Community Columns - February 24, 2022

Feb 23, 2022

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

• Arden
• Battersea/Storrington
• Cloyne - Northbrooke
• Denbigh
• Godfrey
• Harlowe
• Harrowsmith
• Henderson
• Inverary
• Maberly-Bolingbroke
• Mississippi
• Mountain Grove
• Ompah
• Parham-Tichborne
• Perth Road
• Plevna
• Sydenham
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

After reading Jean Brown’s take on the numbers on council, I agree with her that this should be an item on the ballot.  I’m known as the Queen of the sale, and reducing the dollars spend on Council has a certain appeal, but I’m also concerned about the quality of the representative rather than the quantity.  Each representative must listen to their community and then act for them, rather than taking the high road and agreeing with everything brought up at meetings.  You, the voter, is the one holding the controls.  Use it wisely!

If you are actively looking for employment, there will be a job fair on February 25 through St. Lawrence College employment services in Sharbot Lake.  Get in touch with them by e mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 613-545-3949x3.

The Sharbot Lake Family Health Care Team is hosting a “Mindfulness based on Stress Reduction” Zoom seminar.  Lead by Jill Dunkley, the 8-week course gives the individual ways to reduce stress, how to deal with difficult problems how to ease and create a peaceful mind, plus much much more.  Classes begin Thursday, March 3, 6:00pm to 8:30pm.  To register or for more information, call 613-279-2100 or e mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Are you prepared for March Break?  Rural Frontenac Community Services youth events are hosting a March Break Camp, March 14 and 15.  If your child is ages 6 to 12 years, you qualify.  The program will be held at the Child Care Centre (1004 Art Duffy Rd. Sharbot Lake) 9:00am to 4:00pm.  The cost per child is $40.00, but register early as spaces are limited.  Call 613-279-3151x305 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are still in the mood to capture winter fun, please do not forget that RFCS has a Snowshoe lending Library.  They have sizes for adults, youth and kids and the rental is free with a $15.00 refundable deposit on each pair.  If you need more info, please call 613-279-3151x305.

Never confuse education with intelligence.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

No column; check back next week!

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

LARC will be having their traditional EarlyON playgroup on Wednesdays (9:30am to 1:00pm) and a physical activity-based playgroup called "Busy Feet" on Fridays (9:30am to 12:00pm) at the Lions Community Hall in Northbrook. They will have their Cloyne Infant/Toddler Playgroup at the North Addington Childcare Centre from 9:30am to 12:00 pm. All groups are free to attend, they just require families to sign up at www.picktime.com/LARC to join as there is a capacity limit for the programs. For more information, please call Morgan at 613-336-0125.

The Annual Land O’Lakes Ice fishing Derby has been postponed. Fish on any of the lakes on February 26, 2022. Weigh in is at Myers Cave Resort at 5:00pm, followed by prizes distribution, 50/50 tickers and a bun meal at Hunter’s Golf Course. Total prizes worth more than $2 000.00. For more information, call 613-336-2587 or 343-889-2977. Last day for registration is February 19, 2022 at 2:00pm. Entry fee is $20.00 with children under 12 years of age and under free.

SAVE THE DATE; Saturday April 2,2022 the Spring Market Extravaganza is back from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lions Community Hall in Northbrook! Spring is in the air! Get in a little bit of local shopping just in time for Easter. If you want to be a vendor please contact Maude at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Proof of vaccination is required. Covid protocols in places as per KFLA Public Health guidelines.

The liturgical season of Lent is fast approaching! This means many Christians will not eat meat on Fridays, replacing it with fish. North of 7 Cod Father is ready for you with their Fish Friday! Get your orders in early to avoid waiting!

Finnegan’s General Store is starting the process of hiring for the summer starting early May. If you are interested in a rewarding experience and love providing excellent customer service, please reach out to Stephanie and Michael!

