December 23, 2015 issue 51

the north grenville

TIMES

Merry Christmas to our readers, contributers and advertisers from the staff at the NG TIMES

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford www.ngtimes.ca

Vol. 3, No. 51

The Voice of North Grenville

December 23, 2015

A new French Catholic school in Kemptville

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

by David Shanahan The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE), or Centre-East French Catholic School Board, has announced that it is the first tenant of the Kemptville College campus under an arrangement with the Municipality of North Grenville, the University of Guelph and the provincial government. The Conseil released a statement which reads, in part: “Starting in September 2016, junior kindergarten through grade 9 students will be able to attend French Catholic school in their own community at Kemptville College. The Conseil des écoles catholiques du CentreEst (CECCE) is thrilled to announce that it will be able to meet the requests of parents in this community, who asked

government authorities to open a French Catholic school back in 2012".

This does not, as some have assumed, mean the closing of Sainte-MargueriteBourgeoys school in Merrickville. That school remains fully operational, drawing, as it does, students from a large catchment area. CECCE Director of Education Réjean Sirois told the NGTimes that the Conseil is very excited to be part of the revitilisation of the College. “The campus will remain alive, with students moving about, parents collecting their children, and school buses bringing them to and from school every day”, he said.

The site at CR 43 and Somerville Road, where the board had recently erected a sign identifying it as the site for the new school, is being retained by the Conseil, who

point out that the move to the College is part of a lease agreement. Once the municipality take over the buildings and land, they will arrange a new lease with the Conseil, and the board will have an opportunity to evaluate the college as a site for a permanent facility.

Forbes Symon, Director of Planning and development for the Municipality of North Grenville, also expressed delight that the College has obtained “a blue-chip” tenant.

He expects that this is the start of a long-term relationship between the municipality and the Conseil, and says that the 100 to 150 students who are expected to populate the College over the next few years will be a wonderful addition to the life of the community.

Forbes identified the Fraser and Purvis Buildings as the ones which will be used by

the school, with some use being made of the W. B. George Centre also. The buildings, he noted, are fully accessible and will suit the needs of the school without any need for major renovations.

Réjean Sirois agrees. As a lease holder on a mediumterm basis, he does not see the board investing in changing the buildings at this stage.

The Conseil will keep their options open, knowing that the population of the region is growing and the demand for space will only increase.

David Gordon, Mayor of North Grenville said that “this is a great day for the future of Kemptville College. Having a new French Catholic school in North Grenville, utilizing the amazing assets at Kemptville College fits perfectly with the vision we have for the future of Kemptville Colcontinued on page 2

the Merrickville/ Wolford

TIMES page 14

The North Grenville Times

Book Review

Stories from the South Branch

by David Shanahan

submitted by Ken Mews At last, Dr. David Shanahan has collected all the historical and historic pieces he has painstakingly researched and written for the North Grenville Community Newsletter and NG Times over the past decade, put all 73 together between a set of beautiful covers and made it available just in time for Christmas—no accident.

Thankfully these pieces have now escaped the fate of most newspaper columns—forgotten, disintegrating in a desk drawer or reduced to kindling for the woodstove.

Stories from the South Branch paints a broad picture of the history of North Grenville, not a comprehensive

one, as he points out, but one filled with sharply focussed vignettes that are detailed and revealing about what our community was like, a representative sampling of its colourful local characters and the economic and personal challenges they faced.

People seemed to be more rugged and resilient back then—not obsessed with pigeons spoiling the downtown, for example. They were enterprising--sometimes unlucky, like Rickey Waugh, sometimes outstandingly successful, like Howard Ferguson, Robert Bell, the railroad president, Alexander C. Rutherford, first premier of Alberta, and the T.A. Kidds, father and son, of Burritt’s Rapids—sometimes more

lege. This is just the beginning of the announcements we hope to make in coming weeks and months.” École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys is well-rooted in the Merrickville community, and has been for some 20 years. The region’s families count on the excellent French Catholic education offered by École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys to ensure their children’s success and well-being, and the new Kemptville pavilion will carry on this tradition of excellence.

During its first year of operations and starting next September, the Kemptville school will provide an educational program running from Junior Kindergarten to grade 9. Higher grades will be added in 2017, 2018 and 2019, enabling the school to accommodate all K-12 students.

The CECCE is also studying the possibility of adding an early childhood centre oncampus to enable the entire spectrum of French language Dec. 23, 2015

education to be available in Kemptville.

While some details remain to be finalized, the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est has big plans for the École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marguerite Bourgeoys’ Kemptville pavilion. As Réjean Sirois put it, “This project is more than just a school. It is in fact a community project that will revitalize the Kemptville College campus and help ensure the vitality of an institution that is so very important to the local economy. The campus is the perfect place to establish Kemptville’s first French-language school.

I am already dreaming about all the programs that could be set up here, as well as the

eral chapters, of the coming of the railway and the explosive political repercussions this had, dividing the loyalties of taxpayers and investors, pitting Kemptville against the surrounding township, changing the economy and day-to-day routine for everyone in North Grenville.

There is something of interest for everyone in this book, from the local history of Canada Day celebrations to that of our early newspapers and their curious editors.

There are stories of murder and mayhem—“The Lonesome Death of L.J. Banks,” “Mysterious Death of a Bank Teller,” and not to be forgotten, “The Mysterious Case of the Poisoned Porridge.”

Some of the content is repetitious and overlapping, but this is hard to avoid in a work that republishes articles written over a long period of time on subjects and people who were all closely linked. You will not regret reading this lively and insightful book and keeping it handy for bedtime or bathroom reading for many years to come.

This 200-page book makes the perfect gift for lovers of history, mystery, biography and fun facts. Read it straight through, and come back to dip into favourite chapters.Now available at Kemptville B&H, or by calling 613-258-5083. Only $20.

moderately so, like teachers John Conn and Winnie Lamrock, “unofficial historian of her times.”

