It’s that time of year again Kingston, and despite the mild weather, Feb Fest will be going strong this week.  Below is an outline of the schedule as it currently exists.  Sadly the lack of snow has affected some of the usual events that Kingstonians have grown to love.  The 24 hour Snow Sculpture Competition has been cancelled since there is no snow to build with.  Similarly, the Snow Maze and Ice Slide have also had to be shelved for this year.  However, Peter Vogelaar, Master Builder from The Canadian Snow and Ice Sculpting Team, will be here to create various structures for the public to view and access.  Additionally, Ontario Street will now be closed off to vehicular traffic and will display winter “toys” such as bobcats, snow plows, dump trucks, sidewalk plows and more, for children and adults alike to climb and explore.  Of course, in addition to these and the events listed below, there will be horse drawn wagon rides, beaver tails, Toast to Tapas and, running at the same time are Artignite and Reelout Film Fest.  If you’re bored this weekend, you’re not trying.  See ya out there!

Thursday, February 2nd
9am-12pm: Public Skating at Market Square
12pm-1pm: Sledge Hockey game at Market Square
1pm-10pm: Public Skating at Market Square
3:45pm-4:45pm: Watch The Kingston Frontenacs practice at Market Square
4:05pm-4:45pm: Public Skating with The Kingston Frontenacs at Market Square
7pm: The Annual Carr-Harris Cup between Queen’s and RMC at The K Rock Centre – $5
7:30pm: George Canyon at The Grand Theatre

Friday, February 3rd
9am-10pm: Public Skating all day
5pm-9pm Live Music on the Market Street Stage
7pm-8pm: Illuminance, an art exhibit presented by Artignite, will take place in the amphitheatre
7:30pm: The Frontenacs play Peterborough at The K Rock Centre
7:30pm: The Ravi Coltrane Quartet plays at The Grand Theatre

Saturday, February 4th
8:30am-5pm: Hockey Day in Canada – watch up and coming hockey players on the ice at Market Square
12pm-1pm and 2pm-3pm: Meet hockey legend Yvan Cournoyer at Market Square
5pm-7pm: Live Music on the Market Street Stage
5pm-7pm: Public Skating
7pm-8:30pm:44th Annual Historic Hockey Series at Market Square
8:30pm-9:30pm: Public Skating
8:30pm-9:30pm: Live Music on the Market Street Stage

Sunday, February 5th
9am-12:30pm: Public Skating
11:30am: Polar Plunge at Crawford Wharf in support of The Special Olympics
1pm-2pm: Imagination On Ice with Figure Skating Champion Jeffrey Buttle Kurt Browning *sadly Jeffrey has suffered an injury but Kurt has agreed to step in at the last minute*
2pm-10pm: Public Skating
2:30pm: The Kingston Symphony presents Canada Meets Finland at The Grand Theatre
6:30pm: Gigantour at The K Rock Centre featuring Megadeth

This week’s challenge encourages you to:

Submit a pitch to Awesome Kingston. There is a new group in town that has $1000 to give to an individual or group that has a great idea to improve Kingston. That’s where you come in. Pull out those ideas that you have had to put a smile on the faces of strangers. Grab some friends and dream up some ideas together to improve an area of Kingston and submit as a group. Awesome Kingston wants all of your ideas, small or large, complicated or simple, practical or a flight of fancy. Applications for February are due at midnight on 2 Feb, while you will find all the application details: here. How would you improve Kingston given a chance and $1000?

Sign up and commit to completing this week’s challenge by commenting below with an “I’m in“, “challenge accepted“, “en garde” or something along those lines. Further, help us spread the word via Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag: #ygkchallenge. As you work towards completing this week’s task, please feel free to lend others a helping hand by providing tips on how you achieved success.

Thanks to himmelskratzer for today’s photo.  A very special thanks to Awesome Kingston Trustee, Shari Reed, for today’s submission.

