Northern Fro nt
oration orp sC
Winter 2016
munity Se Com rvi ac ce n e
We believe in strong communities
Adult Services
Northern Frontenac Community Services
1020 Elizabeth St. P.O. Box 250, Sharbot Lake, ON KOH 2P0 Phone: 613-279-3151/1-855-279-2052 (8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:30pm Mon-Fri) Fax: 613-279-2565 Email: info@nfcs.ca
Children's Services
1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 OEYC: 613-279-2244 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Fri) Daycare: 613-279-3366 (7:00am - 6:00pm Mon-Fri) Email: kids@nfcs.ca
What Does NFCS Offer Youth In Frontenac County? The Youth Program at Northern Frontenac Community Services NFCS provides opportunities for children and youth living in rural Frontenac to come together, enjoy a snack and participate in group activities and games in their own community. The goals of the program, for youth ages 6 and up, are to engage in social interactions, to improve life skills and to reach their full potential of mental and physical health. The youth just come to have fun! The fun is provided by our energetic youth program staff, Brian Dunford and Hope Dalton. The NFCS youth program was started in 2006, when a group of service providers came together and identified a need for activities for youth in the rural areas of Youth participate in the Kidsfit program held at Land O'Lakes Public School, Mountain Grove. Mountain Grove, and Sharbot Lake. Youth in grades 5 to North, Central and South Frontenac. An Ontario Trillium Foundation proposal was 8 are welcome to come participate in group games, acsubmitted and approved. The Northern Rural Youth Part- tivities, sports, or just to hang out. Programs start in the nership was formed and NFCS launched three Afterschool gym when school is out. Snacks are provided and youth engage in activities, inside and outside. Programs and hired one part-time staff. Summer Camp starts up when school is out. Our Youth “It was fun leading a game with a partner because we had a Program staff offer programming three days a week in a chance to pick the best game we could and explain the rules and day camp setting in Sharbot Lake. Themes are developed for each week and the afternoon includes a trip to the stuff to the other kids” beach! Three camp days are offered to the youth in North Participant, Leadership Training Frontenac as well. Over the years, interest and support for the youth proLeadership Courses are offered throughout the year. gram grew. In 2010, the youth program expanded with Home Alone prepares youth to be at home on their own Kidsfit Sports, an 8-week soccer or mixed sport program while the Red Cross Babysitting Course provides youth that was introduced through a Good Life Kids Foundation with the skills to care for younger children. The Leaders grant. In 2012, a Leadership Program, funded by the Unit- in Training (LIT) program is a one day training to prepare ed Way of KFL&A, was developed to provide youth with youth to be more active volunteers and workers in their leadership activities including a Red Cross Babysitters community. Volunteer opportunities are also encouraged Course, a Home Alone Program, and volunteer opportuni- in the youth program. Whether it is looking for volunteer ties with our after school programs and with community hours, helping out in the community or getting some expartners. perience for a job resume, staff will assist the youth. The after school program expanded into South Frontenac Kidsfit Sports Program provides youth with the opporin 2013 and an Aboriginal program, Cultural Connections, tunity to learn soccer or mixed sports skills. Over the eight started in Sharbot Lake at The Child Centre. weeks youth participate in a non-competitive environWe want to thank the townships of North, Central and ment to practice those skills. South Frontenac for their funding and support for these very important youth programs. “I liked the drills and games with my friends” Afterschool programs are offered weekly at four difParticipant, Kidsfit ferent schools and the Child Centre in Sharbot Lake. We currrently offer the program at Plevna, Verona, Continued page 4 see Youth...
Thank You to our funders!
Frontenac Transportation Service 1095 Garrett St., Sharbot Lake, ON KOH 2PO Phone: 613-279-2044/1-877-279-2044 (8:30am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri) Email: transportation@nfcs.ca
What NFCS Does For Me Pat Denna was raised in the Clarendon area north of Sharbot Lake. Like so many others she ended up moving to Kingston for work and opportunity; but she never lost touch with her family roots, and when it was time to retire, she returned home with her husband in 2001. Their plans for retirement were cut short when he died suddenly three months later. Pat relied on family, friends and neighbours to deal with the loss, and when she decided she needed something more, she made use of the Family Counselling service at NFCS. “It was really helpful for me, and it got me connected with the other programs at NFCS,” she said. “I also started to go to Diners.” Later, she developed health issues of her own in the form of a rare neurological disorder, which requires that she travel to Kingston hospital every two weeks for infusions. Transportation for these medical appointments is all arranged through NFCS. Continued page 2 see Denna...
