December 23, 2014 issue 51

www.ngtimes.ca

Vol. 2, No. 51

The Voice of North Grenville

December 23, 2014

Schools history a sell-out

Children’s Holiday Fun Fest

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Monday, December 29 See inside for more details

Back row: Sam Gaw, Larry Donoghue, Dr. Bernie Brennan, Rachel Tennant, Melissa Boudreau.

Front row: Jean Knapp, Jean Newans and Mildred Adams

by David Shanahan The new history of the schools of North Grenville before 1965 has become a success, even before it arrives on the shelves. As the North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS] waits for the arrival of the first edition of School Days Past, a book launch at Geronimo Coffee House on Prescott Street saw the pre-orders for the book reach over 100.

This means that the entire first run of the schools

book, and all the remaining copies of the NGHS previous publication, Glimpses of the Past, a photographic history of North Grenville, has already sold out. Another print run is being ordered and copies may be ordered from the NGHS ($40 each) by leaving a message at 613-258-4401, or by e-mail at nghsociety@gmail.com.

The book launch event was a wonderful gathering of many of the people responsible for the book’s production. Urbandale Con-

struction, the main sponsor of the book along with the NG Times, was represented

by Melissa Boudreau, Marketing Communications Manager for Urbandale’s Country Walk development in Kemptville. Also attending were some of the men and women who researched and wrote the biographies that are published in the book, and some of those who provided their memories, photographs and mementoes of their own school days.

NGHS President, Dr. Bill Adams, welcomed everyone to the event, and praised the achievement of the production team, headed by Doug MacDonald, who had spent many long months gathering material for the book, and getting it ready for the printers.

Marguerite Boyer, of the NG Times, designed and produced the lay-out of the book, which is a hard-back, coffee table, 170-page, fullcolour publication covering continued on page 2

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The Voice of North Grenville

Local businesses support Christmas Showcase Mountain of Toys and Café

by Beth Nicol The lobby at Canadian Tire was a flurry of ribbons and gift wrap on Saturday, December 13 as volunteers offered to fancy up presents in exchange for donations to the Mountain of Toys fund.

It seemed like a great idea to Carleigh and Autumn Hyndman, pictured above with Brenda Coucheir and Royal LePage /Gayle Realty representative, Judy Littau.

Once again, the North Grenville business sector

is stepping in to take care of the Christmas wishes of some of our youngest and neediest citizens. Royal LePage /Gayle Realty has traditionally supported the Mountain of Toys program in any number of ways; Canadian Tire offered the space and the supplies for volunteers to use on Saturday; Rona will match each dollar donated to the Mountain of Toys at the North Grenville store until Christmas Eve. Just another reason to support our local stores and services.

It wasn’t the usual craft sale. The dozen vendors were there by invitation only; their products juried. The home-made soups offered as refreshment drew a steady flow of hungry customers. The Annual Artisans Christmas Showcase and Café held at the North Grenville Community Church is hosted by the Artsy FM Sister Chicks.

The group of crafters meet at the church on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Quilting was the focus for the fall months; a group met twice a month and their completed quilt will be raffled by the Beth Donovan Hospice. Regular field trips and visits by guest artists are organized according to the interests of those attending regularly.

Drop in to try them on for size; bring a craft on which to work. Everyone welcome. For additional information call: Linda Moore at 613-258-4463.

WE WANT TO HELP!

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Ontario cottagers wanted immediately to participate in a new renovation series:

Did you attempt a renovation project in your cottage that’s turned into a disaster?

New series dives into the world of reno projects gone wrong and is looking for Ontario cottagers within a 3 hour radius of Ottawa with misguided renos in need of MAJOR help from experts. Each episode top notch carpenter Dave Depencier and his team turn disaster reno projects into a little piece of cottage perfection. Along the way, they right the wrongs and teach cottage DIYers how to do things properly.

We want to come to the rescue of cottage owners who are in over their heads and suffering with a screwed up project. We are looking for cottagers who need their renovation projects fixed but don’t know what to do next and have some sort of visual progress, such as open stud walls or plywood floors.

We are not looking for inherited problems that came with the cottage or are not a result of the current owners (un)handiwork.

Did you try a project at the cottage you would never have considered doing at home and it went terribly wrong? APPLY NOW! Please contact casting@mountainroad.ca with the subject line “Master My Disaster” and the following information: 1. Interior & exterior photos of your cottage – including at least 3 photos of the renovation gone wrong 2. A photo of you and your loved ones 3. A brief written description of your story and misguided renovation 4. Your contact information – including email, phone numbers (home/cell) & the location/ address of your cottage Deadline for submission: Don’t delay! Production has started and the sooner you apply the better your chances of being on the show. Good luck!

Tree of Life for mammography

Shoppers Kemptville raised $5,379 for mammography at KDH through their Tree of Life 2014 campaign, bringing their total giving to the Benefactor level (over $25,000). This is the fourth year running that Shoppers has directed this donation to the KDH Mammography Fund and their support is very much appreciated.

Tree of Life captain Jennifer Stenhouse, Store Manager, Wendy Boal, Mary Boucher, KDH Foundation and Pharmacist/Store Associate Gary Baxter wish to thank the community for their generous support to the Tree of Life campaign. continued from front page

Pet Contest winner, Rosie with owner Kristen Wood, receiving her prize from Steve Clarke of Pet Value December 23, 2014

the many one-room school houses of what is today North Grenville, from 1808 to 1965.

The book marks the 50th anniversary of the closing of the last of these schools, replaced by the current Public Schools in Kemptville and Oxford Mills. It also cov-

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ers the history of secondary education during those years, from the opening of the Grammar School on Clothier Street in 1844-45, to the new High Schools in use today. Many of the photographs in the book were taken by members of the NG Photography Club,

while the historic pictures, documents and maps came from the NGHS Archives, and donations and loans from local residents.

All in all, School Days Past is already a major success, and income from sales will go to fund the NGHS activities in the coming year. www.ngtimes.ca

Fill-a-Bag Campaign Success

by David Shanahan The Sixth Annual Fill-aBag campaign in aid of the Salvation Army © Food Bank has been an enormous success - yet again. This year, more than 34,000 pounds of food was collected - that’s almost 18 tons!) - and organisers believe this could keep the Food Bank stocked for the next eight months or more.

More than 6,000 bags were donated and distributed throughout North Grenville in November, and residents were asked to fill the bag on their doorstep and leave it out for collection on December 7.

The bags were then collected and brought to the old Giant Tiger building in Kemptville, generously provided as a collection and sorting centre by Jim Beveridge of the B&H. There, volunteers got to work over a couple of days, while their children were kept busy on bouncy castles and fed on popcorn. The volunteers “survived” on pizza.

The project is the work of the North Grenville Community Church, on Concession Road in Kemptville, and their report on the day sums up the immense amount of work and energy that went into making

this initiative such a success this year.

“Sunday the 7th of December was a cool sunny Sunday afternoon and far and wide across North Grenville were youth, couples, Scouts and Cubs, teams of businesses people, and church groups collecting the full bags of groceries from porch steps and under mail boxes. They were the feet and hands of the heart of the 2014 Fill-a-Bag program which brought the full bags to the “Old Giant Tiger Store” located across the street from the B&H Groceries.

