At home and on their royal yacht, the Royal Family eat simply cooked but elegant food from the Prince’s Highgrove/Duchy Home Farm. When she travels, the Queen has her own water brought with her because she can’t afford to get sick. Looks like the good food and water work for her!

Peter and I often say we eat like royalty, thanks to the wonderful food our local farmers and our garden provide. (Buying only local meat isn’t hard at all, and isn’t more expensive.)

Burger night at our house means about 4 oz. per person of local grassfed ground beef, costing $2, with oven fries (potatoes from our garden or organic ones from Memorial Farmers Market at $.50 per person). Our veggie could be green beans or peas frozen from our garden or organically home-grown sprouts in a salad with grated carrot and celery. Sprouts and winter veggies like carrots are also available at Memorial Farmers Market in Kingston, open Sundays all year round. The cost per person for the salad with homemade dressing is estimated at $1.50. Add a glass of organic wine from Sharbot Lake LCBO for $1.50 and a glass of sweet, pure well water, bringing your grand total for this princely meal to $5.50 per person. Compare this unbeatable grassfed burger dinner (including salad and wine) with McSomething’s quarter-pound burger with cheese, medium fries and drink at $5.79.

Added benefits of cooking your own locally grown meal are the delicious smells that waft through the house from the oven fries baked in organic olive oil and the grassfed burgers cooked in a cast iron frying pan with real, organic butter – not to mention the health benefits of more vitamins and minerals in the meat and a healthier ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, with no hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides. Most truly local organically grown vegetables (according to solid independent studies and contrary to some industry-driven reports) have higher nutritional value, taste better, and haven’t been grown with pesticides.

If you want to try eating like Royalty on the cheap, our Sharbot Lake Farmers Market vendors offer ground beef and other beef cuts, pork, chicken, lamb, and sometimes turkey. Their meats are all government inspected and frozen. You can contact our meat vendors outside of the market season at Tryon Farm - beef, pork, chicken, turkey (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Maple-Lim Farm – lamb, preserves (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Memorial Farmers Market in Kingston offers sprouts, winter veggies, meats, cooked lunches, etc. and is open Sundays year round (memorialcentrefarmersmarket.ca). Verona’s Frontenac Farmers Market vendors are listed on their website (frontenacfarmersmarket.ca).

Bon appétit!

Sharbot Lake Farmers Market is looking for new vendors and volunteers. Interested? Join us at the potluck lunch vendors’ meeting, noon, Jan 27, Sharbot Lake United Church, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Market supporters also most welcome! Please bring a dish to share.

“Life’s good,” said guitarist Shawn McCullough in between sets Saturday night at The Crossing Pub in Sharbot Lake, where he and fiddle player Wade Foster played to a sold-out audience that contained more than a few musicians. “I’ve got a good chunk of 2018 booked already with 125 gigs.

“I did just over 200 last year.”

After years of fragile bands and being a chicken-picker for hire, McCullough seems to have settled into the roving troubadour mode.

“I’m honestly enjoying the acoustic thing,” he said. “The biggest worry is trying to find some tasty old covers that haven’t been done to death. I’m looking to bluegrass for a lot of that.”

He’s also doing a lot of songwriting too, looking at an album in the spring.

“I drive home in silence after gigs,” he said. “There’s not much new on country radio I want to listen to these days and so I use that time to write songs. Well, work them out in the car and write them down when I get home.”

He’s got studio time booked in February and while he plans to record all original material this time around, he’s not in any rush and plans to take it one song at a time.

“It’s really tough to release to radio these days,” he said. “So if I can get songs out one at a time, so be it.

But I’m writing some with Wade and I’m really feeling confident about songwriting right now.”

“At the CCMAs after-party, I was backing up Brea Lawrenson in the songwriting circle and she gave me one of her three songs so I did Change.”

McCullough said you work harder as a solo act, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint, but it has its advantages. “Well, you’re not worried about people making the gig,” he said. “And you can think about the next one more.”

