Jan 31, 2024


These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents


Arden
by Wanda Harrison

Join the Kennebec Rec Committee Friday, February 9 for the second Adult Game Night. Doors open at 7pm and the games begin at 7:30pm. Bring your own game to share. Light refreshments will be available.

On Saturday, February 10, the Sharbot Lake and District Lions will be hosting their monthly “All you can eat Breakfast” at Oso Hall, 8am to 11am. Adults $10. Don’t forget your plates, cups and utensils, as this month the proceeds will be donated to the Lion’s Club International Foundation.

By now everyone has received their 2024 Tax bill from the Township. Added into that bill was a tri fold advert for Heritage weekend. As you can see there is lots of stuff to do, with events appealing to all. Take advantage of “no permit” fishing weekend, go for a free skate at one of the 4 rinks, or join into Lake games on Kennebec There are venues for a variety of food stuffs and even singing and dancing events. The Matson Farm, on Sunday will demonstrate logging and other outdoor activities.

At the Arden Church, Coffee hour Thursday and Bible study Wednesday continue. There will be an Elder’s meeting February 7, at 7pm and a Pastoral Charge Board meeting February 12 at 7pm.

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Battersea/Storrington

Happy Groundhog day! As I write this, the weather forecast for Friday is sun!! Let's see what the rodents have to say about the rest of this winter! Why should you not share your bed with a groundhog? Because they HOG the blankets!

Meditation for Wellness - If you are a meditator or would like to learn, please join Yannick, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, at the Storrington Centre on Sunday, February 11 from 2:30-3:30pm. At this first meeting we will discuss what meditation is and its benefits, what experience people may have and what you would like to achieve with it. From there, a program will be designed to meet participants' needs.

Enjoy a delicious pancake dinner at Battersea United Church on Shrove Tuesday: Feb. 13. This dinner starts at 5pm and includes pancakes, sausage, fruit salad and warm drinks. The cost is $12 pp. Everyone welcome!

Let me know what you want to see in this column! Phone 613-353-6653, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text 613-888-5824. Can't do it without you!

Storrington Stinger News... after a mixed up week, with 3 snow/bus cancellation days, the recognition awards were delayed.  Stay tuned next week for the deserving recipients! 

Candygrams can be ordered now, for delivery to your favourite students on February 14th!! See This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find order details. 

If you have a child who will be 4 or 5 before the end of 2024, now is the time to register them for kindergarten!! Contact the school at 613-353- 2868 or visit the website at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

To celebrate Family Day, the Cloyne & District Historical Society presents genealogist Cindy Austin.   She will talk about  the old families in our area, and the methods she uses to track  ancestors.    Everyone is welcome at the Barrie Hall at 1pm on Monday, Feb 19th, 2024.

Valentine’s Day Pot Luck Lunch at Finnegan’s General Store between 2 and 5pm on February 14, 2024. Bring something to share. RSVP by February 12th at 613-336-2500.

The Cloyne Rec Club is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 14th from 4:30 to 5pm at the Barrie Community Hall. $15 per person, $8 for those 4-12 years of age and children under 3 years of age eat free! Dinner includes the yummy spaghetti, garlic bread, and dessert. Eat in or take out!

Special thanks to Marylin Bolender and many helpers for organizing a Christmas dinner on Christmas Day for the 15th year in a row at the Land O’Lakes Hall in Northbrook. Marylin (who is a Past President of the club), received a small certificate of appreciation and a gift for all the care and dedication given.

Open mic and music jams are happening monthly on the second Sunday of the month hosted by Friends and Music at the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes Hall in Northbrook from 2 – 5. Food is available to purchase and the canteen is open. This is a monthly Sunday afternoon happening on the second Sunday of the month (Sun, Feb. 11).

Great news from Finnegan’s: FINNEGANS’ BREAKFAST CLUB! Starting Tuesday, January 9th from 7:45-8:15am and on first break, there will be a limited breakfast available at the store for the high school kids (yogurt, granola, muffins, toast, cereal etc.) I’d like this to be a ‘complimentary’ breakfast club so if you’d like to donate an item, please drop it off to the store any day except Sundays. Suggestions of items include granola bars, small boxes of cereal, jar of peanut butter or margarine for toast etc. I’m not getting into things like bacon & eggs because it takes too long. This is meant to be an easy, grab and go option for kids who may not eat before class starts. The school also has a program and donations can be made directly to them if you would like to do that. Please contact the Parent Council.

