Vol.19 No. 49

Page 1

December 12, 2019 Vol. 19, No. 49

Yourway

South Frontenac Rental Centre

Gift Cards for the hard to buy for person. Open Sundays Northbrook 613-336-2195

Your independent community newspaper since 1971

New Committee of Council

The Fellowship of the Pig in Central Frontenac

Circulation: 12,000 households

We Buy & Sell Firearms! (613) 372-2662

Harrowsmith Parade

by Jeff Green

T

hey are not likely to chase a strip of bacon over the edge of a cliff into a fiery abyss, but that does not mean they are not committed to their quest. It all started way, way back … well back in 2012. Michael McKenzie of Seed to Sausage held a party on Victoria Day weekend to mark the opening of a summer outlet for his fresh and dried sausage factory on Road 38, halfway between Tichborne and Sharbot Lake. He called the event the “Day of the Pig” and that first year, a lot of people showed up, many of them from Toronto and Ottawa. You could tell the ones from Toronto from the black, tapered skinny jeans and ball caps that the men were wearing. The Ottawa attendees were cooler than us locals, but not by as much. It got bigger each year, and eventually McKenzie decided to transform it from a party to a food festival and it was held at the Sharbot Lake beach, with support from the District 3 Rec Committee, in 2017. That was the only year when weather was a factor, but even with an entry fee of $20, a pretty good crowd attended. Seed to Sausage then entered into some major retail ventures in the Greater Toronto Area and McKenzie decided not to run the festival at the beach in 2018, and almost canceled the Day of the Pig entirely, but ended up holding a stripped-down version at Seed to Sausage this past May. He told some friends

that he was thinking of calling it quits, not because he did not enjoy the event, but because he did not have enough time available to pull it together. Those friends decided that the Day of The Pig was too well established and had too much potential as a local food event and a tourism draw for a community like Central Frontenac to let go of, so they began to meet. A new location, a plan of attack, and a set of responsibilities emerged over a couple of meetings, and the Fellowship of the Pig was born. Slowly, word slipped out about the fellowship, but they have remained a mystery until they emerged this week, in an unlikely place. Buried in the agenda of the final Central Frontenac Council meeting of the decade, item 16, under ‘Other business’ says: “Day of the Pig – that council receive the information and presentation from Councillor Heese regarding the Day of the Pig event.” Councillor Heese, it turns out, is a member of the formerly secretive fellowship. And on page 142 of the agenda package there is a letter which reveals all of the members and something about their plans and how the township fits in. “The members are Mike McKenzie (Seed to Sausage), Brian Wilson (Orbital Talent Inc.), Rob Moore (Cardinal Café), Ken Fisher (Sharbot Lake Business Group) and Victor Heese (Township Councillor). This group, informally

The Sparks and Brownies 101 Dalmations float in the Harrowsmith Christmas parade last Saturday (December 7) – more parade photos in our Christmas edition next week. Photo Wilma Kenny

called the Fellowship of the Pig, has met 3 times to begin planning for next year’s event (meeting notes included). Although it is still early in the planning process, we envision the upgraded Day of the Pig to be a Food and Beverage event with various artisanal food, beer, wine and distilled beverage vendors displaying their products. There would also be demonstrations by well known chefs, a pig roasting contest, and entertainment for all ages throughout the day.” The group asked Council to make the Day of the Pig a Central Frontenac Township event, and “appoint the group as a township committee”. This would set the stage for the township to provide various “in-kind” dona-

tions to the Day of the Pig, such as inclusion in the township insurance policy, free use of the Parham Fairgrounds, and access to other resources such as “fencing, barricades, tables and chairs, etc.” The township is not expected to provide any financial support and the Day of the Pig is to be run as a not-for-profit event, although it will include vendors, including Seed to Sausage, who will sell their product as part of it. Council decided to take on the Day of the Pig as a committee of council, using the precedent of the Frontenac Heritage Festival as a model for how to set up the relationship.

Strike disrupts morning drop off at GREC

T

Jen Cox, from Cox Bus Line, was the first bus in line that morning at GREC, and following a recommendation from Tri-Board Transportation, she approached the school from Dixon Crescent, a side street, instead of her usual entrance off Road 38. "I was asked to wait for two minutes by the teachers on the picket line, and then they waved me through and I delivered the kids to the school the way I always do. It was not a problem," she said. "One of the companies told their drivers to drop the children off at the entrance to the school instead of on the school grounds, in case there was a problem, which was one of the options mentioned in a memo we received from Tri-Board Transportation." When the Frontenac News arrived at the Picketers at GREC held vehicles back for 2 minutes he one-day secondary school teachers strike last Wednesday (December 4) sparked a bit of confusion at Granite Ridge Education Centre (GREC) that morning. Although the grade 9-12 students did not have classes, the school was still open for elementary students. GREC is a JK-12 school.

by Jeff Green school at 8:15 in the morning, some par- erty. ents were still arriving at school by car, "We have been in touch with Tri-Board with their children, at the road 38 entrance. Transportation and the strike captain at They were encouraged to completely exit Granite Ridge as well, to make sure that the road by the striking teachers, who then the busses will not be stopped at all when formed a picket that blocked the vehicles they do their afternoon pickup," she said. from fully - entering the school grounds. "That should make things easier this afThe picketers asked the parents to wait for ternoon for the drivers, and the children," 2 minutes while they explained their rea- she said. “It was never our intention to stop sons for taking strike action, before allow- children from accessing their regular droping them to pass. The three cars that we off location. observed, complied with the request. An There were no reported incidents during OPP cruiser was parked across the road, the afternoon pickup. just out of sight from the school. When contacted late on the morning of the 4th, after the morning drop-off was completed but before the afternoon pick Here at the News, we’re gearing up for up. Andrea Locan, OSSTF (Ontario Secthe production of our annual Christmas ondary Schools Teachers Federation) Disissue, which comes out next Thursday, trict 27 Bargaining President, confirmed December 19th. that blocking the entrance to LDSB propAfter the publicatoin of that edition, erty for 2 minutes was the protocol at all of our 50th of 2019, we will be on hiathe schools that were being picketed. She tus for two weeks. Our first edition in also said that she had been informed that 2020, Volume 20, no. 1, comes out on at GREC some of the busses had dropped January 9, 2020. students off at the edge of the school prop-

‘Tis the Season

We Sell & Install Heating & Cooling Systems.

DuraComfortTM Deluxe 96 Gas Furnace

Financing C OA Available.

Leonard’s Heating &

• ENERGY STAR® qualified, Up to 96.5% AFUE rating • Wi-Fi® enabled remote access • 10-Year No Hassle Replacement Limited Warranty* • 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty+ • Lifetime Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty

Call us for a free quote!

Cooling Hartington • 613-372-2112 • 1-800-543-7884 Since 1948 leonardfuels@persona.ca

8109 RD. 38, Godfrey, ON 613-374-5604 sales@ldpowersports.com ldpowersports.com @Ldpowersports

2020 ZR8000ES 137 iACT $

97

Bi-Weekly

0’ Down Tax/lic Included O.A.C.

2020 ZR200

$

42 Bi-Weekly

Always wear a helmet, please never drink and ride.


PAGE 2

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

December 12, 2019

Column

Yes Virginia, there is a ministry of middle-class prosperity

A

t first, I thought it was some kind of an almost funny joke, naming a minister of prosperity. Why not a ministry of magic instead. We could all use some more magic in our lives, to be sure. Or a ministry of silly walks, that would be amusing. Aside from the awkward sound of it, there are some very real technical questions about this ministry, the first being ‘what is the middle class?’. The new minister, Ottawa Vanier MP Mona Fortier, told the CBC that she defines the middle class as “people who feel they can afford their way of life,” people who “you know, send their kids to play hockey or even have different activities. It’s having the cost of living where you can do what you want with your families.” This is not very comforting to a skeptic. The minister herself does not know precisely who her ministry is supposed to serve. Minister Fortier could have captured the truth about what the idea behind her ministry really is if she said she was the “minister of more money for most people” with most people being defined as everyone except the very rich and the poor. The closest thing to a definition of the middle class that I have found, in an admittedly limited search, is based on dividing income into five brackets of 20% increments, and defining the middle class as those who fall in the middle three brackets. Even with that definition, you still have to look at it all in terms of regions, because the cost of living varies by geography, and there is an urban/rural divide as well. Then there is the difference between ‘income of families’ and ‘income of unattached individuals’ to use Stats Can catchphrases. An individual making $45,000 might make the grade, a family, not so much. On the high end, a family making over $150,000 in some parts of the country would be upper instead of middle, but in some parts a family needs to hit the $200,000 mark to slip into the upper crust. Essentially, the Trudeau government seems to think of the ‘middle class’ as a self-defining group, and apparently 70% of Canadians (68% of Ontarians) consider themselves to be part of the middle class. Many of those people fit the statistical definition of the middle class, and some don’t. The ministry is therefore really about signalling to 70% of the population that the government is so concerned about their ‘prosperity’ that it is willing to spend their money setting up an office devoted to it, with staff, furniture and computers/cellphones etc. Middle class prosperity is so important, in fact, that it even warrants a minister and a limousine (with a driver, to be sure). To be fair to the Trudeau government, just for a min-

Office: 613.279.2657 PO Box 285, 14180 Rd. 38 Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Mimi Antoine

Christopher Jones

Cell: 613.541.9967

Cell: 343.363.6328

Broker of Record

Sales Representative

mimi@antoinerealestate.com

chris@antoinerealestate.com

www.antoinerealestate.com ProAlliance Realty Brokerage Independently Owned And Operated

(613) 336-1737 Are you considering selling your Land o’ Lakes property? For a proven marketing strategy contact:

Chris Winney,

Broker, Northbrook Salesperson, Northbrook

Diana Walker

chris@ landolakesproperty.com

diana@ landolakesproperty.com

Looking to BUY? View listings at www.landolakesproperty.com

Country Classics Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

www.LandOLakesRealEstate.ca Suzanne Regan

Sales Representative

613-336-3000 / 613-336-8000 remaxlandolakes@gmail.com 12245 Hwy 41 Northbrook ON

ute, during their first mandate they identified the reduction of poverty as a long-term goal, and Stats Can has developed data on poverty rates. And those rates have dropped in recent years. As part of that effort, statistical work has been done to identify the poverty line in a systematic way across the country. It is based on how much it costs for food, housing, transportation, etc, and it is the line minimum that a family or an individual would need to comfortably cover all those costs. According to Stats Canada, 9.5% of Canadian families were living under the poverty line in 2017, the latest year for which figures are available. The income level that defines poverty is based on 2015 incomes, so it would be up to 10% higher now, and it also varies from region to region. The national average for the poverty line was $37,542 in 2015 dollars for a family of 4, half of that for individuals living on their own. With four years of inflation factored in, it is now about $40,000 for a family or 4 and $20,000 for an individual. In Frontenac County, where costs are lower than the national average, it might be a bit lower than that. There is a very real gap between the poverty line and the middle-class line. Families earning $60,000 per year or less, and individuals making $30,000 or less, are not

middle class families in Canada in 2019. These families still drive their kids to hockey, just like middle class families, but the money they spend on hockey hurts, making it difficult to avoid debt. This group, up to a quarter of the families in the country, are those who are one or two setbacks away from slipping towards or under the poverty line. A cut in income, a layoff or an illness that would be manageable for those with a true middleclass income, can be devastating to people in this income bracket. This group will benefit from the cuts in income tax rates that have been announced, but only marginally because they are already paying less income tax than those with much higher incomes. Meanwhile, inevitable increases in the price of fuel, food, housing, and municipal taxes all hit this group much harder than those with higher incomes. As the government devotes their attention to helping those who are doing well to do better, can they not spare a thought for those who are struggling to sustain what they have. All of the parties, even the NDP, love the middle class, but in order for there to be a middle class, there has to be a class who are below the middle. It would be really magical if the government showed some love, not just pity, for the lower classes as well as the upper classes.

