Auxiliary constables from the Frontenac OPP detachment were out in full force for their Stuff the Cruiser events in Verona and Sydenham on March 12. With their cruiser lights flashing, their hopes were to attract the goodwill of local shoppers. Their goal - to swell the coffers of the South Frontenac Food Bank. With Easter weekend fast approaching, OPP Constables Jennifer Robertson and Brendan Pilow filled their cruiser two times over and also received numerous cash donations as well. Harrowsmith resident Elizabeth Hilton was more than happy to purchase a pre-packaged food donation bag from Reid’s Foodland in Verona for her donation. “Everybody hits the food bank at some point and it’s important to make sure that the food bank has everything they need because they need it badly,” she said. 

by Julie Druker

Chad Newell, the long-time technician at Verona Computers, has recently taken over the reins as the business’s new owner.

The business was opened in 1995 as Verona Computer and Satellite by Tom Revell, who owned and operated it for nearly a decade before selling both the building and the business to Colin Bowe and Don Cox, who ran it as partnership. After some years the partnership dissolved and Bowe became sole owner.

Chad Newell began working at the store in 1998 as a grade 11 co-op student and has been working there ever since. When I interviewed him earlier this week, he joked that he has spent over half of his life working at Verona Computers. He also said that becoming its new owner was something he had been considering for some time.

“Colin, who was always a silent partner in the business, had been wanting to sell it to me for years so this is something that I have been considering for a while.”

Newell's interest in computers began when he was a grade seven student and got his first computer. He said it was gaming that motivated his interest into understanding how they operate. “Gamers are always upgrading their computers in order to play the newest, latest, and greatest games and over the years I spent a lot of time working on my own computers to do just that. So what started off as a hobby has become my passion.”

Newell said he is excited to be Verona Computer’s new owner. “Financially, it will eventually be a bigger pay cheque for me once I get the business paid off, and the fun thing for me will be having control of the business and being able to improve certain aspects of it.”

Streamlining service and service charges and keeping quality and service high going forward is what Newell is aiming for. “Our strength has always been our service and it is usually faster and better then most big box stores. Our turn around on service calls is usually in the range of a day or two, where at other larger stores it can take one of two weeks.”

Not everyone is aware that Newell custom builds new computers, which he says cost a little bit more than most brand names due to using higher quality parts. However, this results in computers that last a lot longer than most name brand computers.

He sells both new and used desk top and lap top computers and his custom tailored desk tops are a big draw for customers. “Our new computers are built to spec to what people need, and not more. If what you need is a basic computer to get on the computer and do email, you really do not need all of the things that just look good on paper. With that in mind, we don't try to up sell to our customers; instead we aim to target people’s specific needs.” The business also sells a wide range of peripheral and add on components like printers, routers, networking tools as well as battery back ups, speakers, keyboards, mice, flash drives, video cards and more. The main focus, though, is on service and clean ups, upgrades and repairs, which are a big part of the service aspect of the business.

Verona Computers offers on site service visits at home and at businesses, and pick up and delivery is also available. Newell has won over a number of loyal customers over the years and he said that “good word of mouth” is how he keeps customers coming back and also how he attracts new customers. “I really appreciate our loyal customers; without them there would be no Verona Computers. My belief is that when one customer is convinced of what our service is worth, they will spread the word and that means a lot more to me than anything else.”

Finding a good and trustworthy computer technician is comparable to finding a good and trustworthy mechanic, especially when owners are ignorant of the inner workings of their machines - and especially these days when people are relying on their computers not only for their everyday work but for their everyday communications. “Anything that is sufficiently complicated is kind of like magic to someone who doesn't know anything about it and that is where people can be taken advantage of. I am not that kind of person and people know that and that is why they keep coming back.”

Verona Computers is located at 6772 Hwy 38 in Verona. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm. For more information call 613-374-3253 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Kingston and Area Ice Stock (or Eisstock) Club, which plays the Austrian game that is kind of a cross between Bocce Ball and Curling at Centennial Park in Verona, has grown in leaps and bounds over the last three years.

Now, three of the league's players, who are all South Frontenac residents, have been chosen to join Team Canada for the upcoming world championships to be held in the Italian Alp community of Ritten later this winter. Ritten was part of Austria before World War One and has remained a hotbed for Eisstock.

The three South Frontenac Eisstockers are Jamie Babcock. Paul Blais and Tasha Vankoughnett. They will be part of a Canadian team that will compete in the “B” division of the championships, where developing nations in the sport prepare themselves to take the final step to compete in the elite “A” division.

The event takes place between February 17 and 28.

Following their regular meeting in Glenburnie on December 16, members of Frontenac County Council along with Neil Allen, chair of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, presented South Frontenac resident Doug Lovegrove with the 2015 County of Frontenac International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award.

