualified snowboard instructor will teach you to ride safely without the trial and error of trying to learn on your own. Learn to snowboard in a group, at a camp, on the weekend, or with a private lesson.

Registration is easy and you can do it all online at the school’s website at http://www.ksnowschool.com/register/. The Registration Wizard shows you all of the available programs and corresponding time slots, based on the age of the student.
Skiing and snowboarding depend on a critical element – SNOW! So check out the website and stay in touch with the school to ensure you don’t miss any of the fun.
Kawartha Ski and Snowboard School is located at Devil’s Elbow Ski and Snowboard Area
Devil’s Elbow, 878 Bethany Hills Road, Bethany, ON(705) 277-1533
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Ontario, Bethany Village, Buddhist Temple, Cham Shan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Manvers Township, Sacred Mountains of China on January 14, 2016| 4 Comments »
The Buddhist Association of Canada is building a massive Cham Shan Buddhist Retreat Temple on Ski Hill Road, just outside of Bethany and thirty minutes south of Peterborough. The Temple will be a re-creation of the Sacred Mountains of China. It is currently under construction, with a projected price tag of $80 million.
After seeing the photos which are breathtaking (see link below), you will soon realize why this project is going to take over 20 years to complete. It will be the largest Buddhist temple outside of China. Tourism in the area will certainly have a boost with the estimated 45,000 visitors expected annually from around the world.

If you already live in Bethany or are considering moving here then you will appreciate the three factors that helped to identify Bethany as the perfect location for this spectacular achievement: the serenity, tranquility and natural environment of the area.
Construction is complex. The wooden portion of the temple was built in China, taken apart and shipped to Canada. Builders will not be using nails or cement but rather interlocking rosewood brackets. This helps to explain why it will take 2 years to put the temple frame back together.
When complete, the site will include a meditation centre, gift shop, accommodations and a restaurant.
You can view the photos of the construction of the Temple at http://www.ptbocanada.com/journal/2014/7/4/here-are-photos-of-a-cham-shan-buddhist-temple-being-constructed-near-peterborough
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Ontario, City of Kawartha Lakes, Hockey, Manvers Arena, Manvers Mustangs, Manvers Township on January 5, 2016| Leave a Comment »
If you have kids who want to play hockey – or your kids are grown and you miss watching the action of young players on the ice, Manvers Minor Hockey Association has just what you are looking for. Well trained coaches provide an environment where children can learn the importance of teamwork and improve their skill development in all aspects of the sport of hockey.

Boys and girls who are under the age of 6 join at the Initiation level. Watching them is entertaining and will remind you what simple fun learning to skate and score can provide. Manvers Minor Hockey has leagues for all ages following Initiation. Tykes, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget, Juvenile and Overage Juvenile provide fun and competition for those up to the age of 20.