Starting “long before [the] white man,” Shanahan traces the struggles of the pioneering European settlers and their families who took up land first in South Gower and Burritt’s Rapids and gradually filled up the rectangular grid of the township at the centre where Kemptville now stands. The stories of each of the hamlets is included –even one that has almost been forgotten, Perkins’ Mills. Kemptville’s great fire of 1872 and its mysterious progress is described, as are later fires that devastated the village and hamlets like a recurring plague. Fire has taken too much of our past, but demolition is now the major threat faced by the few historic buildings left that provide us with a visual and concrete link to our past.

The churches that meant so much to our ancestors are represented by the Presbyterian Church in Oxford Mills; and St. James’ Anglican Church and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, both of Kemptville. “The Salvation Army Invades” is a gem of wit and perception as it recounts the lifelong effect their “loud music and joyful noise” had on young Harry Banks.

Shanahan tells us, in sev-

A new French Catholic school in Kemptville

The Voice of North Grenville

Marguerite-Bourgeoys’s Kemptville pavilion will have the same attendance boundaries as the original school, and parents are free to register their children at either Kemptville or Merrickville.

Instructions for registering and all additional details will be available at www.ecolecatholique.ca/kemptville.

con’t from front page

partnership with Kemptville built around fighting climate change and developing agriculture. It will be a school that is open to the world and one that means to build a better future.”

For now, the École élémentaire catholique Sainte-

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The Voice of North Grenville

Mud and glory at Fetherston Park Erick Le Pors

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613-860-2539

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by Marguerite Boyer It’s heart wrenching to drive through Fetherston Park at the moment. Literally every yard and road has been torn apart, and with all the rain last Thursday, it’s mud everywhere. I would be so discouraged and yet, the people of Fetherston were cheering this past week: a huge hurdle had just been overcome. Their water treatment plant had finally arrived and each unit was to be hooked up within a few

days. And, thankfully the cold weather had held off, making it all possible.

I must commend the people there for their courage and hope. In 2013, they were facing the loss of everything they owned, as the Municipality effectively issued an eviction order on them. But they have fought hard to save their homes and their community, and the installation of their new Clearford One system is a huge milestone on the way to a bright and prosperous future.

Everything they have endured over the years, and now, finally, their dream is that much closer. Maurice Dumoulin, President of the Community Association, was so encouraged as he explained the whole process to me, as I stood there in two feet of mud with the rain coming down, while watching the lowering of the process plant on to its resting place. It seemed so seamless, but, according to Kevin Loiselle, President and CEO of Clearford Water Systems, it

takes a lot of work to make it seem so seamless.

Maurice and the other residents have such a sense of pride and vision as to what the Park can now become.

Right now, it all looks a mess, but, come this summer, they have plans for the beautification of the entire area.

The people of Fetherston Park should give themselves a pat on the back. You have a lot to be proud of and great achievable goals ahead of you. Well done!

NG Chamber of Commerce Christmas lunch

Building a Sustainable North Grenville

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Directors Gerald Talman, Melissa White and David Shanahan celebrating David’s Baileys win at Hard Stones Grill.

The Meet and Greet Luncheon of the NG Chamber of Commerce last week was wonderful.

It was well attended and a lot of fun! We met at Hard Stones Grill in Kemptville and it turned out just perfect. The food and drinks were really good but the company was even better! It was a chance to connect with members that had not been able to attend an evening event. MPP Steve Clark turned up to say hello, and a very happy Irish Director won the door prize, a large bottle of Baileys: perfect. We expect that we will do the luncheons more often. Hope to see you there!

Dec 23, 2015

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

And so this is Christmas...

by David Shanahan People can get a bit cynical about Christmas sometimes. The hype, the commercialism, the false friendliness: all can be very off-putting and you start wondering if there’s anything remotely real about it. But this year, something perfectly Canadian has happened that has changed that for many, many people, most of them not even here in Canada.

I was listening to a journalist being interviewed on CBC last week. She is from Aleppo, in Syria, and she and her husband travel back and forth from their country, trying to tell the world what is happening there. How the Russians are bombing their family and friends. And how the Americans, French and British are bombing them too. How ISIS and the Assad regime are torturing and murdering them, because they are educated and want human rights and freedom.

Their city, of more than 2 million people, has been devastated, emptied, as people flee from the horror and the destruction and the killing, living in refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan and Turkey. They are suffering all over again, as western countries suspect them of being terrorists - the very terrorists that forced them to flee in the first place. The journalist had begun to wonder if there was anything good left in this world, as we crawled towards Christmas. And then something happened that lifted her spirits, and made her believe that there was goodness in people still.

She saw Syrians arrive in Toronto to be met, welcomed, by the Prime Minister of this country. They were not just let in, like some dog coming in out of the rain. They were shown warmth, hospitality, respect. They were welcomed home.

It seemed a perfect way to prepare for Christmas. Two

thousand years ago, a young family found no room in a strange town, and had to live in a stable, while a baby was born. Soon afterwards, they were on the road to Egypt, fleeing for their lives, literally, against a tyrant king. They were refugees in a foreign land for some years, dependant on the kindness of a foreign power to allow them in and give them a safe place to raise their child.

Then, a few days later, I read something that had been published in the local paper in Kemptville in 1911. It was written about Canada, and its place among the nations of the world. It seemed to fit, to show me that perhaps Canada has regained something of its real identity in welcoming those newcomers. Here’s a little of what was written that Christmas, 105 years ago: “Canada greets all Peoples with the Christmas Message of Peace and Goodwill.

Her doors are open to all the world, and all equipped for

service are welcome. And in standing for Peace Canada reveals her strength, not her weakness”.

There was more, and it was sad to read, knowing that, only three years later, Canada would be at war: “This halfcontinent of opportunity can spare no true life as a sacrifice to wicked and useless war.