Created in 2013 through the County of Frontenac in partnership with the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, which includes citizens from North, Central and South Frontenac, and the Frontenac Islands, the award honors persons, groups or organizations that “have made or are making a significant contribution beyond legislated requirements, towards improving access for persons with disabilities in all corners of the Frontenacs”. Lovegrove, who is a long-time member of the Verona Community Association (VCA), was recognized for producing an AODA, (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) training booklet/manual, which outlines topics regarding accessibility and customer service for persons with disabilities. The act aims to have in place by 2025, various standards relating to accessibility as they apply to buildings and structures, goods and services facilities, accommodations, employment and more.

When interviewed after receiving the award, Lovegrove said he was surprised but pleased at being chosen. He said he decided to create the booklet when the subject of the AODA was brought up years back at a meeting of the VCA. “I recall telling members at the meeting that this [the AODA] is something that we are going to have to abide by and it was back then that I decided to move forward on creating a booklet that would make the information easy for people to access and understand.”

He designed the booklet originally as a training manual for VCA members but since that time he has made it available to community groups, organizations, businesses and other service providers wanting to better understand the types of standards that the act is aiming to achieve. Lovegrove, who worked as a technical instructor in the military, said that creating this type of manual was right up his alley. “I just took the information and put it into a format that would make it more accessible to people and the community at large”.

Lovegrove stressed that one of the aims of creating the booklet was to make people more aware. “As we are all aging and acquiring various disabilities that may include vision, hearing, mobility and a number of other issues, my hopes are that people become more aware of the challenges that people with disabilities face. I am hoping that people in our communities will be encouraged to make the necessary changes that can make a big difference in people’s lives.”

Lovegrove, who has been an active volunteer in his community and a member of the VCA for 20 plus years, said that he himself is slowly reducing the amount of volunteering he does in his local community. “With that in mind and by creating this booklet, I am hoping to see others carry this important issue forward.”

Anyone wishing to have a booklet can email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Previous recipients of the award were the Verona Lions Club (2013) and Joe Ryan and Brenden Hicks of Accessible Living (2014). The other nominees for the 2015 award included the VCA, the Township of South Frontenac, the Sharbot Lake Petro-Canada gas station, the Frontenac Gazette EMC, the Frontenac News and the Heritage News.

Are you a woman who loves to sing and is curious about joining a choir? The Frontenac Women’s Chorus is welcoming new members for January. No audition is necessary, and an ability to read music, although helpful is not required. Just bring your joy and enthusiasm for learning an exciting variety of songs with this friendly group – there’s a spot waiting for you! The choir rehearses on Monday nights at 7pm at Trinity United Church in Verona. Our first rehearsal for 2016 is Monday, January 11, but if you happen to miss it, don't worry. Come and join us for the next rehearsal. For additional information please contact Patty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-547-1148.

Over 30 vendors participated at the annual Frontenac Farmers Christmas Market, now in its 10th year, which continues to draw large crowds of shoppers looking for high quality local produce, comestibles, crafts and other gift items. This year the sale was held in the gym of Prince Charles Public School in Verona and the regular market has been taking place weekly in the school's parking lot for the last two years.

Market manager/treasurer and vendor, Debbie Harris, said that the annual event continues to grow every year. Many of the regular market vendors, who sell a wide variety of products including ecologically raised meats, maple syrup, canned and jarred sweets and savories, home made perogies, baked goods and more, were there. The event also attracts vendors who specialize exclusively in Christmas wares; among them was Rebecca Peters of Rebecca's Angels and Snowflakes, an artisan who has been making crocheted angels, snowflakes and other ornaments for the last 10 years. Peters says that her business is seasonal and as a full-time mom of two young children, she crochets “whenever I can get a chance”.

Some of the new vendors included Nanny's Woodcrafts from Lombardy; Heather Buchanan of Crooked Tree Pottery of Ottawa, who makes a wide range of functional pottery; John Squair, owner of the award-winning 3 Dog Winery of Picton, who had to run out to his car during the show to replenish his stock of bottled creations; and Alison Williams of Itty Bitty Bites, who was selling her own miniature cookies, muffins and gingersnaps. Also new was Jake Hancock, a high school student and owner of NewSweater FingerBoards, which are a great gift for those who love everything to do with skateboarding.

This year was the first that market organizers partnered with the school's parent council, who held a fundraising breakfast with Santa in an adjacent classroom that same morning. For $5 families could dine on a sausage and pancake breakfast and youngsters had a chance to visit with Santa. Close to 70 diners took part and funds raised will go towards the purchase of three new pieces of playground equipment for the school.

