Community Columns, February 29th, 2024

Feb 28, 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

Are you considering entering into an apprentice program? Connection, Adults Learning can help you enhance your math and reading skills with in-class sessions. They are also offering a 3 week in person/on line program to discover more about yourself. They will provide you with the skills to help you plan your future. If you are interested in either course, or other programs available, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Sharbot Lake 613-279-2499 Northbrook 613-336-0691.

District 2 Rec Committee invites you to join them at the Olden (Mountain Grove) Community Centre, Saturday March 9, 1pm to 4pm, for an afternoon of music presented to you by Alber and Patty and friends. Feel free to bring snacks.

Just a reminder about the March 16, St. Patrick Day dinner at the Arden Legion. Shepherd’s pie, Stew, coleslaw, rolls and dessert will be served. Tickets are $20.00 per person and available at the branch, at C4 Convenience and Sharbot Lake Pharmacy.

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Battersea/Storrington

What's a frog's favourite day? February 29th! Leap Day!

The groundhog said an early spring! But now the weather forecast says March will come in like a lamb!! So perhaps we are not out of the winter woods yet and we wait for the lion!

Back to Health is still offering its Winter Wellness Programs! There are both Yoga and exercise classes, to help keep you moving thru the end of this cold and sometimes snowy season!  Please contact Allison at 613-353-1109 to see how they can help!

Storrington Stinger News... a huge congratulations to both the senior girls and boys basketball teams for making us proud at their respective tournaments last week! Both teams made the semifinals! Bravo to these student athletes for representing our school!

Kindergarten registration is now open!! If you have a child who will turn 4 BEFORE December 31, Storrington is looking forward to welcoming them to their new school adventures! Please contact the school directly at 613-353-2868 to get the registration process started.

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

On March 2nd from 8am to 11am, please join the North Addington Education Centre Parent Council Advisory and the Kaladar Barrie Fire Department at the Flinton Recreation Centre for the FIRE FIGHTERS PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Proceeds raised will go towards the NAEC busing for extra curricular activities. Kids $5 Adults $10.  This is a cash only event.  If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Finnegan’s General Store in Cloyne is hosting a book signing for the local Historian & writer, Margaret Axford. Her book called In the Shadow of the Rock is the definitive history of the Bon Echo property from its beginnings in the late 1890s to its present iteration as Bon Echo Provincial Park. The signing will be from 11am to 1pm next Saturday, March 2. She will have books for sale. If you have already purchased one, please bring it for Margaret to sign.

On Sunday, March 10th between 2pm and 5pm, all are invited to Music and Friends hosted by the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes. This event is held at the Lions Hall in Northbrook.

Another event coming to the Lions Hall is on Saturday, March 16th. Come out between 8pm to 12am and enjoy an entertaining evening of live music, a D.J., food, Irish beverages, and prizes. Tickets are $15.00. Tickets are now available for purchase. Contact Lynn at 613-336-9426 or buy them at the door. You can get your ticket at Euchre on Tuesday nights or Bingo on Thursday nights.

Come out to Finnegan’s General Store on March 16th from 11am – 2pm for a community pot luck. Bring your favourite dish to share with others. There is no cost!

Congratulations to Finnegan’s General Store for winning a Canadian Choice Award in the category of General Store.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

Land O’ Lakes Community Services is hosting Denbigh Diners on Monday, March 4.  Lunch is served at noon.  Betty will be calling the week before.

Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting cards on Friday, March 8 at 7pm at the Denbigh Hall.  Come join the fun!!

Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting an Irish Stew Dinner on Saturday, March 16 from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Denbigh Hall.   Cost is $15.00 or under 8  is $8.00.  The meal will be gluten free.

There will be a St Paddy’s Day Dinner and Dance on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Matawatchan Hall.  The entire event runs from 5 to 12pm and if you want to go to everything which is the “All The Shenanigans Package” (dinner, live music and dance) the cost is $20.00.   If you just want to go to the Live Music and Dance with Bar (19+) from 7 to 12pm, the cost is $10.00.    They are thrilled to welcome Canadian Fiddle Champion Robbie Dagenais with Ian Clark, vocals and guitar from 7 to 9pm.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

No column; check back next week!

