Community Columns, March 21st, 2024

Mar 20, 2024

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
• Sharbot Lake
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

The Arden United Church has asked me to thank everyone for their continued support of their fundraising events. The February Music Concert filled the Church and extra chairs were needed to accommodate attendees. So, thank you, to those who requested their special music and the musicians who performed it. Secondly, the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast had an amazing turnout. Some bravely taste the controversial black pudding. The jury is still out on that! They want all those who attended to know, that they are grateful and hope their support will continue.

There will be a few special services in Arden during Holy Week. There will be a Cross Walk on March 29th at 1:30pm, starting at the Matson Farm and ending at Arden United Church. There will also be a Son-Rise Easter Service at the Public Beach on Price Road on March 31st at 6:30am. Lastly, each church will also have an Easter Service during their regular service times. 

The North Frontenac Food Bank will be hosting their Annual “Stuff the Cruiser”, at Mike Dean’s, 10am to 2pm, March 30. With the need increasing, your support would be appreciated.

In co-operation with the Arden Legion, the Kennebec Rec Committee will be hosting their annual Children’s Easter Party. The day begins at the Legion with a Breakfast of Pancakes and sausage 8am to 10am. Adults $10.00, children without art work $5.00 and children with art work, free. They can then head over to the Kennebec Community Centre for the party 10am to 12:30am. There will be games, an Easter egg hunt, and a hot dog lunch. This is a free event and all are welcome. For information, please call Lynn Klages at 613-305-0953.

The Kennebec Rec Committee will be holding their second annual “Fool’s Plunge”, 9am at the Arden Mill Pond, Monday April 1. Brunch will follow, at the Legion. Registration packages are available at C4 Convenience. For more information, please contact Jeff Matson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RFCS will be holding a Babysitter Course, for ages 11 and up, Monday April 8, at the Child Care Centre, 9am to 3:30pm. The cost will be $60.00 and will include the instruction manual. You need to register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 613-279-3151 x 305, as space is limited. Those attending will be responsible for their own lunch and snacks.

The Township of Central Frontenac has sent out a message to their residents, to remind them with the late winter and early summer, dry conditions are extreme. They ask you to first, obtain a fire permit through their office and to also be aware that your small left and brush fire, could pose an extreme hazard to your community. Please take care.

Back to top

Battersea/Storrington

Every year, what can you only find in the middle of March and the middle of April? The letter "r"!

Food bank! Food bank!  Food bank! Food drive! Friday, March 22 at the Storrington Lion's Club from 1-5!  Every little bit helps! Please bring whatever you are able. 

On Wednesday,  March 27th, plan to attend a fascinating evening exploring the oral history of Storrington district. Hear about the 5 original villages, Keelerville,  Battersea, Sunbury,  Inverary and Latimer.  Learn how these villages began and hear stories from local Seniors of days gone by. This is a free event at the Storrington Centre starting at 7pm. Refreshments will be available. 

Spring into wellness!! Get your mind and body ready for the new season! Thru yoga, exercise or both, take the time to get yourself ready for this season of new beginnings. These classes are for everyone, at any level. Please contact Allison, Renee or Ashley at 613-353-1109 for details and to register. Do it for you!

Birthday wishes going to Greg! Enjoy your day!

Storrington Stinger News: we are refreshing how the Stinger News is brought to you... Please wait...

Back to top

Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

News from Pine Meadow: “Residents enjoyed our Annual trip to Wheeler's Pancake House yesterday! This has been a favorite destination for many of our residents for several years now, and for those who joined us for the first time yesterday, have already asked when can we go back! The food and the service was amazing, and the weather just happened to be perfect too! Thanks to the generous donations from our community, families and friends, we are able to make these adventures happen at no cost to our residents! We are forever grateful!”

Calling all vendors for a new and exciting outdoor market! St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Flinton will be holding its 1st SUMMER SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR MARKET FUNDRAISER on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 10am-2pm. Vendors are invited to sign up now and without delay! Please contact Maude at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 905-449-2160 for your Vendor’s Package and any questions you may have. Let’s make this a truly memorable event; one that is sure to continue year after year!

News from the Lakeside Inn Motel, Restaurant and Bar: Get ready for some Easter fun at Lakeside Inn! We're excited to announce our Easter Colouring Contest for kids! Pick up your colouring sheets at the front desk or download them starting March 9th. Submit your masterpiece by March 28th to enter to win! Prizes await the most egg-cellent entries.

News from the Cloyne Recreation Club: Meet the Machine 2024 is in the planning stages! Save the Date, June 1/2024. We are seeking all sorts of machines that kids would love to explore! If you are interested, please message Michelle Alcock. Come and showcase your products and services!