As a kid, the one thing my friends or parents could offer up to get me outside in January was tobogganing.  There was nothing more fun than flying down a hill at full speed on a beautiful, sunny winter day.  The hike back up wasn’t so fun but the promise of more was enough.  I haven’t participated in this great winter tradition since a less than successful attempt with garbage bags on Summerhill as a student at Queen’s many moons ago, so I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking for a hill in Kingston.  After some research, I’ve come up with a list of places that seem to be pretty popular amongst Kingstonians. So this week’s poll asks:

Are these the hills you frequent?  Or perhaps there’s a secret gem of a hill that we’re missing along highway 2 or 15, on Wolfe Island or elsewhere in the township.  Drop off a comment below and let us know where you like to get your downhill adrenaline rush.

Thanks to OldOnliner for today’s photo.

Community grants awarded by the Grant Selection Committee serve registered charities in all eight sectors in Kingston & Area.

• Arts & Culture
• Community Development
• Education & Literacy
• Environment
• Health & Social Services
• Heritage Preservation
• Recreation
• Youth

The geographic area covered by the Foundation’s Community Grants includes the Loyalist Township, City of Kingston, Township of South Frontenac, Township of Central Frontenac, Township of North Frontenac, and the Township of Frontenac Islands. Environmental projects must lie within the area stated above or within the Cataraqui River Watershed.

Since its inception in 1995, the Community Foundation has awarded over 860 Community Grants totalling over two million dollars to local organizations, and distributed approximately one million dollars from other endowment funds and over 3.3 million dollars from flow-through funds. Examples of grants we have made can be found on their website.

“Letters of Intent are due at the Foundation’s offices at 165 Ontario Street by 4:30 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Additional information and the application forms are available on our webpage,” said Vera Kettnaker, the grant coordinator. “All Letters of Intent will be reviewed by an independent granting committee, who are already looking forward to receiving the applications for innovative and effective projects.”

About the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is one of Canada’s 180 community foundation and seeks to enhance and strengthens the quality of life in our community through the administration of entrusted funds held in perpetuity, flexible donor services, and visionary grant making. It offers opportunities to concerned and caring citizens to give something back to our community. Together, the Community Foundations of Canada are one of the largest supporters of Canadian communities, providing $149 million in support of local priorities and organizations in 2010. To find out more visit CFKA’s Frequently Asked Questions.

Media Contact: Vikram Varma, Executive Director, The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, 165 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y6, Phone: (613) 546-9696, Email: vikram@cfka.org.

13th Annual ReelOut Queer Film and Video Festival, 26 January to 5 February 2012: lovers of independent film and video rejoice! Reelout13 continues the tradition of honouring the work of those who have championed queer film and video by showcasing the best and brightest queer cinematic offerings from around the world.  With over 80 short and full length films as well as amazingly fun festival parties to attend, ReelOut offers something for everyone!

ArtIgnite!, 27 January to 12 February 2012: “a marathon of arts events in Kingston” featuring more than 40 dance, music, theatre, visual art, film and craft events and dozens with free admission.  ArtIgnite is a collaboration between Queen’s University, the City of Kingston, Downtown Kingston, and many Kingston arts groups and artists.  Since the event’s inception two years ago, ArtIgnite has brought students and the Kingston community together through artistic collaboration and creative expression, showcasing local talent and celebrating diversity of art form, audience and artists.

FebFest, 2 to 5 February 2012: when you consider the popularity of this massive winter festival, it’s no surprise that FebFest is turning 8 this year.  This year’s developing schedule of events includes all our favourites such as free skating on the rink at Market Square, the Limestone Classic Hockey series, snow sculptures, massive snow maze, Beaver Tails and of course, appearances by NHL alumni.  FebFest is the real deal, and it’s one of the only reasons we pull ourselves away from our cozy fireplaces during the cold winter months.

Kingston Canadian Film Festival, 1 to 4 March 2012: From DIY comedy to Academy Award-winning drama and workshops for aspiring film makers, KCFF is the largest stand-alone showcase of feature films from across Canada. I’m eager to get my hands on the program for this year’s festival, so that I can plan which films I’ll be screening alongside fellow, local film buffs. Whether you plan on screening Oscar and Genie hopefuls, or rub elbows with the producers, directors and stars of the Canadian film industry, KCFF will not disappoint.