If between herself and her neighbour nations differences arise it will be Canada’s part to appeal to Reason and Justice, not Force and Strife.

The older nations disprove the power of war to solve the problems of either Right or of Honor. Canada will show the more excellent way”.

That may sound naive today. But Canada’s reputation is as a peacemaker: United Nations Peacekeepers are a Canadian contribution to the world. The Syrian journalist made the telling point that all the bombing of her country by all sides, but especially the western powers, is only making more terrorists. Would we

feel welcoming and sympathetic to any foreign nation that bombed our country, our hospitals, our schools?

Would we just roll over and surrender to such attacks?

Why do we think others are so different?

Yes, we have so many problems of our own here at home. Poverty, homelessness, the disgraceful treatment of First Nations, underlined again last week by the report on Residential Schools. To those who say we should deal with that first, before taking in refugees, let me say: carry on.

No-one is stopping you, and you’ve had a long time to act.

We need to solve these issues, but we cannot ignore urgent life-and-death situations where we can do something to help. Will you spend less this Christmas and give what you save to help the poor and homeless in North Grenville?

Please do, and we have room, we have peace and security.

If we are now a target for terrorists, it may be because we

dition were discarded in the recycle bin: Christian books, novels women love to read, children’s books (‘Diary of a Whimpy Kid’?). Some discussion resulted and some changes were made. They didn’t last long.

Mistaking recycling bin for book donations. Few donors have dropped them in the wrong place. Yes, many books that are mouldy, musty, torn need to be recycled. The books placed in the recycle bins are put there by the sorters. It would seem very few books actually make it to the bookshelves in the store as too many are judged ‘improper’.

I find it interesting that other Salvation Army Thrift stores do not censor their books to the same extent. At the Kemptville store, when the paper bins are full, box after box of books go into the dumpster headed to the landfill. The issue of improperly placed donations by donors is not the problem at The Salvation Army Store. The problem is too many books are discarded as improper. The solution is to have sorters who know a good book when they see it.

The ‘Staff’ submission to the Kemptville Advance did little to address Ms Karstad’s comments. All the bits regarding supporting literacy do nothing to keep the books out of the recycle bins. The language used is nothing more than politically-correct bafflegab-gobble-de-gook. By definition: a bunch of words that say nothing. Throw in a few untruths.

I know of which I speak. I was a volunteer at the Kemptville Thrift store for almost 10 years.

Ella Leson

Dear Editor: I was very surprised that an article from misinformed kids would appear in your paper. I am referring to “The NG Times” of December 16.

On page 15, there is a cute little story by Mya, entitled The Christian Tradition that has nothing to do with Christianity. Santa is actually a tradition of pagan origin.

It is unfortunate that children would be lead to confusion about religions. I don’t blame the child who wrote the story, of course not. I am amazed that the article went through many hands before being printed for the “The Voice of NG”. I would think a teacher submitted it , parents probably read the story and your staff must have proofread it. Nobody corrected it,

have made ourselves so by attacking foreign lands where we had no reason to be.

No, I don’t believe that evil people and causes will go away, this is, as I believe, a fallen and broken world. But we can become so afraid of the monster, that we become the monster in reaction. Let’s hold to what makes Canada different, let’s remain peacemakers, conciliators and use our genius for humanity to influence others. Bring food, shelter and medical supplies, not bombs. Let Canada show the more excellent way. “And so, this is Christmas, and what have we done....?”

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: I thought that I would share my letter, that I sent to MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving, with you. It would be interesting to find out if I am the “lone Wolf” on this subject! As yet I haven’t received back a reply, so cannot include that organisations comments.

Open letter to MADD

To Whom it may concern, I am very much in favour of what you are doing and hope to achieve, but in the present light of our new Prime Minister’s stand on the legalisation of Marijuana, shouldn’t you be adding some more D’s to your portfolio!? Also another D should be added for the continual distracted driving through the use of in-vehicle and hand held electronic devices!? These are causing more injuries and deaths daily than drinking and driving is.

Probably more pedestrians are also adding to the actual vehicular accidents, due to the total inattention of their users when stepping off sidewalks to cross roads! Your new title should be Mothers Against Drunk, Drugged and Dis-

tracted Driving. MADDDD. Because I’m a MAN who also has the subject of safety on his mind each day he goes out on the roads, perhaps there could be more emphasis in your title to demonstrate that we, both WOMEN and MEN, care about the daily senseless injuries and loss of life that occur on our roads.

Your new title could be Moms and Dads Against Drunk, Drugged and Distracted Driving. MADADDDD. Thank you for your attention and consideration of my proposal.

Yours sincerely, John Baldwin, Kemptvillle Dear Editor: Regarding Books I have read with the NG Times.

As with most things, there are two sides to every story.

These are my comments.

Thanking someone for bringing matter to your attention. AGAIN? Have we not had this dance once before???

About a year and a half or so ago, when it was brought to your attention that too many good books in excellent con-

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ngtimes.ca

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

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or is it that they don’t know the difference between Christians and non-Christians.

Thank you for your attention to my concerns.

A devoted reader, M. Gauthier, ( retired teacher) Dear Editor: A few weeks ago, while at B&H, a very kind gentleman paid for my lunch. A very heart filled THANK YOU to you. You made my day, and whenever that day comes to mind, I'm grateful all over again.

Name withheld by request

Staff Reporter Beth Nicol beth@ngtimes.ca 613-258-0033 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

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UPDATE COUNCIL Monday, January 11 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, January 18 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES Oxford Mills Waste Transfer Station Holiday Hours Friday, December 25 – CLOSED Saturday, December 26 – CLOSED Tuesday, December 29 – 9 am to 4 pm Friday, January 1 – CLOSED Saturday, January 2 – 9 am to 4 pm Solid Waste & Recycling Pick-up – There will be no pick-up on Friday, December 25; the pick-up will occur on Saturday, December 26 instead.

