Community Columns - September 21st, 2023

Sep 20, 2023

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
• Ompah
• Parham-Tichborne
• Perth Road
• Plevna
• Sydenham
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

I got a call the other day from Dawn Hansen and she asked me to remind everyone of the all you can eat breakfast Saturday, September 23, 8am to 11am at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake. As everyone is aware, this group selflessly donates money to community charities monthly. To help them continue their mandate, please supply your own plates, utensils, cups etc., which will help trim their expenses. See everyone for breakfast!!

On Saturday, September 30, there will be an Open House and BBQ 10am to 2pm at the Mountain Grove Fire Station, 1045 Mill Road. This Open House will provide information on how to become a Firefighter. These positions offer a competitive salary, dental & health benefits and training opportunities.

On the evening of September 30, the Arden Legion will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner with all the fixins. The dinner will provide a dinner which will cater to all food allergies and preferences. Dinner is a free will donation at the door, with a 5pm start.

The Sharbot Lake Family Health team is offering a workshop to help individuals find relief from stress and all of its many complications. The workshop is offered online and begins Thursday, October 5, 6pm to 8:30pm for 8 weeks. For more information or to register, please call 613-279-2100 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Some news from the Arden United Church. Bible study is suspended till after Thanksgiving and will restart October 11. There will be a special “Blessing of the Animals” service Saturday, October 7 at 2pm, on the lawn of the Arden Church. Animals must be leashed or in a cage. There will be a movie night, October 6, at 5pm at the Church featuring Aladdin. Refreshments will be available.

The Mountain Grove United Church will again be baking apple pies as a fundraiser. You must order by October 1 by contacting Sharon MacMunn, 613-335-2510 or Judy Gray, 613-279-5673 and the pies will be available for pickup October 5, at the Mountain Grove Hall 12 noon to 1pm.

The annual toonie drive for Thanksgiving will be held Sunday, October 8 at the Arden Church.

Back to top

Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

This is it, Battersea! My last column entry and last joke. I keep trying to move my bike to my new house but can’t. I’m two tired.

We have a new columnist! Drum roll please… Introducing Chris Pantrey, my very own Mom, and my former upstairs neighbour! Chris has lived in Battersea for over 40 years, drives school bus for Storrington and LaSalle, is the market coordinator for the Battersea Pumpkin Festival, and helps wherever else duty calls. Chris is clever and on the pulse, so I am looking forward to reading her column, although I do believe my jokes have been top-tier-groan-worthy and like to believe a highlight for many. Anyways, Battersea, I will take my exit and leave it to Mom. Thank you for reading along, I really appreciate it!

Sidewalk construction is in full swing in Battersea. Watch for workers, obey traffic signs, and take care driving through the village while work continues. We’ve been reassured the work will be done before the Pumpkin Festival. Fingers crossed everything goes according to schedule and we can make the festival safer for our visitors.

Tickets are selling fast for a Community Fish Fry at Storrington Lions Club Hall on Saturday, Sept. 23. This homemade meal includes warm, fall apple crisp. Eat-in or take out. Free parking and cash bar. Reserve your meal by Sept. 20 by calling 613-449-4744.

Chris Murphy will take the stage on September 24th at 2pm at the Battersea United Church for an afternoon of music by Canadian songwriters. The event is open for all, admission by free will donation.

The Keith Glass band at the Leopard Frog Barn Concert is on Saturday, September 23 at 7pm. Let’s end the summer with a bang! Rocking at the historic Leopard Frog Barn near Battersea with the king of Canadian roots music! Email Ellen to reserve tickets and get a map This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Be part of Wild Woods Art Walk, a unique, enchanting outdoor installation of art along the Milburn Creek Trail happening in conjunction with Battersea Pumpkin Festival. Art will be displayed along the sides of the trail, hanging from trees, set up on rocks or logs. Have an idea or something you've made you want to share? From creative dabblers to experienced artists, all South Frontenac residents and Indigenous residents from across townships are invited to contribute art for this exhibition. Participation is voluntary. One day exhibit - October 14th. Three-week exhibit- October 1st- 22nd. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested or for more info.

Get your tickets for the Storrington Lion’s Club Halloween Dance of the Dead! Happening on October 28th, the evening will feature Texas Tuxedo, cash bar, evening buffet, and prizes for the best and scariest costumes. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 613-329-7927 to save your spot today!

Back to top

Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

The Lions invite you to come to 2 activities on Saturday, September 30th; a full pancake breakfast from 8-11am and a yard sale from 8-1pm. The cost of the meal is $15, children under 10 for $10. Please come and fill your tummies and maybe find some treasures too. Items for the sale can be dropped off at the Hall in Northbrook up until the 29th. All proceeds go towards making an Emergency Centre.