Kingstonist’s 4th Birthday, 2 March 2012: yet again, it’s hard to believe that Kingstonist will soon be celebrating our fourth birthday. The team has been working hard over the holidays to put a giant exclamation mark on another great year for our ever-growing site. Stay tuned for more details on new features, new contributors and other secret stuff I dare not mention for fear ruining everything we’ve got in store. Bottom line, you’d better join us to blow out the candles.

1. Your love of hockey is rooted in early experiences as a player and coach. Could you please share one of your fondest on-ice memories, and describe the influence it had on your lifelong passion to increase awareness and knowledge of Canada’s game.

It all started in Lindsay, Ontario, on the rink that we built on our double lot. It was a garden in the summer time, and a well used rink during the winter months. I spent countless hours on that rink playing shinny, which developed my interest in the game, and led to me starting a scrapbook that housed a collection of hockey related articles, programs, cards and whatever else I could get my hands on. I still have my original scrapbook, however my collection has expanded, and it now takes up an entire room in my house.

As Lindsay was close enough to Toronto, I was a big fan of the Maple Leafs. On one occasion the Leafs boarded a bus to play game of scrimmage in my hometown, while I was given the honour of introducing my teammates to the Leafs as they exited the bus. To this day blue and white are still pinned on me.

2. You are widely credited for reviving and sustaining the Historic Hockey Series, which commemorates the early games played on the ice of the Limestone City’s inner harbour. What challenges have you and the organizers faced over the years as you’ve continued this tradition. How important is the Historic Hockey Series to both the game and Kingston’s place in hockey’s history?

The late Phil Quattrocchi was the founder, who created the annual commemorative game between Queen’s and RMC, while it served as a focal point for the Winter Carnival. Being involved with the Hall of Fame, I was asked to research the rules of the early game. That peaked my interest in how the hockey got started, and I followed through over the years to serve as scorekeeper and statistician for the Historic Hockey Series. The series was sponsored by the Hall of Fame as an outreach program. Of course, we went through all the challenges of managing outdoor ice, and responding to varying weather conditions. The crowds have fluctuated over the years, but there has always been great competition, particularly involving the students and military teams including the RCHA.

The Historic Hockey Series is important, not in the sense of Kingston’s relation to the birthplace of hockey, but because it is a history lesson on ice. It probably ignites in some people a spark of interest in the early game. They know that the game was not always played the same way, as the original game was an onside one where players could not go ahead of the puck carrier. The series has helped to solidify Kingston as one of the cradles of hockey. While the Historic Hockey Series is now played on artificial ice behind City Hall, it remains an outdoor game and an important outreach program for the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hopefully it will spark other people’s interest in the evolution of hockey.

3. How Hockey Happened chronicles the roots of Canada’s National Winter Game, while it claims to settle, once and for all time, the national debate over the birthplace of hockey. What were some of the most compelling claims out there, and how extensive was your research in an attempt to set the record straight. How certain are you that Montreal is the birthplace of hockey?

I don’t think the argument will ever be settled. It’s an ongoing debate, but it’s pretty clear when you get down to the actual facts within the recorded history of the game that exists in daily newspapers, journals and diaries. There were three cities principally that were vying for the honour of having the Hockey Hall of Fame, while Kingston was awarded that by the CHA and the NHL. Much to the chagrin of Montreal who had a terrific record of games played 10 years earlier than what was played outdoors in Kingston, Montreal was playing games indoors. Halifax also had a a decent claim because they were playing an early version of the game under a different name. It still a raging debate, but I think that Kingston stands tall as one of the early centres of the game, and the fact that we’ve produced so many good teams and players over the years.

In my mind the debate is settled. When I’m asked the question ‘where did hockey originate’ I say ‘ you tell me what hockey is’. Is it the well organized, professional, commercial game that we see on television, or is it the freewheeling sort of game that we play on outdoor ice or in shinny matches. If you’re talking about the game as we know it today, it tracks right back to Montreal on March the 3rd of 1875 where there is a recorded history of the game, right down to who played and who scored. No other community can actually match that record.

