Community Columns - March 16th, 2023

Mar 15, 2023

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

It will be a jammed full couple of weeks for residents of Arden and the surrounding area. On Friday, March 17, 5pm to 7pm, Mitch Laufman is sponsoring a St. Paddy’s Day dinner as a fundraiser for the Arden Legion. The dinner will comprise of Shepherd’s Pie/Irish Stew, rolls, salad, pie and ice cream. Tickets are $20.00 per person and available at the Legion and C 4 Convenience or through Mitch, who is available at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Saturday morning, April 18, 8am to 11am, the Arden United Church will be offering of Egg and Ham breakfast sandwich, with baked beans, hash brown potatoes, beverages and a special St. Patrick’s Day sweet surprise. A free will offering at the door will be gratefully accepted.

There will be a Christian Education committee meeting March 23 at 6pm at the Arden Church.

The Sharbot Lake and District Lions will be hosting there famous “All you Can Eat’ Breakfast” Saturday March 25, 8am to 11am at the Oso Hall. This month the proceeds from the breakfast will be in support of the Swim Program.

The Arden Pastoral Charge has scheduled their Annual General Meetings as follows. Mountain Grove March 23 at 6pm, Henderson March 27 at 930am, and Arden March 30 at 7pm.

On April 1, 2023 at 9am, the Kennebec Recreation Committee will be hosting the first of many Fundraising Events. The “Fools Plunge” will be held at the Mill Pond, with pledge forms available at C4 Convenience. If you would like to plunge or you are in need of more information, please contact Cayleigh Matson.

This year, the Kennebec Recreation Committee will be actively raising funds for a brand new “rink shack”, which will match the new ice rink. Beautifying this area will be a real asset to the community, as a whole.

Speaking of the Rink. After valiant efforts made, the Arden Rink is, sadly closed, for the season. Special thanks is sent to Lisa and Jeff Matson for all of their hard work, through the winter months. They hope to see everyone again, next year.

On April 1, 230pm to 430pm the Arden Church hosts an afternoon of fun and games for youth. Those kids attending can bring a board game for all to enjoy. The afternoon will be filled with lots of fun. Some snacks will be available. If you would like more information, please call the Church at 613-335-2474 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Monday April 3, at 11am, the Arden Seniors will be having their first meeting of 2023. The club has a new leader, Brian McKinstry and he is eager to get the ball rolling. If you are 50+ and would like to meet a group of like-minded folks and learn about the happenings in the area, this group is for you. After the business meeting all members bring a “Pot Luck” dish for all to share. I am sure that Brian will bring new ideas and adventures to the group. See you there!!

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Battersea/Storrington
by Amanda Pantrey

Amanda Pantrey – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 613-353-6653

VERY special birthday wishes to Annie Jackson of Washburn Road in Sunbury. On March 20th, Annie will be turning 103 years old! Still living in the same house that she raised 7 children in, Annie enjoys baking bread and a good game of cards. All the best to Sunbury village's oldest resident! Enjoy your day, Annie! From your family and friends.

Another birthday shout-out to Heather Vlasschaert on Lower Round Lake Road! I hope you have a wonderful day with your family, Heather!

More live music at The Creek this week. Jake is hitting the stage on Wednesday which will pair great with the pint and a pound of mussels for $19 special. Jordy is on Thursday along with the famous Battersea’s best $7 burger special. Scott will round out the week on Friday night.

Be sure to come to the South Frontenac Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair happening on March 25th at the Storrington Centre (3910 Battersea Road in Sunbury) from 10am – 2pm. You will be welcome to learn about and register for local recreation, leisure, and social programs for all ages and interests. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Have you ordered your veggie starters from Patchwork’s yet? They are accepting orders now for pick up over the May long weekend. Don’t miss out on these high-quality starters for your garden. You don’t even have to go to town to get them! How perfect is that?!

You shouldn’t iron your four-leaf clover. Wouldn’t want to press your luck.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

No column; check back next week!

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Denbigh
Angela Bright

The March break is almost over.  Hope you got to enjoy it with family and friends.

The Denbigh Recreation Committee will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday March 18, 2023 from 5 - 7pm at the Denbigh Community Hall.   This homemade traditional meal will be Irish stew with a bun and dessert, all for $12.00 with children under 8 being $8.00.    There will be live music with The Pickled Chicken Band. 

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting Euchre Nights at the Denbigh Hall for $2.00 on Friday March 17 and March 31 at 7pm.    The plan is for them to be every second Friday night.