Spend your summer in Bon Echo! Now hiring Store Clerks and Assistant Store Managers. On top of providing the best view in Cloyne, we seek to provide employees with a rounded summer employment experience, with opportunities for growth, leadership, and to come away having learned more than how to ring a till. Whether they want to gain a deeper understanding of the business of retail, are interested in learning about the unique ecology of the park, have an interest in hospitality and customer service, the operation of Not for Profit organizations, or whatever else they are inspired by, if it’s something we do and our students want to learn more about it, then that is knowledge we want them to leave with.

All FOBE employees are eligible to apply for the FOBE bursary, which is awarded to someone who will be going on to post secondary education, whether a trade school, university or college.

Get your applications in by the end of the month and please reach out if you have any questions!

Find a little bit of everything at Explorer's Eco-Emporium 41 in Northbrook. Every shopping experience is different, as stock changes regularly. You'll find unique gifts, household items, clothing and accessories for adults and children. They're also a print shop, and can customize apparel or most any item.

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

The Denbigh Community Food Bank upcoming dates are March 8th and 22nd.  Please call Gail at 613-333-2224 for pick up.  The Food Bank is open the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of every month at 11am.  The Food Bank serves the communities of Denbigh, Vennachar, Griffith and Matawatchan.

Playgroup is back!  EarlyOn Playgroups are open in Cloyne(Infant/Toddler) at the North Addington Child Care Centre on Tuesdays 9:30 to noon.  There are two days for Playgroup during the week in Northbrook at the Lions Club Hall, Wednesdays 9:30am to 1pm and Fridays 9:30 to noon.  Go to picktime.com to book your time, spaces are limited. For more information, contact Morgan at 613 336 0125.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

If you are looking for a retreat for your dog, check out Forest and Fields, located between Godfrey and Westport.  Your pooch pal will be pampered with a safe space indoors to play, outdoors to roam, on 130 acres, and the company of other pooches to share a sniff and wag.  Call or text 613-929-8809 for more information.

Congratulations to everyone that participated in the Annual Land O'Lakes Fishing Derby this past weekend!

Thanks to the Township of South Frontenac for a fun Family Day held at the Frontenac Community Centre. #SnowTubing #WagonRides #Skating #SnowActivities

Can February March?  No, but April May...

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Harlowe
Marie White

The study of local cemeteries continues for North Frontenac Historical Society & Archives. They are intending to design a sign to describe the history of the cemetery and associated churches for St. Mark’s Anglican (Harlowe) and Harlowe United. Similar signs have already been completed for four others in the Township. If you have a photo of either church from earlier times, NFHSA would appreciate a copy. The sign will also indicate the names and dates of unmarked graves. If you have ancestors that are buried in Harlowe cemeteries but there is no tombstone naming them, please contact Eileen at (613) 336-9593 or Brenda at (613) 479-2837. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

No column; check back next week!

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Tomorrow- Friday, February 25th, the United Churches of Henderson, Arden and Mountain Grove are hosting a movie night at 6:00pm at the Arden site, and there are two ways to attend- in person (limited availability due to Covid restrictions) or on Zoom. Please be in touch with student clergy Kaitlyn Ostrander for more details. The movie that will be shown is called Harriet and is based on the theme of Black History Month. Kaitlyn and the three United churches have been busy, having recently participated in a youth family event at the Glen and Betty Matson farm last Sunday afternoon. These events are so life changing and enriching.

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Luella Gendron, who at one time lived in Arden. We used to talk together when I was out walking and we both enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley!

Special thanks to our fantastic road crews, who really responded fantastically during our most recent storm on Thurs eve last week. Speaking of roads- please remember that starting March 1 until April 30 of this year that reduced load restrictions of 5 tonnes per axle are in effect. This will preserve our roads in this up-coming spring when the frost is coming out of the ground. Speaking of spring- can't wait!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Living with Covid – well, I have been saying that to friends and family for the past year.  It will never be gone so we have to learn to live with it.  I have always thought, for myself, the best route to take was the recommended precautions and using common sense.  For me, that has been wearing a mask where necessary and also in certain circumstances when I personally felt it was needed and definitely being triple vaccinated.  Now, as things are quickly opening up, my hope is that common sense will prevail.  My plan is to continue to practice everything that has gotten me through the past two and a half years safe and healthy and I will slowly “open up” as I watch what is happening around me. Really looking forward to a great 2022 for all of us!

