Community Columns - January 06, 2022

Jan 05, 2022

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

No column; check back next week!

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

No column; check back next week!

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Happy New Year to everyone living and working in the best community around! Thank you to everyone for all you do to make our community thrive; by shopping locally, by moving into our area, by supporting NAEC, Pine Meadow, the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes, by giving to the Christmas Hamper Program, by giving of yourselves for others, by opening new businesses, by driving for Meals On Wheels, by being a volunteer firefighter, by being an essential worker, by everything you do! Our community is great because of you!

Spill the Beanz would like to thank you for your patronage!! They will be on sabbatical for the month of January!

Are you thinking about your 2022 needs? Now is the time to book Tammy Watson Handywoman for property checks, yard and lawn care, general maintenance, home repairs, painting and furniture assembly. Call or text 905-404-5056 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Another new business has arrived to our community! Anyone looking to get their taxes done, personal or corporate or bookkeeping done give Duane Martin. CPA a call at # 1 647 740 8012 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Low Impact Fitness classes and Seniors Fitness classes and weight loss classes are coming to you every Tuesday and Thursday at the Lions Hall. Call advanced personal trainer and physio. therapy Assistant Jill Weese at 613-888-8922 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Spread a little local love and tell us your feel-good story about a Lennox & Addington business that went above and beyond! Comment with your experience below and we’ll enter you for your chance to WIN a $500 local shopping spree in L&A. It's time to spread the word, Naturally L&A, it's a local thing. Comments will be moderated. Contest rules at naturallyla.ca/local. #shopnaturallyla #lennoxandaddington #napaneedistrictchamber #greaternapanee #stonemillstownship #loyalisttownship #addingtonhighlands #naturallyla #itsalocalthing

Coming Soon…a new learning opportunity created by Tammy Watson! Build your self- confidence and do simple home maintenance, repairs and improvements. Learn through videos, courses, check lists, newsletters, and workshops. Stay tuned for updates!

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

The Denbigh Stationary Christmas Parade was held on Saturday, December 18th at Heritage Park, with Santa & Mrs. Claus, various floats, food, and a bonfire on a snowy winter’s evening, making for a great atmosphere that everyone seemed to enjoy.  The Denbigh Recreation Committee would like to thank Bev, Bonnie, Erin and all their helpers, Morris, Charlene and Jasper Keller, Joey, Jenelle and family from Rosie’s Gas and Cafe, Rob, Jenny and Gracie from Denbigh View Ranch for bringing their creative, decorated floats.  Thank you also go out to the Denbigh Fire Department and all the volunteers, to David and Karen who kept the fire safely going so we could get warmed up, and to everyone who showed up to visit and see Santa.  This was the Community’s first stationary Christmas Parade; it was a new idea and we hope everyone enjoyed the evening!

The Denbigh Recreation Committee went out and about for a drive around Ward 1 over the course of the week before Christmas to look at the light displays, each picking their favorites.  They were absolutely amazed at the extent of the displays, making it a difficult decision to pick the winners.  Thank you to everyone for making Christmas a little brighter, and congratulations to all the winners: 1st Prize Lloyd Burgess; 2nd Prize Marie Johnston and family; 3rd Prize Ronnie and Pam Rosenblath; Honorable Mention:  Alice Madigan and Jesse Snider.

The Denbigh Diners Christmas dinner has been rescheduled for Monday, January 10th.  As of February 2022, the Diner's in Denbigh will resume the first Monday of every month.  For info contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 ext.226.

Looking for a hot and tasty meal?  The Meals on Wheels menu for the remainder of January is as follows: 13th Soup & Roll, Battered Cod with lemon, potato wedges, broccoli and rice pudding for dessert; 20th Soup & Roll, Salisbury Steak with fried onions, mashed potatoes, corn with vanilla caramel cake for dessert; 27th Soup & Roll, Southern Fried Chicken, potato wedges, sunrise veggies and apple pie.  To place your order, contact Shelby at 613-336-8934 ext.226. 