Let the choir sing

T

he Trinity Christmas Choir and Friends hosted a delightful evening of Christmas music last Friday night at Trinity United Church in Verona. In this photo, Margaret Smith is conducting. The evening also featured a prelude with Toute Ensemble, a youth choir and audience participation for O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, Good King Wenceslas and a LED candlelight version of Silent Night. Photo/ Craig Bakay

250,000 cans collected, and counting

S

top! Don’t toss that beer can! Don’t break that rum bottle! Since June 2013, the Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club has been collecting empty beer, wine and liquor bottles and cans from Central Frontenac’s Wemp Rd and Parham waste

sites. They then transport them to the Beer Store to collect the deposit. As we approach the end of 2019 the total number of bottles and cans returned is nearing 250,000! Whether it’s thirty above in July or thirty below in January, the Lions faithfully make

their Tuesday dump runs. “Not only is this good for waste management by diverting all this glass and aluminum away from the local dumps, but it has also helped the Lions Club to do more service and help more people in the community. Over these past

Land O’ Lakes Real Estate

five and a half years the club has realized well over $25,000 from this project. As with all Lion’s projects, every cent goes to help someone in need and there are no administration costs as all Lions members are volunteers,” said Dave Hansen, Sharbot Lake and District Club President. The Sharbot Lake club is the number one donor to the local Salvation Army Christmas Hamper campaign and also donates to the Frontenac Food Bank and the Sharbot Lake Christmas Dinner. The Lions Club is very thankful for the help and cooperation it has received from the staff at the C.F. waste management sites and the Sharbot Lake Beer Store. It is easy to help the Lions Club with this project by dropping bottles and cans off at the designated Lion’s sheds at these two waste sites. “And if you have a large quantity you would like to dispose of, we can arrange to pick them up for you,” said Hansen, “Call 613-375-6318 or email sharbotlakelions@ gmail.com.


December 12, 2019 Publisher & Editor.............................................. Jeff Green Graphic Designer................................................Scott Cox Digital & Print Sales.......................................David Bates Copy Editors ..........................Martina Field, Tracy Riddell Office Staff.................. Suzanne Tanner, Caylie Runciman Webmaster.......................................................Jesse Mills Reporters................................Wilma Kenny, Craig Bakay, ...........................................................Catherine Reynolds

www.frontenacnews.ca

PAGE 3

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

1095 Garrett St., rear building; Box 229, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Ph: 613-279-3150; 1-888-779-3150; Fx: 613-279-3172 E-mail: info@frontenacnews.ca Office hours: Mon to Thurs., 8:30 am - noon; 1:00 - 4:30

SINCE 1970

The Frontenac News is published every Thursday Deadlines: Classifieds: Monday at 4:00 p.m. Display ads: Friday at 4:00 p.m..

Subscriptions (Canadian subscriptions include HST)

The Frontenac News welcomes articles and letters, but we cannot publish all the submissions we receive. All submissions must be SINCE 1970 signed and include a phone number for verification. We reserve the right to edit submissions for brevity, clarity, and taste. Please limit letters to 300 words or less; articles to 500 words or less.

Weekly: $70.11, HST incl. ($90 US for US orders) for 6 months Bi-weekly: $94.92, HST included ($105 US for US orders) for one year, 2 issues, mailed bi-weekly

Member of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association

Demolition of former Sharbot Lake school to begin in earnest in January - Central Frontenac Council report, December 9 SINCE 1970

by Craig Bakay

G

ood news for alumni and/or anyone who’d like a keepsake of the old Sharbot Lake Public School. Andy Dillon, manager of development services/CBO, told Central Frontenac Council at its regular meeting Tuesday evening at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake that he’s having a number of bricks delivered to the Township offices which will be made available to the public at no cost. “We don’t want people going on-site to pick up a souvenir as it could be dangerous,” he said. “But it will be one (brick) to a customer. “That’s so they don’t think they can come and get a bunch of bricks to build something,” he said with a grin.

Dillon said that while there have been some trucks and equipment on-site, the work being done is all on the inside. “We don’t expect the actual demolition of the building to begin until sometime in January,” he said. Coun. Bill MacDonald asked where the material that’s being demolished was going, wondering if it would be added to the Oso or Olden sites. “I don’t really know,” Dillon said. “But it’s somewhere out of Central Frontenac.” Construction values up. Coun. Bill MacDonald was also curious as to the increase in construction value being more than a million dollars more in 2019 than 2018 ($10,965,340 vs

$9,561,283) despite there being one less building permit issued for a new home (26 in 2019 vs. 27 in 2018) “That would probably be because the average value of homes being built is about $350,000,” said Andy Dillon, CBO. “That’s good for taxes,” said Mayor Frances Smith. Dewey elected Deputy Mayor Council elected District 1 Coun. Tom Dewey as Deputy Mayor for 2020, replacing Coun. Victor Heese. Tanker pulled off the road With tanker 441 out of Station 4 Parham in such bad shape and due to be replaced in 2020, Fire Chief Jamie Riddell told Council he is taking it out of service as of

AH to continue with afternoon meetings

I

t was a fairly light agenda for Addington Highlands Council at its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon in Flinton, said Reeve Henry Hogg. “We spent most of our time in closed session because we have a union contract with roads employees coming up but I can’t talk about that,” Hogg said. “We did have a request to change our meeting times to the evening but we decided not to change,” he said. “The idea is to make it more attractive for people who work during the day to attend but we don’t have a lot of interest in coming to our meetings. “If there’s something that affects somebody, they’ll come.” And speaking of meetings, Hogg said they did set their schedule for 2020 with the first meeting set for Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. in Flinton. “We still have one more meeting this year, in Denbigh at 1 p.m.,” he said “We’ll be looking at current budget adjustments.” Hogg said there was discussion and some concern over correspondence from

the Ministry of Health regarding Public Health Modernization and in particular, Emergency Health Services Modernization. “We have concerns if they create a mega-health team out of Kingston that there won’t be much consideration for rural areas,” he said. “I did note there was talk about ambulance services but some of those changes were proposed years ago by the Niagara Region and disregarded. “Of course that was a different government.” As far as health services go, Hogg doesn’t see much changing for the rural areas. “For us, we’ve always had an issue with doctor attraction and retention,” he said. “We do have an arrangement with North Frontenac to create incentives to attract doctors but we haven’t had much suc-

Tim's Auto Body 13775 Hwy 41, Cloyne ON Corner of 41 and 506  613-336-2038 Now Offering

• ATV • Automotive • Light Truck Tires Tires Starting from

Turkey

14" - 74.95 15" - 79.95 16" - 84.95

B I N G O Friday Dec. 20 In I.O.O.F. Hall Parham

Doors open 5:30. Games start 6:45

Cash & Turkey Prizes To Be Won Canteen. Must be 18 years of age to play Sponsored By Mayflower Lodge

Install, Balancing, Taxes Extra

Offering many brands at Very competitive prices Also Offering: • Off Season Tire Storage • No Drip Oil Rust Proofing • Winshield Installation Open Monday to Friday 8-5 Saturday - Call for Appointment

Only Place to Go” “TheSmitty’s Warehouse Operation

t Bes ity l a Qu t B e sc e Pri

G u aB e s t ran tee Smitty has been keeping customers happy for 32 years in the appliance business. This proves Smitty has the BEST PRICE, SELECTION, S B e s ele t GUARANTEE, QUALITY & SERVICE, plus same day delivery, ctio n

For NEW or GOOD USED Appliances

seven days a week. We sell gas refrigerators. Smitty plans to be around for another 20 years. Now he has in-house financing at NO INTEREST. These are just a few of the many reasons to visit SMITTY’S for your new or used appliance purchase.

B s t S e re vice

Smitty’s “KING of APPLIANCES”

Open Evenings & Seven Days a Week River Road-Corbyville, Just North of Corby’s

(613) 969-0287

Dec. 4. “To go a number of months without a tanker in Parham does not sit well with me,” said Coun. Nicki Gowdy. Riddell said that tankers from Mountain Grove and Sharbot Lake will respond to all fire calls in the 400 and 600 Zones and a tanker from South Frontenac’s Verona station will respond to all confirmed fires in Zone CF6-601. “I’ve spoken with the the fire chief in South Frontenac and they’re willing to extend the mutual aid agreement in this way until our new tanker arrives,” Riddell said. “The fire hall in Verona is closer to Piccadilly than Parham is anyway,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

by Craig Bakay

cess. “Of course if they create something based in Kingston, there’ll probably be less incentive for doctors to come here.” Finally, Hogg said he was pleased to see work begin on the office addition in Flinton. “It’s just getting started,” he said. “Fenc-

es are up, propane tanks are in place and they’re looking at where to relocate the hydro poles. “We’ll have to use the disabled entrance while construction is going on and that will be awhile. “These things take time.”

County gets $5,500 grant

T

he Frank Cowan Company Home Town Program and Holway & Hutchinson Insurance Brokers are supporting the County of Frontenac and the K&P Trail infrastructure development with a $5,500 donation. These funds will be used to assist with the construction of a shelter and an accompanying picnic table that trail visitors can use. “This grant will make it possible for us to purchase equipment that will support the enjoyment, safety and accessibility of

the Frontenac K&P Trail,” said soon the be former Frontenac County Warden Ron Higgins.

Cindy Mika Cottage/Residential/ Business cleaning Mika Cleaning

(613) 572-1612 cindymika2595@gmail.com Available for all your cleaning needs

Christmas Trees

Skootamatta Tree Farm ‘Choose & Cut’ Open Weekends Until Christmas

10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m 2800 Upper Flinton Road The Yanch Family  613-336-8774 ehyanch@gmail.com

Sharbot Lake

Chiropractic & Wellness New Location

Sharbot Lake Medical Centre 1005 Medical Centre RD

www.sharbotlakechiropractic.ca  info@sharbotlakechiropractic.ca Sharbot Lake Chiropractic & Wellness

The Treasure Trunk Second Tyme Around Clothing

12795 RD 38, Sharbot Lake 613-547-4711 press 2

Sign up for the Polar Plunge! Feb 16 at Noon Contact Janet for details 613-547-4711 press 2 Quality New & Used Clothing at Affordable Prices!

North Frontenac

Employment Services Thank you to our local high school for providing Co-op students for different work placements. Many thanks to the local businesses in providing full and part time employment opportunities and helping students fill their volunteer hours. Also thanks to St. Lawrence College Employment Center for providing training to help people become job ready.

Happy Holidays to our Community

For information on accessible employment call Janet 613-547-4711 press 2 or jleclairbarr@clnf.ca.


PAGE 4

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

COMMUNITY REPORTERS (613) Arden............................. Wanda Harrison................335-3186 Cloyne / Northbrook...... Nancy Skipper Denbigh......................... Angela Bright....................333-1901 Godfrey.......................... Stefan Duerst....................374-1710 Harrowsmith.................. Kim Gow Henderson..................... Jean Brown.......................336-2516 Inverary......................... Judy Borovskis..................353-1768 Maberly-Bolingbroke..... Karen Prytula....................325-1354 Mississippi..................... Pearl Killingbeck...............278-2127 Mountain Grove............. Marilyn Meeks...................279-3209 Ompah........................... Linda Rush........................479-2570 Marily Seitz........................479-2855 Parham-Tichbome......... Colleen Steele...................375-6219 Christine Teal....................375-6525 Plevna........................... Katie Ohlke........................479-2797 Sydenham..................... Karen Brawley...................376-9848 Verona........................... Debbie Lingen..................................

ARDEN Wanda Harrison

613-335-3186 wmharrison070@gmail.com

• I hope everyone is looking forward to the 2019 Festival of Trees and its wrap up on Saturday, December 14. Take time to look at all of the entries in the various categories, and do not forget that those participating spend many hours of their time to create those wonders that we are all vying for. The entertainment starts today, with the last act performing at 3pm Saturday. The draws will begin at 4pm. Check the News for all of the details. • LOLPS will be holding their annual Shop and Wrap, Friday December 13, for the students. Do you have any new or gently used items you would like to donate, or gift wrap, bags, tags, etc., or you have any questions about the event? Please get in touch with Mr. Czermak at 335-5254 or Kathy Barr at 335-2708. Donated gifts will be wrapped by volunteers, but please remember that the items cannot be oversized, as the children must take their wrapped gifts home with them on the bus. The organizers thank you, in advance, for any contribution to this event. • On Thursday, December 12, 10am, Coffee and Conversation at the United Church in Arden will include Christmas carol singing and refreshments. Everyone is welcome. • The Arden United Church will hold its annual Christmas luncheon Saturday, December 14, 11:30am to 1pm. The cost is $7.50 per person. • The Royal Canadian Legion, Arden Branch 334 will hold a pot luck dinner Saturday, December 14, 5pm to 7pm. Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer. For more information, please call Cindy at 613-5834103. • On Sunday, December 22, the Matson Family will host their “live nativity”, at the farm, at 7pm. If you have never attended, you must, and if you have in the past, you will be eagerly awaiting this year's re-creation. Fellowship, following the event, will include hot chocolate and cookies.

