Community Columns - December 09, 2021

Dec 08, 2021

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

• Arden
• Battersea/Storrington
• Cloyne - Northbrooke
• Denbigh
• Harlowe
• Harrowsmith
• Henderson
• Inverary
• Maberly-Bolingbroke
• Mississippi
• Mountain Grove
• Ompah
• Parham-Tichborne
• Perth Road
• Plevna
• Sydenham
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

The Oso Rec Committee is hosting their Annual Christmas Decoration Contest.  The entries are divided up into the 4 districts of the Township and their will be a nighttime viewing and a daytime viewing.  The first prize winners in each district will be awarded a Turkey from Gilmore’s.  The entries must be summitted by December 10.  Night judging will take place on December 17 while day judging will be held December 18.  Please enter my email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or in person at the Municipal Office.  You can nominate yourself or your neighbour.

News from the Arden Pastoral Charge.  Coffee and conversation continue Thursdays at 10:00am at the Church.  Bring your own mug.  There will be a Children’s Christmas Party, December 18 at 1:00pm.  Please bring a Food Bank donation.  There will be many activities, stores and much ore.  On December 19, there will be an open house at the manse, 2:00pm to 5:00pm.  All are welcome.

The Arden Wesleyan Church will be having a Christmas Eve Service, December 24, at 10:30am at the Church  (yes, it’s during the day).  The theme will be Worship at the Manger.  Because capacity is limited, please call Vernon at 613-453-1158, to reserve a seat.  Everyone is welcome.

One of a kind Christmas Cards are still available at the Cardinal Café.  $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00.

Remember:  Difficult does not mean impossible.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

The 2^nd Annual Battersea Santa Parade was a huge success! It was great weather and an even better turn out! There were so many friends and neighbours out and about and enjoying the season. Well done to Kyle at the Creek for organizing. The community sure came out in full force to celebrate. If you forgot your foodbank donation like I did, not to worry! See below for how you can help fight hunger in our community.

The Storrington Lions Club is hosting a foodbank drive in support of the Battersea United Church foodbank on December 10^th. Drop off is from 1:00pm – 5:00pm 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).

Did you know that Storrington District has a Community News email chain? It is managed by our very own Catherine Reynolds and it is frequent enough to stay up-to-date on the latest events but not so often that it feels like spam. If you want to join the email list or share some community news, contact Catherine at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

What’s it called when a sheep goes back the way it came? A ewe-turn.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Thank you to our community for their generosity last weekend at Foodland.  Approximately $2600.00 in donations and two pick-up trucks full of food and toy donations were graciously received by Land O’Lakes Community Services for their Christmas Hamper Program. Thank you to the KBFD fire department and volunteers for their help today!

Looking to give back this holiday season? Angel tags are back at the BMO in Northbrook! Come grab a tag and help make a child’s Christmas! Gifts to be dropped off at community services.

There is a new store in Northbrook! Have you been to This and That Collectibles, Antiques and Things? They have so many beautiful items, including so much to choose from for Christmas. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. They are located just down from The Kuriosity Shop and across from the Clothing Boutique. WOW, three great stores to check out!

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!

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes so excited for this year’s Santa Claus Parade on December 11, 2021! It will be totally amazing! See you there!

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

Welcome to Dr. Mitch, a practicing Chiropractor. The friendly and generous Lakelands Family Health Team (Northbrook) is giving him the opportunity to see clients at their facility December 7, 2021. He will be accepting bookings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am to 12pm.

In addition to being a chiropractor, he is also a strength and conditioning coach and international educator with over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. His practice style is very active-based, using hands-on soft tissue work, joint adjustments/mobilizations, exercise rehabilitation, and education to get people out of pain and MOVING BETTER. A large emphasis is put on movement training to help people get off the treatment table and take matters into their own hands.

People typically see Dr. Mitch for things like neck pain, back pain, joint pain, headaches, radiating pain (like sciatica), muscle strains, joint sprains, over-use injuries, work-related injuries, whiplash, sports injuries, post-surgery, lack of mobility, physical performance enhancement and more.

If you want to learn more or book an appointment, you can check out my website; https://www.movebetterhp.com/

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

This Saturday, December 11th, is the Denbigh Recreation Committees' Christmas stationary Parade of Lights.  The fun will take place from 6-7:30pm at Heritage Park, 48 Lane Street.  The intent is to keep all the activity outdoors, space the stationary floats out around the park, spread the volume of people out over a longer period of time, ensure the event is accessible to everyone, respect the health and safety of all, and to meet all the Covid rules in place at the time.  Santa will be there visiting and giving out loot bags.  There will also be free treats for everyone.  For info, please call 613-333-2224.

