Volunteers from the South Frontenac community were honoured at an "Appreciation Evening" hosted by the Rural Visions Centre at the Lion's Club on April 22nd. It was a fun packed evening with tributes made by the staff to all the volunteers. Entertainment was provided by John Mullaly.

Congratulations and welcome to Deborah Andrews, the new executive director of the Rural Visions Centre. Deborah brings a wealth of experience having served for 25 years in Not for Profit organizations. The Rural Visions Centre offers a variety of services that benefit and assist many groups from seniors and physically disabled to children playgroups and newborns. Deborah is looking forward to strengthening Rural Visions' existing services and expanding into areas that are not yet served. For a complete list of services available to all Verona and South Frontenac residents visit the website www.ruralvisionscentre.org or call 613-376-6477.

Doug MacIntyre sends us word about the Portland District and Area Heritage Society meeting that was held on April 15. After much discussion and debate the society approved the acquisition of four granite benches. One of each to be installed at Verona, Murvale, Harrowsmith and Piccadilly cemeteries. A campaign will commence to raise donations to offset the cost of the new benches.

Guest speakers at the Heritage Society meeting were Linda Bates and Kevin Ryan. Linda and Kevin showed slides and gave a talk on their recent trip to Haiti. Linda and her team gathered enough books and school supplies to stock 3 schools. Arriving at one school in the village of Grison-Garde, Linda and the group found the number of tasks needed to improve that school daunting. Building and painting a kitchen, fixing holes in cement floors, building a safe entrance to the rectory, painting class rooms were just a few of the many necessary jobs. They also had the task of teaching the teachers to use all the learning tools, teachers who had never seen a storybook or children's scissors.

Linda is already planning to return to Haiti to continue this wonderful work. At the moment she sends us word that the school's kitchen is in desperate need of dishes. Children have to wait until other children finish using their plates and cups before they can eat. She is hoping to raise $350.00 to supply enough dishes so every child can eat at the same time, a simple convenience that we take for granted. Anyone who would like to donate can contact Linda or Don Bates at 613-374-1307.

Don't miss Midsummer Night's Dream! Presented by North Frontenac Little Theatre. The play is being held at Sharbot Lake High School Auditorium. April 30 to May 3. Tickets available at Gray's Grocery, Sharbot Lake Pharmacy and Verona Rona. The annual tree sale held by South Frontenac Natural Environment Committee will be at the Farmers Market this Saturday May 2. Pick up your order or choose from whatever is left.. The Farmers Market is moving outdoors this weekend. New Hours 9 am to 2 pm

Debbie Lingen

For more information about Verona, Ontario please contact:
Debbie Lingen

debbie@lingens.com
613-374-2091

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