Community Columns, December 21st, 2023

Dec 20, 2023

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
• Ompah
• Parham-Tichborne
• Perth Road
• Plevna
• Sydenham
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

Well, it appears that the mini Covid outbreak in Arden is now over and hopefully we can celebrate a very safe and Happy Christmas and New Year.

Hope you read Jeff Green’s article in last weeks edition regarding the distribution of the Frontenac News. Make sure you take the necessary steps if you wish to continue receiving our wonderful local paper.

Our house wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

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Battersea/Storrington

What is the name of the dog who lives at the North Pole? Santa Paws!

Amazing Storrington Stinger News!! Our little school accomplished big results!!! With just over 200 students at SPS, our Stingers brought in 511 boxes of Cheerios!! What! Ms. Renaud’s 4/5 class alone brought in a total of 200 boxes of Cheerios. While they will celebrate their win with a pizza and movie party, this entire school deserves a huge round of applause!

Non-Perishable Food Donations to Battersea United Church

Thank you to all our Stingers who brought in a non-perishable food donation in support of the Battersea United Church. We are very lucky to be part of such a caring school community! We are happy to report that BASKETS of food was donated to our local food bank!

And finally from Storrington, the November recipients of the Storrington Recognition Awards are, Emmelin Doyle, Abby Azulay, Cora Knapp, Alivia Shaw, Blake McCallum, Preston MacPherson, Wesley Knapp-Bain, Harley Colby and Xander Williams. Congratulations to all Stingers!! You make our community so proud! Thank you!

Church services will be as follows, the Longest Night service is Thursday,  Dec 21 at  7 pm at  Inverary UC.   Christmas Eve services: 4 pm (family) & 7 pm (traditional) at Battersea UC. There is no regular morning services Christmas eve, and no service Christmas day. 

Transition Storrington

It appears that the world as we know it is in jeopardy. Many of us may feel discouraged, confused or even resigned about how to make a difference on these global issues in our own backyard. 

If you can relate, you may wish to join us in a new conversation about local solutions. We are calling this initiative Transition Storrington. We want to bring our community together around these critical issues and shift the focus to what positive actions we can take collectively and locally.

Jan 13, 1-3pm at the Storrington Centre on 3910 Battersea Road.  All are welcome!. For more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks for reading along each week and I hope you have a happy holiday.  Talk to you again in 2024!! Cheers to all!

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

News from Lennox and Addington Shop with a Cop: “What an amazing day! First, thank you to all of our local businesses and community members for their generous donations. The smiles on the faces of these kids today were because of you—this day wouldn’t happen without you! A very special thank you to Dan and all the staff at Roxborough Bus Lines Ltd. Thank you to our awesome driver Gary who got us everywhere we needed to on time and safe. Lastly, thank you to the officers that came out to spend time with our kids. Your kindness and genuine care for our students was amazing to be a part of. Thank you from all of the students. You made lifelong memories for all the kids today! Thank you all!”

News from Pine Meadow Nursing Home: “Thank you to the Golden Girls! The residents loved their homemade holiday cards! Thanks for always thinking of us. Thank you to the resident's, staff and visitors for participating again this year to help support Land O'Lakes Community Services Angel Program! Your donations will help to brighten a child's Christmas this year! Tis the Season for Giving.”

Christmas Day dinner on Dec. 25th serving at 12:30 at the Lions Hall. Come for good food, fun, friends, and fellowship on this blessed day. Please do not sit alone at home; everyone is welcome. Take-out is available. For more information call Marylin at 613-336-1573.

“This Christmas end a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologise. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.” Howard W. Hunter

To those who are not able to be with family on Christmas Day; our paramedics, volunteer fire fighters, health care professionals, the staff of Pine Meadow, and our military serving abroad, we thank you for keeping us safe and well.

Merry Christmas

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.   Have a safe and blessed holiday visiting with family and friends.

The Denbigh Parade was a big success this year. For a complete account, go to page ???

And now to some of our other community events.   St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Denbigh will be having Christmas Eve Service on Sunday December 24 at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome.  St. Luke’s United Church in Denbigh will be having Christmas Eve Service on Sunday December 24 at 10:00 a.m. at their regular time.  Everyone is welcome.

