Northern Fro nt
oration orp sC
Winter 2017
munity Se Com rvi ac ce n e
We believe in strong communities
Northern Frontenac Community Services
Adult Centre
1020 Elizabeth St. P.O. Box 250, Sharbot Lake, ON KOH 2P0 Phone: 613-279-3151/1-855-279-2052 (8:30am - 4:00pm Mon-Fri) Fax: 613-279-2565 Email: info@nfcs.ca
Child Centre
1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 OEYC: 613-279-2244 (8:30 am - 4:00 pm Mon-Fri) Daycare: 613-279-3366 (7:00am - 6:00pm Mon-Fri) Email: kids@nfcs.ca
The Most Wonderful Season of All
by Mike Proctor, Adult Protective Services Worker
Frontenac Transportation Service 1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Phone: 613-279-2044/1-877-279-2044 Email: transportation@nfcs.ca
Seniors Survey A BIG THANK YOU to all those who completed our Seniors Survey this fall. Over the last two months, Catherine Tysick, Vikki Newlove, Joyce Lewis and our many community partners reached out to seniors in our communities to find out how NFCS can best support seniors and create opportunities that they would enjoy. We asked and you listened – we have had over 400 surveys returned. We are amazed by the response and appreciate the thoughtful feedback we have received. Our next steps will be to host focus groups to review and discuss what we heard. The winners of the draw for three $50 gift cards are: Pam Vantilborgh, Larry Lightstone and Thomas Hughes. Are you interested in what we heard? See page 4 for survey highlights.
Heritage Festival Children’s Activities
Kids using the show shoes from the show shoe lending library at The Child Centre.
I grew up in northern New Brunswick, in a time when snow days were rare and we routinely had storms with more than 12 inches (30 cm) of snow. One blustery snowy day a friend’s father offered to drive us to school, which was about 2 km, uphill as I recall. As we piled into the car, the father was outside in a sports coat, no mitts or hat, scraping off the snow covered frosted windshield with a credit card. He later fumed about how much he hated winter as his numb fingers tried to grasp the steering wheel. One of the many things I like about living in Canada is the changing seasons and winter is my favourite season of all. Here in Frontenac County we are fortunate to have a wide variety of winter activities to suit all ages and abilities. The common cold is more prevalent in winter because people spend more time sitting inside breathing germs and less time outside getting exercise. The key to enjoying outdoor winter activities is being prepared and having the proper attitude. Winter activities are different from summer ones. Some preparation and common sense planning beforehand goes a long way to increasing your enjoyment in the cold. Whether you’re outside for overnight or just a few minutes, think about keeping warm by wearing layers. Long johns, extra shirts, light jackets, wool socks, doubling up on mitts, wool blankets. This does not have to cost a lot as most of us have these items at home already or you can check out your local second hand store. Probably the most important part of preparing to spend time outdoors is adopting the right attitude. Accept that you may be chilly, but being chilly is a long way from frostbite or hypothermia. Keep moving, especially your feet and hands which are usually the first things to feel the cold. If you feel you are starting to sweat, take a break or remove an outer layer to help you cool down. Once your clothes get wet they usually will not keep you warm. A bit of trivia - when cotton gets wet, it loses all of its heat re-
Thank You to our funders!
tention properties. When wool gets wet, it can still retain about 70% of your body heat. No wonder the Hudson Bay Company wool blankets have been sought after for centuries. With a little practice and some knowledge you will be able to handle any situation winter sends your way. Cross country skiing is popular in the area, especially around the lakes, trails and in parks. For a slower paced activity, try snowshoeing but beware, walking in snowshoes can make you work up quite a sweat. Take regular breaks and don’t be in a hurry. The trail system offers limitless access to snowmobiles and ATVs. This is more costly and requires you to ensure your machine is in top form but it is a great way to get out and see our wonderful country in winter. Skating on the lake is a great activity and warms you double when you shovel off the ice. Centuries ago, Scottish curlers, throwing rocks on the frozen lakes, experimented with ice thickness and through trial and error (mostly error) found the minimum ice thickness to curl on. Today the commonly accepted minimum thickness for skating or walking on ice is 4 inches or 10 cm. An easy way to check ice thickness is with a cordless drill. If you are in doubt, stay off the ice. Everyone should try winter camping at least once. The first time I went winter camping, the temperature stayed below -20 for days, dropping to -26 for 2 nights. When you realize you can survive this in relative comfort you know that you can deal with anything life may throw at you. Finally, just going for a walk in the crisp clean winter air can be enough to revitalize you and improve your outlook on life. Many Canadians stay inside all winter cursing the cold - no wonder so many people dread the season that more than any other, defines Canada. Why not celebrate and embrace our great northern country by getting out and enjoying winter. Who knows, you might just find winter is the most wonderful season of all. ■
On Saturday February 18, 2017 from 11:00am until 2:00pm there will be lots of fun winter activities happening at The Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Road. With funding from Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Community Foundation of Greater Kingston and the Ontario Sports and Recreation Fund, families will be able to participate in ice curling, snow shoe games and making snow taffy. Inside, there will be a Healthy Kids Water Challenge. This is a chance for children and their parents to see that water does wonders for them! There will also be a fundraising lunch at a cost of $4.00. Proceeds for Northern Frontenac Community Services. So grab your warm winter clothes and come to join us for some winter fun. ■
Special Members Meeting Join us to discuss changing our name on Wednesday Feb 22 at 2 pm at the Child Centre. There will be a vote to change the name. Detailed information will be mailed out to all members in advance of the meeting. Memberships are available at the Adult Centre, 1020 Elizabeth St and the Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Road for $3. See page 4 for more details.