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

Delicious maple syrup for sale in 1 litre jugs for $22, 2 litre jugs for $38 and 4 litre jugs for $70.  Pickup locations in Harrowsmith, Verona, Sydenham, Kingston or Gananoque on March 30, 2024.  All proceeds go towards the New Leaf Link programs for adults with developmental disabilities.  Order today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 there is a Painting Workshop theme Maple Syrup at the Sydenham Legion Hall, 4361 Amelia Street, Sydenham from 1 - 3pm.  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..  

Friday, March 1, 2024 there is a Youth Dance at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith for Public School children from 7 to 9:30pm.  Cost is $7.00.  For information, call 613-372-2410. 

Saturday, March 9, 2024 there is a Fun Euchre night at the Harrowsmith S and A Club 4041 Colebrook Road, Harrowsmith.  Starts at 19:00 PM.  Please be there 15 minutes before.  Members $5 and Non-members $7.  Cash bar.  For more information contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sunday, March 10, 2024 will be the Old Tyme Fiddlers Open Mic at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith from 1 to 5pm followed by dinner.  Cost is $15.00.   Please bring a dessert to share.  For information, call 613-372-2710.  

Sunday, March 17th there will be a St. Patrick's party at the Harrowsmith S and A Club 4041 Colebrook Road, Harrowsmith from 5 to 9pm.  Pot luck, green beer and karaoke.  Free for members, non-members $10 which entitles you to a membership for the remainder of the year.  Come and party.  Cash bar.  For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Tomorrow, Fri. March 1, an area wide World Day of Prayer service is happening at Sharbot Lake United Church at 1 that will feature area churches gathering in a service written by the Christian Churches in Palestine.

This Sunday, March 3 - in person worship resumes at Henderson United Church at 8:45am with the Rev. Kaitlyn Ostrander, after a two month time of worship at our sister church in Arden. This saved on our winter heating bill but now we are excited to get back in to our church, worship, sing and plan for our future community events. All welcome!

Musicians really rocked the Arden United Church recent musical fundraising afternoon concert that even featured an Elvis tune and got us “all shook up”. Stay tuned for more details of Arden United’s up-coming yummy St.Patricks breakfast event on Sat. March 16 and set the date aside!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet - Different format, same warm welcome! Join us at Inverary United Church Hall on Saturday, March 2nd. Doors open 7am to 10 am. 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.

Community Youth Dance for students in Grades 5 to 8 on Friday, March 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 at the Storrington Lions Club Hall. Canteen Available. Supervised. Admission is $5.

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.

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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

There was a packed house for the February Birthday Bash.  Extra tables had to be set up.  As a result, there were many delicious dishes and desserts to share.  Dave Young entertained with song and guitar.  He filled us in on the doing of grandson David, who has played several times in Ompah.  David is touring with his band around the states and has a new CD out. We look forward to them playing here in Ompah in the next year or so.  The crowd sang happy birthday to Jane and Murray who made a wish and blew out the candles.  The next pot luck is Wednesday, March 20.  Everyone is welcome.

Just a reminder that the Community Cafe, put on by Rural Frontenac Community Services, will  be at the Ompah Hall on Wed. March 6 from 11 to 1:30.  The topic this month is "How to Deal With the Winter Blues" and keeping mood and motivation steady throughout the year. Snacks and social time to follow.  This is a free event for seniors over 60.

There will be a SALT presentation on frauds and scams on Friday, March 22 to coincide with Coffee Morning at the Snow Road Hall starting at 10.  Everyone is welcome.  Snacks to be provided.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Hope everyone has been enjoying the beautifully lit Christmas Tree at the lot on which the Anglican Church and the Red Brick House formerly stood in Parham, before fire destroyed them both.  Sure lights up the dark evening skies.  It's like a beacon of hope in the darkness.

March 9th at the OSO Township Hall Sharbot Lake Lions Club Breakfast in support of the leader dogs for the blind.  Also the Lions Club are selling their Easter Bunnies; call Dave to order yours.

