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Wednesday, 27 July 2016 21:00

Toilet Paper the Town

Taking a cue from a campaign in Kingston, the Leadership in Training volunteers with the Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) Youth program have set up collection baskets at three locations in Sharbot Lake to encourage donations of toiletries for the North Frontenac Food Bank.

“Many people don't realize that it is not just food that people need from the food bank, but items like toilet paper, toothpaste, razors, and soap are also important,” said Brian Dunford, youth co-ordinator with NFCS.

Leadership in Training (LIT) is a program at NFCS that is funded by the United Way. Youth are volunteering at the NFCS summer program and at other programs throughout the year.

“It was our LITs who had the idea for the Toilet Paper the Town project,” said Dunford. “They have developed materials for the campaign, and have placed collection bins and written materials explaining the program.”

Bins are located at Sharbot Lake Pharmasave, the NFCS adult building (behind the Oso Hall) and the St. Lawrence College Employment Centre. The group is looking for new locations as well.

The program is set to run until August 18, the date of the annual NFCS Community Barbeque, when a presentation will be made to the North Frontenac Food Bank.

“We kind of have a soft deadline for this on the 18th, said Dunford, “but we may keep it going after that.”

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 01 June 2016 18:35

Harrowsmith Free Methodist Family Fun Day

A power failure did not deter these kids from having fun at the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 28. Generators were brought in to power an inflatable bouncy castle and to air-condition the church basement where a sale was taking place. There was lots of water, free food and face painters at the fair, which ran from 9 am to 2 pm.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 01 June 2016 17:00

2016 Summer Arts Camp for Kids at MERA

Looking for something creative and enjoyable for your children or grandchildren this summer? Consider enrolling them in MERA’s 12th annual Arts Camp for Kids for children ages seven to 12 (or 13) at the heritage MERA Schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners. The camp will take place Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29 from 9am to 3pm each day. On the Friday, there will be a vernissage for parents and grandparents to come and see what the children accomplished all week.

Artist and Camp Director, Jo Bali, of Jackalope Farm and Eco-Art-Studio, and former volunteer children's program director at Stewart Park Festival, joins MERA again this year. The children will create an art project every day using a different medium with eco-friendly materials. Games and other activities are also built into the day’s routine.

The MERA camp is moderately priced at $160 for MERA members and $180 for non-members, and includes all art supplies. Children should bring sunscreen, lunch, a hat and snacks. Wear clothes that can get dirty! To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Marilyn Barnett 613-259-2269 and leave a message. Go to www.meraschoolhouse.org for further details.

Published in Lanark County
Wednesday, 18 May 2016 15:52

LEO Club for Sharbot Lake?

Alpha Leo Clubs are designed for youth between 12 and 18 years old. Kids who join Leo Clubs have fun, make new friends and experience the rewards of serving others. This gives young people a strong foundation as they learn the meaning of leadership and service. Plus, Leos learn valuable lessons and make connections that can help them succeed for the rest of their lives.

These clubs focus on social skills and the character development of teens and pre-teens. Leo Clubs are open to young people who have an interest in serving their community.

The Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club is early in the information & development stages of starting a new Leo Club in this area. A Leo Club in our community could provide young people with an opportunity for development and contribution as responsible members of their local, national and international communities. Leo Clubs can have a positive influence on today’s youth and young adults, helping them become better citizens and leaders for life.

The Leo Club motto – Leadership, Experience, Opportunity – says it all:

Leo clubs are sponsored by local Lions Clubs through Lions Clubs International. The first Leo Club was started in 1957 and there are now more than 5,700 Leo Clubs in approximately 140 countries.

The Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club invites you to attend their ‘Meet & Greet’ at the Oso (Soldiers Memorial) Hall on May 31 from 7 – 8 PM to learn more about LEOs and our Lions Club. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-539-8190

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Pathways for Children & Youth is pleased to add something new to our menu of treatment options. Starting May 11, 2016. We are offering walk-in single-session counselling. There is no referral process, no waiting for a scheduled appointment, and no fee. Just walk-in to our Mill Street location in Sydenham, at 4365 Mill St., 1 to 4p.m., Appointments start at 1 p.m. with the last appointment being 3 p.m.

A single session offered in a timely fashion to individuals and families ready to work towards a solution to a problem or concern is all many people require to decrease stress and get things moving in the right direction.

Children, youth (under 18), parents and families can use this service. The Walk-in clinics will be held every second Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. (last appointment at 3 p.m.)

You can expect an hour-long conversation with a Pathways counselor, which focuses on a child or youth’s behavioural, emotional, or other mental health concern and a solution focused plan.

For more information visit www.pathwayschildrenyouth.org; email Pathways intake at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 613-546-1422 ext. 1

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Thursday, 07 April 2016 10:18

Girl Guide Cookie Day

A little rain didn’t stop the 1st Sydenham Sparks & Brownies or the 1st Frontenac Guides & Pathfinders! The girls could be found around the villages of Harrowsmith and Sydenham on April 2. Thank you to the Sydenham Foodland, Nellie’s Gas Bar and everyone that supported Cookie Day 2016.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Thursday, 31 March 2016 10:16

Kids Easter party in Arden

Close to 30 youngsters enjoyed a festive Easter celebration at Arden's Kennebec hall thanks to the Kennebec Rec committee, who put on their 16th annual Easter party for kids on March 26. There were crafts and games, an Easter egg hunt, a hot lunch, home-made cookies and more. Numerous committee members, volunteers and parents assisted in helping the community's youngsters at the party and every child also received a take home goodie bag.

