Community Columns, July 4, 2024

Jul 03, 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

I’ve walked both sides of the CP Trail before, but I didn’t know that in 1882 - The Ontario and Quebec RR, (now CP) built a line through Arden, with a station named Ardendale, just west of the village.  The last CP train went through in 1967, same year the new Post Office is built. 

July 6th - Join us for an old-fashioned 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.  “Free Will” 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.

July 13th - Lake Water Introductory Tandem Canoe & Water Safety Course for children Ages: 12 - 17 years old at Springwood Cottage Resort (1018 Blue Heron Ridge Road) from 9am-5pm (Storm Date: July 20th). Experience a one-day canoeing program: learn how to paddle safely and have fun! Participants will become more proficient in basic canoeing skills and can be eligible for Paddle Canada certification. Sponsored by Kennebec Recreation Committee. $15 Registration Fee refundable upon completion!  Registration & Information: Lynn Klages (613) 305 0953 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

July 14th - Mountain Grove Cemetery Memorial Service at Olden Pioneers Cemetery on Ferguson Road, Sunday @ 2pm. Please bring your lawn chair. In the event of rain, service will be in Mountain Grove United Church. For information contact Judy Gray at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

July 20th - The AGM of Horseshoe & Crotch Lake Property Owners’ Assc will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 10am at the Boat Launch. The rain date is Sunday, July 21, 10am, same place.

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Battersea/Storrington
by Chris Pantrey

No column; check back next week!

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

News from Land O’Lakes Petting Farm: “To all our followers, supporters, volunteers and visitors: Due to health reasons, are rescue farm has been permanently closed and the animals will remain at another farm. The farmer who took them has decided he will not be opening up to the public. We want to thank everyone who visited or supported this farm in the past. It saddens us that people won't be able to visit the animals, but it is out of our control now. We hope that you will carry your fond memories with you for years to come. I know the animals are being well cared for and hope they will live out their lives in a loving home. Thank you. Donna & Barry Smith”

News from Pine Meadow Nursing Home: “Thank you so much to Bonnie of Parkey's Dollar Store for setting up a "free" little treat stand for residents to enjoy while the yard sale took place! So kind and thoughtful and very well received!”

“The Kindness Garden has been completed in Cloyne.  It is located on the south side of the Pioneer Museum between two memorial trees.  On June 20th, 6 NAEC classes travelled over to Benny Park to place their painted master pieces.  Thank You to Mrs. Dunham, Mr. Jamison, Mrs. Wagar, Mrs. Roantree, Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Snider and all their creative students for helping me.  One grade 3 student made the comment that their rocks could potentially travel around the world with the number of people who visit our area. Check out FB for pictures!

Land O’ Lakes Garden Club speaker change for meeting on July 10th.  Unfortunately, Joyce Hostyn cannot join us but we have Master Gardener Gail Walker coming and her topic will be “The Positive Impact that a Focus on Native Plants can have in your Garden."

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

The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes would like to congratulate these NAEC Graduating Students who won the Lions bursaries for exceptional students; Alexus Wagner, Erika McLuckie and Emma Rosenblath. All the best in your future studies. “Catch the Ace” started June 30th. This is a Progressive Lottery. The tickets are $5 and can be purchased in person or online. More details on our Facebook page. This is a fundraiser to help make the Lions Hall a functioning emergency shelter. Thank you for your support.

“Come Catch” your own fish at the Lions Fish Fry, Friday July 19th 4:30pm - 6:30pm. Dine-in or Take-out for $20 pp.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting Horse Shoe’s at Heritage Park starting Friday July 12 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

The Denbigh Library will be hosting the TD Summer Reading Club on Wednesday 6pm-7pm from July 3 to August 21.  There will be storytelling, crafts and games for children from 4-12 years old.  Please call to register 613-333-1426.

The Denbigh Library Annual Book and Bake Sale is Saturday July 20 from 9am – 12noon.  The library is located at the Addington Highlands Community Centre 31 Central St. Denbigh ON.

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Hope everyone had a great Canada Day celebration this past weekend. Centennial Park was hopping with music, food, and some fun activities for the whole family.  The Frontenac Pickleball Club came out in huge numbers dressed in their finest, to celebrate our nation, paddles in hand.

