Community Columns - December 16, 2021

Dec 15, 2021

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

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

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

Sadness overwhelms us all, with the passing of Helen Praskey.  This wonderful woman left her mark in so many ways.  She loved music, to dance, to laugh and have fun, to play bridge and teach tai chi.  If you ever heard the Arden Glee Club sing you would understand how much she loved this part of her life.   Not only did she direct the singers but wrote all 4-part harmony for them.  This gem of a woman will be missed in so many ways.  We loved you Helen!!.

Hope your Christmas Home Décor is set up for the Daytime & Nighttime viewing of the Oso Rec. Committee’s 2^nd Annual Contest.  Looking forward to the announcement of the winners.

Villages Beautiful will be presenting Holiday Luminaries throughout the Village Saturday December 18.  There will be a “meet and treat” with Santa and Mrs. Claus accompanied by the Elves, 3:00pm to 7:00pm in the Township Parking Lot.  At 5:00 pm, at the Railway Heritage Park, guests will be welcomed by the Town Crier, followed by an interactive rendition of a caring story along with an invitation to join into “The Happy Prince”.  There will be food and drinks available for purchase.  All Covid protocols will be in place.

Please don’t forget the Children’s Christmas Party at the Arden Church Saturday December 18, 1:00pm to 3:00pm.  A donation to the Food Bank would be appreciated.  There will be an Open House, at the Manse, in Arden.  Please contact the Church to register your time slot.

Your kids can still send their letter to Santa.  Santa’s address is Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO, Canada.

If there is a special message you would like to convey, please get in touch via e mail. 

Listen to the silence.  It has so much to say.

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!!

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

Sending thoughts to the Storrington Public School community as they pivot to online learning due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Things seem to be hitting closer to home, I hope everyone is doing okay and staying safe. If anyone in the community is isolating and needs food/ medicine delivery, please reach out and we will make sure to get you what you need. I had a minor cold a few weeks ago and realized how difficult this world can be when you can’t even go get some medicine (shout out to my sister who came to my rescue with a cough-syrup delivery).

Are you looking for some last-minute gift ideas? Check out Frontenac County’s business directory to help you shop local and support small businesses. Visit directory.infrontenac.ca. The handy search and filter features will narrow down by business type or location – Happy shopping!

What do you get when you cross a reindeer with a cow? A reinsteer.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Lessons from a Christmas tree: “1. Be a light in the darkness. 2. We all fall over sometimes. 3. When things get tough-get glitter. 4. Share your gifts. 5. You were born to sparkle… even if your garland’s a little droopy .6. And, it’s okay to be a little tilted!”

Grocery shopping at this time of year can be hectic, indeed! Pre-order your produce for your Christmas dinner from Finnegan’s General Store! They can get anything you need including carrots for the reindeer!

Looking for some local handmade gifts; look no more! Stop by Holden’s Hearth at Home and Finnegan’s General Store and check out some of the featured artists!

Pineview Free Methodist Church invites you to join them for their Annual Christmas Eve Pageant on Friday, December 24, 2021 beginning at 6:30pm. Face masks must be worn. COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

Land O’Lakes Community Services want to say, “Thank you to Chelsea Robson and Kaladar-Barrie F.D. plus all the volunteers that made the Toy Drive a huge success. Special thanks to Foodland, Kevin and Charlene, for all their hard work and the space for us to use. And a big special thanks to our wonderful community and their generous donations to our Christmas Hamper Program.”

Yoga poll results are in! There will be two class offerings 11am and 1pm on Sundays at the Lion's Hall, starting Jan 9. $100/8 week session/time. Registration Dec 12 at the hall 1 pm to 4:30pm. Bring proof of double vax. Free 15 minute stretch class each half hour starting at 1:15, DM me to sign up for a time slot, limited to 5 people per time, yoga mat provided, please bring a toy/food donation for the community. Beginners are welcome!

“You have the greatest gift! You can choose to be joy and kindness in someone else’s life. Because while the holidays can be wonderful but they can also be devastatingly hard. So many, behind the busy and lights are dealing with heartbreak and challenges and loss. Be the one who adds to their lives. Don’t let the busy take over. Smile often, be gentle more. Don’t let the frenzy win. See others. Be kind. Let love win.”