Municipal Office Holiday Hours Thursday, December 24 8:30 am to 12 noon Friday, December 25 CLOSED Monday, December 28 CLOSED Thursday, December 31 8:30 am to 12 noon Friday, January 1 CLOSED

Best wishes for the Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year to all our friends and neighbours in North Grenville from the Municipal Council and Staff

OPP Commissioner reports on murdered and missing indigenous people The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released a comprehensive report on missing and unsolved murdered indigenous people in OPP jurisdiction. The report was released at a news conference by Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes and Detective Superintendent Dave Truax of OPP Criminal Investigation Services who were accompanied by Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and Deputy Grand Chief Denise Stonefish of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians.

Beginning in 2011, the OPP began proactively re-

Dec 23, 2015

viewing all available information on homicide investigations and unsolved missing persons and unidentified remains in OPP jurisdiction where the victim was identified or self-identified as Aboriginal. The report covers a period from 1956 to 2014.

To the end of 2014, there were 54 homicides involving Indigenous females on OPP jurisdiction; eight (8) of which remain unsolved for a clearance rate of 85.2%. Of the 46 solved female Indigenous homicides, 9 were murdered by family member; 17 were murdered by Domestic Partner/Spouse; 19 were mur-

dered by persons known to victim; and one of Unknown Circumstances.

For the period of 1978 to December 2014, inclusive, there were 126 homicides of Indigenous males in OPP jurisdiction – only one remains unsolved for a clearance rate of 99.2%. Of the 125 cases that were solved, 35 were murdered by Family members; 10 were murdered by Domestic Partner/Spouse; 70 were murdered by persons known to victim; 9 were of Unknown circumstances; and the details of the other one are not available.

During the same period, there were eight missing Indigenous females reported to the OPP who remain missing – foul play is possible or suspected in one of these occurrences. Presently, there are 39 cases that involve missing Indigenous males. Police believe foul play is possible or suspected for 22 missing Indigenous men; 17 are considered missing persons.

Commissioner Hawkes said in his report: “We recognize that there are many

unanswered questions and that we cannot reverse the outcomes for the families and loved ones of those who have gone missing or were murdered. We hope information in the OPP report generates further discussion, potential leads, and/or resolution for the families and communities who have suffered loss.”

The report was welcomed

by Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations. "The release of this report is timely to the start of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry and the release of the full report from the Truth and Reconciliation process. Now it's time to get work done based on a new social lens in Canada. Reconciliation means that all Canadians, all organizations, all political stripes and authorities, roll up their sleeves and begin to change a Nation. The Ontario Provincial Police report on missing and murdered First Nation citizens gives us a good starting point.”

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North Grenville Public Library Holiday Hours Kemptville Branch Thursday, December 24 CLOSED Friday, December 25 CLOSED Saturday, December 26 CLOSED Thursday, December 31 CLOSED Friday, January 1 CLOSED Burritts Rapids Branch Thursday, December 24 CLOSED Saturday, December 26 CLOSED Thursday, December 31 CLOSED The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON, 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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Report suspicious activity immediately to police Grenville County Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind the public to call immediately any time they observe suspicious activity in their community.

Sometime between December 7 and December 11, culprit(s) broke into a residential shed on French Settlement Road, North Grenville and stole a Stihl 250 chainsaw.

During the evening of December 11, culprit(s) broke into a construction tool container at a new home construction site on Stonewalk Drive, North Grenville and stole a variety of tools including a Honda generator and Makita air compressor.

On the afternoon of December 13, culprit(s) broke into the Pirate Cove Marina on River Road, North Gren-

ville and stole a white 2014 Mojo 2.5 fibreglass boat and a lime green trailer.

Anyone with information on the above occurrences is asked to call Grenville County O.P.P. Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122, the Kemptville Detachment at 613-258-3441 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn cash reward.

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Santa comes to KDHS

by Hilary Thomson Grenville Mutual was just like Santa Claus at Kemptville and District Home Support’s diners club last Wednesday.

Grenville Mutual staff arrived with big plastic tubs full of kitchen, cleaning and craft supplies that will help bolster the myriad of programs that KDSH runs throughout the year. “I am just so overwhelmed and very grateful,” says Susan Smith, Executive Director of KDHS. “They even found weighted cutlery which will help our clients who have issues with tremors when they eat.”

This is not the only good deed Grenville Mutual has done for KDHS this year. They have donated money, sponsored the KDHS booth at the Shop Local Showcase in April, brought desserts and served food at their Senior’s picnic in June and helped out at the centre. “They are so excited and joyful in doing it,” Susan says, beaming.

Each year, Grenville Mutual chooses an organization from the community that they would like to support. Diane Cariere of Grenville Mutual says they heard about wonderful things KDHS does from people they are associated with in the community and chose them as their charity of choice for 2015.

“KDHS does amazing work for seniors and adults with disabilities,” Diane says. “This is a meaningful opportunity for our company to give back.”

L-R: Susan Smith, Bev Nye, Terry Ozga with all the gifts from Grenville Mutual.

Lions help spread Christmas Spirit with North Dundas Christmas Fund's Annual Basket

submitted by Ally Martin An army of 70 volunteers from the Mountain Township and District Lions Club along with family and friends were on hand for the North Dundas Christmas Fund's annual Christmas basket event at theSouth Mountain Agricultural Hall. Each year, the Lions help out with the distribution of 50 baskets in cooperation with the food bank, the House of Lazarus, several families and local businesses. The over 150 people who benefit from this event are all in the western portion of North Dundas, as there are imilar events organized by the North Dundas Christmas fund in Winchester and Chesterville as well. "l look forward to this event every year" , said Lion Kimberly Telford, "it warms your hard to see the outpour of support in our community".

The North Dundas Christmas Fund has been working hard for years now putting together the Christmas hampers to help make sure every fam-

Dec. 23, 2015

ily has a Merry Christmas.

