Community Columns, December 13th, 2023

Dec 13, 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

As one who many who were part of the mini outbreak of Covid in the Arden area, we should be thankful for the vaccine and the fact that we will be over this, and in good health by Christmas. I would like to give a shoutout to the Sharbot Lake Pharmasave, who worked tirelessly in supplying us with the drugs to help us recover quicky. Cheers to all!!

Due to the spread, many of the events planned for the following week were cancelled. Hopefully the Church can get back to their services on Sunday and other get-togethers planned. Keep a look at Facebook for updates. Please call Brook Chatwin, 613-561-5716 or Bill Wong 613-798-6718 if you are still interested in contributing to the Christmas Hamper Baskets.

There will be no Sunday services on December 24, but Candlelight Christmas Eve services as follows. Arden 4pm, Mountain Grove 5:30pm and Henderson 7pm.

If there is a special message you would like me to put in the column, please get in touch with me by Saturday, December 16.

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Battersea/Storrington

What do you call a snowman with a sunburn? A puddle!

Entries are in for the South Frontenac lights contest! And the weather is cooperating for a township tour!  The nominees are: 4236 Duff Road, Inverary; 4078 Moreland Dixon Road, Inverary; 5044 Wallace Road, Harrowsmith; 3746 Daley Road Sydenham; 2502 Railton Road, Sydenham; 2536 Rutledge Road, Sydenham; 2936 Rutledge Road, Sydenham; 4405 William Street, Sydenham; 6137 Revell Road, Verona; 3283 Harrowsmith Road, Harrowsmith.

After seeing the wonderful displays, don't forget to vote for your favourite on the Township's FB page. Thanks Mary Jean for reaching out for this info!

Storrington Stinger News... Do you play Kinsmen TV Bingo Saturday nights? Thanks to the Gananoque Kinsmen,  $3000 has been donated to Storrington Public School from the bingo proceeds! WOW! The money has been earmarked to go directly into classroom resources,  possibly in the form of whiteboards.  Thanks, Kinsmen, and to all the bingo players, keep those daubers busy!! 

Remember folks, this column is for YOU!! If there is anything you want to shout out, celebrate or share, or if you have the perfect column joke, please contact me by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,  by phone 613-353-6653 or text 613-888-5824. 

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Pine Meadow Nursing Home thanks the North of 7 Run Club for coming by so the residents could see all of you dressed up like Santas. They really enjoyed it!

Finnegan’s General Store and Stephanie’s Good Pizza Shop is collecting non- perishable items for the Food Bank until December 15, 2023. They have also begun the tribute tree program. A donation of 5$ or more and your loved one’s name goes on the tree on an angel ornament. All proceeds to the Perth & Smith Falls District Hospital MRI fundraising campaign. They are collecting until February 14th.Let’s cover the tree!

Finnegans General store will be holding their 2nd annual customer appreciation event on Saturday, December 16th from 1 to 4. Food, drinks, and gifts for the children. Santa Claus will be there.

Joy to the World Family Concert December 17th Clair-Mill Hall 6pm Free Admission 6598 Buckshot Lake Rd Refreshments to follow RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes invite you to join us at the final Music and Friends Open Mic of 2023, Sunday December 17th from 2-5. The canteen and Bar will both be open. Come enjoy the music, dance, eat and be merry.

December 20 at 1pm is the North Addington Education Centre Annual Christmas Concert.

Christmas Eve Mass at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Ardoch will be on Sunday, December 24th at 4:30pm and at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Flinton on Sunday, December 24th at 7:30pm. Christmas Day Mass will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Flinton will be on Monday, December 25th at 9:00am. New Years Eve Mass will be St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Flinton on Sunday, December 31st at 7:30pm. New Year's Day Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Flinton will be on Monday, January 1st at 9am Mass at St. Kilian's Catholic Church in Ardoch will be on Monday, January 1st at 11am.

Christmas Day dinner on Dec. 25th serving at 12:30 at the Lions Hall. Come for good food, fun, friends, and fellowship on this blessed day. Please do not sit alone at home; everyone is welcome. Take out is available. For more information call Marylin at 613-336-1573.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

No column; check back next week!

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Happy birthday to my brother Karry Gemmell!

And birthday wishes to: Jenine Davy, Jamie Thomas, Sarah Hannon Winney, Betty Barna, Bev Vandershoor, Joanne Silver, Linda Schouten, Grant Roberts, Trudi Knapp, Linda Bertrim, and Kendall McCaugherty... and to all of the December babies!