The Denbigh Library will be having a LEGO and K’NEX Day on Saturday March 18 from 10 to 11am.  Please call to register 613-333-1426.

Sunday March 26 is the Madawaska Senior Housing AGM at the Lions Hall in Griffith from 4 to 6pm.   The meal will be Irish stew and desserts, and it will be a goodwill offering.  Everyone is welcome.

The community sends condolences to the Martha Grant family.  Martha was very fortunate to achieve the age of 101.    She always attended many community events where she enjoyed visiting with everyone.

Please let me know if you have any news or events you would like to share.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

In honour of International Women's Day last week, a bit shout out to Monique Blair, first Fire Chief with Kingston Fire & Rescue, Yeah!

March break is a great time for youth to complete the Ontario Hunter Education course! The course can be taken online or in person. Remember, anyone planning on hunting with a gun, must also complete the in-person Canadian Firearms Safety course. For more information, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/hunter-education

Looking for something to do on March break? Frontenac Community Arena is holding public skates on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday this week. Admission for Tues and Fri is a donation to the Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation (SFCSC) food bank. See you there!

Land O Lakes Rescue Petting Farm held its open house this weekend with a yummy lunch (Pizza & hot dogs) at Hunter's Creek Golf Club!  They are still looking for donations and volunteers to help support their animal rescue facility (613) 336-0330.

The Township is seeking resumes for a vacant position as the Seasonal Public Works Waste Sites/Shop Assistant. 40 hours per week @ $22.66 - $26.66/hour. A copy of the Role Description is available on the township's website. For further information please contact Darwyn Sproule, P.Eng, Public Works Manager (613) 479-2231 ext. 230 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. DEADLINE - Noon local time on March 23, 2023.

Firefighters and other first responders rely on the clear and easy-to-identify civic address number at the end of your lane or driveway to help them get to you and your family in an emergency. Often these posts get covered by snow accumulation or overgrown seasonal foliage.

Wondering when you should remove your ice hut? Remove by March 1 for FMZs 17 and 20; Remove by March 15 for FMZs 14, 16, 18, 19, and 12 (below Lake Timiskaming dam); Remove by March 31 for FMZs 9, 10, 11, 15, and 12 (above Lake Timiskaming dam). All ice huts must be removed before ice breakup, even if no removal date applies. ontario.ca/icefishing.

The Sharbot Lake Farmers Market is gearing up for the season (July 1st-Sept 30th) and is looking for new vendors ! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Maple Madness will be running every weekend in March and the week of March Break at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Mar. 11 – 19, and 25 – 26). Activities include: self-guided sugar bush tours, interpretive stations teaching the process of making maple syrup, wagon rides, pancakes at the sugar shack, shopping for maple goods, face painting, maple-themed crafts and games. Online registration is required (entrance fee the day of is $5.00 for adults, $3.50 for children). Check out the Maple Madness packages on our website: https://www.visitkingston.ca/packages/family-packages/

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Marilyn Goodberry

It's Income Tax Time! South Frontenac Community Social Centre has volunteers who can complete your return free of charge if your income meets the CRA limits. No self-employment, business or rental income.  Pick up a tax envelope at our main entrance, fill out the forms and drop it off to us with all your tax slips inside.  Our volunteers will contact you if more information is required and your return will be filed electronically.  We'll call when your paper copy is ready for pick up. How easy is that!  For more info, call Chelsea at 613-376-6477 ext 308.

Well the snow is starting to melt and hopefully winter is coming to an end.  One of the problems during our winter is trying to clear the ice and snow on our driveways,  sidewalks and getting to our mail boxes.  In Harrowsmith the majority of our boxes are in two long rows which face each other and have a walkway in between in Centennial Park.  Some of the drifts after winter storms were knee high in the walkway and after freezing rain the boxes were almost impossible to open.  One of our local residents investigated and found that snow removal, salting and sanding is the responsibility of Canada Post.  For future reference if these areas are not cleared within 24 hours you can call Ms Bankcroft at 613-847-0628 in Belleville or Ms Cudd at 623-382-4915 in Gananocque . 

Friday, March 17, 2023 is the St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Harrowsmith S and A Club.  From 19:30 PM until 23:00 PM.  Green beer and Karaoke.  Cash bar.  Come and join for a $5 entry fee. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Friday, March 17, 2023 is St Patty’s day with Jeff Code at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith.  Dancing from 7 to 11pm with a late night snack provided. Cost is $20.00.  For more info, call 613-372-2410.