The Parham United Church is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a cookbook for sale to the public. $15.00 will get you a copy of this coveted book! Find them on FB or reach out to any church member.

July 17th @ 6 PM is Card Day at Bellrock Hall … euchre, rummy, rook, uno, and Dutch blitz including board games!  Tea and coffee are provided at the canteen. Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Congratulations to goaltender Matthew Villalta on getting signed for a two-year contract with the Utah Hockey Club! He is one of our locals!

Dear Bell Canada, if you could pencil in White Lake Road for pole/wire upgrades, that would be swell! Every time it rains we need to notify you of the hum that persists for days on our lines. For the amount we pay monthly, perhaps you could add it to the budget to get us some new lines OR move the wires underground to avoid the recurring squirrel 'noshing' issues? Just a suggestion.

Good Food Box orders are being accepted in Sharbot Lake until July 18th. Call 613-279-2100 xt. 124 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Payment is due at time of order.

Style Revival hours: Saturdays: July 6th. & July 20th. 10 am to 1 pm Lots of summer clothing is available!

Shout out to Eva Ball!! Was so nice to chat with you the other day!

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

The Harrowsmith Beautification Committee has reported that two of eight planters placed along Hwy 38 in the village are missing.  They were located across the road from each other on the corner of Hwy 38 and Church Street on Wednesday, June 12 and gone on Thursday, June 13.  If a couple of new planters have appeared on your street or road, call the OPP at 888-310-1122.  

Canada Day in Centennial Park was a huge success!  Activities started at 12pm (noon) with Opening Ceremonies and continued all afternoon.  There was music, a variety of inflatables, a slip n'slide manned by the fire department, children's games, horseshoes, raffles and a canteen serving BBQ'd hot dogs and hamburgers.  Congratulations to the Social and Athletic Club for organizing and all of the volunteers for a job well done.  

Saturday, July 27, there will be a Celebration of Life for Darryl Silver at the Silverbrook Garden Centre.  The Silver family looks forward to seeing everyone at the celebration!  It starts at 11:30am and runs until 4pm.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

Our sister church in Arden is hosting an old-fashioned pancake breakfast this Sat. July 6 from 8am - 10:30am that includes pancakes, sausages, fruit salad and maple syrup, orange juice, tea, coffee- all for a free will donation. I get hungry writing this column!!

We were sad to hear of the death of Eric Wagar who taught and interacted with many students, teachers, and church folks from our area and beyond. He died at Pine Meadow Nursing Home- where he received excellent care.

Folks with loved ones buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery will want to attend a memorial cemetery service there and pay respects on Sunday July 14 at 2pm.

We enjoyed a 90th birthday party for my spouse’s brother who turned 90, and is now planning his 100th party!!

The Kennebec and District Historical Society hosted a superior and yummy fundraising strawberry social to support our whole area’s heritage and we are some proud of these energetic folks. Please set aside Sat. Aug. 17 for their next fundraising BBQ and gospel concert featuring Clearview (Matson family), Vernon Scott and friends, Risen, and New Journey at the Kennebec Community Hall in Arden.

Sorry I’ve missed reporting on the Harlowe Open mikes- the third and fourth Saturdays- where folks sing, dance, and munch away on home style foods in beautiful downtown Harlowe. Be sure to check out the action there.

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Catalpas Are in Bloom! At 3248 Round Lake Road, Inverary. Catalpas are a shade tree with large heart-shaped leaves and thousands of white orchid-shaped flowers with yellow and crimson accents. 3-year old trees for sale while supplies last. For info call 613 353-6650 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Food Drive! 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. Fresh garden produce from your garden is also welcomed. Drop items off from 1:00 pm. to 5:00 pm. at the Storrington Lions Hall.

Vinta, a folk band will perform at Leopard Frog Barn Concerts on Sunday, July 7th at 2 pm. Opening for Vinta is singer-songwriter Ellen Hamilton. Tickets $30. Call 867-222-5270 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

50 Years Anniversary Celebration! Two couples Al & Sandra Baird and John & Barb Baird will celebrate together, 50 years of marriage! Join them in their celebration on Saturday July 13th from 2:00 pm. to 5 pm. at the Storrington Centre, 3910 Battersea Road, Sunbury. Best wishes only. Light refreshments provided.

