Community Columns - March 17, 2022

Mar 16, 2022

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

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

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.  Try and stay sober, eh!

What a double blow of misery last weekend. First, 6” of snow, then losing 1 hour’s sleep.  I just wish they would leave things alone.

Kennebec Tree and Lawn is holding a spring draw.  Call and book tree service, lawn care, flagstone and patio laying or other outside jobs applicable and your name will be entered into the draw for a $200.00 gift certificate towards your job.  Seems like a pretty good deal.

Another little contest is still going on.  When will the ice go out of Big Clear or Kennebec Lake?  Entering the contest is a great way to support the Kennebec Fire Fighter.  Sign up sheets are at C 4 Convenience.

If your kids are starting school in September, you may want to give them a little head start.  RFCS is holding a “School Readiness” program, Thursday afternoons 1:30pm to 3:00pm.  If you are interested and need more information, or would like to register, please call 613-279-3151 x 306 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As we gain more knowledge, we are really understanding the benefits of bees.  A small way to aid the longevity of this species is to plant flowers they are attracted to.  A few examples of plants attracting bees are sedum, coneflower, salvia, sunflower, lavender and snapdragon to name a few.  The big No, No is to never use pesticides.  Another good reason to garden.

Arden, Mountain Grove and Henderson Churches now have in-person services starting at the established times, although masks are still required inside the Church. YouTube services will continue for those who are still not comfortable worshipping inside.  Coffee and conversation will remain online until April 1.  In-person coffee time will resume after the 1^st.

When you really want to slap someone, do it, and then yell “mosquito”.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

Here are some fun facts to impress your friends about Saint Patrick’s Day: The colour of St. Patrick’s Day was originally blue. The first celebration of the day was actually in Boston, America, in 1737. The real St. Patrick wasn’t Irish, he was born in Britain around A.D. 390 to an aristocratic Christian family. According to legend, each leaf of the clover has a meaning: hope, faith, love and luck. Your odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000 (a lucky find, indeed!). Facts from ProFlowers.com.

Are you looking for information about the different recreation, leisure and social programs offered in South Frontenac? Well, you’re in luck! Join us on March 26^th at the Storrington Lions Club in Sunbury from 10:00am – 2:00pm for the Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair. Lots of organizations will be there with information of their offerings of interest to all ages. For more information and to get involved, email Amanda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have you ordered your garden plants from Patchwork Gardens yet? We have! Thank you to Eric and family for making it quick and easy to reserve our order. I cannot wait to pick up our order over the May long weekend… I’m so excited I’m going to wet my plants!

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Music in the Park winter series. The final event on the 12^th was a big hit – It was so great to see many familiar faces out and enjoying the parks and great live music! Shout out to all the musicians that braved the cold and provided the community with some terrific tunes!

The Storrington Centre is going to be closed for renovations starting April 1^st, 2022. It will be reopening in the fall (if all goes well), with a 1000 sq. ft. addition added on the back. Once it is complete, the hall will be a beautiful gathering spot for the community. This hall is an asset for our area and is the most frequently utilized municipal hall in South Frontenac. I cannot wait to see the progress and completed project!

What’s Irish and stays out all night? Paddy O’Furniture.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

SAVE THE DATE; Saturday April 2, 2022 the Spring Market Extravaganza is back from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Lions Community Hall in Northbrook. Get in a little bit of local shopping just in time for Easter. There are two levels of vendors and prizes to be won! So much to see and buy! There are too many vendors to name! Check out the Lions Club Facebook page to check out the HUGE list of vendors!

Line Dancing is back! Classes will begin Monday, March 28th, 7pm, at Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne. Everyone welcome! 12 week session for $75 or $7 per class.

The Museum of Lennox & Addington in Napanee is hosting an amazing collection of 22 astrophotographs, all taken within the borders of Lennox & Addington County (many from right here at the Dark Sky Viewing Area!).  Our own very talented volunteers Tim Trentadue & Joe Gilker are featured in the exhibit. They are incredibly talented and are passionate about what they do.

The next time you're in the area, it's definitely worth stopping at the museum to take a look. Find out more: https://naturallyla.ca/lots-of-space-at-the-museum-of.../

Soccer is coming back for the 2022 season. The north Addington Soccer Association is partnering with Timbits for this upcoming soccer season. Keep tuned for more details.