Inside the building was a hub of activity. Using the Oxford Street access, the laden vehicles were met by eager volunteers who helped move the groceries from the vehicles to the sorting room floor. The Kemptville Scouts did yeoman work lifting and arranging the heavy bags and only stopped long enough for a quick bite of pizza and refreshment. There were a lot of bags which added up to lots of food for the Salvation Army food bank. The rough estimate is over 18 tonnes of food were donated this year. Each year the generosity and compassion of the people of North Grenville is overwhelming and each year there needs to

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The Voice of North Grenville

also the like to thank the heart of the program who are all those who filled a bag for the benefit of the North Grenville Community.”

The main business sponsors for the Fill-a-Bag campaign were: B&H; Array Hair Studios; Kemptville Building Centre/RONA; Westerra Homes; RBC Kemptville; Sheppard & Associates; Caldwell Banker/Colburn Realty Brokerage; KingEx Snow Plowing; Sauve Heating Ltd.; CoBa Studios and Print Shop; and J. M. Automotive.

be more space on the sorting floor to hold it all and that is a good thing.

On the sorting floor, the many volunteers began to empty bags and check the food for expiry dates and then sort the products by food types.

They were very quick with the sorting and the two tables of sorters did an excellent job.

In short order there were 10, 8x8 pallets filled with boxes and boxes of sorted food, but there were still vehicles being emptied, and more bags placed on the floor. The sorters had to be relocated to make room for all the new bags of groceries.

It was a wonderful sight.

Many of the volunteers were parents of younger children who were happy that mom and dad had volunteered because they had the afternoon to jump and play on the closely supervised bouncy castles.

At the end of the day, there were still tonnes of bags to be sorted, 10 pallets of boxed and sorted food and hundreds of satisfied volunteers who had worked tirelessly to provide for those of us who are experiencing difficult times.

The North Grenville Community Church and the Salvation Army would like to thank each of them for giving of their time and resources. They would

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December 23, 2014

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Editorial

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The Voice of North Grenville

Ring them bells! food collected through the Fill-a-Bag Campaign, initiatives by Rotary, Kinsmen, and just about every church congregation in North Grenville, and many more that can go unnoticed, it’s hard to see where people find time to do their regular work, shopping, and recreation!

There is something about this time of year, the Christmas season, that is different. People act differently, they respond to the idea that we need to be caring and generous, that family and friends are important parts of life, and that people without those things need to be included somehow. Some call this “the true spirit of Christmas,” but what is that? There are two versions of the holiday in competition with each other, especially over the past couple of decades.

One is the traditional, what may be called the “religious” view - CHRISTmas, complete with carols and hymns about the birth of Jesus, Wise Men, mangers and nativity scenes.

This makes sense: after all, what is Christmas but the celebration of Jesus’ birth?

It doesn’t really matter that

by David Shanahan By the time you read this, the amazing series of events leading up to Christmas will be just about finished. No, not the lastminute shopping, or the mad rush to finish wrapping presents, buying food and drink supplies, etc. I mean the many projects, initiatives and events that are the work of so many volunteers in our North Grenville community, all designed to make sure that no individual or family is left out this Christmas.

Food, toys and supplies for all kinds have been donated, collected, sorted and delivered in astonishing amounts this year - possibly more than in any year before.

It is almost a cliché to say that this is a caring community: it is a fact that is proved again and again, and not just at Christmas.

But, somehow, this season brings out the best in people, the generosity, the caring and the willingness to put oneself out for the sake of others. When you think about the Mountain of Toys, the Sally Ann Kettle Campaign volunteers, the mind-boggling 18 tons of

tion wants to remove all the “religious” elements from the Holidays (as some like to call Christmas, forgetting that the world “holiday” comes from the words “holy day,” not much of an improvement for the non-religious). Those promoting this approach to Christmas want to replace Christ with an X, as in Xmas (again, forgetting that the “mas” part comes from the word “Mass,” as in “Christ’s Mass,” which comes from the Old English). That just seems silly, really. What does that “X” mean? What sense does it make to try and pretend that this festive season has nothing to do with religion, Jesus, or the supernatural?

I am often forced to wonder why people react so badly to the idea of Jesus, religion, and all of that kind of thing, especially at Christmas. Even if you don’t believe that Jesus is God, even if you reject any spiritual reality at all, what did he do to annoy people so much that they want to remove him from such a joyful celebration of peace, generosity and goodwill?

At the very least, here was

December 25 was just a handy pagan holiday lifted by the Catholic Church as a date to adopt for the occasion. The fact of the birth of Jesus, the way in which that event completely changed the world, for believers and non-believers alike, is one of the most significant events in history. We have even changed how we calculate time to mark it.

Whether you call it 2014 A.D. (Anno Domini, “the year of the Lord”), or 2014 C.E. (Christian or Common Era), makes no difference either. He is at the centre of history.

Christmas is a specifically Christian event, but open to all to enjoy. Over many years, it has been almost overwhelmed by secular additions: rather like a Christmas tree being almost hidden by lights, tinsel and various baubles.

We have added Santa Claus, holly, reindeer, decorations, even Christmas trees, but the reason for the season is still the same. So, what is the true spirit of Christmas?

It is celebration, joy to the world, gift-giving and a desire for peace for all.

The competing tradi-

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: It is always good to hear from our Kemptville scientist. However, I must take controversy with a few of her statements, anyway.

Progress is not possible in a world without science?

If this statement is limited to mechanical technological progress, I am in full agreement. However, to me real progress is a matter of logical thinking, appropriate behaviour, the will and motivation to act upon ones decisions. It is the human being who decides how to do something and what tools to use,-such as technology.

She goes on further to say that Evolution is a fact.

Saying it's so, does not make it so. That is merely a professional opinion.

The facts are insufficient to prove that Evolution is indeed a fact.

Science definitely has a part to play in the ongoing progress of humanity.

But let us not sacrifice real progress for some form of stilted 'supposed' progress for the sake of human egotism. As Science contributes to the increase in human consciousness, it is a wonderful thing,-as it contributes to the decrease is human consciousness, it is definitely detrimental.

Yes, scientists do have the luxury of denying evidence. As science stands today, it is sadly a matter of blind faith, when all is said and done,-no different than is the case with religion.

Sincerely, Vito Carini

December 23, 2014

Marketing Peter Peers peter@ngtimes.ca 613 989- 2850

Times: Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Friends of the North Grenville Public Library

13th Children’s Holiday Fun Fest Featuring

Juice Jam

Monday, December 29, 2014 10:00 A.M.

North Grenville Public Library

Admission:

Non Perishable Food item for the Salvation Army Refreshments provided by Giant Tiger

A very Merry Christmas to all the readers of the NG Times!

We pray that all of you have a wonderful and relaxed time during this holiday season Thank you to all our advertisers, friends and neighbours for such a great year in 2014.

One more issue next week before a whole New Year of fun!

Thank You!

Thank you for donating food, toys or money.

Thank you for volunteering your time and for your encouragement.

Thank you for supporting initiatives which help strangers, acquaintances and friends in need.

Sharing your love helps us know that we are not alone.

Sharing your spirit solidifies the magic of Christmas for our children.

Thank you for touching our lives.