CLOYNE - Northbrook Nancy Skipper noahsark444@bell.net • Our community also has extremely talented crafters with a great deal of their work on sale at The Kuriosity Shop. If you have not shopped at the Clothing Boutique & More, you are in for a huge surprise! It offers new and gently used clothing, household gadgets, linens, bedding, wall décor, and knick-knacks, etc. The Maz has all you need for that special someone who loves camping and boating. Let’s make it our goal to shop locally; supporting small businesses and keeping our hard-earned money North of 7. Thank you, Brenda Scott, for this amazing insight for our community! • Children up to the age of 12 years are invited to come out and enjoy a special evening of storytelling, Christmas craft making, and make an edible Christmas tree cone at the Flinton Public Library on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. To register, call 623-336-1091. • All are welcome, and please bring a friend to Through the Roof’s Nativi’tea’, hosted by Lorraine Garey on Saturday,

December 14, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Pastor Joe and Sharin Jobin are inviting all to “be our guests” at the Through The Roof Ministry Centre 3662 Flinton Rd. For more information, call 613-336-2614. • NAEC Parent Council presents the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at North Addington Education Centre, before and after the Christmas Concert in the main foyer. Raffle tickets for the beautifully decorated trees and arrangements can be purchased before and after the concert. Tickets are 3/$5 or 1/$2.00. Raffle winners will be contacted. • There are two gift card wreaths, each valued at over $300.00 at the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees. A huge “thank you!” to those community members who answered the call for a gift card donation for the wreaths! Get your raffle tickets to win! The Lions Club of Land O’Lakes thanks the NAEC Parent Council for inviting them to share in this amazing event. They have a Buck and Doe lawn decoration with various Mom and Dad gifts around it. Get your raffle tickets to win! • On Thursday, December 19, 2019, the Community Bus if off to Kingston to visit the Cataraqui Centre and the Walmart Supercentre. Please book by December 16, 2019. To reserve your seat, please call Katie Turl, the Community Bus Coordinator at 613-849-8804 or email her at lolcsbus@ gmail.com, or the LOLCS office at 613-336-8934. • Compassionate Care is hosting a Grief Support Group Drop In at Pine Meadow Nursing Home in the Rose Activity Room on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. For more information, call 613-473-1880 or email bereavement@heartofhastinghospice.ca.

DENBIGH & VENNACHAR Angela Bright

613-333-1901 bright.a@gmail.com

• Santa’s helpers drove around the 1st week of December checking out the Christmas lights in our community. It was a very difficult discussion as there were many beautiful displays, but they had great fun checking all the roads in our area for Christmas lights! 1st prize goes to Bill and Joan McLeod, with honourable mentions to Ronnie and Pam Rosenblath, Floyd and Janet Keller and Casey and Jennifer Keller. Thank you to everyone who puts up lights to celebrate the Christmas season. Take a drive around the community to enjoy the lights for yourself! • It was a great winter’s evening for the parade with lots of twinkling lights! Floats this year included Denbigh Griffith Lions, Rosie’s, GOA Paving and Charlene and Morris, ErinBonnie-Bev, Addington Highlands Township with Reeve Hogg riding along, Fire Departments from Denbigh and Northbrook, Denbigh Recreation Committee, and Santa and Mrs.Clause. People’s Choice 1st prize was awarded to the Charlie Brown Float #4 by Erin Hopewell, Bev Tucker and Bonnie Thompson. There were many walkers with the floats handing out candy and also many helpers getting everything ready. At the end of the parade Casey Keller and family served hot dogs for everyone to enjoy. The parade would not happen without the OPP Officers and Emcon Employees who blocked the road so we could all travel safely. Thank you. The community is very grateful for the Santa’s sleigh which is borrowed from Ernie Berndt. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the Hall, and there were many children who took a turn on Santa’s knee. Thank you to Tobia’s Guardian Pharmacy for helping with the children’s gifts. We all enjoyed coffee in the Hall supplied by Rosie’s Café. Special music was provided by Barb Creelman and Al Kitching. It was a great evening and we would like to thank everyone for their community spirit and continued support. • Only one more bus trip 'til Christmas! The next Community Bus trip will be on Thursday, December 19th to Kingston. Cost per person is just $20. Please book your seat by December 16th by calling 1-877-679-6636. Go to lolcs.com and click on the MORE heading for more information, or checkout Kate Turl or LOLCS pages on Facebook. • The New Apostolic Church will host the annual Community Christmas Carol Sing with "Big Cedar" (Formerly Highway 41) on Sunday, December 22nd at 3pm, with refreshments to follow. Canned goods or freewill donations to the Denbigh Food Bank gratefully accepted. • You are invited to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at

Storring Septic Service Ltd. Septic & Holding Tank Pumping Septic Inspections

(613) 379-2192 Tamworth Visit us on the web:

Licenced by the Ministry of Environment since 1972

www.StorringSeptic.com

Let us plumb it right the first time

Custom Cabinets for Kitchen & Bath

refacing - Custom millwork - free estimates

Northland Cabinets Hwy 38, Parham, ON, K0H 2K0

Phone / Fax: 613-375-6285

Dave Bush

Licensed Plumbers Water treatment & purification System Pumps and Pressure Systems

(613) - 379 - 3030

December 12, 2019 Vennachar Free Methodist Church at 7pm, with music, readings and carols. For information contact 613 333 2318 or follow us on Facebook. Everyone welcome.

HarroWsmith

• On Friday, December 13th, there will be a Christmas Potluck at the Harrowsmith Social & Athletic Club starting at 6:30pm for members and the community. Please bring your favourite dish to share! Great food, entertainment, and karaoke. Please call 613-372-0917 to let them know if you will be attending. • The Harrowsmith Social & Athletic Club will be hosting their monthly Euchre Fun Night (non-competitive), December 14th, starting at 7:00pm., at the Club Hall, 4041 Colebrook Rd. The cost to play is $5.00/person and there will be prizes, refreshments and a cash bar. Singles and couples are welcome to come out to play. Please RSVP (613-3720917) so they will know how many players for set up. • Ring in the New Year at the Golden Links Hall, Harrowsmith, with music provided by All Star DJ Services. Cost is $35.00 per person. Doors open at 8:00pm. Cold buffet served at 10:30pm. Bus ride home is available. For information, call 613-372-2410. • A New Year's Dance with the Three Amigos (Steve & Penny Lloyd featuring Dieter Boehme) will be sponsored by the Harrowsmith Social & Athletic Club. Cost is $20.00 per person which includes the buffet and party favours! Rides home (if needed) are available for you and your car. For information or tickets, please call 613-376-7866 or 613-3720917. • If you have news, birthdays, special occasions or get well wishes to submit to the column, please send to mgoodberrysanda@gmail.com. Deadline for inclusions in the column is Monday morning of each week. • Where did our snow go? Hopefully we will have some for Christmas. Just a little bit! .

HARLOWE Marie White

613-336-2557

• We had our Christmas dinner and dance last Saturday night (Dec. 7) with a full house and full tummies. The Friendly North Woods band played to perfection. Fred Brown wound his fiddle up on some speedy tunes. The dancers and players were sure in gear. Many thanks to all who came out for the evening thanks to all the helpers. • Our Olde Tyme Fiddlers dinner and dance is coming up soon, December 20. The dinner consists of turkey, dressing, ham, turnip, carrots, corn, salad, pie, tea and coffee ($12.50), entertainers $5. Dinner at 6pm, dance to follow. For tickets call Helen at 613-336-9432 or me. (613-336-2557) • Don’t forget our New Year’s bash on Tuesday, Dec. 31st. The dance starts at 8pm with the fabulous Friendly North Woods band. At the striking of midnight, a large meal will be served, $12.50pp. For tickets, please call me at 613-3362557.

HENDERSON Jean Brown

613-336-2516

• Harlowe Hall really grooved at their recent dance that was preceded by a super-duper dinner. George, Marie and helpers really poured it on - and we ate until we could barely move! I couldn’t stop. Saw people there from Kingston, Tweed, Napanee, Perth and all around our area too. It was a yummy in the tummy old home week. Thanks, folks. • Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Murray Scott, who was well known in our area. I knew the family years ago, and always enjoyed their hospitality and kindness. • Harlowe Wesleyan Church offered music, recitations, singing and scripture at their recent evening Christmas musical and spiritual event with Ron Lemke and friends. • Drive with care, everyone, and have a safe and super Christmas.

INVERARY Judy Borovskis

borovskis@kingston.net

• Rotary cash calendar for $20 featuring beautiful local photos. Great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer! 314 draws with total prizes of $15,000. You can win more than once! Help Rotary make a difference. Calendars available at various businesses. Call Darlene at 613-353-1142 for the location closest to you. I have mine and wrapped up two! • Keep fit! Pilates on Mondays, 6:15pm., Essentrics Exercise on Tuesdays 10am and yoga on Wednesdays at 6:00pm in Inverary Church Hall until December 18th. Resume in January. • Create an M&M cookie mix in a jar for Christmas at Neighbour to Neighbour event on Thursday, December 12th at 7pm at Inverary United Church Hall. Cost is $10 per jar for ingredients & jars. Make two - one for home and one to do-

Sharbot Lake Veterinary Services

613-279-2780 Tuesday & Thursday 2-4 p.m. Emergencies: 613-376-3618

Sydenham Veterinary Services A.A.H.A. Accredited Hospital


December 12, 2019 nate to the Community Christmas Hampers, if you wish. Preregistration & payment to lynn@proactivehw.com by December 5th. Light refreshments provided. Password: cookie jar for e-transfers. Info: call (613) 353-7008. • Breakfast with Santa on December 14th at the Storrington Lions Hall in Sunbury from 8am to 11am. Admission is $7. Children 8 and under are free. • Crafts & gifts by local vendors on Saturday, December 14th in Inverary Church hall from 10am to 5pm. Refreshments served. For info, call Tiffany at 613-929-9477. • Youth dance Friday December 20th from 7 to 10pm at the Lion’s Hall in Sunbury. Adult supervision. • Longest Night service on December 21st at Battersea United Church at 7:00pm. Remembering our loved ones who have passed away in 2019. A service for those who find Christmas a difficult time. • Chris Murphy and guests from Turpin's Trail in concert at Inverary United Church on Sunday, December 22nd at 7:00pm. Great music! Refreshments and free will offering. See you there! • Christmas Eve Services at Inverary United Church begin with a family service at 4:00pm and a traditional Christmas service at 7:00 pm. • “Senior Prom Hockey Dance” by the Storrington Stingers will be on Saturday, January 18th at the Storrington Lions Club. Break out those taffeta dresses! • Chicken & biscuits Saturday, January 25th at 6:00pm at the Storrington Lions Club hall in Sunbury. A warm and delicious meal – all yours for $15. Cash bar. Reserve your tickets by calling 613-353-2257. • April 2020 I will be starting 3 years at this volunteer job! I often pass copies of the paper to friends in Kingston… (as close as I ever will get to being famous!)… and they always comment on the community content details and the events that go on. Country living… Can’t beat it! Time to donate a bit to the mailing cost.

MISSISSIPPI Pearl Killingbeck

for coming out to celebrate on a snowy, crappy, day. Thanks to the restaurant for treating us so well. • On December 7th , we went to finish our busy week at the craft sale at the Snow Road Snowmobile Clubhouse. Got to visit with many people, had some good cups of coffee, bought lots of treasures. A beautiful, sunny, warm day to end the week. • Correction. Wayne and Mary Abrams will be performing on January 30th at the Snow Road community Hall from 7pm-9pm, as I reported last week, but they will be accompanied by Bob Burtch, not Ron Lemke, as I said last week. Thank you, Mary Abrams, for phoning me to let me know. • The Back Forty Cheese Holiday Open House event it is this Saturday, December 14, from 10am-4pm. Hope you can make it. • Lodge.. Women rock!

MOUNTAIN GROVE Marilyn Meeks

613-279-3209

marilynmeeks5@gmail.com • My deepest sympathy towards the family of Murray Scott, on his passing. Some December birthdays: Dinah Burley, Amanda Veley, Dave Moore, Ash Smith-Hayett, Jozef Kroge, Ian Tryon, Blayne Thompson, Ruth Ann Johnston. Julie Brown, Kaitlyn Wilkes, Joe Mallett. • On December 7, my sister took me to the community supper at Arden. What a feast! I met some of my old euchre friends there. Thanks to Dave Swann for his help. • On December 7, the Santa Clause parade went by the retirement house. There were many floats with Santa on the last one. • On every Tuesday morning there is coffee hour at the Parham Free Methodist Church. Good coffee and conversation. • On December 20, there will be an Elvis impersonator at the SLRR. Come and join in the fun..