Back to top

Denbigh
Angela Bright

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

EarlyON Child and Family Centres where you can learn, connect and play with your child.  You can meet other people and receive parenting information from trained Early Childhood Educators.  Expect to find opportunities for sensory play, creative art, music, movement, language and literacy, cognitive and problem solving, science and nature, dramatic play, active play for you and your children ages 0 - 6 years.  You will need to register on keyon.ca and then access times and locations.  

Friday, September 22, 2023 from 11 to 1pm at the Verona Free Methodist Church, 6804, Hwy 38, Verona, there will be a Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) free information session on frauds and scams followed by a hot lunch that can be eaten there or taken home.  Interim Commander Jamie Davis will narrate a presentation on the most common types of fraud and scams and how to protect yourself.  There is no cost to attend this event, but you must pre-register to reserve a seat.  You can register online or call us at 613-376-6477, ext 310.  You must RSVP by Wednesday, September 20th. 

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 there is a painting workshop with the theme of "Sunflowers" from 1 – 3pm at the Sydenham Legion Hall (4361 Amelia St, Sydenham).  Materials will be provided, but bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun!  A $5 donation for beginners to experienced (55+).  Please register a few days before at the South Frontenac Community Services telephone number 613-376-6477 ext 310. 

Thursday, September 28, 2023 there is a My Plan seminar on Understanding Home and Community Care in the Sydenham Library from 11 to 1pm.  Please pre-register with Katie by email or by calling 613-376-6477 ext 205.  

Saturday, September 30, 2023 the Car Rally / Landmark Quiz will be presented by the Harrowsmiith Social and Athletic Club, 4041 Colebrook Rd, Harrowsmith at 10am. To register contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Cost is $25 per car (no restrictions for number of people in the car).  Duration will be approximately 2 hours. There will be prizes for the most points.  A Bar and BBQ will be available after the rally back at the Club.  For more information call Alan at 613-358-2325.  

The fall Euchre start up at the Harrowsmith Social & Athletic Club is being delayed until Saturday, October 14th.  Watch for more details later in September or early October.

Back to top

Henderson
Jean Brown

Sharbot Lake High school reunion photos: Photo: Dianne Lake- lead organizer shares a laugh

Photo L to R. Tom Hughes- former student, Sharon MacDonald- retired school office organizer and former student, June Hughes- former student and spouse.

Photo- former student Allan Gurnsey of Henderson.

Along with many others, we had a blast at the Sharbot Lake High School 75th reunion that was so well organized and so much fun, with thanks to the organizers!! (Photos attached)

Our sister United Church in Mountain Grove offers a yummy in the tummy Thanksgiving fundraiser with made for your freezer apple pies for $15.00 that need to be ordered by Oct. 1 by contacting Sharon MacMunn 613-335-2510 or Judy Gray 613-279-5673. The pies can be picked up Thursday, Oct 5th between 12 and 1pm at Mountain Grove hall.

Arden Legion is offering a regular and gluten free spagheti supper on Sat. Sept. 30 from 5-7 and a donation can be made at the door to cover the meal which also includes garlic bread . Looking toward Halloween (Tues. Oct. 31) the Arden Legion are seeking donations of pre-packaged factory-made candy/treats to hand out at their facility, so hope folks can pick up some when out shopping.

Special thanks to Tammy Whitelock of the Cloyne Big Chair Project who advises that the boards are being milled and then planed and prepared. However, the chair won’t be ready for a while- but we know it’s worth waiting for. Thanks Tammy- we understand.

Back to top

Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

BackPacks! Bring your backpack to church services at either Battersea United at 9:15 or Inverary United at 11:15 on September 24th to have them blessed and receive a gift!

Join Us! Third Thursday of each month beginning September 21 at Inverary United Church Hall for cards, games, social time etc. complete with tea, coffee and cookies! Door is open and the welcome mat out from 1pm till 4pm. Cost is $5. All proceeds for Inverary United Church.

Youth Dance at Storrington Lion’s Hall on Friday, September 22 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. This event is for Grades 5-8 and includes supervision and a canteen. Cost is $5.

Storrington Lions Club Fish Fry! at the Lions Hall, Sunbury on Saturday September 23rd from 5 to 7pm. To reserve call Marie at 613-449-4744. Cost is $20 per person or $10 for children 12 and under.

Storrington Lions Club is now collecting pop cans. You may leave pop cans – preferably crushed and in clear plastic bags - at the doors to the Lions Hall in Sunbury.

Duck Hunting opens September 23rd! Thanks for the tip, Dave. Safe hunting everyone.

