Sydenham Women’s Institute’s Christmas meeting this week was a lively, interesting evening with food, crafts, conversation and lots of laughter.

Member Linda Bates set up festive tables for a delicious potluck turkey dinner that included a great variety of desserts. (Nobody cooks better than the Institute!)

The tables were quickly cleared, and Jane Goodberry handed out pre-assembled kits, each with a styrofoam ball, many tiny squares of red and green cloth, and a lot of straight pins. Then Jane showed us how to fold and pin this unlikely assortment into an intricate tree ornament that looked many times more complicated than it actually was. She was an excellent teacher, patiently encouraging even the most uncrafty of us, so that each one was pleased by the result of her work.

Best of the whole evening was the welcoming warmth and friendliness of the group.

The Women’s Institute is an international non-profit organization that originated in Ontario in1897. Independent of either religious or political affiliations, the WI was started to provide rural and small-town women educational opportunities and a voice to advocate more effectively on a broad spectrum of issues.

Sydenham’s WI, which began in the early 1900s, helped purchase The Point, a popular but privately owned picnic site and swimming hole, so people could be assured public access to Sydenham Lake. They have provided many scholarships; initiated and supported the Sydenham swim lesson program; preserved local history; and continue to contribute in many quiet ways to the well-being of local residents.

They welcome new members at any time. If you’re curious or new to the area, drop in to one of their meetings. They get together once a month on Mondays, and their programs feature speakers on a wide range of topics. They meet in the community room at the Sydenham Library, starting at 6:30 p.m. The next meetings in the new year are: January 11, February 8 and March 14.

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.”

During the two week rifle deer season this November, 293 hunters and five apprentices were holders of tickets in the COFA Deer contest, hoping they would harvest a deer to weigh in for the grand draw prize of a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Deer/ Turkey Combo with Bushnell 3X9 Camo Scope. Over the two weeks 55 deer were weighed: 27 bucks, and 28 does. 

Winners: Heaviest buck (cash prize): (1st) Matt Lessard, at 229.0 lbs; (2nd) Steven Rosenblath at 215.1 lbs. Largest doe (cash prize): (1st) Gary Allen at 134.2 lbs; (2nd) Ed Clark at 133.3 lbs. Apprentice draw (Browning Russ Kommer Knife): Kale Yearwood. Grand Prize draw (Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Deer/Turkey Combo): James Jefferies.

There were also many other draws of products from our generous sponsors awarded to ticket holders. The proceeds will be used for conservation activities of the Conservationists Of Frontenac and Addington.

November 12 marked a special day for the Buck Lake Boatilla and the Buck Lake community. Kingston’s City Hall honoured the community for its 11 years of support in sending kids with physical disabilities to Easter Seals Camp Merrywood.

Annette Paul, president of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Easter Seals Ontario, Southeastern Region, stated “The National Philanthropy Day Awards were created to recognize people, organizations, institutions and corporations that have made an enduring and impactful commitment to our community through the generosity of their time and talent and in support of causes and issues that affect many of our citizens. Our admirable and worthy nominees were named and touted because they embody the true spirit of giving, and through their philanthropy, contribute to making our communities and society a better place. Nominated by Easter Seals Ontario, South Eastern Region, it is our pleasure to give the Award for Outstanding Corporation/Organization 100 Employees/Members and Over to the Buck Lake community.”

“It was my pleasure to nominate the Buck Lake community for this award” observed Krista LeClair, development officer for Easter Seals Ontario. “The Buck Lake community has fundraised for the last 11 years. The organization committee was originally the local Community Watch but they transitioned in to the Buck Lake Boatilla fully in support of sending kids to Camp Merrywood. The Buck Lake community donates 100% of all funds raised to the Easter Seals ‘Send a Kid to Camp’ program, giving kids with physical disabilities the opportunity to boat, swim and fish at the fully accessible Camp Merrywood on the Big Rideau. Since its inception the annual Buck Lake Boatilla has raised over $162,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and has sent 63 kids to Merrywood”.

The Boatilla Committee would like to thank all local and extended members of the Buck Lake community for your support of the Buck Lake Boatilla over the years. You have truly gone above and beyond in supporting our cause and by doing so have made our community a better place and ensured a better life for kids with physical disabilities.   

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sharbot Lake Branch 425, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who gave so generously to this year's Poppy Campaign, which made it once again very, very successful. Through your generosity we raised well over $3000. The funds donated during the annual Poppy Campaign do not belong to the Legion; however, the Legion is responsible for these funds. The funds contributed by the Canadian public honour the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice as a tangible means to assist with fostering the Tradition of Remembrance. All funds raised through the Poppy Campaign directly support veterans, serving military, and their dependents. It is only with your generous donations that the Legion is able to continue with the support of all our veterans. With the funds raised in 2014 the Legion was able to contribute over $1700 towards veterans' care, including the provision of new high-low beds for veterans at Providence Manor in Kingston; RCL District Charitable Foundation; Legion Villa trust Account; and for the Homeless Veterans.

