Community Columns - February 20

Feb 13, 2025

Table of Contents

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

Monday Night - DARTS!  Arden Legion (5967 Arden Road) opens at 6pm, Darts at 7:30pm

TAX VOLUNTEER!  Rural Frontenac Community Services needs volunteers for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Every year,  people in need count on free tax clinics to get the important benefit and credit payments they may be eligible for.  When you volunteer with Rural Frontenac Community Services through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, you can make a difference to someone’s life!  Please call 613-279-3151.

February 22nd - 50’s/60’s MUSIC!  Get all dressed up and come to the Arden Legion from 8pm-12 Midnight.  Featuring SHAWN NELSON BAND!  Tickets $15 each or two for $25.

February 23rd - SING!  Come sing & have some fun!  60’s hits and love songs at Arden United Church (1076 Railway Street, Arden, ON K0H1B0) with live guitar accompaniment.  Community singalong with piano prelude and special guests on Sunday, February 23rd, 2PM.  Tea & coffee social to follow.

March 2, 2025 - HEAT PUMPS!  Arden United Church (1076 Railway Street, Arden, ON.  K0H1B0) is pleased to invite you to a Creation Care seminar about heat pumps.  Bring your questions on Sunday and come learn what a heat pump is and how it could save you money and at the same time, reduce your carbon footprint. Coffee, tea and snacks follow the seminar.

March 15th, 2025 - St. Patrick’s Day is coming!  Come share an Irish tradition and enjoy a full Irish breakfast with eggs to order, honey glazed ham, Irish potato scones, black pudding, toast, juice, coffee & tea.  Catch up with friends and get ready for spring.  Saturday, March 15th from 8:00 to 10:30AM.  Arden United Church 1076 Railway St., Arden, ON K0H1B0  Free will donation gratefully accepted.

Battersea/Storrington
by Chris Pantrey

How much candy do I hope to get for Valentine's day? A choco-lot!

There is a ton of stuff to do this Family Day weekend!!

A reminder this is a free fishing weekend. You don't need a license from Saturday Feb 15 thru to Monday Feb 17. Get out and do some jigging!

Saturday is Hockey Day in Battersea! With 70+ players registered, this is going to be an amazing day. Although bragging rights are on the line, the real winner this year will be Storrington Public School! See The Creekside FB page for more details.  Thanks Kyle! 

Monday,  you have options! South Frontenac Township is hosting their annual free Family Day Fun at the arena in Piccadilly (just north of Verona) from 11-3! With skating, snow tubing, horse drawn wagon rides, kids activities, hot chocolate and more, this really is a something for everyone event! 

Also on Monday, watching the Kingston Frontenacs play also supports our local Lion's Club revitalization fundraiser! Go to the Storrington Lion's Club website to get the QR code. The more tickets sold, the more money they raise!! 

Looking ahead to Sunday, February 23, please plan to spend the afternoon at the Lion's Hall for their next Euchre and Chili event. Due to the overwhelming success of last month's turnout, they are asking if you can please call to RSVP 613-449-4744.

And our Battersea snowman ball team saga continues.  I was so excited to report that the team was back!! Better and bigger than ever! Even sporting jerseys this time! And then, yet again, someone in our village needed to knock them all down. Perhaps nearby residents should have trail cams???  Hmm... there's an idea. Oh, and by the way, I am hearing that the team could be called Hogan's Heros! 

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Cloyne - Northbrooke
by Nancy Skipper

Love was in the air all week at Pine Meadow! Residents joined Valentine's Day themed programs such as flower bouquet crafts, decorating heart cookies, flower arranging, making Valentine's cards for their friends, Valentine's bingo and finally a special couple’s lunch was provided for these love birds! To top off the week, residents received some very special deliveries of Valentine's cards from the children in grades k-6 at North Addington along with adorable heart pillows handmade from our friends "the Golden Girls"! Both were so very thoughtful and brought smiles all around, thank you.

