Great news on Main Street: hair stylist Marilyn Orser will move her shop to the former Wayne's Barber Shop on the corner of Rd. 38 and Sand Road. Look for her opening on December 2. Welcome to the business district, Marilyn!

Congratulations to Lorne and Linda Orser for their induction into the Canadian Simmenthal Hall of Fame at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto this month. The Orsers were among the first to bring these venerable Swiss cattle into Frontenac County and Lorne is only the second Ontario member to receive this honour.

You still lhave time to buy a ticket for the VISIONSoup event this Saturday. This year The Loughborough Emergency Relief Fund joins Central Frontenac Community Services/RuralVISIONS in the in their annual lunch fundraiser, featuring a stunning one-of-a kind pottery bowl by Tim DeRose of the acclaimed Wiilton Pottery, which you fill of soup from local restauranteurs. Tickets are $20 at the Rural Visions Centre, Sydenham Chiropractic Clinic, Sydenham Veterinary Services or Trousdale's General Store. Sat. Nov. 22 11:30-1:30 at Sydenham H.S. Cafeteria.

Last chance for the Verona Medical Centre flu clinic is Tuesday Nov. 25 from 2-7:30. You don't need to be a clinic patient to protect yourself from this nasty winter bug. Do yourself a favour and get a shot.

Here comes the annual Verona Tree Lighting and Free Skate! First the Free Skate on the November school PD day: Games, prizes and of course skating at the arena, sponsored by Revell Ford Liincoln. Then the tree lighting: this year, Verona's troubadour Ross Clow and son Steve will lead the music; Free Methodist Youth Group serves hot chocolate; Verona Lions serve free hot dogs and marshmallows around the firepit. The music, the romping children, the greeting of neighbours and friends in the crisp fall night and of course the countdown to the lighting are one of Verona's cherished traditions.

This year the committee has added a special bonus - a coupon for a draw on 3 gift certificates at your choice of participating Verona businesses. You must be on site to win the draw. Watch for the coupon in the flyer coming soon. Please bring non-perishable items for the Rural Visions Emergency Food Program to either or both the Free Skate and Tree Lighting.

Fri. Nov. 28 Free Skate 12:30-2:00 at the arena. Tree Lighting 7:00 at McMullen Park (where the tree is, eh?) All organized by the Verona Community Association.

The VCA is also carrying on with its special Christmas for Kids program which works closely with Prince Charles P.S. to make sure that no child is left off Santa's list. This year's committee is opening the process to the public. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys, clothing and other gifts suitable for ages infant through high school to Nicki Van Camp at Verona Hardware. And of course, you can give cash to this fine cause in the donation jars at village stores or by cheque. For more information see the VCA website.

A couple of veteran Verona thespians are prominent in the upcoming North Frontenac Little Theatre comedy "Opening Night". Director Doug McIntyre and actor Dick Miller join a fine cast in this Norm Foster comedy about a couple who have never been to the theatre before and decide to go to a show to celebrating their 25th anniversary. Director Doug says, "The play is funny and the dialogue witty. And the ending just makes you feel good." Nov. 27, 28 at Sharbot Lake H.S. Dinner theatre Saturday Nov. 29 (these tickets in advance only).

Kelly Calthorpe of the St. Patrick's School Harrowsmith Playground Committee sends word of the next in their inititiatives to raise $40,000 for new equipment. Just in time for Christmas, they're hosting a Pampered Chef Party featuring a 20% discount on all stoneware. Included in the evening are a display of Party Lite products, the opportunity to purchase an Epicure Gift Pack that includes: 3 jars of spices, a recipe booklet and carry bag. Yummy food demonstrations and refreshments available. Friday November 21, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, St. Patrick's School on Wilton Rd. Harrowsmith.

Evelyn Snider sends word of another delightful Sisters By Heart event. Candy Cane Christmas will this year make 50 baskets for Rural Visions to give to single moms. Sisters by Heart will provide the baskets, laundry soap, dish soap, Christmas decoration, Christmas serviettes, wrapping cello paper and ribbon. You are asked to bring 1 or 2 personal items for a single mom - like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower gel, homemade mittens, socks, homemade or store-bought dishcloths or anything else creative you want. Make sure it is non-perishable. Special Speaker: Sharon Nault. Guest Musicians: Rhonda & Merlene Spurrell. Mon. Dec 1, 2008. 7 - 9 pm Gregory Hall, Verona Free Methodist Church. Tickets $5.00 available in advance or at the door. For info call Darlene @ 613-374-1232

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