Income Tax Program
March through April Northern Frontenac Community Services offers Income Tax assistance to low income individuals and families in North, Central and parts of South Frontenac. Clients can make an appointment or drop off their forms with all of the required information, and returns will be completed by one of our volunteers. ■
Need A Ride? Frontenac Transportation Service
Transportation is provided by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles. Cost: .50 per km. Inquire about financial assistance to help cover the costs.
Volunteer Drivers are badly needed in some areas. Mileage rate paid. Call 613-279-2044/1-877-279-2044 for details or email transportation@nfcs.ca
Adult Services
1020 Elizabeth Street, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-3151
Frontenac Heritage Festival February 12 - 15
Counselling Service Feeling stressed out? Angry? Down in the dumps? Want someone to talk to? For free and confidential individual, family and couples counselling contact Emily, Family Counsellor or drop by the adult services building between the hours of 8:30am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri.
The Community Drop In Over 30 people enjoyed a turkey dinner at the Drop In this Christmas
Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Mike, our Adult Protective Services Worker, works with developmentally disabled adults to help them live independently, as contributing, responsible members of their community. He works directly with individuals in the community and refers them to appropriate services when needed. Supports provided by Mike can include medical coordination, help with financial management, counselling and various others. The program is free and voluntary.
Every Wednesday people of all ages and abilities meet at St. Andrew's Anglican Church hall in Sharbot Lake to enjoy good company and a nutritious noon meal. Cost for lunch is $4 and may feature meatloaf, pork chops, bread and pizza, all cooked home made style.
Diners Club (50+) Join us for Good Food, Good Company and a Good Time. Time: Noon Cost: $12
Diners Club
Join us for a home cooked Diners meal. Anyone 50+ or living with a physical disability is welcome. The fee is $12. Program starts at 12 noon in each location. You must reserve your seat, please call 613-279-3151.
Northern '5' Ompah/Plevna
Arden Community Centre
Kennebec
Sharbot Lake United Church Hall
United Church Hall
Parham
2nd Tuesday of the month
3rd Tuesday of the month
3rd Wednesday of the month
4th Monday of the month
February 9 (Plevna) February 16 February 17 January 25 March 8 (Ompah) March 15 March 16 February 22 April 12 (Plevna) April 19 April 20 March 28 Menu: January: Lasagna, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad & Carrot Cake; February: Shepherd’s Pie, Cream Corn, Biscuits & Chocolate Cake; March: Chicken Divan, Rice, Peas & Apple Pie.
Seniors' Services Call 613-279-3151 or 1-855-279-2052
Serving seniors in North and Central Frontenac and the Bedford District of Southern Frontenac Township
The Frontenac Heritage Festival committee is planning a wonderful weekend of activities that is sure to get you out of the house and enjoying the rich heritage of our community. On Sunday February 14, 2016 the Youth Program at Northern Frontenac Community Services will be participating in the polar plunge. Brian, our brave and daring youth coordinator will be jumping, come by on February 14th and support all the plungers. To sponsor Brian he can be reached at 613-279-2244 or by email at briand@nfcs.ca Other activities include the popular Talent Show at Granite Ridge Education Centre on Friday evening, Heritage displays in Arden, Snow Sculptures, craft sale, skating, Polar Plunge, Snowshoeing, Heritage Walk/ Run, and new this year is a farm tour and village walking tour. Additionally, area businesses and agencies are encouraged to dress up in heritage clothing or put on a Heritage display with a prize awarded that includes bragging rights for a whole year. Flyers will be available by family day. Watch the local news for details. Get out and enjoy all that our great area has to offer. ■
Denna...
Continued from page 1 She also started attending the Day Away Program once a week. She says, “It really has been that for me, a day to get away from everything, and it has been a place where I have made friends that are still friends years later.” Three years ago, Pat had both knees replaced in succession. “It takes quite a while to get over something like that. Once the first knee started to heal they did the second one, so it was long and slow. I had a Personal Support Worker come in to help with bathing and housework at that time, and Meals on Wheels was a huge help.” Pat said that it was her husband’s dream to come back home when they retired and although it gets difficult sometimes, she said, “It gives me a great sense of security knowing I can turn to NFCS for help.” ■
Did you know our community support services team can arrange for...
Housecleaning, Transportation, MeaIs-On-Wheels, Referrals, Day Programs, Respite, Lifeline, Problem Solving and Support Caregiver Support There are lots of joys and benefits of being a caregiver to a friend or family member who is living in their home. Our staff are here to provide respite, resources and support. Give us a call and we can explore what will be helpful to you.