We also would like to extend our appreciation to all those members and non-members of the Legion who gave their time to help with the 2015 Poppy Campaign tagging. It is only your volunteered help that makes this endeavour such a success.

Also, we wish to thank all who participated in the Remembrance Day service: the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics – Kingston; the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party; our Piper Comrade Jeff Donnelly; the local churches; the First Nations; Granite Ridge Education Centre; St. James Major for singing the national anthem and all who laid the wreaths. Thank you to St. Lawrence Employment Centre for providing the refreshments.

Members of the Sharbot Lake and District Lions were out in full force on November 21st at their Oso hall/den and served close to 120 all you can eat pancake, sausage and egg breakfasts to hungry diners looking for a hearty and fair-priced feed to start to their weekend. Proceeds from the meal will help fund the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Basket campaign in the township. For diners with a sweet tooth, Lions members were also selling their seasonal fruitcakes and cookies, the former for $18 in a tin or $17 in a box and the latter for $6, all of which make great gift giving items for Christmas. Anyone interested in purchasing Lions' cookies and/or fruitcakes, please call Dave Hansen at 613-375-6318.

When Stephen Francis heard that there was an ice rink project being considered in Central Frontenac, he immediately wanted to help. Stephen (better known as Franny), is the front man for a musical group called BCR. He is also part of a duo that brings local musicians into the limelight through social media and You Tube. Together with musician, Steve Beebee, they form "Franny & Beebz In the Breezeway" which is a weekly musical video show that allows area musicians to play a few tunes and talk to the guys about their love of music, and theinterview is broadcast via YouTube to Facebook and beyond. Not long ago, Central Frontenac's own Riley Merrigan was asked to visit the Breezeway after a performance at the Hollyrood Jamboree. The interview was recorded and has been shared multiple times on Facebook and email. And that's how Franny & Beebz made it to Central Frontenac!

Now Stephen and Steve and a collection of the talented musicians that they have interviewed and or performed with on the Breezeway, are loading a bus starting in Port Hope and heading to the Oso Hall to play a dance in support of the Rink Project. These guys and their talented friends play everything from Hank Williams to Travis Tritt to Rolling Stones and just the right mix for a wonderful evening of dancing. Saturday November 21 at 8 pm the fun will begin. This is a licensed event so you must be 19 years old to attend. District #3 Rec Committee want to extend our thanks to all the musicians coming to the hall on Saturday as well as to all the fantastic support we have received from our community. Looking forward to seeing many two steppers out on Saturday night. Also a reminder of the Open Mic in support of the rink project on the same day at the Legion from 1 to 4pm.

After an active two months of meetings, phone calls and community organizing, a group that has been dubbed Welcome Home Ministries, which is made up of parishioners from St. James and St. John's Anglican churches in Kingston and St. Paul's Anglican Church in Sydenham, found themselves waiting at Norman Rogers Airport in Kingston last Thursday, November 5.

The group was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a refugee family, four women, a mother (Alem) and her three daughters (Salamwit, Argawit, and Sarah), whom the group are sponsoring.

“There was anxiety, shyness on the faces of the travelers as they crossed the threshold into the waiting area and then hesitant, unbelieving small smiles as they heard the clapping and shouts of welcome from those who had waited so nervously. There were tears in almost all the eyes, those waiting and those just recently arrived” wrote Patti Black in a Facebook post describing the scene at the airport when the family arrived.

They had driven for eight hours from Port Sudan to Khartoum, followed by 24 hours of flights. The family, who are Eritrean, had been living in a refugee camp in Sudan for many years.

Although Welcome Home Ministries is only just over one month old, they were able to tap in to the DOORS (Diocese of Ontario Refugee Support) of the Anglican Church and were presented with a number of options for families to sponsor.

The group was formed in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, and with the help of DOORS their concern has resulted in a new life for a family from Eritrea.

Since the family has arrived they have been living with the Black family near Sydenham, and getting adjusted to life in Canada. Although they speak only a little English, they can read the language, but they had to learn some things that we take for granted, such as how to turn on a tap for a shower.

Over the last few days they have received clothes, learned much about life in Canada, and Canadian bureaucracy as well, but they now have SIN cards, status as immigrants to Canada, and a family doctor. They have a furnished apartment lined up for the end of November. The youngest daughter, Sarah, will be attending LCVI and the other three will be taking English as a Second Language classes four days a week.

“I am amazed at the services that are available in Kingston, through ISKA (Immigrant Services of Kingston and Area) said Ann Elvins of Harrowsmith, a Welcome Home Ministries member, “and at how much joy they are bringing to us. I think we are getting more from them than they are getting from us.”

For the rest of November, however, they will be living in Frontenac County, adjusting to the weather and the lifestyle, which is a huge change for them.

Some of the new experiences were to be expected. They experienced Canadian fall weather and a tire swing for the first time, but they also kicked a soccer ball in the front yard for the first time because girls do not play soccer where they come from.

In addition to the adjustments they will need to make in terms of culture, language, climate, and the Canadian job market, there are financial issues.

