Photo above: Sabina with fresh yellow perch she caught earlier in the morning.

WESTPORT  - Five decades ago American Barry Vuolo's life was forever changed when he first visited the Rideau Lakes.

The early experiences as a boy turned him into an avid angler and later an experienced fishing guide. Now he has become a partner/owner of Upper Rideau Resorts, a sprawling property overlooking Upper Rideau Lake. 

"I've fished a lot of places and this is still the best, still my favourite place," says Barry of the  3.8-acre resort southeast of Westport. "You can't beat it and people in this area are so nice."

Barry and his business partners first purchased the resort in 1998 and set about updating the prime location. Twenty years later, they continue to upgrade the property and its eight fully-appointed cottages and units on the water. All cottages have their own docks along the more than 300 feet of shoreline. There is a boat launch on site, a fish-cleaning station, 10 docks, a beach and playground for children and families.

"We have a lot of families that do water sports. We love fishing but this place isn't just about fishing. It is for the whole family," says Barry.  He and his wife Sabina have clients from both the United States and Canada. Most are repeat customers but they hope to spread the word to area Rideau Canal lovers.

 

"We're open from May to October. It's such a great place to relax and take in the view, the sunrises and sunsets. In the fall we have a spectacular view of the fall colours," says Barry.

Long-time client and friend Ron Ernest, from Pennsylvania, visits at least once a year. "My whole family comes here. Now my grandchildren are coming so that's my legacy," says Ron. A skilled fisherman who loves a good fish fry, Ron says he has great respect for the Rideau Lakes and admires how they are not overfished. Staying at Upper Rideau Resorts puts you right on the water and over the years he and his son R.J. have discovered many great fishing spots.

All fully-accessible, three-bedroom cottages have screened porches, six single beds, new furniture, ceiling fans, full-sized kitchen appliances, including microwaves and coffee makers, dishes, fire pits and charcoal BBQs. There is upgraded cable TV, DVD players and Wi-Fi. All you need to bring is food and bedding.

Learn more about Upper Rideau Resorts by visiting their website and Facebook page or its YouTube channel. Call them at 613-273-7224 or 1-800-216-9227 or send Barry an email . 

KEMPTVILLE - Ryan Hreljac, the inspiration behind the Ryan's Well Foundation, is this year's Harry Pratt Ambassador of the Year Award recipient. 

The award was accepted by his mother Susan on May 18th at the North Grenville Breakfast Banquet in Kemptville. The event was jointly hosted by the Municipality of North Grenville and the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce.

"He is fiercely proud of being from North Grenville," Susan said, noting her son continues to build wells and champion safe, accessible water projects around the world. 

Ryan was just six years old when he decided to take action over the devastating consequences for people without access to drinking water. He inspired others and raised funds to build his first well in Uganda, Africa. Twenty years later, the Foundation has successfully brought clean water and sanitation projects to nearly one million people in 16 developing countries. 

The Ambassador Award is presented to community leaders who are committed to using their own networks to help promote North Grenville. The recipient must demonstrate leadership, business acumen, success, integrity and commitment. Longtime realtor Harry Pratt was the first recipient of the award in 2014. It was later renamed in his honour following his death in 2015. 

Nominees this year included: Corey Lockwood of Lockwood Brothers Construction; John Barclay of Triune Productions; Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani of Yazdani Dentistry; Daren Givogue of O'Farrell Financial Services; Jim McManaman of Peak Growth Business Advisors; Samantha Rivet-Stevenson of RBC Royal Bank; Geraldine Taylor of Geraldine's Gallery and the late Terry Butler, a North Grenville businessman and councillor.

Learn more about the Ambassador program by visiting the North Grenville website.

Find out more about Ryan's Well and Ryan's Story by visiting the Foundation website. 

Cindy Manor, General Manager of the Upper and Lower Ottawa Valley for Metroland Media, was the keynote speaker. She urged people to bring empathy and kindness to the workplace.

This acclaimed garden trail is part of Canada's Garden Route. It gained national notoriety last year when it was the only trail given the 'Canada 150 Garden Experience Designation'.

"A vision of a must-see destination has been achieved," said David Cybulski, Co-Chair of the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail. 

"It is important for us to reflect and celebrate our trail success highlighting our natural beauty within the world-renowned landscapes of the Rideau Canal Corridor, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River," he said.

In 2015, the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office launched the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal  Garden Trail initiative linking private and public gardens and garden centre displays throughout  Leeds Grenville.

The trail is now in its fourth season with many unique gardens featuring perennials, shrubs, trees and food production. The gardens showcase a range of plant matter from native plants to the uncommon. Specialty beds include shade, sun, bog, woodland, scree and pollinator gardens. Added experiences i nclude native butterflies, honeybees and birds, monarch butterfly way stations, fountains, ponds,  contemporary art exhibits, statuary and so much more.

"Tourism is important to all of our communities in Leeds Grenville," said Robin Jones, Warden for  the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. "The time and commitment each garden has  made to the trail is greatly appreciated by Counties Council."

Warden Robin Jones thanked trail members for opening their gardens to visitors. Below: The 2018 brochure features Van Berlo Gardens on the cover.