Community Columns, June 20, 2024

Jun 19, 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 Brent Fehr

(Editors Note: Attention Arden column fans. A new reporter has stepped forward to replace Wanda, who has stepped back from the column, Brent Feher. Here is his first column.)

Hi, I'm Brent Fehr. I live with my partner, off-the-grid on Arden Road. We have 16 chickens, 8 ducks, 3 rabbits, 2 geese, a dog, and a cat, and reside on a majestic piece of the Canadian Shield. We have lots of gardens with vegetables, wild flowers, and foraged mushrooms to enjoy their fall harvest. My favourite breakfast sausage is from Whan Farms, available in the Freezer at C4 Convenience.

I am a wine educator, and will be hosting my “Wine School” at Springwood Cottage Resort on Kennebec Lake every Thursday at 4pm, starting July 4th. Open to all wine lovers, and those keen to learn more.

If you’d like to share your “Arden Happenings” or birthdays, events, memories, and special occasions, in this column, please pass along to Brent at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., before Friday @ noon. Every Wednesday - darts at the Arden Legion, starting at 7pm.

June 30th - Arden Strawberry Social & Bake Sale, Saturday from 1pm-3pm at Kennebec Hall. $7 per serving, sponsored by Kennebec & District Historical Society.

July 6th - Join us for an old fashioned “Free” Pancake Breakfast at Arden United Church (1076 Railway St, in Arden), Saturday from 8-10:30am. Pancakes, sausages, fruit salad and maple syrup will be served with orange juice, tea and coffee. Donations are gratefully accepted.

July 7th - The Arden Garden Club will be holding an introductory meeting at the Arden United Church, Sunday at 12noon. For beginner gardeners and those with more experience, come and share ideas, ask questions and learn more about how to cultivate a beautiful, productive & successful garden. Interested Gardeners Welcome. Bring a lunch or snack. Coffee & tea provided.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Chris Pantrey

What did the sun say to the moon on June 21st? It's going to be a long day! Welcome the official start of summer 2024. With this current heat wave in full effect, please take the time to look out for each other.

You can can!! Want to help out the Storrington Lion's Club with their can drive?? If you don't have space to store your cans, drop them off anytime at the hall in Sunbury or contact any member to make collection arrangements!

On Tuesday June 25, join experts at Gilmour Beach pavilion in Battersea from 7-8:30 to learn about blue-green algae. This is an important lake health opportunity and goes rain or shine. Please pre-register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot.

ICYMI last week... a family of 5 (3 adults, 2 children) are actively looking for a house to rent on or before August 1st. While they would prefer to stay in the Sunbury, Inverary, Battersea area, they will take anything into consideration. If you have a rental property that may work for them, please email me and I will pass on your contact info. Hopefully there is something out there for them!

Food insecurity doesn't take summer holidays. Please support the food drive Friday, July 5, from 1-5, at the Lion's Hall in Sunbury. And yes, your contribution will make a difference. Thank you for your help!

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Pine Meadow Nursing Home is having a yard sale on Saturday, June 22nd from 8am-2pm If you wish to make a donation, please call Sarah at 613-336-9120 ext. 226.

The annual opening of the Cloyne Pioneer Museum is on Saturday, June 22nd. Meet the Museum staff, learn about the history of the museum and listen to the New Pickled Chicken band! Opening ceremonies begin at 11am. Bring a folding chair and stay for the BBQ, shortly after noon. Simultaneously will be the dedication of the Indigenous Garden and Strawberry Moon Opening Event by The Land O’ Lakes Garden Club at the Benny Lake Heritage Park. We are honoured to have Danka Brewer, an elder and knowledge Keeper from Sharbot Lake, attend to help us open the wheel with a smudging, drumming and storytelling.

Then, on June 26, the next installment of the Speakers' Forum starst at 7pm at the Northbrook Lions Hall. This month's speaker will be Rita di Ghent (BFA, MA), who has been mentoring creatives for the past 23 years as faculty in the Arts, Media, Performance, and Design Department of York University. She also regularly holds women’s fires and circles and song medicine gatherings. Her singular brand of storytelling involves music, singing, and drumming. Rita lives in Prince Edward County. Rita will speak about navigating her life and career as someone with a neurodivergent brain, specifically, a brain wiring known as aphantasia. Free admission, everyone welcome.