Pilates on Mondays at 6:15pm & Yoga on Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Inverary United Church Hall. View the schedule and register at www.nomadyogini.ca or call 613 453 4195.

Martial Arts classes at Inverary United Church hall on Thursday evenings.  Family Class 6:30 – 7:30pm.  Self Defence Adult Class 7:30 – 8:30pm.  For more info, call or text Hamid Nam at 613-328-6742 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

News flash! Inverary Pharmasave is now offering walk-ins for covid vaccines.  They are carrying PFIZER right now and have both pediatric and adult doses available.

March is fast upon us!  Did you know that March is Nutrition Month?  International Women's Day is March 8.  March 12^th you will set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed, and finally, on March 20^th , we will welcome Spring!

Ice fishing enthusiasts, enjoy the fun and keep safe.  The pike have been very tasty! Remember that the date to remove ice huts is March 15^th.

Food Bank Donations March 11. Once again, there will be a collection for the Community Food Bank.  Drop off between 1 – 5pm at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury. These items are on the wish list:  loaves of bread, butter, bags of frozen vegetables, blocks of cheese, frozen meat, eggs, coffee, fruit, carrots, onions, peanut butter.  All donations are gratefully accepted.

Baseball registration:  In person at Ken Garrett Memorial Park on March 23rd from 6 - 9pm or March 27th 9 - 12noon at Ken Garrett Memorial Park. Plus online at FCMSA.ca

Calling all Umpires:  Umpires are need for the upcoming baseball season.  Contact Shawn Pearce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-453-2437 if you are interested in participating this season.

Mother Nature – you gotta love her!  Last Thursday I ran in rain and “warm” temperatures.  I saw a gentleman in shorts, a shopper at the grocery store in cut-offs and a gentleman crossing an intersection downtown looking dapper in a striped shirt and tie with no coat.  Spring was in the air!

Then, Friday, it was snow.  I ran, then shoveled and in the afternoon went for a walk, slipping and sliding on icy walkways. THEN it was Saturday morning!  Wow – out I went at 6:10 and could not see across the road for wind and blowing snow.  The ice bits in the blowing snow were stinging my face.  As I ran, I decided no point in shoveling but once home the wind and snow had slowed down so the shovel came out.  Halfway thru the job, it was a blizzard again but since I was covered in snow anyway I decided to finish. Finally, at 8:20, I sat down with my toast, coffee and newspaper just as my better half got up. As

is his habit, he looked out the front window to check the weather and said, “Look at that wind and blowing snow– I think WE need to shovel the driveway!”

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Living with Covid – well, I have been saying that to friends and family for the past year.  It will never be gone so we have to learn to live with it.  I have always thought, for myself, the best route to take was the recommended precautions and using common sense.  For me, that has been wearing a mask where necessary and also in certain circumstances when I personally felt it was needed and definitely being triple vaccinated.  Now, as things are quickly opening up, my hope is that common sense will prevail.  My plan is to continue to practice everything that has gotten me through the past two and a half years safe and healthy and I will slowly “open up” as I watch what is happening around me. Really looking forward to a great 2022 for all of us!

Pilates on Mondays at 6:15pm & Yoga on Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Inverary United Church Hall. View the schedule and register at www.nomadyogini.ca or call 613 453 4195.

Martial Arts classes at Inverary United Church hall on Thursday evenings.  Family Class 6:30 – 7:30pm.  Self Defence Adult Class 7:30 – 8:30pm.  For more info, call or text Hamid Nam at 613-328-6742 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

News flash! Inverary Pharmasave is now offering walk-ins for covid vaccines.  They are carrying PFIZER right now and have both pediatric and adult doses available.

March is fast upon us!  Did you know that March is Nutrition Month?  International Women's Day is March 8.  March 12^th you will set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed, and finally, on March 20^th , we will welcome Spring!

Ice fishing enthusiasts, enjoy the fun and keep safe.  The pike have been very tasty! Remember that the date to remove ice huts is March 15^th.