The Lions want to inform you that due to the upcoming Provincial Election there will not be Bingo on Thursday, February 20th nor on the 27th. There will not be Euchre on Friday, February 21st. Tuesday Euchres are not affected by the elections, so see you there. Catch the Ace is in week 14 with the estimated jackpot of $7000.

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Denbigh
Gail Fritsch

Postponed from last week - The Denbigh Recreation Committee is hosting a Family Fun Day on Sunday, February 23 from 11am until 2pm at Heritage Park 48 Lane St. Denbigh.  There will be outdoor games, bed races, skating, sleigh riding, snowshoeing and snow painting, as well as free food and drinks.  Everyone is welcome.

The Denbigh Rink is normally open for skating as long as there are good ice conditions.   Sharpen up those skates and take some time to enjoy our community outdoor rink.

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

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Godfrey
Kelli McRobert

Congratulations to Bethany Mills and Adam Smith on their recent engagement, Ammo and Teddy are looking forward to the nuptials!

Thanks to Cole Lake Church for the yummy lasagna and dessert on Valentine's Day, can't wait for the feast next year!

Welcome home to Gord, I hope your recovery goes smoothly!

What a treat to receive a yummy surprise for Valentine's Day from the Cole Lake Free Methodist Church - thank you!

Well done to the Frontenac Phantoms for making it to the playoffs.

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Harlowe
Marie White

No column; check back next week!

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Harrowsmith
Gregg Hamelin

I hope everyone enjoyed Family Day and you were able to take some time with family and friends!!!  

Wednesday, February 26 there is a Painting Workshop at the Grace Hall in Sydenham.  It runs from 1 - 3pm and materials are provided, but you need to bring an apron, paper towels and a sense of fun!!!  The theme will be Maple Syrup.  Donations of $5 for beginners to experienced (55+).  Please register a few days before with Natalee at South Frontenac Community Services 613-376-6477 ext 310.

Friday, February 28, 11am to 1pm there will be a SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) presentation on the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP).  This is being held at the Verona Free Methodist Church 6804 Road 38, Verona, Ontario.  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, however you must register at www.frontenacsalt.ca or at 613-376-6477 ext 310.

This year marks the eighty (80) anniversary of the end of the Second World War.  Usually, Harrowsmith acknowledges the November 11 date with a very small ceremony (8 - 10 people) across from the Parkette where the concrete flower pots have been placed. For this year's Anniversary we would like to do something better and hopefully bigger. A committee is being formed to look into this.  If you would like to join the committee, determine what we are going to do and split up the work, send an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, e-mail id, phone number and your reason for being interested.

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Henderson
Jean Brown

After a few days of shoveling, we rocked on at the Sweetheart Dance held at the Arden Legion- really kicking up our heels and singing along in grand fashion. Thanks Legion folks, Terry Good, Marie White, Roy Bradshaw, and “Country Sky”, plus the Harlowe gang. Years ago my Mom listened to a radio show about the Happy Gang, and now we have our own show: The Harlowe Gang, and we love you to pieces!!

Speaking of singing, be sure to come to the Community Sing-a-long this coming Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23 at 2 at Arden United Church. Piano prelude, guest musicians and guitarists, love songs and songs of the 60's with an opportunity to sing along will also be featured so this will be perfect for the winter doldrums. Coffee and tea social follows and it's a  free-will offering- put in what you want or are able- which is perfect in this difficult economy.

My word, we surely thank our snow removal people from our Township and local folks. You all kept the roads opened up by working around the clock. We love you to pieces!!Take care, everyone - let’s get this snow “gone” before we get “cabin fever”!!

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Inverary
by Judy Borovskis

Celebration! Inverary Pharmasave is celebrating its 7^th Anniversary by sponsoring the March 1^st Bob’s Breakfast Buffet. Thank you to Leonard Chan for supporting the breakfast and congratulations to Inverary Pharmasave and staff for 7 years of great service to the community.

Self-Defence! Classes at Inverary United Church Hall are cancelled for February 20 & 27. Sensei Hamid Nam will return on Thursdays beginning on March 6^th. 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.