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 needed in some areas.
Now located at the Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Road. Join us on Wednesday, February 1 from noon to 4pm for an open house at our new location. Refreshments will be served.
Adult Services
1020 Elizabeth Street, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-3151 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. Mike can help with coordinating medical appointments, financial management, counselling, completing forms and community referrals. The program is free and voluntary.
meal, costing only $5, is the highlight of the day. Often, crafts and other activities such as Bingo are organized to fill the day. The Community Drop In is a collaborative venture supported by Northern Frontenac Community Services and Community Living – North Frontenac and over the years a number of other community organizations and agencies have helped out when needed, making this a truly community owned program.
The Community Drop In The Community Drop In is a weekly meeting place for people of all walks of life in the area. Every Wednesday approximately 25 people meet at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Hall in Sharbot Lake to enjoy each other’s company, develop friendships and enjoy good food. The doors open at 9 am and the participants shop for the food for the noon meal. The menu is planned in advance and favourites include pork chops, home made pizza, meatloaf, spaghetti and meals often include home made bread. Food preparation takes up a good portion of the morning but there is always time for a friendly game of cards, board games or casual chatting. The noon
Need to talk? For free counselling and support: Phone: 279-3151 1020 Elizabeth St. Sharbot Lake, ON. Email:counselling@nfcs.ca “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” - Jim Rohn Home visits available on request!
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
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 Home Help
Medical Equipment
Do you enjoy helping others: Do you have a few hours a week to assist a senior in your community? Home Help workers are needed to provide housekeeping duties to seniors and or those with physical disabilities. Tasks may include, sweeping, mopping, dusting, dishes, vacuuming, and laundry. If this is something you would be interested in, please call Vikki at the Adult Centre 613-279-3151 ext 125 to discuss.
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.) Call 613-279-3151 or 1-855-279-2052
Meals On Wheels
Diners Club
Our hot, nutritious meals are available to be delivered to your door on Tuesdays and Thursdays at a cost of $6.50 per meal. Each meal includes a soup or salad, main entrée and a scrumptious dessert. A variety of frozen meals are also available at a cost of $5 each. We are always looking for volunteers to pack and deliver meals. If you are able to help out that would be greatly appreciated. Please call 613-279-3151 ext 125.
Caregiver Support Are you caring for a loved one at home? There are lots of joys and benefits of being a caregiver but sometimes you need a break. Give us a call and we can tell you about our Respite and Day Programs. We have personal support workers (PSW’s) who can come into your home to care for and interact with your family member. We also have Day Program PSW’s who plan a day of social interaction and activities in a group setting. They meet weekly in three locations. We have received rave reviews! Transportation can be arranged.
Welcome our new Youth Program Coordinator Northern Frontenac Community Services is excited to announce that James Kelly has joined the NFCS team as the new Youth Program Coordinator. He has been amazed by the reception he has received from both his co-workers as well as members of the community. This has made his decision to move to Perth to be closer to our community much easier. He looks forward to getting to know the youth in our community and making new friends.
Beating the Winter Blues
By Branden Leach, Family Counsellor
With the daylight waning, and winter settling its cold icy grip onto the communities of Frontenac County, it’s time to settle in for the season. While some might look forward to the winter wonderland, others dread the arrival of snow heralds the onset of “The Winter Blues”. While having days where you feel sad and upset are normal, these episodes could indicate a more serious issue if these last for several days or more. A prolonged period of; irritability, low energy, tiredness, oversleeping, a change in appetite and weight gain could mean that you are one of the many Canadians who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorders affects around 2-5% Percent of Canadians, with another 15% experiencing less severe forms. Symptoms typically begin in October, and can last until April. While Seasonal Affective Disorder is relatively common the exact causes are unknown, the research suggests that the reduced amount of daylight in the winter months affects chemicals in the brain that are related to mood and sleep regulation. Younger people, those with a mental illness, and people with a family history of mental illness are at a greater risk to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. So what can you do to fight off the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder? Thankfully there is a rather simple solution to fighting the Winter Blues. Exposure to natural light and exercise will help to regulate your body’s natural cycles and lessen the effects of mild symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen you should speak with your doctor for more treatment options beyond sunshine and exercise. ■
Serving seniors in North and Central Frontenac and the Bedford District of Southern Frontenac Township.