Exciting to announce that there will be a Kindness Rock Garden painting booth at the Flinton Recreation Club Event on June 29th! Come by to paint a rock to be placed in the garden. The idea behind this beautification project is to spread kindness one rock at a time. The first garden will be placed at the Barrie Township Hall. The hope is that the garden will be visited often along with the other surrounding attractions. Those who visit can take a rock, when you need one, share a rock with a friend in need, or leave a rock to spread kindness. Thank you to Ron Nowell Construction for their donation of rocks for students to paint for the garden.

Save the Date… Saturday, June 29th St. Kilian’s Church in Ardoch will be holding their first Bake Sale/Yard Sale of the summer season from 10-1.

On July 10th The Land O’ Lakes Garden Club’s speaker is Master Gardener. Joyce will teach us how to adapt our properties and environment to help keep ticks at bay. All are welcome. Location, the Barrie Community Hall, 14225 Hwy #41, Cloyne, mix and mingle at 6:45pm, the speaker will start at 7:00pm For more information, our e-mail address is

The Flinton Father/Son Golf Day is July 20th. Mark your calendars and get ready to tee off. More information to follow.

All pickleball players are invited to join the Cloyne Picklers on the Cloyne courts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For more information contact Peter Hurley at 905-9998-262 or by PM.

Come on out to the Lions Farmers Market in Northbrook every Saturday 10-1pm. Many vendors with veggies, honey and preserves, plus the Lions Canteen with hotdogs, Eggers and home baked goodies. There will be a variety of Pot Pies and Adirondack Chairs. Watch for the Lions “Catch the Ace” progressive lottery which will be starting June 30th. Tickets $5. More details next week.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father’s day celebrating with their families and friends.

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting cards at the Denbigh Hall at 7pm on Friday 28. It will be the last one until September. They will be having horse shoes at Heritage Park starting Friday, July 12 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is celebrating their annual Memorial service on Sunday June 23 at 2pm. There will be fellowship at the Denbigh Hall after the service. Please bring something to share.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Check out the Glendower Pickleball Courts Facebook page to find out when others are playing. Private and Group PB sessions are now being offered, with flexible dates and times. Call 613-545-5288 or follow White Lake Pickleball for more details.

From the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal. -Do you live in a green-light community? Support your local volunteer firefighters en route to an emergency by yielding the right-of-way to flashing green lights. Your consideration supports quicker response times. #GreenLights

On Wednesday, June 26th, 6-8pm, Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church will host the Road 38 Design Study Open House. To present the findings of a study that looked at design options for a 5.4 km stretch of Highway 38 slated for construction in 2025, including Murvale Creek culvert.

Well done to the amazing Portland area firefighters who hosted a food drive at the Verona Foodland on Saturday, June 1st! Thanks to their hard work and the incredible generosity of the community, they raised $356.15 in cash and brought in an impressive 753 pounds of food to the SFCSC!

Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this food drive a tremendous success! Together, we’re making a difference.

Come and feast your inner foodie at Music in the Park on June 22nd at the Verona Lions Park andHall.. We are serving up a variety of free treats from 1-3pm! The Verona The Lions Club will be hosting a free bbq, and their will be popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream. Stop by the welcome tent for coupon. See you there (Note – for safety reasons, this event has been re-located from McMullen Park. In case of excess heat, the concert will take place in the air conditioned Lion’s Hall)

The Parham Demolition Derby is coming back: August 17th, 2024. For info about the different classes of vehicles and the rules, go to Parhamfair.ca.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

They're gone!!! The Harrowsmith Beautification Committee would like to report that two of the eight planters placed along Hwy 38 in the village are missing. They were there on Wednesday night, June 12 and when one of our members went for a run at 6am on Thursday, June 13, they were gone. The planters were located across the road from each other on the corner of Hwy 38 and Church Street. A report has been made to the OPP. These planters are 28 inches high, filled with rocks, dirt and flowers. It would probably take two people to carry them and a truck to transport them. If you saw someone unloading a couple of planters on Thursday morning, June 13, or a couple of new planters have appeared on your street or road, call the OPP at 888-310-1122.

The Harrowsmith S and A Club is still looking for volunteers for Canada Day in Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. We need adults as well as youth. It doesn't have to be all day. Even an hour or two would help. We need people to be at our two toll booths to collect donations as the cars come in, and also need volunteers in the canteen. Please consider contacting us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Penny at 613 532 5114.

