Community Columns - January 24

Jan 23, 2025

These columns from our community reporters are updated every week.

Table of Contents

• Arden
• Battersea/Storrington
• Cloyne - Northbrook
• Denbigh
• Godfrey
• Harlowe
• Harrowsmith
• Henderson
• Inverary
• Maberly-Bolingbroke
• Ompah
• Parham-Tichborne
• Perth Road
• Plevna
• Sydenham
• Sharbot Lake
• Verona

Arden
by Brent Fehr

Daily - Public Skating!  Daily at Kennebec Sports Centre (5998 Arden Road) Hours are; Monday to Friday 5pm-9pm Saturday & Sunday 12pm- 9pm.  NOW until March. 

January 25th - BBQ!  Bring the Family and join us for a community BBQ at The Rink.  Saturday from 10am-1pm

January 25th - Hockey!  Draw for 2 tickets to Ottawa Senators Game on February 18, 2025. Parking & $100 pre-paid Visa included. All proceeds go to support the Kennebec Sports Centre. Draw Date: January 25th, 2025, 1 pm at our Family & Community BBQ at Kennebec Recreation Centre. Tickets: 1 for $10.00 or 3 for $25.00 (Maximum of 1,000 tickets). Lottery Licence: #M869340, Tickets & Information: Jeff Matson 613 532-1004 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

February 5th - TAI CHI Seminar @ Kennebec Recreation Centre. Wednesday @ 10am, We will be presenting a seminar on the origin and benefits of Tai Chi, which will be helpful to both newcomers to Tai Chi as well as current practitioners. A short demonstration of different forms of Tai Chi will follow. Stay for a coffee + snack social.  $1. donation to Recreation Committee. Information: Charlotte DuChene 613-335-3567 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

February 8th – Open mic!  Join us @ Arden Legion (5967 Arden Road) for Open Mic with Neil Purchase.  Bring your instruments, and your voice from 1-5pm on Saturday. All are welcome & encouraged. 

February 14 – Sweetheart Day 2025 at Arden Legion. From 1-5pm music and Open Mic with Roy Bradshaw and Country Sky Band. $20 per couple, bar and food available. Put your dancing boots on and have a good time!

Back to top

Battersea/Storrington
by Chris Pantrey

What's the best music to listen to when ice fishing? Something catchy!

A reminder that Rockridge Outfitters Bait & Bolt is now open at 6270 Battersea Rd. for your ice fishing needs.  While the weather has been great for making ice, if you are fishing in an area you are not familiar with, checking with a local guide is a great way to find out ice conditions. Check out their FB page for contact info. 

Friday, January 24th is food bank day at the Storrington Lion's Hall.  Drop off what you are able anytime between 1 & 5. Every little bit makes a difference to those experiencing food insecurity.  Please help if you can.  

The weather forecast looks perfect for Saturday, January 25th,  so plan to head over to Sydenham for South Frontenac Township's 3rd annual Snow Social! This amazing FREE family event offers something for everyone. From 11-4, enjoy everything our great Canadian winter has to offer! Wagon rides, face painting, snow sports, live music, vendor market, food trucks and so much more! Dress how you should and enjoy a day not hibernating! 

Then on Sunday, January 26th, come out to the Storrington Lions Hall for an afternoon of euchre and chili! The tournament is from 2-5, with doors opening at 1:30. Chili served at 4, and prizes handed out at 5. Cash bar will be open. Cost is only $15 pp, supporting the hall's ongoing renovations. 

Back to top

Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Catch the Ace continues at the Lions Club… the Estimated Jackpot is $5100 and the draw will be Sunday, January 26th at 11am. Good luck!

The Township’s Community Grants Program is NOW OPEN! Deadline for Application is April 30^th. For more information contact the Township of North Frontenac.

It is never too early to think about summer, so: Please mark your calendars and spread the word about the 2nd Summer Spectacular Outdoor Market Fundraiser at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Flinton! Date is Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 10am to 2pm. Vendors are invited to contact Maude at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 905-449-2160 for your vendor package.

Back to top

Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting cards again this year at the Denbigh Hall.  The next time is Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7pm.

The Vennachar Free Methodist Church is hosting an Open Mic music afternoon on Sunday, January 26 at 1pm  Bring an instrument or just come to enjoy the afternoon of great music.  Everyone is welcome.  Contract Coleman Boomhour at 613-770-6752 for information.