And then there’s the gear thing. “I started having problems with my neck and so you have to adapt,” he said. “So I got a smaller Bose PA and now I can walk through the door carrying all the gear I need.”

Arden Legion President Dave Moore kind of said it all: “this open mike is scheduled from 1-4 but since everybody’s having such a good time, I’d like to remind you we don’t close until 2 a.m.”

Such was the inaugural session for a series of open mike fundraisers to alternate on the first Saturday of each month between the Arden and Sharbot Lake Legion branches. The next installment is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Sharbot Lake.

Sam Jarvis, who organized the backing band of himself, Eddie Aston, Bill Parsons and Zack Teal, said the idea came out of a similar fundraiser Connie McLellan did for children with mental challenges.

“We wanted to keep it going so her husband, Sharbot Lake Legion President Alden McLellan, said ‘let’s work with Arden on this.’”

And so they did.

Funds generated from the monthly events will go to both Legions’ causes and Jarvis is selling T-shirts and CDs to raise funds to add to the PA system.

The place was packed for this first one.

This past weekend, Oso Hall was decorated in the Christmas spirit for the 16th Festival of Trees, Villages Beautiful’s annual fundraiser (which actually began in 2000 but one year was missed in favour of a dance).

Not much has changed since the first one (except the number of entries). People donate decorated trees of all sizes, wreaths, wall hangings, Christmas baskets, gingerbread creations and other things (ie “anything goes”) and then visitors buy tickets which are deposited in boxes next to the tree they want to win. Then on Saturday, draws are made.

Since it’s been going on for 16 years, the committee pretty much has it figured out by now, and they have fun with it, said Sally Angle.

“It’s a typical female committee,” she said, jokingly. “We don’t have a boss.

“We get along as only women do.”

“Everybody knows their job,” said Linda West, who this year helped organize the judging committee. “We wear different hats each year.”

For West, the creativity on display has grown each year.

“It’s incredible,” she said. “People from businesses, individuals, groups . . . people get together on their lunch hours and put their heart and soul into it.

“Seems like every year there’s more and more creativity.”

This year, there was a ceremony for the lighting of the tree outside Oso Hall. The mayor was a little late getting there but otherwise it went off without a hitch.

Entertainment is also a big part of the festival this year featured performances from David Yerxa, Fiddlers & Friends, the Land O’Lakes County Cloggers, Barbara Agnew-Miller and students Mabel Saunders, Paige Kring and Tyler Kring, Dave and Margaret Taylor, The Merrigan Family and Adam Lake, Young Choristers, Frontenac Skies Bucket Drummers, the Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra and the Tay Valley Choir.

The theme this year was A Canadian Christmas and the winners were:

Large trees: 1st — Canada Eh, by the Friday Night Ladies; 2nd — True North, by Township of Central Frontenac; 3rd — Made in Canada, W.A. Robinson Asset Management

Small trees: 1st — All Things Canadian, by North Frontenac Telephone Company; 2nd — Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, by CF Railway Heritage Society; 3rd — Frolicking in a Winter Wonderland, by Medical Centre Fitness Class

Mini trees (one entry) 1st — Let it Snow, by Parham United Church Sunday School

Anything Goes: 1st — Coast to Coast on the CPR, by George Allen; 2nd — Canada Reads . . . In a One-Horse Open Sleigh, by Lakeside Readers; 3rd — Branching out to Welcome You, by Linda Devries

Baskets: 1st — A Cozy Canadian Christmas, by Friends of Arden; 2nd — The Great Canadian Cookie Exchange by Frontenac Catalyst Leo Club; 3rd — Canadian Gourmet Christmas by Sharbot Lake 39’ers

Gingerbread: 1st — Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Canada, RFCS Youth Program/Day Care; 2nd — Wishing You a Merry Christmoose, by Northern Connections

Wreaths: 1st — A Wilderness Christmas by Arden Seniors; 2nd — Sleigh Ride Reflections, by Lake District Realty; 3rd — Country Christmas Symbols of Canada, by Community Living

Wall Hangings: 1st — Christmas Eve Aurora, by Arden Batik; 2nd — Christmas in the County, by Ron Veh; 3rd — Frosty Window, by Janet’s Clip-It.