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

The Denbigh Stationary Christmas Parade of Lights sponsored by Denbigh Recreation has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 18th, 6-7:30pm at Heritage Park.  The event is all outdoors, masking required unless social distancing.  Come and enjoy a hotdog, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.  There are loot bags for the kids and social distant visits with Santa!  If you would like to enter a float, contact Tony or Gail at 613 333 2224.

Here is a look at the upcoming Meals on Wheels.  Thursday, December 23rd is soup and a roll, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, cranberries and pumpkin pie.  Thursday, January 6th is soup & roll, pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy and peas and triple berry crumble for dessert.  If anyone is interested in these meals, please contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 x226. 

Addington Highlands Public Library hours for the 2021/2022 holidays are as follows: Closed December 23rd, 25th, 27th, 30th and January 1st.  Open December 28th and 29th.

Due to the power outage, the Denbigh Diners Christmas dinner has been rescheduled for Monday, January 10th.  As of February 2022, the diners in Denbigh will resume the first Monday of every month.  For info contact Shelby at 613 336 8934 ext.229.

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Harlowe
Marie White

We wish speedy healing and get well wishes to the following gentlemen: Ron Marshall who was a guy who grew up in Harlowe is suffering a broken leg; Ed Shlievert from Ardoch has pneumonia. He is famous for making French Toast when we had the breakfasts for the United Church in Henderson; Jim Dix has been ill for quite some time and going to Kingston today (Monday) for another test. Hopefully their problems will soon go away, returning them to good health.

Lee-Anne White is back home today. No, she did not walk. Dan brought her home from Kingston. Hoping she will stay well.

Wishing all you great people a healthy and prosperous Christmas and joy throughout the coming year. Please obey all the rules of COVID and stay safe. See you in January.

Almost forgot. Santa Claus is a man of many skills. A few years ago, he delivered a bundle of joy to the Bakers. Darlene Baker was born on December 24. Happy upcoming birthday Darlene, and many more. Also, to brother Jim on December 29, and Doreen Black. How sweet! Happy Christmas to you all.

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

No column; check back next week!

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Merry Christmas, readers, and let’s all stay safe by following all Covid directives and getting the vaccines and boosters.

Our own Personal Trainer Jill Weese is offering her fantastic exercise classes called “Burn Baby Burn” and registration starts Jan. 4 with classes stating Jan. 6. Cardio edurance, exercise, and meal/food tips are featured. It’s super duper, and held in Northbrook Tues and Thurs at 4:30 at the Lions Hall.Registration for the new session starts January 4th, 2022!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Church Christmas Services  -  Due to the increase in active case numbers in our communities, the decision has been made to have Advent and Christmas Eve services for Inverary United and Battersea United Churches online (Facebook and YouTube). 

Rotary Cash Calendar a great Christmas gift for $20!   313 chances to win and you can win more than once.  Calendars available at Mrs Garrett’s Bake Shop, Inverary Pharmasave, Maple Country Home & Farm and Limestone Creamery or call Darlene at 613-353-1142.

Yoga and Pilates Classes at Inverary United Church cancelled.  For more info:  www.nomadyogini.ca or call 613-453-4195.

Martial Arts classes at Inverary United Church hall cancelled until the new year.  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..

Library Boxes located at the entrance to Ken Garrett Memorial Park have been emptied and covered for the winter.  See you in the Spring!  LCBO returnables are still being accepted at Mrs. Garrett’s Bake Shop and the donation jug remains on the counter at the Beer Store.  Inverary Youth Activities Group sincerely thanks all in the community for the tremendous support!  We wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

Eye glasses! Hearing aids!  Donate anytime by giving them to a member of the Lion’s Club.  Help the Lion’s Club to help others in need.  Remember! the Storrington Lion’s Hall is available to rent for special occasions.

Did you know that the parking of vehicles on Township roads and village streets from 12:00 midnight to 7:00am is not permitted from December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Ken Garrett Memorial Park  Inverary Youth Activities Group is very happy to report that the new washroom building has been completed!  The building has been winterized and we look forward to celebrating a “grand opening” with the community in the spring of 2022.  It has been an amazing journey and we could not have accomplished it without YOU, and the incredible generosity and support from the many businesses involved in the construction.  Also our sincere thanks to the businesses who chose to advertise on our diamond fence line with or without baseball happening and to the Township of South Frontenac. The building costs have been paid in full.  Regardless of the strain that COVID has put on all individuals and businesses, you can never underestimate the strength of community spirit!  Thank you! Simple words with a great depth of feeling.

