Community Columns, February 8th, 2024

Feb 07, 2024

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
• Sharbot Lake
• Verona

Arden
by Wanda Harrison

No column; check back next week!

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Battersea/Storrington

What do you say to your Valentine when you are in a boat? This is so row-mantic! 

Meditation for Wellness - If you are a meditator or would like to learn, please join Yannick, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, at the Storrington Centre on Sunday, February 11 from 2:30-3:30 pm. At this first meeting we will discuss what meditation is and its benefits, what experience people may have and what you would like to achieve with it. From there a program will be designed to meet participants needs.

You don't want to miss Shrove Tuesday dinner at Battersea United Church! Enjoy pancakes, sausage, fruit salad and tea or coffee for $12. Doors open Tuesday February 13 at 5pm. All welcome!

Family Day is fast approaching! Keep checking www.southfrontenac.net for all of the free family fun the township is planning this year!

STORRINGTON STINGER NEWS... the January Spirit and Recognition Assembly, students and staff took the time to celebrate the December Storrington Recognition Certificate Recipients.  These students were recognized by their classroom teachers and classmates for consistently showing Respect, Honesty, Humility, Love, Wisdom, Truth and Bravery during the month of December.  Congratulations to this month’s recipients- Paige Fitzsimmons, Caleb Hughson, Paisley Hughson, Graysen Portious, Sawyer Thompson, Gracelynn Clark, Sophia Colby, Mia Jackson, River Sloan and Riley Bencze.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

The Pine Meadow Diner was open for business on Tuesday! Residents could choose from a variety of options from the menu, the favorite being the toasted western, fries with gravy, a side of coleslaw and of course, ice-cream for dessert! Residents gave this program a big thumbs up!

Hunter’s Golf Course is hosting a Super Bowl party on Feb. 11th with doors opening at 1. Call 613-336 -2587 to RSVP.

Open mike and music jams are happening monthly on the second Sunday of the month hosted by Friends and Music at the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes Hall in Northbrook from 2 – 5. Food is available to purchase and the canteen is open. This is a monthly Sunday afternoon happening on the second Sunday of the month. (Sun. Feb. 11)

Here are your Flinton (Feb. 13th) and Northbrook (Feb. 20th) Diners dates for February. If you would like to join us for fabulous meals please give Shelby a call at 613-336-8934 ext. 229.

Valentine’s Day Pot Luck Lunch at Finnegan’s General Store between 2 and 5 on February 14, 2024. Bring something to share. RSVP by February 12th at 613-336-2500.

The Cloyne Rec Club is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 14th from 4:30 to 7 at the Barrie Community Hall. $15 per person, $8 for those 4-12 years of age and children under 3 years of age eat free! Dinner includes the yummy spaghetti, garlic bread, and dessert. Eat in or take out!

To celebrate Family Day The Cloyne & District Historical Society presents genealogist Cindy Austin.   She will talk about the old families in our area, and the methods she uses to track ancestors.  Everyone is welcome at the Barrie Hall at 1PM on Monday, Feb 19th, 2024.

The Cloyne Rec Club and Hunter’s Creek Golf Course are hosting the Glitz and Glam Ladies Galentines Bash 19+on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 7:30pm to 1:30am at 1198 Hwy 506. The cost is $20.00 for snacks, photo booth, music, dancing and so much more! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or check them out on Facebook for more information. Watch out for more coming to you from the Cloyne Rec Club: Easter egg hunt on March 30th, Meet the Machines on June 8th, and Show and Shine on July 27th. These dates are tentative.

It sure doesn’t feel like Summer but there are only 100 days until Bon Echo’s opening date for the 2024 season!

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

St Luke’s United Church will be having a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13th from 5 to 7pm at the Denbigh Hall.  There will be pancakes, sausages and baked beans. Free will offering.  Proceeds to go towards a new accessible ramp for the church.

Vennachar Free Methodist Church is hosting a Pancake Supper on Tuesday February 13th from 5 to 7pm in their newly renovated church basement.  Admission is a free will offering.

Denbigh Rec Committee is hosting cards on Friday February 9 at 7pm at the Denbigh Hall.  Come join the fun!!

