Around Town

EVENTS CALENDAR

North West Region OPP is proud to once again support this year’s United Way Period Promise Campaign. Help us make a difference in our community. Donation boxes will be set up at local OPP detachments. Donate menstrual hygiene products by March 31 and support those in need.

The OPP and Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre will be hosting a Fraud awareness presentation Wednesday, March 11 at 5 p.m. Topics include how to identify types of fraud, what to do if you think you’re a victim of fraud, and others.

The Fort Frances Lakers are hosting a Hockey Fights Cancer night for their final game of the year on March 13 against the Ironwood Lumberjacks at 7:15 p.m. The Lakers will be wearing special Uniforms sponsored by Safeway Fort Frances and raising funds for the Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign at La Verendrye General Hospital.

For every fan through the doors on March 13, John Gavel Manufacturing, Kitchen Creek Golf Course, Little Otter Resource Management and M.L. Judson Trucking have pledged $1 to Riverside Health Care’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis Campaign! That’s $4 per fan! There will be an opportunity to donate to the cause as well as a chuck a puck fundraiser. Come cheer on the Lakers as they get ready for a playoff push!

Fort Frances Youth Soccer registration is open until March 21 on ffys.powerupsports.com which is a new registration page. No late registrations will be accepted. Season runs May 4 to June 20. For more information about cost and weekly schedule see the Fort Frances Youth Soccer Facebook page or email ffys.soccer@gmail.com

Journey North: A talk with wilderness explorer John Dunn at the Fort Frances Public Library. March 25, 2026, 6 p.m. “The incredible story of a unique series of expeditions tracing a wild 8000 km S-N route through Canada, presented by noted wilderness explorer John Dunn. Free, no registration required. Sponsored by the Rainy River District Stewardship.”

The Rainy River Festival of the Performing Arts runs from March 26 to Apr. 24 with full schedule to be released. For more information visit ff-festival.com.

The 55+ Movie Matinee for March will feature “I still Believe” the tru-life story of Christian Music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope.” Rated PG 1 hour 56 minutes. Friday March 27 1 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library. Starring KJ Appa and

Britt Robertson.

Legion Ladies monthly supper will be March 27 featuring a turkey dinner. Tickets available at the FF Senior Centre or by calling Vicki 807-2713514. Delivery within town limits only, tickets for delivery must be bought by Mar. 24. Doors open 4:30 p.m. supper 5:15.

The 12th annual Kiwanis Easter Egg-Stravaganza is hopping back to Rainy Lake Square. Grab a map, visit businesses for treats and return your map for prize draws. Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Bring your baskets!

ONGOING EVENTS

St. Mary’s Church Lenten fish fry returns on each Friday of Lent. Feb. 20- Mar. 27. Pickup starting at 4 p.m. Deadline for orders is 3 p.m. the Thursday before. For more information contact Barb 807-276-1226.The Rainy Lake Readers Book Club meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:45 at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre. Visit the Library and check out the display of this month’s book selections. New members always welcome. 

Bingo at the Fort Frances Senior Centre Runs from Jan. 16 until March 13, 2026 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Contact Diane Maxey for more details 807-275-9308.

Story Time at the Fort Frances Public Library is held every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre! Story Time features a new theme each week, with carefully selected stories, songs and activities that will captivate and engage your little ones. For ages 2-6 with a caregiver.

Baby Time at the Fort Frances Public Library on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. “Join us for songs, rhymes, lap bounces, stories, free play and more.”

Pokémon Club at the Fort Frances Public Library is held Fridays at 4 p.m. New to Pokémon? Learn how to play and develop your skills! Recommended for ages 8-14+. Please bring your own snacks.

Lego Club at the Fort Frances Public Library, every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. come build, create and connect. Compete in Lego building challenges, create unique builds and build big!

STEM Saturday at the Fort Frances Public Library, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stop by for STEM-based fun, games and crafts! Anyone under 8 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

Men’s mental health group takes place the last Friday of January, February. and March at 10:30 a.m. at the HOPE Centre at 324 Victoria Ave. Coffee and Snacks provided, everyone is welcome.

Stroke Survivors group– meeting the Second Wednesday of every month 10-11 a.m. Let’s have a coffee and talk. A good time to make friends with other people that understand what you’re going through. To register call or text Nathan Galusha 807-271-6262 or Shelly Jones 807-276-1319.

Memory Lane Cafe with the Alzheimer Society Kenora and Rainy River Districts. A space where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can socialize, and enjoy engaging activities. Offers a supportive environment to share experiences, and access community support. Meets at the Fort Frances Senior Centre, 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Next date is March 4, 2026. For more information call 807-468-1516.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The 2026 Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts runs on various dates from March 26-April 24. If you can volunteer to help out, please contact Maureen at 274-1034. Find more information about the Festival at https://ff-festival.com.

The La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop is looking for volunteers.  The hours are Monday-Friday, (excluding holidays) from 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. An OPP criminal record check is required which can be applied for on-line.  Help is available with this as well as gift shop training and support.  All funds raised go to the Auxiliary to honour our pledges for capital equipment at La Verendrye General Hospital. This year our pledge is $100,000 for the MRI.  New members are always welcome and forms are available at the Gift Shop.  If interested, please email Jan Beazley at janbeazley@gmail.com    

The Fort Frances Legion Ladies Auxiliary to Branch #29 is seeking new members to join their dynamic group of fun, hardworking Ladies. If you would like to know more about this group, please contact Andrea at 275-8912.

The Rainycrest Tuck Shop is accepting donations– The Tuck Shop is open to residents, family, staff and visitors. Great items for donation are things like large stuffed bears, gift items and items for residents to place on their night stands or wall/door. Proceeds from the Tuck Shop go to the Rainycrest Auxiliary, and benefit residents. Donations can be dropped off inside the main entrance, labelled ATTN: Tuck Shop.

Rainycrest Auxiliary Membership – New members are always welcome and current members are reminded to renew their membership dues are $10 per year starting in 2026 and can be paid at the Tuck Shop or by calling 274-6954 (Judy) or 271-4114 (Donna).

Meals on Wheels – Seeking volunteer drivers. Contact Nicole Piotrowski at 807-274-3266 ext 4818 or by email n.piotrowski@rhcf.on.ca.