Baskets consist of groceries and some toiletries and the families will also have a chance to pick from a mountain of donated toys, clothes, snowsuits, and household goods. This year's event was made extra special by the help of the South Mountain branch of Scotiabank who has offered to match all donated funds up to 55000.00 to the

North Dundas Christmas Fund. They will continue taking donations up to Christmas Eve, so it is not too late to support this amazing event for next year. Virginia Wright and Diane Langton of Scotiabank's South Mountain branch were on hand to help out. Anyone who would like to help with or contribute to this event in the future are invited to contact Ralph Spear

at (613) 989-5543, or come out to a Lions Meeting at the South Mountain Agricultural

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Hall on the lst and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm.

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merry christmas from all of us at b&h Fresh Turkeys arrive Tuesday, December 22 301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

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

HOLIDAY STORE HOURS Dec 24th 8:00 to 5:00 CHRISTMAS CLOSED - BOXING DAY CLOSED Dec 27th 9:00 to 6:00

613.258.3014

Prices effective: Friday, December 25 to Thursday, December 31, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements”

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Fundamentals:

The Christmas Story

by David Shanahan

People have so many ways of relating to Christmas. Some people regard it simply as a secular holiday, a time of gift-giving and family gatherings. Some Christians don’t celebrate Christmas at all, because they think that it is just a pagan festival dressed up in Christian trappings.

They point out that no-one knows exactly what time of year Jesus was born, and that Christmas was tacked on to the Winter Solstice festival of pre-Christian cultures.

Personally, I think that’s completely irrelevant. If we want to take one day in the year to be able to talk about Jesus, then any day is fine with me.

Let’s use a traditional celebration of light and hope to mark the greatest gift of light and hope ever known in our history.

Everybody knows the basics of the Christmas story, even if, to many, it is just a story. But many of the details of that story, Bethlehem, the manger, the angels, the shepherds, “no room at the inn”, and so on, come to us through Luke’s account. Luke

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Oxford Mills Community Association, I would like to send a special Thank You to all who made our “Spirit of Christmas” event a huge success.

To our cooperate sponsors; Randy Urslak, Randy’s Performance Automotive; Gerry Van Gurp, Kellar –Williams; Lynne Robinson, Royale Lepage; and Carrie Smith, Kemptville Physiotherapy, a very special thank you for supporting us. We

was the historian of the New Testament, the writer who researched, interviewed witnesses, checked the political and social context, and gave us a reliable historical account of something that actually happened one day in Israel, whatever time of the year it was.

And behind Luke’s account is the core, the very heart of what Christmas is all about. Jesus was born. The entire Old Testament leads up to that moment. The entire New Testament flows from it. All of history centres on that birth, because of what the Bible tells us was really going on. Isaiah spoke about it hundreds of years before it happened.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.

[Is. 9.6] Mighty God was born, and the angel told Joseph to call him Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus means “God is salvation”, or “I am salva-

tion”. That’s the real point here: Jesus was born to bring salvation, to heal the rift that exists between God and the human race, the rift that has plagued this planet for so long, that leads us to hate, kill, poison our planet and leaves us alienated and so alone in the deepest parts of us.

His birth was the start of a life that led to the cross and on to the Resurrection, Pentecost, and the beginning of a new life for his followers.

A life that is as eternal and supernatural as his, where we adopted as sons of God, inheritors of his promises, what the New Testament has the incredible grace to call: co-heirs with Christ.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews puts the birth and life of Jesus in this context: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe”. [Hebrews 1.1-2] The Old Testament is the story of God speaking to people through people, revealing himself to them, showing them through the Law and

would also like to send a thank you to all our silent donors, someday, you will let us list your names.

To the many who made our silent auction a success: the people and businesses who contributed, the few that gave money and especially to Cruikshank’s, for putting a ton (of gravel) on our table.

Thirty one items in all. Wow! It was amazing.

To our judges, Greg Beach, Barb Tobin and Betty Cooper, thank you for your

time and expertise in choosing the best decorated houses in Oxford Mills.

To the many others who took time out of their busy schedules to help make our event a huge success, we say Thank You. Especially Dave and Dave, without you where would the spirit be?

Once again we wish to thank all who helped in many ways (who may not be listed, but definitely not forgotten).

Your help made the “Spirit of Christmas in Oxford Mills” enjoyable for all.

May you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!

Events Committee, Oxford Mills Community Association

The Voice of North Grenville

the Prophets, and bitter experience, that they were cut off from their true destiny because of the Fall. But in Jesus, God himself came to speak, John calls him “the Word” which became flesh and lived among us.

The quote from Hebrews continues to tell us who Jesus is: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven”.

[Hebrews 1.3] That had been the promise given by Isaiah also, that the child born, the son given, would be called “Immanuel” [Isaiah 7.14], and Matthew explains what the name means: “God with us” [Matthew 1.23].

What happened on that first Christmas is that the Old Testament promises began to be fulfilled, God with us means salvation, healing of that breach that has separated us from God, eternal and abundant life for his people.

A new birth into an everlasting life. No wonder it is still a time of great joy and celebration. No wonder the birthday For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 989 2850

Dec. 23, 2015

Father and Prince of Peace, then Christmas is a reminder of something that they live every day. Jesus is alive and God with us. The Christmas Story is not over, it continues through history, heading for another great arrival, the day and moment in history when he wraps up what started in a manger, and opens up an entirely new and unimaginable story that will never end.

As the saying goes: wise men still seek him.

KEMPTVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE

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Friends of the North Grenville Public Library

14th

Children’s Holiday Fun Fest Featuring

Juice Jam Kerry Badgley George Buys

Archaeological finds at Curry park

by Hilary Thomson A piece of Kemptville’s history may have been uncovered last week at Curry Park. During an archaeological dig, they uncovered what looks like the remains of a burned-down building.

Although the structure has not yet been clearly identified, the archeologists believe that it could have been an old warehouse or homestead dating back as early as 1840.