Budget deliberations for Central Frontenac Township began in earnest Monday night at the Oso Fire Hall and although it was only the capital budget discussed (the operating budget, which tends to affect the tax levy more than the capital, is still to come), it could be an expensive year.

Granted, the pencils haven’t been sharpened yet to make cuts but out of the gate, capital budget is at $2,779,000 as opposed to last year’s $2,491,111, an increase of $287,889.

“You need to increase capital to provide services or change your service delivery level,” said Clerk Administrator Cathy MacMunn.

Some items aren’t likely to fly such as a $20,000 ask for a wireless microphone system for Council meetings.

Dep. Mayor Tom Dewey argued for the system citing it being easier to set up and take down as well as no cables to trip over or get in the way.

But Coun. Brent Cameron responded “is there $20,000 worth of frustration there?”

There was also a $20,000 request for a new hard-wired generator for the emergency operations centre (aka the Oso firehall).

But Mayor Frances Smith had to ask three times how many generators they already have and it turns out that each firehall already has a large generator and the Arden hall has a smaller one. They just don’t turn on automatically when the lights go out. There’s also a large portable generator which was used when power went out at a Council meeting not too long ago.

Fire and emergency services also has put in for $216,680 for more bunker gear. That spending has already been approved but the reserve fund has to be replenished.

Speaking of reserves, replenishing them is also a priority.

“Does $884,000 sound like a lot?” said Smith.

“It is but it is within ministry guidelines and it eventually gets us to a point where we can loan to ourselves and thus save interest fees,” said Treasurer Michael McGovern. “I’m not in favour of capital loans because of the interest factor.”

And then there was Fire Chief Greg Robinson’s plan to use the former Parham firehall for a storage facility.

But Smith wasn’t on board with that.

“There’s places in that building where you can look through the cracks and see outside,” she said. “I think we have to make a decision that when we shut down a building, we don’t heat it.”

It looked like Public Works Manager Brad Thake’s plan to buy a new grader for about $300,000 might have wings and he made a case for three new ½ ton pickups.

“Right now we’re using big trucks to do jobs ½ tons could do and this would save wear and tear on our larger, more expensive equipment,” he said.

He also said he’s looked at equipment for sidewalks in Sharbot Lake but because they tend to be narrower, it will take specialized snow removal equipment.

“I’d like to address the sidewalks next winter,” he said.

Coun. Jamie Riddell made a plea to finish up the Mountain Grove ballfield.

Smith responded: “That should be your job and Victor’s (Coun. Heese).”

“I’m just here to ask questions and point fingers,” said Riddell.

McGovern wound up the meeting by saying there is a 2.7 per cent increase in assessment this year, which will have a $220,000 impact and that a spending increase of $72,500 would increase taxes by 1 per cent. He also said he’s looking at the end of January to bring in an operating budget.

On November 25, the University of Waterloo held the first Ontario Winter Camping Conference with over 400 people in attendance. People of all ages are realizing that camping in the winter need not be a hardship but can be very enjoyable. The woods are much quieter in the winter and the smell of snow is very relaxing and comforting. Again this winter Bob Miller and Mike Procter will lead a Saturday overnight camping adventure near Sharbot Lake as part of the Frontenac Heritage Festival activities. The date of the camp will not be on the Heritage Festival weekend but will be chosen by the participants keeping in mind the weather forecast and the schedules of the participants, likely in late January or early February. This winter we have 3 returning campers confirmed and we can accommodate another 4 people so anyone wishing to inquire about joining us for the free one night camp is required to contact Mike at 613-279-2572. All meals will be supplied and we have some blankets and other gear you can borrow. If you have never tried winter camping please consider it as a way to actually enjoy our great Canadian winter. While you are enjoying this Christmas season think about making 2018 a year to remember.

Sunday in Sharbot Lake featured the seventh year of Ecumenical Carol Service put on by six ministerials in the area.