Food Bank Donations March 11. Once again, there will be a collection for the Community Food Bank.  Drop off between 1 – 5pm at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury. These items are on the wish list:  loaves of bread, butter, bags of frozen vegetables, blocks of cheese, frozen meat, eggs, coffee, fruit, carrots, onions, peanut butter.  All donations are gratefully accepted.

Baseball registration:  In person at Ken Garrett Memorial Park on March 23rd from 6 - 9pm or March 27th 9 - 12noon at Ken Garrett Memorial Park. Plus online at FCMSA.ca

Calling all Umpires:  Umpires are need for the upcoming baseball season.  Contact Shawn Pearce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-453-2437 if you are interested in participating this season.

Mother Nature – you gotta love her!  Last Thursday I ran in rain and “warm” temperatures.  I saw a gentleman in shorts, a shopper at the grocery store in cut-offs and a gentleman crossing an intersection downtown looking dapper in a striped shirt and tie with no coat.  Spring was in the air!

Then, Friday, it was snow.  I ran, then shoveled and in the afternoon went for a walk, slipping and sliding on icy walkways. THEN it was Saturday morning!  Wow – out I went at 6:10 and could not see across the road for wind and blowing snow.  The ice bits in the blowing snow were stinging my face.  As I ran, I decided no point in shoveling but once home the wind and snow had slowed down so the shovel came out.  Halfway thru the job, it was a blizzard again but since I was covered in snow anyway I decided to finish. Finally, at 8:20, I sat down with my toast, coffee and newspaper just as my better half got up. As is his habit, he looked out the front window to check the weather and said, “Look at that wind and blowing snow– I think WE need to shovel the driveway!”

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Pearl and Harriett took Alice Gilchrist and Wendy Crain out for a belated birthday meal.  Of course, they had to do the driving.  We couldn’t take them on their birthdays in January because the restaurants were all closed down.  We went to the Gourmet in Carleton Place and had a wonderful meal and then went to the Dairy Queen where Wendy bought us an ice cream cone for dessert.  I had not had a DQ cone in about 10 years and it was delicious.  A great day out but my back was bothering so I didn’t get out to go into any stores which I would have loved to do.  But just being together for 4 to 5 hours was great.  Thanks for driving, Wendy.

And thank you, Alice, for coming over when my cancer doctor phoned and writing down everything he said to me.  My brain just won’t hold any of that information anymore.  It goes in one ear and out the other. 

I have a mystery.  Someone left two red dishes of spaghetti and sauce on my chair in the porch.  I never heard them open the door or put it on the chair.  Their dishes are now empty and washed and ready for you to pick up.  It was lovely.  Thank you so much.  I wish I knew who you were. 

Thank you again Alice for taking me to my two doctor appointments and thank you Elaine for doing up my bar code OHIP card and for the 6 chocolate jelly rolls.  So sorry I am late sending sympathy to the Desroches family and friends on the death of Sharon.  I loved Sharon and she will be sorely missed.

I hear from Alice that the Book Club finally had an indoor gathering at the Community Center.  Only four people attended and they carried out all the Covid rules.  Thanks to Elaine Moffitt for doing all the work to being able to scan the codes.  The group discussed a couple of the books recently read and talked about the number of books they had read over the past couple of years.  The group are thankful for the library service and for Elaine keeping the club supplied with interesting books and doing all the picking and deliveries even during those cold, windy days in the parking lot.  They had a sneak peak at the new washrooms and I hear they are big and bright and will be a lot easier for everyone but especially anyone using a walker or wheelchair. 

A couple of birthdays I forgot last time – happy birthday to my son-in-law, Richard Lemke (Pam does have a husband – that’s him) and Isabel Graham.  Get well wishes to Gloria McEwen.  Thank you to Donna and Gale Hermer for the sheep curd and the baked beans and barbecued bore you brought me on Saturday from the cheese factory.  It was so good.  I ate every bite.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Family Day weekend.  The kids got an extra day off as Friday was a snow day.  The road crew for North Frontenac have been doing a wonderful job keeping our roads clear and safe with the dumps of snow this season.  Thank you. 