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 soup and a roll, ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots, and chocolate cake for dessert.  Thursday, December 23rd is soup and a roll, butter chicken, rice and broccoli, and a macaroon madness bar for dessert.  If anyone is interested in these meals, please contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 x226.

The following is a recipe I make at Christmas that I clipped from the Frontenac News a good few years ago, and thought you may enjoy it too!!  Around the Tree Caramel Corn by Jean Lewis: Ingredients: 6 quarts popped popcorn, 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp vanilla,1/2 tsp baking soda.  Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. In a saucepan combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt.  Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla and baking soda - mix well.  Pour over popcorn and stir until well-coated.  Pour into 2 greased 13" by 9" baking pans.  Bake uncovered at 250F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  Cool completely.  Store in an airtight container.

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Harlowe
Marie White

Quick recovery and get-well wishes are rushing to Donna Salmond. A week ago Monday, Donna was found by a friend, lying in the laundry room with a broken hip. A sad way to start Christmas.

I hear Judy Little is doing well after having her lung surgery. Keep strong, Judy.

Lee-Anne White has started to be grumpy in St. Mary’s Hospital. She is going home. If no once comes to get her, she will walk home herself. So, if you see someone pushing a wheel-chair and walking along the road, you know who it will be. Ha. The COVID has broken out in there, and she has escaped the virus.

Old Man Winter showed us yesterday that he can drop snow in a few short hours. He is taking it away today (maybe a white Christmas).

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

No column; check back next week!

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Henderson United Church's outdoor nativity tableau is lit up every evening until 8:30pm and looks spiritually  spectacular.  Christmas eve worship will happen on Fri. Dec. 24 at 7:00 at the church and all are welcome, with all Covid requirements in place. The little church can expand space by using the vestibule (porch) or the choir loft and of course alternating pews.

A warm welcome to our new practicing Chiropractor, Dr. Mitch, who is operating at the Lakelands Family Health Team offices in Northbrook on Tues and Fridays from 8:00am- 12:00 noon (by appointment). In addition to being a chiropractor, Dr. Mitch is also a strength and conditioning coach and international educator with over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. His practice style is very active-based, using hands-on soft tissue work, joint adjustments/mobilizations, exercise rehabilitation, and education to get people out of pain and moving freely.

Northbrook Foodland was the site of a mammoth food bank and toy drive last Saturday in their parking lot. Thanks, everyone, for your generosity. Christmas will be  a lot brighter for everyone now!

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes are hosting a Santa parade in Northbrook this Sat Dec. 11 at 10:00am and it will be spectacular to watch or to place a float in. Please contact the organizers (Lion Nawar 778-384-3381). It will start at the Lions Hall and travel south on Highway 41. Sounds like a real blast!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Church Christmas Services  -  Due to the increase in active case numbers in our communities, the decision has been made to have Advent and Christmas Eve services for Inverary United and Battersea United Churches online (Facebook and YouTube). 

Christmas Basket Wish List:  turkeys, white & brown bread, cheese, eggs, butter, bacon, small hams, gravy, coffee, tea, cereal, crackers, ketchup, relish, mustard, dish soap, white sugar, cookies, peanut butter, jam, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce. Donations of cash or cheques payable to Inverary United Church or e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (in message box – Christmas baskets) – all can be made so volunteers can shop for needed Christmas Basket items.  Drop off locations are Storrington Lions Club, December 10^th, 1pm-5pm and Inverary United church, December 12^th, 9am-10am.
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.

Yoga and pilates classes at Inverary United Church.  Pilates on Mondays at 6:15pm and yoga on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. View a full schedule and/or register at  www.nomadyogini.ca or call 613-453-4195.

Martial Arts classes at Inverary United Church hall on Thursday evenings.  Kids Karate classes  from 6:30 to 7:30 and the adult classes from 7:30 to 8:45pm. For more info, call or text Hamid Nam at 613-328-6742 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Community Food Bank Drive will be held on Friday, December 10^th.   Drop off your items at the Storrington Lions Hall between 1 and 5pm.  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.

Did you know that the parking of vehicles on Township roads and village streets from 12:00 midnight to 7:00am is not permitted from December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Our  lakes - the free December 2021 issue is now out!  Go on line and click the issue cover to access your free copy. This issue includes a handful of holiday-themed items and is also packed with info about local rural life, boating, biodiversity, fishing, history, robotics, motocross, ecology, limnology, eFoils and tales of the indomitable human spirit found in such abundance around Our Lakes.  Copy this into your browser address line: https://ourlakes.ca/data/documents/December-2021-Our-Lakes.pdf.