Merry Christmas.

Recipients of Community Support For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

Mailing Address P.O. Box 35, Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0

ISSN 2291-0301

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402

a man who told people they should love one another, even their enemies. That they should forgive hurts, do good, care for the sick, the hungry, the poor, the young and the old. Aside from a period when he was very young, he never left his homeland, held no political position, worked most of his life as a carpenter, and lived such a life that even his opponents could find no genuine charge to lay against him.

And yet, they killed him.

Strange world, isn’t it? Terrorism, wars, murders of schoolchildren, the destruction of the planet... Yes, given all that, let’s enjoy these few days of warmth, peace, generosity and caring in our community. We have so much to be grateful for (to whomever you wish to be grateful), so much to value and appreciate in our friends, family and neighbours. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could carry that into 2015 and throughout the coming year? For now, let’s be thankful for the reason for the season, and remember that wise men still seek him. From everyone at the North Grenville

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Editor David Shanahan david@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Copy Editor Pat Jessop editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

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Production Manager Marguerite Boyer production@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Graphics Micheal Pacitto mike@ngtimes.ca 613-710-7104

Accounting Staff Reporter cfo@ngtimes.ca Beth Nicol 613-258-4671 beth@ngtimes.ca 613-258-0033

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Municipality Matters

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The Voice of North Grenville

Travel advice for the holidays

by Gord Brown MP As many Canadians escape the winter cold this holiday season to visit family and loved ones or to celebrate with their toes in the sand, it is important that Canadians understand what they need to do to ensure that their welldeserved vacation does not turn into a holiday disaster.

Canada’s team of dedicated consular officials assist

thousands of Canadian travellers abroad each year. They provide consular assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through more than 260 points of service in 150 countries.

However, there are some situations that not even a Christmas miracle can resolve. That is why Canadians need to prepare before they travel to ensure that their vacation goes off without a hitch. Here are some tips from me to you this holiday season.

A Canadian Passport is not a “Get-Out-of-JailFree-Card” Canadians should recognize that they are subject to the local laws of the country in which they are travelling, which are often different from those in Canada. Canada cannot intervene in foreign judicial processes, just as we

would not accept a foreign government intervening in ours. Canadians abroad are expected to adhere to local laws, just as they would in Canada. We keep Canadians up-to-date on country-specific advice and information which can be found at: http://travel. gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Say Yes to travel insurance Canadians are urged to always purchase travel and medical insurance before they leave Canada. In almost all circumstances, the Government of Canada—and the taxpayer—will not help pay for a ticket back to Canada or medical treatment. Don’t let unforeseen bills ruin your vacation and your wallet. For more information please visit: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/ documents/travel-insurance.

Register with us Canadians can register

their travel plans with the team of consular officials for free either online or through their mobile app. The purpose of registering is solely to ensure that if there is an emergency in the area you are travelling in, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, we can reach you quickly and provide you with guidance and assistance. This quick registration will take you two minutes but will provide us with invaluable information to help assist you when you need it most. For more information on our Registration for Canadians Abroad, please visit: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/ registration.

Know how to reach Officials Canadian consular officials can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our call collect

number (613) 996-8885 or by email sos@international. gc.ca. This is staffed with live officials at all times. Call us immediately if you are in trouble.

We love to help—But we cannot supply you with Maple Syrup Yes—Canadians have asked us to supply them with an emergency supply of maple syrup and have even asked us to arrange for a chauffeur for their pet poodle through the airport during their holiday travel.

As much as we love a good Canadian breakfast staple and are pet lovers ourselves, unfortunately Canadians have an unrealistic expectation of what we are here to help them with. For a list of what consular officials can and cannot do, please visit: http://travel. gc.ca/assistance/emergency-

info/consular/general.

Finally, from my family to yours, I would like to personally wish you warm wishes this holiday season and safe travels wherever it may take you.

Vanclief Report on Kemptville College released

by David Shanahan Provincially-appointed Facilitator on the future of Kemptville College, Lyle Vanclief, has released his official Report to the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Jeff Leal. In it, Mr. Vanclief discusses the background to the current situation at the College, the various issues involved in deciding a future direction for the institution, and the options that have been identified that might be considered by the relevant parties.

In fact, the Report has only one recommendation, that: “The Government of Ontario enter into negotiations with the Municipality of North Grenville to transfer the ongoing management and operation of the Kemptville College Campus to the Municipality with the eventual divestiture of the lands and buildings known as the Kemptville Campus from the Government of Ontario to the Municipality of North Grenville in order to renew and redevelop the Campus into an educational and multi-purpose community hub that meets the needs of eastern Ontario; and that financial support be provided by the Government of Ontario to assist with the management and transfer.”

Approaches to a number of educational institutions in Ontario and beDecember 23, 2014

yond failed to elicit any interest by a university or college in taking over Kemptville College as an academic facility. According to Mr. Vanclief: “From my research and discussions, the only agricultural academic program that has potential to be offered at the Kemptville Campus in the foreseeable future is an international agricultural school for foreign students operated by a private company and funded by the students and government of that country”.

This was, in part, because enrollment figures for KC had fallen over the years, and it was no longer an attractive proposition for other institutions.

Significantly, a number of staff members at the KC blamed the University of Guelph for this, as they claimed U of G had not put any effort into marketing the College’s diploma and other programs. “Staff indicated that student numbers could have been larger if the U of G had provided funding for concerted efforts to actively market its diploma and other programs over the last several years.”

In fact, the U of G came in for some serious criticism in the Report, not only for not marketing the academic side of the facility, but also for draining resources from it and for actively and deliberately rejecting revenue-generating opportunities. According

to Mr. Vanclief: “In 2014, staff responsible for leasing spaces and organizing events were directed not to rent any facilities required after November 1, 2014 despite the fact that staff are available to carry out this function and potential rental revenue would be lost. In recent months, there have been over 30 requests, many of which are for regular or annual agricultural events, that have been turned away, and in most cases, "turned off" by the new U of G policy.”

One or two major events have also been “turned away” by U of G, including the annual Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec regional Holstein championship show, a show which has been held in October on the Campus for many years. The Report notes the lasting damage this caused to the future ability of the College to attract such events. “Word spread quickly across eastern Ontario and Quebec, reducing the credibility of the U of G and its purported support for the dairy industry.

Lesser facilities for the event were secured at a fairgrounds which reduced the size and prominence of the show although that Fair Board was pleased to host a much smaller show and receive rental income.”

Mr. Vanclief noted the high level of emotion that was expressed by the people of North Grenville

in the face of the threatened loss of the College, but states that much of this feeling was based on ignorance of the facts on the ground. For example, it was believed by the public that the College had a higher enrollment and a greater depth of research activity than was actually the case. According to the Report: “The level of emotion weakened as I met with groups and individuals and outlined the low number of diploma students over recent years as well as the challenge of finding an educational "provider" for the future”.

The Report identified five areas to be analysed in deciding the future direction of the College: its Research capacity; potential for academic and skills training courses; the role of the Campus in the local community and eastern Ontario agricultural community; the provision of local jobs on Campus; and the challenge posed by the size and capacity of the acreage and the buildings on Campus. In examining these areas, the Report found that possible development of one or more of these areas would have an adverse effect on others, since the only possible options for the future, according to the Report, meant multiple-users taking over various parts of the campus for individual projects.