The Denbigh Diner’s Club is coming back on April 4, 2022 at the Denbigh Hall from 2:00pm to 1:00pm. The cost for the meal is $10.00. Please RSVP Shelby at 613-336-8934 extension 229. Community Services are looking for homemakers in the Denbigh area. If you are interested in doing house cleaning, give Shelby a call.

The Flinton Diner’s Club will be meeting on March 29, 2022 at the Flinton Hall from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. The cost is $10.00. Please RSVP Shelby. Both diner clubs require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

It is wonderful to see activities starting up again: line dancing, Diner’s Club, Friends of Bon Echo Art Festival, soccer for the children, and now The Garden Club! All meetings will take place at the Barrie Community Hall in Cloyne the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm.  All are welcome. On April 13^th the guest speaker, Bonita Ford, will be talking about Embers of Hope - Embracing Life in an Age of Ecological Destruction and Climate Chaos.

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

It's back!!!  Denbigh Diners will be held on Monday, April 4th at the Denbigh Hall, 12 to 1pm.  Cost for the meal is $10.  Please RSVP Shelby Rosenblath at 613 336 8934 ext. 229 at Land O' Lakes Community Services.  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to attend.

Would you like to be able to help out in our community?  Land O' Lakes Community Services is looking for homemakers in the area who are interested in doing house cleaning.  Contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 ext. 229.

You're invited to Community Coffee Time at the Denbigh Hall on Friday mornings at 8am, hosted by Denbigh Recreation.  For details, call 613 333 2224.

The next Meals on Wheels will be Thursday, March 24th; soup & roll, Butter Chicken with rice and green beans, with Triple Berry Crumble for dessert.  Contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 ext.229 to order your meal.  

The Denbigh Community Food Bank will be open Tuesday, March 22nd.  Please call Gail at 613 333 2224 for pick up.  The Food Bank is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 11am.  The Food Bank serves the communities of Denbigh, Vennachar, Griffith and Matawatchan.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Free public skating will be offered at the Frontenac Community Arena, located at 2499 Boundary Road, March 18, 2-4pm.

Have you tried the Grains & Goods Farmstead Bakery yet? Roland Jensch has opened a shop in Sydenham and bakes up traditional artisan German bread, sweet treats, and seasonal items.  Check out their website for details or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Reminder: Frontenac Youth Soccer prices will go up April 1st if you have not registered already. Family discounts may apply. For information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Best of luck to Jim, Nicole, James & Phoenix Cole as they start a new chapter. The Cole's Dollars & Gifts store officially closed on March 12th as the family deals with a health concern.

Happy belated birthday to Rebecca Peters, March 12th!

Did you know that March is Nutrition Month? The theme for 2022 is Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow. Making sustainable food choices can help make your future a healthy one. Here are the top 5 ways to start:
1. Choose plant-based proteins more often 
2. Reduce food waste by planning meals 
3. Drink tap water 
4. Buy local
5. Grow your own food 
To learn more, check out www.unlockfood.ca, grab a fork and DIG IN!

The next SALT lunch event will be held on March 18th at 11:30am where David Townsend will discuss the services provided by the SFCSC. Located at Grace Hall, Sydenham.  Pre-register by calling 613-376-6477 ext. 310.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

No column; check back next week!

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Henderson
Jean Brown

We were shocked to hear of the death of George White, of Harlowe- spouse of fellow reporter, Marie White. We will keep Marie and family in our prayers. George, a super duper person, will be remembered for his service to church and community through organizing suppers and musical events along with Marie and the community, love of spouse and family, and fun-filled support to one and all.

Set aside Sat. April 2 for a spring market at the Lions Hall in Northbrook hosted by the Land O’Lakes Lions from 10:00 – 2:00. This sounds like a refreshing hoot and a holler and will feature over 20 Vendors, along with a food canteen that sounds yummy in the tummy. Some vendors that I know are Angie Deline, Susan Baker, Christine Steel Teal, Debbie Emery, and Harlowe Gnomes. This is just a partial list to wet our appetite after a long long Covid winter. I can’t wait to get out without winter boots and masks and just blaze a trail at these events.

Also, our own Angie Deline is hosting a special sale on April 16 at her house in the area- so please set the date aside

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Betty Stephenson, who at one time lived in Arden. She lived out her last years with her daughter-in-law, Cory Lynn, and family, to whom we extend our sympathy.

Hope folks are enjoying March break! Special thanks to all who helped to create the Free Skate yesterday, March 16, at the Frontenac Community Arena in Godfrey. Thanks to Revell Ford Dealership for sponsoring and to the Verona Community Association for support.

