Around Town

EVENTS CALENDAR

The first 55+ movie matinee of 2026 at the Fort Frances Public Library will be on Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. featuring The Big Chill (1983) Rated PG. “A group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina vacation home after the funeral of another of their college friends.” Starring Tom Berenger, Glenn Close and Jeff Goldblum.

Family Movie night featuring Inside Out hosted by the Rainy Lake campus of Seven Generations Education Institute. “Shake off those winter blues with a family movie night at our Rainy Lake Campus! Bring the family to watch Disney Pixar’s Inside Out (rated PG). Open to the public. No registration is required. Doors open at 5:00 pm and movie starts at 5:30 pm. Tuesday Jan 20. Light snacks, popcorn and other refreshments will be provided free of charge.”

Knox United Church Fort Frances will host its Soup for the Soul fundraiser on Saturday Jan. 24. Soups available are Wild Rice, Hamburger, Chicken Noodle, or Lentil. 32 oz. $15 or 16 oz $7.50 available. Frozen soups can be picked up on the day of the sale or delivered within Fort Frances. Preorders appreciated but not required. Call the church 807-274-4543 or email Knoxknet@gmail.com

The Fort Frances Library is hosting a Capote making workshop running Jan. 23-24 Learn the craft of traditional Capote making in this two-day workshop led by Caren Fagerdahl and Jane Trivers. Cost is $55/participant which includes a blanket to make your coat and other supplies. Space is limited; call the library at 807-274-9879 to register.

The Legion Ladies monthly supper for January is Friday Jan. 30. Serving a pork cutlet supper for $25 per meal. Tickets for Dine-in, Delivery or pick-up, available at the Legion Office (9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on weekdays), Senior Centre (8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mon.-Thurs.) or by calling Dawn at 807-276-4549 Tickets for delivery must be purchased by Tuesday Jan. 27.

Monday Feb. 9 is the next free performance of Kids & Company featuring the puppet play “Somebody Loves you Mr. Hatch.”

“Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life; he keeps to himself. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes. This heartwarming puppet play examines the effect that kindness can have on a lonely existence. Join washerwomen Betsy, Edna, and Molly as they bring Mr. Hatch’s story to life and help him search for his secret admirer!”

ONGOING EVENTS

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 resumes on January 16 running 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 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. No registration required. Perfect 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.”

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.

Pokémon Club is held Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre. New to Pokémon? Learn how to play and develop your skills! We play Pokémon cards in the unlimited format, which means that you can use cards from any set to build your deck! Recommended for ages 8-14+. Please bring your own snacks.

Lego Club at the 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 is at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, 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.

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 welcoming space where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can connect, socialize, and enjoy engaging activities. It offers a supportive environment to share experiences, build friendships, and access community support. Meets at the Fort Frances Senior Centre, 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Next dates are Feb. 4, and March 4 2026. For more information call 807-468-1516.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Fort Frances Lakers are always open to new gameday volunteers– Positions include camera operators, Stats keepers, camera operators, beer garden servers and security, and raffle sales. Training provided and volunteer hours available for high school students Contact Fortfranceslakersmedia@gmail.com to volunteer.

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, knick knacks, 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, which benefits 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.

Best for Kitty is in need of foster homes, to provide a safe environment to house cats while they wait for forever homes. Support and supplies are provided. For more information, e-mail bestforkitty@gmail.com, for more information. Donations accepted via e-transfer, or donate through www.bestfortkitty.net for tax receipts. Cheques can be dropped off at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts.