Dec 01, 2021

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

On a cool crisp Saturday evening, last weekend, our annual tree lighting took place at the Mill Pond, and what a glorious sight it was.  It was great to see friends gathered enjoying the event.  The ringing in of the Christmas Season!!  With many things still on the cancelled list how could you not enjoy Arden’s Holiday tradition.  Thanks is extended to the Friends of Arden and their many “Elf” helpers for making this happen.

This year students of GREC designed one-of-a-kind Christmas Cards.  These unique cards can be purchased at local stores for $5 per card or 5 for $20.  

Have you got your raffle ticket for the Christmas basket yet??  Tickets are on sale till 11:30 December 2 with the draw December 3.  The proceeds will support the United Way.

I have a special message … Season’s Greetings to all in Arden and a special hello to Sylvia Gray, with love from Jacqui Gaye and Aunt Bernetta Woodcock.

Do you have a special Christmas wish to extend to someone?  Let me know and ‘l be glad to send it out for you.

Listen to the silence.  It has so much to say.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

A very happy birthday to my dear friend Kerrie! I hope you had a wonderful day and you enjoy your last year as a 20-something-year-old. I would poke fun of you for getting older, but Michelle and I will turn 30 before you… So I better leave it be.

Wow! Thank you to Ila, Myrna and Sandra for reaching out about my sister’s mystery item! Looks like we have an answer – It’s a ‘pig’, when filled with hot water, it was used as a bed or foot warmer. There were supposed to be photos attached last week with the description, but they got left out. If you’re curious about the item, simply search ‘old pig foot warmer’ into Google and you’ll see what we’ve been scratching our heads over. Thanks again to all for solving that mystery!

Join the Creekside Bar & Grill on Sunday, December 5th at 12 noon for the 2nd annual Battersea Santa Parade! The parade starts and ends at the Battersea Ball Field and winds its way through the village. There will be a food drive in support of the Battersea United Church foodbank at the parade, so be sure to bring some canned goods or cash. Call Kyle to enter a float – 613-353-1102.

The Storrington Lions Club is hosting a foodbank drive in support of the Battersea United Church foodbank on December 10th. Drop off is from 1pm – 5pm at the Lions Club hall. The drive will go towards supporting the Church’s Christmas Basket Program. See the Facebook event for information about the items most needed (Facebook account not required to view).

Hot tip for cold weather: Never catch snowflakes on your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Finnegan’s General Store is celebrating customer appreciation with their indoor photo backdrop. Come in and have your photo taken until Christmas and they’ll feature you on their FB page. You are invited to bring your own camera and use their backdrop!

Come on out and enjoy a special morning of storytelling, Christmas craft, and snack at the Flinton Public Library on Saturday December 4, 2021 from 10am to 4pm. Space is limited so please call 623-336-1091 to register. Proof of vaccination is required.

A new playgroup will be opening up in Northbrook this week. Designed specifically to get children up and moving, Busy Feet is a wonderful place to "Shake Your Sillies Out". To join us for some physical fun please go to www.picktime.com/LARC! Please bring comfortable clothes, water, and running shoes to the Lions Hall in Northbrook Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. commencing December 3, 2021. For more information contact 613-336-0125.

The land O’Lakes Community Services sends out this special reminder: “Just a reminder that our 37th annual Christmas Hamper program is in full swing. We are asking the community for non- perishable food items, new toys/children gifts and of course monetary donations are always helpful!”

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes so excited for this year’s Santa Claus Parade on December 11. It will be totally amazing! There is still time for businesses, services, families, individuals; everyone to participate with a float, with festive costumes, with music! Please contact Lion Nawar at 778-384-3381 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let her know of your participation. You will not want to miss this parade!

Land O’Lakes Community Services is excited to let you know the Northbrook Diners Club is back at the Northbrook Lions Hall! Come out November 30, 2021 from 10am. to 2pm and socialize with family, friends, and community members. The cost is $10 per person. Please bring your own plate and cutlery. Spaces are limited. Please RSVP the newest member of the LOLCS team, Shelby Summers at 613-336-8934 ext. 229. COVID rules will apply.

Flinton Diner's Club Christmas Dinner is on December 7th 11-1, cost is $15, and if folks want to participate in a small gift exchange, they can bring a small gift for that. We are needing at least 15 people to attend for it to still run, so if they can call Shelby Summers at 613-336-8934 ext. 229 to RSVP.

Northbrook Diner's Club Christmas Dinner on December 14th 11-1, cost is $15 - and if folks want to participate in a small gift exchange, they can bring a small gift for that. Call Shelby Summers at 613-336-8934 ext. 229 to RSVP. 

