Capreol Cross Country
Ski Club Volunteers Help Create One Of Greater Sudbury’s Premium
Recreation Facility
Marie and Hector Bechamp are seen here in the new $45,000 expansion
to the Capreol Cross Country Ski Clubhouse, which was completed just in
time for the opening registration day on December 9. Hector, who is in
charge of the barbecue, was busy preparing for the dozens of visitors
who dropped in for the Open House. With over 2000 people using the
trails on a regular basis every winter, as well as numerous groups from
as far away as Blind River visiting for day excursions, it is no wonder
that the Capreol Cross Country Ski Trails have become known as the best
trails in the region. The club is funded entirely out of membership
fees, canteen revenue and special events, yet it is second to none with
respect to offering outdoor recreation for the entire family.
The cross country ski trails system is part of the Capreol Ski Hill
Complex which also includes a downhill ski area and a toboggan run as
well as an on-site chalet. During the busy winter season it is packed
with outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors to the site have their choice of six different trail routes,
from the 2 km. flat track for seniors and beginners to the 8 and 10 km
trails for more advanced skiers. Once the ground freezes and the area
receives about six inches of snow, the two groomers will begin making
the tracks along the trails to ensure a good, solid base for the season.
Then, as long as the snowmachines and ATV’s refrain from causing any
damage or vandalism at night, the Capreol Cross Country Trails will be
as good as ever.
Several special activities are planned throughout the winter months
for added enjoyment. These include such popular events as "July in
January" on January 20; the "Moonlight Ski" on January
26; and the "Pancake Breakfast" on February 2. Information on
those and other activities will be posted in the club house.
The fee structure is definitely one of the main reasons for the
increasing popularity of the Capreol Cross Country Ski Club. A family
membership costs only $45; single $35; senior couple $35; senior single
$20; and student $20. The single daily fee is only $5. With such low
membership rates, it is expected that this will be a tremendous year of
growth for the club. For more information on the Capreol Cross Country
Ski Club, call 858-4289.
Emilie Obonsawin Sings
For Canadian Prime Minister At National Christmas Gala
The Obonsawin family hasn’t had much time to sit
down and relax lately with the rise to stardom of young seven-year old
Emilie, shown sitting on the left with her father, Pete Obonsawin.
Emilie’s five-year old sister, Dominique, on the right with her
mother, Carole, is already looking forward to beginning her singing
career as well.
Emilie, a Grade 2 student at Ecole Saint-Joseph in Hanmer, was the
featured singer at a Christmas Gala in Ottawa on December 12. However,
it wasn’t just any regular Christmas Gala. This one was hosted by the
Right Honourable Jean Chretien and Madam Aline Chretien and attended by
over 2800 guests at the Ottawa Congress Centre. She was invited to
attend the gala to sing the national anthem after being approached by
the Honourable Marie P. (Charette) Poulin, who represents Northern
Ontario in the Senate of Canada. Emilie and her parents were flown to
Ottawa courtesy Bearskin Airlines and were guests of the Les Suites
Hotel in downtown Ottawa.
Senator Poulin said she spoke to the Obonsawins after hearing Emilie’s
"beautiful voice" at the Mayor’s Roast at the Centennial
Arena in Hanmer. Emilie has been studying voice for only a few months
from Soeur Rachelle Watier, Principal of Notre-Dame College. She is also
learning to play the piano and enjoys playing hockey. As a matter of
fact, on the evening that the Senator heard Emilie sing, she had just
finished playing a game of hockey on the ice surface five minutes prior
to being required to be in the upstairs hall to sing at the opening of
the Mayor’s roast.
Pete Obonsawin, well known in Valley East as owner of Kings
Sportswear, is also the owner of the Rayside Balfour Sabrecats of the
NOJHA. Emilie actually made her public singing debut in January of 2001
when she sang the opening anthem at one of the Sabrecat’s home games.
She then went on to sing at the Mayor’s roast and her career certainly
seems to have taken off with this latest appearance in Ottawa.
"It’s an experience we won’t forget," explained Pete.
"I can’t believe all of the attention Emilie has been receiving
over this. Everyone is calling, she is being interviewed by television,
radio and newspapers. It’s really overwhelming."
As for Emilie, she merely comments, "I just like to sing. I’m
not nervous and I don’t worry about the crowd. I just like to
sing."