Market organizers will be partnering up again with the parent council for their first Easter market, which will take place at the same location on the Saturday of the Easter weekend in March. After that the regular market will resume on Saturdays at the school from 9 am – 2 pm beginning on Victoria Day weekend in May.

Harris would like to thank all their long-time and new customers, who made this year's season such a success.

The Verona Community Association's annual Christmas in the Village event, now in its third year, continues to attract young and old to the Verona Lions den in Verona for a full day of holiday fun and activities for all ages. The free event, as always, took place in and out of doors and included lots of games, activities and crafts for the kids.

They were also treated to a visit from Santa, who handed out candy canes. Outside, the kids enjoyed trips on the Verona Express train, hay wagon rides and a special gathering for the official lighting of the Christmas trees, which took place at the outdoor pavilion at 5:15pm. Doors prizes were given out through the day and evening and guests enjoyed home made chili, soup and homemade donuts and other sweet treats, courtesy of Phyllis Harper and Yvonne Guthro.

New this year was the auctioning off of a number of Christmas wreaths and centerpieces created and donated especially for the event by individuals and businesses from the local community. The proceeds go to support the VCA's annual programming events, which include Music in the Park; the kids' fishing derby; the Verona Cattail Festival and more. Guests also enjoyed a number of live musical acts, including Glenda Nichol, famed trick fiddler Jessica Wedden, Don Cochrane, Bob Connors and Glenn Foster.

Linda Bates, vice president of the VCA and chair of the Christmas in the Village event said, “The aim of the annual event is to kick off the holiday season here in Verona. We want to have a fun free event to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, which everyone is invited to come out to and enjoy.”

Saturday, December 12 in the villages of Sydenham and Verona

Christmas is just around the corner. This holiday, you can make a difference and help make this time of year special for all! On Sat. December 12, 10 am to 3 pm, OPP Auxiliary Constable Jennifer Robertson, along with fellow officers and SFCSC volunteers, will be parking OPP cruisers at Trousdale’s Foodland in Sydenham and at Reid’s Foodland in Verona.

Help fill the cruisers with non-perishable food items! The food collected will support the food bank operated by Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation.

This year, Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCSC), a charitable non-profit organization, celebrates its 26th Anniversary. SFCSC is the sole provider of health support services and social support programs for seniors in South Frontenac and rural Kingston, north of the 401. The agency also provides financial and food security support for low-income families. SFCSC’s food bank operates with the assistance of over 20 local volunteers, receives no government funding and is entirely supported by donations from local churches, schools, organizations, and the general public, and through events such as Stuff the Cruiser!

The food bank is currently being accessed by an average of 55 households a month. The items that are in high demand are peanut butter, Kraft dinner, canned tuna, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, canned vegetables, cereal, school snacks, crackers, rice, and canned soup, just to name a few. The food bank assisted over 700 families in 2014; this includes 1,248 adults and 673 children. Children are the most vulnerable people we feed, representing over 41% of the people we serve.

The SFCSC Food Bank is able to provide five to seven days’ worth of non-perishable and perishable staples to 100 adults and 60 children on average per month. Upon eligibility approval, the SFCSC Food Bank may be accessed once a month. Pick-up dates are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Contact: Jennifer Linton 613-376-6883, SFCSC at 613-376-6477 or Jennifer Robertson at 613-384-1774

For over 30 years now, singers from the choirs of Trinity United Church in Verona, St. Paul's United in Harrowsmith and St. Paul's Anglican Church in Sydenham, along with singers from the surrounding local communities have been joining together in song to celebrate the Christmas season.

The free concert, which will take place at Trinity United Church in Verona on Friday, December 4 at 7:30pm, was originally conceived as a gift to the community and it continues to be one of the musical highlights of Christmas in the local communities. This year's concert will no doubt be another enjoyable, moving and festive celebration and it is Trinity United's way of kicking off the holiday season.

The 28-member choir has been practicing steadily for the past seven weeks under the direction of Annabelle Twiddy and will be performing a diverse and eclectic repertoire.

Not wanting to give too much away, the choir will sing “For Unto Us a Child is Born”, a selection from Handel's Messiah, as well as a fabulous rendition of “Silent Night”. The audience will have a chance to join in song with these talented singers in the carol known as “Star of the East” and will be invited to sing a number of other holiday favorites with the choir.

A group of young singers will also take to the stage for a virtual school bus ride to Bethlehem and will sing “How Far is it to Bethlehem.”