OMPAH

613-278-2127

• Christmas month is so busy with the baking, shopping, wrapping and parties, you’ve hardly got time to catch your breath. But it’s wonderful to be able to do it. I’ve had such a busy week that I missed Diners. I'm a baby when it starts to snow, so I cancelled. I know I missed a wonderful dinner and afternoon. My driver was out gallivanting with someone else. • Got out to the UCW (United Church Women) Xmas luncheon on December 3rd at Sharbot Lake. What a wonderful afternoon. The lovely potluck dinner had everything you could think of and deserts by the dozens. Thank you, workers. The oldest person there was Alva, 91 years old, second oldest was Olive Allan. The person who traveled the furthest was Lorie, 1800 miles. A wonderful poem, “the Geriatric Night Before Christmas” was hilarious. There were door prizes won by Tom Allison, Sandy Cameron, and Barb Agnew, and two skits; ‘Me Special’ and ‘Silent Night’. Barb Agnew played the organ for the singing of Christmas songs. Just a wonderful afternoon of laughter and song. • On Wednesday, December 4th , I got to the “Forget-MeNots” at the Senior Centre in Sharbot Lake for the Christmas Cloggers show. They were wonderful. Everyone loves their fancy footwork. The oldest person there was Vietta McCinnis (98) and the closest birthday to Christmas was Harriet Riddell (December 7). We stayed for a lovely lunch. • On December 18 at the Seniors Centre, Roger Hermer and Heart Full of Country will perform at 10:30am. At 2pm, Dane Stoness, as 'Elvis’ will be performing. He is so worth coming out to see. He’s full of energy. Can’t wait to see him. This will be my third time. Hope the weather is good. • Missed Coffee Break on December 6 because 16 ladies got together at Maples Restaurant for a lovely luncheon to help Harriet celebrate her 86th birthday. There was lots of laughter and noise from our table. Hope we didn’t disturb anyone. Elaine made the birthday cake with red and green decorations. Best carrot cake you will ever eat. Thanks, Elaine. Lots of presents for our birthday girl. Thank you all

New Program!

Linda Rush  lindarush@yahoo.com Marily Seitz  seitz@xplornet.ca

PARHAM-TICHBORNE

Colleen Steele 613-375-6219 Christine Teal  mrsteal2u@hotmail.com 613-375-6525 • Thank you to everyone for coming out to Parham United Church's Decadent Deal Day on Saturday. A great time was had by all! So many laughs - can't wait to do it all again. • So, have you noticed the awesome display at the intersection in Parham? Special thanks to District #4 Recreation Com-

Personal care for all your insurance needs

49 Gore Street East Perth, Ont. K7H 1H6 613-267-3788 help@finneganinsurance.ca

Ask for Details.

Winter Hours: Tue. & Thu. 9am - 3pm 14 Bosley Road (at Hwy 41) Northbrook, ON K0H 2G0  (613) 336-1608

Quality work at a fair price!

Carl St. Pierre,

www.finneganinsurance.ca

Kirton’s Kennels & Stables 4854 Colebrooke RD, Harrowsmith

Owner

carlstpierre@hotmail.ca 1-613-279-3121 Certified Coach

16519 Road 509 Clarendon ON K0H 1J0

Small kennel, big care.

613-372-5540

mittee for this display of Santa and his reindeer. Thank you to Dave and Sherry Whan for their help in making sure we had enough reindeer to pull the sleigh! • This week is Festival of Trees, featuring "Old Fashioned Christmas". It takes place Dec 12, 13, and 14th in Sharbot Lake. • Congratulations to my brother, Bill, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday with a surprise party at the Parham Free Methodist Church. It was great to see so many family and friends from near and far come to honour such a wonderful man! Here's to many more! • Thinking of you to Will Cooke as he has eye surgery today; also Patsy Lowery. • Mayflower Lodge #297 will be holding a turkey bingo on Dec 20 at the IOOF Hall. Early Bird starts at 6:45. • Thanks to all your thoughts, concerns, and prayers for the miracle our family received concerning Janice Morrow's health. • Some of the Parham United Church's Sunday School class let the worship for the White Gift Sunday. Non perishable items for the Food Bank have been collected all month for the local chapter. Also mitts, hats, scarves and slippers are adorning the Mitten Tree. • Sincere condolences to Peter Anderson and family on the loss of his father. Also to Joan Wyatt and her family on the loss of their loved one. As well as to the Scott family on the loss of Murray. • Happy birthday to Richard Hartwick, Louise Lee, Nicki LeClair, Alyssa Teal, Amanda Neadow, Stirling Hamilton, Madison Courtney, MaryJane Badour, Shelley Hamilton, Viv Lowery, Terri Lynn Ducharme, Cheryl Bertrim, Angela Corkum Whan, Ilona Cox, and Wendy Sproule.

PLEVNA Katie Ohlke

613-479-2797 ohlkek@limestone.on.ca

613-479-2570 613-479-2855

• The elves have been busy decorating the community centre. It looks very festive. The tree in the window at night is heart-warming. Thanks to elves Marie, Kathy, Katie, and Marily. • Over 120,000 lights are on at the Christmas Light display at Riverhill Farm. It is well worth the trip to see this Christmas wonderland. Santa will arrive each Saturday until Christmas from 5 to 8pm. Please use the parking lot on Saturdays and walk around the displays but one can drive through on other nights. Riverhill Farm is at 1311 Struthadam Rd (off River Road). Admission is by donation. • Wednesday, December 18, is the Christmas Birthday Bash. Everyone is welcome to bring a pot luck dish and celebrate those folks with a December birthday. John Inglis, Ompah’s own accomplished pianist, will lead the Christmas carolling. If you have not been to the ‘bash’ before, you will be warmly welcomed and get to meet new neighbours who will soon become friends. • Carolling around the village will take place on Friday, December 20. Meet at the Community Centre at 6:30pm. Dress warmly, as singers will walk around the village carolling at homes along the way. If you wish, you may bring some snacks to share when carolling is done. All are welcome to join in this charming, long held tradition in Ompah that has been going on for at least 35 years.

Free Vaccines for Life

Carl’s Painting

PAGE 5

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

KirtonsKennels.ca

• Clarendon Central Public School are LDSB Division 2 CoEd Volleyball Champs after a Limestone District Volleyball Tournament held at Queen’s University on December 2nd. Congratulations to the team and their coach Mr. Drechsler! Mark your calendars! The Community Christmas Pot Luck Dinner is on Saturday, December 14th. It begins at 5:30pm, in Clar-Mill Hall. Everyone is welcome to come out to celebrate the Christmas season in the community. • The St. Kilians’ Turkey Bingo was a huge success! Thank you to all who attended. • Santa comes to Plevna and area December 24th. For your Santa visit to children under 12, please call Laura at 4798065 or Ed at 479-9909.” • Plevna Joke of the week: Connie: “Why does Santa always go down the chimney?” Rose: “Because it soots him!”

Columns Continued on page 8

Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club

FAMILY

DAY

• Vision & Hearing Screening for the Whole Family! • Diabetes Awareness: Are you at risk? • RFCS Youth Services – “OUTREACH” • LEO Club – Used Eyeglasses Collection • Outdated Prescription Drugs Drop Off

FRee

Saturday, January 11, 2020 9 am - Noon Oso Hall, Sharbot Lake


PAGE 6

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

December 12, 2019

Tay Valley Community Choir raises voices and lifts spirits

by Martina Field t was cold, and dark, last Friday night, but that didn't stop the crowd from coming out and packing the Maberly Hall for the Tay Valley Community Choir's annual Christmas concert. The choir's first number, which I partially missed, because I arrived fashionably late, was, from all accounts, one of the best of the evening and a great way to get the evening underway. This piece was a medley called 'Jingle Bells through the Ages'. It included many tunes and mini solos and ensembles from the choir, including a cameo appear-

I

ance from Elvis himself, as Eric Zeigler rocked the mutton chops and mimicked the voice of the king, to the delight of the audience. There were many participatory opportunities throughout the evening. The audience was given song sheets and were highly encouraged to sing along a number of times. This really added to the fun of the evening, we weren't just watching, we were part of it. There were no long, drawn out versions of any of the carols. They were shortened to a few key verses, and this really helped to keep the evening rolling along.

Smitty’s Appliances

the little businessman with the big Heart 45 Years Going Strong

Smitty’s Appliances has donated a new $800 stove to Land O’Lakes Emmanuel United Church in Northbrook. Shown in picture is member Bev Tryton, Smitty himself and his helper Art Tryon.

Merry Christmas to all from

Smitty’s Appliances

Phone anytime 613-969-0287

The songs were varied, from beautiful old ones sung in Latin, to dynamic renditions of more modern tunes, like 'Whisper, Whisper' and 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' (complete with a real life grinch, Fred Barrett, coming out and scaring the audience. Even the choir's deft piano player, Mary Lou Carrol, leapt from her seat in a frightful scream). There were tunes sung in solos, small ensembles, and with the entire choir. Some of these soloists were: Marily Seitz, Anne Thomlison, Sheila Kroetsch, Ted Bryant, Virginia Beckett, and Kathy Doornekamp. A solstice carol, and a calypso Christmas lullaby were included in the mix. There was even a funny skit involving two of Santa's elves, Robin Jones and Kim Bonner. After the intermission, local group, Fiddlers and Friends, took the stage to breeze through a short and varied set of a few of their favourite instrumental tunes. The group was quite well received. (I know this, as I am a member of this group.) The choir and audience joined in on their final tune, Lullaby Noel. One of the highlights of the night, was when choir director, Rebecca Worden, accompanied by choir member Faith Hutton on harp, sang two hymns, demonstrating at once Worden's vocal prowess, and the sensitivity of Hutton's playing. Another highlight was Night of Silence/Silent Night, one

Rebecca Morden conducting the Tay Valley Community Choir of the choir's final songs. These two songs were sung counterpoint, where a harmony was created by the two melodies being sung simultaneously by different voices in the choir; and in the last verse, the voices of the audience came in as

and kept us warm, as we all left the hall to go back into that cold night. The choir is always happy to have new members. Anyone interested should contact Rebecca Worden for information. Email: worden. rebecca@gmail.com or call:

Highest level accreditation for Fairmount

F

airmount Home has achieved CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation for a period of three years. CARF Canada is a ministry-approved accreditor and surveyors visited Fairmount Home for an on-site survey on November 14 and 15. The three year accreditation decision represents

the highest level of CARF accreditation that can be given to an organization. Fairmount Home achieved this by putting itself through a rigorous peer review process and it demonstrates its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. "I am excited and really proud of our team," said Lisa

Hirvi, Administrator at Fairmount Home. "I think that achieving CARF accreditation demonstrates our commitment to our residents, our staff and our volunteers, and that we are committed to quality improvement to make our home and programs even better than they already are today," Hirvi said.

Stuff your stocking with great items from

Verona Hardware Ltd. 6723 Main St. Verona 613-374-2851

Dickies Polar Fleece Button Front Jacket Mens S-2XL

well. (613) 264-1458. To top it off, at the end of the concert, the audience was invited to stay to schmooze and to enjoy the many varied culinary offerings that choir members had brought to share. The performance lifted our spirits

Acton Ultra-Light Safety Boot Sized 4-14

119.88

$

24.88

$

Reg. $169.99.

Reg.$39.99

Work King Insulated Bib Overalls Sizes M-5XL

59.88

Cuisinart 2-in-1 Coffee Maker 1 to 12 Cup

$

149.00

$

$

Reg $299.00

2.

1.

Stanley Electric Stapler Reg.$99.99

3.

14.99

Reg. $46.99.

Cutting Pliers

9.99

$ Memory Foam Pillow

9

$

.99

Reg. $29.99 Christmas Trees 6’ to 8’

Reg. $47.99

6. Kobalt 10” Table Saw 15A - Carbide-Tip

4.

199.00

$

5.

7.

Reg $449.00

44.99

$

All Christmas Lights Black Oil Sunflower Seeds for Birds 50lbs

26.54

$

50% Off Regular Price!

Store hours Monday -Friday 8-6; Saturday 8-5; Sunday 9-3 Prices in effect until December 24/19. While Quantities Last.