Thank you to the Township of South Frontenac for the tasty luncheon that was hosted this past weekend for volunteers!  Congratulations to all the award recipients and honorable mentions!  Shout out to Rampant Kitchen for putting on an amazing spread of food, very tasty from start to finish!

Another food celebration was held at Cole Lake FM Church which hosted a Christmas breakfast buffet with all the fixings. The pancake feast was well-attended and appreciated on a damp and rainy day. Thank you to the volunteers who made it possible.

The Centennial Park Farmers Market that was held at night was a huge success with food, fire pits, lights, and music. Let's hope it becomes a regular seasonal event for everyone to enjoy.

Wow, the new bridges built by the Verona ATV Club look fantastic at Fish Creek and Elbow, nice work.

Did you hear that we have a retired Vet Tech that does HOUSE CALLS in South Frontenac! Well, we do, her name is Lisa from Limestone Petcare and she brings 18 years of experience to the community.  If you want more information you can reach her at 613-583-3590 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Welcome to Sydenham!

New Years Dance: Golden Links Hall Harrowsmith. Music by DJ's Mark n Shirley. Hot meal served around 10:30. Bus ride home available. For tickets call 613-372-2410. Cost is $30.00.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

Thursday, December 14 is the 2023 South Frontenac Holiday Brunch for Volunteers at the Verona Free Methodist Church, 6804 Hwy 38, Verona.  Celebrating our volunteer achievements, meeting other volunteers and participating in holiday trivia from 9:30 to 11:30am.

Saturday, December 16, 2023 is the Children's Christmas Party at the S and A Hall in Harrowsmith from 11:00am until 1:30pm. Come and see Santa and stay for a free lunch. Donations gratefully received.

Sunday, December 31, 2023 Rock in the New Year with favorite DJ's Mark n Shirley, Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith.  Doors are open at 8pm.  Hot meal served at 11pm.  Bus ride home is available.  Cost is $30.00 per person.  Limited number of tickets being sold.  For tickets and information, please call 613-372-2410.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Kennebec folks are rocking Councillor Gowdy’s food bank peanut butter challenge with thanks to everyone who is dropping off peanut butter at the Arden Post Office until Dec. 20.  I hope we win the challenge!!. Also Christopher from Frenchie's Chip Hut donated 100 lbs of potatoes to the food bank.

The Pine Meadow staff were treated to a home cooked  "thank you" turkey dinner with all the trimmings prepared by the managers, and all report having a great and festive time.

This Sat. Dec. 16 Harlowe hosts an open mike from 1- 5 with food available to purchase and great musicians coming. Entertainers  $2.00 and public $5.00.  Then at 5:00 a roast pork/beef supper with potatoes, gravy, vegetables, trimmings, coffee tea , pie will happen at a cost of $15.00. The food is out of this world- and the location is another world- in the most positive way.  See you there! 

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes has been busy and appreciates all volunteers with thanks to the chairs: Marlene McLean Chair of the Nov. 25 Santa Claus Parade; Debbie Sarault Chair of the Dec. 2 Christmas Market Extravaganza; and Savanagh Fraser Chair of the Dec. 9 Santa's Workshop.

North Addington Education Centres Annual Christmas Concert is back and scheduled for Dec. 20 at 1.

Stay safe folks, Covid is on the rise!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Thank you to the South Frontenac Township Council for a wonderful Volunteers’ Luncheon. Special mention to Amanda Pantrey. The Storrington Center looked wonderful. Also special mention to Elisa Corrigan of Rampant Kitchen for the delicious lunch! It was truly perfection.

Christmas Baskets - Please consider donating a turkey to Battersea United Church for the annual Christmas baskets. Lots of storage room at Inverary or Battersea churches.

Rotary Cash Calendars are on sale! Great Christmas gifts. Cash prizes. Available at Mrs. Garrett’s Bakery, Inverary Pharmasave and Maple Country Home and Farm. All yours for $20.

Food Bank Drive was a great success and thank you to all who gave. Remember: you can donate anytime to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and in your message box identify where you want the donation to go.

Crystallize Music Studios Presents: Christmas Community Carolling ~ Inverary United Church Sanctuary, Dec 17th, 2pm. All welcome! Admission: donation to the Storrington Pastoral Charge Food Bank.

Soulful Singing at 5339 Battersea Road, Battersea on Monday December 18th. Dress warm for the outdoors. Enjoy the campfire. Bring a snack. Wear your mask. Cost is $10. RSVP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-353-2889.

Christmas Services for Storrington Pastoral Charge. December 24th services will be at Battersea United Church with a Family Service at 4pm and a Traditional Service at 7pm.