The Denbigh Griffith Lions Club is having a Valentine’s Dance on Friday February 14 from 8 to 11pm. at the Lions Hall in Griffith.  There will be food, drink, dancing and music by DJ Tom.  $15.00 per person.  For more information, call Helene at 613-333-1409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Denbigh Food Bank is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 10am until 11am.  Please call 613-333-2224 for more information.  The Food Bank is located at the Addington Highlands Community Centre in Denbigh.

Please let me know if you have any news or a special celebration you would like to share.

Back to top

Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Roadside empty can count this week: 40

Parham Fair is having its first AGM meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, January 28th at 6pm at 2126 Fifth Lake Road. New folks wanting to get involved in the community are welcomed and appreciated - and they need your help! Any questions feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Happy belated birthday wish to Fern Lee for December! 

Sending a speedy recovery wish to KC!

Remembering a few more community members we have lost: Tim Hamilton (58), Joy Knox (64), Mark Hamilton (54), and Sam Barr (83).

One more Trinity United Church Community Breakfast coming up on January 25th from 830-11am.  Free will donation.

Congratulations to all the APA Ontario Cup Pickleball Champions who climbed the podium in London this weekend.  White Lake Pickleball (Kelli McRobert) from Godfrey, took home two gold medals in split-age mixed and split-age doubles with teammates Kyle McFayden (mixed) and Donna Garcia (Doubles). 

Central Frontenac Township is putting a motion forward to pass the Safe Property Bylaw. There is now an online petition to have all signatures in one place to present to the council. Anyone who is  AGAINST this bylaw moving forward can add their signature. You can find a copy of the proposed bylaw at the following link. https://icreate8.esolutionsgroup.ca/230002_iCreate_NewsModule//Management/Attachment/Download/f1b3d61c-7791-4e9a-a20b-f199908537ed

Council is voting on this on Jan 28 2025 at 6pm so they need signatures quickly! 

Looks like we will have some new neighbours as the Goodfellows Store in Tichborne has been sold!

Here was an online question to Central Frontenac: Can we get clarification on the two Streams now being used at the dump sites? Do ALL materials in Stream 1, like plastic bags, get recycled now?

Back to top

Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

Back to top

Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

BC Knitters Inc will be taking $130.00 to the Food Bank this week.  Happy New Year to all who sell our warm things and buy our warm things.  There will be a table at Sydenham Foodland on Saturday, January 25 from 10 to 12.  Hope to see you there.

Please support the Little Food Pantry in Harrowsmith located at 4938 Road 38.  "Please take what you need and leave what you can."

Trinity United Church, 6689 Road 38, Verona, is hosting Community Breakfasts on the next two Saturdays, January 25th, from 8:30 to 11am.  Admission is by a monetary donation.   

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 from 1 - 3pm is the "Tropical Vacation" Painting Workshop at the Grace Hall, 4295 Stagecoach Road, Sydenham.  Age 55+, beginner to experienced painters welcome.  Canvas, paint and brushes supplied for a $5 donation.  Bring paper towels, an apron and a sense of fun!  Pre-registration is required.  For more information and to register contact Natalee Lennox at 613-376-6477 ext 310 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Back to top

Henderson
Jean Brown

The Big Breakfast in aid of Zack Matson hosted by the Stone Mills Charitable Events Group was attended by 266 people plus more folks donated who  were not able to attend. Our communities rock in generosity and kindness indeed and we wish Zack and Emma all the best as Zack recovers from his vehicle accident.

Lots of snow and now a polar vortex is keeping us busy busy and cool in Henderson village. When the spring comes we’ll have more news plus  a big party and get warmed up in the sunshine. Stay safe, readers.

Back to top

Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Self-Defence at Inverary United Church Hall – Thursday, January 23, 30 with Sensei Hamid Nam. Learn regular Self-Defence and knife-Defence. Class is from 630-745pm.  To register or for info, call 613 328-6742 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  All the proceeds for the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre helping veterans and military families in need.

Food Bank! Friday, January 24. Drop your donations off at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury between 1 and 5pm. Items needed are laundry detergent, dish soap, coffee, shampoo, ketchup, mayo, household paper products, and peanut butter. School snacks could be used as well. NO PASTA please as they have an abundance. Cash donations are also accepted.

Euchre & Chili on January 26^th 2-5 pm at the Storrington Lions Hall. Partner not necessary. Enjoy an afternoon of games, prizes, cash bar and a meal. All yours for $15 a person.

