On Saturday, September 8, the members of Sydenham Women’s Institute turned Grace Hall into a well-organized workroom for members from five area counties to participate in an all-day sewing bee. Their goal: to produce, sort and prepare for shipping 1,000 items for the Canada Comforts Society, to be sent to children in need throughout Canada and the developing world. The items included baby clothes, girls’ dresses, boys’ shorts, sweaters, blankets, washcloths, diapers and socks. The hall was filled with work stations for cutting, sewing (14 machines arrived), ironing, inspection, vacuum bagging and packing. Thirty women worked all day, and many more dropped in with donations of fabric and clothing. A student volunteer acted as runner, assisted by Councillor Brad Barbeau. Mayor Vandewal  and David Townsend…

Inverary Youth Activities came to South Frontenac Committee of the Whole Tuesday night in Sydenham asking for “$10,000 to $15,000” in financial support to offset “this year’s extreme and unforeseen expenses totalling $24,530 over normal year expenses.” Treasurer Judy Borovskis told COW that in a normal year, the organization takes in about $30,000 from various sources mostly related to activities at Ken Garrett Memorial Park in Inverary. In a normal year, that represents the break even point. But this year, the organization was faced with replacing foul ball nets ($16,240), underground wiring repair for diamond lights ($710), replacing a lawn mower ($7,380) and replacement of the canteen fridge. They’ve been able to pay the bills by borrowing the $9,545 in the playground fundraising account, she…

The Harrowsmith corner project has brought a horse-and-buggy intersection into the 21st century, turning a confusing and dangerous tangle of roadways featuring a derelict building into an attractive focal point for the hamlet. Once fully adjusted, the stoplight on road 38 will be triggered by traffic from Wilton Road or people needing to cross, making the corner much safer for both traffic and pedestrians. Grassy park spaces have been created; their enhancement with donations of sculpture, flagpole, benches and flowers accomplished through the hard work and networking of Crawford and the beautification committee. Many local residents were on hand for the opening last Friday evening, and celebrated with free ice cream cones. Metal Worker Rick Law designed, executed and donated a sculpture (see photo -…

Jonathan Davies and Xiaobing Shen have found their own unique niche in Frontenac farming with their Long Road Eco Farm on Road 38 south of Harrowsmith. Their primary focus is steamed buns, dumplings and fermented veggies. As such, they grow their own ingredients including a wide variety of oriental vegetables. “We don’t advertise as selling to consumers from the farm,” Davies said. “We will but we generally sell at markets.” Davies grew up in Lethbridge, AB, and worked in a Chinese restaurant during school. That gave him an appreciation for oriental cuisine. “My grandparents were farmers but my parents weren’t,” he said. “I was living in Toronto and about five years ago got the idea that people not from farms could still be farmers.” So…

The Grace Social Activity Centre (GSAC) is a new centre in rural South Frontenac Townshipthat offers a variety of programs for seniors, focusing on physical, social and intellectual activity and engagement as well as personal health, reducing isolation, and building community. During the open house, guests can visit booths to learn about the different programs and activities, and can even try hands-on experiences. Programs that are or will be offered at the Grace Social Activity Centre include: Seniors fitness (varying levels), dance, Light sports (Pickle Ball and Ice Stock eg.), bus trips to Aquafit classes, Euchre and card clubs, book clubs, film screenings and talk-backs, guest speakers on seniors issues and special interes, debate club, Good Graces Café. The centre has been offering some programs…