Cards for our own Lee Anne White can now be directed to her new home at Pine Meadow Nursing Home, 124 Lloyd St, Northbrook Ont; K0H 2G0; Att: Lee Anne White. Rock on, Lee Anne!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Baseball Registration:  In person on March 23^rd  6-9 pm or March 27^th  9-12 noon at Ken Garrett Memorial Park, plus online at FCMSA.ca.

Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair on March 26^th at Storrington Lions Club Hall in Sunbury from 10am to 2pm.

Pilates on Mondays at 6:15pm & Yoga on Wednesdays at 6:00pm - Inverary United Church Hall  View the schedule and register at www.nomadyogini.ca or call 613 453 4195.

Martial Arts class at Inverary United Church hall on Thursday evenings.  Family Class 6:30 – 7:45pm.  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..

Inverary Pharmasave welcomes walk-ins for their vaccinations.  Doses available for adults and the younger generation plus you can pick up your free Rapid Test kit.

Save the date!  High Tea is back June 4^th   at the Storrington Lions Club. Save the date. Reservations  opening soon.  More details will follow.

Umpires Needed for the 2022 baseball season.  If you can help out contact  Shawn Pearce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-453-2437.   

Learn self-defence -  Contact Hamid Nam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A two hour class will be held on a Saturday afternoon at Inverary United Church once there are enough participants.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Did you know, according to tradition, wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day is supposed to make you invisible to leprechauns. They will pinch you if you aren't wearing green.  Ouch!

Also found this tidbit... It's often said that Ireland is home to more four-leaf clovers than any other place.  The leaves of four-leaf clovers are said to stand for faith, hope, love, and luck and hence the phrase "the luck of the Irish."

Welcome Spring on March 20^th!

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Are you getting tired of learning about Maberly, Bolingbroke, and Althorpe events that took place a century ago? Then this is your opportunity to let me know what it is you would like to see published in this column. With the virus restrictions lessening, let me know what community events are going to be taking place. I have already had one person ask me when the next Fish Fry will happen!! When will the Maberly Fairgrounds work parties begin? Will the Maberly Agricultural Society be putting on a pancake breakfast? Will there be a flea market/craft sale this spring at ABC Hall, where one can set up their own table and sell their stuff? Any birthday/anniversary parties going on? It's probably too early for sports tournaments in Althorpe, Bolingbroke, Maberly area?? Anybody know of a litter collection day? Church socials/cemetery memorials? Any updates as to when the Tay Valley Community Choir will perform next? How about prettying up your hamlet with planted flowers either in the ground, in barrels, or planters from your mailbox post or driveway. Will the ABC Seniors’ Club be meeting again a couple of times a month? How about exercise classes at the ABC Hall. It’s probably too late for a fishing derby. If you have updates on any of the events listed above, or have plans for events not mentioned above, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In the meantime, this is what I have to entertain you with:

Maberly 1899 – The lumber yard is again pretty full of logs and shingle wood, awaiting the mill, when they will be quickly converted into piles of lumber and shingles. – Messrs. Moore & Wilson lost a horse, but it appears that another horse kicked it to death [and not a malicious act as may have been previously reported]. – Hay and oats are scarce here, and if the winter continues long, many farmers will suffer for want of food for their stock. Potatoes are a luxury to many and the majority of farmers will have to purchase their seed. – The Rev. David Winter, the conference evangelist of the Methodist Church, is holding special services in the Methodist Church here. He is a powerful speaker, and many are led to see the error of their ways and brought to a knowledge of truth. [Perth Courier]

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Alice, Harriett, Valerie Truelove and I had a wonderful Girls’ Day Out on Thursday.  We travelled to Northbrook to have lunch with my daughter, Pam Lemke, at Addison’s Restaurant.  We had a great meal and a great visit.  It was great to go to a restaurant and sit down with friends for a meal.  (Pam – don’t forget to call about the casino). 

Olive and I went to Palmerston Marina on Friday for our weekly coffee and visit with Chuck.  My granddaughter, Shawna, joined us – a great hour and a half was spent catching up on everyday news and things that were happening.