Friday, June 21, 8:30am is the Annual General Meeting for South Frontenac Community Services. Note: the site has been changed from the Grace Centre to the Storrington Centre. For more information contact Chantal Tyrell at 613-376-6477 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There is a Painting Workshop at the Sydenham Legion Hall, 4361 Amelia Street, from 1pm tp 3pm on Wednesday, June 26. Bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun! Everything else is provided. Donation $5. Please register a few days in advance with Natalee Lennox at the South Frontenac Community Services, 613-376-6477, Ext 310 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Canada Day events are coming back to Centennial Park. Gates open at 11:30am with activities starting at 12noon until 5pm with opening ceremonies at 12noon and free live entertainment all afternoon. The line up includes the Porch Pilots, Whiskey Smoke and the Three Amigos. There will be a variety of free inflatables, children's games, horseshoes, raffles, a vendor's village and a canteen serving BBQ'd hot dogs and hamburgers. Come join the fun and hope for great weather!!

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Our neighbour Scott Gemmill courteously kept me in the loop so I can pass along news about our north Henderson Road improvement adventure that runs this summer from June 24 - Sept. 1. It features culverts, rock and earth ditching, pulverizing, single and double surface treatment. At some point when the culverts go in the road will be partially closed - but we will have plenty of notice - to “get ready”. We continue to offer encouragement by waving away at you all and running out with some candy from time to time. Sorry you mostly have to refuse the candy since it’s not part of your job description.

Only two sleeps until the second time and finally final Henderson United Church yard sale on Sat. June 22 from 8am -12noon at our Henderson UCW Hall. We’ve got new stock (kids toys, kids grab bags, games, tools) and new prices and are open to offers. Mosey on up!

We’re getting excited about the Sun. June 30 Strawberry social and bake sale hosted by the Kennebec and District Historical Society from 1pm - 3pm at the Kennebec Hall, costing $7. It’s truly yummy in the tummy and aids the preservation of our history and artifacts while honouring our ancestors.

We were sad to hear of the death of our own Olive Allen - another second mother to many of us and a heroine who was featured prominently in the Frontenac News during Covid by our now retired intrepid reporter, Pearl Killingbeck. Olive will be remembered for her sense of adventure, love of God and family, and service to the church and community. Special thanks to Olive’s family for sharing her with all of us over the years. We loved her to pieces!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Community Youth Dance is from 6:30 to 9:30pm on Friday, June 21st at Storrington Lions Club Hall. Grade 4 students are welcome at this event that is in support of Perth Road Public School.

Park Lakeside Concert Series: Next free concert on Saturday, June 22nd from 1 to 3pm at McMullen Park, Verona featuring Rudy and Saddle Up. In addition to Music in the Park, there will be a 9-hole disk golf course, a skills and drills clinic on the tennis courts, basketball and shuffleboard, face painting and a free BBQ hosted by the Verona Lions Club.

Citizen Science Workshop on Tuesday, June 25th at Gilmour Point Pavilion from 7pm to 8:30 (rain or shine). Learn from experts how to identify, report and prevent harmful algal blooms in our lakes

Canada Day! Monday, July 1st at the Storrington Lions Hall. Enjoy food and fun from 11am to 4pm. Activities include comedy magic, games, crafts, and foam by the local fire department - Remember your bathing suit and towel! Live music by Jeff Code and Silver Wings Band starting at 1pm.

Food Drive! will be held on Friday, July 5th. All food items gratefully accepted. Also needed are household products and personal hygiene items. Fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products also appreciated. Drop items off from 1pm to 5pm at the Storrington Lions Hall.

Vinta, a powerful and profound folk band will perform at Leopard Frog Barn Concerts on Sunday, July 7th at 2pm. Their music is fiercely danceable! Opening for Vinta is singer-songwriter Ellen Hamilton. Tickets $30. To reserve by text or email: 867-222-5270 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pickleball! Learn to play and enjoy a fast growing sport. Sunbury Pickleball Club offers Intro to Pickleball sessions for beginners and Up Your Level sessions for experienced players. Certified pickleball instructor and all equipment provided. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Fill the Bin! Remember to save all those drink cans to fill the bin at the Lion’s Hall. Next date is August 25th but you can drop off anytime to a member of Storrington Lion’s Club or at the hall.