The Land O’Lakes Community Services Foot Care Program is back! Contact Shelby to book your appointment at 613-336-8934 x229.

The Red Barn Zone is inviting all to join them for as they start the Christmas Season with a Tree-lighting on 4th of Dec at 4:30pm hot chocolate for all, and giveaways for the children.

NAEC’s 5th annual Festival of Trees will be held Dec 6-10! This year’s event will be held online and a catalogue will be made for tree viewing. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the students by providing school initiatives and an enhanced learning environment. Stay plugged in to NAEC’s Parent Council Facebook page by subscribing to notifications so you don’t miss the video raffle!

Pineview Free Methodist Church invites you to join them for their Annual Christmas Eve Pageant on Friday, December 24, 2021 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Face masks must be worn. COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

Land O' Lakes Community Services has a delicious menu lineup for Meals on Wheels over the next few months. For Thursday, December 16th, the meal is beef pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, turnip, and a brownie for dessert.  Thursday, December 23rd is soup and a roll, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, cranberries and pumpkin pie.  If anyone is interested in the meals, please contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 x226.

A special evening for the kids is coming up at the Denbigh library on Thursday, December 9th from 6-7pm. There will be stories, winter and Christmas crafts, and a snack. For more information, contact 613 333 1426.

This weekend the Denbigh Griffith Lions invite you to an old-fashioned outdoor market at the Lions Hall, 25991 HWY 41 in Griffith on Saturday, December 4th from 11am to 2pm.  Jams, honey, maple syrup, soaps, and rag rugs are just a few of the items you will find at the market.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at noon, and will be handing out loot bags. Come and join in the Christmas fun!  Call 613 333 1984 or 613 333 1094 for information.

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting a stationary Christmas Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 11th from 6-7:30pm at Heritage Park in Denbigh.  If you wish to enter a float, please call 613 333 2224.

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Harlowe
Marie White

Sympathy extends to the family of Madeline Burke. Her late son Elwin would bring her to the dances and she would tell me how she enjoyed her evenings with us all.

Sympathy also to Henry Veley’s family. I only knew Henry from him attending the Henderson church occasionally.

Will Tom Neal gone, that is three people this month from our community within short miles.

Get well wishes are quickly in store for Judy Little. Judy had some surgery on Thursday with the removal of half a lung in Kingston General hospital and arrived home on Saturday.

Stay safe from the COVID everyone.

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

(Submitted by Brenda Crawford)

The Harrowsmith community lost a wonderful Southern Lady this past week. Her name was Carolyn Duke Brown (late Fergus Brown). She came to Harrowsmith as a young bride and settled on a small farm on the Yarker Road. She was tall, blonde, and had the most wonderful accent from the south. She was such a talented woman who was so anxious to meet new friends and share herself and her great knowledge. I remember the first time I went to the farm.
She was in the backyard and I called out to her and she said come on back. The next thing I saw was Carolyn chopping the head off a nice fat hen. I think we both screamed at the same time, and then broke out laughing as the headless bird did a last dance.

From that day she was my “Mississippi” and I was her young new friend. Having been born in the village I shared my life with her and her Fergus and told many stories about the villagers she would come to love and teach their kids voice, piano, and the way to be personable and respectful. Our grandchildren came to know her as the lady who talked so nicely.

Her stories are legendary and too numerous to mention. All who met Carolyn, loved her. She and my father had such a bond and could be seen and heard quite often on our front veranda solving all the problems in the village and her homeland. Our American relatives always visited with Carolyn.

I know she is in a better place, but that does not ease the pain of loss. She probably has everyone organized and listening to her heavenly organ music or sitting and enjoying her many escapades. She had a life well lived. Goodbye my friend Mississippi.

Bavin Patel at the Harrowsmith Pharmasave has began giving COVID vaccination to children between and 11 years old. He is also handed out treats to the kids when they get their needle.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

We were saddened to hear of the death of Barb Whaley who was Henderson’s faithful rural mail driver for many years. We would always wave at Barb and put treats in the mail box and in return she provided excellent postal service which continues now with our own Robin. When I lived in Arden I’d chat with Barb and her side kick Marg who kept us all entertained. Deepest sympathy to Barb’s family and loved ones.

United Church student minister Kaitlyn Ostrander will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, December 19th from 2pm – 5pm at the United Church manse in Arden (1070 Railway St. Arden). All are welcome and all are asked to follow all Covid protocols. Come out for some treats and conversation as folks continue to journey towards Christmas!