Join us for Good Food, Good Company and a Good Time. Starting at Noon. Cost: $12. Call 613 279-3151 to make your reservation.
Northern '5'
Ompah/Plevna 2nd Tuesday of the month January 10 (Ompah) February 14 (Plevna) March 14 (Ompah) April 11 (Plevna) May 9 (Ompah)
Kennebec
Arden Community Centre 3rd Tuesday of the month January 17 February 21 March 21 April 19 May 17
Sharbot Lake
United Church Hall 3rd Wednesday of the month January 18 February 15 March 15 April 19 May 17
Parham
United Church Hall 4th Monday of the month January 23 February 27 March 27 April 24 May 29
Menu: January: Meatloaf; February: Roast Pork; March: Corned Beef; April: Ham; May: Chicken Cacciatore. All meals come with salad, bread, pickles, dessert, tea/coffee, and juice.
Did you know… That Philips Lifeline now offers the same great push of a button protections without a landline phone? If you use a cell phone, and you have at least two bars of cellular service in your home, then Lifeline is a great option! Call Northern Frontenac Community Services at 613-279-3151 and speak to Vikki at ext 125
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.
Family Literacy Week This year Canada celebrates its 150th birthday. Lets celebrate together, Happy Birthday to us. We will celebrate at all our playgroups the week of: January 23rd to January 27th, 2017
Licensed Daycare 613-279-3366 We offer licensed full day childcare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The daycare is open from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. There is a fee based on the child’s age. Subsidy is available. There is currently no wait list for subsidy.
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.
Grand Opening The Ontario Early Years has expanded our services in Verona. We now have a program at Prince Charles Public School on Thursday afternoons for playgroup from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Come join us on Thursday February 9, 2017 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm for our grand opening. We will have refreshments, live music, a puppet show and lots of fun.
Welcome to Newborn Each newborn can receive a handmade quilt, filled with free samples and parenting information. Call Jan or email kids@nfcs.ca
Family Support
Early Learning Playgroups A place where parents, caregivers and their children can enjoy early learning activities together. Our playgroup coordinators are there to answer your parenting questions or find someone who can! All playgroups run from 9:30am to 11:30am
Playgroup
Day
Playgroup
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Ages
Sharbot Lake Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Harrowsmith Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Verona Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Sydenham Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Sharbot Lake Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Thursday
Storrington Playgroup
Birth - 6 Years
Thursday 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
New - Verona 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. Prince Charles Public School 6875 Road 38.
Youth Services
1004 Art Duffy Road, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-2244
Youth Events
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 NEW Lacrosse Program . This program will cost $20.00 per person for the 6 week duration. There will be two locations once a week. • Wednesdays at Harrowsmith PS – (Starting Wednesday March 22 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 January 12) 5:00pm-5:50pm for ages 9-12 years
Kingston Frontenac Game Friday, February 3, 2017. Leaving the Child Centre at 5:30pm, returning around 10:30pm. Ages: 10 and up Cost: $10.00 including transportation (subsidy may be available).
The Family Support Program offers a range of services to families with children who are experiencing extraordinary challenges in their lives. The Family Support can include specialized parent education; and short term solution focused coaching in a supportive environment.
Snow Shoe Lending Library Would you like to try snowshoeing? Northern Frontenac Community Services youth department now has a snow shoe lending library. What is that? We have snowshoes available for organizations, individuals (with deposit) to borrow, or if your agency, group or school is having an event we would be glad to attend and bring them with us.
Lacrosse Program The Lacrosse Program in Harrowsmith had a very successful 6 week run during the month of November with over 24 children participating. Due to the over whelmingly positive response, we had to split participants into an older and younger group. The children in both groups were very receptive each week and seemed keen to learn the fundamentals of the game. As a result of the successful first session, we will be hosting another two 6 week sessions, one at Harrowsmith Public School starting Wednesday, March 22, 2017, as well as another 6 week session at Land O’ Lakes Public School starting Thursday January 12th, 2017. These sessions will be open to children ages 10-13 (no exceptions). You must pre-register. We can register 15 youth on a first come, first serve basis.
Snow Shoe Games Join us Saturday, February 18, 2017 for a fun obstacle course using snow shoes. This is a free event and part of the Heritage Festival. Location: TBA
Babysitters Course Friday, March 3, 2017 9:00am-4:00pm Ages: 11 and up. Location: Prince Charles Public School, Verona Cost: $30.00 includes manual. Registration required (subsidy may be available).
