[New] The Rear-View Mirror

It seems like only a few days ago we were out in shorts and tees and now we are ankle deep crunching through the snow. Hours, minutes, seconds, blurring together as one, time continually slipping through an eternal hourglass, one that has no off switch. If only I could stop it for a moment to take a pause, reflect, and take a breath. This year, being no different than many others, had it’s share of crests and valleys. As I reflect upon the past year, take a brief ride with me as we review the year through the ever-present rear-view mirror.

It's cold and the leather seats are stiff and complain as I climb in and the chill goes through me as I earnestly await the seat to warm up. The roads have been cleared from the most recent storm, and the crunch of the snow under the tires, lulls me, as I journey down the winding country roads. Ahead of me is the town of Verona where new owners took over the MOM restaurant and spoke of who they were, their plans and how they came to own the small restaurant in town. I pass it by with a friendly nod, and my travels continue. I am off to volunteer at a free Christmas dinner that has been an annual event for years. Due to COVID it was a takeout affair in 2021, where 90-100 guests could drive through and pick up a delicious meal packaged up for them to bring home and share with loved ones. It was offered by Joyce & Doug, and Shirley & John, who are continuing the tradition with a return of the sit-down meal this December 25th, 2022.

The world was opening back up, some restrictions were mentioned occasionally, however for the most part, people were coming and going and masks were now ‘optional’. On the lake, mid January, a large group gathered who loved ice fishing and shared their passion for hunkering down in well appointed ice huts, waiting for that perfect catch, snacking, hydrating, and spending time with friends and family.

As I head through Sydenham, I see Elements Fitness & Wellness who were busy offering classes and re-opening their gym facility so residents could have access to their fitness equipment and guided sessions. On longer journeys we loaded up the Jeep and headed north to the Back 40 Cheese Shop as families snow shoed amongst well groomed trails and savoured a tasty meal fireside. From there it was back down south as parks came to life with Music in the Park,

By Kelli McRobert

fire pits, and hot chocolate, as you warmed your hands and sipped the liquid, savouring the moment, as a musician entertained with frozen fingers but a warm heart that kept groups entertained.

Time to refuel as we head back north again to Sharbot Lake and learn the sport of Crokicurl, as we laughed and learned, sliding across the ice, hoping to be nearest, our team rooting us on. History was not forgotten as The Rochester Club was highlighted with historic facts shared amongst the masses. A quick trip heading south would take us on a journey of self discovery as we battled it out at SLK Kick Boxing, and waking up the next day, stiff, yet feeling somewhat accomplished that we had managed to last the whole 60-minute session.

Back at it the following week and meeting up with Dennis Foeller and spending time with him, sharing a tea, as he retold his tales and his journey in becoming a master carver of paddles and wood creations. Music was not missed as the Bedford Jam took to the stage and the crowds descended upon the hall to share a Sunday of music and toe tapping with many talented local performers. The 4H Club raised funds and 643lbs of food for the local food bank giving back to those in South Frontenac and surrounding areas. Off to Sunbury as the weather was warming and Hopeful Harvest was in full bloom as their green house was bursting with colour, ready for the weekend rush. Brass Point Farm was also working hard to plan, plant, and mulch their multiple acres of fruit and nut trees, as their acreage continues to evolve.

Heading east off Westport Road the biodiversity event at Wintergreen was in full swing as the summer months continued to be hot, and cicadas could be heard as you passed by their extended laneway that led you to a naturalists wonderland. This off the grid location was a family friendly adventure into the world of bees, bugs, and nature. The summer was hot, and Zumba was in full swing as you drove past the Glenburnie Church. The instructor led her group through the spicy Latin moves as the music filled the air with excitement and rhythm. Time to head back up north and through Harrowsmith and Verona as SALT spoke about ‘ticks’ and how to prevent them with a full-on sit-down meal that was tasty and shared amongst the large group.

The lakes became stages, as bands had

There will be no service on Christmas Day veROna - CHRiStMaS eve SeRviCe 5:30pm. Trinity United Church. No service Christmas Day.

Sunday December 25

ClOyne - CHRiStMaS Day SeRviCe 10:45am. Free Methodist Church.

FlintOn - CHRiStMaS Day SeRviCe 9am. St. John the Evangelist.

nORtHBROOK - FRee CHRiStMaS Day DinNER 12:30pm. Northbrook Lions Hall. Info Mary Lyn 613-336-1573 veROna - FRee tuRKey DinneR 12pm. Verona Lions Hall. Doors open at 10:30. For info & to reserve a spot Sheila 613-374-2884 or Joyce 613374-3406.

PaRHaM - CHRiStMaS Day SeRviCe 10:30am. Parham Free Methodist Church. Tea/coffee/goodies followed by worship service at 11:00. No worship New Year's Day.

RailtOn - CHRiStMaS Day MaSS 11am. St. Patrick's Church.

SHaRBOt laKe - CHRiStMaS Day WORSHiP SeRviCe 10:30am. Sharbot Lake Pentecostal Church.