Words of Wisdom for this Week:  Treasure people for the size of their hearts, not the size of their bank accounts.

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Mountain Grove
Marilyn Meeks

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Just a quick reminder of the Outdoor Dance Party at the Community Centre on March 5 from 4:00 to 5:30.  Meredith will DJ and also lead a few Zumba-type dances.  Refreshments will be available. Parking is at the rest stop across the road.  There is no cost but donations are welcome. If the weather is bad for driving, the back-up date is March 6.

It feels like spring today.  I'm ordering seeds and thinking about preparing my maple syrup equipment.  Fingers crossed.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

We’ve had water on our minds over here on Buck Bay Rd quite a bit this week. Our water froze up when we went away last weekend to a friend's cabin, and it wasn’t until the following Saturday when our friends and neighbours, Gerry Lyman and Shaunis Sakel, came to our rescue with some very creative and effective solutions. We said thank you as much as we could with a great lunch at MOM restaurant, and the prospect of being able to return the favour someday soon. 

With the rise and fall of temperature over the last little bit, I'm sure people have been inconvenienced by what was snow yesterday, turned to a puddle today, and frozen to ice tomorrow. Be sure not to leave your trusty snow shovel or ladder leaning up outside. Speaking from experience, you’ll not be able to retrieve said items in a timely manner when you need them. 

Down the road from us, on the straight section of Buck Bay Rd, you'll notice once again that the beaver dam that’s somewhere back in Paddy’s Pond has been wreaking havoc on the road in the form of dangerously state changing and precious H20. In conversation with the South Frontenac Road Works crew, they are very aware of this and have been doing their best to manage the situation as regularly as possible. Thanks guys. If it doesn’t put you in the ditch, the snow drifts north or south of there might get you. As was the case for an unlucky passerby driving a big 4x4 last night.  

Have a great week, be careful, and look out for your neighbours! As always, let me know if you have any community information you’d like to see here!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church Announcements: 

In-person services are continuing in 2022: Sundays at 10am, 5614 Perth Road Crescent. All COVID restrictions/protocols remain in place.

At present, we are going through the search process to hire a new minister but will continue with Supply/Lay Ministers or personnel until a suitable candidate is found.

The Search Committee will be meeting this week to take the next step in the process which is to evaluate and tabulate the results of the recent Questionnaire and develop a ‘profile’ of the new minister.

BIRTHDAY WISHES to those who have birthdays this week.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Congratulations to Brooke Hawley and Nick Ross in their engagement!! Nick popped the big question with gorgeous ring in hand on Sunday, February 20th! 

Circle Thursday, March 10th on your calendars. This is the date the Little Caesars Pizza kits will arrive at Clarendon Central School for pickup!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Shirley Fox turns 85 this Saturday, the 19th of February. Would like to take the opportunity to wish her all the best on her birthday and in her 85th year.  Enjoy your day, Shirley. 

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

The Verona Free Methodist Church invites youths to join the YOUTH Group.  Wednesdays – Grades 5 & 6 – (6:00 to 7:00pm). Grades 7-10 (7:30 to 9:00pm). 6804 Hwy. 38. Pre-registration required, please contact the VFM church office at 613-374-1232.  www.veronafreemethodistchurch.com

Style Revival is having its first Saturday opening on Saturday, February 26 from 10am to 1pm. It will still be open, as usual, Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival, which is located in the Verona Free Methodist Church at 6804 Hwy 38, offers free gently used clothing and footwear for all ages. The number of Saturdays they will be open will depend on the public's response.

'Introduction to Pickleball' is now being offered at the Verona Lions Hall, indoors. 2-hour Introductory Session to start and beginner sessions, then offered weekly. Equipment provided. Call Kelli at 613-374-5662 for more details.

Your dog needs a dog tag and until the end of February, you can purchase a tag for $15 locally at Rona Hardware and Asselstine Hardware. As of March 1st, tags will only be available at the township office for $30.

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