Community Columns - December 22nd, 2022

Dec 21, 2022

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

Here is the feel-good story of the year. Shirley Mowers, of Arden, had some shopping to do last week so off to Napanee she went. As the day progressed, she was feeling a bit “peckish” so she stopped in at the Fish & Chip Shoppe on Highway 41. After a delicious lunch she was ready to settle up the bill and was told that an anonymous stranger had paid for everyone’s lunch. Excited and grateful, she had to share her story. What a great Christmas surprise.

The Pastoral Charge remind all that the Christmas Eve Services are as follows: Arden 4pm, Mountain Grove 5:30pm and Henderson 7pm. There will be no services on December 25, or January 1.

Do you still have some last-minute stuff to get? Don’t forget Arden’s Artisans, or a gift certificate for pizza and wings, or how about a drive way snow plow, and since it is the season of giving, please recognize your waste disposal attendant, your snow plow driver or our Postmistress.

While you are at the grocery store, don’t forget the Food Bank. There are many folks who are less fortunate than we are. It’s time to help them out too!

On a personal bases I would like to thank everyone for their notes of encouragement, kind thoughts and prayers. These meaningful words are very much appreciated.

So, till next year. Wishing everyone and very safe and healthy Christmas and a very happy New Year!!

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

Holiday Church Services – Dec 21 - Longest Night Service – Inverary 7pm. We come to this service in the midst of the shortest days and the longest nights of the year. Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Services (Battersea United at 4 pm & 7 pm).

Last week I shared that Wilmer United Church will be hosting a Christmas Eve service. Unfortunately, that is not correct and there will NOT be a service at Wilmer United. Sorry about that, folks!

The next Storrington Lions Club meeting is January 10th at 6:30pm. Consider joining them to see what its all about!

Where does Santa keep his money? In the snow bank. Big thank you to the students on bus 931 going to Storrington for this week’s joke

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

No column; check back next week!

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

Wow … the Stationary Christmas Parade on Saturday December 17th at Heritage Park in Denbigh was very well attended by all ages, from babies to seniors. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped the Denbigh Recreation Committee set up and take apart as it made the job go by quickly.   Santa, Mrs. Clause and the Elves were very busy visiting with the children. We would like to thank Rosie’s for coming to the parade and donating the Fireworks which were amazing.  Bev Tucker, Bonnie Thompson and Erin Hopewell and family had a special float with lots of Elves watching over Denbigh.  Casey Keller Skidding with Klayton Keller driving brought the log truck all decked out in lights.  Lucky Dog Grooming with Katrina, Darian and Gracelyn were there to advertise her new business with lots of bright lights.  The Denbigh Griffith Lions Club members had lots of blow-ups and lights.  Addington Highlands Township brought the road Grader all lit up.  Denbigh Fire Department is always a big part of the fun and they brought three trucks lit up with colorful lights, and they also set up and managed the Fireworks.  Jenny, Rob and Gracie set up Crafts in the rink building which many children enjoyed.  And David and Karen diligently managed the bonfire for all to enjoy.    And for sure we cannot forget Ernie Berndt who kindly lent the beautiful sleigh for the reindeer to pull around the park.   There were so many attendees that we eventually ran out of free food.   It was a fantastic white winter’s evening with a lot of community socialization as everyone worked their way around visiting with the floats and others in our community.   Also, your donations are very much appreciated.  We can’t thank you all enough for giving up your time and celebrating Christmas at Heritage Park. 

Please join the Vennachar Free Methodist Church Family for the Christmas Eve Candle Light Service on Saturday December 24th at 7pm. There is no worship service on Christmas Day.  New Year’s Day there will be a Communion Service at 10:30am. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

The St. Luke’s United Church in Denbigh Christmas Eve service is December 24th at 5:00 p.m.  There is no service Christmas or New Year’s Day service.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Denbigh is having a Christmas Eve Candle Light service on December 24th at 7pm.   There is no service on Christmas Day.

The Denbigh Community Foodbank is over whelmed by the generosity of the community and others.  The Foodbank is thankful for all the donations we receive throughout the year.  We would not be able to service the community if it was not for your support and kindness.  It is appreciated.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

As we jingle our way into the holiday season, I hope everyone stays happy and healthy.  If you have not already seen this, here is a link for Consumer Product Safety recalls that could save you from injury, fire, and/or death.  They send out recalls right to your email so you can ensure your products are not compromised.  https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en

Wintergreen Studios have the following events open for registration:

Snow Moon Festival: Saturday, February 4, 2023 – 3pm-7pm

Imagine crossing a snowy glade on foot to discover a circle of fire pits surrounding a stage. Warm lighting emanates from all around, and with friends, you take a seat at one of the fires. Listen to talented local musicians while being warmed by the fire and a steaming cup of hot soup.