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Reminder - Memory Cafe at Maberly Hall - The third Tuesday of every month, at Maberly Community Hall 180 Maberly Elphin Road. Tay Valley Township is proud to be partnering with The Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville in providing the community with a Memory Café in Maberly. This program offers support and camaraderie to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Registration is required. Please contact Geralynne by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 1 (866) 576-8556 ext. 200. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tay Valley residents have a new opportunity to get involved in their community by applying to serve on the Heritage Property Selection Committee. The committee reviews and assesses applications for the Heritage Property Recognition Program and the Legacy Farms Program. Interested residents can submit their completed applications to the Deputy Clerk, either online or at the Municipal Office, until 12pm local time on June 28, 2024. Application forms are available at the Municipal Office. For more information, contact Aaron Watt, Deputy Clerk, at 613-267-5353 ext. 130 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Mississippi
by Pearl Killingbeck

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Leane Bailey

On Wed. June 12, a large group met at the hall for the Community Cafe. Cory Klatt, CEO of North Frontenac Township and Laura Huffman from Rural Frontenac Community Services spoke about opportunities for support for seniors in their homes. North Frontenac and RFCS have partnered to provide home supports such as cleaning, meal preparation, and decluttering. There may soon be supports for exterior maintenance as well. Residents of North Frontenac living in wards 2 and 3 over the age of 60 or living with a disability should contact RFCS (613-279-3151) for more information. Residents of Ward 1 should contact Land O'Lakes Community Services at 613-336-8934.

The fridge in the foyer of the Ompah Community Centre has received approval for a Community Fridge. In the fridge will be food from the store in original packaging or extra produce from your garden (must be washed, dried and bagged). Help yourself or leave extras.

The next Snow Road Community Centre Music Night is on tonight, June 20th, at 7pm, and features Emily Jean Flack. Emily combines her original songs, Celtic instrumentals, and percussive step dancing to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets are $15, and can be ordered by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 613-278-1853

The Clothing Swap will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 10am to 11am at the Ompah Community Centre. Bring clothes that you don't want any more. Maybe you will find other clothes that work for you! At the end of the hour, take home your new treasures and clothes not taken. For more information, contact Marily at 613-267-8980, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Monday, July 1 there will be a Canada Day Family Picnic at the Ompah Community Centre. Bring a blanket and your lunch. There will be chips and drinks available. Music will be playing so feel free to sing or dance along. There will also be games for children and adults. The picnic starts at noon and goes to 2:30pm.

Please join us on Wednesday for coffee and treats starting at 10am. It’s a great way to meet your Ompah neighbours and friends. While you are there drop by the library which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to noon.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Don't forget, the next Lions Club Breakfast is Saturday, June 29th at the OSO hall... Remember to bring your utensils...

Congratulations to all the college and university students who graduated this year....we want to send out special mentions to our grandson (and son) Riley Teal, who graduated Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech and our granddaughter (and niece) Brianna Drew who received her masters degree in computer data in British Columbia last week. We are so proud of you both and can't wait to see what is next for you!!

Have you been able to check out the 3 pitch games? They are exciting games - lots of great athletes in our area - be sure to check them out Sundays at 2pm at any of the ball fields in Parham, Sharbot Lake and Mountain Grove - you won't be disappointed.

The Pickleball courts in Parham are almost ready for those interested in playing on them! We did some leveling on the outside of the court so that no one twists their ankle. Huge shout out to Ralph Lowery for bringing his shovel and rake on Sunday to help level - I know Ralph is eager to get on the courts! Soon! Thanks also to Lisa and Stirling Hamilton, Tina and Stu Howes, Bob, Katie and Christine Teal for coming out as well to level it out ... especially on Father's Day!!! Thanks gang, for always being there when we need help!

Tonight - Thursday at 6:30, there is a U11 game at Parham and then the Junior Men's will have their first home game of the season at 8:30 so be sure to come out and support them.

Next week we have the U9 at 6:30 in Parham and then the Junior Men at 8:30 and Wednesday we have U13 at 6:30 followed by the U19 team and Thursday will see the U11 team taking the field at 6:30 

Be sure to come out and cheer on these players!

Did you remember to order your Good Food box from the Sharbot Lake Health Team? Be sure to get in on the next one... they are definitely worth the $20.

Canada Day plans are in full swing for Sharbot Lake beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for all the great things happening that day, including: pancake breakfast (at the firehall – road 38 and Wagner Road, Canada Day Run, BBQ, strawberry social, cotton candy, Pickleball demo, walking parade, flotilla parade, children's games, Duct Tape Boat race, vendor village, dunk tank and on stage you will find Marc Giroux, The Merrigans, Lowery Mills and Beverly Beer Bellies!! Plus a spot for open mic - where sign up will be the day of the event - so sign up early that day to be sure you can get on!  And of course the fireworks at dusk!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

Perth Road United Church: Sunday services continue at 10am. 5614 Perth Rd Crescent,

Perth Road., Sunday School program is available for children.