Bob’s Breakfast Buffet Saturday, February 1. Doors open 7am to 10am. Scrambled eggs, pancakes with local maple syrup, sausage, bacon, toast, Juice and tea & coffee. $10 per adult. $5 for children 4 to 12. Under 4 no charge. Volunteers needed and appreciated! For Friday set-up come to the hall at 9:00 am. If you can volunteer some time for the breakfast call Darlene at 613-217-1142.

Chicken & Biscuits including salad & dessert at the Storrington Lions Hall on Saturday, February 15^th from 5 to 7pm. Cost is $25 per adult. Children 12 and under $15. To reserve call Marie at 613-449-4744.

Spring Sale! On Saturday, March 22^nd at Inverary Church Hall from 10 – 3. Book a table NOW and hold your mini garage sale/flea market or sell your crafts! Time to spring clean or downsize. Call Marie at 613-449-4744. Gently used items for the “church table” gladly accepted call Judy 613-545-5017.

Line Dancing Lessons at 7pm on Monday nights at the Storrington Lions Hall. Cost is $5.00. Just show up and join the fun!

Monday Night Euchre at the Storrington Centre. Starting time is 7:30pm. Four handed euchre. Cost  is $6.00. Join us for a fun evening of Progressive Euchre – a partner is not necessary.

Yoga Class every Wednesday at 6pm at Inverary United Church Hall. Pilates and Foam Rolling classes in other locations. More info: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Open Mic ! A fun evening of music and friendship every Friday night at the Storrington Center. Doors open at 6pm and everyone welcome! Admission charge is $2.00.

Pickleball Courts available at Storrington Lions Club. Call 613-353-6920 to book yours!

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

Back to top

Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

Tay Valley Township Diners Club at Maberly Community Hall – 180 Maberly-Elphin Road – 11:30am to 1pm. January 23^rd - Music by Three2Go! – Beef stew and a bun, mixed squares with tea and coffee. If you need a ride, mention that when you register by Jan. 16 by calling the municipal office 613-267-5353 ext. 110. You need to register so they know how much food to prepare. It has been brought to my attention that the address for this event was printed as Maberly-Station Road in last week’s publication on the Events page. It is not on Maberly-Station Road. The event is definitely at 180 Maberly-Elphin Road.

Dance Club at the ABC Hall – first Sunday of the month, 2pm – 4pm. Information can be found at ABC hall.ca

Games Night at ABC Hall.  Saturday, Jan 25th at 7pm.  Drop in and $5 per person at the door helps to pay for the maintenance of this community hall.  Bar will be open and snacks available. Games include darts, Sjoelen (Dutch shuffle board), Crokinole, or bring along a board or card game of your choice.

Back to top

Ompah
by Leane Bailey

Thank you to everyone who attended our Ompah Community Events Planning Meeting last Thursday. We have many exciting events for 2025, stay tuned for more details. If you missed the meeting and have an event idea, please email Leane at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We celebrated Saralyn’s birthday at the January Birthday Bash. The next bash is on February 19^th. Please plan to join us in sharing a pot luck dinner together.

Alan Greene, local musician with over 25 years of entertaining background, is presenting a 'Community Musical Winter Interlude with Sing-a-long' on Thurs., Jan.23 from 2pm to 4pm at the Ompah Hall.  Admission is $15.  Refreshments will be served.  This promises to be an exciting afternoon.  Alan is a wonderful entertainer and will lead us in a few sing-a-longs.

SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) invites you to a free presentation of Winter Safety at the Snow Road Hall on Fri., Jan. 24 from 11 to 1pm.  Lunch will be provided.

The EarlyON playgroup offers a free  program for children 0-6 years of age and their parents/caregivers at the Clar-Mill Hall on Wed's from 8:30am to 11:30am.  They are inviting seniors to come connect, play and learn together.  Sounds like fun.  To register or for information call 613-279-3151 or at www.keyon.ca

The Community Cupboard fridge in the foyer of the Community Centre is quite full.  There are many types of pasta, soups and canned goods.  The Ompah Community Centre Association is purchasing milk, bread, fruit and veggies to add to the offerings.  Feel free to come and take what you can use. or drop off what you have to spare.  The use of the Cupboard is intended for everyone in the community.

The Community Cafe is held at the Ompah Hall the first Wednesday of each month from 11am to 1pm.  An interesting topic is presented followed by a light lunch and social time.  Stay tuned for February’s topic to be announced.

Please join us for coffee on Wednesday mornings at 10am. It’s a fun way to meet your Ompah neighbours. While you are there, drop by the library which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12noon. The Ompah Hall also offers weekly fitness classes, Bridge, and other activities, drop by to find out more details.