Greater Madawaska Senior Housing Corporation is having a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Feb 10 at the Griffith Community Hall (Lion’s Hall).  Cost is by donation.  For more information and to make a reservation, please call Elaine 613-333-2741 or Juliette 343-943-7690 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

We are sending our thoughts to Shae Alton and her family. We are thinking of you.

AUDITIONS EXTENDED! FEB 14th. Send a 2-3minute video of your talent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The event date is Feb 16th at 7pm at St James Major Hall.

The Township of South Frontenac is taking bookings for the outdoor courts

We're gearing up for another great year on the courts here in South Frontenac. Seasonal court booking requests can be submitted between February 12 and 23. Ater that, staff will work with all user groups to resolve scheduling conflicts by March 3, and the 2024 schedule will be posted on March 4th at Southfrontenac.net

Please note anyone can book available court time after the initial season schedule is posted.

Checkout our website for more details www.southfrontenac.net/courts

If you’re planning a community or family event in 2024 and would like to book one of our halls, fields, or parks, here is some helpful information https://www.southfrontenac.net/en/news/2024-court-field-and-hall-bookings.aspx

Neighbours Saving Neighbours, the community responder pilot program for cardiac arrest, puts automated external defibrillators in the trained hands of community responders in Frontenac. It’s about saving lives. Volunteer response has been good but there is room for more volunteers.

Learn more and find out how you can volunteer -> http://bit.ly/4083Cn1

It’s hard work that requires leadership and collaboration among Frontenac Paramedics, researchers at Queen's University Health Sciences, and the Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre.

Most importantly, though, it needs people in Frontenac to volunteer to become community responders. If you have a smartphone, a car, and can perform CPR for at least 15 minutes, you can be equipped to help save the life of a neighbour experiencing cardiac arrest in the critical first minutes before paramedics arrive.

Tichborne rink is now open! See Facebook for more details.

Farewell to Michael Anciado, Nurse Practitioner at Sharbot Lake FHT, thanks for all your care and expertise! Best wishes on your new career opportunity.

Condolences to Linda Bertrim on the passing of her father in-law.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

Our sincere condolences go out to the families of Greg Snider and Darryl Silver.  Our thoughts are with you.  

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 the winter / spring session of the Frontenac Youth Choir will begin and continue every Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30pm at the Trinity United Church in Verona.  There are limited afternoon school bus seats available from the Harrowsmith Elementary School to Verona.  For more information contact Rachael 613-539-5625.  

Sunday, February 11, 2024 is the Ole Tyme Fiddlers Open Mic at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith.  Open at 1 until 5pm followed by dinner.  Cost is $15.00.  Please bring a dessert to share.  For more information call 613-372-2410.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Happy Valentine's Day!!!  Do something special with your sweetie.  

Sunday, February 18, 2024 TAKE OUT turkey dinner, Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith.  Advance tickets only with a cutoff date of Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  Cost is $20.00. Tickets are available at the gas stations in Sydenham, Harrowsmith and Hartington as well as Asselstine Hardware in Verona.  Pickup time between 4 and 5:30.  For information, call 613-372-2410.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 How to Setup an Email Account Tech Tutorial at the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church 3876 Harrowsmith Road.  Registration is required.  Call Chelsea Thomas at 613-376-6477 x308 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Saturday, February 24, 2024 there will be a Benefit Dance "Fight the Fight" at the Sydenham Legion, 4361 Amelia Street for Darryl Silver of the Silverbrook Garden Centre. Doors open at 19:00 PM.  Music by Still Standing starts at 20:00 PM.  Tickets available at the One Stop and the Legion.     

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 there is a Painting Workshop theme Maple Syrup at the Sydenham Legion Hall, 4361 Amelia Street, Sydenham.  Age 55+ beginner to experienced painters welcome.  Canvas, paint and brushes provided for a $5 donation.  Bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun!  Registration is required - call Natalee Lennox at 613-376-6477 ext 310 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Our Henderson Harriet Groundhog did not see her shadow and thus prognosticates an early spring for which we are truly grateful. Saner and sunnier days are coming our way - Yahoo!! Depending on your feedback and input, we may employ a raccoon next year to help our “predictionating”.