The Denbigh Community Food Bank would like to thank everyone for your generous donations this past year.  We would not be able to serve the communities of Denbigh, Vennachar, Griffith and Matawatchan without your support; it is appreciated.  The Food Bank will be open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 11:00am.  The dates for January are the 11th and 25th.  Please call Gail 613-333-2224 for pick up.

With the recent cold weather, there is ice on the rink!!  Grab your skates and head out to enjoy the outdoors.  Find Denbigh Rink on facebook.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Food Bank jar at Gilmor's Market during the month of December. We received and donated $314.55 to the Food Bank which is located in Sydenham.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Christmas brought many joys and sorrows to our area followed by a new year! Special congratulations to Madison Cowick and Parker Carnegie who were married in Alabama prior to Christmas. Such a romantic time to be married. Madison is the Granddaughter of Ken and Ardith (Cowick) Arney of Henderson.

We were saddened by the death of Elaine (Deline) Cowdy who was raised right here in our village the daughter of the late Iner and Marie Deline. Also, our former church musician Helen Praskey died over the Christmas and we remember her life of service to church music that was wonderful.

Wendy (Baker) Gaylord who also has ancestors in our area lost her battle to cancer at Christmas time. Also we thank God for Lois Scott of Arden who died in this season as well. We were saddened to hear of the death of Vi Hole of Parham who was also well known in Henderson and all over the area.

Prior to Christmas our responders, hydro and phone folks responded valiantly to a power outage, storm, and downed trees with bravery, speed and kindness to all affected. Our road crews outdid themselves keeping the roads open in spite of the freezing rain. Covid unfortunately prevented large gatherings but we all did our part by staying home, wearing masks, and keeping the gatherings small or non-existent. Truly we can say “we done good!’

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Donations for the Fire Victims are being accepted at Inverary United Church.  If you want an idea of what is needed, contact Betsy Lake at 613-484-5551.  Donations of cash and gift cards are accepted.  If you wish you can identify your donation for either the fire on Round Lake Road or for the fire in Bell Rock. Inverary United Church accepts e-transfers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Identify where your donation is to go in the message box on e-transfers. Cheques are payable to Inverary United Church and please identify on the re line where the donation is to go.

Rotary Cash Calendar 2022 can be yours 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.

Remember with the return of winter and snow that the parking of vehicles on Township roads and village streets from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 a.m. is not permitted from December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Food Drive!  Next Community Food Drive will be held on Friday February 4, 2022.  Drop off at the Storrington Lion’s Hall in Sunbury between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.  A wish-list of items will follow later in the month.

Martial Arts classes at Inverary United Church hall on Thursday evenings will begin again on January 20th.  Family Karate classes  from 6:30 to 7:30 and the adult defence classes from 7:30 to 8:45 pm. 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. .

Our Lakes free January 2022 issue is out now! Please enjoy this 65-page edition in which we celebrate our waterfront lifestyle in the Frontenac Arch.  The results of the photo contest are in! Paste this address in your browser:  https://ourlakes.ca/data/documents/January-2022-Our-Lakes.pdf.

2022 Is Here!  I know I am not alone in wondering what this new year will mean for all of us.  Having just experienced the season of Peace, Giving, Reflection and Hope, my thought is that we are good!  This time of year is not necessarily happy for everyone and even those who really look forward to family and friends and good times have had to do it with limitations – a hard change for some, but we are here and that is important! We can go out our door and embrace a day without the fear of guns, war, and turmoil. We are very fortunate.

As I listen to stories in the community of the many successes of generosity it deepens my faith in people and community.  The local Food Bank Drives have been overflowing with donations.  When an appeal for help with clothing or gifts for Christmas goes out the response is immediate.  The little things like a floral pot left on a doorstep, or a tin of home baking, or a jar of maple syrup easily brightens someone’s day.  In the twenty years I have lived here I have learned that if you have a problem you just ask around and someone will have a good suggestion or an answer for it.  The instant response to two horrific fires on December 24^th demonstrated the heart and soul of our communities.

Looking back on 2020 and 2021 there have certainly been a lot of challenges for each of us, for the community and for the businesses around us. But I have to say, that for me, the time has really gone by quickly.  The gardens last summer were the best ever and a lot of books have been read.  The time has flown by and during that time people seemed to slow down and had more time for conversations.  Of course the pandemic gave us a common topic to discuss with everyone.

