Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association

Ahoy from the Mazinaw!!!

If your family plans have changed for the coming March break, or you haven't made plans or you just don't know what to do! Why not come to the lake! That's right come to the lake! So, your excuse was, the cottage isn't winterized, I can't stay overnight! I've solved your problem and you now have "no" excuse. Today I was in the yard at the marina and I was thinking how to get you to the lake and enjoy what I was looking at at the time.

CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEAN BLUE SKY, CRISP CLEAN AIR, GREAT SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS. IT"S PERFECT!!

What are your plans March 14-22nd? I went around the community today and here is what I found. Bishop lake 613-336- 2311 has efficiency rooms available right now for the entire week. Pack a picnic, bring your bottle of wine, after a trip across the lake to see the cottage, view the ROCK, skate, ski, ATV, Sno machine what ever you do, plan to relax in your room at Bishop lake. Have breakfast with TIM and TED and family at Snider's Restaraunt. Have fish and chips, chicken or pizza at the LIGHTHOUSE (Captain Johns) in Northbrook, the Captains special is waiting. Call and stay at the Pinegrovemotelnorthbrook@hotmail.com in Northbrook 613-336-2522, presently have availability. When staying in Northbrook try the HOTEL, Wednesday is wing night, the meals are great, Thursday is all you can eat fish night , Saturday is kareokee, Sunday is kids talent 1-5 on the 15th, so there is something here for the entire family. A short drive to Plevna for a meal at the North of Seven restaruant.March is the best time of year to enjoy the night sky at the Mazinaw, if you like it in JULY you'll love it in MARCH. There are lots of sites to view from, you won't be disappointed. On that subject, this area has been chosen as one of Canada's most DARKEST SKY. You can read more about this under OMI ELEKTRA, OMI stands for ( ONE METER INITIATIVE) a night sky telescope to be located here on the border of ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS AND NORTH FRONTENAC . So there you have no reason not to come experience the lake in winter! Check out the area stores and make plans for spring, You don't know the marina may have your new boat just waiting for you to fall in love with it for the first time.

Alot of you have told me by email that the winter pictures I have sent are special because you haven't seem the lake other than during cottage season. Here is your chance to build your own memories of winter on the Mazinaw. I travelled the area today gathering info from the local business and there was a resounding message, we are open for business, we are here for you awaiting for your arrival.

If you wish to discuss other options or availabilities, or to check on conditions of the lake ice or snow, I will be happy to take your call, make your reservation. Just let us know. Here are some valuable addresses offering other options and services for you to enjoy.See you all next week!!!

Steve Smart

AHOY MATES! We have been getting many requests about boating licences!

Need to get your BOATERS OPERATOR CARD?

Everyone, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, will have to have one by SEPTEMBER 15th, 2009.

Testing is offered @ SMART'S MARINA for your convenience. There are three different tests geared for each of the following age groups:

• 8-12 years of age
• 3-15 years of age
• 16 and up.

COST for writing test is only $25 CASH. Price includes a TEMPORARY Operators Card on test day and a PERMANENT plastic card that will be mailed to you. Tests are administered and written @ Smart's Marina. Each test consists of 36 multiple choice questions and you will have up to 45 minutes to write the exam. A minimum passing grade of 75% is required (no more than 9 wrong). A temporary Operators Card will be issued on the sameday of successful completion of exam, followed by mailing of the permanent plastic Boaters Operator card.

To help you prepare:

• get a copy of the Safety Boating Guide (free at Marina) and read
• go online & try the PRACTICE TEST /QUESTIONS
• Go to www.freecourse.ca
• Click ENGLISH
• Then Click the highlighted words FREE COURSE. Module 1 will appear.
• At the TOP of the page you'll see Module's 1 thru 6 listed. Each of these Modules covers a different area/topic ie: lifejackets, navigation, vessel types etc. (Please consider the environment before printing)
• At the beginning of each Module, you'll see a list of SECTIONS within the Module that are highlighted in blue. After reviewing each section, click on the last section in each module marked Module REVIEW. Here is where you will find the practice questions/test on that module. (correct answers are attached at the end).
• Once you are comfortable with the information in ALL SECTIONS in each of the 6 MODULES, answering the practice questions correctly and are familiar with the info in the Boating Guide, you will be prepared and have no problem passing the exam.

Any questions or to book your appointment, feel free to call us at 877.859.6669.or 613.336.2222

Yours in boating..

Pauline & Steve Smart-SMART'S MARINA