Thinking of you to Dawn Hansen.  Incidentally, Dawn is one dedicated loyal member of the Lions Club and even though she was in hospital, she reported to us of the up and coming breakfast and Easter Bunny sales!

The Happy Travellers group in Parham enjoyed their Pizza and Pajama meeting on Feb. 21.  Our next meeting is on Mar 20 with former member, Joan Wyatt, being one of our honoured guests, and John Purdon from Mountain Grove being the other. Joan will be soon moving closer to her family in Espinola.  This will be our St. Patrick's meeting so be sure to wear green!

Sorry to hear of the passing of Mildred (Millie) King, sister of May Leslie formerly of Parham.

Big thank you to Diane Lake and Joyce Conboy for leading our worship service at Parham United. Soup luncheon was enjoyed by all who stayed after the service.

Calling all minor ball players!!!  Registration opens on March 1st online at www.fcmsa.ca - remember that teams are capped at 13 so be sure to register early to be guaranteed a spot.  In-person registration will be Saturday, March 16 from 10am to 1pm at the Parham Fire Hall.  As always, we are in need of umpires, so if you are interested in this as a Junior or Senior umpire, please let us know.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating in March including Tanya Whan, Dan Hole, Dale Bertrim, Annie McKinnon, Alayna Jackson, Darrel Hannah, Dave King, Charlotte Brown, Delbert Bertrim, Melody Cooke, Cheryl Hole, Collin Hamilton, Sophie Neumann, Robert MacPherson, Phillip Bertrim, Tina Howes, Keith Steele, Marcie Webster, RIck Goodfellow, Stephen Thompson, Jennifer Claro, Brandon Hole, Charlotte Thompson, Chris Bertrim, Bill Lee, Katie Teal, Sam Kempe, Helen Pike, Ben Gray, Genny Kelly, Natasha Lafoso, Amanda Quinn, Dylan Co, Mike Gowd, Leah Mallette, and Annette Jackson.

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

No column; check back next week!

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Clarendon Public School is bringing Chili Night back on Wednesday, March 6th from 5-7pm.  Please plan to come out and test some amazing chili and see who this year’s Clarendon chili champ will be.  There will also be a dessert/silent auction, so plan on a great evening while helping to raise funds for school trips! Entry will be by donation. 

You are invited to a Benefit Dance for Craig Schonauer at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) on Sat Mar 2nd from 7pm-midnight. There will be a cash bar and a DJ! Tickets are $10 and you can buy them at North of 7 or at the door that night.

34 people made it out to the Thurs, Feb 20th Clar-Mill Community Volunteer Poker Chip Bingo Lunch! It was a super fun afternoon with a delicious selection for lunch at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road). If you are interested in the next bi-weekly Bingo Lunch, it will be Tues, March 5th and it costs $10 for lunch and a FREE Bingo card and you can buy extra cards for $2 each. If you would like to donate a soup, sandwich, dessert or grocery item for our next event on March 5th, please contact me. Thanks in advance!!

21 people came out to enjoy a very fun night at Euchre on Feb 20th! If you would like to play Euchre and would like to join us, we meet Tuesday nights at the Plevna Clar-Mill hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road)  at 6:50pm (games start at 7pm). Refreshments are served after the games and everyone is welcome!!

The coldest day of the year did not keep people away from Winterfest last Saturday, it was a fun event enjoyed by all! 

Someone turned in some money that was folded up and found on the Winterfest Grounds Saturday between the firepit and outhouse. If you lost money and can tell me the amount, you can contact me and I will put you in touch with the person to return it to you. Otherwise, if we don't hear from anybody, it will get donated to the school. Which, by the way, served the most delicious lunch at Saturday's Winterfest!! Thank you Clarendon School Parent Council!!

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Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

Friday, March 1st: World Day of Prayer Service: All 6 local Churches of Sharbot Lake and Parham will be participating in an ecumenical prayer service in recognition of the WDOP. All are invited to this years’ service which has been written by the Christian Churches of Palestine. Special speaker will be Rev. Canon Kenneth Davis of Perth who visited the Christian Churches of Palestine in 2022. It takes place at 1pm at Sharbot Lake United Church, refreshments to follow.