1. Swedish Dish Cloth (2pack) $11.99 2. Wine Sign $9.99 3. Stemless Wine Glass $10.99. 4. Cast Iron Hooks $7.99. 5. Hot Choclate Mug Gift Pack $12.99 6. Red Truck Christmas Ornament $14.99 7. Maple Leaf Ornament $3.99

Monday-Thursday 9:30-5, Friday 9:30-6, Saturday 9:30-5, Sunday 10-4 6709 Rd. 38, Verona 613-374-2323  nicolesgifts.ca


December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

Perfect harmonies highlight Madison Violet’s sound by Craig Bakay fter 20 years of playing together as Madison Violet, Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern have it down. In particular, they have the harmonies down. And that started right from the beginning. “Lisa auditioned for my band (Zoebliss) one night in Toronto,” MacEachern said. “She was only playing fiddle at that time. “So, she came over to my place and I put some guitar and vocals on a looper. “I went upstairs to get us a drink and I heard this incredible harmony to my tracks. “It was her.” That band broke up but as a duo they’ve continued on through nine albums, numerous awards and nominations and a constant touring schedule. They just returned from three weeks in Germany and stopped in to The Crossing Pub in Sharbot Lake Friday night. This was their third or fourth time in town, Nobody seems to remember. But nobody that was there Friday night will forget those harmonies. It might be surprising that their music is so folk-oriented given that both have Maritime music roots. Yes, MacIsaac is Ashley MacIsaac’s sister but she is not Natalie MacMaster’s cousin. “Natalie lived maybe five houses down

A

and we did go to the same school,” MacIsaac said. “Route 19 was full of fiddlers and we all learned from Stan Chapman.” MacEachern was born in Montreal and grew up in Kincardine, ON. But her father is from Craigmore, NS. “Mom can’t sing to save her soul but my father is the singer in the family,” she said. MacIsaac said that while she grew up on Maritime music and Scottish fiddle tunes (as well as an admitted affinity for the song The Cat Came Back), “I wanted something different so I moved away when I was 19.” Landing in Toronto, she fell in with the folk scene there and just sort of grew into it naturally. “When you play a lot of folk festivals, you pick up a lot of things,” she said. Curiously, one festival they’ve never played is Blue Skies, but they’d like to. “I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun,” MacIsaac said. They’d fit right in. While there were a couple of tables of locals Friday night, most of the audience seemed to be from Ottawa, Brockville, or just elsewhere, opting to spend the night at the Inn after taking in the show. Clearly, the audience was full of fans and the evening turned into bit of live by request as the girls seemed only too happy to oblige said requests.

PAGE 7

Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern delighted the audience by circulating among them during their encore Friday night at The Crossing Pub in Sharbot Lake.

In fact, in a crowd-pleasing twist, they even ventured into the audience, saving their (arguably) biggest tune, Crying, for an encore before finishing up with 99 Red Bal-

loons. Hell, they even covered The Stones earlier on in the evening (Wild Horses)

Verona keeps up 27-year tradition with Christmas in the Village by Craig Bakay or the first time in its 27-year history, the Verona Christmas in the Village tree-lighting ceremony was held indoors. “With the weather this year, we thought

F

nice spread including chilli and hot dogs, along with the popcorn and goodies. “This is the second year the Lions have become more involved,” said Lions spokesperson Doreen Morey. “Last year

we did it and this year we’re doing it together as a shared event. “We’re very happy to join together as a community and by doing so, it maximizes

VISITOR GUIDE PADDLE IN FRONTENAC

A local expert’s favourite routes

FOOD

It’s fresh, it’s local, it’s creative

THAT SMALL TOWN VIBE What’s happening where

20 19

the number of volunteers available.” This year’s event featured the music of Jessica Weddon and Jon McClurg and the group Vocal Legacy

Visitor’s Guide The Frontenac News is publishing a Frontenac Visitor Guide in 2020, which will be designed to increase awareness of Frontenac as a desirable visitor destination and to help visitors make the most of their stay once they are here. The guide will be distributed throughout Ontario, highlighting the incredible outdoor recreational activities in Frontenac, profile some of our top spots for dining, suggest ideas for great shopping and relaxation, and accommodation.

The crafts and games tables got a workout Sunday Village celebration will attest.

we’d hold it indoors rather than have everybody have to dress up to go outside,” said Verona Community Association president Wayne Conway. For years, the tree lighting was held at McMullen Park in downtown Verona but it turned out that the lights were killing the old Christmas tree in the park so it moved to the Lions Hall a few years ago. But, Conway said, the Association is reevaluating. “The VCA will look at and assess the possibility of going back to our roots,” Conway said. “We’re looking at enhancing the program for next year and maybe even ways of returning to McMullen Park.” Holding events at the Lions Hall does have advantages. For one thing, the kitchen is available and the Lions provided a

Photocopy, Fax & Lamination

Available at The Frontenac News 1095 Garrett St (rear building), Sharbot Lake 613-279-3150 info@frontenacnews.ca

Call 613-279-3150 or email us at info@frontenacnews.ca for further details regarding advertising opportunities. The deadline for the Visitor Guide is January 18, 2020.


December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 8

Birthday Helen Frances Yanch (nee Nolan) turns 100 on December 14, 2019. We would love to be hosting a huge party to celebrate this milestone birthday, but because Alzheimer’s disease has robbed Helen of the last six years of her life, we don’t feel a party is best for her. Instead, we want to honour our mother’s 100th birthday with our love and joy for her “life well lived”. We include a treasured photo of her at the party for her 90th birthday to show her sparkle and famous little grin. Helen is the last surviving of the 14 children of Edward (Ned) Nolan and Anita Plue in Actinolite, Ontario. In 1940, she married Elwin Yanch and moved to Flinton where she lived most of her life. Helen has been lovingly cared for by the staff at Pine Meadow Nursing Home, Northbrook for the last six years, and the family are grateful to them all. Helen is the much loved mother to seven children: Carolyn (Bruce Hasler) of Flinton; Harold (Paula) of Halifax; Elaine (John Bolton) of Cloyne; Glenn (Vera) of Oshawa; Joanne (Warren Cuddy) of Scarborough; Edward (Helen) of Flinton; Marian (Harry Scanlan) of Stirling. She is Grandma Y to 19 grandchildren, over 40 great-grandchildren, and several “great-great” grandchildren. She has always been a kind, selfless person, totally devoted to her Church and family. As a family, she has given us the gift of her faith and it is a foundation for all of us. She raised us to be independent and to value hard work and education. She was proud of how we all turned out (even when she sometimes had her doubts). Helen was poor most of her life so she was extremely frugal but endlessly generous with her love for all of us. She often showed this love through her baking. Each member of the family has a favourite treat that she always managed to remember and have on hand. We were thrilled in 2011 that she was well enough to co-create a special cookbook of her recipes to share the memories, secrets and her baking legacy. It is a treasured keepsake across the generations and we are all working to perfect the special recipes but her magic is the missing ingredient. So, friends and family, to honour Helen’s 100th birthday, please join us in a quiet prayer of “best wishes” for Helen in the rest of her journey.

SCOTT, Murray Allan July 8, 1941 – December 5, 2019 Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Thursday December 5, 2019 at the age of 78. Cherished husband of the late June Scott (Laba). Treasured Father of Heather Beattie (Brad Beattie) and Krista Scott (Jesse Salmond). Very Proud Grandpa of Charlotte June Salmond. Dear brother of Tracey Scott (Marilyn) and Brian Scott (Marlene). Missed by special friend Joanne Lancaster and family. He will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews and numerous friends. In keeping with Murray's wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at the Olden Township hall in Mountain Grove on December 15, 2019 from 1-3 Please bring your memories and stories to share. Online condolences at goodfellowsfuneralhome.com.

In Memoriam Jule Koch Brison Oct 11, 1951- Dec 15, 2016 Lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, many friends and close relatives. You are never far from our thoughts. We can never forget you.

David Wilber Brison In loving memory of David May 27, 1934 December 11, 2002 Missed and always remembered by his friends and family.

TERRY THAKE MONUMENTS

Save up to 25%

on Selected Monuments Quality “Rock of Ages” Granite Written Warranty on all Monuments We Sell and Deliver Anywhere Monthly Payments Available - No Interest

FUNERAL SERVICES

“A NAME YOU CAN TRUST” Call Terry Thake 613-353-2460

I Make House Calls

Serving the area for over 100 years.

David Goodfellow Owner/Managing Director

Parham, Ontario 613-375-6254 www.goodfellowsfuneralhome.com

Trousdale Funeral home

Fresh Flowers for all Occasions • Weddings • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Newborn • Special Holidays • Boutonnieres & Corsages We deliver to Goodfellow’s Funeral Home, Parham & now to Milestone Funeral Centre, Northbrook.

613-279-6446

Open 7 Days a Week - 24515 Hwy. 7, Sharbot Lake Ontario, inside Ram’s Esso

www.goodfellowsflorist.com FUNERAL SERVICES

Proudly serving all faiths Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Sydenham, On 613-376-3022

www.trousdalefuneralhome.com

Jingle Bell Walk

OBITUARY

Derek Maschke Northbrook Chapel Funeral Director 11928 Hwy. 41 613-336-6873 Northbrook, ON K0H 2G0 www.milestonefuneralcenter.com

tudents and staff from GREC showed up at The Food Bank in Sharbot Lake last Thursday to drop off the proceeds of their annual food drive (Purple House won this year). The annual event is a collabora-

S

tion with the Central Frontenac Township, the OPP, students, staff and the community. Mike Dean’s pledged to match donations up to 100 items. Photo/Craig Bak

20th Annual Rock’n’Roll Toy Drive sold out

By Craig Bakay

or the first time in its 20-year history, the Rock’n’Roll Toy Drive has been sold out before the night of the event. “All of the 250 tickets have been sold,” said Tom Revell, Verona-area musician who’s been instrumental in bringing the event to fruition for more than two decades. “We’re really happy. “We sold out last year too but the last of the tickets were sold at the door that night.” The Rock’n’Roll Toy Drive is an evening of music and silent auctions at the Sydenham Legion Dec. 14. Doors are open at 7:30 p.m. with the music starting at 8 p.m. unlike previous years when it started at 9 p.m. This year’s bands include Little Betty, Still Standing, Project 29 and Bauderroad. “We’re starting the bands earlier this year because even though it goes to 1 a.m., people start to leave about 12:30,” he said. “But as people go, others can come in. “The folks at the door will deal with

F

that.” All proceeds go to the Sydenham Relief Fund and Christmas for Kids. Although this is ‘officially’ the 20th such event, Revell said they actually held a couple of similar events before getting the current incarnation going. “We actually started in 1994, I think, with Little Betty,” he said. “I think we did a couple but then took a couple of years off. Something like that.” Revell acknowledged he didn’t organize these things all by himself.” “Jamie Deline did much of the organizing again,” he said. And, he said, they wouldn’t be able to do it without some corporate sponsors. “Ryan Rose at Century 21 has helped us every year with a $250 donation to get things going,” he said. “Our other corporate sponsors who helped pay for the event are BDK Insulation and Cataraqui Cabinets. “And Foodland Sydenham and Findlay Foods have been great.”

NORTH FRONTENAC FOOD BANK - THANK YOU The North Frontenac Food Bank would especially like to thank all of our private donors who have donated in 2019. Your donations are important to us and greatly appreciated. A special thank you to those in our community who are always there to help us throughout the year. We have been truly blessed by our community. Sharbot Lake District Lions Club W.A. Robinson Asset Managment Royal Canadian S.L. Legion Branch 425 Karen Fleming (Estate) Shabot Obaadijwan First Nation RBC Sharbot Lake Seed to Sausage-Mike McKenzie & Staff Sharbot Lake Inn - Sandra & Frank Mike Dean Local Grocer – Gord Dean Villages Beautiful-Festival of Trees Township of Central Frontenac CN Railroaders in the Community Mayor Frances Smith FEED ONTARIO County of Frontenac Canada Food Banks The Sharbot Group - Kevin Browne Partners in Mission Food Bank Central Frontenac Heritage Festival OPP-Frontenac – Stuff the Heritage Potters – “Empty Bowls” Cruiser- Constable Curtis Dick   Arden Pottery-Joanne Pickett Mayflower Lodge 297 IOOF   Water’s Edge Pottery-Sharon/Tracy Sharbot Lake Home Hardware   Eileen Merriman Rural Frontenac Community Services   Neil Percell Mark Montagano – Bowes and Cocks Limestone District School Board Gibson’s Garage LAKERS – Granite Ridge Bob Olmstead – 80th Birthday Granite Ridge Education Center Bedford Jam Land of Lakes Public School BT Productions Central Hastings Secondary School Food Less Travelled Arden Seniors Happy Gang Sysco Canada – Ahmad A. Epicure – Penny Cota Matson’s Insurance Ashley Williams Fitness Class Ecumenical Carole Sing Canada Helps Unity Church Service Parish of Parham Arden United Church Parham Free Methodist Church Sharbot Lake Pentecostal Church St. James Major Catholic Church Area Churches Lenten Lunches St. James Catholic Women’s League Snow Road United Church St. James Major Catholic School St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Snow Road & Elphin Presbyterian Church United Church of Sharbot Lake Kingston Gospel Temple-Lions Heart Food Redistribution

And to all of our North Frontenac Food Bank Volunteers, Thank You!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!