Saturday December 31

HaRROWSMitH - neW yeaR'S eve DanCe 9pm. Harrowsmith Golden Links Hall. Dancing 9-1. $40 For tickets call 613-372-2410 to rethink entertainment, and R Banned could be heard as they entertained on Howes Lake, music wafting through the trees as a flotilla followed them for the free 3-hour concert. An annual event, not to be missed! Another drive further north and Kirk Kove offered up a peaceful cottage retreat that has historic tales and water-skiing pros that remind us of simpler times.

Mid summer, and it is still hot, dry, and fairs have begun. The Parham Fair is back after a COVID break, smash up derby, animals, and vendors celebrated the re-opening of the festival as crowds milled about enjoying their first ‘ever’ frosty beer in this town. Sharbot Lake hosted a Beach BBQ where musicians filled the beach with music lovers, food, and festivities -a Hit! As the festivals continued, garlic was celebrated in Verona, the best honey in town (Lanark), charity concerts like the one held by Mountain Head were performed, and the Harrowsmith Gospel Festival had locals swaying to the faithbased music that soared up to the heavenly skies.

Sharbot Lake continued to negotiate for pickleball courts as they hosted their annual recreational tournament, well attended and a success. Back on the road again, a short drive north from here and the North Frontenac Art Tour helped ease us into the fall as the leaves began to turn. Brilliant colours mirrored in the reflective lakes. This tour takes you on a loop up north where you can visit many local artists, crafters, and vendors. Each one offering up a unique take on jewellery, paintings, pottery, glass and more…. stories told through their original works.

Fall, of course, means pumpkins, crisp air, and more festivals outdoors. Art in the Sawmills hosted vendors in a beautiful rustic ‘sawmill’, literally, and each one had something to offer. It was a great opportunity for advance shopping for those on your Christmas list. You could grab a fresh cuppa’ joe while outside, from a friendly mother, daughter team and then head off with your packages in tow. The Bellrock Festival entertained families and the Battersea Pumpkin Festival continued their parade and festive traditions.

As the mileage continued to add up, the six degrees of separation of a small community grew even smaller. Everywhere I went, there was some connection from one person to the next. Sydenham High held their Hallowe’en fundraiser for their 150 being held next year

HaRROWSMitH - neW yeaR'S eve PaRty 8pm. Harrowsmith Social & Athletic Club. Music from 9pm – 1am $25, must be purchased by December 27th. Info harrowsmithsanda@gmail.com or Steve/Penny at 613-549-2937

ODeSSa - neW yeaR'S eve MaSS 4:30pm. St. Mary's Church.

RailtOn - neW yeaR'S eve MaSS 5pm. St. Patrick's Church.

Sunday January 1

veROna - neW yeaR'S Day SeRviCe 10am. Trinity United Church.

RailtOn - neW yeaR'S Day MaSS 11am. St. Patrick's Church.

SyDenHaM - neW yeaR'S Day levee 12-6pm. Sydenham Legion. Live music, all welcome.

BatteRSea - neW yeaR'S Day SeRviCe 9:15am. Battersea United Church. With Inverary United Church

DenBigH - COMMuniOn SeRviCe 10:30am. Vennachar Free Methodist Church.

ClOyne - neW yeaR'S Day SeRviCe 10:45am. Free Methodist Church.

Wednesday January 4

veROna - Ball HOCKey FOR yOutH & aDultS 1-3pm. Verona Free Methodist Church. Grades 5 & up, followed with pizza & drinks. Parents welcome. Balls and sticks provided and costumed partiers came in droves to help support the ghoulish event. My travels took me back up to Sharbot Lake, where the Festival of Trees got us in the spirit of Christmas as residents could enter a raffle to win prizes and the coveted decorated trees over a two-day period.

The Frontenac Women’s Chorus shared their gift of music at Trinity Free Methodist Church, and a bit of their history as one of the oldest all women’s chorus in Kingston. Diners Clubs, Meals on Wheels, and Community Chats filled in the weeks with entertaining topics and nutritious meals for seniors. Amy Sloan entertained a crowd at the Verona Free Methodist Church, where Josey C, served up a hearty home-cooked turkey supper with the turkeys being donated from Food Less Traveled.

Finally, there were Christmas vendor markets that popped up around the various villages each one displaying how talented our residents are. We are very lucky to live in this community and the Frontenac counties. The people are warm, genuine, and caring and it is nice to know that if ever we stumble, they will be there to help us get back up and try again. As a community writer, it is rare that a week does not go by, where I am not told a story of ‘kindness’. An act of selflessness. Or I am asked to help with a good cause, supporting grass roots initiatives that build our area in a positive way.

As I sign off for 2022, I am thankful for the opportunity to share my stories with you. My hope is to continue to introduce you to the great people, businesses, and events around us.

I pull back into my driveway, a busy year now behind me, I look back, my rear-view mirror is full. Like a collage of people, places, and events, blurred together as one -a year, gone in the blink of an eye. The radio plays some nostalgic song, I shed a few tears, missing my dad, my mom, and those we have lost. The sadness passes, I take breath, breathe, breathe in the cool crisp air. The trees still heavy with snow, branches sagging under the weight. The stillness is comforting, a reset of sorts, as I gather my thoughts and head into a Christmas vacation, longed for, long overdue. The New Year, fast approaching, but for now, I look forward and not back, as new adventures await me in 2023.

May your year end be safe, healthy, and happy.