Community Writers Winter Meet-Up

Kelli McRobert | Jan 11, 2023

(As we start a new year here at the News, our 52nd, it is a good time to acknowledge our community reporters. When the “North Frontenac” was first being spit out from a Gestetner in the basement of the Anglican Church Manse back in 1971, the community reports were there, satisfying the mission of the paper to connect the small communities that had been hit hard by the loss of local train service and the decline of the family farm. To this day, although our communities have changed again and again since over a half a century, the columns fulfill that same role, even in the age of social media. Our reporter Kelli McRobert came up with the idea to host a gathering of columnists, and she did the following write up after that gathering last weekend. JG)

If you are a regular reader of the Frontenac News you will notice that there is a community section that is driven by volunteers who spend their week gathering up bits of news and researching upcoming events to keep their communities ‘in the know’.

Many of us, had never met face-to-face so we thought it was time to meet up after Christmas, share a meal and a few stories, and get to know one another. A common bond is a passion for where they live and the sharing of information to engage their neighbours in local events, activities, and notices. A date was set and the plan was to meet at Muddy Waters, this time, and somewhere more north, the next.

Here is some insight into your Community Writers who report to you weekly what’s new, what’s upcoming, and what you may have missed:

Arden is Wanda Harrison and she has been contributing to the news for at least 5 years, but honestly, she says its ‘hard to keep track’. LOL Tidbits: line dancing, active member of Recreation Committee, and the Arden Seniors Association.

Battersea/Storrington is Amanda Pantrey who joined a few years ago and is an employee of the

South Frontenac Township. Tidbits: Outdoor enthusiast, passionate about gardening, makes a mean pickle and salsa, and is an avid fan of fitness kick boxing (high cardio).

Cloyne/Northbrook has Stephanie Regent who is also a newbie to this column, however, not to the area! Tidbits: member of North Frontenac Council, as Councillor for Ward 1, volunteer firefighter, owner of Finnegan’s General Store, retired RN (25yrs), and loves her 9-year-old German shepherd and 6-month-old rottweiler.

Denbigh is kept informed by Gail Fritsch who recently joined the team! She decided to spread the word about her local town, Denbigh, to ensure others were aware of this great community! Tidbits: active volunteer, cattle farmer, snowshoer, and avid walker.

Godfrey is me, Kelli McRobert, and I have been with them for just over 1 year, as I thought it would be a great way to explore the area and meet new people. Tidbits: pickleball coach, foodie, active volunteer and committed to cleaning up roadside garbage -my pet peeve.

Harrowsmith is Gregg Hamelin who decided recently to get involved to share local events and initiatives. Tidbits: his wife (Adele Day) was once a ‘local’, and they have since returned from Ottawa, 40+ years later. He has been involved in hockey for over 25 years and is a certified coach who continues to pursue his passion for play in Kingston. World War historical enthusiast!

Henderson has Jean Brown who has been doing this since 1999 and would now be considered a ‘local’! Tidbits: newsie who loves to share her local news & needs, retired clergy, active reader, and does ‘ghost writing’ for spiritual publications.

Inverary is updated by Judy Borovskis and her contributions started around 5 years ago. Tidbits: actively involved in the community, president of her chapter of Beta, Sigma, Phi (Women’s International Social & Cultural Organization), and an active runner -365 days a year who can be seen in the dark of morning jogging roadside with a friendly wave.

Maberly-Bolingbroke is Karen Prytula who started back in 2008 and continues to offer up news and events weekly. Tidbits: local historian, avid researcher, and historical writer, active in the Lanark County Genealogical Society, and Director of Archives Lanark.

Mississippi is brought to you by the lovely Pearl Killingbeck. Pearl has been wiring the Mississippi column ever since the late, great Don St. Pierre moved to Rideau Ferry in 2004. Pearl is an Elvis, and during COVID the depth of her imagination was on full display in her column, leading even the CBC to take notice.

Ompah gets their news from the dynamic duo of Linda Rush and Marily Seitz. Linda and Marily have been writing since the early 2000s and then Marily joined about 10 years later to spread the word. Tidbits: long-time residents (50 years +/-), both recently retired, Marily is passionate about music (violin player), and Linda is an artist who currently is focusing on her painting. Both are enthusiastic gardeners.

Parham-Tichborne is not to be forgotten and Christine Teal, and Colleen Steele, update them regularly with their news and views. These gals have returned after a brief sabbatical. Tidbits: Colleen is an active member of the church, loves to play 3-pitch with her grandson, and supports all things senior. Her baking skills are second to none, and rumour has it, her donuts are well known in the area! (Christine is involved with the recreation committee, minor ball, has six), and loves volleyball!

Perth Road gets it’s news from Peter Bird and he decided to join to support his local community to spread the word. He has been writing for the past 4 years. Tidbits: retired, rebuilding his model railway, sporting 2 new Canadian knees, gardening, and home DIY. Loves to keep busy and is proud to be considered an ‘official’ Canadian now after 50 years of residency!

Moving on to Plevna where enthusiastic Rhonda Watkins keeps everyone in the know. Her contributions have been ongoing for the past few years. Tidbits: Local librarian, very avid reader, loves watching movies and paying cards with her family. Pet peeves are socks that fall down in her boots and noisy roosters.

Sydenham just about ends our list and Karen Brawley shares what’s happening in her area. She has been sharing for the past 10 years. Tidbits: loves to fish, active volunteer, reader, and enjoys family time that includes her two cats, and a dog.

Verona, finally, is covered off by Debbie Lingen for over 5 years. Debbie is an enthusiastic Verona booster, and remains active with the Verona Community Association.

If you have any news or items you would like to share in your community, feel free to reach out to your local writer to get it published in print and online! Contact details are found on page 4.