Christmas Cookies for Sale at Battersea United Church.  Call Roberta to place an order: 613-353-2846

Storrington Lions Club is looking for new members. Join us for fellowship and fun at our next dinner meeting at the Lions Club Hall in Sunbury at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Line Dancing at ABC Hall – Calling all Line Dancers- The winter line dancing session is coming up at the ABC Hall, 3166 Bolingbroke Road. Fridays 10 - 11am, $35 OR $5 per class. Dec. 3, 10, 17, and Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28. Covid protocols are in place such as the requirement for Proof of double vaccination, masks must be worn except when dancing, and physical distancing will be maintained. For further information, please contact Rhonda, 613-885-8543.

Maberly in 1905 – Maberly Parsonage – The cellar for the new parsonage at Maberly for Rev. C. P. Clarke is about completed. [Perth Courier December 8, 1905)

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

The whole community was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Susan Mazerall, a wonderful woman and friend, loved by everyone.  She will be so missed.  Condolences to her husband and family and friends. 

Olive Allen had a family get together on Friday.  Sorry, Chuck – we didn’t make it to your place for coffee.  Thank you, Chuck, for fixing my computer on Tuesday.  I am so happy to see Facebook again even though I don’t know how to answer anyone.  I was having a sick day on Tuesday and Chuck treated me like a doctor, bringing me Gatorade and gingerale and wouldn’t let me get off my couch to do anything.  He has no idea how safe he made me feel .  He stayed for about an hour to make sure I was OK.  No wonder you are my Earth Angel – thank you so much, Chuck, and hope to see you next Friday.

I had a wonderful day on Wednesday when Alice Gilchrist, Mary Gemmill and Harriett Riddell and I went to Muddy Waters for Harriett’s 88^th birthday celebration.  It was a day of laughter and fun.  I took some good pills so felt well enough to go with them.  Muddy Waters gave her a big hunkin’ piece of strawberry shortcake with a candle and sang “Happy Birthday”.  It was another memorable day for us.  Wishing you many more birthdays, Harriett.

Happy 50^th Birthday to Tausha Virgin – hope your birthday was everything you wished for.  Rock on, girl!

The Snowmobile Club had a full house for their craft event, despite the nasty road conditions early in the morning.  Sorry I missed seeing all the great stuff that all the vendors had on display, but I probably saved lots of money by not going.  I hear everyone (vendors and volunteers and visitors) were pleased with the turnout and hope I can make it next year.

Never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed. 

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THANK YOU

I want to thank everyone who helped me through my first year of cancer - doing so many things for me.  I love you all so very much.  Thank you Alice, Elaine, Valerie, Olive, May Gemmill, Harriett, Chuck, Steven, Shauna, Mark, Terry,  Meals on Wheels, especially the SL drugstore (Mary), Denzil and Evelyn, the people who brought me boxes and boxes of Ensure (can’t remember your names but that was so kind of you), all the people who visited and brought me food.  Thank you for all your help.  I know I forgot some of you.  A special thank you to my family who came every time I called.  Thank you for all your help and thank you for helping me find the important things like my smile, my hope, my courage.  You took away my sadness, my depression, and all my feelings of being alone.  I couldn’t live without all of you. Merry Christmas to Jeff and his staff and thank you for having a spot in the paper for writing up my little bits of news when I have some.  I don’t write every week because I can’t.  Let’s all toast together that 2022 will be a Covid-free year at some point  (we can dream can’t we?).    Love and blessings and thank you to everyone.

Pearl

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Mountain Grove
Marilyn Meeks

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Nine hardy souls made it to the Cookie Exchange last Saturday, despite the slushy and icy roads.  Everyone went home happily with containers filled with delicious cookies.

It is with a sad heart that we heard about the departure of Catherine Tysick from Rural Frontenac Community Services. Catherine was always a calm, compassionate and gentle presence as she worked diligently to provide needed programs for our area's seniors.  Our rural lives have been enriched by her dedication and she will be muchly missed.

The Food Bank box in the foyer of the hall is quite full but there is room for more.  It will be delivered to the food bank in the morning of Friday, December 17.  Thank you to all those who made donations for those who need the help.  And thank you to the dedicated volunteers who provide this service to our communities.

Caroling at the gazebo and around the village will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18.  Liz and Jerry will be serving hot cider and cookies at 6:30 at the hall as we sing until 7:00.  Then we will carol to the homes in the village.  If you want to use the song sheets, bring a flash light and dress warmly.  All are welcome to take part in this wonderful community event.