Wanda Harrison, chair of the Kennebec Rec. Committee, was pleased with the turn out and would like to thank all the volunteers, parents and local businesses who assisted in making the Easter party another very enjoyable and memorable day for so many youngsters in the Arden and district community.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Howard Clifford has unshakable faith in the transforming, restorative powers of nature. He believes that nature is not only a healer but that the “University of Wilderness” is the best teacher.

On Wednesday, April 6, at the Annual General Meeting of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT), you’ll have a chance to hear him speak about his research and his thoughts at the Perth Legion in a presentation entitled “The Wild Child – Unleashing the Power of Nature”.

Research shows that among predictors of human health - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual - engagement in nature activities is critically important. Similarly recognized is the nature deficit so prevalent today. In past, kids were sent outside to play until the street lights came on, exploring nearby ravines and forests, climbing trees, cliffs, slithering into caves, frequently housing live critters in pockets, happily arriving home dirty or muddy, occasionally with cuts and bruises and clothes that needed re-patching.

Today, children, either assigned or by choice, spend most of their time indoors. Activities are usually highly organized and structured, under close adult supervision. Children (and their parents and caregivers) are being denied the opportunity to connect freely with the natural world, and all the fun, wonder, and benefits that come from that experience. We understand the value of free-range chickens but not free-range children. Parents and those holding special places of influence in the child's life must “rewild” themselves as well - for their own well-being and that of their children.

By focusing primarily on disappearing wild places and ever more species on the brink of extinction, we fail to see that the greater threat to wilderness is our children. Yes, we forget that the reason we learned to love nature is precisely because of the unshackled power of freedom we felt - the sheer joy in exploring nature on our own terms - discovering our wild side. Children denied these experiences cannot love these special places and could become the first generation to not care.

MMLT has wilderness properties beckoning that wild child in young and old. The rocks and trees, meadows and ponds, the tadpoles and chickadees, are waiting to be explored, sensed, shared. We’re looking for ways to overcome the resistance and obstacles that discourage families and children, as well as clients of health services, from spending time in the various wilderness treasures protected by our land trust. One of our primary goals is to help them discover the “wild” in their nature.

Howard Clifford is president of the MMLT, a local charity that helps landowners conserve their treasured wilderness properties for the long term. His family owns the largest property conserved by the Land Trust, home to the popular Blueberry Mountain, which now welcomes over 1,000 visitors each year. He draws from his wide professional experience in child care combined with his passion for the healing powers of Nature. In his presentation, Clifford will share some of his research findings, but rather than present only an academic perspective he will share actual experiences demonstrating the power of nature.

The MMLT will hold its AGM on April 6 beginning at 7 p.m. At 7:30 the general public is most welcome to join us for Howard Clifford’s presentation. Refreshments will be served. The Perth Legion is located at 26

Beckwith St. E. Information: 613-253-2722; www.mmlt.ca

Published in Lanark County
Thursday, 25 February 2016 07:43

Snowshoe Romp & Snowball Stomp in Plevna

This Saturday, February 27, join the Snowshoe Romp & Snowball Stomp at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna from 10:30am-12:30pm. This fun event will be the launch of the KFL&A Region Healthy Kids Community Challenge in the Plevna area. Come and try out snowshoeing; participate in races; stomp some snowballs and enjoy a hot dog and hot chocolate. Everything at the event is free and snowshoes will be provided for anyone interested to try out!

The Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) region is one of 45 communities participating in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and part of Ontario’s Healthy Kids Strategy.

The Healthy Kids Community Challenge is a multi-themed initiative with the first theme titled “Run. Jump. Play. Every Day.”

The City of Kingston is receiving up to $1,125,000 from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to fund the Healthy Kids Community Challenge over the next three years to support communities in KFL&A in promoting physical activity and healthy eating for children 12 years and under and their families.  

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 20 January 2016 18:32

Come Skate with Olaf & Elsa

The Township of North Frontenac will be hosting a free skating event on Saturday, February 20, from 12 noon – 2pm at the Plevna Rink, 6598 Buckshot Lake Road.

The Township of North Frontenac has invited “Funtastical Costumes” and they are graciously volunteering to attend. There will be public skating, hot dogs, and hot chocolate. Come out & see us, come out for some fun with Olaf and Elsa. And no…we’re not done… the Ninja Turtles & Hello Kitty also can’t wait to see you. Oh wait, Minion & Mickey & Spiderman will be there too!! Plan to come out! Write down the date; it will be fun for the whole family. So lace up your skates and make sure you’re not late! For information contact Corey Klatt, Manager of Community Development at (613) 479-2231 ext. 233 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information

Let’s make some Funtastical Memories!!

To see more visit www.funtasticalcostumes.com

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC
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With the participation of the Government of Canada