As always, the one-hour concert will be followed by a further gift of light refreshments when performers and the audience will have a chance to nibble on some treats and visit together. Annabelle Twiddy will be sharing her baton with guest conductors John McDougall, and Brad Barbeau, who will also be playing the organ. Marg Smith will also be accompanying the singers. The concert, always a seasonal highlight, is a great way for music lovers to kick off the 2015 holiday season. The performers hope to see a full sanctuary at Trinity United on Friday and they look forward to having the community join them in song and celebration.

The Simkins family, who were originally from Harrowsmith, are celebrating 150 plus years in the sewing machine business. The business's current owner, Eric Simkins, had a display of his machines, both modern and antique, at the Trinity Quilters’ Heritage show last month in Verona.

Eric is the third generation of Simkins in the family business of selling and repairing sewing machines and his display at the show included a history of the family business, which began with his grandfather, Miles Wesley (M. W.) Simkins, who was born in Harrowsmith and is buried in Sydenham.

One of M.W.’s sons was Ivon Simkins, Eric’s uncle, who was born in 1920 and passed away in 2004, and he was the one who wrote the family history that was on display.

The account says that at the age of 19, M.W. left the family farm located near Harrowsmith and headed for Kingston looking for “fame and fortune”. An ad in the British Whig newspaper from a Toronto firm needing a salesman in the Kingston area caught M.W.'s eye, so he paid the $1.50 fare and sailed in the hold of a Lake Ontario freight ship to Toronto to apply for the position.

He landed the job and was given a hand-operated sewing machine, likely an Abbott (see photo), as a demonstration model. It was his “convincing sales pitch of every household’s need for such a marvel in the home” that quickly made M.W. a very busy and prosperous man. He soon began buying and selling machines and became known as “The Great Sewing Machine Man”.

In 1866 he opened a store in Kingston on Montreal Street in Kingston, where he sold and repaired machines and as the city expanded to the west, he moved the store to 366 Princess Street. That same year he served in the militia and hired a trusted friend to run the business until he returned in 1867. Around that time he purchased a building lot in the village of Newburgh, and as his new business flourished he began building a home there complete with a showroom and repair shop.

The new 12-room home was completed in 1875 and M.W. married in 1870 but his first wife died in1889. As his business flourished M.W. quickly became a well-respected, trusted and prominent businessman in Newburgh and when a fire destroyed 30 buildings there in 1887, Simkins was one of the key rebuilders of the town.

His second marriage in 1898 produced four children, one daughter and three sons. The two eldest were Hubert and Vernon; the latter was Eric's father. The two brothers were both employed in the business for many years and both continued on when a stroke took their father in 1936, at the age of 93. Vernon continued to sell and repair machines in the village shop and in 1937 the brothers formed a partnership and purchased a grocery store in the village where they also sold and serviced sewing machines.

Twenty years later in 1957, the three sons split up and went their separate ways. The eldest son Hubert stayed on in the store in Newburgh while Vernon opened the first egg grading station in Kingston but also continued to repair sewing machines at his home.

Eric Simkins is continuing the family business in Kingston and has brought it into the 21st Century, selling the latest in Janome and Elna machines, which offer the latest features and range in price from $250 to $3,000.

Eric recalled working with his father as a young boy. “One of my first jobs when I was just nine or ten years old was working on the old treadle sewing machines. My job at that time (circa 1962) was to disassemble the bases of the old treadle machines, paint the iron stands and sand and varnish the wooden parts, then reassemble, clean and oil them and replace the old belts with new ones. I'd then put them outside and sell them for $15.”

Included in Eric's display at Trinity United Church last month was one of the earliest kinds of sewing machines, an Abbott sewing machine dating from around 1867. It is a compact, tabletop, hand cranked machine capable of only of a chain stitch and it took more than one pair of hands to operate. “The sewer would hold the fabric in place and usually the kids in the family would turn the wheel.”

Eric's grandfather M.W. began selling this kind of Abbott machine in 1863. Roughly 100 years later in 1957, Eric's father Vernon started selling the new electric Bernina sewing machines, which boasted a free-arm to get into sleeves and had zig-zag stitches.

Twenty-two years after that, in 1979, Janomes, the first computerized sewing machines, which are capable of roughly 500 kinds of stitches, were sold by Vernon's son Eric. Regarding the changes in machines in his family's era, Eric made a car analogy that seemed fitting. “The Abbott machine is like a model T Ford; the Bernina, a Mercedes Benz; and the Janome a self-driving Rolls Royce”.

For Eric, the business is second nature and it was after his father Vernon became ill that Eric decided to step in and take it over. “I knew it was the right decision because of the satisfaction I got doing the job.”

Simkins Sewing Machines is located at Unit #1-754 Baker Crescent in Kingston. Eric stocks numerous makes and models and well as parts and also does repairs. You can contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 613-546-6110 or 1-800-667-2164. Website: www.vbsimkinssewingmachines.com