We live in a great community and no matter how wide your friendship circle is around you, this entire community cares and we are there for each other!  We handled the past two years and we are ready for 2022.  My wish for all of you is a safe and healthy entry into 2022 and for the months to come!  Chase away any frustrations by doing something you really enjoy.  If you are feeling down reach out to others – they may need to hear from you as well.  AND Get Vaccinated.  Is it bad for you?.....No, I do not believe so.  I have had 3 shots now with zero reactions.  All my family members have had the same with no problems.  My 7 grandchildren ages 6 to 15 have had their shots with no ill effects.  I know some people have had reactions and problems but thousands have died without it! In 2011 I had 8 hours of brain surgery to stay alive….that made the vaccine an easy decision for me!  Will it reduce the spread of COVID?.....I think so, reports seem to say so and only time will tell.  Will it wipeout COVID?..I really don’t know, but my plan is to stick around to find out! 

Thinking of all of you with best wishes for the future.  Judy

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Effective January 1, 2022, the Perth & District Library (PDL) is eliminating overdue fees on all children’s and teen materials, including books and DVDs. “Overdue fees disproportionately impact the more vulnerable members of our community, who are unable to pay even a small fee. Removing overdue fees for children’s and teen materials removes a barrier to using the library to borrow books and increase their literacy skills”, said Erika Heesen, CEO/Chief Librarian. The PDL joins 42 other libraries across Ontario in eliminating some or all of their overdue fees including the Kingston-Frontenac, and Rideau Lakes Public Libraries.
The library found that as of August 2021, 57% of library users with fines had stopped using their library card. "We regularly have kids who aren't allowed to check out books when their class comes to visit the library because their parents don't want to have to worry about fines", said Heidi Taber, Children’s Librarian. In a review, the library also found that fines often go unpaid, with 50% of all fines written off, 18% waived, and 33% paid. “It takes considerable staff time to manage library fines”, said Heesen. The library still plans to charge a fee for a book that is never returned. The PDL serves the Town of Perth and the Townships of Drummond/North Elmsley and Tay Valley.

This large rural community is often affected by transportation issues. “Anyone who can’t get to the library at a specific time or can’t afford to pay a fine just avoids using the library”, added Heesen. “To be truly accessible to all, we need to break down the barriers to access, and remove the stereotype of the library as a punitive environment”. For more information, go to www.perthunionlibrary.ca or call 613-267-1224

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

No column; check back next week!

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Mountain Grove
Marilyn Meeks

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

No column; check back next week!

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

No column; check back next week!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church announcements:  

In-person services will be continuing in 2022: Sundays at 10 am, 5614 Perth Road Crescent. In-person services are limited to 25 people in the church, and all COVID restrictions/protocols remain in place.

Thank you to all donated to the 2021 Advent Challenge.

Birthday wishes to those who have birthdays this week.

The Perth Road Village Crafters meetings have been cancelled until further notice because of Harris Park Clubhouse closure due to updated COVID restrictions.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Hello Community Neighbours! I hope you had a safe and happy Christmas and New Years Holiday!

A news note from our North Frontenac Fitness Instructor Holly Labow: She has just launched a 30-day Weight Loss Challenge which started January 3^rd. The participants who joined by paying the $25 entry fee, have access to a 4-week meal plan and will have the chance to win $300 cash! They are also encouraged to attend the fitness classes that run on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 in the Clar-Mill Hall. Fingers crossed that these fitness classes will not be affected by the recent Provincial Restrictions.

I read a post on Mayor Higgins Facebook page that there have been some break ins and thefts happening in North Frontenac lately. The OPP are aware of at least 16 cases in the last couple of weeks. They appear to be related to property owner’s absences at seasonal homes. The Police are currently looking for a 2016 Black Dodge Ram, Trailer and a white SUV. Let’s watch our neighbour’s properties and inform Police of anything unusual. If you have trail cams, please set them up. Together we can help protect each other.

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

No column; check back next week!

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

No column; check back next week!

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