What I Carry With Me - Virtual Book Launch Thursday, February 16, 2023 7pm-8pm. Carol A. Stephen will read from her new book, What I Carry With Me. Using various poetic forms, this collection unveils the powers of the lyric and narrative in a collection that is sure to inspire. This event is free and will take place over Zoom. 

Winter Tracks & Traces

Saturday, February 25, 2023 and Saturday, March 18, 2023

10am-3pm. The winter months are a wonderful time to be out in the woods. Explore the trails through sensory walks and learn to identify birds and mammals through their tracks and other traces, like scat, feathers, and nests. This community event is FREE and open to all. Warm beverages will be provided.

Congratulations to OPP & Fire hockey teams on a successful food drive this past weekend!  Shout out to Tom, our mailman, for his extended hours this past few weeks as he delivers our parcels and mail, no matter the weather!

If you lost your female beagle she is now at the KHS after a quick clean up at the Sydenham Vet.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

And a Merry Christmas to everyone!!!  

Harrowsmith S and A Club are hosting a New Year's Eve party at 4041 Colebook Road, Harrowsmith, Ontario.  Cocktails at 8pm.  Music from 9pm – 1am by the Three Amigos with a DJ during breaks.  Munchies and party favors provided and a buffet before midnight.  Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased by December 27th.  To purchase e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. bv ETFS or call Steve or Penny at 613-549-2937. 

Thanks to Gilmour's at 38 and the Centex Gas Station in Harrowsmith.  They collected $169.85 for the local food bank last week.  A special thanks to the person who added a hundred dollar bill to the jar at Gilmour's.   

New Year's Eve Dance on December 31st, at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith.  Dancing from 9pm – 1am.  Music provided by All Stare Karaoke and DJ Services.  There will be a cold buffet served at 11pm.  A bus ride home is available.  Cost is $40 per person with a cut off date to buy tickets of December 22nd.  For tickets call 613-372-2410.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

We are truly blessed with many spiritual leaders including The Rev. Elaine Kellogg of Napanee who guest led at Land O’Lakes Emmanuel United Church in Northbrook last Sunday (Dec. 18) and all report being spiritually inspired.

Our super-duper road crews really rose to the occasion to keep our roads cleared in this last week’s deluge of snow. Thanks folks- we love you to pieces.

All the best from our house to yours! See you next year.

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Cancelled! Wilmer United Church Christmas Eve Service has been cancelled

Longest Night Service December 21 at Inverary United Church at 7:00 pm.

Christmas Eve Services: Battersea United Church at 4pm and 7pm.

New Year’s Day Service will be a joined service of Battersea United and Inverary United at Battersea at 9:15am.

Open Mic returns to Inverary United Church Hall on Friday January 6, 2023.

Winter Parking Restrictions began December 1. Remember! There is no over night parking on township roads between midnight and 7am.

Rotary Calendars displaying local photography and offering 312 chances to win $15,000 in prizes are available at Inverary Pharmasave, Mrs Garrett's Bake Shop,  Neil's Flowers, & Limestone Creamery. Great as Christmas gifts. For info call Darlene at 613-353-1142. Help Rotary to help others!

Eyeglasses & Hearing Aides! Storrington Lions Club is collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aides. Join the Storrington Lions Club! Offering fun, friendship and a sense of purpose – become a Lion.

Creekside Bar & Grill renovations are complete and the restaurant is now re-opened.

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

Season’s Greetings everyone! Regardless of your beliefs at this time of year, it is a time of love, caring, and sharing. Thanks to everyone who made the December Food Bank/Christmas Hampers such a success. Thanks to all who donated warm hats, mitts, socks and other winter apparel. Those needs continue. Giving and Receiving offers the same results – a simple way to lift the spirits of everyone.

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

No column; check back next week!

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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 North Frontenac. Gerry Martin passed away on the weekend after a brief illness.  He served on the township council since 2010. He was a fine man who served his community with integrity and care.  Our condolences to his family.

If you have not yet visited the Christmas Light Display, make a point of doing so soon.  The lights are on from dark to 9:00.  The last night to see the lights is Dec. 30.  Remember that your donations help to make this event happen.