Valentines Day (Feb. 14) co-insides this year with Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent so we are getting both hearts and ashes prepared to celebrate both romantic and sacrificial love in their many forms. Many churches, villages are offering pancake suppers on that day- as a reminder to use up the fatty foods prior to the more austere time of Lent, and the sacrificial giving up of sweets/fats. Check out the happenings page for a supper near you.

Our sister United Church in Northbrook Land O’Lakes Emmanuel United celebrates communion this Sunday February 11th at 1pm, and all are welcome.

Our Lakelands Family Health Team are thankfully and busily up-dating records in anticipation of their newly recruited medical personnel coming soon. Thanks everyone who worked and continues to work on this recruitment.  Patients of Dr. Dumas are automatically registered in advance.

This Sat. Feb. 10 the Sharbot Lake Lions Club are hosting a breakfast in aid of playground equipment for Land O’Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove. Please bring your own plate and silverware - and enjoy. Adults $10.00, Ages 6-10 cost $6.00 and under 5 are free. It will be a generously yummy happening!!

This Sun. Afternoon Feb. 11 (second Sunday of month) Friends and Music host an Open Mic and music jam at the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes Hall in Northbrook from 2 – 5. Food is available to purchase and the canteen is open. I hear it’s a fun time!

Our Pine Meadow people offered their ever popular Diner last week and residents chose from a variety of options from the menu, the favourite being the toasted western, fries with gravy, a side of coleslaw and of course, ice-cream for dessert! Resident's truly endorse this fantastic food option.

The flag at our North Addington Education Centre (NAEC) flew at half mast this past week in honour of the late Helena Thompson, a bus monitor and classroom helper who is fondly remembered indeed.

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Transition Storrington presents:  An Introduction to Permaculture and Edible Food Forests by Inverary residents, Bob Chambers and Michelle Thomas. Learn about their 10 acre permaculture farm where they have an inspiring number of things growing!  Join us at the Storrington Centre, 3910 Battersea Rd.on Saturday February 10th  from 1 - 3pm.  No charge, supervised activities for children and enjoy some refreshments. An opportunity to learn & build community!

Meditation for Wellness - Please join Yannick, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, at the Storrington Centre on Sunday, February 11th from 2:30-3:30pm. We will discuss what meditation is and its benefits, what experience people may have and what you would like to achieve with it. From there, a program will be designed to meet participants needs.

Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday, February 13th at Battersea United Church. Doors open at 5pm. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, fruit salad, tea & coffee. Cost $12 per person.

Cards, Games & Conversation! Join us on February 15th. Tea, coffee and goodies served. Cost is $5 for Inverary United Church. No pressure, no wisdom needed! Just relax and enjoy any time between 1 to 4pm.

Youth Dance! for those in grades 5 to 8 on February 16th from 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Storrington Lions Hall. Music, canteen available, adult supervision. Cost is $5 pp.

Hockey Day in Battersea! Family Day Weekend Event.. 3 on 3 Tournament. Form your team with as many players as you like. Cost per player is $60 and this includes lunch and dinner. To register your team, email Kyle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Food Bank! Bring your donations to the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury on Friday, February 23rd between 1 and 5pm. Wish list includes household products, personal hygiene items, bread, milk, canned tomatoes, potatoes, cheese, butter, eggs, and any kind of meat. Cash donations always welcome.

Students looking for a summer job! South Frontenac is offering a variety of positions. Apply by February 25th to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Chess Club for youth ages 6 to 16 at the Inverary Playhouse (4750 Latimer Rd). . Monday evenings beginning February 26th unitl May 13th. Cost is $50. Learn from a Chess Professional and then enjoy games with others. Boards, pieces etc. provided. Ends May 13th with pizza and chess fun! To register call 613-314-3505 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet - Different format, same warm welcome! Join us at Inverary United Church Hall on Saturday, March 2nd. Doors open from 7am to 10am. Serving scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes, toast, juice, tea & coffee. Cost is $10 per person, 12 and under $5. Volunteers definitely welcome! Contact Darlene at 613-217-1142

Vendors Wanted!! Inverary Spring Market will be held Saturday April 27th from 10 to 3 at Ken Garrett Memorial Park! For more info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text Kim at 613-530-7446.