Back to top

Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Parham Fair AGM is on Tuesday, Jan 28th at 6pm at 2126 Fifth Lake rd (D&D Millwork). All are welcome, and we would love to see new folks come out - we really need them for the Fair to continue.

Don't forget this weekend is the 4 on 4 Hockey Tournament in support of Central Frontenac Minor Ball - come on out and watch some great hockey.  We will have some chili with a bun at the canteen!

Back to top

Perth Road
by Peter Bird

PERTH ROAD UNITED CHURCH: Sunday services continue at 10am. Address: 5614 Perth Rd Crescent, Perth Road, ON K0H 2L0. SUNDAY SCHOOL program is available for children. Newcomers welcome.

Happy Birthday or Anniversary to those with February Birthdays or Anniversaries.

Tuesday Lunches are back at The Sunday School Hall: 12 noon. Come early for Euchre.

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

Back to top

Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

The Township of North Frontenac Community Grants program has funding available to support the operation of Not-For-Profit Community Organizations. Up to $1000 is available to support programs, services or events that promote and/or enhance the overall well-being of the community. The application deadline is April 30th and for more information you can call Brooke Ross at the township office at 613 479-2231 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Friendly reminder that 2025 dog tags are now available at the Township of North Frontenac. On or before March 31 a dog tag is $15, but after that date each tag costs $25. Keep in mind that if your puppy is young enough the $100 lifetime dog tag may be an economical option for you. 

The next bi-weekly Grocery Bingo Lunch is on Tues, Jan 28th from 11-1pm at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot lake Road).  For just $10, you can enjoy a soup, sandwich, dessert and a Free Bingo Card! Take out orders are welcomed and extra Bingo cards are available for $2 each. For more info. You can contact Mary Ann at 613 213-2820. 

EarlyON offers FREE programming that invites children up to 6 years old with their parents / caregivers along with seniors in the community to connect, play and learn at the Clar-Mill Hall together on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 11:30. If you are interested in more information or want to register you can visit www.keyon.ca or call 613 279-3151 Ext 5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There were 17 people out to enjoy a fun night of card-playing with friends at Plevna Euchre last week! Congratulations to Colleen R. . for winning the high score cash prize with 97 and Bob J. for winning the most lone hands prize with 7.  Bring a friend next Tuesday night and come out for some fun! The games start at 7pm and there are refreshments enjoyed at the end of the evening when the prizes are awarded. For more information you can contact Rhonda at 613 264-5325.

The Clar-Mill Community Volunteers invite you out to enjoy Thursday night Cornhole at 7pm at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall! Teams will be determined each week by a draw and there will be a canteen available selling snacks, coffee, water and other treats! It will cost $5 per person each week and prizes will be awarded on the last night of the league. For more information, you can call MaryAnn at 905 213-3820.

The 2025 Winterfest is coming up on Sat Feb 22nd at the Clar-Mill Hall. The Organizers have added a Talent Show event to the festivities this year and the prizes include a $500; 1st prize, $300; 2nd prize and $200;3rd prize, WOW! For more information on Winterfest and the Talent Show you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Congratulations to Stephanie Regent-Lesage, Township of North Frontenac Ward 3 Councillor! She will be receiving The King Charles III Coronation Medal Award in March. This Award is to honour somebody that has made significant contributions to the Country, Province, Territory or Community and Stephanie certainly does make a difference in our community! Way to go Councillor Regent-Lesage!! 

Back to top

Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

In recent weeks, this column has been emphasizing some of the regular weekly scheduled happenings in and around our village.  As always, most of these are listed in “Everything Frontenac.”  However, here are some new listings:

- Tai Chi and Qi Gong   4:30pm Mondays & Thursdays. Sharbot Lake Karate School, 1013 Clement Rd. $10 / class drop-in fee, open to all levels.

- Chair Yoga 10:15am Tuesdays & Fridays. Sharbot Lake Karate School, 1013 Clement Rd.

And don’t forget about our weekly happenings for the younger ones.  These included (but are not limited to):

Kids Zone:  5-6:30pm Wednesdays. Sharbot Lake Pentecostal Church, 14183 Road 38. For kids between 4 and 12. Contact Pastor Mark for details - 613-985 -1242

EARLY ON Playgroups (Children 0-6yrs) Sharbot Lake Wednesdays: 8:30am-12pm Thursdays: 8:30-3pm & every other Saturday: 9am-12pm. The Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Rd. Pre-register at keyon.ca, (must pre register for Saturday's playgroup by 3pm Friday).