This is the second dig to be carried out on the site, as they have previously uncovered some pieces of porcelain that suggested there could be even more of historical significance buried in the park.

“Once all of the artifacts and excavation results have been analyzed by the project archaeologist, they should be able to more accurately interpret the findings to confirm what was on the site,” says Phil Gerrard, senior planner at the Municipality of North Grenville.

The archaeological work that has been done in Curry Park was required by the province in order to clear the site for a waterfront trail, and was administered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

of Jesus is still celebrated by the giving of gifts, even by those who have no idea why that is. They, and we, have been given the greatest gift not loving ourselves, as that silly song says, but that amazing grace, that adoption as his children that is, not for the world, as so many mistakenly believe, but for those who are his. That is why Christians celebrate Christmas.

For those who have made that move, who believe he is Mighty God, Everlasting

Tuesday December 29, 2015 10:00 A.M.

North Grenville Public Library

Admission:

Added treat:

Anne Raina will share excerpts from her new children’s books.

8

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

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The Voice of North Grenville

A Christmas Carol Review

by Hilary Thomson Over the past few weeks, the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company put on a special holiday presentation of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Urbandale Arts Centre.

I’ll be honest: as this was my first KYMTC Musical, I was not sure what to expect. I love musicals and grew up going to see them with my parents. I have seen many wonderful performances on Broadway as well as on the stages of big cities like London and Toronto. Needless to say, I have high standards.

However, as soon as the opening number began and the carolers started to sing, I was instantly transported to the 19th century British town where the story takes place. The set was so beautifully done with everything that a town square would have to offer. And the singing. As soon as the first note was sung, I knew that I was in for a treat. Not only did each individual character have the voice of a budding musical theatre star, the harmony they achieved was akin to any other pro-

Dec. 23, 2015

photo credit Mike & Ness Photography fessional musical I have ever seen.

Jacob Nickerson played an equally miserable and comical Ebenezer Scrooge.

Every facial expression and gesture he made was reminiscent of an old man, and even his singing voice sounded like someone that was three times his age.

Maya Mohammed made an extremely convincing

Tiny Tim with her sweet yet fragile voice and tiny frame. The duo of Sarah and Maddie Bolland gave me chills as the ghost of Christmas present, as their ethereal sounding voices rang together throughout the theatre. Zach van Noppen as the young Scrooge and Tatum McGill-Tataraciuc as his young beau Emily performed a beautiful lov-

ers duet.

I could go on and on about all the cast members.

Each one was integral in making this production the success that it was. What made the performance even more amazing was the fact that almost every cast member played several parts.

Sometimes up to 12. The way that they were able to get into character so ef-

10

fortlessly after what would have evidently been quite the scramble backstage was incredible. The costumes and makeup were equally well done and you could tell that a lot of time and effort was put into every detail.

The impeccable use of sound and lighting brought the performance to a truly professional level. From the use of strobe lights for

when the ghosts were about to appear, to the recordings of the ghosts voices as they were leaving the scene that echoed throughout the theatre. You would have thought it was done with much more than just one man and three keyboards.

The use of small vignettes during certain scenes was also extremely effective, and the actors did so well, holding their poses devoutly giving the spectator a glimpse into a moment in their character’s lives.

The production was funny, sad, joyful and scary all at once. Hats off to Barbara Lacelle’s artistic vision and to everyone who was involved in the production.

What a wonderful introduction for me to a company that is clearly one of the gems of North Grenville.

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Sports

The Voice of North Grenville

Junior Girls Volleyball walk away Champions Happy Birthday Jean!

by Angus MacDonald The St. Michael C.H.S. Junior Girls Volleyball team travelled to Kingston on Sunday to participate in the Nicole S. Memorial tournament at Queens University.

The girls started off slow but by Game 2, they found their stride and ended the morning first in their pool.

After defeating La Salle in the semi-finals, the Mustangs advanced to the finals where they met their match against Regiopolis (Notre Dame). It was a nail-biting finish to the very end as St. Mike's continued to go toe-to-toe with their opponent. St. Mike's won the first set and then dropped the second set. In the defining third set, our girls rose to the occasion, gave it their all, and walked away champions! Coach Lefebvre has commended the team on their level of skilled play, team spirit and above all the mental toughness they demonstrated under pressure.

Back L-R: Coach Lefebvre, Charlotte Black, Camille Wickwire, Tatiana Weissflog, Emma Kirkpatrick, Amy Cater, Grace Besserer, Front L-R: Megan O'Connell, Allison Stewart, Ainhoa Boyle, Sydney Murray

Tugnutt’s three-pointer gives 73’s early Christmas gift

Jean Kilfoyle celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends at a special party in the Brigadoon last week. Jean has an amazing story, and her contribution to our community is appreciated. The Youngsters of Yore, and her work with the NG Library, have added so much to the social and cultural life of North Grenville. She follows in a great family tradition of service. Happy Birthday to a wonderful lady.

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Not this time........Peter Brooks put on a clinic against a surprised Nepean Raiders by the sports guy Nepean Raiders were looking for revenge for the 6-1 loss in November in our barn.

Kemptville was focussed on closing out with a victory for the Christmas break to move them beyond .500.

The initial period: the raiders scored their only goal at 19:26 from Meisenheimer, with helpers Garlasco and Finger, when a clear ng attempt was reversed. 73’s outshoot the Raiders 12-4 to end the twenty.

Second go-around was all Kemptville with O’Flynn‘s quick release to Tackett to spring Tugnutt’s break-away as he deeked Marotte to even the numbers at 8:36. In the last minute of play, Tugnutt out muscled the puck over to Russell to slap a hard one on the net so Guy could pump in the rebound at :52. Kemptville peppering Nepean with Dec 23, 2015

18-6 SOG. Last twenty turned very rough as Nepean became more frustrated with their failure to beat Brooks as he stood on his head to keep Kemptville alive. Some vicious head hunters took two of our point getters out of the game, but a steady performance of our boys and brilliant show

by Peter Brooks; especially in the last 7 minutes. Raiders pulled their stopper for the extra man to try and force more time, but Tugnutt would find Tackett through the middle to Dow on the open wing to direct into empty space at 1: 18 giving the 73’s a 3-1 win.