In the end, the Report

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identified only two possible options: either to have the owners of the land and facilities of the College, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario [ARIO], remain “as the landlord and seek a tenant or combination of tenants to lease the assets of the Campus. Those portions of the Campus that could be easily separated from the main part of the Campus could be sold with the revenue reinvested into retrofitting and modernizing the remaining facilities in order to attract more tenants and more fully utilize the remainder of the facilities”, or, as the Report recommends, have the Municipality take over the entire operation over a period of three to five years.

The responses of the Municipality, as well as those of local MPP, Steve

Clark, and the Kemptville College Task Force is covered in a separate article on page 7 of this week’s issue. The Report now goes to the Ontario government for review.

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Building a Sustainable North Grenville

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St Michael Rugby members chosen to represent Provincial/National Teams St Michael Rugby players (pictured left to right) Josh Gilchrist, Brittany Holtvluwer, Mackenzie Bacon and Cameron Larocque went on to represent different teams in provincial and national showdowns. Brittaney and Mackenzie went to PEI in July to represent the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union in the U18 Eastern Championships where they captured the silver medal. Cameron represented the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union U17 Sevens in Windsor, Ontario where the team captured fifth spot while Josh travelled to Calgary, Alberta to represent the Ontario East Rugby Union U16 team at the National Fifteen Championships where the team placed fifth. Congratulations to the players and keep posted as St Mikes rugby program keeps growing.

Oddfellows Hall decked for Seniors’ Christmas Dinner

by Beth Nicol On Wednesday December 17, the Oddfellows Hall was awash with all the Christmas fixings: decorations, music and a traditional dinner. Hosted by Susan Smith, Executive Director of Kemptville and District Home Support Inc., the Seniors’ Christmas Dinner was a resounding success. Conversation and laughter, carol singing and storytelling made for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere: The kind of atmosphere typically found at the Cheryl Brown Senior Centre.

The kindnesses of volunteers and local businesses helped the event run smoothly. A dozen or so volunteers assisted with the setup, served dinner and handled the cleanup. The use of the Oddfellows Hall and its facilities was made available free of charge; TLC provided a ramp to improve accessibility; Klub 67 provided gifts for the raffles; and the music was provided by Mel Bent and Don Watkins. A subsidy from the KDHSI kept the dinner cost to $10. The meal was provided by Butler’s Victorian Pantry.

Mike Blais (KofC) and Dr Pia Lambert: great community spirit helping the Knights of Columbus

December 23, 2014

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Vanclief Report welcomed

by David Shanahan The Municipality of North Grenville, the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force, and local MPP, Steve Clark, have all issued statements welcoming the report of Provincial Facilitator, Lyle Vanclief on the future direction of Kemptville College. The only recommendation of the Report was that the facility be transferred to the municipality, with provincial funding to be made available over the transition period of three to five years.

Martin Derks, Chair of the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force, commented that: “The provincial facilitator, the Hon. Lyle Vanclief, consulted widely with agriculture and other groups to map out a way forward for a sustainable solution for the Kemptville College campus. The recommendation that the

campus be transferred to the local municipality to establish a new Kemptville Centre for Rural Advancement is an exciting and promising development. We appreciate and are thankful for the work of Mr. Vanclief in consulting with the community over the past five months. On behalf of the Task Force, I would like to thank Mr. Vanclief and the many individuals and groups that have worked hard to get us to this point.”

Brian Carré, North Grenville Chief Administrative Officer, also welcomed the Report and pointed out that it marks the first step in the process of securing a stable future for Kemptville College. “We will be contacting the Offices of Minister Leal and Moridi to discuss next steps and we look forward to an ongoing dialogue that will lead to a renewed enthusiasm for rural education, training and

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Jam Night in the Afternoon!

Christmas Eve - Dec. 24th 3 - 4pm

New Year’s Eve - Dec. 31st 3 - 4pm Drum kit, noise makers, keyboard, PA system available

Happy Holidays Everyone !

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economic development that meets the needs of Eastern Ontario.” Brian commented that he was pleased that the Province will recognize that the Kemptville Campus “is a pillar of the community which has had a direct economic and fiscal impact not only in North Grenville but throughout the region”.

Similarly, David Gordon, North Grenville Mayor and Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville underlined the importance of the College to our community. “On behalf of North Grenville Council, I express our sincerest gratitude for the contributions of Mr. Vanclief and the many regional stakeholders who participated in this process.

We are pleased to see the trust that is extended to the Municipality to resurrect this longstanding academic institution in our community.”

Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark welcomed the recommendation for the province to enter into negotiations to transfer management and operation of the Kemptville College campus to the Municipality. “I’m very confident in the municipality’s ability to play this lead role and I will be working hard to ensure the province comes to the table with a fair deal and the necessary financial supports to make the transition a success”,

he said in a statement. He pointed to a recent report, ironically commissioned by the Ontario Agricultural College and the University of Guelph, which identified the supply of graduates trained in agriculture and food programs falls far short of meeting industry demands in Ontario.

“At the Bachelors’ level, that same report found demand in Ontario is three times the supply for agricultural graduates. So the need for trained workers is definitely there,” he said.

The MPP also welcomes the many criticisms of the University of Guelph contained in the Vanclief Report, particularly “the shortsighted decision by the University of Guelph to prohibit outside groups from renting facilities at the campus, despite the fact there was staff to provide services and that it resulted in lost income. I know this regrettable action by the university has upset these groups, but I would urge them to come back when the campus is under the welcoming management of the municipality.”

The report is now under review and consideration by the Ontario Government, and is available for public and stakeholder review online at: http://www.omafra.gov. on.ca/english/about/kemptville.pdf

UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, January 12th at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, January 19th at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

BUDGET MEETINGS • January 7th, 6:30 pm–9 pm • January 19th, Committee of the Whole—final discussions on budget.

• January 26th, Council Meeting—approve final budget.

2015 MUNICIPAL CALENDARS The 2015 Municipal Calendar and Solid Waste & Recycling Schedule was distributed in the December 17th edition of the Advance-EMC. If you did not receive yours, you may pick one up at the Municipal Office or view it on our website.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES Solid Waste and Recycling Pick-up December 25th, 26th, January 1st & 2nd each will be delayed by one day.

Municipal Office Holiday Hours December 24th 8:30 am–noon December 25th Closed December 26th Closed 8:30 am–noon December 31st North Grenville Public Library The Library branches will be closed from December 24th to 26th and January 1st. December 31st the Main Branch will be open 1:00 pm–5:00 pm.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Parking on Municipal roads is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am from November 15th to April 15th. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing/removal may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense. For info call 613-2582438 ext. 6.

2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15.00. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road #44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-4424 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-2438 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-2438 ext. 6 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca

or call 613 989 2850

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Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Holiday Store Hours

Dec 24, 8 to 5 / Closed 25 and 26 Dec 31, 8-5 / Closed Jan.1 301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6

Prime Rib Roast 13.21 kg

613.258.3014

5

Prices effective: Friday, December 19, 2014 to Thursday, January 1, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

December 23, 2014

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Feedback needed on Ontario Retirement Pension Plan The Province of Ontario is taking the next step in the development of the new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) with the release of a consultation paper inviting feedback on key design details of the plan. It is important to define a comparable workplace pension plan: since the ORPP is intended to help those without workplace pensions, workers already participating in a comparable pension plan would not be required to enrol in the ORPP. A minimum earnings threshold is needed, in order to reduce the burden on low-income workers.