Holy Week is fast approaching! Please take note of the masses and services at St. John the Evangelist in Flinton. HOLY THURSDAY of the Lord’s Supper: March 28th -7:30pm Mass. Within this Mass the Washing of the Feet will take place. This represents the service & charity of Christ. GOOD FRIDAY MASS: March 29th ~ Begins with the Stations of the Cross Followed by the Passion of the Lord at 3:00pm. EASTER SUNDAY Mass March 31st at 9am at St. John the Evangelist Church in Flinton and 11am at St. Kilian's Church in Ardoch.

Congratulations to Mazinaw Lake for reaching the ONE YEAR milestone in our Blue Lakes Program! The Land Between's Blue Lakes Program is a free program that helps individuals, groups, or lake associations take guided actions to protect the health and integrity of their lake. There was a lot of focus on mapping Eurasian milfoil and the start of a management program for this invasive species that is taking over a majority of the lake shore and into the basin.

Back to top

Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting cards on Friday, March 22 at 7pm at the Denbigh Hall.  Come join the fun!!

Denbigh Recreation Committee says the Easter Bunny is coming to the Denbigh Hall on Saturday, March 30 from 11am until 1pm.  You can have BRUNCH (pancakes and sausages and refreshments) with the Easter Bunny at no cost.  For the children, there will be crafts, games, photo booth and the annual Easter Egg hunt.

Back to top

Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Hope everyone had a lovely March Break for those who took some well-deserved time off.

Sheba's Haven Rescue is hosting Pancakes with the Easter Bunny on Sun March 24th from 9-11 at the RCAFA Wing 416 (Kingston Airport). Reservations & pre-payment are required as space is limited reply to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet at Inverary United Church will be on Saturday, April 6. Doors open from 7 to 10am. Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes & local maple syrup, juice, toast, tea & coffee for $10. Children 12 & under $5. Warm smiles, good food, and great company – a good start to your day!

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a firefighter? SLC is still accepting applications for our Pre-Service Firefighting Education and Training Program! Apply today and start in Fall 2024. https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/.../Full-Time/Brockville https://youtu.be/Ikb_IcaoMII

The 2024 Grounds Maintenance tenders are now available for all districts in Central Frontenac. Follow the link below to view the full tender list and documents as well as instructions on how to apply. https://www.centralfrontenac.com/bidsandtenders/

Back to top

Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

A big thanks to the group from the Harrowsmith Beautification Committee who walked and cleaned both sides of the main street in the village and collected four (4) garbage bags of pop cans, bottles, paper and other assorted refuse a week and a half ago.

Brenda Crawford collected $75.00 for the food bank two weeks ago.  She would like to thank everyone who sold her warm things this season and to everyone who bought them.  We are all part of a great community.

This is a reminder that there is a "Little Free Pantry" at 4938 Hwy 38 in Harrowsmith for everyone to drop off or pick up food items.  Provided by Adam Rayer, Broker with Sutton Group - Masters Realty Inc. Brokerage.  For more information contact Adam at adam.rayner.ca or 613-384-5500.  

Delicious maple syrup for sale in 1 litre jugs for $22, 2 litre jugs for $38 and 4 litre jugs for $70.  Pickup locations in Harrowsmith, Verona, Sydenham, Kingston or Gananoque on March 30, 2024.  All proceeds go towards the New Leaf Link programs for adults with developmental disabilities.  Order today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Sunday, March 24, 2024 the 100th Anniversary of the Harrowsmith Women's Institute.  Please join the celebration at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith from 1 - 4pm.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 there is a My Plan Seminar - Service Canada - Government Programs and Supports at the Sydenham Branch Library, 4412 Wheatley Street, Sydenham. Register with Katie Buckley 613-376-6477 ext 205 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Friday, April 05, 2024 there will be a Youth Dance at the Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith, from 7 to 9pm for public school children.  Cost is $7.00.  For information, call 613-372-2410.

Back to top

Henderson
Jean Brown

St. Patrick's Day rocked at Arden United’s special breakfast- with thanks to all.

On Tues, March 26, Land O'Lakes Parent Council is excited to host a Spaghetti Dinner on site at the school in Mountain Grove from 5 – 7pm. All proceeds aid new sports equipment! As well, the Grade 8 graduating class is hosting a fundraising bake sale - all of which sounds yummy.

Our Pine Meadow people celebrated the Oscars in style with lots of fun, and even a special resident known to me wearing an ornate Queen’s crown. Then International Women’s Day brought in my special friend wearing a Queenly blue hat. She lived out this day long before it was created, and continues to be a great role model. As well, our Pine Meadow folks took their annual trip to Wheelers Pancake House and enjoyed great food and super duper duper service. We love you to pieces!!