Poker Run! July 13th 10:00 am. at the Storrington Lions Hall. Fee is $35 (includes lunch) Proceeds to K4Paws. Prizes, Games & Silent Auction. 613-484-2531 or 613-484-9465.

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

Fish Fry at ABC Hall - Join us at the ABC Hall on Saturday, July 13 for our summer Fish Fry fundraiser. Enjoy 2 delicious pieces of deep-fried cod served with salad, fries, and dessert. Dine in at 6:45 pm or choose from 3 take-out time slots. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for kids under 12, available online at OnStage Direct. For more info, see: https://abchall.ca/fish-fry-fundraiser/

Tay Valley's Diner's Club - Free Pizza and Live Music! Maberly Community Hall, 180 Maberly Elphin Road on July 11th, 2024 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm. Register by calling 613-267-5353 ext.110 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We only have a140 spots available, so be sure to register before we run out of room.  Live Music by Steve Hannah. Gluten Free and Vegan Pizza options available. For more information please visit https://www.tayvalleytwp.ca/DinersClub/ Requre transportation? Contact us for a lift by July, 5th. Funding provided by the Inclusive Community Grant Program.

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Mississippi

No column; check back next week!

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Ompah
by Leane Bailey

A fun time was had by all in attendance at the Ompah Community Canada Day Family Picnic Event. A big thank you to all of the organizers for the treats, games, prizes, music and decorations. The kids had fun playing games, sports and winning prizes. The adults and kids enjoyed team relay races such as carrying water in a spoon race, and the three-legged race. Lots of fun and laughs by all who participated. We all sang Oh Canada together, and many were wearing their red and white outfits, with Canada hats, and flag accessories.

Everyone is invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Ompah Community Centre Association on Saturday, July 13 from 10am-11:30.   Updates on finances, events of 2023 and upcoming events will be reported, along with opportunities to help out. Three executive officer positions will be open for election.  If you are interested or want more information contact Katie Worden at 613-340-7887 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Membership of $1 can be purchased at or before the AGM from Marily.

On Saturday, July 13th, come out and Meet the Artists (Leane and Brian Bailey – Art By The Baileys), from 1pm to 3pm, at the Ompah Community Centre. They will be doing demonstrations of their artwork in progress and will have a display of their artwork. You can enter to win a free pastel painting called “Winter Gallop” at the event too. Come out and learn about coloured pencil and pastel art.

Barbara Sproule will be the honoured guest at a garden party at the Ompah Community Centre on August 17 from 2pm – 4pm.  This will celebrate the many, many years that she has served our community as teacher, reeve, county warden, and guide of the Township in protecting its bylaws.  You may have known her in many situations, even as a student.  Please mark this special event in your calendar.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Pearl Killingbeck on Saturday, August 24th from 10am to 2pm at the Snow Road Snowmobile Club. A luncheon will be provided by the Snow Road Community and the Snowmobile Club. For information, please reach out to Rick, Sharon, or Pam.

We now have a community fridge in the foyer of the Ompah Community Centre.  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.

Please join us on Wednesday mornings 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.

The next Birthday Bash/Potluck Dinner is on July 17th at 6pm. Bring a toonie and a dish to share and join us as we all gather to enjoy a wonderful meal together. Everyone is welcome to celebrate those who have birthdays this month.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Hi there, Happy Canada Day.  Here is our news for this week.

Our area has sure lost a lot of fantastic people.  So sorry to hear of the passing of former correspondent writer Pearl Killingbeck.  She sure kept people entertained while the COVID pandemic took over our area and the world.  Our loss is heaven's gain.  Sympathy also to the family of the late Amie Bauder, operator of Town & Country Electric and then the Garage Door Company of South Eastern Ontario. 

We also send out heartfelt prayers to Eric Wagar's family.  Eric was a principle in lots of schools around including Land O’Lakes in Mountain Grove and retiring from the former Hinchinbrooke Public School. 

Also thinking of caring support and thoughts to the family of Betty Badour (Rogers and Late Maynard) formerly of Sharbot Lake.  Betty was our brother (uncle) Charles partner and had moved in to Kingston after some health issues.