Earnings below a certain threshold would be exempt from contributions, similar to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Supporting the self-employed: Since self-employed individuals have a unique status in the labour market as both

December 23, 2014

9

employee and employer, the province is consulting on how to best assist them in saving for their retirement. The province's four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure pension plan so everyone can afford to retire.

On December 8, Ontario introduced legislation that would, if passed, commit the government to establishing the ORPP

by Jan. 1, 2017 and lays out a framework for the creation of the ORPP. In 2012, fewer than 35 per cent of workers in Ontario had a workplace pension plan. Coverage for workers in the private sector is even lower, with only 28 per cent having plan

membership. Studies show that a significant portion of Ontarians may not be saving enough to maintain similar living standards throughout their retirement years.

The province is inviting responses to the consultation paper until February 13, 2015. Feedback on questions related to delivery, administration and the phased implementation of the ORPP will be considered as the government moves toward implementation in 2017.

The ORPP is being developed with input from the Technical Advisory Group on Retirement Security, consisting of a group of experts with a range of perspectives, including participants from other provinces, and would be administered by an arm’s length entity.

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NATOS Veterans Organization of Canada, 3rd Annual Christmas Dinner in Kemptville

The Voice of North Grenville

Friends of the North Grenville Public Library

13th

Children’s Holiday Fun Fest

This year, the organization had two guest from Germany. Seen above in centre of photo, Ralph Heimrich, Defence Attache and Markus Sam, Master Warrant Office, Assistant to the Defence Attache.

St. James partners with Rotary, Sally Ann to deliver books at Christmas

by Peter Bunn Each year for the past three years, the parishioners of St. James Anglican Church have joined forces with the Rotary Club of Kemptville and the Salvation Army to provide books for those members of our community who benefit from the Salvation Army Christmas hampers.

Each fall, at the annual Book Fair members of St. James and Rotarians select and pay for hundreds of new and gently used books.

Thanks to the generous cooperation of the Youth Centre, who are the organizers and beneficiaries of the sale,

quality books are available for purchase. Every attempt is made to anticipate the ages of those who will collect Christmas hampers from the Salvation Army later in the year. Mostly, children's titles are chosen, but many youth and adult books are selected also.

Following the Book Fair, the many boxes of books are stored at St. James Church.

Then, when the Salvation Army begins to gather the contents for their Christmas hampers, the books are transferred to the distribution centre. On the day the hampers are picked up, the books are displayed and those receiving a hamper

INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

are invited to choose a bagfull of reading material for themselves, and especially for their children.

This year, almost four hundred books were given away, to the great joy of those who received them.

For all the partners in this initiative, it is very important that literacy, especially among children, is encouraged and made possible.

As Robert Porter of St. James noted, "This is a winwin-win endeavour. The Youth Centre benefits from the sale proceeds, the Rotarian focus on youth in general and the Youth Centre in particular is supported,

Featuring the outreach mission of St. James in our community is enhanced and the Salvation Army has a little more support as they live out their mission in North Grenville.

We at St. James fully believe that we are called by the Gospel to engage in this kind of activity."

Juice Jam Monday, December 29, 2014 10:00 A.M.

North Grenville Public Library

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

December 23, 2014

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

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Fragile Crossings - Winter’s Work

Biologist Dr Frederick W. Schueler and his artist wife Aleta Karstad have spent much of the past six months travelling along the proposed route of the Energy East pipeline, recording an independent assessment of the characteristics of the rivers and streams that the pipeline would cross. Fred and Aleta surveyed as many crossings as possible, self sufficient along the route in their truck and trailer, with the expeditionary methods they developed through forty years of exploring Canada's natural history. Now that they have returned home to Bishop’s Mills, they describe the next steps in the project.

After three months on

the road, chasing Energy East from Fort McMurray to the Bay of Fundy for 14,632 kilometres, we wonder if any Transcanada personnel now have our experience of the entire pipeline route from Hardisty to Saint John...

When we think of how much we've seen and experienced through all this, it nearly makes us dizzy. There comes a time, when you've assimilated so much beauty and wisdom, that you've got to come home to write down the wisdom, curate the specimens, and get the beauty onto the canvas. Also, you run out of money after a while.

It's been a long haul: since the last on-site painting (Tunnel Island), we went across

snowy, high-water northern Ontario, driven by scheduled meetings - a presentation about our travels in Thunder Bay (organized by Ontario Nature), dropping in on friends at the Empire Theatre in Cochrane, and refusing to drive when our summer tires wouldn't have been able to keep a grip on Hwy 11 past Temagami (thereby avoiding participation in the horrible Hallowe'en crashes we saw there). We described our travels to the Ontario Rivers Alliance at North Bay, and then things were simplified as we came down the Ottawa Valley by the fact that the rivers were too high to sample, various foliages were too frosted to waypoint. Standard Time made it seem much later than the clock said, and the traffic was light.

Once we were home, and had been shown to the grandson, the first thing I did was finish my Aidie Creek Winter Coming painting and publishing our 2015 Fragile Crossings Calendar, while Fred dried and bagged the samples, leaving him something like 1.5 cubic metres of material to work through over the winter. Then, more than a month

was consumed by a cascading list of meetings, repairs, presentations, errands, and administrative duties.

Now it feels as if we can finally begin to settle into a winter routine of working up collections and data, and resuming continued posting of paintings and results from places we visited but where we visited too briefly to paint.

Fred's project for the winter is to write a webpage summarizing data in our database from a 10 km radius from each place where the route crosses a stream, and to update these pages as we identify more material, or get data from other sources.

I'll be finishing paintings begun in the field, and then moving on to sites where we only have photographs, as well as doing a few local crossings during the winter.

I will also be teaching oil painting to the first year Fine Arts class at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, using many of my plein air paintings from the expedition as teaching tools.

We're seriously considering another Fragile Crossings expedition next year, and hoping to assemble a group

to advise us, and to keep our work co-ordinated with that of others concerned about this proposal. Perhaps the post-Mudpuppy Night gatherings at the Brigadoon (once it reopens on January 15) can become a venue for discussing Energy East work.

It's a great privilege to cross Canada by road. We are conscious not only of the investment in time, but the cost in energy and resources - from gas and truck parts, to internet and cell phones. We all share the trickle down and cumulative effects of these expensive "privileges" on our vulnerable air, land, and water.

We hope that what we noticed, collected, documented, shared, and have yet to share, will be worth the cost, so that

our footprints will be lighter than air, catalysing and inspiring the paradigm shift that we all know must come, in the hope that it won't come too late.

Aleta & Fred FRAGILE CROSSINGS 2015 calendar now available!

This year it features 12 paintings from our Fragile Crossings expedition, from Alberta to New Brunswick.

The 13th month features an essay on the Energy East pipeline, the text of which we have posted at our Vulnerable Watersheds blog. Sales of the calendar help to support our Fragile Crossings project.