Youth Dance for grades 5 to 8 Friday, February 21 at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury . Time is 6:30 to 9:30. Cost is $5 per person. Includes D.J., canteen available and adult supervision.

Euchre & Chili on February 23^rd at the Storrington Lions Hall from 2 to 5pm. Cost is $15 per person. No need to have a partner. Cash bar available. Join the fun, make some new friends, maybe win a prize and the chili is delicious!

Next Food Bank on Friday, February 28^th at the Storrington Lions Hall from 1pm to 5pm. Items needed are small frozen meat packages, cheese, dish soap, juice boxes, shampoo ketchup, sugar, crackers, toilet paper, canned stew & vegetables. Any donation is appreciated. Cash donations always welcome.

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Maberly-Bolingbroke
Karen Prytula

CANCELLATION - Perth and District Historical Society SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – Feb. 20, 2025 meeting CANCELLED - The Perth Legion has informed us that the Legion Hall will be used as an Ontario Election ADVANCED POLLING STATION on February 20th and will not be available for our meeting.

Provincial Election Voting – Please remember to vote! Please go to advance polls in your area if you can because you don’t know what the weather will be like on the actual voting day of Feb. 27. You don’t want to head out on slippery roads to vote and you don’t want to miss out on voting.

DANCERS! -If you haven't heard yet...The Maberly Quarterly is SOLD OUT for Saturday Feb. 22. There will be NO sales at the door. If you were lucky enough to get your tickets please REMEMBER to bring indoor shoes with you, and a bottle of water, and cash for snacks and drinks. It will be a full house so expect a crowd and a fun time!

Fall River Café has changed the day of their open mic. It is now every Saturday from 4-7 pm. There's no need to book in advance - just show up and enjoy your evening with us. Come for a meal and stay for the music. If you'd like to sing a song or tell a joke - our stage is open for you.  Live music continues every Saturday.  Come and have some fun! We hope to see you there.

Mardi Gras party March 1, 2025 7pm – 11pm – at the ABC Hall - $25 pp and includes Cajun snacks, beads and mask and features the music of Average Height.All info is on our site WWW.ABCHALL.CA.

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

Community CPR Course is BACK! Register today! Due to the overwhelming response to the first course, we've added a second. With just a few hours of training, you could help a friend, family member or stranger in a life-threatening emergency! This course will equip you to be a lifesaver with proper knowledge and techniques. Join us for a free Community CPR course. Friday, February 21st 2025 from 12:30pm - 4pm at Maberly Community Hall - 180 Maberly Elphin Road. Limited space available, register today! You have to register on-line at the Tay Valley Township website, unfortunately. By that I mean I don’t have a phone number for you.

Despite what you might read in other papers, rest assured that the Frontenac News always has the correct information! For instance the game Mahjong is held at the ABC Hall only on Thursdays, 3166 Bolingbroke Road, at 1pm.

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Ompah
by Leane Bailey

With the heavy snowfall, please make sure to clear the snow away from your furnace intake and exhaust vents.

Make sure you are registered to vote in the election on February 27^th. Register at elections.on.ca by Feb. 17^th. Voting will be held at the Ompah Community Centre.

The Ompah February Birthday Bash/Potluck is on Wed. Feb. 19^th. Bring a dish to share and a Toonie to donate and join us as we all enjoy a meal together and celebrate the February birthdays.

Township of North Frontenac presents 2025 Winterfest on Sat. Feb. 22^nd from 11am to 4pm at Clar-Mill Hall, Plevna. It’s a great family event with many games, skating, local vendors, food, and a talent show featuring a few of our Ompah neighbours. Free admission and free parking.

For folks looking for puzzles to do during these winter storms and cold, there are quite a few jigsaw puzzles on the table in the foyer at the Ompah library.  Help yourselves.

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 Community Centre also offers weekly fitness classes, Bridge, and other activities, drop by to find out more details.