The Keith Glass Band at the Leopard Frog Barn Concerts on Saturday, September 23 at 7pm.

Tickets are $30. To reserve email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 867-222-5270.

Chris Murphy in Concert at 2pm. on September 24th at Battersea United Church. Chris will be performing music of Canadian songwriters. Everyone welcome! Freewill offering.

Inverary Fall Market on Saturday, September 30th from 10am to 3pm at Ken Garrett Park. Over 100 vendors with something for everyone! All proceeds will support Ken Garrett Memorial Park and Inverary United Church. Rain or Shine – see you there!

Pumpkin Festival in Battersea! October 14 from 10am 4pm. Parade, Music, Wagon/Train Rides, Food, Friends and Pumpkin Carving! A great day for the whole family! Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. 2 years and under are free.

Pie Social! at Battersea United Church on Saturday, October 14th. Join us in the hall after the Pumpkin Fest parade until 4pm. Serving a variety of pies with tea & coffee.

Art Work Wanted! Be part of Wild Woods Art Walk. A one-day exhibit on October 14th and also a three-week exhibit October 1st- 22nd. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LCBO Returnables! Drop off trailer is at 3950 Round Lake Road. Thank you!

VON SMART Exercise & Fall Prevention Classes Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to 10:30am at the Storrington Centre. To register call Danielle McTaggart at 1-800-301-0076  ext 3414.

Yoga Class every Wednesday evening at 6pm at Inverary United Church Hall.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres – Free for parents and children ages 0 – 6 years. Visit www.keyon.ca to register. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-279-3151 ext 5.

Storrington Retirees Luncheon at the Storrington Centre the second Wednesday of each month. Enjoy a home cooked meal. Everyone welcome!

Vendors wanted! Christmas Market on November 18th at Inverary United Church Hall from 10 to 3. Christmas Sale at the Storrington Lions Hall on November 25th from 10 to 3. Vendors interested in either event call Marie 613-449-4744

Hall Rentals: Inverary Church Hall – contact Judy Borovskis 353-1768 or cell: 613-545-5017. Battersea Church hall – contact Roberta Smith 353-2846.

Back to top

Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Register for the 2023 Fall Karate Session! Registration forms are available online at www.tayvalleytwp.ca/Karate and at the Municipal Office. Tay Valley’s 2023 Fall Season begins: Beginner:  September 25, 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Advanced: September 25, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Karate will be held at the Maberly Community Hall.

Back to top

Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Thank you for whoever put last week’s news together for me. It was almost everything I had. (Elaine has a good memory).

Deepest sympathy to Ingrid, Gordon and Erin McCarthy on the passing of Ingrid’s father Andy Hoffman.

Bev Ladurantaye and June Kerr are keeping me from starving to death in here. They have brought in egg salad sandwiches, homemade soup, macaroni and hamburger, fresh buns, lemon pie, etc. They come with coffee almost every day. I've been in 68 days. Love it here. The nurses are great. My favorite is Carol.

Rick brought in Chinese food yesterday: rice, bean sprouts, ribs, egg rolls and sauce - enough for 4 days. Shirley Mumby comes in 3 or 4 times a week to see if I need anything. Cheryl Allan was in on Tuesday evening and let me phone Olive for a nice phone visit. Hope your legs get better soon, Olive.

Thanks everyone for your tender loving care. You all mean so much to me. Do not feel you have to come bearing food but I love it, haha (I lied). Your presence is everything. Erma Millar was in for a visit with lovely pastries. Her son-in-law Mark is back in Canada for a visit.

Hope all the teachers and students had a safe and sound hot, hot, hot, rainy fast summer. I never saw any of it as I was here when they got out of school and am still here when they went back. This is my favorite time of the year. Hope it lasts a long time.

Hope Ron and Alice are all over COVID and on the mend now.

Just wait until you see this Momma in her new hot pink wheels I just ordered. (I am sure an Elvis sticker will be on the back real soon). Can't wait to see it. Oh Lord what have I done? If you see me coming, better step aside, or you will have tire tracks on your backside. Just a warning from the wheelchair terror (WCT) coming to a town near you. Beep beep.

Elaine and Shirley were in today and Pam is coming. Elaine brought cookies and my favorite macaroni, hamburger and cheese casserole. Big congratulations to Carol and Jimi Hooper on the birth of their first grandchild Oliver Santo-Chiodo McMichael, son of Johnny and Sara, born August 28th in Peterborough and weighing 7lbs 2ozs. Grammy is babysitting on her days off and is in all her glory.

Snowmobile Club News: The breakfasts are starting on the first Saturday in October. A list of their events will be coming soon.