The calendar is available for online purchase at Lulu.com

Gord Brown encourages employers to apply for funding for summer jobs for youth 2015 Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for LeedsGrenville, notes that employers can now apply for funding under Canada Summer Jobs 2015. The funding will create thousands of job opportunities for students across the country.

“Our government’s priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and longterm prosperity,” explains Gord. “Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping young Canadians get the skills and experience they need to get jobs now and in the future. I encourage employers to apply for funding to create jobs that will help students, employers and their local economies.”

In 2011, the Government of Canada increased the budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million, bringing the total program budget to $107.5 million.

For 2015, the Canada Summer Jobs budget in Leeds-Grenville is $228,506, which is comprised of the base budget of $190,273 and the constituency share of the additional December 23, 2014

$10 million funding which amounts to $38,233.

Funding will be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses to hire qualified young people aged 15 to 30, who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the fall. It is estimated that up to 35,000 young Canadians will benefit from

summer employment while helping employers address skills shortages.

Since 2006, the Government has helped over six million young Canadians receive experience, training, and skills needed for better jobs. Part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, Canada Summer Jobs helps students gain the skills

and experience they need to be successful, now and in the future, while earning money for the upcoming school year.

Employers may submit applications at www. servicecanada.gc.ca/csj by January 30, 2015.

The Canada Summer Jobs program delivers $107.5 million annually across the country.

Season’s Greetings!

May each day of the holiday season be filled with health, happiness, love and laughter.

Thanks to everyone for supporting us this year.

Dr. C. L. Eamon Dr. H. E. Marriott Optometrists 212 Van Buren St. 613-258-7438

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CLASSIFIEDS

Last Minute Holiday Gifts for the Drivers on your List

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents.

Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca SERVICES The Pet Nanny - Pet sitting, dog walking Kempt./ Merrickville. 613-979-2616 petnannykemptville.com

ist Carol Pillar RHN. www. w h o le su map p r o ac h.co m 258-7133 FOR RENT

roperty cleanup,trees/brush/ yard waste,scrap,dump runs,anything removed Wayne Scott RR#5 Kemptville 613-286-9072

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but if you haven’t finished your shopping yet, you may be starting to stress a little.

Fortunately, Be Car Care Aware has some great gift ideas to help keep all the 3 bdrm, 2 full bath. Incl. ap- drivers on your list safe plicances, lg basement, park- on the road this holiday ing & garage. Call 613 720 season.

Log chalet nestled on a mountainside facing north, Mont Tremblant. 4 bedrooms, fireplace, hot tub. Book now 613 203 2897 chantillyplace. tremblant@gmail.com

Rideau River home at Burritt’s Rapids, 2 bedroom, 21/2 bathrooms, completely furnished including all ap- 0942. pliances, $1650 plus utilities.

613 269 4785 Spacious 3 bdrm bungalow.

SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? Fridge, stove, washer, dryer www.herbalone.com Effective, af- House for rent in Heckston. incl. Large lot. $1275 + utilifordable programs and/or products. $750.00 plus gas and hy- ties. 613 853 6592 Call 613-258-4242 Mention this ad to dro.613-258-4741 SAVE 10%.

Old Town Kemptville - 113 Bright and spacious room for Prescott St - commercial reFREE DRUM LESSON!!! Pro- rent. $500/month. Call Chan- tail space-1,878 sq.ft., avail. immediately 613 295-0552 fessional drummer offering tal 613-456-6033.

FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www. Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 Old Town Kemptville, 10 drumhead.ca Rideau St; $800 + utilities; Prescott St. - commercial hardwood floors; gas heat; retail space, 800 sq.ft., avail.

Snowplowing per time or covered balcony; no smoking immediately. 613 295 0552. contract. Call Mike 613-223- or pets; available immedi1455. ately. 613-295-0552 3 bedrooms,main floor family room gas heat, nice yard,parking Pre-Christmas Botox Cosmet- Kemptville 2 bdr house, 4 ap- 2 cars,walking distance to ameniic TM Clinic December 14th in pliances $900 + utilities, no ties. $1125.00 + utilities.Gary Kemptville. pets. Call John 613 258 2753 613-720-5004.

Information at www.pop- KEMPTVILLE available Jan. upma.com or email info@ 15, 2 bdrm SxS duplex, gas popupma.com. heat, frige, stove, parking. $860/mth includes water.

The holidays are coming fast. 613 864-2884. (30/12) Do you need help getting ready? Experienced cleaning One bedroom apt available lady willing to come to your immediately in Burritt’s home. Weekly, bi-weekly or Rapids. Parking, separate monthly. Call 613.558.1247 entrance & private yard. No dogs. $650 + utilities. Call Need an Avon Lady? Shop in 269-2850. your home at your leisure, 2 bedroom upper level of call Joan, 613 258-7644. duplex in downtown KempNeed help with social media? tville. 4 applicances/parking/ Business or personal. Email water included. Call 613 296 alwaysoncanhelp@gmail. 5906. com or call 613-227-3009 Old Town Kemptville – 10 Nutritional Counselling to Prescott St. – commercial customize a wellness plan retail space – 800 sq. ft., for all your health concerns. available immediately. 613w h o l e su m a p p r o ac h.co m 295-0552 613-258-7133 Old Town Kemptville – 10 Qualified English tutor: read- Prescott St. – commercial ing, writing, grammar, etc...I retail space – 690 sq. ft., available immediately. 613make it fun! 613-269 2367.

295-0552 House Cleaning-Every working Mother and Father needs Old Town Kemptville – 113 a House Wife. Sandi 613-219- Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 1,878 sq. ft., 7277 available immediately. 613Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, 295-0552 Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $800 + utilities; YOGA for everyone. Wed and hardwood floors; gas heat; Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902 covered balcony; no smoking or pets; available immediFood-HealthConnec tions ately. 613-295-0552 seminars for your company, group, school. NutritionDecember 23, 2014

The Voice of North Grenville

FOR SALE Winter tires, Pirelli Snow Carving, 185/70R14, used part of one season, set of 4, $300 (613) 269-4057

Quality grass horse hay 4x5 rounds. Jon 613-227-3650

Gift Idea #1: Winter Tires

Winter tires are a must in cold climates, yet according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, only 51 percent of Canadians outside of Quebec use winter tires. The trouble is that all-season tires start to lose their elasticity and harden at around 7°C, greatly reducing grip on the road, whether it is snow covered or not. Help keep your loved ones safe on the road by gifting them with winter tires, which maintain their optimal elasticity until -40°C and allow for prompt braking.

And don’t underestimate the importance of new tires! Tread depth and wear are important factors in the proper functioning of your tires, so a new set is a great gift idea for all of your loved ones, even those living in Quebec where winter tires are mandatory.

Gift Idea #2: Battery Booster Pack

4 new winter tires on rims, 225-60R16, $750. Call Don 613 258-6413. (20/12)

In case of battery failure, it’s a good idea to have Galvanized, vinyl,dog kennel a battery booster pack in 8’x14’x48”, insulated doghouse your trunk. These packs are

easy to use and allow you to boost your car battery without hooking it up to another vehicle. Some even have built in outputs to recharge personal electronics such as smartphones and tablets.