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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 - 11am, $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.

Tay Valley Township Council has announced recognition of the Ritchie Sawmill as a legacy property under the municipality’s Heritage Properties Program. The well-known Ritchie Mill, located on the Tay River at Noonan Side Road, was built in the 1840s by William Ritchie and closed in 1970. The mill was owned and operated for over 40 years by the prominent Ritchie family, including William’s daughter, Elizabeth, and husband, Nathan Judson, and sons, Robert and John. With timber supplies diminished in the late 1800s, the mill and water rights were sold in 1900 to the Perth Electric Light Company, and the mill joined three other Tay River mills supplying power to the newly electrified town of Perth. From 1924 to 1963, local residents knew this mill site as the Adams Mill, operated by Carl (Carrol) Adams, a grandson of the founders of Glen Tay, Joshua and Elisabeth Adams. Andrew A. Allan operated the mill until 1970, still powered by the Tay River, one of the two last water-powered mills in the township. The mill is also one of the two historic township sawmills still in place. The mill and property are now owned by Jenn and Rick Potoma. Please note that the mill is on private property. The Tay Valley Heritage Properties Recognition Program acknowledges Tay Valley Township’s Indigenous and settler history, and the wealth of heritage properties that define our community. Properties eligible to receive recognition include buildings that have historic or cultural significance to the community, structures such as monuments, cemetery markers, bridges, houses, barns, or heritage landscapes such as archeological sites, mines, farms, lime kilns, ice houses, and mines. This program is only commemorative and carries no legal restrictions on properties. For further information, please visit www.tayvalleytwp.ca (Discover Tay Valley. For further information about applying for the program call 613-267-5353 x123.

In these pictures we see Deputy Reeve Crampton delivering the Heritage Properties Certificate to the Potoma family, and the Ritchie Mill. Photos by David Taylor, and used with permission.

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Sympathy is extended to the family of Dr. John Jackson. He and his wife Elva owned the former Card home in Snow Road for many years.  It is now owned by Lindsey Rollo.   After Elva’s passing John moved to Perth and then to Brockville to be near his family. A service will be at the Barclay Funeral Home in Brockville on Sunday, December 12^th.

Don’t forget the Christmas Craft Event at the Snow Road Snowmobile Club on Saturday, December 11^th from 10am to 2pm.  All vendors and volunteers are double vaccinated and visitors must wear a mask and show their photo ID and proof of vaccination to enter. 

Some old favourites plus some new vendors will be there; i.e. Silent Valley Alpaca; EJH Creations; P-J's Pretties; Grindstone Pottery; Judy's Handmade Soaps; Fibre Artist Sue Theriault; Glass Ornaments by Nancy Traviss; Pictures and cards by Emily; Creative Effects by Penny; Woodcrafts by Lorie Jarvis and doll clothes by Carolyn; knitting by Stella Lawrence;  Jim Craig with gold and silver jewellery; and author Barry Hall plus a variety table of donated goods including some beautiful poinsettia and Christmas cactus plants. The club will also have some tasty homemade soups, hot dogs, and sandwiches, tea, coffee and desserts available.

While you are in the area, make a visit to the Holiday Open House at Back Forty Artisan Cheese shop on Gulley Road from 10:00 am to 4 pm. I hear they have some great Christmas gift baskets featuring local products. 

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Mountain Grove
Marilyn Meeks

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

The Palmerston Lake Marina first Christmas Craft Fair was a great success as the store was busy all day long.  Local craftspeople had wonderful wares to show, from photos to soap to ornaments and t-shirts. We then went to Nature Natives Art Gallery on Lavant Road.  The Beatty schoolhouse is a lovely setting for Christina's paintings and Joe's digital art work.  They have created a wonderful space which retains the character of an old schoolhouse, working bell included.

Bring your favorite Christmas cookies to the Cookie Exchange on Saturday, Dec 11 from 10 to 11:00 in the hall.  From 10 to 10:30, arrange your cookies on the platters provided.  Then at 10:30, the exchange is opened.  Fill your container with other peoples favorites. If you bring 3 dozen, you take home 3 dozen etc. Proof of vaccination, a mask and tongs are required.

The Food Bank donation box in the foyer of the Community Centre is ready to receive your non-perishable foods.  Please help out if you can.

The Riverhill Farm Christmas lights are on every night from dark until 9:00 pm.  Wagon rides and mini donuts are available on the weekend. Follow the signs along River Road to Struthadam Road and the glow in the dark.