Sunday, March 19, 2023 is a take out beef (not turkey) dinner, at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith, advance tickets only with a cut off date of Wednesday, March 15.  The cost is $20.00 with tickets available at the gas stations in Sydenham, Harrowsmith and Hartington and Asselstine Hardware in Verona. For more info call 613-372-2410.

Wednesday, March 22, 1 - 3pm - Painting Workshop at the Sydenham Legion Hall, 4361 Amelia Street.  Bring a photo of your house, cottage, curled-up cat or anything that says home to you.  Aged 55+ beginner to experienced painters welcome.  Canvas, acrylic paint and brushes provided for a $5 donation.  Bring an apron, paper towel and a sense of fun!  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register call Denzel Maradza 613-376-6477 ext 310 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Saturday, March 25, 2023 is the South Frontenac Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair at the Storrington Centre (3910 Battersea Road in Sunbury) 10-2pm.  Learn about and register for local recreation, leisure and social programs for all ages and interests.  E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for more information 

Thursday, April 6, 2023 is Diners Club at the Verona Free Methodist Church.  A delicious meal of hickory smoked baked ham from Seed to Sausage, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw and strawberry shortcake dessert.  Just $10 per person.  Seats are limited, so please pre-register by calling 613-376-6477 ext 303 email Joanne  .  Be sure to let us know of any diet restrictions, gluten free, diabetic or other.   

Saturday, April 22, 2023 is the Sydenham Women's Institute Spring Craft & Bake Sale.  New location is the Golden Links Hall at 4186 Colebroke Road, Harrowsmith, Ontario.  Thirty vendors, home baking and a light lunch from 9am to 2pm.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

March break is rocking on with a movie night this Saturday March 18 at the Kennebec Hall featuring a free movie and some snacks available.

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Darlene Beth Davis of Bordenwood who died of kidney failure on March 7 at Kingston General Hospital.

Maple syrup productions are up and running in our area and good products are reported.

Our fabulous Frontenac Addington Trappers Council are hosting a free Trappers Carnival on Sun. April 30 from 10 – 4 at the Flinton Recreation Centre: 72 Edward St. Flinton. This sounds sounds like a real hoot and a holler including various Vendors, Booths, Demonstrations, Friendly Competitions, Bucket Auction and much more. Everyone welcome, Admission is FREE!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

Update! Adelaide Ormsbee’s mixed curling team from Kingston Secondary School made it to the championship round of the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association Curling Championships March 6 – 7 at the Royal Kingston Curling Club and placed 4th overall.

Minor Baseball online registration is available until April 15th.  Website is FCMSA.ca..   In person registration will be as follows March 22nd 6-9pm at Ken Garrett Memorial Park, March 25th 10-2pm at the old Fire Hall in Sunbury and March 26th 9am-12 pm. at Ken Garrett Memorial Park.

Self- Defence! First class planned for March 18th. Call to register. Hamid Nam will be teaching Self-Defence Techniques classes at Inverary United Church Hall, one class every three months. If interested or 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.

Youth Dance! for students in grades 5 to 8. Friday March 24th at the Storrington Lion’s Hall in Sunbury. Music & Fun! Supervised. Cost $5 per student.

Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair on March 25 from 10am to 2pm at the Storrington Centre, 3910 Battersea Road. Come and learn about recreation, leisure and social programs available for all ages.

Chris Murphy in Concert! At Inverary United Church on Sunday March 26th at 7pm.

Food Bank Drive! Mark your calendars for the next Food Bank Drive on March 31. Drop off at the Storrington Lion’s Hall in Sunbury between 1 – 5pm.

Annual High Tea! Saturday May 13th one sitting at 1pm at the Storrington Lion’s Hall in Sunbury. Cost per person is $25. Enjoy an assortment of “tea” sandwiches, dainty sweets, fresh fruit and tea & coffee. Cash only bar available. Come in your finest tea attire! Reserve your seat by calling Shirley O’Neil at 613-353-2257. Seating will be tables of 6, so bring your family and friends or share the table with new friends. Proceeds will benefit the work of the Child Life Specialists at our local hospitals.

Storrington Retirees Luncheon at the “new” Storrington Centre on Wednesday April 12th at 12 noon. Enjoy a hot home cooked meal and see for yourself the new look at the centre. Meet your neighbours, make new friends and enjoy the entertainment. Lunches are the second Wednesday of each month!