Family Literacy Day is celebrated on January 27, 2024 to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Despite steady progress made across the world, literacy challenges persist with at least 763 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills in 2020. The recent COVID-19 crisis and other crisis, such as climate change and conflicts, have been exacerbating the challenges. Although the official date is January 27th, this year Family Literacy Day will be celebrated all week from January 22nd to the 28th! The theme for this year is “Let’s Have a Party!”

Family Literacy: It’s easier than you think because Life Is Literacy! If you take a few moments to explain every day activities to your kids, that’s family literacy.

Grocery shopping? Give them an item to find. Talk about prices and how money works.

Doing laundry? Have them sort clothes by colour or texture.

Cooking? Talk about weights and volume, fractions, measuring, and read the recipe together.

If you do any research online, that’s digital literacy. Talk about how you use a search engine.

It’s not just reading and writing (though that is very important too!), it’s teaching kids about life.

This is from the volunteers at The Little Church Thrift Store.

We put signs on both bins in front of the building asking people to please hold their donations until we open again in the Spring. That hasn’t helped as we are still getting things dropped off, and it makes it very difficult for us. We do not have the space to hold everything and since the building is not insulated it is simply just too cold for anyone to work. Today the west sidewalk is closed due to the amount of snow that fell however in spite of that someone had to stand out on the road and throw a bag in front of the bin. I have no idea how they thought we would be able to get to it let alone try to put it inside. Please think about us and hold your donations until we are ready to reopen. We appreciate everything we get but please hold it for us.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

St Luke’s United Church will be having a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13th  from 5 to 7pm.  There will be pancakes, sausages and baked beans. Free will offering.  Proceeds to go towards a new accessible ramp for the church.

Denbigh Rec Committee is hosting cards on Friday February 9 at 7pm at the Denbigh Hall.  Come join the fun!!

Denbigh Library is hosting a Valentine’s Day Craft on Wednesday, February 7 from 6 to 7pm.  Please call 613-333-1426 to register your child.

Greater Madawaska Senior Housing Corporation is having a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Feb 10 at the Griffith Community Hall (Lion’s Hall).  Cost is by donation.  For more information and to make a reservation, please call Elaine 613-333-2741 or Juliette 343-943-7690 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

A lovely lady once asked me in for a warm drink and a chat when we first arrived in town.  The home was inviting and it felt like many wonderful gatherings had been hosted there.  Pat always had a smile on her face and I warmed to her and her husband (Glen) immediately. I was saddened to find out that recently Pat had passed away, shocked actually as I felt like I had recently seen them bundled up at the hockey game, and chatted with them over a bite of breakfast at the Country Kitchen. In retrospect, I wish I had taken the time to sit with her during our last meeting. but alas, hindsight is 20/20. She will be missed by many. Sorry to hear that Pat McNichols died of pneumonia on January 23rd. Condolences to her family and everyone who held her dear.

Shout out to our very own Nicki Gowdy. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community! In total, the community collected a whopping 597 lbs. of peanut butter and 115 lbs. of jam! Your contributions will make a significant impact, and we couldn't be more grateful for your support. Thank you for making a difference! Thanks to Nicki for spearheading this effort

Exercise is important to everyone and for seniors, it is critical to help maintain independence. South Frontenac Community Services offers a variety of classes with a focus on a combination of strength and mobility. Also, regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system and help fight off those winter blues and colds. Only $40 a year!! For more information check out their website at https://www.sfcsc.ca/grace-activities You can also reach out to Natalee, Activities Coordinator, at 613-376-6477-310 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

The Mudhouse Spa & Resort would like to thank our clients for their continued support!  We love our new location in Harrowsmith, Ontario!  The perfect building to expand even more services!  To help us celebrate, we are offering the "Love is in the Air" special for the month of February. $99+tax for singles and $195+tax for couples.  Package includes:

30 minute massage using a special chocolate oil

30 minute Mudhouse facial using a special chocolate mud mask

non-alcoholic wine and snack served at a romantic candlelight table

gift to take home

If purchased as a gift certificate during the month of January, you will also receive a complimentary foot treatment of a scrub, massage and paraffin wax.  