As part of the existing refugee system, they are facing a bill from the Canadian government of almost $11,000 for travel costs, and are expected to begin making payments by the end of November to avoid interest charges. The entire amount is due within 72 months.

Salamwit, the eldest, is intent on finding work as soon as possible, said Patti Black, but the expectation that they can begin paying the government back three weeks after they arrived in the country, not knowing the language or having any belongings, is difficult for the Welcome Home Ministries group to understand

At a meeting they have scheduled for later this week, they will talk about how everything is going for the family, and begin to work on a fund raising plan to help deal with the debt.

“We will not just be giving them the keys to the apartment and leaving everything to ISKA,” said Patti Black. “We all have a connection now and we will continue to help them settle in. They are amazing people.”

Twelve members from the Sydenham and Verona Lions clubs and three volunteers recently completed vision and hearing screening of approximately 200 senior kindergarten and Grade 1 students at Harrowsmith, Loughborough, and Prince Charles Public Schools, and St. Patrick’s Catholic School.

For the past eight years, the local Lions clubs have conducted this screening of the youngest students at the start of the school year in order to detect any vision or hearing issues early. It is estimated that one in six children has a vision problem. For young students, to optimize their learning and school experience, it is critical that vision and hearing issues are detected early.

The vision screening consists of three fun visual stations that check both eyes for distance, depth perception and alignment. Hearing is screened with a sound test of both ears. The child wears headphones and is asked at increasingly lower audio levels to point to various pictures.

The results from both screening tests are sent home to the child’s parents/caregivers the same day. If the child’s results fall below the prescribed level, a recommendation is made that the child have a complete examination by a vision or hearing specialist. Parents are reminded that annual eye examinations for school-aged children by a vision specialist are covered by OHIP.

The Lions screening program is free. The expensive vision and hearing equipment was purchased by the Lions with community fund raising and is circulated to various Lions clubs to conduct screening at more than 50 local schools.

While most of the Lions screening volunteers are retired, the younger volunteers juggle their work schedules to be available for the school day screenings. Many of the Lions are grandparents who themselves have vision and hearing issues and have personal stories of struggling in school due to those problems. They understand first hand the importance of correcting vision and hearing issues early.

In the past few months, Canadians have been drawn into the gravity of the global refugee crisis through images and stories of tragedy and hardship, and reports of countries in Europe sealing their borders outright to the thousands fleeing war-plagued parts of Africa and the Middle East, while others drag their feet on the matter.

Meanwhile, groups of citizens such as Welcome Home Ministries – a three-parish Anglican partnership that includes St. James and St. John's Portsmouth in Kingston, and St. Paul's in Sydenham – have begun an ambitious effort to bring refugees to the region in a welcoming spirit.

Patti Black, chairperson for the group, explains that the project began thanks to the momentum of DOORS (Diocese of Ontario Refugee Support Group), a government-recognized sponsoring agreement holder, that has a number of years of experience helping to settle refugees in the region. DOORS held a meeting in Kingston on September 16 at St. James Church, hosting a turnout of 76 interested citizens from a broad range of faith groups. They had been expecting only about 20.

“The meeting had a great atmosphere. The interest was there,” notes Black, “[Welcome Home Ministries' work] moved quickly because DOORS was already set up.” Under DOORS' oversight, Welcome Home Ministries, called a “constituent group” in official jargon, has organized to do the legwork of securing resources – both financial and social – needed for helping to settle refugees.

Currently the group has a pool of a couple dozen volunteers contributing to five working groups covering a wide range of issues including housing; clothing and furniture acquisition; applications and registrations (for such things as banking, OHIP, and other government identification and services); budgeting and outreach, including promotions; and, finally, settlement support.

As refugees are received, volunteering priorities will expand to include the day-to-day matters of ESL classes, meals, and transportation to and from appointments. ISKA (Immigrant Services Kingston and Area) will also become involved in the process at that point for more specialized settlement services.

Their first sponsored family, set to arrive November 5, is a widowed 51-year-old Eritrean mother with her three daughters, who are currently in a refugee camp in Sudan. While little else is known of the family at this point, Black notes that the mother has two other daughters who left the camp to find work and were not seen again. The mother hopes they will be found and be able to join the family in Canada in the future.

Black anticipates that with the energy and excitement around this first family's arrival, there is a good chance more will follow, perhaps setting in motion a rolling settlement process. The Eritrean family will be settled in Kingston, but Black notes that Sydenham was also considered, and could be a potential settlement town for a future family.

The cost of sponsoring a single family runs at around $16,000, which covers six months of the family's living needs. The Canadian government provides another six months under its “Blended Visa Office-referred Program.” According to the Government of Canada's website, the goal of this program is to match 1,000 refugees with sponsors annually.

Most of Welcome Home Ministries' fundraising efforts to this point have happened within its parishes, but it is seeking to spread word to the greater public as funds will be needed on a continuing basis if they are to bring more families to the region. Anyone interested in getting more information can visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Welcome.Home.Ministries.Frontenac.County