“This is our second time here at St. James Major,” said Rev. Mark Hudson. “We rotate around the different churches.

“We’d like to hold it outside like the summer service at the beach but you never know what the weather’s going to be.”

Hudson said when they started out, they held the Carol Service on Saturday nights “but the seniors seemed to prefer we hold it in the afternoon.”

“It’s a popular service with good representation from many faiths and participation from a lot of lay people.”

For example, Richard and Lois Webster greeted guests as they arrived and did the offering (which goes to the Food Bank), Hudson did the welcome and opening prayer, George Weiss read Isaiah 7:10-14, Nelda Whan read Isaiah 11:1-10, Art Shaw did a solo, the Kids Zone Ministry did Shout it Out, Irene Hawley told the Legend of the Candy Cane, Lois Webster read Luke 2:8-20 and Father Jonathan Askwith gave a message and the closing prayer.

Christmas Carols included Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Bob Miller also performed a couple of carols.

“I’ve sorta gravitated towards the best unknown carols there are,” he said.

Refreshments and fellowship followed the service.

Participating ministerials included St. Andrews Anglican Church, St. James Major Catholic Church, Parham Free Methodist Church, Sharbot Lake Centennial Pastoral Charge, Sharbot Lake Pentecostal Church and the Praise Church.

On November 25, the University of Waterloo held the first Ontario Winter Camping Conference with over 400 people in attendance. People of all ages are realizing that camping in the winter need not be a hardship but can be very enjoyable. The woods are much quieter in the winter and the smell of snow is very relaxing and comforting. Again this winter Bob Miller and Mike Procter will lead a Saturday overnight camping adventure near Sharbot Lake as part of the Frontenac Heritage Festival activities. The date of the camp will not be on the Heritage Festival weekend but will be chosen by the participants keeping in mind the weather forecast and the schedules of the participants, likely in late January or early February. This winter we have 3 returning campers confirmed and we can accommodate another 4 people so anyone wishing to inquire about joining us for the free one night camp is required to contact Mike at 613-279-2572. All meals will be supplied and we have some blankets and other gear you can borrow. If you have never tried winter camping please consider it as a way to actually enjoy our great Canadian winter. While you are enjoying this Christmas season think about making 2018 a year to remember.

Construction is now underway for a third gas station located near the junction of Road 38 and Hwy. 7.

The project is being undertaken by Gama Engineering of Woodbridge, and company President Wajid Mansuri said that work on the site is progressing quickly after late fall start, but much of the outdoor work will soon come to a halt and will have to wait until March or April to get underway.

The building on the site, which used to house The Junction in recent years, is being renovated to accommodate a convenience store and a take-out fast food operation.

“It will have Pizza Pizza or subs or something like that,” Mansuri said, but the details of that end of the business are still to be finalised.

“The gas station will not run 24 hours a day.” Mansuri also said.

The property was sold two years ago, but it has taken time for the new owner to obtain the planning approvals necessary for opening the new use on the site.

Before getting underway, they needed a minor variance for a diminished number of parking spots, 14 instead of 18, approval from the Health Unit for a septic system, a building permit, and tentative approval from the Ministry of Transportation for the construction of an exit ramp off Hwy. 7.

Mansuri said that the exit ramp, which will be built by the ministry and financed by the applicant, will likely be in place well before the business is ready to open.

“Construction needs to be completed, a manager for the operation needs to be hired, the owner has a lot to do before opening and the ramp should be in by then. If not we will have to work something out with the ministry,” he said.

The owner of the new business is Darmesh Shah, according to information provided by the township of Central Frontenac. He is from the Toronto area.

These bucket drummers were representing Rural Frontenac Community Services, youth division at the Santa Claus Parade in Sharbot Lake on Saturday afternoon,. The mild weather meant there was not snow, but no frozen fingers either. There were parades in Northrbook, Harrowsmith on Saturday morning, the Sharbot Lake Parade at 1pm and the Denbigh Parade in the evening (6pm). On Sunday, the Tichborne to Parham parade is set for 1pm as well.