December 31 is regular service times, 9:15 at Battersea and 11:15 at Inverary.

Sing Goodbye to 2023 with Chris Murphy in concert at Inverary United Church on December 31st at 2pm. Free will offering. Everyone welcome!

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.

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

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.

Yoga Class every Wednesday evening at 6pm at Inverary United Church Hall.

Storrington Retirees Luncheon at the Storrington Centre the second Wednesday of each month. Enjoy a home cooked meal. Everyone welcome!

Save your drink cans (alcohol and non-alcohol) for the Storrington Lions Club Can Drive on January 7th from 12:30 to 2:30. Help fill the bin which will be on site compliments of Environmentall Contracting Services. Complimentary Hot Chocolate will be served in the hall. Proceeds in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs.

Enjoying the best of Mother Nature! Ran on the beaches of Cuba, came home and ran in the snow in Inverary and today a quiet run (no spikes on my shoes) in the rain – all in the same week!

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Always a top New Year’s resolution – getting in shape. The ABC Hall can help! Check out the line-up of fitness classes offered at the ABC Hall this winter, beginning January 5, 2024. From CPHC Seniors Exercise class and Line Dancing to Gentle Yoga, Pilates, and Beginner Boot Camp, we’ve got something to suit everyone. For details, and to register, visit the ABC Hall website https://abchall.ca/health-fitness/ The volunteers at the ABC Hall wish you, and yours, good health and a very Merry Christmas!

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Linda Rush & Marily Seitz

Oh my goodness, there were so many luscious cookies at the Cookie Exchange on Saturday.  Folks had a good chat, then filled their tins. Everyone pitched in to clean up and then went home with many yummy cookies.

The Food Bank donations box is in the foyer of the hall. Please bring healthy non-perishable foods to support those in need.

Riverhill Farm is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Christmas Light Display with a spectacular firework show on Saturday, December 16 starting at 7pm.  From dark until 9 every night through to Dec. 30, the over 150,000 lights are shining with many special activities on the weekends.  This is a 'not to be missed' event.

The December Birthday Bash pot luck community dinner will be held on Wed. the 20th at 6.  Bring a dish to share, wear your best Christmas duds and be prepared to sing along with some carols. Everyone is welcome.

The Community Café on Dec 6th was all about Dental Health for Seniors.  There was a lot of information about Dental Health, some of it new to me.  The Seniors Dental Program was also described – and would be an excellent resource for any senior on a limited income.  Many dental procedures can be offered free of charge.  In the future it is hoped that a Dental Van will travel to rural areas to offer the program closer to home for many of us.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Charlotte Brown hosted her Christmas dinner with guests numbering 26 last Saturday.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support District #4 Recreation Committee at their drop in visit with Santa that replaced their cancelled Drive By Santa Parade - lots of fun was had by those in attendance.

District #4 Fire Department was treated to a fabulous dinner on Saturday night - right before the 1st ever Night Time Santa Claus Parade in Sharbot Lake.

Wednesday Dec. 2nd there will be public skating at Frontenac Areana from 10 to 1130am and again on Frid Dec. 29 from 12:30 to 3pm.

Don't forget, the Peanut Butter Challenge is off and running.  The exercise class has challenged other groups to be in on this event to help those in need.

Can't believe it's been 35 years for Kathy England to work at the Bank in Sharbot Lake - Congratulations.

Also celebrating 10 years of spectacular Christmas light displays at Riverhill Farm in Ompah.  Keep on spreading joy to all.

Thinking of you to Stu Howes and Keith Harper facing operations this week.  Speedy recovery going out to Mike Thompson, as well.

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

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

CHRISTMAS EVE Family Candlelight Service: 7pm (no morning service)

CHRISTMAS EVE Lessons, carols, and celebration of Holy Communion at the Wilmer Church: 8:30pm. It is suggested that you bring a flashlight.

TUESDAY LUNCHES at Perth Road Sunday School Hall, Perth Road Cr. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert. Last lunch of 2023 will be on Tues. 19th, resuming again in 2024 on Jan. 2nd

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

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

The Christmas Countdown has begun! If you have Bell Express vu, you can turn to channel 946 to enjoy listening to all your favorite Christmas music. 

Christmas Eve is almost here and if you enjoy going to Mass and celebrating the reason for the season with others there are several in our area to enjoy: 

The River of Life Christian Fellowship invites everyone to come celebrate with them at 6pm on December 24th. 

Holy Trinity Anglican Church will be hosting Christmas eve Mass at 6pm and everybody is welcome.