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Parham-Tichborne
by Christine Teal and Colleen Steele

Hope all flew their Canadian Flag proudly as Saturday, February 15^th was the 60^th Anniversary of the red and white maple leaf.

Did you enjoy the NHL 4 Nations Hockey games??  Pretty intense hockey!

Another branch has fallen off our family tree in the passing of Aunt Jean Lovelace (Dusharme) as well, sorry to hear of the death of Wanda Harrison former correspondent of the news, as well as Mort Badour and Bill Hannah.  Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Congratulations to Calvin Schonauer and Megen Hole on the birth of their son.  Big Brother Bentley will be happy to have a playmate.

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Stop by the Legion on Saturday from 10 to 2 for a chili-off and vendor market! We will have some delicious chili made by locals for you to judge... Then browse the vendors to see if there is anything that you are interested in!

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Perth Road
by Peter Bird

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

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

EVENTS IN PERTH ROAD SUNDAY SCHOOL HALL 5622 Perth Road Cres.

Tuesday lunches weekly at 12 noon. Enjoy home-made fare including a choice of two heart-warming soups, and a variety of sandwiches and delicious deserts. Come early for Euchre.

Upcoming: Join Bill White and the Whites playing an afternoon of Country Music on Sunday, March 2^nd at 2pm. A light lunch available. Payment by free will offering.

NEW: COMMUNITY MARKET to open monthly, beginning Saturday, March 29th, 9am to 2pm. For vendor inquiries/details call Jane at 613-353-7818.

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

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Plevna
by Rhonda Watkins

North Frontenac Winterfest has finally arrived!! If you are looking for a FUN Community event to enjoy, look no further!! This is the place to be on Saturday February 22nd from 11-4pm at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall (6598 Buckshot Lake Road)!! FREE ADMISSION (but you will need money for food and drinks) There are kids activities, local craft beer, a tug of war, warming stations, a delicious lunch in the hall and so much more, including; the newly added talent show this year!!

The snow was cleared off the Plevna rink at 6598 Buckshot Lake Road on Sunday, if you are looking for some FREE outside skating fun! 

Do you listen to Reid and Ben from Kingston's Radio Station; Move 98.3? They came out for their first ever visit to Plevna and stopped in to Lookout Home Hardware and bought some bags of salt. They left them for employees to give to some customers that would need them during the bad weather!. the fellas then headed over to say Hi at Clarendon School and I think North of 7 got a visit too. All I can say is I'm sorry I missed you guys and please come again and check out our Liquor Store and Library!! I wonder if you guys have a library card? 

The Clar-Mill Community Volunteers invite you to come out to enjoy their Cornhole league on Thursday nights at 7pm at the Plevna Clar-Mill Hall. For more information, you can call MaryAnn at 905 213-3820. 

The Bi-weekly Grocery Bingo Lunch is coming up on Tues Feb 25th 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. 

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Sharbot Lake
by Greg Rodgers

30 centimetres of snow may have cancelled or postponed some of the Frontenac Heritage Festival events, but it hasn’t buried our spirits.  Friday night and Saturday saw our residents experience artisanal pizza night at the Cardinal Café, a Valentine's dinner night at Belong Sharbot Lake and a Saturday fun and food day at the Sharbot Lake Rink.  The Annual polar plunge, however, had to be postponed until this Sunday.  So, get your trunks on and get ready to shiver.

 Reminder: Rural Frontenac Community Services would like to remind area residents once again of their free income tax filing service.  They are also looking for volunteers who can help others in preparing their returns.  No serious accounting experience is required and volunteers will be properly trained.  This is a great opportunity for able volunteers to make a difference in someone’s life.

For more info, please call 613-279-3151.

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Snow Road

Thank goodness for e-mail. Otherwise Bev would have a long hike on snowshoes to pass along the news due to the double dump of the fluffy white Canadian powder over recent days. Numerous events (including church services) were cancelled throughout the area. Our township snowplow operators and local snow-clearing businesses have been putting in a lot of hours to clear our roads and driveways so those who must travel can do so. Kudos to all of you!