A reminder for everyone who loves to play cards Denbigh Rec Committee is hosting a Pot Luck and cards on Friday December 29 7:00 p.m. at the Denbigh Hall.  Come join the fun!!

Merry Christmas to All!

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Hi to Pearl Killingbeck, I continue to enjoy reading about your visits and how you are doing. Sending you much support and kind thoughts...from us.

Thank you to Janet Gutowski and Debra & Barry Campbell for coming to the rescue when James and I were down with a one-week virus that kept us bedridden and suffering. We seem to have turned a corner however are staying isolated for the next little while.

To Noel Freeman … so … what is the next artistic installment going to be for us all to enjoy?

Happy belated birthday to Sue Peters!  I hope you enjoyed your special day and we shall have lunch soonest to celebrate!

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

Brenda Crawford will be taking $235.00 to the food bank this week. Thank you so much for purchasing her warm things at Harrowsmith and Sydenham Pharmacies, and the Sydenham One Stop Convenience store.  If anyone has any yarn to donate to make into warm things, please drop it off at the Harrowsmith Pharmacy.  Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas and Holiday time!!  The wreaths are up on the poles along the main street in Harrowsmith.  It took a little longer than usual, but the lights on the spruce tree and the reindeer are now in the Parkette.  Please enjoy all of these as you travel through our village.  A big thanks to the Harrowsmith Beautification Committee for updating the wreaths and coordinating.  A second big thanks to Chris from the Township for installing the wreaths and the lights.  A third big thanks to Rod and Brenda Crawford for building and installing the reindeer.

The Holiday season will soon be upon us and with it one of the busiest times of the year for people to travel.  Enjoy the time, but please be watchful and careful out there.      

Sunday, December 31, 2023 Rock in the New Year with favorite DJ's Mark n Shirley, Golden Links Hall Harrowsmith.  Doors are open at 8pm.  Hot meal served at 1:00pm.  Bus ride home is available.  Cost is $30 per person.  Limited number of tickets being sold.  For tickets and information please call 613-372-2410. 

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Henderson
Jean Brown

So many folks are jumping in to make Christmas brighter, bigger and better including our Pine Meadow resident's, staff and visitors who participated in the Land O'Lakes Community Services Angel Program.

As well the Golden Girls had a blast last week making over 70 Christmas cards for the residents and staff at Pine Meadow Nursing Home. Special thanks to Kersty who had the cards all prepared and ready for the ladies to proceed, in the multi step process, and everyone had a fun time for sure.

One of our dear Friends of Land O’Lakes Lions and Chair of the Foodbank, Lois Emond, has designed and created a wonderfully amazing quilt that tells a story of Christmas, and has donated it to the club for a raffle. It's absolutely stunning and a piece that will bring joy to your family for generations. The draw will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 6pm at the Lions Hall and proceeds aid the Emergency Shelter Capital Campaign.

Our Kennebec District flooded the post office with peanut butter for Councillor Nicki Gowdy’s municipal wide peanut butter food bank challenge. This is a yummy in the tummy idea that our whole township embraced enthusiastically- THANKS!!

The Open Mike in Harlowe was a hoot and a holler and the food was out of this world in deliciousness!!

Today (Dec. 21) spouse and I celebrate 24 years of wedded bliss - so next year we will have a banner year bash, God-willing.

Thanks, dear readers, for your good wishes and compliments and for sharing all your news! Yahoo!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

The Challenge is on! Other communities have done this – now it is our turn! How many jars of peanut butter can we get donated for the Food Bank? Not fond of peanut butter – no problem our challenge also includes jars of jam and jars of honey. Peanut butter, jam & honey! Your donations can be dropped at Shirley O’Neil’s at 4007 Round Lake Road or Maple Country Home & Farm. Let’s go!

Christmas Baskets! Please consider donating a turkey to Battersea United Church for the annual Christmas baskets. Lots of storage room at Inverary or Battersea churches.

Rotary Cash Calendars on sale! Great Christmas gifts. Cash prizes. Available at Mrs. Garrett’s Bakery, Inverary Pharmasave and Maple Country Home & Farm. All yours for $20.