At 2:00pm on Friday, I had a wonderful visit with my friend Ruth Jackson from Barrie (formerly from Mississippi, Ontario).  She brought a friend named Margaret from Peterborough.  They had been to an Abrams concert on Thursday night in Kingston and had wanted me to go with them but my body now tells me what I can and cannot do and it told me I could not sit for 6 to 7 hours at a time.  I let my body control me now.  When they came this way on their way back to Peterborough, we had a wonderful 2 hour visit.  The time just flew - full of laughs and “remember this” and “remember that”.  I hope they did not slip and slide all the way back to Peterborough as it was snowing pretty good when they left.  They also stopped and had a visit with Harriett and Olive.  Thanks for the shamrock and red flowers.

I forgot to thank Dale Cooper.  Probably a month or more ago, he sanded my very icy driveway and steps.  He did this on his own.  I didn’t phone him to do it.  A very special thank you, Dale, and sorry it took so long.

Happy 50^th anniversary to Diane and Alvin – hope you have a wonderful day.  I miss you guys.  Diane and I used to do Tea and Toast a long time ago and I miss Alvin doing my Meals on Wheels.  I will be getting the meals back soon.    Belated Happy 90^th birthday wishes to Betty Crabtree.

It has been great to see the Frontenac News reporters keeping up their columns during the past two years during the pandemic.  They didn’t stop putting in their news even when there was not a lot to write about, not like some (ME).  Can you hear the applause for you?   I love the Frontenac News and all the people who keep it coming to us.

Thought for the Week:   Angels always look after angels – so always take care of their wings.

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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

In-person services continue Sundays at 10am, 5614 Perth Road Crescent. Capacity limits for gatherings have been lifted as of March 1st. Everyone is welcome to attend. Masks are still required and Covid-19 protocols are still in place.

We are now in the season of Lent and will once again have our Lenten Challenge.  Please bring either peanut butter, canned meat or fish during this time to go to the Food Bank. If you have your Lenten "containers" for the Mission & Service Fund from before, please bring them in with your 'spare' change whenever you are able.   Any container will do, just make sure your envelope number is on it.

For those of you who give towards our sponsored child from Bolivia, or new people who wish to give, either place your donations in a clearly marked envelope in the collection plate or pass it along to Lois Johnston.

At present, we are going through the search process to hire a new minister but will continue with Supply/Lay Ministers or personnel until a suitable candidate is found. The Questionnaires have been collected and results collated, and are in process of creating the Community of Faith Profile.

Birthday wISHES to those who have birthdays this week.

Leland Helping Hand are looking for new members. Please contact Peggy Newport 613-353-2635. Perth Road Crafters have returned and meet every Wednesday: 9:30am – 11:30am at Harris Park Hall, 5612 Perth Road Cres. Cost is $2.00. First timer? Check us out for free, please contact Cheryl Bird 613-353-7303.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

No column; check back next week!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

CHEERS and Happy 90th birthday, Don White.  Hope some of your friends can make it to the legion on your big day to have a celebration drink with you -  March 23 at 4pm.

Cost of gas is crazy, so let’s continue to support local as best as possible. 

If you are out and about and find a good sale on something, please consider adding what you can to your grocery shop. Our Food Bank can always use the help. 

In February, our Food Bank assisted over 166 people from 56 households, and we expect those numbers to rise this month. Anything you can donate is appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at 4295 Stagecoach Road, or use the handy bins at Foodland. We are grateful for your support!   Some items they can use are: pasta sauce, cookies, crackers, canned flake meat, and juice boxes.  As always, anything is helpful.  The food bank is open to anyone who is in need of assistance. Please call 2 days in advance to place a food order and arrange a pick up.  Pickup days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Call 613-376-6477 ext 203.

Are you an aspiring singer?  The Grace Centre hosted their first karaoke evening on the 16th of March, and will have them every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Light refreshments available (sorry, no liquid courage haha).

I think it’s safe to say our ice season has come to an end. Please be safe if venturing out for some late season ice. When in doubt, don’t go out.  Watch your pets near bodies of water, as well - they don’t know just how unsafe it could be.

As we ease back into “normal” after the heck of a ride we’ve been on, keep kind and, most importantly, use common sense.

Keep smiling, Sydenham. Spring is on the way…

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Bellrock Community Hall  is holding SEEDY SATURDAY  on Saturday March 19.  Time: 9am to 11am. Bellrock Hall is celebrating the re-opening of our community hall for the season. Get involved with your community. Try a new plant in your garden.  Trade seeds with your neighbours, or just pick up a few varieties to test out and see what grows. Trade plants! For more information, contact Celine (613) 483-8270 or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Current  Covid protocols apply.

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