Parham United Church enjoyed our "soup luncheon" after the service on Sunday.  Our Cook Books have come back from the printers and are available for $15 per book.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Canada Day Weekend and took in some of the happenings in the area.  Fly your flag proudly.  

Wishing our daughter (sister) Liz all the best on her retirement and your next chapter.  We know your school family will miss you so much.  

Thinking of my sister(aunt) Zelda Hannah and my sister (aunt) Mary Wisteard home from the hospital.

Looking for something to do on Sunday afternoon?  Don't forget the Lions Club Music on the Beach at Sharbot Lake from 1 to 4 pm featuring The Reasons - there will be a Beer Garden as well as a vendor area - so be sure to check it out!

Then on Saturday July 13th there is a vendor event "Under the Big Top" at the Sharbot Lake Outdoor Rink - lots of great items will be available and the proceeds from the table rental will go to support the District #3 Rec Committee.

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

No column; check back next week!

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

Canada Day festivities were a blast at the Ompah Community Center! Community friends gathered for games, fun, music and great company! Best of all, it didn't rain! 

Great Success at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall last week! Did you hear about the Butterfly group, and the Butterflyway project with the David Suzuki Foundation? The goal is to support our pollinators by creating a highway of pollinator gardens. This group received a Community Grant from the Township to build a garden at the Plevna hall and school. The group finished planting all the native pollinator wildflowers! They just have to add a few more rocks and logs to create habitat and then they will add some interpretive signs. It will fill in beautifully in the next year or two. Huge Thanks to Mary Ann Ward, Micheline Bessette, Deanne Storey and Pleasantview Lodge's Colin and Julia Drake! Stop in and take a peak and enjoy the view! 

Free Family fishing week is this week! June 29th to July 7th!! All Canadian Residents can fish for free in Ontario. Please remember to follow fishing regulations, follow conservation license catch limits, obey size limits and sanctuaries and carry Government issued identification. Learn more at ontario.ca/freefishing

Kevin and Staff want us all to know that the North of 7 Restaurant in Plevna is open Wed and Thurs 11-3, Fri 11-7, Sat 9-7 and Sun 9-3. Stop in for great service and delicious food!! 

Laura Brouse wants to send out a Thank you to Lonnie Watkins for fixing the Anglican Church hill, Thanks to Lonnie you may notice a smoother ride in the North of 7 parking lot and a few other spots in and around the Community too! 

The Plevna's Clar-Mill Community Volunteers invite you to a Strawberry Social BBQ fundraiser at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road) on Sat July 6th from 10-2pm! While you are there, check out the Annual Craft and Vendor Sale inside the hall! I am sure there will be something for everybody on this fun filled 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.

Do you know about the Township of North Frontenac Home Support Program yet? In partnership with Land o Lakes Community Services and Rural Frontenac Community Services support is being provided to Seniors and people living with disabilities in the Community. It provides interior and exterior home services. Program eligibility is that you must be a North Frontenac Resident and be over 60 or living with a disability. For more information you can call 613 336-8934 or 613 279-3152 or email www.lolcs.com or www.rfcs.ca

The Shamrock Cafe invites you to order Friday night dinner this July 5th! It will be Guinness Beef Stew with roasted potatoes and Irish soda bread. If interested, please text 416 834-0988 ASAP to get on her reservation list. Spots fill up fast!

The Plevna Library Branch is getting Crafty on Thurs July 11th! If you have a child between the ages of 9-12 and they are interested in getting crafty in the Country. For more information or to register, you can visit calendar.kfpl.ca

Exciting News! Summerfest is coming to Plevna again at the Clar-Mill Hall on Sat July 20th from 11-4pm! Ross Ranch & Contracting is bringing a dunk tank to raise proceeds for Clarendon Central Public School! It is going to be super fun and hilarious!! Who would you like to see dunked? There is going to be something for everybody at this fun event! Stay tuned for more info next week!! 

You are invited to get your Psychic Weather report this summer. The Shamrock Cafe welcomes Madame Tarot July 16-21 from 9am to 7pm. 3 cards cost $20, 6 cards costs $40 and 13 cards cost $80. For more information you can text Liz at 438 922-9564 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Did you know that Barb Sproule has dedicated over 70 years of her life to our community? To celebrate her Retirement, you are invited to a garden party on Sat Aug 17 from 2-4pm at the Ompah Community Hall.