Food Bank Drive was a great success and thank you to all who gave. Remember you can donate anytime to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and in your message box identify where you want the donation to go.

Christmas Services for Storrington Pastoral Charge. December 24th services will be at Battersea United Church with a Family Service at 4:00 pm and a Traditional Service at 7:00 pm.

December 31 is Regular service times, 9:15 at Battersea and 11:15 at Inverary.

Sing Good Bye to 2023! with Chris Murphy in concert at Inverary United Church on December 31st at 2pm. Free will offering. Everyone welcome!

Pickleball Courts available at Storrington Lions Club. Call 613-353-6920 to book yours!

Line Dancing from 7 to 8 pm. every Monday night at the Storrington Lions’ Hall. The cost is $5. Contact Crystal to reserve your spot: 613-453-6303.

Hall Rentals: Inverary Church Hall – contact Judy Borovskis 353-1768 or cell: 613-545-5017. Battersea Church hall – contact Roberta Smith 353-2846.

VON SMART Exercise & Fall Prevention Classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am.at the Storrington Centre. To register call Danielle McTaggart at 1-800-301-0076  ext 3414.

Yoga Class every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. at Inverary United Church Hall.

Storrington Retirees Luncheon at the Storrington Centre the second Wednesday of each month. Enjoy a home cooked meal. Everyone welcome!

Save your Drink Cans (alcohol and non-alcohol) for the Storrington Lions Club Can Drive on January 7th from 12:30 to 2:30. Help fill the bin which will be on site compliments of Environmental Contracting Services. Complimentary Hot Chocolate will be served in the hall. Proceeds in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs.

Thank you to all the readers of the Frontenac News and to those who donate or advertise

enabling this paper to exist. Thank you to everyone who email or call with tidbits for the Inverary column. I enjoy keeping in touch with all of you once a week and wish each of you a wonderful holiday time and my best wishes for 2024!

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

No column; check back next week!

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Update from Pearl

November 30. In hospital 150 days on Sunday. Went to bed at 9:30 on Wednesday night and slept all night and all day – about 10 hours. Only at rice krispies, no lunch and a piece of chicken for supper with potatoes. So tired – runny nose, dry mouth, funny sounding voice, scrambled brain. Diane Lake was in to see Barb and I in the afternoon. We were both sleepy. I sat up from 5:30 to bedtime. Thanks Barb for the chocolate mints and visit.

December 1. Still don’t feel well and didn’t get up until after 8. My arm hurts so bad that I had to take extra pain pills so slept Thursday afternoon, got up for a piece of chicken for supper and back to bed by 8:30. Ruth Jackson and Bev Ladurantaye came in Friday evening and brought a hot meal of liver and onions but I felt too sick to eat or visit.

Rick, Bradley, Jenn and Alex were in to visit on Saturday. I moved to another room and have new bedmates Diana and Linda. Sharon and Pam came in with a sausage sandwich from Tim Horton’s and coffee and some sweet and sour ribs (yum). I was hooked up on IV on Saturday for 4 days – doctor said it had to do with my thyroid. I am sleeping a lot

On Thursday Alice was in to get my news but I hadn’t written anything. She helped with my story for Harriet as I can barely write. Janet Greenley came in on Friday to zoom my message to Harriet’s birthday party. It looked like lots of fun and I wish I could have been there. Happy Birthday Harriet and many more. Shirley and Tricia brought in a box of goodies from the party that I shared with the nurses and roommates.

Denzel and Dale and Kwan came in on 11th to visit.

When Elvis was in last week he also brought a blue scarf and a great picture of him in his white jumpsuit (Be still my heart!).

Rob and Vanessa came for a visit also with a great big box of Lindor chocolates and some pink slippers that don’t fit – my feet must grow when I am sleeping.

I have been so sick and shaky and sleeping a lot and barely getting out of bed that I had to cancel the Xmas lunch planned with some friends. So sorry.

I had a nice visit with Helene Riddell.

Thank you to Janet Greenley for the cookies and raisin pie. (That’s once piece of raisin pie that Murray Elliott won’t be getting). It was so good.