The Lions Club will be hosting their popular “all you can eat” breakfast on Saturday, March 9, 8-11am $10 for adults ($6 for children 6-10/ free for children under 5) at Soldiers Memorial Hall (Oso Hall) in Sharbot Lake. Proceeds going to The Guide Dog Building Fund.

Saturday, March 16: A special night of music with musician Jamie Ferguson at the home of artists Janet McKay and Mitchel Webster (Worldview Studio), 1121A Summit Rd on Black Lake. Tickets, $15 each, are available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phoning 613-453-6962. Directions to the venue will be provided upon receipt of payment.

Looking Ahead: The North Frontenac Little Theatre will be presenting the musical “Oliver” for 5 performances from May 1-May 5 at Soldiers Memorial Hall (OSO). The seating capacity will be approximately 75 per performance, with up to 30 tickets / performance having the option of adding a dinner package for a same night dinner at Belong Sharbot Lake. Ticket sales will begin in March and this year will be handled completely online by Frontenac Experiences. In advance of tickets going on sale, you are invited to be placed on a “first come first serve” waiting list by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phoning 613-453-6962 (No advance payment required to be placed on the waiting list. More details and pricing info will be forth coming in the next few weeks.)

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Looking for some live entertainment?  Guaranteed to make you want to dance, the band Hickory Switch will be performing this Saturday, March 2 at the Sydenham Legion. The tickets are $10 and available now at the Sydenham Legion as well as The One Stop.  Enjoy a night of country, blues and old rock.  This 5 piece band brings amazing harmonies and sure to keep the dance floor busy all night long, doors open at 7.  

Wow Sydenham, what a night! Sold out Memorial Benefit was held last weekend for Darryl Silver.  The outpouring of support from our community just never ceases to amaze me.  We were blessed to have his family in attendance as well.  A huge shout out to all those who contributed to this evening, our attendees and our community.   Darryl will be missed but certainly has left our community with some pretty special memories.

Have you registered yet for the South Frontenac Community Services Transportation Lunch & Learn? Last year, we provided over 2000 drives to seniors and adults with cognitive impairments in South Frontenac. Our transportation service would not be possible without our amazing volunteers.

Join us on Thursday, March 7 to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of seniors and families in our community! FREE lunch for all participants! Contact Chelsea to register today at 613-376-6477 ext. 308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Diddle for the middle.  Want to know what that means?  Well, it means you can toss some darts on Friday night from 7-usually 9ish, upstairs at the Sydenham Legion.  A fun drop in night, only $5 to play and $3 for legion members.  All skill levels welcome.  

Join us on Thursday, March 7 at noon at the Verona Free Methodist Church for a pork tenderloin meal followed by a performance from Cowboy Mark McDonnell! 

Will March come in like a lion or a lamb!?

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

The next Women's Luncheon will be Tuesday, March 5 at 12:30pm at MOM's Restaurant. Sophie Sage will be presenting on Letting Go/Purging. Sophie downsized from a four bedroom home to go where the Lord sent her. Please call 613-374-2703 to reserve. New women are always welcome.

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.

New Leaf Link is holding a Maple Syrup Fundraiser. All funds raised go towards their program. The maple syrup can be ordered in three different sizes. For more details and to order email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Monday, April 8, South Frontenac residents will experience a total solar eclipse, a once in a lifetime event. South Frontenac is directly on the path of totality, the slim sliver of the Earth’s surface where the moon will completely block out the sun. You can see the path on this Queen’s physics website https//www.queensu.ca/physics/2024eclipse

The Sydenham Lake Canoe Club is selling seedlings this spring to raise funds for new boats. Cost is $3 per seedling. There are eight varieties available: white cedar, white pine, white spruce, Norway spruce, red oak, silver maple, tamarack and butternut. Place your order using the order form on the club's website at www.sydenhamlakecanoeclub.com.

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