Kemptville close out with a total of 45 - 24 SOG for a win.

Whatever Coach Ron Tugnutt has been selling, our boys have bought into the system with speed and finesse, as the results show.

Mark’s WW winner is

Matt Tugnutt, for exceptional performance.

Next game is on our ice at 2 pm on Sunday, January 3. Hockey with Edge….see you there!

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Feudal workers 6. Conspiracy 10. Not this 14. A group of soldiers 15. Adriatic resort 16. "Where the heart is" 17. Foreword 18. Pearly-shelled mussel 19. Send forth 20. Rancor 22. Distribute 23. Weep 24. Pantywaist 26. Walk quietly 30. Comment to the audience 32. Lazybones 33. Insalubrious 37. Close 38. Prods

39. Calf's meat 40. Disaffected 42. Throw with effort 43. Change 44. Scheme 45. Type of connective tissue 47. Detachable container 48. Large luxurious car 49. A type of infantry 56. Adjoin 57. Sweet gritty-textured fruit 58. Sound 59. Sleeveless garment 60. Goddess of discord 61. Inclination 62. Region 63. Accomplished 64. S S S S

DOWN 1. Blend 2. Sea eagle 3. Decays 4. Not aft 5. Patron 6. Perpendicular 7. Connects two points 8. Norse god 9. Someone's foot 10. Reflexive form of "them" 11. Houses 12. Friendliness 13. French for "Head" 21. Foot digit 25. Actress Lupino 26. Prong 27. Midmonth date 28. ___ du jour = Meal of the day 29. Hard unglazed earthenware 30. Huff 31. Outbuilding 33. Desire 34. Nipple 35. Possess 36. The original matter (cosmology) 38. Undeveloped 41. Anagram of "Ail" 42. Add water 44. Drunkard 45. Roughage 46. Regale 47. Analyze syntactically 48. Magma 50. Relating to aircraft 51. Shower 52. Not yours 53. Poems 54. A coniferous tree 55. Mats of grass

Dec 20 Dec 20 Dec 29 Jan 13

Jan 27

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Sat

Easy

Medium

Miracle on 34th Street will be performed as a live radio play, 7pm at St. James Anglican Church. Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome.

Candlelight Carol Service - St. Andrew's United Church, Bishop's Mills at 7 pm. Refreshments to follow in the Church Hall. All are welcome.

Children’s Holiday Fun Fest featuring Juice Jam, 10 am, NG Public Library. Admission Non perishable food item for the Salvation Army.

The New Horizon Club will begin the new year with a pot luck luncheon to be held at the Burritt's Rapids Community Hall (bring your own dishes please). 12 noon. Lunch will be followed by a "guess who?" presentation of snapshots of members taken when they were children.

New members welcome. Call Kim at 613-258-1780 for information about upcoming meeting programs, dates and times.

The New Horizon Club will enjoy an afternoon of cards and games, 2 pm. All adults 55 plus are welcome to join this active club. Please call Kim at 613-258-1780 for information about upcoming programs, dates and times.

Weekly and recurring events

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

SUDOKU

M,W,F

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. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

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

NG Photography Club - first Wed. of every month from 7-9 pm at the Auditorium of the Municipal Centre. Check our website for more information on outings and upcoming events. ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:15 pm.

St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00.

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

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

Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00.

Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

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.

Kemptville Concert Band.7 pm at North Grenville D.H.S. Come join us for a great evening of music. Wind instruments and percussionists of all levels welcome! Contact: dennis843@gmail.com 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, 8 - 10 am third Saturday of every month. Adults $5.00. 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.

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

Hard

Dec. 23, 2015

The Voice of North Grenville

KEMPTVILLE COMPUTERS REPAIRS, UPGRADES, VIRUS REMOVAL, NETWORKING & MORE! WE FIX IT, OR YOU DON’T PAY! (613) 218 5322 WWW.KEMPTVILLECOMPUTERS.COM

If you have an event you would like to share please send to editor@ngtimes.ca

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents.

Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email production@ngtimes.ca SERVICES Weight Loss Coach “I did it... you can too!” Wendy Moore (613)558-4933. Free consultation.

Eavestrough cleaning, repairs and installation. Free estimate 613.295.0300 House cleaning, interior and exterior, any odd jobs. Free estimate. 613.295.0300 Frame Local!

Country Ways Custom Picture framing 613.322.6484 dam5@bell.net Snowplowing: Residential Driveways Call Robert Leach for estimate 613.222.2292 Dance classes for adults & seniors. Line, Jazz, Tap, Aerobics, Ballroom. The workshop Dance Studio 215 Sanders St. 613.868.9062 Hosting a Christmas event?

The Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall is decorated & fully equipped facility for families, teams or businesses. Starting at $55.00 for 4 hours. Contact Jeff 258.1014 NO TIME TO COOK? We’ll take care of it! Homemade frozen meals; lunch & family sizes, muffins, soups, dessets and more! For more information go to www.lamyriade.ca.

more. Your place or mine.

613.720.3531

ences, call for free estimate 613.791.8597

Certified Packer can help you prepare for your move. Cinderella 613.859.4644

YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902

PIANO LESSONS for everyone. All styles, all ages. 613 324.0382 www.kemptvillemusic.com SEWING: Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse sewing.

Call Sharon 613 224 3182 Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, personal, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356 FREE DRUM LESSON!!!

Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging.

We do it all CALL 613.294.2416 MESS “S.O.S.!” sarahlystiuk@gmail.com Free monthly articles straight to your inbox!

You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248 NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs owner/operator, subcontracting.