It’s the season for Christmas parties and events and the three United Churches in our area are hosting a Christmas party for the youth at 1pm on Saturday, December 18th. All are welcome to come and play games, hear stories, and have fun! A basket to receive non- perishable food items will be available. Please call to reserve your spot by calling the church at 613-335-2474 (Kaitlyn Ostrander) or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This sounds like a real hoot and a holler- Merry Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, Henderson United is decorated both inside and out featuring a Christmas tree, Advent candles, décor and the wonderful outdoor lit nativity display. Thanks to all community volunteers who helped out so fantastically!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Church Christmas Services  -  Dear friends, In light of the continued increase in active case numbers in Kingston and our communities, the official board made a very difficult decision to have our Advent and Christmas Eve services online (Facebook and YouTube).  We will remain on-line until at least January 9th. We feel this is the safest course of action for our congregations. Rev. Heather from Inverary United Church

Rotary Cash Calendar a great Christmas gift for $20!   313 chances to win and you can win more than once.  Calendars available at Mrs Garrett’s Bake Shop, Inverary Pharmasave, Maple Country Home & Farm and Limestone Creamery or call Darlene at 613-353-1142.

Christmas Art & Craft Sale on Saturday, December 4th 9:30-4:00 at the Lions Hall, 935 Sydenham Rd, Kingston. Unique gifts by local artisans, visit www.globalcitizensforanewearth.ca. This sale supports our local food bank, donations gratefully received at the door.

2nd Annual Battersea Santa Claus Parade at noon on Sunday, December 5th.   If you’d like to enter a float, please contact Kyle Gordon at the Creekside Bar and Grill. The Creekside float will be accepting donations to the local food bank during the parade. Afterward, it will be open with live music and good food.

Community Food Bank Drive will be held on Friday, December 10th.   Drop off your items at the Storrington Lions Hall between 1 and 5 pm.  There is some freezer room for frozen items.  Your donations will replenish the shelves at Battersea United Church and the Local Food Bank

Eye Glasses! Hearing Aids!  Donate anytime by giving them to a member of the Lion’s Club.  Help the Lion’s Club to help others in need.  Remember! the Storrington Lion’s Hall is available to rent for special occasions.

Congratulations Rosie!  One of my newer friends on my morning run, Rosie, just had 7 puppies.  Needless to say I gave her an extra treat when I heard the good news.

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Line Dancing at ABC Hall – Calling all Line Dancers- The winter line dancing session is coming up at the ABC Hall, 3166 Bolingbroke Road. Fridays 10 - 11 am, $35 OR $5 per class. Dec. 3, 10, 17, and Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28. Covid protocols are in place such as the requirement for proof of double vaccination, masks must be worn except when dancing, and physical distancing will be maintained. For further information, please contact Rhonda, 613-885-8543.

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

There will be a craft sale at Snow Road Snowmobile Club on December 11th.  There will be a full house of vendors.  They just need more volunteers to come out to help for a few hours that day.  There is also a great need for volunteers to help in order for the Club to start up their breakfasts again which they want to do in January.

Thank you, Shirley from Windsor, for your story ideas but my body and brain are in hibernation.  I will call you next week.

Thank you Kip and Esther for giving Alice your phone numbers.  You will get a call before Xmas.  A big thank you to all the people who have helped me in the past two weeks -   Elaine, Gail, Alice, Ruth, and Rick.

I hear that the Ducharme’s Christmas lights are on now.  Before the pandemic, Wendy Crain took a carload of people, including me, to see them.  It was the most beautiful Christmas wonderland that I had seen in my life.  If you haven’t been there – put it on your list of things to see.  You will not be disappointed.

Happy Birthday to Harriett, Doug McMunn, Marion Tooley, and Morley, Colton and Cooper Wark and anyone else who is celebrating around this time.

A great big shout out and thank you for all her years of service to our mail carrier Polly Roberts.  She did our mail route for many, many years and we sure are going to miss her.  She was out every day no matter what the weather.  I don’t think anyone can replace her.  Happy Retirement Polly and enjoy doing the things you have wanted to do for years but never could.  You deserve it.  Everyone is so sad that you are leaving.  Thank you for the little memento you left for everyone.  They all thank you very much.  It was so thoughtful.  No more early morning risings and driving in bad weather unless you want to. 