Gift Idea #3: Windshield Wipers

A new set of windshield wipers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking of Christmas gifts, but many Canadians neglect to change theirs, costing them their visibility on the road. According to industry experts, you should change your wiper blades every six months, and during the colder months it is preferable to use winter wipers made of rubber that maintains its elasticity in lower temperatures. Help to keep the drivers on your list safe by buying them a new pair of wipers and some extra windshield washer fluid so that they can see where they’re going.

Gift Idea #4: Emergency Kit

A small box of emergency items can provide peace of mind and be a real lifesaver in case of an emergency. The emergency kit should contain first aid items along with a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable food items, a paper map, flares, and winter essentials like a snow brush/scraper, a blanket, and a shovel. An emergency kit will prepare

your loved ones for an unexpected breakdown that may leave them stranded on the roadside for an extended period of time.

Gift Idea #5: Roadside Assistance Membership

Various automobile associations, retailers, and repair groups offer roadside assistance programs with towing services. By purchasing a year’s membership for the drivers on your list, you can give the gift of peace of mind and help when it’s needed most.

Gift Idea #6: Car Care Guide

According to recent focus groups conducted by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association, Canadian drivers feel that automotive service technicians possess all the knowledge when it comes to maintenance and repairs, while consumers know very little.

Help empower your loved ones to make good decisions about vehicle care by gifting them a Car Care Guide this year. The new 74-page guide contains clearly written and easy-tounderstand maintenance and service information and is a great resource for any driver, whether new or experienced.

For more helpful road safety tips, visit www.BeCarCareAware.ca and learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season.

251/2” x 311/2”, $350,989-2836

Jeep hard top storage doly/ dust cover. Incl. 2 carts, nests together. $500. 613 215 0253.

Firewood-Hardwood, aged 2 years, $110/cord delivered in Kemptville area. 314-9327.

Chainsaw, Makita Model SC341, 16”bar. Spare chain and file incl. $160. Call 613 325 0845.

WOOD seasoned mixed hardwood, cut and split, delivery from $95 a cord, Jon 613-2273650.

Did you attempt a renovation project in your cottage that’s turned into a disaster?

WANTED

WE WANT TO HELP!

"Mature driver looking for part time work in Ottawa or South of Ottawa areas. DZ license with a clean abstract available. Light duty deliveries preferred. Trained as a mechanic on cars and light duty trucks. References provided. Available immediately. canjagman@bell.net call 613-3142456 ask for Jamie.(20/12)

For details see page 2

New Cottage Life TV series dives into the world of reno projects gone wrong and is looking for Ontario cottagers within a 3 hour radius of Ottawa with misguided renos in need of MAJOR help from experts.

Each episode top notch carpenter Dave Depencier and his team turn disaster reno projects into a little piece of cottage perfection. Along the way they right the wrongs and teach cottage DIYers how to do things properly.

Did you try a project at the cottage you would never have considered doing at home and it went terribly wrong? APPLY NOW!

Building a Sustainable North Grenville

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Please contact us at casting@mountainroad.ca with the subject heading “Cottage Reno Series”

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Dec 24 Dec 29

The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Prescott St. at 7 pm. Refreshments following service.

Children's Holiday Fun Fest The Friends of the North Grenville Public Library present the 13th annual Children's Holiday Fun Fest featuring Juice Jam. 10:00 am, North Grenville Public Library.

Admission: Non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army.

Weekly and recurring events Wed

Thurs

Wed Tues

Fri

Sat

Sat M,W,F

The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first Wednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44.

For more info see ngphotoclub.ca.

Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion.

Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church,, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed!

KCCB, NG High School band room,7-8:30 pm. Brass and Woodwind musicians of all levels welcome! Music covers a wide range of musicals, classics, jazz and modern pieces. For more information, email dennis843@gmail.com Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613258-2691.

North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665.

Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month beginning Sept 10, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs.

Everyone welcome, $5.00.

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

Friendship lunch, Leslie Hall, Clothier St. W. Sponsored by St. James, St. John, Kemptville Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army and Holy Cross churches. Serving begins at 11:30 am. No charge.

Goodwill offering. All are welcome.

The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church.

Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103.

Kemptville Legion breakfast, 3rd Saturday of the month, 8-10 am.

Adults $5; Children under 12, $3. All welcome.

Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.

ACROSS 1. "Smallest" particle 5. As well 9. Midmonth date 13. Prospector's find 14. Water lily 16. Naked 17. Dwarf buffalo 18. Religious belief 19. Arab chieftain 20. Feel 22. Violate 24. A city in western Russia 26. Gave out 27. Panorama 30. Cliché 33. Loafing 35. Wand 37. Chief Executive Officer

SUDOKU

Post-Secondary Students invited to submit design for Canada 150 Logo Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for LeedsGrenville, says that students have a chance to be part of history in the making. He is encouraging post-secondary students over the age of 18 to take part in the Canada 150 Logo Design Contest.

Students will have the opportunity to submit a design for the logo that will be a key element in the multi-year effort to bring Canadians together for our country’s ongoing celebration of 150 years of Confederation.

“I invite all Canadian post-secondary students in in Leeds-Grenville, especially our up-andDecember 23, 2014

coming graphic designers, to take part in the Canada 150 Logo Design Contest.

What does Canada mean to you? As we prepare to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, creating a national, recognizable brand that Canadians can identify will encourage participation in this significant milestone,” he says.

Submissions for the Canada 150 Logo Design Contest will be accepted from December 5, 2014, to January 23, 2015.

The logo should evoke feelings of pride, unity and celebration, and it should reflect Canada as a diverse nation with a rich past and

38. A nymph of lakes 41. Regret 42. Keen 45. Underpants 48. Words to a song 51. Not strict 52. Leers 54. Dispatched 55. A small restaurant 59. Waste conduit 62. 53 in Roman numerals 63. Candle "strings" 65. Anger 66. Style of hairdo 67. Purposes 68. Requests 69. Existed 70. Fail to win 71. In order to prevent

DOWN 1. "What a shame!"

2. Anagram of "Note" 3. Dental medicine 4. Quantify 5. Alien Life Form 6. Weight to be borne 7. Anagram of "Diets" 8. Beginning 9. Resistance to change 10. Russian parliament 11. Modify 12. Arid 15. Trim 21. Distinctive flair 23. Association 25. Ends a prayer 27. Cut into cubes 28. Something to shoot for 29. An Old Testament king 31. Urban smarts 32. Grieve 34. Bro or sis 36. Where a bird lives 39. Completely 40. Accomplishes 43. Ablation 44. Trailer trucks 46. 1 1 1 1 47. Inorganic 49. Balls of yarn 50. Periodical 53. Pervert 55. Whine with snuffling 56. Fully developed 57. Assistant 58. Anagram of "Seek" 60. Large North American deer (plural) 61. A musical pause 64. South southeast

a promising future.

A judging committee made up of community leaders and representatives from the arts, heritage and educational sectors will develop a shortlist of qualified entries for final consideration.

In addition to the prestige and recognition of having his or her logo used as the Government of Canada’s brand for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the winner will receive $5,000 and a display in one of Canada's national institutions.

For more details and information on how to apply, see Canada.ca/150.

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Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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$1000 Raffle Basket awarded ... just in time for Christmas!!!