Community Centre News: Be sure to check out the website and Facebook pages to see all their activities – exercise classes have started up again and they have regular games nights, genealogical group, a great book club, social dinners and of course their music nights. (The next one features the Ottawa Guitar Trio on Saturday night, September 30th).

If anyone has any news or activities, they would like included in this news column please let Elaine DeLisle or Alice Gilchrist know.

Back to top

Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Be sure to take in the North Frontenac Back Roads Studio Tour this weekend.  There are 25 artists in all, exhibiting in 15 different locations.  And some of those locations are close to Ompah.  Betty Hunter, Liz Jackson and Linda Rush will all be at Betty’s place on the highway to Plevna.  Christina Kearns and Joe Clayton will be at their studio on the Lavant Road, and a little closer to Snow Road, Ompah Naturals by Judy Vermulien will be at the alpaca farm along with Hannah Quigley.  For a map of the Tour and a description of all the participating artists go to northfrontenacbackroadsstudiotour.com.

The Ottawa Guitar Trio will be at Snow Road Community Centre on Sat., Sept, 29 from 7:30 to 9:30.  Looks like a great show.  You can get your tickets at the door or reserve them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Community Cafe will be held on Oct. 4 from 11 to 1:30 at the Ompah Hall.  This month's topic is Palliative Care Info and Resources from a variety of support groups as well as Goodfellows Funeral Home.  'The end of life deserves as much beauty, care and respect as the beginning. This program is sponsored by Rural Frontenac Community Services and is free for seniors over 60 with a snack and social to follow.

Back to top

Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

The Lions Club All You Can Eat Breakfast is on Sept.23 at the OSO Township Hall.  Remember to bring your own cup and utensils and you will be entered in a draw to win your next breakfast free!!! The profits from this breakfast goes to Childhood Cancer.  Remember September is Childhood Cancer month!

Speaking of Cancer, Lisa Hamilton and I are participating in the CIBC Run for a Cure on October 1st and would appreciate you support in the form of donations!  We are walking to honour all those that are battling or have battled Breast Cancer in the past.  Together we can do this!

A good crowd attended the 75th Anniversary of the Sharbot Lake High School.  It was nice to see former classmates, teachers, custodians and to reminisce about the good old days and see changes as we aged gracefully and look back at the Yearbooks from Yesterdays.  Folks were able to tour the new school which replaced the High School.  Thanks to all who worked so hard in pulling this together.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Cronk’s Barn Dance in support of feral cats.  There is such an abundance of cats that need our help, so thank you to all involved.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Head on over to O'Reilly Lake Campground from 10 to 2 to check out all the great vendors that will be on site.  Something for everyone!  Never too early to start your Christmas shopping... Yes, I said it!!! See you there!

Back to top

Perth Road
by Peter Bird

PERTH ROAD UNITED CHURCH: Sunday services continue at 10am. Address: 5614 Perth Rd Crescent, Perth Road, ON K0H 2L0.

Music Service: Sun. Oct 6th

UPCOMING Events at Perth Road Sunday School Hall, Perth Road Cr.

ROAST BEEF BUFFET DINNER on Sat. Sept. 30 from 5pm – 7pm. Cost is Adults: $22, Children: $10, Under 3 yrs.: free. Mashed potatoes, gravy, veg., rolls. Pie for dessert. Take-out available.

Tuesday Lunches resume on October 3rd. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert.

CRAFT AND BAKE SALE. Nov 4th

CHRISTMAS CONCERT. December 9th

Back to top

Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Our community wishes Happy 57th Wedding Anniversary to Laura and Joe Brouse this past Sunday, September 17th! We hope you both enjoyed your special day and enjoy many, many more!!

Laura and Joe have been having a little visitor come by this summer on Mountain Road not far past Lookout Home Hardware. They think it is somebody's pet. They couldn't take him in, but our community neighbour Trina could and reported back that he responds to the sound of a bag of temptations cat treats, knows how to use a litter box and doesn't jump up on the table and counters. He is super affectionate and purrs non-stop. It would be so nice to get this little guy back to his home! If you recognize him or if you have been missing him, please let us know. Thanks in advance! Please see attached pics.

24 people were out to enjoy Euchre last Tuesday night at the Clar-Mill Hall. Congratulations to Mike B. for winning high score with 77, Brooke R. for winning most lone hands with 5, Steph L. for winning the hockey t-shirt consolation prize and the best news was $152.50 was raised for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church! Thank you very much to everybody that comes out to play and help out with this Super Fun night!! Our next game night is this Tuesday at 7pm, but please come a few minutes early to find your seats. We hope to see you there! 