Manvers Arena and Community Centre
Manvers raises money to help keep the costs down for families through an annual raffle and also from hosting Pre-Teen Dances once a month. Dances are held monthly throughout hockey season. Admission is $6 and dances run from 7 to 10 pm. Looking for something to do once a month? Why not volunteer to be a parent chaperone? If you have more than 2 children in hockey, you are eligible for a ‘3rd Family Member Discount.’ And individual teams will also be involved in fundraising activities for their teams to attend tournaments.
Financial assistance is available through the Canadian Tire Jump Start Charity. More information can be found at http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/what-we-do/want-to-apply.
Of course, sponsors also play a big role to help support the teams. Sponsors give of their time and money to the local community and you can help by doing business with the sponsors and taking a minute to tell them thanks for supporting the 2015/16 Manvers Minor Hockey Association:
Finally, good coaches are always welcome! You can find the application forms and the schedules for all of the teams at http://www.manvershockey.com/
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Ontario, carp, City of Kawartha Lakes, fish, fishing, lake trout, muskie, pickerel, rock bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch on October 22, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Looking to plan ahead for the ideal spot to fish next season? Then you’re in luck because the Kawartha Lakes – just a short drive north of Bethany – are a fisherman’s paradise! The Kawartha Lakes boasts one of the largest varieties of fresh water fish in Ontario.
Pickerel, Muskie, Carp, Bull Head, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, and Largemouth Bass can be found in Balsam Lake.
While in Cameron Lake you can catch Pickerel, Muskie, Carp, Rock Bass, Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, and Bluegill.
Shadow Lake features Pickerel, Lake Trout, Muskie, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Carp, and Bullhead.
Look out for Pickerel, Muskie, Sunfish, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass while at Four Mile Lake.
Pigeon Lake is home to Rock Bass, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Muskie, and Pickerel.
And Sturgeon Lake, which is known for its ‘Y’ shape, is excellent for fishing Muskie, Brown Bullhead, Carp, Rock Bass, Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Perch and Pickerel, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, and Black Crappie.
You can also check out www.ExploreKawarthaLakes.com for more detailed information on each of the lakes including depths, shoreline lengths, and other interesting features.
Because fishing in Ontario is regulated by the Federal and Provincial Governments, be sure to visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website for licensing information and other rules and regulations.
If you just want to test out the sport of fishing or want to introduce fishing to your children, you have an opportunity twice year to fish without a license. Two weekends a year are designated – check the website at http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/ for future dates.
If you’re heading out to fish in the autumn, you will have the added benefit of catching the stunning fall colors on your journey to your favorite lake.
Looking for bait, tackle or other fishing supplies? The are plenty of options:
Kawartha Lakes Outdoors 38 Taylor St., Bobcaygeon 705-738-BAIT (2248) www.huntandfishkawartha.com
Kawartha Lakes Bait and Tackle 10 Queen St., Lindsay 705-878-3474
Marks Worm Warehouse 1 mile South of Bobcaygeon on Hwy. 36 705-738-5743
Canadian Tire – Fenelon Falls 160 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls 705-887-9623
Canadian Tire – Lindsay 377 Kent St. W, Lindsay 705-324-2176
Emm’s Sports Outdoors 103 Queen St., Lindsay 705-324-6653
Kawartha Lakes Trading Post 5584 Hwy. 35, Rosedale 705-887-3116
Norland Convenience Bait & Tackle 7491 Hwy 35, Coboconk 705-454-1111
Long Beach Live Bait & Tackle 429 Long Beach Road, Cameron 705-359-3710 www.longbeachtackle.com
…and if you’re interested in letting someone else do the hard work you can book a charter and let the pros guide you to their favourite spots:
A Reelpro Guide Service Telephone: 705-238-3637 www.reelpro.ca
Bass Class Professional Fishing School Telephone: 705-879-0210 www.bassclass.ca
Blitzcreek Pro Fishing Charters www.blitzcreek.com
Crooked Lake Wilderness Lodge Telephone: 705-953-9844 www.crookedlakewildernesslodge.ca
Kawartha Lakes Fishing Charters Telephone: 705-292-5449 www.kawarthafishing.com
Kawartha Lakes Outdoors Telephone: 705-738-BAIT (2248) www.huntandfishkawartha.com
Kawartha Lakes Guiding Service Telephone: 705-786-0912/705-934-0109 www.kawarthalakesguiding.com
Living the Dream Musky Charters Telephone: 905-903-3096 www.livingthedreammuskycharters.com
There is no excuse for not at least trying your hand at fishing in the miles of lakes surrounding Bethany!
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged art community in Bethany Ontario, Art Gallery, artists, Bethany, Bethany Ontario, Cavan, Galerie Q on October 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Galerie Q, an art gallery less than one-year-old, has become a destination for both the local community and tourists who find themselves in Cavan. The gallery is a showcase for contemporary and current Canadian masters as well as many talented and emerging artists
The Q stands for Quebec. Most of the artists are French Canadian Masters, many of whom have achieved the designation of RCA (Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.)
Artists have been emerging from the province of Quebec since the arrival of the French settlers from Europe. They provide a distinctive voice in Canada’s artistic landscape. Artists such as Ginet Leblond who paints her memories of small French Canadian towns and the Coureurs de Bois, the voyagers who explored and settled Quebec. And the Bedard brothers, Gilles and Pierre, whose works include the scenery of the urban landscape, colourful florals, owls and old-world scenes.
There are also exhibitions from other Canadian artists, such as the current one featuring Allen Sapp’s work. Allen is a Canadian Cree artist who is widely known throughout the country and internationally. His paintings represent life on the Northern Plains as well as depicting the culture of the Cree people.
A look at Galerie Q’s website will provide a thorough list of the artists and samples of their work. It is easy to see that the description of “serious art for serious collectors and investors” is well stated.
Art exhibitions will be designed to not only generate curiosity, provide a look back at history, but also provoke public debate of cultural and social issues.
The gallery has recently welcomed Valerie Kent as the Director of Education. Valerie is a professional artist, journalist, educator and art adjudicator. Her work is known internationally – we are very fortunate to have her as part of our local community.
Galerie Q is more than an art gallery. Located in the original first post office for the area, Galerie Q is a partnership between Canadian artists and the public. It is a not for profit social enterprise. Profits generated will be used to fund ongoing activities at the gallery.
Address: 1521 County Road 10, Cavan, L0A 1C0
Phone: 705-944-888
Email: info@galerie-q.com
Hours: The gallery is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and open the rest of the week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
You can go to the website at www.galerie-q.com and sign up for their newsletter.