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 there will be a Painting Workshop with a Valentine theme at the Sydenham Legion Hall at 4361 Amelia Street.  Materials will be provided but attendees should bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun!!  Donations of $5 will be accepted for Beginners through to Experienced (55+).  Please register a few days before with Natalee at South Frontenac Community Services 613-376-6477 Ext 310.  

Friday, February 2, 2024 there will be a Youth Dance at the Golden Links Hall, from 7 - 9:30 for public school children.  Cost is $7.00.  For more information, call 613-372-2410.  

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 the winter / spring session of the Frontenac Youth Choir will begin and continue every Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30pm at the Trinity United Church in Verona.  There are limited afternoon school bus seats available from the Harrowsmith Elementary School to Verona.  For more information contact Rachael 613-539-5625.  

Sunday, February 11, 2024 is the Ole Tyme Fiddlers Open Mike at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith.  Open at 1 until 5pm followed by dinner.  Cost is $15.00.  Please bring a dessert to share.  For more information call 613-372-2410.

Sunday, February 18, 2024 TAKE OUT turkey dinner, Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith.  Advance tickets only with a cutoff date of Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  Cost is $20.00. Tickets are available at the gas stations in Sydenham, Harrowsmith and Hartington as well as Asselstine Hardware in Verona.  Pickup time between 4 and 5:30.  For information, call 613-372-2410.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Wow - in spite of the many school and meeting cancellations this past week due to ice and snow, the Friday Family fun time movie called “Migration” happened at the Kennebec Hall. Thanks to the organizers and all who braved the weather.

Our road crews are fantastic - out at all hours of the night to keep us safe and the roads clear. We love you to pieces! We almost got cabin fever after 4 straight ice days in a row, but sanity prevailed and all is well in beautiful downtown Henderson.

Well, it’s February already and Cupid is poised to visit soon, hopefully responding to all of our hints!! Meantime Kennebec Recreation are offering an adult games night at their hall in Arden on Fri. Feb. 9 with the doors opening at 7 and games starting at 7:30. Then, the next day  on Sat. Feb.. 10   the Kennebec Recreation hosts a  supervised kids Valentine dance from 5:30 - 8.  Rock on, Kennebec Recreation!!

Harlowe bops  on at their open mic events that are bringing cheer to the area, and brightening up our lives after all these icy days. As well, our Pine Meadow people enjoyed a casino night and had a real hoot.

Is anyone from our area taking the plunge  in the polar plunge on Heritage Weekend?

Our North Addington Education Centre is overcoming food insecurity at the school, featuring bins of food in each classroom that all students can access, along with other food support options. As well, they are part of a registered Canadian charity called the Food Sharing Project that is governed by a volunteer board of directors and currently employs three full-time staff members, along with the support of many volunteers. This organization delivers food to all publicly funded schools across Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington at no charge. Wow!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Thanks to all who supported the Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner! It was delicious! Blair MacFie was the lucky winner of the 50/50 draw!

Storrington Stingers Hockey Dance on February 3rd at Storrington Lions Club Hall. Music, buffet and raffle. Cash bar. Doors open at 8pm. Text for tickets: 613-929-9793.

Transition Storrington The inaugural meeting had a great turn out! Next meeting is February 10 from 1 to 3pm at the Storrington Community Centre. For more info on the meetings and future workshops email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meditation for Wellness - Please join Yannick, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, at the Storrington Centre on Sunday, February 11th from 2:30-3:30pm. We will discuss what meditation is and its benefits, what experience people may have and what you would like to achieve with it. From there, a program will be designed to meet participants needs.

Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday February 13th at Battersea United Church. Doors open at 5pm. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, fruit salad, tea & coffee. Cost $12 per person.

Youth Dance! for those in grades 5 to 8 on February 16th from 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Storrington Lions Hall. Music, canteen available, adult supervision. Cost is $5 pp.

Hockey Day in Battersea! Family Day Weekend Event.. 3 on 3 Tournament. Form your team with as many players as you like. Cost per player is $60 and this includes lunch and dinner. To register your team, email Kyle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Students looking for a Summer job! South Frontenac is offering a variety of positions. Apply by February 25th to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Chess Club for youth ages 6 to 16 is forming at the Inverary Playhouse (4750 Latimer Rd). Join us on Monday evenings beginning February 26th unitl May 13th. Cost is $50. Enjoy a quick lesson by a Chess Professional and then enjoy games with others. Boards, pieces etc. provided. May 13th will be a finishing evening with pizza and chess fun! Call Christine Harvey to register at 613-314-3505 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet - Different format... same warm welcome! Join us on Saturday, March 2nd. Doors open from 7am. to 10am. Serving scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes, toast, juice, tea & coffee. Cost is $10 per person, 12 and under $5. Volunteers definitely welcome! Contact Darlene at 613-217-1142.