Donna was in and did my hair again and Elaine stopped in when she was in Perth for lunch with friends.

It was so nice to see Wendy Crain and she brought me a lovely pink striped nightgown to dress up for Xmas.

Thanks to Harriet and Elaine for having Holly come in and do my feet in some lovely Xmas colors.

I want to wish all my friends and family and fans a wonderful Christmas season and all the best for 2024.

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

It would be hard for the annual Christmas light display at Riverhill Farm to be any more beautiful than it usually is, but on Saturday they managed something even more spectacular.  A magnificent fireworks show was added for that night, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the display.  The event was well advertised, and over 1000 people were on hand to appreciate the wonderful show.  The organization of the event, including the lights, the vendors, those wonderful mini donuts and the presence of Santa himself, not to mention the fireworks and the massive parking and traffic issues, were all handled very professionally.  Hats off to Stephanie, Greg and Rhonda and their big team of helpers for this very special contribution to the North Frontenac Community.

The Food Bank box in the Community Centre foyer is getting full.  But there is still room for more.  We will deliver what we have before Christmas but will continue to collect non-perishable foods for delivery in January.

2023 has been a full year full of ups and downs, but together we have weathered the storms, had fun together, and took care of each other.  Wishing you all happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and another great year together in 2024.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Parham Happy Travellers enjoy their Christmas meeting last Wednesday unfortunately due to sickness the musical entertainer was unable to attend but some enjoyed delicious luncheon, Christina's Story and Bingo after meeting.  This group is looking for new members for those over 40 (although you are unable to hold office until 50).  We meet every 3rd Wednesday with pot lunch at 12 - entertainment and meeting to follow (No meeting in January but Piza meeting on Feb. 21) Stop in to see if you would be interested in joining we'd love to see you.  

Christmas Eve Service will be held at Parham United at  7 pm

Happy 50th Anniversary to Art & Carmel Cowdy

The elves were busy wrapping gifts as the students got to shop in the GREC Christmas Store.  The little ones were super excited to be able to shop for those on their gift giving list.  Thank you to everyone to donated to once again make this an amazing year for the kids.

Sympathy to the families of the late Harry Revell and Elaine Deyo of Verona.

Thinking of you to Brian Scott

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our faithful readers, friends, neighbours and all a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed Happy New Year.

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church: Sunday services continue at 10.00 am. Address: 5614 Perth Rd Crescent, Perth Road, ON K0H 2L0.

Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service: 7:00pm. (No Morning Service)

Christmas EvE Lessons, carols, and celebration of Holy Communion at the Wilmer Church: 8:30pm. It is suggested you bring a flashlight.

Tuesday lunches at Perth Road Sunday School hall, Perth Road. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert. Last lunch of 2023 will be on Tues. 19^th, resuming again in 2024 on Jan. 2nd

For information about The Sunday School Hall rentals, please call Vera Shepherd at 613-353-2470 or Stephen Bach at 343-364-1033

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

It is very cool when a kind idea turns into a Fabulously Festive Event! Lonnie and I had fireworks left over from Canada Day that we weren't able to set off because of the fire ban at the time. We sent Steph a message at Riverhill Farm to see if she would be interested in us bringing them over for Lonnie to set off and we could share them with whomever was enjoying the lights after the Christmas Parade in early December. She checked with her parents and her Dad said they thought it would be a good idea to celebrate their 10th Anniversary with them. He collected some money from a whole bunch of companies (there is a list of the generous contributors in Steph's flyer) and I went in and picked up more fireworks at the store behind Dodd's and Erwin in Perth for the big show. At the entrance Stephanie said they had a confirmed count of 950 people by 7:45pm and they continued to have more people coming in right up to 10pm. She said some people were over an hour to get from Ardoch Road to their farm and I can attest to that because I was one of those people stuck in traffic. There was not one customer at the Plevna Liquor Store after 4:30pm and I figured out why when I arrived at the Christmas lights. Unfortunately, the next morning as they were collecting the garbage, Steph said 60 light bulbs were stolen from the fence line lights on the walking path that goes out and around the present, but on the whole though it was a great turnout, there were no major issues and the weather was perfect. 