Another great concert over the phone with my Elvis, Stephen Goodberry.  He put on a great concert with some friends, i.e. Roy Orbison, Everly Bros, Harry Nelson, the Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Bread and Josh Groban, and of course Elvis with Stephen’s finale of How Great Thou Art.  My house was a-rockin’ with Alice, Olive, Bev, Harriett and Pearl.  We were reliving our younger years.  We all wore an Elvis scarf, danced and sang along.  A great afternoon and what a way to end a week, to forget about your troubles or things that are bothering you and to feel 16 again.

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Mountain Grove
Marilyn Meeks

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Sad news in Ompah.  Former long-time resident Elsie Black passed away last week.  Elsie was a stalwart member of the Fire Department/Emergency First Responders and the Community Centre.  She was always one of the first to volunteer whenever the need arose.  In ill health for the last few years she moved to a Seniors residence. Nevertheless her passing was a surprise.  Our condolences to Elsie's family.

Where did November go?  Now it is December with all the busyness that comes with Christmas and Hanukah.  Last Saturday, the Santa Claus Parade started in Ompah and traveled to Plevna to the delight of those along the road.  The floats were decked out in Christmas lights.  Santa was jolly and cheerful as he waved to all.

Thanks to Fire Fighters Scott, Bob and Marc for ensuring that the Firehall and Community Centre Christmas lights were in working order to brighten the dark.  Thanks also to Laurie for decorating the hall and to Kathy, Paige, Marie, Katie and Marily who set up and decorated the tree inside the hall.

Be sure to make a trip to see the Riverhill Farm light display.  The lights are on every evening from 5 to 9pm until Dec. 30th.  On Friday, Saturday and Sundays nights from 5pm to 8pm you can take a wagon ride and munch on some mini donuts. 

The Palmerston Lake Marina is holding a Craft Sale on Saturday, December 4 from 10am to 2pm.  Local artisans will be in attendance with many lovely Christmas gift ideas.

The Nature Natives Art Gallery will host an Open House Christmas Sale on Saturday, December 4 from 10am to 2pm. Try your hand at spin art and watch a paper star demonstration. Joe and Christina are new to the area but have already become active community members. Their Gallery is in the old Beatty School at 6123 Lavant at the corner of Lavant and Cruise Roads.

The Cookie Exchange will be held at the Hall on Saturday, December 11 at 10am to 11am.  Bring cookies to share and go home with an equal number of a variety of homemade cookies. Bring a pair of tongs to pick up your choices.  Proof of vaccination and a mask are required.  Contact Marily 613-479-2855 for more information.

Caroling will be held at the Gazebo at the Hall on Saturday, December 18 from 6:30pm to 7pm. Those who wish may carry on caroling at homes around the village.  For more information contact Laurie at 1-204-996-1138.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

I remember being a kid at my grandparents in Sydenham this time of year. My cousins and I religiously scouring the Sear’s Wish Book for our potential Christmas gifts. (I wonder what the hot toy is this year? Surly not a Tamagotchi or Cabbage Patch doll) It’s easy to lose sight of the excitement you feel as a kid leading up to things. Instead, as adults, we begin to dread colder weather and the inevitability of things being more difficult day to day because of the cold and snow. There are tons of things in the county to enjoy during the holiday season. 

Meet and greet with the Claus’s in Sharbot Lake, on the rail bed across from the township offices there. That’ll be December 4th from 1-3pm.  

If you’re looking for a nice family friendly market, with fun beverages for parents and young'un's alike, head to MacKinnon Brothers Brewery in Bath from 11-6, December 4th and 5th to check out the wares from local makers.

Many folks are not so fortunate as I to have healthy Grandparents to spend the holidays with, and many older folks are especially lonely during the season as well. Consider the Adopt A Grandparent program organized by Megan Crockford-Happy at the Sharbot Lake Retirement Retreat. Feel free to reach out to her at 613-331-2456. For $25 you could bring a lot of joy to someone.

Stay safe and keep each other warm. 

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church announcements:  

Welcome back to in-person services: Sundays at 10 am, Perth Road Crescent. While in Stage 3, in-person services are limited to 25 people in the church.  All COVID restrictions/protocols will be in place.

Advent Challenge beginning Sun., Nov. 28 through Sun., Dec. 19.  Donations of peanut butter, canned fish, and canned meat may be dropped off at the church prior to the Sunday service or at the Perth Road Store during regular business hours.

Upcoming event: Christmas Eve Service at 7:00pm (Fri. Dec. 24)

Bake Sale: Leland Helping Hand is holding a Community Fundraiser Bake Sale at Harris Park Hall, 5612 Perth Road Crescent, Saturday, December 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., or until sold out. Get your Christmas goodies early - there will be pies, breads, Christmas cookies and squares and many assorted baked goods. Come early, don't miss out. Leland Helping Hand provides funds for local charities and people in need.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Clarendon Central Public School would like to Thank everybody in the community who supported their deliciously sweet chocolate fundraiser! The chocolates are going to be delivered the week of December 12th, so stay tuned for a member of parent council to contact you to arrange getting you your chocolate orders!! It will be exciting to see what their next fundraiser will be in the new year!!