Vendors Wanted!! Inverary Spring Market will be held Saturday April 27th from 10 to 3 at Ken Garrett Memorial Park! A great event for all ages! Confirm your spot by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text Kim at 613-530-7446.

South Frontenac Museum is looking for history information or artifacts from Inverary, Sunbury, Battersea, Perth Road Village and surrounding areas. If you have old pictures, books on the area, a special story to tell or artifacts that you can donate or loan to the museum call Judy Borovskis at 613-353-1768. I am amazed at what I am learning!

Yoga Class every Wednesday evening at 6pm at Inverary United Church Hall. Also Pilates & Foam Rolling. Full schedule at nomadyogini.ca  or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

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

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

Back to Health is expanding services and now offers Yoga Classes Monday and Friday evenings and Wednesday mornings. To register, call 353-1109.

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

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

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

FREE Fitness Classes for Seniors at ABC Hall, 3166 Bolingbroke Rd., Mondays Feb. 5 to May 27. 9:30am to 10:30am. For more info, call Margaret 613-273-9244. Pease bring indoor running shoes and wear comfortable clothing. Bring your water, and if you like to use weights, bring them too.

Line Dancing at ABC Hall - address above. Fridays, Feb. 9 to March 8, 10am to 11am. For more info, contact Rhonda Aisbitt 613-885-8543 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is a great way to get a fun workout! Beginners welcome. Admission is $5 at the door and that goes to Hall maintenance.

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Sad news in Ompah.  Dave Slack passed away last week after a long illness.  He was a fixture at local craft shows with his beautifully carved waterfowl.  Our condolences to wife Cecilia.

Feb. 17 is the date for the 3rd annual Snow Stomp outdoor dance from 4 to 5:30.  Put this date on your calendar.  It is always great fun.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Congratulations to Eileen Whan last week as she celebrated her 98th birthday with lots of phone calls, family visits and a special dinner - complete with an upside down birthday cake at the Senior Retirement Home in Sharbot Lake.

Jim MacPherson entertained the residents at the Seniors Home in Sharbot Lake.  The folks were not only tapping their toes but clapping, singing and using utensils and drumming along.

Sympathy is extended to the late Art Shaw family, as well as Jerry Godfrey's family.

Students were busy cramming for their exams at GREC.

Big thank you for the road crew keeping our roads driveable and safe last week.

The 4 on 4 Hockey Tournament in support of Minor Ball had to be postponed until Feb 3rd due to the ice conditions.  So remember to come out Saturday and cheer on the players participating.

Start Feb. 10th off with the Sharbot Lake Lions Club All You Can Eat Breakfast at the OSO Township Hall.  Don't forget our cup and utensils to help the environment.  This event is in support of the Lions Clubs International Foundation.  Also, please remember that the Lions Club also have containers at the dump for their pop can and wine and beer bottles too.

Hoping Kimm Gray and Dale Hartwick have a great year as they celebrated birthdays in January.  Happy Anniversary to Fred and Tanya Hawley who celebrated in January as well.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating in February Sheri Cox, Ben Steele, Aleris Cronk, Lesley Merrigan, Mary Wisteard, Sandra Raymond, Jen Meulenaar, Savannah McClellan, Will Cooke, Richard Webster, Tammy Hartwick, Sylvia Cota, Angie Teal, Helene Riddell, Kenna Brown, Nathan Lowery, Harmonie Ruttan, Shawn Kehoe, Tammy Parks, Betty Babcock, Tyler MacPherson, Kaden Dupuis, Debbie Kehoe, Carson Hamilton, Keegan Bertrim, Earl Brown, Geraldine Badour, Danny Meeks, Hunter Cooke, Skylar Lee, Judy Huffman, Ed Goodfellow, Troy Wookcock, Bentley Schonauer, Saylor Cota, Liz Steele-Drew, Cheryl Gordon, and Janice Conway.

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

No column; check back next week!

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

This Sun, Feb 4th will be a very busy day in Plevna.

