The Rear-View Mirror

Kelli McRobert | Dec 21, 2022

At the beginning of 2022 the world was opening back up.

On the lake, mid January, a large group gathered who loved ice fishing and shared their passion for hunkering down in well appointed ice huts, waiting for that perfect catch, snacking, hydrating, and spending time with friends and family.

As I head through Sydenham, I see Elements Fitness & Wellness who were busy offering classes and re-opening their gym facility so residents could have access to their fitness equipment and guided sessions. On longer journeys we loaded up the Jeep and headed north to the Back 40 Cheese Shop as families snowshoed along well groomed trails and savoured a tasty meal fireside. From there it was back down south as parks came to life with Music in the Park, fire pits, and hot chocolate, as you warmed your hands and sipped the liquid, savouring the moment, as a musician entertained with frozen fingers but a warm heart that kept groups entertained.

Time to refuel as we head back north again to Sharbot Lake and learn the sport of Crokicurl, as we laughed and learned, sliding across the ice, hoping to be nearest, our team rooting us on. History was not forgotten as The Rochester Club was highlighted with historic facts shared amongst the masses. A quick trip heading south would take us on a journey of self discovery as we battled it out at SLK Kick Boxing, and waking up the next day, stiff, yet feeling somewhat accomplished that we had managed to last the whole 60-minute session.

Music was not missed as the Bedford Jam took to the stage and the crowds descended upon the hall to share a Sunday of music and toe tapping with many talented local performers. The 4H Club raised funds and 643lbs of food for the local food bank giving back to those in South Frontenac and surrounding areas. Off to Sunbury as the weather was warming and Hopeful Harvest was in full bloom as their green house was bursting with colour, ready for the weekend rush. Brass Point Farm was also working hard to plan, plant, and mulch their multiple acres of fruit and nut trees, as their acreage continues to evolve.

Heading east off Westport Road the biodiversity event at Wintergreen was in full swing as the summer months continued to be hot, and cicadas could be heard as you passed by their extended laneway that led you to a naturalists wonderland. This off the grid location was a family friendly adventure into the world of bees, bugs, and nature. The summer was hot, and Zumba was in full swing as you drove past the Glenburnie Church. The instructor led her group through the spicy Latin moves as the music filled the air with excitement and rhythm.

The lakes became stages, as bands had to rethink entertainment, and R Banned could be heard as they entertained on Howes Lake, music wafting through the trees as a flotilla followed them for the free 3-hour concert. Another drive further north and Kirk Kove offered up a peaceful cottage retreat that has historic tales and water-skiing pros that remind us of simpler times.

Mid summer, and it is still hot, dry, and fairs had begun. The Parham Fair is back after a COVID break, smash up derby, animals, and vendors celebrated the re-opening of the festival as crowds milled about enjoying their first ‘ever’ frosty beer in this town. Sharbot Lake hosted a Beach BBQ where musicians filled the beach with music lovers, food, and festivities - a Hit! As the festivals continued, garlic was celebrated in Verona, the best honey in town (Lanark), charity concerts like the one held by Mountain Head were performed, and the Harrowsmith Gospel Festival had locals swaying to the faith-based music that soared up to the heavenly skies.

Back on the road again, a short drive north from here and the North Frontenac Art Tour helped ease us into the fall as the leaves began to turn. Brilliant colours mirrored in the reflective lakes. This tour takes you on a loop up north where you can visit many local artists, crafters, and vendors. Each one offering up a unique take on jewellery, paintings, pottery, glass and more…. stories told through their original works.

Fall, of course, means pumpkins, crisp air, and more festivals outdoors. Art in the Sawmills hosted vendors in a beautiful rustic ‘sawmill’, literally, and each one had something to offer. It was a great opportunity for advance shopping for those on your Christmas list. The Bellrock Festival entertained families and the Battersea Pumpkin Festival continued their parade and festive traditions.

As the mileage continued to add up, the six degrees of separation of a small community grew even smaller. Everywhere I went, there was some connection from one person to the next. Sydenham High held their Hallowe’en fundraiser for their 150 being held next year and costumed partyers came in droves to help support the ghoulish event. My travels took me back up to Sharbot Lake, where the Festival of Trees got us in the spirit of Christmas as residents could enter a raffle to win prizes and the coveted decorated trees over a two-day period.

The Frontenac Women’s Chorus shared their gift of music at Trinity Free Methodist Church, and a bit of their history as one of the oldest all women’s chorus in the area. Diners Clubs, Meals on Wheels, and Community Chats filled in the weeks with entertaining topics and nutritious meals for seniors. Amy Sloan entertained a crowd at the Verona Free Methodist Church, where Josey C, served up a hearty home-cooked turkey supper with the turkeys being donated from Food Less Traveled.

We are very lucky to live in this community and the Frontenac townships. The people are warm, genuine, and caring and it is nice to know that if ever we stumble, they will be there to help us get back up and try again. As a community writer, it is rare that a week does not go by, where I am not told a story of ‘kindness’, an act of selflessness.

May your year end be safe, healthy, and happy.