4. Between 1969 to 2005 you served as secretary, curator, vice-president, president and historian of the International Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum. In your early years with the organization, and with consideration Clarence Campbell’s decision to open the HHOF to Toronto in 1961, what struggles did the local IHHOF overcome? Of the IHHOF’s achievements during your tenor, what are most proud of?

A majority of struggles that the local Hall of Fame has faced have been associated with it’s finances, as it’s run entirely on donations by volunteers. At one time the City provided some financial support, however that support no longer exists. Kingston had the original Hall of Fame, and the NHL in their wisdom decided to move it to Toronto when Kingston wasn’t moving fast enough for them. After Captain Sutherland spend year’s amassing a top tier collection of hockey memorabilia, all of the historic sticks, sweaters and what have you were packed up and moved to Toronto. Being second best is just that, and trying to compete with the Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame has been difficult, with their finances and position in relation to the NHL.

I’ve been to to the Toronto’s Hall of Fame on several occasions, and while some of it is sensational other aspects are a bit disappointing. It doesn’t always project the full history of the game, as it’s more of an NHL Hall of Fame. It doesn’t tell the broad picture of hockey as it evolved throughout communities across Canada.

There are a few IHHOF achievements that I am most proud of, specifically the annual Historic Hockey Series, and the inauguration of the Carr-Harris Cup between Queen’s and RMC. Also, I think the recognition of local players and teams who have done exceedingly well, is also a highlight. Before Kingston’s Sports Hall of Fame was established, the Hockey Hall of Fame was it in terms of celebrating their achievements and success.

5. Over the years, you have witnessed the implementation of countless rules changes, most recently the legalization of two-line passes, decision to end games with a shoot out, and an all-out war to eliminate headshots. Which rule changes do you think have had the biggest impact on changing the game, and in retrospect, which ones have been absolutely unnecessary.

I think the introduction of the red line in 1943 had a big affect on the game. It opened it up to a more free-wheeling game, because at one time you had to stick handle over your own blue line, you couldn’t pass it over your blue line. The creation of artificial ice year’s before that also impacted the game greatly, as well as the enclosure of the rink with plexiglass. Players nowadays can bounce the puck off of the glass and out of their end, whereas before that would have landed in the crowd. Of course, the improvement in equipment has really effected and improved the game, as it’s much faster, difficult and in some ways a meaner game. While the equipment has improved so much, players are now like warriors the way they’re padded. The injury factor is something that has to be addressed, particularly concussions and fighting. Some people think that fighting was always a part of the game, but history shows that it wasn’t in the early years. Hockey used to be a more gentlemanly game with a lot of sportsmanship. The highsticks came up as trophies became available, and competition became more serious. The boarding and charging still bother me in comparison to what we saw years ago.

In terms of unnecessary rule changes, I would like to see the return of the red line so you can only pass up to that line. My feeling is that you have to earn the ice, whereas now you can pass all the way to the opposing blue line and flick it in. What you miss is the intricate play, the stick handling and passing down the ice, over both blue lines. I call today’s game ping pong hockey, maybe it’s a sign of old age but the game moves so fast. You have to admire the players though, they’re tremendous athletes. The injury factor is also too high nowadays, as goal tenders aren’t protected they way they used to be. I think they’ll come around to toning down fighting, eventually.

6. Kingston has produced numerous notable names in hockey, including Don Cherry, Kirk Muller and of course Doug Gilmour. What are your thoughts on Doug’s recent induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the return to the local hockey scene?

I think the election of Doug Gilmour to the Hall of Fame is welcomed, as he is a positive example of a good small player. It shows that even in these days, where there are many brutish players, that a small player still has a role and can make an impact. It honours all of the players who have struggled with size and weight. Doug has certainly earned his spot.

With respect to his time with the Frontenacs, I think that he is a better General Manager than he is a coach. I think sometimes notable players have a difficult time teaching the game, and he had the difficulty of going into junior hockey with very little coaching experiencing. Now players work their way up through tier-two and major-junior. While Kirk Muller is ready for the NHL, he has had to develop his ability as a coach, with Queen’s, as an assistant coach in Montreal and most recently with an AHL team in Milwaukee.