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Hockey – Reminder - Tay Valley Township Hockey is cancelled this Thursday, March 16, 2023.

The Perth and District Historical Society welcomes everyone to its regular monthly meeting at 7:30pm on March 16, 2023. This meeting will lead us towards the coming gardening seasons. Lynda Haddon, community gardener and past president of the Perth & District Horticultural Society (PDHS) has organised the care of several principal Perth gardens for nearly 20 years. In this talk, Lynda will provide an overview of their origins, including how one of these beautiful structures very nearly met the fate of a wrecking ball. Note: Covid-19 precautions will be in place. The Perth and District Historical Society is dedicated to learning about and popularising our history and is a forum for discussion and celebration of our area’s rich culture and heritage. The meetings are held the third Thursday of the month and are open to the public, at 7:30pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Perth-Upon-Tay, Branch 244, home of the Hall of Remembrance, 26 Beckwith St. E. in Perth. The usual “Toonie Fee” applies for each meeting. For information, contact Ellen Dean at 613-264-8362. Our website at www.perthhs.org has additional information about us and items of interest related to Perth and district. You do not need to be a member to attend, this event is open to everyone. Article submitted by the Perth and District Historical Society.

Upcoming Trivia Night at the ABC Hall, Saturday, March 25. Doors open at 5:30pm. Dinner is optional, registration is required. For more info go to the ABC Hall website abchall.ca

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

Sympathy to the family and friends of Lilliane Antoine, who passed away (another former resident of Snow Road). Sympathy to family and friends of Joyce Balharrie of Almonte. Joyce was a good friend of mine and she was so much fun to be around. We were with her a lot when she lived in Snow Road. Sympathy to her boys Greg and Glen. Also sympathy to the Emerson family on the death of Gwen. Gwen was a wonderful woman – so happy and cheerful and full of life. These women will be so missed.

Get well wishes to Patsy Sargeant (I am sorry about being late getting this in).

On Thursday, March 9th, Alice, Harriet, and myself took Erma out for a birthday lunch at The Crossing Pub. We heard there was liver and onions on the menu and we wanted to go for it. It was on their supper menu – not the luncheon menu but our wonderful waitress, Jennifer, with the beautiful dimples, asked “How long do you have before your doctor’s appointment?” I did not have to be there until 3:30 and it was only 1:30 so she asked the kitchen if they would make it for us. And they did! It was most wonderful liver, onions and bacon dinner I have had in a long, long time. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We floated out of there happy and full.

Then off I went to my doctor's appointment. What do you think the first thing they did to me was when I walked into the doctor’s office? They weighed me! How rude! Those machines should not be allowed to be around, especially after the big meal that I had just eaten. I will be working on my diet the rest of the week. Thank you, waitress Jennifer and staff at the Crossing Pub who made four ladies very, very happy. We will be back.

Friday, March 10th I had a wonderful visit with my granddaughter Brandy from Shannonville. Such a special day with her. Also thank you, Elaine, for your visit on Thursday. I am always happy to see you. We always make the world a better place to live (at least in our minds).

I hope all the teachers and students have a wonderful and safe and happy school break.

Christine - I heard you are just back from Cuba. Does your head feel like a football? Do you feel like you’re gonna die? If you don’t – you did not have a good enough time.

Community Centre News: About a dozen people enjoyed a session of line dancing on Tuesday morning. Thanks to Sue for her patience as we tried to sort out our left foot from the right one. There were several tables of players at Tuesday’s Games Night. The Games Nights are the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Wednesday night was the monthly Social Dinner which happens on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. As always, a marvelous variety of food shared in good company. The hall was nicely decorated with lots of green for St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget our Friday morning Coffee Time from 10am to noon is open to everyone. Drop in for a chat and get to know your neighbours. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 23rd at 7pm when Chris Murphy and Jessica Wedden will be performing at the Community Centre. Both of them are talented musicians and we are looking forward to hearing their performance as a duo.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone.

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

The sun shone warmly for the Snow Stomp last Saturday.  Over 40 people of all ages came out to dance (led by Meredith), chat, eat, play in the snow and hang out by the fire.  It all ended with a large circle spiraling around the parking lot, a great cheer and a thank you to Meredith by organizer Liz.