South Frontenac Museum is looking for history information or artifacts from Inverary, Sunbury, Battersea, Perth Road Village and surrounding areas. If you have old pictures, books on the area, a special story to tell or artifacts that you can donate or loan to the museum call Judy Borovskis at 613-353-1768.

Yoga Class every Wednesday evening at 6pm at Inverary United Church Hall. Also Pilates & Foam Rolling. Full schedule at nomadyogini.ca  or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

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.

Back to Health is expanding services and now offers Yoga Classes Monday and Friday evenings and Wednesday mornings. To register, call 353-1109.

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

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

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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

Family Day is next weekend and the Snow Stomp could be a great family activity.  Last year there were many children dancing, playing in the snow and checking out the refreshments!  The 3rd annual Snow Stomp will be held at the Community Centre parking lot on Saturday, February 17 from 4 to 5:30.  Meredith will lead some dances, by the fire pit you can warm up, and refreshments are available.  There is no charge but donations are welcome.  Come out and stomp your boots off.

The February Birthday Bash Community Pot Luck will be held on Wed the 21st starting at 6.  Bring a dish to share and a toonie for hall rental.  Dave Young will sing and show off his fine guitar playing.  All are welcome.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Our Tichborne Community has lost one of the last pillars in this small village in the passing of Gordon Bertrim.  Gordon was the mail carrier, store operator, a coach to different ball teams and a real gentleman - our sympathy to his family.  Also thinking of others well known in our community and to those who have connections to this area in the death of Tanya Peters and Steve Hart. Our prayers go out to these families.

Coffee time at the free Methodist Church takes place every Tuesday at 1 o'clock.  Please feel free to drop in and join in the comraderie.  Everyone is welcome.

Don't forget the Lion's All You Can Eat Breakfast Feb. 10 at the OSO Township Hall from 8 to 11.  Bring your cup and utensils.

Thinking of you and wishing them well with caring thoughts and prayers go out to Pete Neadow, Mike Thompson and Cory Lowery.

Parham United Church was honoured to have Kathy and her granddaughter Katie join their church service with their special music.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the 4 on 4 Hockey Tournament at Tichborne Rink on Saturday.  It certainly was a great day weather wise to take part in this great in support of Central Frontenac Minor Softball Association.  The talent that these 6 teams have was amazing and made for some great and very close games.  Mike Thompson's team won a spot in the Finals but unfortunately had to forfeit as the were off to watch/coach and cheer on the next generation of hockey players!  The Curls Bay Cuzzins won their semi finals game so were crowned the champions of the tournament.  Congratulations and big shout out to Dan Hayes, Mike Hayes, Kelly Hayes, Lliam Hayes, Maria Campbell, Luke Taylor, Michael Murphy, and Connor Dunford (who was awesome in net).  We should also note that this team has many generations that have played on this rink so it was touching to have them "back home" again! They also travelled the farthest and as Mike would say, he may have been the most senior on the ice!!!  You still have it, Mike!  Great work to all the teams and thank you for continuing to support minor ball, as the Hayes donated their winnings back to help keep the kids playing ball in our area.

Aabitawehii is a not for profit organization that is native based, community oriented and is building bridges of understanding, support and empowerment, that connects communities across all walks of life, ultimately promoting unity and well-being.  Aabitawehii in Algonquin means "halfway".  Aabitawehii sponsors Sharbot Lake Friday night Bingo and Community Fundraisers.  Since sponsorship started the Bingo at Sharbot Lake has been able to raise funds to cover the costs to enable the Bingos to continue and also make donations to North Frontenac Community Services Christmas Hampers and 3 Community Families in need.  They are holding a Craft Sale on March 23rd at the OSO Hall from 10am to 2pm (sorry, all tables have been sold).  All funds raised stay in our community.  Sharbot Lake Bingo and Community Fundraisers are a group of women working together for their community Cheryl Gordon, Sandra Hewitt, Liz Norton, Tania Veley, Alex Strong, Margo McCullough, Shiobhan Weatherby, and Danka Brewer are the local go getters.  Danka Brewer is performing at Rideau Hall for the  Winter Carnival at 1 Sussex Drive.