Happy birthday to those with June birthdays.

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Happy first day of Summer! It's time for one of my favourite parts of writing the Plevna Column, the fish of the week! Every week in July and August, I spotlight a person in our community that has caught a brag worthy fish! If you think you are one of these people and would like to share with us, please send me a picture of you with your fish and your name and which lake you caught it. Also any other details like the size, species and what lure you used, is always an interesting add. Thank you in advance.

If you are looking for something fun to do Tues June 25th, visit the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) for the next Clar-Mill community volunteer bingo lunch! It is a fun bi-weekly event from 11am - 1pm where you can enjoy playing some grocery bingo and a delicious $10 lunch! For more information you can contact Mary Ann at 905 213-3820.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church invites all euchre fans to come play Tuesday night euchre at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall. There are prizes for high score, most lone hands and a consolation prize for low score. Refreshments are enjoyed after the games. Please arrive a little earlier to find your seat, games start around 7pm.

The much anticipated St Kilian's Church Bake Sale and Yard Sale is coming up on Sat June 29th from 10am - 1pm at 5984 Ardoch Road. It's not to late to pre-order your favourite treat! Pre-orders would be appreciated before tomorrow, June 21st. For more information, you can call 613 479-0070 or facebook message St Kilian's Church. Remember to go early for the best selections!!

The Snow Road Community Centre  Fabulous Strawberry Social is coming up on Sat June 29th from 6-8pm. You can treat yourself to delicious fresh strawberries, cake, ice cream and a beverage for $7 per person and an additional $3.50 for seconds. What a deal!!

Plevna's Clar-Mill Community Volunteers invite you to a Strawberry Social BBQ fundraiser at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall on Sat July 6th from 10am - 2pm! While you are there, check out the Annual Craft and Vendor Sale inside the hall. I am sure there will be something for everybody this fun day.

Family and friends of Adam Lemke are invited to a graveside service on Sunday July 7, 2024 at the Plevna Cemetery (6611 Buckshot Lake Rd, Plevna) at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch at the Clar Mill Hall.

Are you signed up to enjoy the North Frontenac Historical Society and Archives Bus Tour on July 11th? Don't miss out on this informative tour  through the Township to enjoy some very interesting sites with an onboard guide. As an added bonus, you get a delicious lunch prepared and served by Community Volunteers. For more info you can call 613 479-5583 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your seat. 

Calling all Junior crafters between the ages of 9-12, the Plevna Library Branch (6638 Buckshot Lake Road)  is hosting Crafty in the Country on Thursday July 11th at 2pm. Participants can choose their own project and all supplies will be provided. For more information or to register you can visit calendar.kfpl.ca

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Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

No column; check back next week!

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

No column; check back next week!

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturday June 22, from 10 am to 1 pm. Style

Revival provides gently used clothing, free of charge. They are also open every Wednesday. Location at the Verona Free Methodist Church. They are currently accepting clothing donations.

Swim Lessons are being offered at McMullen Beach in Verona this summer. The township offers the Lifesaving Society Swimmer Program in two-week course sessions. The 6-level program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Swimmer progressions accommodate children 4 - 5 years and older including absolute beginners as well as swimmers who want to build on the basics. They stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. They incorporate Water Smart® education in all levels. To register log onto the South Frontenac Township website.

Kick off the first 2024 Music in the Park on the grounds of the Lion’s Hall,. Saturday July 22 from 1pm - 3pm. There will be a disk golf competition, a skills and drills clinic on the new tennis courts with Noble Tennis School, a pop-up StoryWalk installation with Kingston Frontenac Public Library, a free community BBQ hosted by the Verona Lions Club, and live local music. There will also be a free concession stand featuring popcorn and cotton candy. Plus Free scoop coupons for ice cream at Food Less Travelled. Note – this event was moved from McMullen Park. In case of excess heat, the concert will take place in the air conditioned Lion’s Hall.

Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) wish to invite you to a free information session. “Living with Dementia” presented by Loraine Ross; Education & Support Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Society of KFLA. This will be held on Friday, June 28 from 11 am to 1 pm. at the Verona Free Methodist Church. The presentation will be followed by a hot lunch that can be eaten at the hall or taken home. There is no cost to attend this event. Registration is required. You may register online at www.frontenacsalt.ca or call SFCS at 613-376-6477 ext. 310

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