December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS Continued from page 5

The Classifieds Ad Rates: Classified Text ads: $10.62 + HST per insertion for 20 words & under; 20¢ each extra word. Deadline: 4 pm Monday; Ph: 613-279-3150, Fax: 613-279-3172; info@frontenacnews.ca

NEW AND USED APPLIANCES

FOR SALE

PAYS CASH $$$

CENTRAL BOILER Classic OUTDOOR FURNACES can eliminate your high heating bill. Buy NOW and save up to $550! Call today 613-539-9073. www.thefurnacebroker.com CENTRAL BOILER OUTDOOR FURNACES offer the Classic, the Maxim and the New Edge. Your local Dealer, Wood Heat Solutions, Frankford, ON, 613-398-1611; Bancroft, ON 613-332-1613. www.chesher.ca

Open evenings & 7 days a week. We deliver

Full Bush Cord/ Dump Truck Load of Wood

USED REFRIGERATORS

Stoves, washers, dryers, freezers, dishwashers. 3 months old and up. Sold with written guarantees. Fridges $100 and up.

NEW APPLIANCES

At the lowest prices in the area. Trade-ins accepted on new appliances. Big selection to choose from. We Sell Gas Refrigerators For good used appliances in working order or not, but no junk please. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. We have our own financing also. Shop at our competitors and then come see for yourself quality at low prices.

Smitty’s “KING of APPLIANCES”

Open Evenings & Seven Days a Week - River Road Corbyville, Just North of Corby’s (613) 969-0287

APPLIANCES APPLIANCE REPAIR, Call Mark, Verona Hardware, 6723 Main St., Verona. Ph. 613374-2851

AUTOMOTIVE KALADAR AUTO RECYCLING. Car & truck parts. Used cars, $600 & up. We take tradeins. We buy farm equipment, tractors, loaders for parts. 11520 Hwy 41; 613-336-9899; 613885-8644 KINNEY AUTO WRECKING Station Road, Kaladar. 4x4 trucks & parts for sale. Scrap cars, stoves, fridges wanted. 613-336-9272.

All Hardwood, clean, cut, split and delivered For $399 + HST Call us today at 613-335-5333 SHIPPING CONTAINERS: Seacans Storage Containers, 7ft 10ft 20ft 40ft 45ft Steel garden sheds call 613-354-8744 or online http:// IngeniousStorage.com Two Beagle/Walker Cross Hounds, 1 male 1 female. Phone for details, 613-3756380

HUNTING FIREARMS & HUNTER Safety Courses availlable contact gmrussell635@gamil.com or call 613-273-2571 to preregister. Courses held at ABC Hall Bolingbroke. FIREARMS COURSE – Jan 17-18, and Hunter Education Course, Jan 24-25, Harrowsmith. Call Bill, 613-335-2786

SERVICES

Auction Sale Lombardy Agricultural Hall 6 Kelly’s Rd, Lombardy, KOG 1L0

Sat. December 14, 2019 Auction 10 a.m. ~ Viewing 9 a.m.

Outstanding Selection

of fine furnishings, Coke-a-Cola collection, Red Indian sign, snowblower, tools, Collectables & much more!

For listing and pictures see www.theauctionhunt.com Payment: Cash or Good Check

Listing subject to change. Even/thing sells as is. Owners/ Auctioneers not responsible in case of loss or accident.

Auctioneer: Jim Beere

613-326-1722 Call Today To Book Your Auction

HANDYMAN, WILL REPLACE SINKS, taps, toilets, drywall etc, cottage closures and carpentry. Please call Albert 613-374-2079 PHOTOCOPY, FAX & LAMINATION SERVICES available at The Frontenac News, 1095 Garrett St., rear building, Sharbot Lake. Competitive prices! 8½” x 11” - Black & White 25¢ ea; Colour copies 60¢ ea. 613-279-3150. WEDDINGS ETC: Ceremonies by Judie Diamond, licenced officiant. judiediamond@ gmail.com, www.judiediamond.ca, 613-3756772.

WANTED TO BUY

STANDING TIMBER, firewood, pine, cedar, bush lots. Free quotes, cash paid. Call 613279-2154. WANTED COMIC BOOKS: Comic books in the house? Turn them into cash today. My hobby, your gain. 613-539-9617 kentscomics@yahoo. ca

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Business Advisor is primarily responsible for providing business consulting and all aspects of the organization’s loan portfolio including preparing loan recommendations for the investment committee, loan documentation and assistance with the organization’s reporting requirements. ROLE: The Business Advisor will provide information and counselling services to individuals interested in starting a business and assist existing businesses in maintaining or growing their business, review loan applications, conduct site visits and assist clients with business and marketing plans and cash flow projections. QUALIFICATIONS: • Knowledge of small business start-up/existing planning information and related programs • Post-secondary degree/diploma in business, commerce or finance Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumé to Allen at: allen@palmercareers.com (613) 389-1108

Venture Business Centre 556 O’Connor Dr. Kingston, ON K7P 1N3

Karen Brawley

Prowse

.

verona Debbie Lingen

613-376-9848

• Starting on Thursday, December 12 at 2 PM, for two hours on the second Thursday of each month, author Jean Rae Baxter will host a writers' group meeting at the Sydenham branch library at 4412 Wheatley Street. Anyone 18 and older in Frontenac County who's either already working on a fiction or nonfiction writing project, or who's ready to start one, is welcome to come share their work and to give and receive constructive criticism and helpful suggestions. If anyone would like more details they can contact me at ahall@kfpl.ca or (613) 549-8888 ext 3528. • Get your baking on and come out to the Cookie Exchange at the Grace Centre on Tuesday, December 17th at 10am. All cookies welcome (but not the burned ones please). Store bought or homemade, fill your tin and bring them with you to exchange for other cookies. It's a great way to get a nice variety of cookies and maybe find a new favourite (please include the name of the cookie and share your recipe). Call Ashley by Dec. 10th to register, 613-376-6477 ext. 310 and get baking! • Memory Lane has it’s Elf in a face for family tradition photos up and running again this year. Actually take some time some evening, grab a hot chocolate or coffee, family and friends and go for a drive, the lights and decorations around the area this Christmas are amazing! • This months diners club is at the Grace Centre in Sydenham, call Joanne at 613376-6477 ext 303 to make a reservation. • Grace Social Activity Centre is happy to announce a partnership with South Frontenac Stocksport Club starting in January 2020. We will provide indoor stock weekly from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sydenham High School Cafeteria. outh Frontenac Stocksport members or Grace Social Activity Members pay a $3 drop-in fee and non-members pay $5

Drywall Service Boarding, Taping, Painting & Texture Spray (Free Estimates)

debbie@lingens.com

• Don't miss the Coffee House at the Verona Free Methodist Church on Sunday, December 15, starting at 10am. Featured musicians are Eduard & Christine Klassen in concert. He plays the Paraguayan Folk Harp and she is playing keyboard. • Verona Diners for seniors (55+) is being held at the Grace Center in Sydenham on Wednesday, December 18. They will serve a full Turkey dinner for $10.00, payable at the door. Please RSVP to 613-3766477. Mark Mcdonnell will be performing. There will also be a community bake sale table, filled with Christmas goodies, available. All contributions welcome: proceeds going back into SFCSC programs. • The VCA Christmas for Kids collection jars have been distributed throughout the village in various stores and businesses. Your generosity will help make this a special Christmas for a lot of Verona and area children and their families. • The Verona Free Methodist Church will hold a candlelight service on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) at 6pm. • Join us Christmas Day for a fun packed, music filled day with a delicious Christmas feast served up. This is a free event and is open to Verona and area residents. The fun starts at 10:00am and the turkey dinner with all the trimmings is served at noon. Verona Lions Club. This event is sponsored by the Verona Community Association and the Verona Lions Club. For more details, call Joyce Casement at 613-374-3406 or John and Sheila Steele 613-374-2884. • Do you still have shopping to do before the big day? Shop local. With the wintry weather, it is convenient to stay in Verona and enjoy shopping at our local merchants. All your holiday needs are covered - from trees, lights, stocking stuffers and presents for under the tree, to supplying all the fixings for Christmas dinner. And for the people who are impossible to buy for - gift certificates are available from local merchants and restaurants. Have fun with your imagination this holiday and give the gift of Verona shopping. • Line dancing will be offered again, in January 2020 at the Verona Lions Hall, starting Tuesday, January 7 from 10:30am to 11:30am and Thursday, January 9 from 10:30am to 11:30am. Classes will run for 10 weeks (until March Break) at $40 if you pay in advance or $5 if pay as you go.

Ardoch Ontario  613-479-8005

2020 Council Meeting Dates

Our client has a dynamic career opportunity for a Business Advisor in Harrowsmith, Ont. The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is a federally supported notfor-profit organization with a mandate to promote business development, job creation and strengthen the rural economy.

“Executive Search Consultants”

Sydenham

TOWING B’S RADICAL RIDES Towing & Recovery. James Mills owner/operator. 613-335-5050; website: bsradicalrides.ca

BUSINESS ADVISOR

Palmer & Associates

PAGE 9

Take Notice That the Council of The Corporation of the Township of North Frontenac will be holding their 2020 Regular Council Meetings as follows: January 17 February 7 February 14 (Special Budget) February 28 March 20 April 17 May 8 May 29 June 19 July 17 August 14 September 11 October 2 October 23 November 20 December 11

9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am

Agendas and Minutes will be posted on the Township’s Website at www.northfrontenac.com. If you require additional information, please contact the undersigned. Tara Mieske Clerk/Planning Manager 613-479-2231 ext. 225 clerkplanning@northfrontenac.ca

Write On Sydenham Writers' Group

Are you a writer 18 or older who is already working on a writing project, or who is ready to start one? If you're interested in meeting with a group of other writers to share your work and to give and receive constructive criticism and helpful suggestions, you'd be most welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the new Write On Sydenham Writers' Group. On the second Thursday of each month, award-winning author Jean Rae Baxter will host a session for up to ten writers from 2 until 4 p.m. at our Sydenham branch library. You may come as often as you like, but because of space limitations we're asking all would-be attendees to register for each session. This may be done online through calendar.kfpl.ca or by visiting or phoning any open Kingston Frontenac Public Library branch. Registration for each meeting will open at 9 a.m. on the Saturday immediately before. The next meeting is Thursday, January 9, at 2 p.m. at Sydenham branch. To avoid disappointment, please register in advance online at calendar.kfpl.ca or by phone at (613) 549-8888. For more information, visit www.kfpl.ca . Questions? Contact: Anne Hall, 613-5498888, ext.3528, ahall@kfpl


Boxing Week Pricing

Trousdale’s

December 12th - 31st, 2019

Free Delivery Available!

+Receive An Additional 25% Rebate

George St, Sydenham

613-376-3441 613-376-6666

December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 10

It’s A Big

www.trousdaleshomehardware.com

Green Deal

on select Energy Star major appliances

All welcome. Details to follow next week NORTHERN HAPPENINGS listings are free for community groups, and will be published for two weeks. Donations to offset the costs of publication would be appreciated. Other listings are paid or are taken from paid ads elsewhere in the paper. The News makes every effort to be accurate but events should be independently verified by readers.

Thu Dec 12 – Sat Dec 14

SHARBOT LAKE - FESTIVAL OF TREES DOWN HOME COUNTRY CHRISTMAS 12pm-4pm. Soldiers Memorial Hall (OSO Hall). Villages Beautiful presents the annual celebration of trees, community, and music. Performances throughout, trees and gift baskets to be won, awards, and musical performances. Thursday, December 12 12noon-8pm,Friday, December 13 9am-8pm, Saturday, December 14, 10am-4pm.

Thursday December 12

ARDEN - COFFEE AND CONVERSATION 10am. Arden United Church. Christmas carol singing and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.The Arden United Church will hold it’s annual Christmas luncheon Saturday December 14, 11:30am to 1pm. The cost is $7.50 per person. FLINTON - CHRISTMAS IN THE LIBRARY 5pm6pm. Flinton Library. Storytelling, Christmas craft making and making an edible Christmas tree cone. To register call 623-336-1091. INVERARY - CREATE AN M&M COOKIE MIX IN A JAR 7pm. Inverary United Church. at the Neighbour to Neighbour event. on Cost is $10 per jar for ingredients & jars. Make two - one for home and one to donate to the Community Christmas Hampers if you wish. Pre-registration & payment to lynn@proactivehw.com by December 5th. Light refreshments provided. Password – cookie jar for etransfers. Info call (613) 353-7008.