Last week, Janet Sanderson, Principal at Granite Ridge Education Centre, retired from the Limestone District School Board. Ms. Sanderson has been a champion for students for over thirty years. She first became a Principal at Sharbot Lake High School so it seemed only fitting that she retire from her illustrious career at Granite Ridge. Students and colleagues were always at the forefront of her mind when making every decision, even the most difficult, and her GREC family are so thankful for her dedication, support and leadership over the past year and a half. We wish Ms. Sanderson all the best as she begins the next chapter of her journey.

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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.

TUESDAY LUNCHES at Perth Road Sunday School Hall, Perth Road Cr. Charge is $8 per person. Great value for homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert.

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

YOGA, Pilates and Foam Rolling in South Frontenac. Including 3 classes a week at the Perth Road studio.

See full schedule at nomadyogini.ca, Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

The Clar-Mill Community Volunteer Poker Chip Bingo Lunch ran from 11-1pm last Tues, Jan 30th. 30 people, including volunteers were out to enjoy some fun bingo games with grocery prizes and a $10 lunch which included a soup, sandwich, drink and dessert! These Bingo lunches are running bi-weekly and the next one will be Tues, March 5th. Take out lunches are available if you can't stay and play.

On Tues, Jan 30th, 24 people came out to enjoy a fun night of Euchre! Congrats to Sandy T. for winning the high score prize with 80 and Phil F. for winning the most lone hands prize with 5! Tanya L. went home with a brain teaser game for the consolation prize for low score that night. If you like to play Euchre and want to come out, it's every Tuesday night at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) at 6:50pm (games start at 7pm).

WinterFest is happening Saturday Feb. 24th from 11am-4pm. Come out and enjoy this fun, family-friendly event!

Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gord Rutter. The funeral service and celebration of life will be Saturday, February 17 at 1om at the River of Life Church at 7064 Road 506 in Plevna.

As the world is just so busy, I am making an effort to slow down and concentrate on what is important and just to be more productive in general. One area I know that needs improvement is my hours I spend on Facebook, so for my own benefit, I have removed it off of my phone for February. I am sad to admit that I was becoming a prisoner to my cell phone. I still will be checking in on my laptop daily, but I may not catch all of the interesting items going on in the community, so if you want to share anything with the Plevna column, please email me or give me a call. Thanks and Happy February! Rhonda

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

No column; check back next week!

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Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

(Editors note – It has been years, actually decades, since there was a Sharbot Lake column in the paper. Finally, after all this time, Greg Rodgers, who co-owns the Rock Hill Bed and Breadfast on Road 38 and Robert Street in Sharbot Lake, has stepped forward to take on the role of compiling and writing the Sharbot Lake column.

A bit about Greg’s community involvement. He serves on the boards of both the Sharbot Lake Business Group and the Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization (AKA OHTO or RTO 11). He has worked in a number of capacities in recent years to help create more collaboration within the local hospitality industry. His latest venture, "Frontenac Experiences," is designed to facilitate such collaboration among operators to better link visitors to events and experiences offered throughout Central and North Frontenac.

“I invite all residents, community groups and businesses to share your planned events and/or experiences that you may wish to have published in the paper” he says. “Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. with your event notices, or if you have any questions or ideas about the column”)

Verona
Debbie Lingen

Dog owners can buy dog tags at a reduced price of $15 during regular business hours from the following locations in Verona. Asselstine Hardware and Rona Hardware. After March 1, the cost increases to $30 and can only be purchased at the Township office.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturdays February 10 and 24, from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival provides gently used clothing, free of charge. They are also open every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Location at the Verona Free Methodist Church.

Ole Tyme Fiddlers Open Mic at the Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith, will play on Monday, February 12 from 1pm to 5pm followed by dinner. Cost $15.00, please bring a desert to share. For info, call 63-372-2410.

Take Out Turkey Dinner at the Golden Links Hall on Sunday, February 18 in Harrowsmith. Advance tickets only with a cut off date of Feb 14. Cost is $20.00. Tickets available at the gas stations in Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Hartington as well as Asselstine Hardware in Verona. Pick up time between 4pm to 5:30pm. For info, call 613-372-2410.

Family Day will be held Monday, February 19 at the Frontenac Community Arena. Come enjoy family day with free skating, snow tubing and snowshoeing, outdoor activities and games.

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