Foot Care Services
A registered nurse provides foot care services regularly in Sharbot Lake, Ompah, Snow Road and Plevna " The cost is $17. Reservations can be made at our office.
Meals-On-Wheels
Fresh home cooked meals are prepared and delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon to seniors in the area. The cost is $6.50. Healthy frozen meals are also an option for $5.00. Meals are available for special diets like gluten free, lactose intolerant, etc. We are always looking for volunteers to pack and deliver the meals.
Medical Equipment
We have a small collection of medical equipment for loan. Staff can assist families access other equipment as needed. Donations of gently used medical equipment is welcome (eg. Walkers, commodes, canes etc.) Serving seniors in North and Central Frontenac and the Bedford District of Southern Frontenac Township If you live outside of these boundaries please call Southern Frontenac Community Services at 613-376-6477
& Pie Auction Thursday February 11, 2016 The Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake Northern Frontenac Community Services is hosting a Chili Lunch with Pie Auction. Money raised will go towards our United Way Campaign.
Lunch from 12:00pm - 1:00pm Pie Auction starts12:30pm Cost: $7.00 for a bowl of chili, vegetables and dip with a drink.
Children's Services
1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-2244
Workshops/Events Join us for group discussions on pregnancy, parenting, early childhood development and other related topics. Workshops vary from month to month. All workshops include child care. Visit us on Facebook for updates.
Lunch Bunch An on-going group to learn about your child and share your parenting experiences with other parents. This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Registration is required.
Licensed Child Care 613-279-3366
Playgroup
Our registered Early Childhood Educators provide lots of fun activities for children throughout the day to foster each child’s individual developmental level. We can access additional services for preschool children such as speech and language services, as needed. We provide licensed childcare for three infants, five toddlers, 16 preschoolers and 10 school age children (if numbers allow). Children are provided with two snacks and a hot meal at lunch, prepared by our cook. We are open 7:00am-6:00pm, Monday through Friday. There is a fee for our service. Subsidy is available to those who qualify through the City of Kingston. We have an agreement with the City of Kingston for Subsidized Child Care. There currently is NO wait list within the City of Kingston and County of Frontenac for subsidized child care. Please go to The Centralized Childcare Registry & Information Service, a website where families can apply for licensed Childcare. www.kingstonchildcare. ca to find out more and to complete an application. You can also call the centre directly at 613-279-3366.
Family Literacy Day Come join us for a “Story Book Walk”. A unique approach to reading, providing a new adventure as you stroll around taking in the scenery and enjoying a great book. Followed by hot chocolate and cookies. The week of January 25 to 28, 2016 at all playgroup. For more information call: 613-279-2244 or email kids@nfcs.ca
Minutes to Make Early Learning Playgroups A place where parents, caregivers and their children can play, read and sing. Our playgroup coordinators are there to answer your parenting questions or find someone who can!
Day
Playgroup
Ages
Monday
Sharbot Lake - Healthy Beginnings
Birth -18 mths
Harrowsmith Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Tuesday
Verona Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Sydenham Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Wednesday
Sharbot Lake Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Thursday
Storrington Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Location The Child Centre 1004 Art Duffy Rd. Free Methodist Church 3867 Harrowsmith Rd. Trinity United Church 6689 Hwy. 38 Sydenham Legion Hall 4361 Amelia St. The Child Centre 1004 Art Duffy Rd. Storrington Fire Hall 3887 Battersea Rd.
This tasty hands on workshop will provide ideas for quick and easy kid friendly recipes to prepare at home that still leaves time for you to be with your family. • Wednesday February 10, Sharbot Lake, The Child Centre 10:00am-11:00am • Tuesday March 22, Sydenham, Legion 10:00am-11:00am • Thursday March 31, Storrington, Storrington Centre, 10:00am-11:00am • Monday April 11, Harrowsmith, Free Methodist Church 10:00am-11:00am • Tuesday April 12, Verona, Trinity United Church 10:00am-11:00am For information call: 613-279-2244 or email kids@nfcs.ca
Little Counters Little Counters is a 3 week program designed for parents and children 12 to 36 months to provide knowledge and ideas to help their child grow in their numeracy skills. Each week, we explore different mathematical concepts through games, songs, stories, finger plays and play-based exploration. • Wednesday April 6, 13, and 20, Sharbot Lake, The Child Centre, 10:00am-11:30am For information call: 613-279-2244 or email kids@nfcs.ca
Babysitters Course
Youth Services
1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-2244 The Youth Program at The Child Centre provides opportunities for children and youth to expand their social interactions, improve life skills and to reach their full potential of mental and physical health. This is accomplished through physical programs and activities led by qualified staff. There are many different programs and events that serve youth ages 6 to 16.