The old tradition of burning brush and grass in spring is unsafe and doesn't "cut it" anymore, since this causes grass fires along with fines for illicit burning!! I know we can count on folks to do a “burn refrain” with thanks.  We love you to pieces, dear readers.

Back to top

Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Easter Church Services: Maundy Thursday Service, March 28th at Inverary United at 7pm. Good Friday Service at Battersea United at 10am. Easter Morning Sunrise Service at Gilmour Point at 7:30am. Easter Services at 9:15am at Battersea United and 11:15am at Inverary United.

Enrol Now to Learn Self Defence!  Sensei Hamid Nam is a 7th Dan in Karate. He will be teaching a class on Self-Defence using techniques from Karate, Krav Maga and Aikido at Inverary United Church Hall on Saturday May 11th from 1-4pm..  For more info, call 613 328-6742 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Food Bank on March 22nd! Your help is needed. Wish list includes bread, milk, potatoes, cheese, butter, eggs and any kind of meat. Toilet paper and paper towels as well. Any thing you can give is readily appreciated!

Community Youth Dance for students in Grades 5 to 8 on Friday March 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Storrington Lions Club Hall. Canteen available. Supervised. Admission is $5.

An Evening of Oral History – A Transition Storrington Meeting on Wednesday, March 27th at 7pm at the Storrington Centre. Learn how the villages of Storrington began and hear stories from some of our seniors of days gone by. Free admission.

Fish Fry & Lemon Trifle! at the Lions Hall in Sunbury on March 29th from 5 to 7pm sponsored by the Storrington Lions Club. Get your tickets now. Call 613-449-4744. Cost is $20, children 12 and under $10. Cash bar available. Reserve by March 26th.

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet on Saturday April 6th. Doors open from 7 until 10. Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes & local maple syrup, juice, toast, tea & coffee for $10. Children 12 & under $5. Warm smiles, good food, and great company – a good start to your day!

Eclipse! Monday, April 8th! Be sure you have proper eclipse viewing glasses – sun glasses WILL NOT protect your eyes. Kingston will start to see the effects of the eclipse about 2:09pm, with Totality happening at 3:23 with a duration of 2 minutes 45 seconds. The full cycle should conclude at 4:35. The first area to have Totality is Mexico’s Pacific Coast around 11:07am. The Eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario and exit on the Atlantic Coast of Newfoundland at 5:16pm. Be safe! Be smart! And enjoy this once in a life time of Totality!

Save Your Pop Cans! Fill the Bin at the Storrington Lions Hall on April 21 from 12:30 – 2:30 in support of The Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. Thank you to ANS Scrap Metal and Environmentall Contracting Services for their support.

High Tea on May 11th at 1pm. at the Storrington Lion’s Hall in Sunbury. Preparations are underway and tickets sales have started. Event will support Child Life Services at Kingston Health Sciences. To purchase tickets, call Shirley O’Neil at 613-353-2257.

Spring Market at Gerald Ball Memorial Park on Saturday, June 1st from 10am to 3pm. Vendors welcome. Text or call Marie at 613-449-4744.

A Vendors’ Event! Happening on Saturday, August 24 from 10 – 3pm at the Storrington Lions Hall, Sunbury. Book your spot now either indoors or outside. Tables and chairs provided. Vendor fees are in support of the Capital Fund for improvement to the Lions Hall. Vendor Coordinator Marie Wilkins 613-449-4744 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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..

EarlyOn Child & Family Centres Free service for parents and children 0 – 6. Learn to connect, to play and meet other parents. Receive parenting information. See schedule of events for your area at keyon.ca

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.

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.

Back to top

Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

American Mahjongg - Thursdays: 1 – 4pm at the ABC Hall. Cost: $5 at the door toward hall maintenance. Mah Jongg (or Maajh as it is usually called) is a rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards, typically with four players. Join players from Renfrew, Snow Road, Perth, Scotch Line and the local area for fun and laughter. Once a month we play at an area restaurant and enjoy lunch out. We can teach you how to play. Contact Freda Russell at (613) 273-2571 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Musician’s Circle - Thursdays: 7 – 10:pm at the ABC Hall. Cost: $5 at the door toward hall maintenance. Play and sing along with fellow musicians. All musicians and all genres of music (country, jazz, blues, folk, easy listening, blue grass) are welcome. A fun learning and networking venue. Contact Dave Pollard at (613) 273-2464 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Line Dancing at ABC Hall - This is a great way to get a fun workout! Beginners are welcome. Fridays 10am. Cost is $5 at the door for hall maintenance. For more information, contact Rhonda Aisbitt (613) 885-8543 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Spring Fitness Classes kick off on Monday, March 18 at the ABC Hall, starting with Free CPHC Seniors Exercise classes on Monday, followed by Gentle Yoga, Weekly Meditation, Gentle Pilates, Beginner Boot Camp, and wrapping up with Line Dancing on Friday. For details and to register, see: https://abchall.ca/health-fitness/

Back to top

Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

All are welcome to come out and enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, Bake Sale and Luncheon organized by St. Kilian's Church on Saturday, March 30th at the Clar-Mill Hall. Even if you don't have any little ones, please stop by to find a sweet treat and stay for some chili, hot dogs and soup.  Pre-registration at St. Killian's Church Facebook Page is not required but would be helpful to the organizers.