Caroling outside at the Gazebo at the hall will be on Saturday, Dec 18 from 6:30 to 7:00.  Then those who choose will walk and carol at homes around the village.  Hot cider and cookies will be served at 6:30.

The bench just outside the Hall has returned.  Amanda gave it a couple of coats of paint and it looks like new.  Many thanks, Amanda.

All of these wonderful things happen in our community because people volunteer to make them happen.  Santa's elves are everywhere, not just at the North Pole!

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

Wonderful to see so many houses lit up. It’s always been one of my favourite things as the nights are still getting longer. There are so many houses that I look forward to driving by on my way home in the evenings. Be careful driving, as we are starting to get more snow. Not everyone has their winter tires on yet, and certainly don’t yet have that middle-of-winter driving confidence. I’m sure many of you have holiday well-wishes you would like to spread. Feel free to email me and see them here!  

Hope everyone can take some extra time to spend with those who matter most to them. Happy holidays to everyone!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church announcements: 

Welcome back to in-person services: Sundays at 10am, 5614 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. THANK YOU to all who have already  donated.

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

Birthday wISHES to those who have birthdays this week.

The Perth Road Village Crafters: Looking to get involved? You don't have to be crafty to join us. New members are always welcome. We meet at the Harris Park Clubhouse at 5612 Perth Road Crescent, Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11:30am. Please feel free to drop in during the meeting times, or call Peggy at 613-353-2635. Next meeting: Wed. Jan 5, 2022

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Don’t forget to stop by and visit our friends at the Snow Road Snowmobile Club (1106 Gemmill Road) with their great line up of vendors this Saturday, December 11^th from 10am to 2pm! There will be some new vendors this year, as well as many of our old favourites!

Volunteers will have their very tasty homemade soups and sandwiches, along with tea, coffee and desserts! All vendors and volunteers are double vaccinated and visitors are asked to please wear their masks and have their vaccination proof and ID available for entry.

All are welcome to the Great Cookie Exchange this Saturday, December 11^th from 10-11:30am. Bring cookies to share and leave with an equal amount of a variety of other cookies! Please remember your tongs to handle the cookies and your mask and proof of vaccination. For more information, you can contact Marily at 613 479-2855.

There will be Christmas carolling at the Ompah Hall gazebo on Saturday, December 18^th form 6:30-7pm, then a Christmas carolling walk around the village. Please call Laurie for more information at 204 966-1138.

Every home has some level of radon – the only way to know how much is to have it tested. To assess your risk, borrow one of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Corentium Home Radon Detectors for free. This program is offered in partnership with KFL&A Public Health. You can contact your local library to make your reservation or visit kfpl.ca. All you need is a library card!

Did you know that buttons make great gifts? And they are so much fun for kids to create and keep their favourite home-made picture, or maybe a picture of their favourite pet or best friend! If you go into the Plevna Library on Tuesday from 2-4pm and 5-7pm or Saturday from 10am to 1pm, you can see what all the excitement is about! Button making will also be available in Cloyne Wednesday night from 5-8pm and Friday afternoon from 12-4pm until Christmas!! For more info, you can contact me at 613-264-5325!

The following is a message from Brenda Martin: North Frontenac Historical Society & Archives appreciate the community support from Harriett Riddell, Caroline Ferguson, Sue Asselstine and Laurie Watson, which allowed NFHSA to complete the cemetery pages for Robertsville Cemetery. The initial research for each of the cemeteries in North Frontenac is being uploaded to the website so all can have access. It will be several more weeks for the website to be in full operation, but announcements will be given in Frontenac News about progress being made. Also, NFHSA has a tentative date for their Annual General Meeting and first community event in 2022, depending upon health guidelines at that time. SAVE THE DATE- Sat, May 28, 2022 and plan to join the community for a celebration highlighting aspects of local accomplishments.

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

No column; check back next week!

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Percy "Wayne" Reynolds of  Bellrock passed away suddenly on November 14 due to a brain aneurysm. Devoted husband of 55 years to Judy (nee Whan). Dear father of Dan Reynolds (Kako) Japan, and Wendy Rose (Rick) Verona. There will be a Free Skate on Sunday, December 19 from noon to 1pm in honour of Wayne. The Hart family will be paying for this free event in his honour. Your support for the canteen will be appreciated by Judy Reynolds.

Shop local. With the wintry weather, it is convenient to stay in Verona and enjoy shopping at our local merchants. All your holiday needs are covered - from trees,  lights, stocking stuffers and presents for under the tree to supplying all the fixings for Christmas dinner. And for the people who are impossible to buy for: gift certificates are available from local merchants and restaurants. Have fun with your imagination this holiday and give the gift of Verona shopping.

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.

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