Oh Boy, It's time for this Summer's first fish of the week! Congratulations to Christian Read, a guest at the lovely Pleasantview Lodge on Brule Lake!! Christian caught an approx. 80cm Pike on the south shore of Brule in the submerged rock pile right off the Lodge's dock with a 5" segmented rapala lure, WOW!! 

If you think you have caught a bragworthy fish this summer and would like to be spotlighted in the Plevna Column, please send me a picture of you with your fish and details about the size and species and where you caught it and with what lure. Thanks in advance for your contribution to our Community Column!

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Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

Ever wonder who visits Sharbot Lake in the high season? We are all aware of the cottagers, our American fishing friends, and the many people who rent cottages for 3-7 days per week.

But what about short term visitors? The 1-2 Night stays in at places like Rock Hill B&B and the Sharbot Lake Country Inn. Who is staying in our village for short visits? Over the next few weeks, check in here to discover the top 5 groups of people that visit our village each summer. This week: #5 - ATVers. Each week check out the parking lots of our two short term accommodators. You are likely to see ATV’s. Many come from the west (after on boarding in Madoc) and many make the over night trek down on the K&P trails from the towns that are due north of us in the Ottawa Valley.

Saturday July 6: (9am-12noon) Sharbot Lake Farmers Market: Sharbot Lake Beach Park.

The theme this week is wellness, with the Sharbot Lake Chiropractic Clinic. Learn more about what services they offer and take in one of their demonstrations while you shop.

The Railway Heritage Park Caboose is open to the public (11am-3pm)

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Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Congratulations to the winner for the Sydenham & District Lions Canada Day Draw.... Mr. John R Smith (Battersea). We wish to thank all those who supported our 2024 fundraiser!

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

BellRock Hall needs you!! BellRock Hall is a beautiful historic building over 160 years old and was originally a one-room schoolhouse. It now serves as many functions. They host dinners, theatre productions, wedding and family gatherings in the hall. The playground behind the schoolhouse is popular and well-used. They also are proud to run a community garden that provides food for the South Frontenac Food Bank and local villagers. However they need your volunteer help to keep the hall functioning! It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment­ even a few hours could be useful. Their monthly meetings at the hall are generally held on the third Thursday of the month during after-work hours. You are welcome to attend and find out what it is all about. Or email or phone This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (613)484-5977 (Kaye))

Join Verona Hardware as they celebrate their 95th Anniversary on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21. There will be a BBQ raffle in support of Verona Christmas for Kids.

Verona Free Methodist Church will hold Church at McMullen Beach on Sunday July 21 at 10 am. Music by Jess Wedden and Jon McLurg. Park at the church and walk over. Accessible parking available at McMullen Beach. Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and kids games.

South Frontenac Community Services invite you to their Annual Butterfly Release in honour and remembrance of your loved ones on Saturday July 20 from 10 am to 11:30 am. At 4295 Stagecoach Rd. Sydenham.

A special event for grandparents and their grandchildren. Come and enjoy an afternoon of playing games and making memories on Monday July 22 from 2 pm to 3 pm at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. Light snacks and drinks provided. To register contact Natalee Lennox at 613-376-6477 ext 310

South Frontenac Museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm. Check out their newest exhibit, Then and Now.

Don & Linda Back Yard Gardens is held every Saturday (rain or shine) from 9 am to 1 pm at 4309 Maple Drive, Verona. This Saturday July 6, they will be collecting donations for the SFCSC Food Bank. This week - fresh veggies, tomatos, cucumbers, zucchinni, green onions, 9 fresh herbs, garlic scapes, kale, lettuce greens, salad bowls, patio tomatos, mint bowls, perrenial plants and more. 613-374-1307

Painting workshop with the theme of En Plein Air (Outdoors) will be held on Wednesday, July 31st, 1 pm to 3 pm at the Bellrock Hall.. Materials provided but bring a hat, sunblock, apron, paper towels and a sense of fun! $5 donation. Beginners to experienced (ages 55+). Pre registration required at Southern Frontenac Community Services, 613-376-6477 ext 310 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturdays July 6 and July 20, 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.

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