At 10:30am, you'll want to check out the River of Life Christian Fellowship (7064 Road 506) to enjoy the musical stylings of the ladies gospel trio "New Journey". There will be a delicious potluck for everybody to enjoy after the service.

The draws for Craig Schonauer's Recovery raffle will take place at the North of 7 Restaurant at 2pm. It will also be livestreamed there for everybody on the Craig Schonauer -Recovery Support Page. Prizes will be there at that time for pickup or it can be arranged with one of the organizers for a later time if you are not able to attend. 

The Plevna Clar-Mill Hall was filled with fun, laughs and friends last Tues Jan 23rd! The 2nd Poker Chip Grocery Bingo Lunch was hosted by the Clar-Mill Community Volunteers and it was a blast!! Lots of grocery prizes were won and thank you to everybody that came out to support the volunteers and to everybody that donated soups/sandwiches and desserts for the lunch! The next Bingo Lunch will be Tues, Feb 6th from 11-1pm!

If you like to play Euchre and want to enjoy an evening out on these long winter nights, come on out Tues nights to the Plevna Clar-Mill hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) at 6:50pm (Games start at 7pm) 16 people came out to play cards last Tues night and it was super fun! Congrats to Paul R. for winning the high score prize with 84 and Rhonda W. for winning the most lone hands prize with 4. Newcomer Tony won consolation prize that night and he went home with a box of chocolates! 

You are invited to the 3rd Annual Ompah Snow Stomp Outdoor Dance on Sat, Feb 17th at the Ompah Community Centre from 4-5:30pm! Parking is available at the rest stop across the road and washrooms are open. Refreshments will be served,  please no alcohol. For more information, you can contact Liz at 613 806-4745.

The Township of North Frontenac will be hosting the 2024 Winterfest on Sat, Feb 24th for us all to enjoy!! Lonnie and I will be hosting another FREE Euchre Tournament sponsored by Lonnie Watkins Tree Service in the hall to finish off the event again! If you would like to participate at Winterfest too, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613 479-2231.

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Do…re…me….fa…so…la…ti…do… Got those vocals warmed up?  Come out to the back by popular demand Karaoke night at the Legion. Admission is $5, cash bar, all welcome.  Upstairs bar.  Should be a good night, we have some pretty awesome local singers.  Come out and beat the winter blahs Saturday, February 3rd, starting at 7pm.

Dieter Boehme tickets are selling fast - $10 per ticket, get yours today and enjoy the musical talent of Dieter and friends Saturday, February 10th. Tickets may be available at the door if not sold out before.  Celebrate Valentine’s with some awesome music.

Touchdown… if your teams have made it to the SuperBowl and you’re looking for a place to enjoy the game and have a bowl of chilli and cold beer,  the downstairs lounge at the Legion is hosting the game.  No tickets needed, $5 for a bowl of chilli and a bun.  Team colours and cheering allowed.

Wishing all our local highschool students a good second semester.

In case you’re not aware, our local Grace Centre is quite the happening place.  Lots of activities to help you get through the winter months.  Check them out today.  For example, Good Graces Cafe every Tuesday at 9am-11am at Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church, 3876 Harrowsmith Rd. You can join friends and neighbours for fun and fellowship - coffee, tea, toast and other refreshments available for a small fee. Pre-registration not required.

Call 613-376-6477 ext. 310 for more info.

Happy February, everyone - let’s make some memories.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

The next Women's Luncheon will be held at MOM's Restaurant on Tuesday, February 6 at 12:30pm. Topic of discussion will be Valentine Day and Hearts. Please call 613 374-2703 to reserve. New women are always welcome.

Friday, February 2 is hockey night in South Frontenac. Come cheer on our local senior men’s team, the Frontenac Phantoms as they take on Tweed.

The winter/spring session of the Frontenac Youth Choir will begin on Tuesday, February 6 and continue every Tuesday 4:30 to 5:30 at Trinity United Church in Verona. Limited afternoon school bus seats are available from Harrowsmith Elementary School to Verona. For more information, contact Rachael @ 613-539-5625.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturdays February 10 and 24, from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival provides gently used clothing, free of charge. They are also open every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Location at the Verona Free Methodist Church.

Family Day will be held Monday, February 19 at the Frontenac Community Arena. Come enjoy family day with free skating, snow tubing and snowshoeing, out door activities and games.

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