Weekly After-School Youth Programs Youth are welcome to come and participate in group games, activities, sports, or just to hang out. This program takes place at the four local public schools, each once a week. Youth are welcome to bring a snack or one will be provided. Youth are asked to be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities. There is a yearly program supply fee of $20.00.
Kids Fit Sports Program Get ready to lace up for our Soccer Program beginning the week of March 2, 2016 This program will cost $25.00 per person for the 8 week duration. There will be two locations once a week. • Wednesdays at Harrowsmith PS – (Starting March 2, 2016) Soccer from 6:00pm-6:50pm for ages 6-9 yrs and from 7:00pm-7:50pm for ages 10-13 yrs. • Thursdays at Land O’Lakes PS –(Starting March 3, 2016) Soccer from 5:30pm-6:20pm for ages 6-9 yrs and mixed sports from 6:30pm-7:20pm for ages 1013 yrs.
Ages: 11 and up. The Child Centre, Sharbot Lake 9:00am - 4:00pm. Cost: $30.00 (subsidy may be available) • Monday March 14
Home Alone Course Ages: 10+. The Child Centre, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Cost: $10.00 (subsidy may be available) • Wednesday March 16
March Break Camp: Ages: 6 to 10 years, The Child Centre, 8:00am - 4:00pm. Cost: $25.00 per day (subsidy may be available) • Tuesday March 15 • Thursday March 17
Kingston Frontenacs Friday February 12
After School
Join us on a trip to the K-Rock Centre to watch a game.... Day Monday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Monday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Tuesday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Friday 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Program
Ages
Location
Kingston Frontenacs
Cultural Connections
Grades: 1 - 4
The Child Centre
VS Windsor Spitfires
Sharbot Lake Afterschool
Grades: 5 - 8
Plevna Afterschool
Grades: 1 - 6
Verona Afterschool
Grades: 5 - 8
Mountain Grove Afterschool
Grades: 5 - 8
Sharbot Lake Afterschool
Grades: 2 - 4
St. James Catholic Church Clarendon Public School Prince Charles Public School Land O'Lakes Public School The Child Centre
Meet at the Child Centre. Vehicles will leave at 5:30pm & return at 10:30pm Cost: $10 includes transportation & ticket Ages: 10 and Up Pickups available in Parham/Verona/ Harrowsmith Call the Child Centre for information (613)279-2244
United Way Campaign The United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) is committed to building "a community where individuals live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging”. The KFL&A United Way supports the NFCS youth program as well as providing major ongoing funding to our Family Counselling program. Our family Counsellor, Emily Britt, provides counselling free of charge for adults over 18, couples and families undergoing stress or difficulty. In addition to providing counselling services, the program offers groups. Last fall, a bereavement support group was offered to people experiencing loss. Starting this March, we will be offering a Managing Powerful Emotions Group. Emily plays an important role in helping individuals find the supports and services they need when a client is unsure of where to go for help. Referrals can be made to many organizations both in Sharbot Lake and Kingston. Although appointments are preferred, walk-in’s are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Youth...
Continued from page 1
“Thank you so much for the awesome dance! I had so much fun dancing with my friends. The music was awesome too!” Participant, Youth Dance
NFCS Family Counsellor Emily Britt and Youth Program Coordinator Brian Dunford.