The Kemptville Mustangs Girls competitive Volleyball teams and their coaches presented Jane Gallant of North Augusta with the baskets. Joining Jane Gallant was her grandson Leo Gallant.

• Brewing Oasis, Array Submitted by Joanne Huels The Kemptville Mustangs Hair Studio, The Source, Girls competitive U14/U15 Black Tomato Restaurant, Volleyball team held a Raffle Cooper Physiotherapy, Class and Silent Auction fundraiser Axe, Shoeless Joes, Silver in November. The raffle was Meadows, Captain Sea Selecconcluded on December 12 tions, Kemptville Bowling, with the drawing of the win- Spa Jada, All Dolled Up ning ticket for the $1,000 Salon, Walmart, Kings Pizza, gift basket. The Kemptville Subway, Sherry’s Kitchen, Mustangs Girls competitive Candy for you.

Local merchants who Volleyball teams and their coaches presented Jane Gal- provided products were: • Hairdooz, Avon, Pamlant of North Augusta with the baskets. Joining Jane pered Chef, Witch Wick, Gallant was her grandson Leo SuGold, Victorian Pantry, Old Mother Hubbard, Royal LePGallant.

This was a true testa- age, Dr Yazdani, Tish Boyle, ment of how a community Mirricks Landing, Melissa comes together and a great Cooper, Vandemheen Conshowcase to all of the local struction, Party Light, Royal merchants we have in the Bank, Geronimos Local merchants who Kemptville area. Please join the girls in thanking the lo- provided Silent Auction items cal merchants by shopping (valued over $70) were: • A&B Cummings , locally this Christmas and all year long!! The Girls would Kemptville Suites, The Puralso like to thank all of the suit of Happiness, Stagra Auresidents from near and far tomotive, Rowland's Leather, who helped support them and Bryan Valeriani -, Clear Cut make this a great fundraiser. Installations, Sandy Row The girls raised over $1,800 Restaurant & Golf, Bare to help them this season. GO Beauty Spa, Bretny Holmes Photography, Liz’ Hair DeMUSTANGS !!!!!!!

Local merchants who pro- sign, Nationview Golf, Bhodi Tree Yoga. vided gift certificates were:

Pat Orton, one of the "kids" from the turning of the sod photo re-enactment 50 years later. seen carrying his shovel back to the car after the photo.

The North Grenville Historical Society Photo by Mike Pacitto December 23, 2014

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kempro Trailers

Cargo Horse Utility Tow Dolly Truck Decks www.kempro.ca

Dump Flatbed Roll-o Livestock Toy/Car Hauler 613-258-9085

Kempro Trailers was founded 25 years ago by a gentleman named Keith Smith. He started a small Travalong Trailer dealership in his backyard in Winchester, Ontario. Soon after the business was bought by Randy Lavier and moved to Kemptville, where they were better known as NDT Trailer Sales; after 15 years in business Randy expanded NDT Trailers to carry the product line it carries today. In 2013, Murray Matheson took over operations and owns and operates as Kempro Trailers, selling many different makes and models such as: Travalong, Hillsboro, Twi-Lite, Lightning, Look, PJ Trailers, N & N, and Millroad Trailers. Murray continues to expand the business by offering trailer parts, trailer service, vehicle performance parts, truck decks, and forestry equipment.

Why Buy From Kempro?

Competitive Pricing Excellent Service Knowledgeable Staff Quality Trailers Financing Available Warranty Protection Kempro is located at Unit 5 #3 Industrial Park Rd., Kemptville at the Corner of HWY 43 and HWY 22. We can be reached at 613-258-9085.

For a complete list of products and services, check out our website at www.kempro.ca

Performance

Automotive Est. 1994 Quality Repairs to all Makes and Models Exhaust, Tire, A/C and Advanced Diagnostic Specialists Computer Alignment

Custom Pipe Bending

D.O.T. Safety Inspections

Randy Urslak

December 23, 2014

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www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Matteo’s Christmas suggestion

by Jim Bertram Matteo had just arrived at Grandpa and Oma’s house on a blustery, wintery day with little sister, Leona and MommaPoppa. Exactly two weeks before Christmas. He left his winter suit and hat with MommaPoppa to sort out and charged across the warmly lit living room to where his Grandpa was sitting with arms outstretched.

“What are the chances for a big hug from my little polar bear?”, said Grandpa knowingly. The sturdy three year-old advanced with confidence to his Grandpa and, just as Grandpa had suspected he would, stated unequivocally in response: “Well, Grandpa, you know I am really a pussy cat, not a polar bear.” His eyes glowed with the bright innocence and certainty of a child who is well loved and certain that his pronouncements will be listened to and respected.

“I thought so,” said Grandpa, smiling. “So how about a hug from a great big woolly-haired pussycat?”

Grandpa enjoyed the hug and so did his grandsoncum-pussycat who, after a brief embrace, ran to inspect the treasures of Oma’s kitchen. “I’m going to look

December 23, 2014

at the apple pie,” roared Matteo as he trotted further into the house in the general direction of the kitchen.

A few moments later, after the usual initial chaos of arrival at family visits, all were seated and chatting happily. The fireplace was glowing madly, as if feeding on the excitement and emotion which filled the room. At the height of the general chatter, Matteo re-emerged from the depths of the brightly lit house and approached his Grandpa.

“Do you know why we are here tonight, Grandpa?”, he said. “Well now, maybe I do. Could you tell me and maybe that would help,” said Grandpa.

“Well now, did you know we are here for your birthday,” said the curly-haired boy. “You are going to be older,” he added. “Oh dear,” thought Grandpa to himself, a bittersweet thought indeed. But he smiled at his beautiful grandson and said, “Gosh, Matti, do you know how old I’m going to be?”

Earlier in the year, Matti had maintained that Grandpa was only one year older than he himself was, and Grandpa wasn’t going to argue. More recently, Matti had revised his estimate of Grandpa’s age to 44 and one-half years old. And so Grandpa was surprised to hear Matteo say: “Well Grandpa, today you are going to be 68 years old.”

“Hmmm - exactly right,” murmured Grandpa.

“Now that’s pretty old,” said Matteo smiling, wondering at the portent of such an astronomically large number.

And then, in a change of subject so dizzying that it could only be the product of a little boy’s three year-old mind, he added: “Do you have your Christmas tree yet, Grandpa? I don’t see one anywhere.”

Grandpa thought for a moment and replied: “Yes, we better get it soon because Christmas will soon be here, won’t it. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree.”And then Matteo took Grandpa by the hand and led him towards the kitchen.

“Where are we going” asked

Grandpa in his most questioning tone. “I’m going to show you where I want to put the Christmas tree,” said little Matteo.

They continued their way to the family room, the

little boy leading all the way.

Soon, they were at the big south-facing window which looked out over the beautiful tree-ringed snow-meadow that was the South garden of South Gower. “This is where

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it will be,” said Matteo. “Just like it was last year. This is where it should always be.

So everyone and the birds and animals can see it too.”

Grandpa looked down at his beautiful grandson. “So

it will be, Matteo. That’s where it will be. And always be. Facing the South meadow. Our Christmas tree in South Gower.” Merry Christmas everyone, from Matteo and Grandpa.

www.ngtimes.ca