Friday December 13

SNOW ROAD STATION - TURKEY DINNER 6pm. Snow Road Snowmobile Clubhouse. The Mississippi Free Methodist Church presents. Tickets are $15, children 6-12, $7.50, under 6 free. For tickets call Donna, 613-278-2196. POTLUCK DINNER 5pm-7pm. Bring your favorite

Electrolux 8cu.ft. Dryer

EFLW427UIW

See instore for details.

949

711

849

636

$

After Rebate

75

$

$

After Rebate

1,045

78375

EFMC627UTT

945

Whirlpool

Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher WDTA50SAHZ

$

715

$

After Rebate

50

795

$

59625

$

After Rebate

www.trousdaleshomehardware.com VERONA - COFFEE HOUSE 10am. Verona Free Methodist Church. Featuring Eduard & Christine Klassen in Concert. He plays the Paraguayan Folk Harp and she plays keyboard.

dish to share and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer. Tuesday December 17 For more information please call Cindy at 613-583NORTHBROOK - GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 4103. DROP IN 1:30pm-2:30pm. Pine Meadow Nursing Saturday December 14 Home. Compassionate Care is hosting this event. ARDEN - CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 11:30amFor more information call 613-473-1880 or email 1:30pm. Arden United Church. $7.50 bereavement@heartofhastinghospice.ca FLINTON - NATIVI’TEA’ 2pm-4pm. Through the NORTHBROOK - TURKEY DINNER AT ADULT Roof Ministry Centre. Hosted by Lorraine Garey DROP-IN 9am. Northbrook Lions Hall. Doors open at Pastor Joe and Sharon Jobin are inviting all to be out 9:00 am ( come on out and enjoy a game of cards, or guests. Info - 613-336-2614. visit with your neighbours). Full Christmas dinner at INVERARY - BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 8amnoon. For more information or to make reservations 11am. Storrington Lions Hall. Admission is $7. call Lori Cuddy 613-336-8934 ext 229. Children 8 and under are free. Wednesday December 18 INVERARY - CRAFTS & GIFTS BY LOCAL ARDEN - SERVICE OF LIGHT AND HOPE 2:30pm. VENDORS 10am-5pm. Inverary United Church. MISSISSIPPI STATION - HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Arden United Church 10am-4pm. Back Forty Artisan Cheese. Come pick CLOYNE - 3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES up your holiday cheese and charcuterie. Gifts, locally 11am-3pm. North Addington Education Centre. made foods, and handcrafted textiles from Jenna Before and after the Christmas Concert in the main Rose. Featured guests: Fine Chocolates by Ludwig, foyer. Purchase raffle tickets for the beautifully solar roasted coffee from Fluid, and preserves from decorated trees and arrangements can be purchased before and after the Concert. Tickets are 3/$5 or Tasha’s Table. All welcome PLEVNA - CHRISTMAS POT LUCK DINNER 1/$2.00. Raffle winners will be contacted. NAEC 5:30pm. Clar-Mill Hall. Come join our community Parent Council presents in celebrating this wondrous season. Everyone SYDENHAM - SOUTH FRONTENAC DINERS: CHRISTMAS AT NOON 12pm. Grace Hall. FTurkey welcome. SNOW ROAD STATION - CHRISTMAS DINNER dinner - $10, payable at the door. Please RSVP to 6pm. Snow Road Snowmobile Clubhouse. Tickets 613-376-6477. Mark Mcdonnell performance, bake are $20, order early to make sure it isn’t sold out. table. All contributions welcome: proceeds to SFCSC For tickets call Alice at 613-278-1020 or Ruth at 613- programs. Friday December 20 278-0477. INVERARY - YOUTH DANCE 7pm. Storrington SYDENHAM - 20TH ANNUAL ROCK ‘N” ROLL TOY DRIVE 7:30pm. Sydenham Legion. $20 per Lions Hall. Adult supervision. person, featuring Still Standing, Little Betty, Bauder PARHAM - TURKEY BINGO 6pm. Parham IOOF Road and Project 29. Always a packed house. So Hall. Saturday December 21 buy your tickets early. Phone 613-376-9848 if you’d like to help make a contribution to the silent auction, BATTERSEA - LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE 7pm. or email karenofsyd@bell.net or thomasrevell62@ Battersea United Church. Remembering our loved ones who have passed away in 2019. A service for gmail.com. those who find Christmas a difficult time. Sunday December 15 Sunday December 22 SYDENHAM - SEASONAL CELEBRATION IN SONG 1pm. St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Featuring ARDEN - “LIVE NATIVITY” 7pm. Matson Family Ariel Zaichick & Chris Healey, free will offering. Farm on Arden Road. If you have never attended, Reception to follow. St Paul’s Anglican Church, Mill you must, and if you have in the past, you will be eagerly awaiting this years’ re-creation. Fellowship, St.

What’s Up in the Night Sky? – December 2019 W e have 2 special highlights this month. The Geminids, arguably the best annual meteor shower, makes its appearance on the night of December 13/14. It is a truly spectacular shower that is viewable from December 4th to about the 17th. It peaks in the very early morning of the 14th. There may be as many as 120 meteors per hour. Unfortunately the Full Moon occurs just 2 days earlier and that waning gibbous Moon lies in Gemini, the constellation that contains the radiant. The radiant is high in the south just above the star Castor. Luckily it’s best not to view the Geminid meteors by looking directly at the radiant since the meteors are coming at you head on. This means that their trails will be very short. Shield yourself from the moonlight and look about 30 to 60 degrees away from the radiant. You will be rewarded with nice long trails and some protection from the Moon’s brightness. This will increase the number of meteors you can observe. The second shower is the Ur-

Tired of Banks? Want a second opinion?

Murphy, Matt, Jamie and Deb

8cu.ft. Perfect Steam Dryer

EFLS627UTT

$

25

Electrolux

Electrolux

5.1cu.ft. Perfect Steam Washer

EFMC427UIW

$

$

After Rebate

Northern Happenings

Sat Dec 14 – Wed Dec 4

Electrolux 5cu.ft. Washer

We can help you with investments, business succession and retirement plans. If you own or manage a business or are preparing for retirement, please contact us to learn more. Jamie Thomas, CFP, PFP, F.I.C.B.

Senior Financial Planner Assante Financial Management Ltd. 1187 Princess St., Kingston ON K7M 3E1 Office call 613-766-8600 Jamie-Direct text/talk 613-539-7283 jamie.thomas@assante.com Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc.

sids. The radiant is above the dipper portion the asterism called the Big Dipper that is part of the Ursid or Bear constellation. The Ursids peak on the night of December 22/23. Fortunately the Moon is a thin crescent and its light will not be a hindrance. Although the Ursids are considered a smallish shower, this year a surge in its numbers is expected that might push its hourly rate to as much as 30. Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are low in the southwest with Venus being quite bright as usual. Mars is small in the southeast in the morning. A crescent Moon sits 9 and 6 degrees above Mars on December 22nd and 23rd respectively. On the early evening of December 10th Venus slips 2 degrees south of Saturn. A visual treat occurs about an hour after sunset in the southwest on December 28th when a thin earthlight bathed crescent Moon rises up below bright Venus. Winter solstice occurs at 11:19 pm EST on December 21st. It’s all downhill to spring now but keep your long johns close. There’s still January, February (brrrr) to get through. December 10th: Venus passes 2 degrees south of Saturn about midnight. December 12th: Full Moon. This Moon is known as the Full Cold Moon or the Full Long Nights Moon. December brings long cold nights. Hauling in wood to my fireplace leaves me pretty muscle bound by the end of March! Well, sort of… December 14th: Geminid meteor shower peaks. December 18th: The Moon is at perigee – 368,115 Kms. December 21st: Winter solstice. Yahoo, the days start getting longer! December 22nd: The Moon slides 4 degrees north of Mars at 9 pm EST. The Ursid meteor shower peaks. December 26th: New Moon. December 28th: The Moon passes 1 degree south of Venus at 9 pm EST. That’s a wrap. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Keep looking up! “The Beginner’s Observing Guide by Leo Enright can

following the event, will include Hot Chocolate and Cookies. DENBIGH - COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROL SING WITH “BIG CEDAR” 3pm. Denbigh New Apostolic Church. (Formerly Highway 41) with refreshments to follow. Canned goods or freewill donations to the Denbigh Food Bank gratefully accepted. GODFREY - BEDFORD JAM 1pm-5pm. Glendower Hall. $2 donation, entertainers free, Info Joanne 613-374-2242. INVERARY - CONCERT WITH CHRIS MURPHY 7pm. Inverary United Church. Free will offering. Take time in the hustle and bustle and give your self this treat!

See this page next week for a full list of Christmas Eve Services Tuesday December 24

INVERARY - CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4pm. Inverary United Church. Family Service at 4pm. and a Traditional Christmas Service at 7pm. PLEVNA - SANTA COMES TO PLEVNA AND AREA For your Santa visit to children under 12, please call Laura at 479-8065 or Ed at 479-9909. VENNACHAR - CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 7pm. Vennachar Free Methodist Church. Music, readings and carols. Info 613 333 2318 or follow us on Facebook. Everyone welcome. VARIOUS LOCATIONS- EARLYON CHRISTMAS PARTY 9am-11:30am. Sydeham, Verona, Mountain Grove EarlyON Centres. Please join us to celebrate. Frontenac playgroups will be closed until January 2nd, 2020.

Wednesday December 25

NORTHBROOK - CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER 12pm. Northbrook Lions Hall. All welcome. Details to follow next week SHARBOT LAKE - CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER 12pm. St. James Major Church. All welcome. Details to follow next week VERONA - CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER 10am. Verona Lions Hall. Fun packed, music filled day with a delicious Christmas feast served up at noon. This is a free event and is open to Verona and area residents. Sponsored by VCA and Verona Lions. Info - Joyce Casement at 613-374-3406 or John and Sheila Steele 613-374-2884

by Fred Barrett

be ordered from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at www.rasc.ca/publications. A subscription to our very own excellent Canadian astronomy magazine “SkyNews” can be arranged at the RASC website as well. Let me know how your observing has gone this month, especially anything unusual. I enjoy the feedback. If you have any questions or suggestions you can contact me through this paper or email me at fred.barrett2@sympatico.ca . Clear Skies! Fred.

Trilogy available from local children’s author

L

ocal author Elizabeth Barwell (better known as Mary de Bassecourt) has joined forces with her sister, artist Joan Harris, to create and publish art quality children’s books. The first book in the trilogy is set in local surroundings and titled “A Rabbit’s Tale: A Most Particular Bunny”. Bernard Bunny brings a smile to the face of child with his willful but thoughtful “badness”. Children delight in Bernard’s gentle and cautious interaction with his world. The other two books in the trilogy are titled “A Cat’s Tale: The Terrible Timid Kitten and “A Beaver’s Tale: The Beaver who Borrowed”. The beaver and kitten stories are based on true incidents, with a few embellishments. Joan Harris’ enchanting water colour and ink illustrations complement the stories. These hardcover books were designed to comfortably fit in a child’s hands. Some readers say these books remind them of Beatrix Potter’s books, although the illustrator’s animals are more realistic and don’t wear clothes. All are written, printed, and handbound by the author. To order books or to contact Farm Girl books, go to farmgirlbooks.ca and click on contact us.