Kingston Frontenacs Friday February 3 Join us on a trip to the K-Rock Centre to watch a game....
After School
Kingston Frontenacs Day Monday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Tuesday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday 3:30pm - 5:30pm Thursday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Friday 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Program
Ages
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
Location St. James Catholic Church Hall Clarendon Public School Prince Charles Public School Land O'Lakes Public School The Child Centre
VS Oshawa Generals 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
Seniors Survey Report
What do our respondents attend?
NFCS Membership to Vote on Name Change
Analysis by Tabitha Morton
Seniors are busy! “Too busy” was the answer most chosen when asked what limits their involvement in their community. As such, we thank the 415 people who took the time to fill out our survey. We reached about 14% of the population over the age of 55 in North and Central Frontenac. Despite being busy, about half our respondents are volunteers in their communities, almost a third of whom are over the age of 75! About 16% of respondents are still working, most of them under the age of 75, but not all. We heard that most people get their information from the local newspaper and by word of mouth. A full report of our findings will be made available later in 2017.
Local Diners
Local Diners
Church
Libraries
Seniors Clubs
Church
Concerts
Fitness Groups
Libraries
Concerts
Where do our respondents live?
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 needed in some areas. Mileage rate paid. Call 613-279-2044/1-877-279-2044 or email transportation@nfcs.ca
Northern Frontenac Community Services graciously thanks all of those who have made donations.
I Support Northern Frontenac Community Services! Name:
EmaiI:
In our Fall Insert in the paper we asked you “What is in a name?” Since then the Board of Directors and staff of Northern Frontenac Community Services have been talking with community members, funders, partner agencies, and participants to ensure that our name reflects the services we offer to the community, always keeping in mind that NFCS was founded by the community for the community. We heard: • When our name includes geographic boundaries we confuse people when we serve outside those boundaries. • That we are a rural agency, serving residents in their communities close to home. • That we have been providing essentials services in the community for over 40 years. • That our name must encompass any program changes the future may bring. • The Board of Directors and staff have tested variations of many names. We wanted a name that is simple and easy to say and that is unique and not confusing to the community. After months of consideration and consultation the Board of Directors has selected a name to bring to an open members meeting in February for approval. The name we have chosen is “Rural Community Services”. We welcome your comments and feedback, please forward them to louisem@nfcs.ca or visit the nfcs facebook page and add your comments. A special members meeting will be held at the Child Centre on Wednesday Feb 22 at 2 pm to vote on the name change. Join us to discuss the name. Memberships are available at the Adult Centre, 1020 Elizabeth St & the Child Centre, 1004 Art Duffy Road for $3. ■
Chinese Dinner & Quarter Gaming to Games Auction On Saturday March 25, 2017 Northern Frontenac Community Services will be having a Chinese Dinner and Quarter Auction. Tickets are $15.00 each and available at The Child Centre or the Adult Centre. Doors open at 5:00pm and dinner will be served at 5:30pm so grab quarters and come out to the OSO hall for an evening of fun. Tickets are limited. ■
The Community Foundation of KFL&A has funded a new youth program in Northern Frontenac in response to process addictions*, which are quickly becoming a serious concern for our youth. Process addictions are linked to increasing rates of obesity in youth, due to long periods of inactivity during screen time. Northern Frontenac Community Services and the YMCA Y-GAP Outreach worker will provide a 16 week program designed to engage youth in fun, physical activities while providing messages to encourage youth from developing habits that could lead to a process addiction problem and poor physical activity habits. Come to one of our afterschool programs to take part in this program. For further information, contact James Kelly, our Youth Program Coordinator. * Process addictions are addictions to activities or processes such as gambling, eating, tanning, video/gaming, spending, sex, Internet surfing and work as opposed to a “substance addiction” like that of drugs or alcohol. ■
Address: Township:
Income Tax
Phone:
Charitable Donation: $25 $50 $500 Other
$100
(receipts for tax purposes will be issued)
Please make cheques payable to: Northern Frontenac Community Services 1020 Elizabeth St. P.O. Box 250, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 www.nfcs.ca Thank You! (Reg. Charity #107782369RR001)
Need help to complete your 2016 income tax? We can help. Each year we assist low income individuals and families prepare their income tax returns in March and April. Volunteers needed: If you have a good understanding of income tax, are comfortable completing returns for others, and are available for a couple of hours a week in March and April, please give Joyce a call at the Adult Centre.
Frontenac Heritage Festival
Delicious Hot Soup Saturday Feb. 18 at the Child Centre,
1004 Art Duffy Rd., Sharbot Lake. from 11:30 to 1:30, or as long as it lasts! Cost $4 for soup. Baked goods also available for sale. A fundraiser for Northern Frontenac Community Services.