Kingston has produced a lot of notable names in hockey. You can go over every segment of the game, from administration to equipment managers, and there’s always a Kingstonian who has shone in that position. Kingston is synonymous with hockey. And of course, Grapes has really put Kingston on the map in recent years. He’s controversial and he upsets a lot of people, but he certainly focuses his attention on the game and Kingston.

By today’s standard, Gilmour’s rise to the professional league is arguably against all odds. He was originally drafted to a junior team in Cornwall as a defenceman, tipping the scales at a mere 138 pounds. Dougie sheds some light on his career, as well as what it was like to receive a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame during an informal interview that was shot while he signed a limited number of prints that were distributed at last night’s event.

Douglas Robert Gilmour was born June 25, 1963 in Kingston, Ontario, and through a heralded career of twenty NHL seasons, proved to be a determined and productive forward worthy of induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

This video captures conversation between Mr Gilmour and Hockey Hall of Fame staff as he signs limited edition Induction prints which will be distributed to the first 500 guests to the Hall on Sunday November 13th as part of the 2011 Induction weekend celebration.

Gilmour was inducted alongside Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, and Mark Howe.

Wolfe Island Corn Maze, September-October: This year’s design features two mazes with a refreshment area in the middle called the “Oasis Rest Stop”. The 50 acre property on Wolfe Island offers the perfect venue for a variety of activities that all come under the heading of good, clean fun! Learn about the wind turbines at an exhibit as you exit the maze, visit with the farm animals and take a leisurely ride on the ferry. Reservations are required for flashlight nights and large group bookings, while prices range from $8.50 for adults to $6.50 for kids.

PS I love you, 29 October: Regular readers will likely recognize these guys, as we’ve featured quite a bit of their work over the past year. Needless to say, PS I love you is doing pretty darn good these days with international tours and shows that have put a few stamps on their passports. Whenever they gig back here at home, we do our darnedest to attend. Check them out at The Grad Club for a mere $13.00 – tickets via The Grad Club, Tricolour Outlet and Ticketscene.ca.

Rick Hansen “Man in Motion Relay”, October 30: 25 years ago, Rick Hansen ‘wheeled’ himself through 34 countries, and over 40,000 km. His goal was to make the world a more accessible and inclusive place, and to find a cure for spinal cord injury. 25 years later, we mark the anniversary of the world tour in Kingston’s Market Square when it stops for an end of day celebration on its way across the country. Join fellow Kingstonians on Sunday afternoon, for this inspirational event, as our medal bearer arrives in the square. The crowd will be entertained with live music, activities and community displays, during the most inclusive event Kingston has ever hosted!

Footloose, 10-19 November: After the tremendous success of “Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story” last year, Kinsmen are excited to bring another rockin’ musical to the Grand Theatre with their production of Footloose. Based on the unforgettable 1984 blockbuster movie, the show includes hit songs from the original soundtrack including “Footloose”, “Holding out for a Hero”, and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”. It’s also worth noting that Kingston’s-own Emily Fennel will star as Ariel in the production. While tickets range from $35 to $40, keep in mind that the Kinsmen are a local non-profit organization, and all of the funds generated from this production will be committed to helping those in need in Kingston.

Jingle Bell Walk, 2 December: Honestly, the last thing I want to think about right now is Christmas, the silly season and the endless chore of shovelling snow.  Having said that, the prospect of a holiday does seem appealing.  What better way to embrace the seasonal spirit than taking part in the annual Jingle Bell Walk?  This event welcomes everyone to walk to City Park to see the lighting of the trees, or stay at Market Square and participate in a leisurely, and totally free skate.

Thanks and photo credit to: SPazzø (Corn Maze), TonyFelgueiras (PS I love you), Francesco Cataldo (Rick Hansen), and thorinside (twinkling lights).