Marilyn Taylor Dunham would like to send out a big thank you to everyone in the community for their generous donations to the food drive again this year. Thank you to Bill James at the North of 7 for allowing the Christmas bin to stay in the store to help collect the donations!! Special Thanks as well to Donna Lemke and The River of Life Church. It was another successful year and the baskets will be going out next week to local residents!

The Township of North Frontenac’s Mayor Ron Higgins and Matt Walker, Economic Development Officer officially congratulated Amy and Brian Kay on their opening of The Tweet Boutique in Cloyne! Whether you are a bird enthusiast or casual backyard watcher, this boutique is the place to purchase supplies to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy!! Also, showcased in the boutique are unique handcrafted art, gifts and prints of some of Amy’s most popular photographs. Did you know that some of her work has been featured in numerous publications? If you would like to stop by The Tweet Boutique for a peek it is located on the corner of hwy 41 and hwy 506. For more info, you can call 613 336-0200 or visit them on facebook or on their website www.thetweetboutique.com

Don’t forget to check out the local talent at The Palmerston Lake Marina Craft show this Saturday December 4th from 10am to 2pm. These talented vendors will help you check some items off your Christmas shopping list for sure!  The treasures will include homemade soaps from Judy Vermeulen, Lovely Originals by Michelle Ross. Betty-Lou McCann Maly and Juliette Bozsik will both be there with their wonderfully festive and Unique Christmas Crafts and last, but certainly not least, Creative Effects by the lovely and talented Penny!

This is a very exciting week at the library for our community!  To welcome in December, parents are picking up their advent books for the month! Somebody at Kingston Frontenac Public Library had the greatest idea to lend out 24 surprise picture books for parents to pick up wrapped and ready to open each night until Christmas eve! Or 16 books to open each night to celebrate Hannukah! A wonderful surprise every night to enjoy by the whole family!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

What a weekend we had in our village last weekend.  The spirit of Christmas has come to life in Sydenham.  The tree lighting ceremony was enjoyed by young and old, as always.  The gift of giving was a huge success with the stuff the cruiser event at Foodland.  The local food bank and those who need that little helping hand to feed themselves or families appreciate it very much.

The parade, in a word, amazing.  Thanks to all the participants who helped to make it what it was this year.  Thank you to our South Frontenac Fire Department for coordinating.  It was a parade to remember. The waves and wishing Merry Christmas to the participants and spectators is the gift our village can be most grateful for, small town and big hearts.

The Christmas lights are starting to look amazing as well.  Make sure to take a drive to enjoy the lights, if anyone has any suggestions of good displays be sure to share it on the Sydenham Ontario Facebook group.

Well Monday November 29th was a memorable day for the Sydenham Golden Eagles junior boys football team.  Congrats boys on you victory of 16-15 over Lasalle in the championship game.  I hear it was an excellent game.  You guys deserve to be proud.

With numbers still all over the map in KFLA, please be mindful of those around you. I think we all want to have a safe and healthy holiday season. I know we’re all so done with covid, but sadly it’s not done with us.  Be safe.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

The next event in the winter speaker series by the Friends of the Napanee River will be on Tuesday December 7 at 7 pm. Alex English, an avid local historian and researcher, will regale us with explosive stories from yesteryear when the upper Napanee Watershed was being developed by local farmers, lumberjacks, mill owners, and some "interesting" landowners. Alex will be speaking on: "Dynamited, Damaged, or Destroyed: An explosive history of the Upper Napanee River (1840 to1920)."  Register for this Zoom event at www.FriendsNapaneeRiver.ca

Saturday, December 4 at 11 am. Santa Claus arrives at Nicole's Gifts for an outdoor visit and take-your-own-photos. This is a free event!

Free Christmas Day Dinner! If you are alone on Christmas Day, please register by December 17th for a free takeout only turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Call John and Sheila Steel at 613-374-2884 or Doug and Joyce Casement at 613-374-3406. Dinners will be available for pickup between 11:30am and 12:30pm on Christmas Day at the Verona Lions Hall.

Paige Bank's last day at the Verona Post Office will be December 17.  Paige will be accepting the position of postmaster at the Odessa post office. Congratulations Paige on your new position.

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