St. Kilian's Catholic Church will be having their regular 11am Sunday Mass and their Christmas eve service will be at 4:30pm and I was told it will probably be the same for New Years Eve too.

If you are looking for a fun night with friends and like to play Euchre, come on out to the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) on Tuesday nights at 6:50pm (The Games start at 7pm) Donations go to The Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Last Tuesday the donations went to Clarendon Central Public school. $214.50 was raised and 26 people came out to play. Congratulations to Paul R. for winning high score with 88 and Tanya H. for winning most lone hands with 5 and Phil F. took home the consolation prize.

On Sunday, December 17th you are invited to a "Joy To The World" family concert at 6pm! Followed by refreshments at the Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna. Free admission and for more info, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Sat, Dec 16th, you are invited to the 10th Annual Christmas Light Display (over 150 000 lights)  and spectacular fireworks show at 1311 Struthadam Road off River Road in Ompah. Fireworks will start around 7ish. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 5-8pm. There are wagon rides, fresh hot mini donuts, hot chocolate, home made fudge, candy apples, cotton candy and homemade cookies. All of these items will also be available every night from Dec 22 -30 and don't forget to stop into the Christmas Shop hosted by local crafters and artisans on Saturday and Sunday nights from 5-8pm. For more information you can visit This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Got your vocal chords all ready?  If you're looking for something to do on Friday Dec 15th, there is karaoke downstairs at the legion hosted by All-Star Karaoke - entry fee of $5.  Come on out and  have some festive cheer as well as an entertaining  evening. Maybe even sing a song or two.

If karaoke  isn’t your thing, upstairs at legion is drop in darts as well - $3 for legion members, $5 for non members.

Tickets are now on sale for New Years Eve at our local legion, as well.  Featuring the musical talent of Teagan McLaren, $10 per person, tickets available at Sydenham One Stop as well as the Legion, for sure to be a sold out event. Secure your tickets early. Doors open at 8pm.

South Frontenac Peanut Butter Challenge is on. Who will be the nuttiest? At time of writing this we have Sydenham keeping the spread ahead with with 46 jars, then we have Inverary coming in with 25. I feel the crunch is on though.. Harrowsmith isn’t far behind with 19, nor is Hartington.   Thanks to all the donators making this challenge fun and helping out our local Food Bank.  We will continue this until end of December, as the Food Bank has some other planned donations coming in as well as some deserved closure vacation time.  So get your PB and/or J on...

Christmas Lights are a bright… a list of all the entries in the 2023 Holiday Lights contest.    Many others are around, we sure do things up in style.

• 4236 Duff Road, Inverary
• 4078 Moreland Dixon Road, Inverary
• 5044 Wallace Road, Harrowsmith
• 3746 Daley Road, Sydenham 
• 2502 Railton Road, Sydenham
• 2536 Rutledge Road, Sydenham
• 2936 Rutledge Road, Sydenham
• 4405 William Street, Sydenham
• 6137 Revell Road, Verona
• 3283 Harrowsmith Road, Harrowsmith

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Two changes for our Verona Post Office: a hearty welcome and a fond farewell! We have a new Postmaster. Laurie Love assumed the new post in November. A big Verona welcome to Laurie. We know she will enjoy our wonderful village. And now, after 29 years working at the Verona Post Office, Marilyn Haley, our RSMC, is bidding a fond farewell and retiring on December 29. Marilyn has loved working in Verona and she will be missed. Thanks to both these ladies for moving our mail so efficiently through Verona.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturdays December 16 from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival provides gently used clothing - free of charge. They are also open every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.

Enjoy a breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, December 16 from 8:30am to 11am. All proceeds go to the Embers, Sparks and Girl Guides of Verona. Bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, home fries, toast, coffee, tea and juice. Adults $10 and kids from 7 to 12 years old $5.00. 6 and under eat free. Verona Lions Hall.

Once again this year there will be a free turkey dinner on Christmas Day at the Verona Lions Hall. Doors open at 10:30, dinner will be served at noon. To reserve your spot call 613 374 2884 or 613 374 3406.

There will be a Christmas Eve service "Worship the New Born King" on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6pm at the Verona Free Methodist Church.

Lace up your skates for public skating over the holiday break on December 27 from 10am to 11:30am and December 29 from 12:30 to 3pm. The 29th is a special FREE skate with free hot chocolate and coffee courtesy of the township to cap off their 25th anniversary - Frontenac Community Arena.

Winter parking restrictions are now in effect. There is no parking on Township roads and village streets from 12 midnight to 7am until March 31, 2024 so crews can keep roads clear and safe.

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