For more comprehensive and detail listings of these and all weekly events in Sharbot Lake, got to https://www.everythingfrontenac.ca/events

Back to top

Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Love euchre?? SFSC will be hosting 2 tournaments back to back on Jan. 25th/25 and Feb. 15th/25. This will be held at Legion 496 in Sydenham ON. The funds raised from this will help the team represent Team Canada with the Canadian Ice Stock Federation head to Kapfenberg Austria for the World Ice Stock Championships. The cost will be $20 per player which includes tasty light snacks and plenty of food donated on behalf of the club and hopefully local sponsors. Drinks for purchase, remember "cash only bar".

The event details did say earlier “You will be able to bring a partner and keep them the whole night or switch it up if needed”. We posted this from the start but are making a small change. Traditionally, you don’t have a partner for the night at most Euchre Tournaments. You may or may not end up with the person you came with. We have you draw a card when you come in, to be at a table of 4 and move from there. We want this to be a fun night and meet new people!

Rules will be added at a later date. We are in the process of finalizing them for you!

If you would like to sponsor the night or a prize, feel free to send us a direct message or reach out to Chris Hammer via Facebook or any members of the SFSC club.

To "sign up" for this event, click on the "going" tab for this event or contact Chris Hammer via Facebook messenger or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Can you feel the love tonight? Let's show Heartland Country the love again. Back by popular demand at Sydenham Legion. Heartland Country will be performing for the Valentines Day dance on Saturday, February 8th. Doors open at 7pm and band is playing from 730-1130. Expecting a sell out again for them. Don't hesitate. Get your tickets now at The One Stop or Legion for only $10.

Hey Sydenham... It's no joke... prepare to laugh until tears roll down your cheeks. Join us for Comedy Night at Sydenham Legion... Friday, Feb 21st. Doors open at 7. Show starts at 8.

AB3Comedy & Sydenham Legion Branch #496 Presents:

Featuring Comedian Al Babcock & Enemies - Join us for a night of Stand Up Comedy at Sydenham Legion. This show will feature Comedian Al Babcock as well as a full lineup of comedian guests. Show starts at 8pm and will run until approximately 10pm. Tickets are $10 each and are expected to sell out.

Tickets are available online, via E-Transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or available at The Legion Bar cash only. Doors 7pm/show 8pm. Bar is CASH ONLY and seating is first come first served.

Al Babcock is a comedian based in Kingston and Toronto Ontario, known for his unique style and engaging presence in any local comedy scene. He began his career in 2016 at Absolute Comedy and quickly made a name for himself, performing at various venues across Ontario. Al has shared the stage with well-known acts like Ari Shaffir, Kenny vs. Spenny, Trailer Park Boys, and the Insane Clown Posse. He is also the owner of AB3Comedy, which has produced over 200 shows in Kingston and its surrounding areas​.

Al is particularly recognized for his commitment to supporting and growing the comedy community in Kingston. He is well known for supporting and championing many mental health awareness causes. His efforts have helped establish Kingston as a hidden gem in Ontario's comedy scene.

Back to top

Verona
Debbie Lingen

Women interested in helping with the continuation of Women's Ministries are asked to attend a meeting on Thursday, January 30 at 12:30pm at Verona Free Methodist Church. A free lunch will be provided. Registration is required. Bring your ideas and a willingness to serve! Phone 613 374-2703 to register.

WINTER WEEKEND WAKE-UP BREAKFASTS:  Trinity United Church is  hosting a community breakfasts Saturday, January 25 from 8:30am to 11am. They will be serving eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, home fries, pancakes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice and muffins. Payment by donation.

Want to curl up with a book by the fire this winter? The Verona Free Methodist Church library is open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am to pm and Sundays from 9:30 to 10am and 11:30 to noon. A wide variety of Christian novels, non-fiction books, CDs/DVDs for adults, youth and children are available. Check in at the church office.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturday, January 25 from 10am to 1pm. Style Revival provides gently used clothing, free of charge. They are also open every Wednesday. Location at the Verona Free Methodist Church.

Family Fun Night for adults and children on Friday, January 31 from 7pm to 9pm. Verona Free Methodist Church. Bring your board games and light snacks. Children under 12 must be with an older sibling or parent/guardian.

Verona Diners Lunch Club for seniors (55+) will be held on Thursday, February 6 at the Verona Free Methodist Church. Lunch will be meatloaf, a side and dessert. Entertainment Mick Grice- Whiskey Smoke. Lunch is served at noon. Cost $ 10. Please call South Frontenac Community Services at 613-376-6477 ext 303 to reserve.

Back to top