The snowmobilers are happy to see the snow and have been out in full force enjoying the groomed trails. The club volunteers have worked hard and put in many hours to set up and maintain the trails. Show your support by purchasing a permit and following the rules and practicing good etiquette on the trails, and respecting others and the landowners. The clubhouse will be hosting another of their great breakfasts on Saturday, February 22^nd from 8 to 11am.

We have been asked to include a special note of appreciation this week: “Thank you to the Gentlemen of Snow Road for the lovely social dinner - setting up, providing food and clearing up after the meal. This annual Valentine event had a smaller group than usual due to the weather but those that did make it enjoyed a great meal and time with friends.

The community was saddened to learn of the passing of Leonard Wilson of Dalhousie Lake this past week. He was well-known by many long-time residents as an excellent mechanic. Our condolences to his wife Bernice, brother Lonnie and family.

Great news from the Community Centre this week: Plans are in full swing for the monthly Music Nights starting on March 27^th and continuing to November. Artists performing include some new and old favourites – The Goodnight Irenes, Jewel Darby, Shenanigans, The Tritones, Wade Foster and Jeff Callery, the Long Sault Trio, Johnathan Jones, Jenny Whitely and Joey Wright, and more. Your support to the Hall and these artists are always appreciated.

Sydenham
by Karen Brawley

Dieter Boehme is returning to the Sydenham Legion on Saturday, March 1st. $10 per ticket. Available now at The One Stop and downstairs at the Sydenham Legion. Don't wait too long to grab your ticket. Dieter brings a crowd. He will sell out fast.

SFSC will be hosting another EUCHRE tournament on 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! Please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or arrive the night of to register and support our team as they head off to represent Canada at the World Ice Stock Championships. Call or text Chris if you have any questions 613-572-4974. Last tournament night saw over 40 people. Was an amazing night. These local athletes appreciate your support.

Join us on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, for our monthly Diners Lunch Club for adults 55+! This dinner will be ham and scalloped potatoes served at noon. Call Robin at 613-376-6477 ext. 303 to reserve your spot today. Entertainment by Dave Doucette. This one is at the Grace Hall.

Hey, Frontenac County Minor Softball folks... We would just like to tell you about a new change we have made for the 2025 season. We have opened up the age group of U17. At this time, it will be for co-ed teams only and not available for girls teams.

If you sign up for this group and there is not enough to make a team, you will be offered to join the U19 age group. Online registration will be open March 1st and will close April 5th.

Please check out our website www.fcmsa.ca for specific area info. This will be the best way to get all the info you need. If you have further questions, please contact your area convenor. All of their information can be found on our site.

We will be hosting in-person sign ups for most areas. Please check back for where these will take place. We look forward to seeing you on the field this season.

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Verona
Debbie Lingen

Family Fun Night for adults and children on Friday, February 21 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.

Style Revival Clothing Center will be open Saturday, February 22 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.

Coffeehouse with Linda King and the Warrens this Sunday, February 23 at the Verona Free Methodist Church.

S.A.L.T.  Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) wish to invite you to a free information session on Friday, Feb 28 at Verona Free Methodist Church from 11am to 1pm Topic: Canada Pension Plan. Followed by a hot lunch  For further info  frontenacsalt.ca/events/

Godfrey Diners Lunch Club for seniors (55+) will be held on Thursday, March 6 at Bedford/Glendower Hall . Lunch will be  beefstew, a side and dessert. Entertainment bingo. Lunch is served at noon. Cost $ 10 Please call South Frontenac Community Services at 613-376-6477 ext 303 to reserve.

Seedlings for sale! Sydenham Lake Canoe Club is selling seedlings to help raise funds for new boats. Cost is $3 per seedling and there are six varieties available. Look for the order form on the club website at sydenhamlakecanoeclub.com. Trees will be delivered at the end of April or early May depending on weather conditions. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

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 1pm and Sundays from 9:30 - 10am and 11:30 - 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. Donations accepted: ONLY Christians resources published in the past 10 years. No VHS tapes or cassettes.

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