Just move starts up this week on Mon and Wed nights at 5pm at the Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) You can move to good tunes with friends at your fitness level.

If you are looking for a perfect night in North Frontenac, consider the Fernleigh Lodge for a delicious supper and beautiful scenic pontoon boat ride on Kash Lake! For more information or to book reservations from Fri-Sun nights, you can call 613 479-5566. 

This is the big weekend!! The Back Roads Studio Tour has finally arrived with 15 studios around our Township to visit and enjoy!! It runs from 10-4pm on Saturday and Sunday! For more info you can visit northfrontenacbackroadsstudiotour.com

This Saturday, Sept 23rd is also St. Kilian's Church Chili and Bake Sale at 5984 Ardoch Road from 10-1pm. Grab and go Chili and bun for just $6! WOW!! There will be a large variety of baked goodies as well, so it would be wise to go early so you don't miss out on your favourite treat!!

News from NFHSA: SAVE THE DATE- Saturday, October 14th (1pm-4pm) at Clar-Mill Hall, Plevna, North Frontenac Historical Society & Archives will be hosting a community event to highlight their latest publication, SCHOOL DAYS in NORTH FRONTENAC. Like the celebration for Memories of General Stores and Lodges you will learn lots about one-room schoolhouses of the past. More details will be provided each week.

You won't want to miss Tues Oct 31st for a spooktacular Halloween party for families at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna from 7-9pm! You are invited to come join in the fun and hand out your candy to the kids at the hall! There will be games, a haunted house, tarot readings, prizes and lots more spooky fun!!

Back to top

Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Going to the chapel and she’s gonna get married… Wishing Paige Smalbill of Kind and Courageous Beauty on Sydenham Road all the best on her upcoming wedding this Saturday. Hope your day is as perfect as can be. All the best, Paige and Jesse. Many years of happiness ahead. Next time you visit Paige at her spa she’ll be a married woman.

On Saturday September 30th there will be a cemetery mass at St.Patrick’s cemetery on Keeley road, please bring your own chairs. There will be refreshments in the Parish Hall after the mass at 3977 Sydenham Road.

Isobel Morey of Harrowsmith is looking pretty awesome for someone who’s celebrating her 103rd birthday on September 27th. Wishing you all the best, young lady :)

Slither has sure had one amazing summer, he’s grown from his initial 8 rocks, I lost count after about 295 rocks. He’s found a home for winter. There will be a shelf built along the fence beside Foodland and Home Hardware, with many thanks to John, Matt and Will for donating the lumber and Colin Shelley for helping by building it. Slither need not go into hibernation now we can add to him all winter long or enjoy him. You guys are some pretty ROCKing artists.

Want anything included in the weekly column please call me or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Back to top

Verona
Debbie Lingen

2nd Annual Bellrock Fall Festival will be held Saturday, September 23 from 11am to 2pm. There will be live music, vendors, cookie decorating, bake sale, crafts, kids games and more. Hot dogs and drinks for sale. 6034 Leveque Road, Bellrock.

South Frontenac Holistic Health Fair (Welcome Home to Wellness) will be held Saturday September 23 from 10am to 3pm at Harrowsmith Centennial Park. There will be 32 vendors on hand at the fair. In addition to the information and vendor style booths, the health fair features a series of workshops in the small pavilion. The Health Fair is a free event, and donations to the South Frontenac Food Bank are appreciated, but pre-registration is encouraged at Eventbrite (Search South Frontenac Holistic and it will come up) and includes an entry for prize draws on the day.

The Harrowsmith Gospel Music Festival is this Saturday, September 23 from 11am to 4pm at the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church. An all-day gospel music festival featuring the Proverbs, Vocal Legacy and other artists. Free admission

Enjoy Euchre at the Bellrock Community Hall on Thursday, September 28 (The following one will be October 12 and then every two weeks.) Pot luck lunch (optional) at 12 and euchre at 1pm. It costs $3 to play. $1 for 3 tickets for the 50/50 draw. There are also prizes for door prizes, high score, most lone hands and lowest score.

Painting workshop with the theme of "Sunflowers" on Wednesday, Sept 27, 1-3pm at the Sydenham Legion Hall (4361 Amelia St, Sydenham). Materials provided but bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun!  $5 donation for beginners to experienced (55+). Please register a few days before at Southern Frontenac Community Services, 613-376-6477 ext 310

Don & Linda's Back Yard Garden is full for your picking and they have some vegetables pre-picked ready to go. The homemade crafts are on display, open 9 am to 1pm every Saturday until Thanksgiving, 4309 Maple Dr. You can also pre order @ 613 374 1307.

Back to top