On Friday, March 22, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) invites you to a free, helpful and informative presentation on Frauds and Scams with Robert Martell of Frontenac OPP.  This program will be held at Snow Road Community Centre from 11 to 1.  Snacks will be provided.  To register, contact Rural Frontenac Community Services at 613-279-3151 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Spring is now officially here.  Many robins have been sighted.  Saralyn has a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at her feeder and I heard a Phoebe the other day.  Also I have a batch of new Pussywillows on my dining room table.

Back to top

Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Perth Road
by Peter Bird

PERTH ROAD UNITED CHURCH: Sunday services continue at 10am. Address: 5614 Perth Rd Crescent, Perth Road, ON K0H 2L0.

TUESDAY LUNCHES at Perth Road Sunday School Hall, Perth Road Cr. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert. Come early and get in a few hands of Euchre before lunch.

Upcoming Events: Maple Syrup Festival with breakfast. Children’s games, face painting, tattoos, sucker pole, and fish pond. Votary Sugar Shack. Date and time; Sat. Apr. 13. 8:30am – 2pm. Cost; Adults $12, Children $5, 3 years and under eat free.

Bluegrass Concert with BLUEGREASS 4 U at the Perth Road Sunday School Hall, 5622 Perth Road Cr. Sunday, May 5th, 2pm-5pm. Free will offering.

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

Back to top

Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Don’t forget to stop by the Clar-Mill Hall on Saturday, March 30th (starting at 11). Lots of fun is planned for kids of all ages at the Easter Egg Hunt. A luncheon will be available for everyone in the community and if you’d like some delicious baked goods for your Easter weekend, why not come and check out the Bake Sale? All the details can be found on St. Kilian’s Church FB page. There will be something for everyone, hope to see you there!

Back to top

Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

CORRECTION: The OPP “Stuff the Cruiser” event Saturday, March 30 - the OPP will be doing a Stuff the Cruiser event to support the food bank (incorrectly announced last week as being scheduled for March 23).

There will be members of the OPP there with a cruiser collecting donations for the North Frontenac food bank. The food bank is busier than ever and we are hoping this will be a successful event.

More About Oliver:

Ticket sales for North Frontenac Little Theatre’s production of Oliver (May 1-5) are moving fast. Tickets can be purchased by emailing Greg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ($20 adult/ $15 youth / $85 for a performance and dinner package at Belong Sharbot Lake).

The $85 price for the dinner package includes the performance, 3 course dinner, HST and gratuity. Find out more when you email upon your email request for tickets.

NOTE about ticket payments: Last week’s publication indicated only two payment methods for the tickets. There are 4 payment methods available: Credit Card, Visa Debit, e-transfer and cash.

Back to top

Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Verona
Debbie Lingen

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturday, March 23 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.

Harrowsmith Women’s Institute is celebrating their 100th anniversary on Sunday, March 24, from 1pm to 4pm at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith. There will be refreshments and sweets, as well as displays from the 1920’s and a silent auction. Proceeds will be used to send a local child to camp. Everyone is welcome to join this celebration. Wear your 1920’s garb, if you are so inclined.

Day Camps for children ages 4 to 12 and Swimming Lessons will be held at McMullen Beach, Verona this summer. Registration online for the Day Camp Monday, MARCH 25 at 9am. Please call 613-376-3027 ext. 4331 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or comments.

South Frontenac Township will be holding an Open House discussing the Verona Housing Plan at the Verona Lions Hall on Wednesday, March 27 from 6pm to 8pm. They will present the findings for water and wastewater options for the proposed housing development in Verona. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Light refreshments will be served. All welcome. For more information, contact 613-376-3027.

South Frontenac Scouting's Good Friday Pancake Breakfast will be held Friday, March 29 from 8am to 11am at the Verona Lions Hall. Adults $10. youth (age 3 to 12) $5, under 3 eat free. All proceeds go towards supporting Scouting activities in South Frontenac.

Verona Free Methodist Church will have a Good Friday Service on March 29 at 10am.

On Easter Sunday Morning on March 31, they will serve a Continental Breakfast from 8am to 9:30am followed by Easter Service at 10am.

Back to top