A big thank you to the road crew who plow and sand our roads and remove the many trees that came down during the wind storm.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

No column; check back next week!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church announcements: 

Welcome back to in-person services: Sundays at 10am, 5614 Perth Road Crescent. While in Stage 3, in-person services are limited to 25 people in the church.  All COVID restrictions/protocols will be in place.

Advent Challenge continues to run until Sun., Dec. 19.  Donations of peanut butter, canned fish and meat may be dropped off at the church prior to the Sunday service or at the Perth Road Store during regular business hours. THANK YOU to all who have already donated.

Upcoming event: Christmas Eve Service at 7:00pm (Fri. Dec. 24)

Birthday wISHES to those who have birthdays this week.

The Perth Road Village Crafters: Looking to get involved? You don't have to be crafty to join us. New members are always welcome. We meet at the Harris Park Clubhouse at 5612 Perth Road Crescent, Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11:30am. Please feel free to drop in during the meeting times, or call Peggy at 613-353-2635. Next meeting: Wed. Jan 5, 2022.

The Leland Helping Hand wish to thank all who took part and contributed to the recent bake sale.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres are offering free drop-in programs for parents and caregivers with children from birth to 6 years of age. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice. Join us at Harris Park Hall, 5612 Perth Rd Crescent, Perth Road, ON. Starting Monday, January 3, 9:30am-2:30pm.

For a full list of locations and times, visit: cityofkingston.ca/earlyon

Find us on Facebook and Instagram at Rural Frontenac Community Services.

More information at www.rfcs.ca or call 613-279-3151 ext. 5

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

No column; check back next week!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Hope everyone survived the high winds last weekend.  So much damage was done. Thoughts are with those who faced some damage during it.  Let’s remember community and how we help one another, so many people out helping with downed limbs, trampolines which blew across fields, etc. 

The festive season is upon us.  Although, with our COVID cases on the rise, it may be a little challenging to get into the spirit.  A friendly reminder: we can all do our part where this virus is concerned.  Kindness, common courtesy and common sense, 3 simple things which can have a huge impact.  We all want to be healthy this holiday season.  As we wind down 2021, let’s learn and go forward in good health and show this virus we are resilient.

Looking to spread some Christmas cheer and not germs?  Don’t forget kind gestures, even an unsuspecting Christmas card dropped to someone’s front door could brighten someone’s day.  I read online of a few elves in the village -  great job, guys.

Our local Foodland still has some amazing artwork on display done by students at LPS. Thank you, kids, for decorating the bags for our local foodbank. The bags are for sale for $10 and $20 and have been filled with much needed items for our foodbank.  Still time to get down to grab one and help with the need of food for winter in our community. You can always donate at cash, too. Just ask one of the cashiers to add it to your bill.

Keep safe, everyone, and let’s keep our numbers low this holiday  season.   Nobody enjoys being sick, and even more so nobody wants COVID,  so give gifts, not germs, this season.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

What a year this has been! We are still striving to return to normal. Words such as "social distancing" and "quarantine" are still on everyone's lips. New words such as “vaccine passports” and “new variants” are now commonly spoken.  E-mails that I send and receive still include the closing signature "stay safe". Hopefully, 2022 will herald in a new normal.

Thank you to all the residents, churches, organizations and businesses who have risen above with deeds of kindness to help to continue to get us through this crisis. It is very much appreciated.

There will be a Free Skate on Sunday, December 19 at the Frontenac  Community Arena in Godfrey from noon to 1:20pm in honour of Wayne Reynolds (who passed away on November 14). The Hart family will be paying for this free event in his honour. Your support for the canteen will be appreciated by Judy Reynolds.

The Verona Community Association is holding a Free Skate on Wednesday, December 22 from 1pm to 3pm at the Frontenac Community Arena in Godfrey. This event will be sponsored by The Revell Ford Dealership.  Covid protocols, masks and helmets are required.

Free Christmas Day Dinner! If you are alone for Christmas or unable to prepare a meal on Christmas Day, please register by December 17th for a free takeout only turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Call John and Sheila Steel at 613-374-2884 or Doug and Joyce Casement at 613-374-3406. Dinners will be available for pickup between 11:30am and 12:30pm on Christmas Day at the Verona Lions Hall.

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.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

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