The Community Cafe is returning to the Ompah Hall on Wed. Mar. 22 starting at 11.  Susan Irwin will present a session on wills and power of attorney followed by soup and social.  Rural Frontenac Community Services provides this gathering free to all seniors over 60. For more information contact Juana at 613-279-3152 ext. 106 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The hall will be filled with families having fun on Sat. Apr 8. St. Killian's Church will hold an Easter Egg Hunt along with other fundraising activities.  Mark this day on your calendar for these egg-citing activities.  Extra hands would be welcome if any high school students are looking for volunteer hours.  Contact Jeanne Klatt at 613-479-0070 for more information.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Elijah Abrams

Hope everyone is enjoying their March Break - safe travels to those that are travelling this week!  You deserve the break!

Hope everyone remembered to set their clock ahead!!

Wasn't that a Party!  Celebrations for Tina Howes' birthday at the CE Building in Parham was a great way to spend a Saturday seeing family and friends and playing games!

Thinking of you to Mary Howes and Lisa Teal.  Hope you feel better soon!!

Don't forget the Lions Club Breakfast on March 25th!!

Reminder as well that baseball registrations are under way.  Teams will be capped at 13 players so you don't want to be disappointed.  Lots of easy ways to register: online - www.fcmsa.ca - fill out the form and etransfer payment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by email - send both form and payment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or in person at the OSO Hall in Sharbot Lake on Wednesday March 22 from 6 to 9pm and again on Sunday March 26 from 9am to noon.  If you need a registration form, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or one will be coming home with GREC Students after March Break.

Mark down April 8 from 10am to 2pm on your calendar!  There is a Spring Fling, Craft, bake and vendor sale at the OSO Hall from 10am to 2pm!  Come out and support local!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

EVENTS AT Perth Rd. Sunday School Hall: Tuesday Lunches continue. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert. Euchre at 10am.

Maple Syrup Festival: April 8th, 830am – 230pm. All-day breakfast: Pancakes, sausage, and maple syrup. Games, Face Painting, Log Sawing, Bake table. Craft sales, displays, and vendors in Harris Park Hall. And much more.

Perth Road VILLAGE Crafters continue to meet every Wednesday: 930am – 1130am at Harris Park Hall, 5612 Perth Road Cres. If you’re a first-timer, get in touch with Cheryl Bird at 613-353-7303.

YOGA classes on Opinicon Rd., Pilates and foam rolling classes, go to: nomadyogini.ca, for full schedule: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 613-453-4195.

Friday Night Jam Sessions at the newly renovated Storrington Fire Hall. 6pm – 9pm.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

No column; check back next week!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Hope everyone has recovered from losing an hour’s sleep. If you haven’t already done so, great time to change batteries in smoke detectors and CO2 detectors. Speaking of time… the clock on the post office, its time stands still. It was brought to my attention that we should see what we can do to “bring back the clock”. Anyone got any thoughts?

Don’t just be green with envy, join in the festivities. The Sydenham Legion is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day social starting at 4pm, all are welcome, free admission and light snacks provided.

Luck ‘o’ the Irish to you all.

Coming soon… You know you want some, you know you’ll buy some, yep, GIRL GUIDE cookies! It’s a sure sign of spring when our young entrepreneurs get out and sell their famous cookies. Keep eyes peeled for locations and times.

We’re half way though March and it came in like a lion I’d say. So hopefully shall go out like a lamb. Mother Nature has certainly been off her meds this winter.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Style Revival will be open two more Saturdays this month, March 18th and the 25th from 10am to 1pm. It will also be open, as usual, Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival, which is located in the Verona Free Methodist Church at 6804 Hwy 38, offers free gently used clothing and footwear for all ages.

Congratulations to Nicole's Gifts, celebrating their 13th Anniversary of opening their store on Main St.

Painting workshop with the theme of "home" March 22, 1- 3pm at the Sydenham Legion Hall (4361 Amelia St). Materials provided but bring a photo of your house or cat, or anything that says "home" to you. Also bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun! $5 donation for beginners to experienced (55+). Please register a few days before at Southern Frontenac Community Services, 613-376-6477 ext 310.

South Frontenac Community Recreation & Leisure Services Fair will be happening on Saturday, March 25th at the Storrington Centre (3910 Battersea Road in Sunbury) from 10am – 2pm. You will be welcome to learn about and register for local recreation, leisure, and social programs for all ages and interests. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Sydenham's Women's institute will be holding their Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 22. New location at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith from 9am to 2pm. 30 vendors will be there. Light lunch available.

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