December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 11

St. Patrick’s Nativities display “biggest ever” W

hile an actual official count of the number of Nativities on display at St. Patrick’s Church last Sunday in Railton may be elusive, suffice it to say there were a lot of them. “This is the biggest one we’ve ever had,” said Mary Murphy, one of the organizers. “We have a pile of them.” “There’s more than 600,” said Fr. Bill Steacy. “I counted them. They come from all around the world and there’s even one from 1830 that my uncle made. Although, I couldn’t tell you where that one is and I might even find it when I get back home today.” “I think he’s counting the angels in there,” said Murphy. “But we do have a lot of small ones and then there are all the ones from the (four) classes at St. Patrick’s School. “There’s at least 50 of them alone.” Murphy’s own collection is more than 100 nativities and they had contributions from other collections as well. “The Cole Lake crew (who hold 101 Nativ-

ities the week before every year) came down and added quite a few,” Murphy said. “This is the first year we’ve had to use the centre table to get everything out. “There’s so much art in these (and) we even have a couple of doubles — which we seldom do.” She said they also had contributions from Pauline Hogan, Elizabeth Kellerman and Alice Tippin. Her favourite though, is a new one that’s not quite finished. The manger is made 150year-old barn board donated by John and Brenda Lesperance. “Bill Flynn made it and it’s going outside when it’s done,” she said. Murphy said although it’s a Catholic Women’s League project, they did have some other help as well. “We had four high school students who were here for volunteer hours and they were just terrific,” she said. “It’s a CWL project but we had a whole crew.”

by Craig Bakay

Kaitlyn Wight and Marie Choquette with Mary Murphy

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH FRONTENAC LIVING HERE

News & Public Notices

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2019 GARBAGE & RECYCLING CHANGES To familiarize yourself with how our Public Services Department manage the winter road conditions, our Winter Control Plan can be found at www.southfrontenac.net under Winter Maintenance. The Holidays always produce more refuse than any other time of the year, so please recycle responsibly and be sure your garbage & recycling is at the curb by 7 am on collection days. Follow the proper recycling collection material & rules to ensure collection. Regular collection day Holiday collection Monday & Tuesday (Dec 23 & 24) regular pickup Wednesday (Dec 25) Friday (Dec 27) Thursday (Dec 26) Saturday (Dec 28) Friday (Dec 27) Saturday (Dec 28) Monday & Tuesday (Dec 30 & 31) regular pickup Wednesday (Jan 1) Thursday (Jan 2) Thursday (Jan 2) Friday (Jan 3) Friday (Jan 3) Saturday (Jan 4) • Portland WDS will be closed December 25th and January 1st • Bradshaw WDS will be closed December 26th • The Household Hazardous Waste Depot will be closed December 26th • Salem & Bradshaw WDS will be closed as of January 1st until April 30th

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS The parking of vehicles on Township roads and village streets from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 a.m. is not permitted from December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. Pursuant to Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act “No person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without permission in writing from the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road”. Please be advised that the Township of South Frontenac will NOT be responsible for damages to mailboxes, newspaper boxes, recycle boxes or parked cars where said boxes or vehicles interfere with the winter maintenance of Township roads.

Wishing all of our residents and their families, a very safe, happy, and joy filled Christmas Holiday Season! CHRISTMAS RECYCLING REMINDERS • Do not bag cans & plastics, bagged recycling is not accepted at the depot (KARC) • Wrapping paper; tissue paper or gift bags ae NOT recyclable. The inks and glues make it an impure fibre. • Cardboard MUST be flattened and taped or tied with a limit of 3 bundles per proper collection week. There are *free* bins at LWDS & PWDS (when open) for excess flattened cardboard. • Please do not mix boxboard and cardboard together, different collection weeks. Take a look at your packaging to determine which it is and flatten it. By flattening all packaging boxes, more can fit in the truck compartment. • Glass must be consumable, food grade and intact, no decorative or window glass or light bulbs • Please do not overfill the boxes, workers will not *chase* your recycling due to wind or spillage • Colored cards will be left in your bin to explain why your recycling was left, please check for a *Reason for Leaving* card prior to calling the office • Recycling is for *Household* items only, not toys, furniture or electronics • No hazardous materials accepted in either garbage or recycling. Please have ALL tagged garbage & recycling out by 7 am on the day of collection to ensure pickup WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Township of South Frontenac has evolved the Recreation Committee Structure to focus on key functions that require greater engagement with the local and broader community. Two new Committees, made up of Community Volunteers and Township Councillors, have been formed to support the recreation and leisure needs of residents. Information about these new committees and how you can get involved to shape recreation and leisure in South Frontenac can be found at southfrontenac.net/en/town-hall/south-frontenac-recreation-committee. WINTER HOURS - HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DEPOT Our next open date will be December 12th from 3pm – 7pm. Because of the holiday season, the Depot will only be open once in December with the next dates being January 9 & 23, 2020. Open dates will be published monthly in this banner but keep in mind they are the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Please remember that accepted items are hazardous materials, small electronics and bale wrap only. A full listing of accepted materials may be found on our website under Living Here/Solid Waste/Recycling/Household Hazardous Waste.

THINGS TO DO CHRISTMAS EVENTS Check out the events calendar on the website for upcoming holiday celebrations, fundraisers, and so much more! PUBLIC SKATING AT THE ARENA Public Skating starts again weekly each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:20 pm and each Wednesday (Parent & Pre-School Skating) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, only $2.50 per person, a CSA approved helmet with screen is recommended. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT STORRINGTON LIONS CLUB Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - 2992 Princess Street, Inverary Skip that long-line at the mall and enjoy a delicious Breakfast with Santa at Storrington Lions Club. The food is homemade and the atmosphere is relaxed (wear your pajamas if you want.) Remember to bring your camera to capture this magical moment! Free parking and free WiFi. $7 pp. Children 8 and under FREE.

2020 DOG TAGS – NOW AVAILABLE! As of December 1st, 2019, Dog Tags for the 2020 year will be available for $15.00 each, until February 28, 2020. After that date the fee increases to $30.00. Kennel Licenses must be purchased at the Municipal Office (4432 George St) at a cost of $125.00 until February 28, after which the fee will increase to $150.00 per license. See our website for other locations selling dog tags until February 28th, 2020. HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS Township Administrative Offices will be closed from Tuesday December 24, 2019 at 12:00 noon, and will reopen on Thursday January 2, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. To reach the Public Services Department during this time, please call (613) 376-3027 Ext 4330 or 4331.

Bradshaw Waste Site & Salem Waste Site Winter Closure: Jan. 1, - Apr. 30, 2020 Please utilize your curbside pickup. Collection days may be found at www.southfrontenac.net/living-here/solid waste/garbage 613 376-3027 X 4330 Green Bay will remain open Fridays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

NO Dumping at gates. Fines will be enforced TOWN HALL UPCOMING MEETINGS • Committee of Adjustment Meeting – December 12. 2019 at 7:00 pm. • Recreation and Leisure Facilities Committee – December 16th, 2019 at 7:00 pm. • Council Meeting – December 17th, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

Open for Business PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION Prior to submitting a planning application, applicants are required to have a pre-consultation meeting with the Planner. Appointment times for pre-consultation meetings can be made on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm by calling extension 2224. Booking a pre-consultation meeting helps us evaluate your application and provides you with important information about the process and associated costs.

DRIVE SLOW IN THE SNOW • BE NICE ON THE ICE: Give yourself twice the space between vehicles and pedestrians. Stopping distance on ice is double that of a dry road • GO SLOW IN THE SNOW: Slow down and drive according to weather conditions, not the speed limit • IT’S NOT A RACE, GIVE PLOW SPACE: Snow plows are extra wide and can create clouds of snow – both of which reduce visibility and increase the risk of collision. It’s best to wait for the plow to pull over before you pass.

www.snowhow.ca

To familiarize yourself with how our Public Services Department manage the winter road conditions, our Winter Control Plan can be found at www.southfrontenac.net under Winter Maintenance.

4432 George Street, Box 100, Sydenham ON K0H 2T0 1-800-559-5862  Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm  • www.southfrontenac.net


December 12, 2019

THE FRONTENAC NEWS

PAGE 12

All In-Stock Christmas Asselstine Decorations & Lights Hardware

35% Off

www.asselstinehardwareandservice.com

6826 Road 38, Verona ON 613-374-3400 Open 7 Days a Week Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-5pm. Sun: 9am-4pm

Hook’s

Building Centre Tracy & Sandi Hook, Owner/Operators

Mon. - Fri. 7 - 5, Sat. 8 - 5, Sun. 9 - 2

(613) 336-8416 13586 Hwy. #41 Between Northbrook & Cloyne

Former student returns to Prince Charles PS for concert P

erhaps you can go home after all. When Astrid Tanton was in Grade 5 at Prince Charles Public School in Verona, she covered Taylor Swift’s Mean in a school talent show. Last Friday, she was back in the same gym, and when the audience asked for her to do a Taylor Swift song for her encore, she happily obliged. “It’s fun,” she said. “You can go home.” Now 17, Tanton is a recent graduate (Ontario Scholar at 16) of Rosedale Heights School of the Arts in Toronto. She’s been busily building a musical career in Toronto and came back to the area last week to do shows at Sydenham High School and Prince Charles. She’ll be heading to Ryerson for Arts and Contemporary Studies next year. “Music is universally inspiring,” she said. “I’ve been singing since I was three years old. “In high school, I was learning what I want to do — share music.” She describes her music as a blend of

mainstream pop and jazz, with R & B influences. “I’ve been getting more gigs and I love playing larger stages,” she said. “I want to keep performing. “Everyone says I light up when I perform.” That she does. And the kids at PCPS loved it. For this gig, she recruited a couple of friends, Jay Yoo on guitar and Dennis Lee on keyboards. “I think it’s important to have live musicians when you perform, especially when it’s for kids,” she said. “It gets them more involved.” And while the school does have a modest fund to pay for visiting musicians and such, Tanton not only declined a fee, she even made a donation to the school’s arts and music program. Tanton is very active on Instagram with 1,500+ followers. You can listen to some of her music at https://linktr.ee/astridtanton

Astrid Tanton delighted the Prince Charles Public School crowd by inviting several of them to come up and dance while she and the band played last week in Verona.

A Christmas Story captures the charm of the original T

he North Frontenac Little Theatre production of ‘A Christmas Story’ captured much of the irreverent humour that has made the 1983 film of the same name, such a popular Christmas classic. The play is based on the movie, for which the characters and scenario are all lifted from the 1966 novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” by popular radio host/humorist Jean Shepherd. Although fictional, there are elements that are taken from Shepherd’s upbring-

ing in northern Indiana. He had a brother Randy, there were kids named Shwartz and Flick registered in the school he attended as a kid, and in his radio broadcasts he sometimes referred to his father as ‘the old man’. The narrator or adult Ralph, in both the movie and the play, has a similar persona to Shepherd’s on the radio. The success of the movie, and the production by the NFLT, hinged on creating a sense of nostalgia tinged with wit rather

by Craig Bakay

than caramel sweetness. The lead character Ralph, played by Llachlan Hammond, really, really wants a Red Rider BB Gun. He’s not a really good or a really bad kid, a really smart kid or a really heroic kid, he is just a kid who wants something specific for Christmas. The production featured mostly young performers, supported by only three adults, Kelly Meckling, who played Ralph’s mother and also directed the play, John Stephens as the Old Man, and Brian Robertson as adult Ralph/narrator. And, as so often happens, the kids stole the show. Although it was sometimes a struggle to get out the entire name of the rifle, Llachlan Hammond did a good job as Ralph, which was difficult because he was in most every scene and the play revolved around his quest. His friends, Schwartz (Bradey Merrigan) and Flick (Tristan Hammond) did fine work supporting his quest, while dealing with their own concerns, which included submitting to Scut Farkas (Sloane Putnam) who was the picture of a nasty bully. The two girls, Helen (Anne Wooby) and Esther Jane (Jocelyn Tryon) were charming. Ralph’s brother Randy (Carmen Tryon) had a lot of opportunity for physical comedy throughout

2019 SOUTH FRONTENAC

Community Services & Activity Guide BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER!

SPORTS, CAMPS, FAMILY, FUN

AND SO MUCH MORE!

review by Jeff Green

the play and took full advantage, and as the teacher, Miss Shields, (Hallie Hearns) did well to keep the students at bay during the classroom scenes. Among the adults, Kelly Meckling was the voice of reason in the home as Mother, portraying a role that required much tolerance for both her husband and two sons. John Stephen had a great time portraying the Old Man as bombastic and foolish in equal measure, and Brian Robertson relished many of the double-edged lines in the narration. The set design, by Brian Robertson and Jeff Siamon, and artistry/decoration overseen by Carol Pepper was very effective and versatile, helping to keep what is a rather long production to about 2 hours in running time, with a 15-minute intermission. Costumes were by Geoff Murray, Karin Ferguson-Reynolds was the stage manager and the Producer was Pam Girouxs. All in all, A Christmas Story was a good example of one of the strengths of the NFLT, the ability to integrate adults and children into a production, providing a learning opportunity for youngsters interested in theatre, from the acting, as well as the production end.

South Frontenac

Community Services & Activity Guide

If you, or your organization, offer recreational activities or events in South Frontenac Township, contact us for inclusion in the 2020 South Frontenac Community Services & Activity Guide. The January 25 deadline for the Guide is fast approaching. The guides will be distributed in the Frontenac News in February 2020 and will also be available throughout South Frontenac at retail outlets next summer.

Advertising opportunities starting at $100.00 + HST; call 613-279-3150 or email us at info@frontenacnews.ca for further details or to enquire about profile opportunities. Deadline: January 25, 2020


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.