The Relay also marks the 25th anniversary of Hansen’s 40,000 km wheel-around-the-world Man in Motion tour which raised more than $26 million for spinal cord research.

Garrod will have the honour of bearing the Relay’s medal as he enters Springer Market Square for the End of Day Celebration set for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. He will be met on the stage by Rick Hansen himself.

During his time as supervising principal with the Limestone District School Board, Garrod worked with the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health Unit as a member of the Healthy Education Active Living, (HEAL) Committee developing a solid relationship between education and health-related issues. He developed and implemented the Grade 5 Community Activity Pass giving free access to community centres for all children in Grade 5. He also initiated the Grade 3 Swim to Survive Program ensuring that all Grade 3 students in the Limestone District School Board have basic swimming survival skills.

Garrod also encourages Kingstonians to focus on sustainability, through the ‘Square Foot Garden’ – a program promoting the growing of food in a small accessible spaces with minimum work and effort, conducive to those who live in places where a large garden is impossible.

Garrod encompasses all the traits described in the nomination form sent out to the public in June. He attained the highest score from the nomination committee for his commitment to leading and encouraging individuals to live a healthy and active lifestyle and was seen to promote sustainable communities that are accessible to all.

Kingstonians are encouraged to follow the progress of the 12,000 kilometre 25th Anniversary Rick Hansen Relay on the Relay Map. The relay started in Cape Spear, Newfoundland on August 24 and will end in Vancouver in May 22, 2012.

End of Day event details will be posted at on the City’s website as they are finalized.

Media contact information: Media contact for City: Cindie Ashton, Communications Officer, 613-546-4291, extension 3116 (cell 329-3462). Or call the City of Kingston’s media hotline at 613-546-4291, ext 2300.

Around 1990, a younger, more hockey-crazed version of me, filed into the local hockey museum with my dad to stare at various photos, jerseys and other bits of historic memorabilia.  From what I recall it was a pleasant experience, but I haven’t considered returning since.  Since then I’ve made two pilgrimages to the HHOF in Toronto, where I’ve been up close and personal with the Stanley Cup, stepped foot inside a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room, and even shot a puck past a virtual NHL goaltender.  Aside from the interactive experience the HHOF has to offer, their cozy relationship with the NHL puts them in prime position to receive every used puck, stick, sweater, and tooth the NHL has to offer as displays.  In spite of the IHHOF modesty, it has remains open, albeit on side street that’s far enough away from the eyes of most tourists.

A few months ago the group behind the development of the former S&R discount department store, now called the Smith Robinson building, publicly proposed moving the IHHOF into their new facility.  Not only would this place the IHHOF on a high traffic downtown corner, but it would also re-position the local hockey hall of fame within close proximity to the home of the Kingston Frontenacs.  While representatives from the IHHOF were receptive to the idea, they expressed frustration with the City who was portrayed as not doing enough to make the move happen.  While further negotiations have been kept out of the headlines, the Smith Robinson Building’s website recently reported that the IHHOF move has received a high profile endorsement:

Beloved hockey commentator Don Cherry has lent his support to a proposal to re-locate the Hockey Hall of Fame in Kingston to the historic Smith Robinson Building. The Kingston native toured the building on July 5, 2011, along with retired National Hockey League stars Wayne Cashman and Rick Smith. Hank Doornekamp and Nate Doornekamp of ABNA Investments guided the tour through the ongoing restoration project at the nearly 200-year-old building. It is being restored to its former grandeur. The video above captures Grapes during a stop on the third floor of the building, as the group talks about the possibility of renaming the hall. It’s hoped the facility, Canada’s oldest sports hall of fame, can be moved from its present home on York Street to the spacious stone building at 27 Princess Street, where it would occupy two floors on the northeast corner of the property.

While the next chapter of the IHHOF has yet to be written, do you believe that Grapes’ endorsement will help sway the decision to move the museum downtown?  More importantly, is the re-location a good a fit for downtown Kingston and the IHHOF?  Please drop off your comments below and let us know what you think.

Thanks to haven’t the slightest for today’s photo of the big square puck that sits outside the IHHOF’s current location.