It is a winter wonderland outside.  When walking through the forest and looking up, it is like looking at the sky through lace.  Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to you all.  See you in 2023.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

Seniors from the Happy Travellers in Parham enjoyed a bountiful meal last week.  Ugly Christmas sweater contest was hard to judge.  After a beautiful true store "the Sailor and the Christmas Trees was read Rev. Ken & May Walton led our sing-a-long.  What a great day.  Meetings will resume in Feb (3rd wed)

Last Sunday was the sing-a-long Christmas Carol at Church.  Hope all those who braved the elements enjoyed the many songs.

Covid numbers seem to be on the rise again.  Please take care when you are out and about and if you are not feeling well stay home and avoid spreading germs.

Condolences to the family of the Late Norm Whan.  Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

We'd like to close with this blessing.

May all of your days be merry and bright
and all of your troubles be "feather" light
May all of your stockings that are hung by the fire
Be filled with everything your heart may desire
May you always spread good tidings and holiday cheer
To everyone that are far and those who are near
May all of your dreams keep on coming true
This is the wish we would like to give you

Happy Holidays from our houses to yours

All the best for 2023

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Christmas Eve Services: 8:30 pm at Perth Road United Church. Please note: Wilmer Service has been cancelled.

Events at Perth Rd. Sunday School Hall: Tuesday Lunches will resume on Jan. 10th 2023. Leland Helping Hand, Four Handed Euchre, will resume on Thur. Jan. 5th 2023

Perth Road Village Crafters has closed for Xmas and will resume on Wed, Jan. 4th 2023

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

On the evening of December 13th, a wonderful group from The River of Life Christian Fellowship blessed neighbors in Plevna with some lovely Christmas Carols. The Plevna Library was rockin' that night, because they stopped in to sing a couple of tunes for the library to enjoy!

If you would like to add a spiritual Christmas Eve Mass to your season this holiday, you are certainly blessed here in our community!

Everyone is welcome this Saturday December 24th at 4:30pm to St. Kilians Catholic Church in Ardoch. 

River of Life Christian Fellowship invites everyone to their service at 6pm on hwy 506 in between Plevna and Ardoch.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Plevna welcomes everybody to their mass at 6:30pm in Plevna.

2023 Dogs tags now available at the Township of North Frontenac. I always rush to purchase our dog tags before March 31st because they only cost $15 each and after March 31st the price goes up to $25 each. I see now they offer a $100 lifetime dog tag, which pays for itself after 4 years, This may be the best option if you have a good healthy young pup! Registration is required for all dogs that are 6 months or older. They will receive a dog tag with a serial number and the year it was purchased. For more information, you can contact the office at 613 479-2231.

This is the last Plevna column for 2022 and I would like to send out a Big Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everybody in the Community! I hope 2023 is filled with heath, wealth and happiness for us all!!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Would like to take this time to wish all my fellow Sydenham people a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be safe. Spend some quality time with your family and friends.

See you all in 2023

Looking to enjoy some festivities on New Years Day? The Sydenham Legion Branch 496 is hosting a levee on New Year's Day from noon til 6pm.

Live music with the duo of Bon Evans and Dave Bull playing the classics. All are welcome.

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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 2023 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.

Revell Ford is having a Holiday Food Drive in December. Win a free Works Package while supporting our local community.    Every food bank item donation earns you an entry into the weekly draw for a free Works Package during the month of December.   (4 draws in total)

Free Public Skating at Frontenac Arena!  Wednesdays from 9 am to 10:30am and Sundays from noon to 1:30pm.  It's free all winter long, thanks to a Queen's Platinum Jubilee grant.

There will be a free sit-down Turkey Dinner on Christmas Day at the Verona Lions Hall. Doors open at 10:30am with meal at 12 noon. To reserve your spot or get more information call Sheila Steele 613-374-2884 or Joyce Casement 613-374-3406.

Ball Hockey for Youth & Adults will be held Wednesday, January 4 from 1pm-3pm at the Verona Free Methodist Church. This is for Grades 5 & up, followed with pizza & drinks.  Moms and Dads are welcome. Balls and sticks are provided. Good idea to bring your own shin pads if you have them.

Enjoy breakfast with friends at the Winter Warm-Up Breakfast at Trinity United Church on Saturdays in January. First breakfast is January 7. Breakfast from 8:30am to 11am. Payment by donation. This is hosted by Trinity United Church and the Verona Community Association.

To all Frontenac News readers, a very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous New Year and some sage advise. "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."  ­ Benjamin Franklin, Author, Inventor & Diplomat

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