For some people who are not interested in “talk therapy” Emily can help in other practical ways such as teaching skills or working on finding solutions to a particular problem. As a United Way memberagency, NFCS raises funds for the United Way. We are proud to have had 100% participation by our employees and the support of our community that allowed
us to exceed to reach a donation of $2750 toward the United Way KFLA campaign in 2015. Our next United Way Fundraiser is a Chili Lunch and Pie auction which is set for February 11th between 12:00 noon and 1 pm at the Centre. The cost is $7.00 and the auction starts at 12:30. (For further information, see the ad on page 2 of this newsletter) ■
New Youth Funding The Kids Fit-First Nation Initiative (kids get fit and fit in) is a new project funded by the Ontario Sports and Recreation Communities Fund through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports. This initiative will increase opportunities for youth in a rural, off reserve First Nations community, ages 6 and up to become active and build fundamental movement skills through traditional sports and activities. These activities will reflect First Nations culture and be supported by cultural teachings by Traditional Teachers. The program will also focus on building cultural pride and decreasing intolerance and stereotypes. Lacrosse has been introduced in North, Central and South Frontenac during the fall of 2015. In the fall of 2016, we will offer
two eight week lacrosse programs. These programs will focus on skill development and understanding the cultural significance of the sport. Snow shoeing will soon be introduced at all afterschool sites. We are currently partnering with Shabot-Obaadjiwan-First Nation to offer a day long traditional snowshoe making workshop on Saturday, February 13 at Plenty Canada. Call us for more details! By the completion of the grant, Northern Frontenac Community Services will have created and will maintain a Snow Shoe lending library so that families have an opportunity for a low cost and enjoyable physical activity. ■
Special Trips and community events are very important to the Youth Program. NFCS organizes trips several times per year. In 2015 the youth went to a Blue Jays game in Toronto, a Kingston Frontenacs game and to Fort Fright. Youth dances are hosted in both North and Central Frontenac townships with a live DJ. Friend us on facebook to find out what's happening in 2016. ■
Family Snowshoe Gathering Saturday February 13,
Participate in a day long demonstration on how to make traditional snowshoes Saturday February 13, 9 to 3. Kids can make their own primitive snowshoes and try them out. Northern Frontenac Community Services will bring snowshoes from their new snowshoe leading library – kids and youth sizes available. Join us at Plenty Canada, 266 Plenty Ln, Lanark and enjoy a great day in the outdoors and learn about snowshoe traditions with Shabot-Obaadjiwan first nation. Free lunch included. Call to register The Child Centre, 613-279-2244.
www.nfcs.ca • Northern Frontenac Community Services • Ontario Early Years Centre/The Child Centre • Northern-Rural Youth-Events
Winter Coats & Car Seats Packing our kids into bulky jackets and snowsuits is a necessary ritual of Canadian winter, but puffy winter gear can stop a car seat from doing its job. “In a crash the harness holds your child in place to prevent injuries says the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. “Even when the straps are tight, if you add a layer of bulky padding between the child and the car seat straps, this padding can compress in the force of the crash, making the straps suddenly too loose and putting your child at risk of injuries or ejection.” Think of rolling up a sleeping bag so it will fit in that little bag it came with — as you push down, the air gets pushed out and the filling gets flattened. When that happens to a child’s jacket or a baby’s bunting bag, the straps are no longer tight enough to keep them safe. When a car going 50 km/hr hits something, the weight of people and objects in the car are multiplied by 20, an 18-kg child becomes a 360-kg projectile. If there’s anything thick between straps and your child — like winter clothes, a blanket or an aftermarket pad for the straps — the seat stops working as it was designed. Consumer Reports magazine says one way to tell if winter clothes are too bulky
for a seat is to put your child in the seat with the jacket on and tighten the straps. Then, take your child out of the seat, but leave the straps as they are. Put your child back in, this time without the jacket (this might have to be done inside the house if it’s December). If the strap is loose enough that you can pinch the slack between your thumb and forefinger, then the coat is too bulky. Heavy winter gear can also change a child’s position in the car seat, so the straps might not sit properly on their shoulders or kid’s might be sitting taller than they actually are. That’s an issue for older children in booster seats too. “A booster seat boosts a child up so that the seat belt fits across the strongest bones — the lap belt should fit low on the pelvis. “If you add a snowsuit or bulky coat underneath the belt, the lap belt will ride up onto the child’s soft abdomen and puts him or her at risk of severe injuries in a crash.” Transport Canada and the provinces don’t ban kids from wearing heavy winter gear in car seats, but they DON’T RECOMMEND IT. In our wintery weather it will still be cold so using blankets or putting kids coats on backwards will help keep them warm. (article: Globe and Mail) ■
Northern Frontenac Community Services graciously thanks all of those who have made donations to the agency.
Member Agency
I Support Northern Frontenac Community Services! Name:
Wednesday, March 18, 9am - 4pm The Child Centre, Sharbot Lake
EmaiI:
Address: Township:
Annual Membership: Charitable Donation:
$25
Phone:
$3 Associate Membership: $50
$100
$3
$500
The youth program is hosting a Red Cross Babysitters Course for youth ages 11 and up.
Other
COST $30 - includes manual (subsidies available)
(receipts for tax purposes will be issued)
Please make cheques payable to Northern Frontenac Community Services. Northern Frontenac Community Services 1020 Elizabeth St. P.O. Box 250, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Thank You! (Reg. Charity #107782369RR001)
Please bring a doll or a teddy bear for training purposes For more information or to register call 613-279-2244 ext. 105