22 people came out to Euchre last Tuesday. $104.50 was raised for Clarendon Central School. Cathy S. won high score prize with 88, Jackie L. won most lone hands prize with 4 and Phil F won the consolation prize. There will be no more euchre this year. Merry Christmas and stay tuned for the start up date in the new year. 

Christmas Eve is almost here and if you enjoy going to Mass and celebrating the reason for the season with others there are several in our area to enjoy: 

The River of Life Christian Fellowship invites everyone to come celebrate with them at 6pm on December 24th. 

St. Kilian's Catholic Church will be having their regular 11am Sunday Mass and their Christmas eve service will be at 4:30pm. The following week, the regular Sunday Mass will be at 11am and New Years Day Mass (Monday) will also be at 11am. All are Welcome. My apologies for posting the incorrect time for the New Years Mass last week. 

Holy Trinity Anglican Church will be hosting Christmas eve Mass at 6pm and everybody is welcome. Sincere Condolences to the Anglican Church Minister David Smith on the passing of his wife Margaret Smith. 

It has been a great pleasure providing you with the Plevna Community News each week! The Frontenac News takes the last two weeks of the year off, so I will be back in 2024 well rested and ready to share the news once more. Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

I would like to wish all residents of Sydenham a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope 2024 finds you all in good health.

Looking for plans for New Year’s Eve? Get your tickets now for the Sydenham Legion New Years Eve, $10 per person tickets available at The One Stop and The Legion. Teagan Mclaren will be performing.

Word on the street, Harrowsmith is trying to beat us in the Peanut Butter Challenge. We will be accepting donations until month end for this challenge, so let’s show some true Sydenham spirit, and go nuts. Currently Sydenham has 62 jars, Harrowsmith has 52, but Battersea is coming up with 30. Inverary at 25, Hartington at 21, Perth Road and Verona are at 5 each, plus we have 28 jams. Stone Mills is where I got this idea from, they finished their challenge at 2013 jars, wow guys, you’re nutty as all get out :). Get your donations in Sydenham, drop them at the One Stop, Amy’s family hair on Sydenham Road, Lennys Deli and my home 4450 Portland avenue. Jam, jelly and honey would be a sweet touch too, our foodbank has less than 12 jars of peanut butter in stock. So this is a massive help.

St Paul’s Anglican Church on Mill St in Sydenham welcomes everyone to its Christmas Eve service at 4 pm on December 24. Join us for carols and traditional readings as well as Holy Eucharist. There will be no Sunday morning service on December 24. Rev. Georgiana Stewart presiding. Organist David Rankine.

Merry Christmas Sydenham.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

It is that magical season of the year, when the darkest time of the year can seem so bright. As we assemble with loved ones to enjoy the festive season, we can be thankful for so many things. And this is the time to thank the people who make Verona this exciting place to live in. The volunteers! We would be a very dreary village without our volunteers who make special events a reality. And if you have never volunteered, make 2024 the year to volunteer.

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.

Once again this year there will be a free turkey dinner on Christmas Day at the Verona Lions Hall. Doors open at 10:30, dinner will be served at noon. To reserve your spot call 613 374 2884 or 613 374 3406.

There will be a Christmas Eve service "Worship the New Born King" on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 pm at the Verona Free Methodist Church

Lace up your skates for public skating over the holiday break on December 27 from 10 am to 11:30 am and December 29 from 12:30 to 3 pm. The 29th is a special Ffree skate with Free hot chocolate and coffee courtesy of the township to cap off their 25th anniversary. Frontenac Community Arena.

Enjoy breakfast with friends at the Winter Warm-Up Breakfast at Trinity United Church on Saturdays in January. First breakfast is January 6. Breakfast from 830am to 11am. Payment by donation. This is hosted by Trinity United Church and the Verona Community Association.

Winter parking restrictions are now in effect. There is no parking on Township roads and village streets from 12 midnight to 7 am until March 31, 2024 so crews can keep roads clear and safe.

To all Frontenac News readers, a very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous New Year.

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