Free estimates Work Guaranteed call 613 294 2416

WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITION Coaching Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Wholesumapproach.com 613.258.7133

MR & MRS CLEAN residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613867-2184

Stucco & Parging Services, also specializing in repointing & chinking. Free estimates. cedarrockcontracting@gmail.com 613.818.5187

HOUSECLEANING- Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277

HOUSEWORK Need Help?

I’m your gal. Will also clean litter and walk dog. Cindy 613.258.1568 SNOW REMOVAL: stairs, walkways, small driveways, roofs. Call Al 613.258.3847 or 613.295.0300 REGAL GIFTS, call or email for Christmas Catalogue 613.258.5558 gilliantrojan@ gmail.com Call Cinderella to look after your Alzhiemer or Parkinson loved one 613.859.4644 Lessons piano, guitar, ukulele, group singing and

Dec 23, 2015

Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations 20 yrs experience Brian 613 215 0805 Property clean-up, trees/brush/yard waste, scrap metal, dump runs, anything removed. Call Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072 Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300

AVON. Are you looking for Avon products, call Joan- 613-2587644 Cindy’s House Cleaning.

Need help? I’m your gal. Also will walk your dog. Call 613 258 1568.

FOR RENT Room for rent in downtown Kemptville within walking distance of all amenities.

Heat, hydro, internet incl. $500. Call 618 878 4738.

House for rent - Burritt’s Rapids, 2+bdrm, encl. yard, appliances. $1000/mth plus utilities. Call 613 296 2850 One bedroom Apt. in town.

NO stairs. $750. plus utilities 613.258.4741 Commercial space for rent 513-b Prescott St. All Inclusive $750/month, Available Oct. 1 613.794.3551 2 bdrm, 218 Prescott, quiet bldg, no smoking, incl. parking, heat, hydro and water. Sept. 1, $1250. Call 258 0849 Old Town Kemptville 28 Clothier St. Commercial retail space 650 sq. ft. avail Oct 1st 613.295.0552 Renovated Ground Floor Office 1,900 sqft, 200 Sanders St. Kemptville 613.795.2389 One Bdrm Apartment, No Pets, NON SMOKING, $700 + utilities 613 220 5014 Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819 2 bdr upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville, 4 appliances/parking/water incl Call 613 296 5906

FOR SALE iOne Pickup truck of ash + yellow birch $150 613 314 9327 Pressure treated lumber, 4x4, 2x6 etc. from board walks 10 to 12 feet, make an offer for the lot. 613.258.4519 Nordic wood stove, used one season, good for small area.

Asking $550. 258.1246

DANCE FOR A CAUSE!

Shimmymob 2016 takes place on World Belly Dance Day, Saturday, May 14. Join the movement that raises funds and awareness for women's and children's shelters and promotes belly dance around the world.

In 2015, 181 cities and 2,370 dancers around the world joined this movement to help end domestic violence. The Brockville team, in partnership with the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau’s Change the World Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge, raised $1,710 for Leeds Grenville Interval House.

114 cities have already registered for Shimmymob 2016.

Let’s make this the biggest year ever. Join the fight against domestic violence… “Let the movement begin!”

Register at www.shimmymob.com Early Bird deadline is January 10, 2016 Registration deadline: March 30, 2016

Electric wheel chair, Model stormtdx4 invacare. In good running order. $400.

613.258.6254 Canon Rebel XT $99.00 ve3mhm@sympatico.ca 2005 Red Impala, new brakes rotors $2,500.00 Don 613.808.4725/613.258.6413 2005 Impala as is $2500 Don 613.808.4725/613.258.6413 2011 John Deer Tractor JD 2720 Tractor, JD 46 Backhoe with 16 & 9 buckets, JD 200CX front end loader. Used only 123 hours for personal landscaping, no winters. Asking $27,500.00 or OBO. 613.215.0674 Quality Grass Horse Hay 4x5 rounds Jon 613.227.3650 Washer & Drywer matched set, fridge white, clean $110.00 pair 613.869.8759 Firewood-Hardwood cut, split and delivered, $100/cord, Min. 3 chords. Call Peter at 258-5504 or 613-913-0810 Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call Charlie at 613-989-2768.

Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call John at 613-227-3650

HELP WANTED LABORER NEEDED, FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY DRIVER’S LICENCE NOT REQUIRED, RESIDENTS OF KEMPTVILLE ONLY CALL 613-894-5210”Y

Bus Driver Wanted in the Merrickville/Kemptville area for a single run to South Branch and Kemptville Public schools. $100 Rock My House music lesWANTED sons in fiddle, piano, drums bonus to a B licensed driver. For and more. 613 258 5656 more information, send your reSenior needs old car batteries sume to nanda@wubs.ca or fill out Handyman/Contractor with for making weights. Call 613 an application at www.wubs.ca years of experience. No job too 258 6254 on the Careers page. Wubs Transit. big or small. Unlimited refer613-223-9765 Nanda Wubs 13

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History

The North Grenville Times Merrickville/Wolford Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in Merrickville/Wolford and North Grenville

the Merrickville-Wolford Vol. 1, No.7

TIMES The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

December 23, 2015

Mayor David Nash: Accountability In a recent interview with the Merrickville-Wolford Times, mayor David Nash talked about his belief in being accountable to residents, and the importance of community participation in deciding the future of the municipality.

David Nash: It’s so im- ronment committee. I think people: I want you to do portant to have all of the we've got some very strong this, it is much better if I primary stakeholders in committees in this term. One say to them: this is what I the communities involved of the things that was also am trying to achieve, what in consultation through the near and dear to my heart, do you think is the best way recreation advisory com- and council has bought into to get there? You will get a mittee, or the environment that as well, is that we have a lot further ahead because, advisory committee, etc.. very strong economic devel- ten to one, the people I am So, based on that, we should opment committee. It was asking know more about it be sitting down and saying sort of shelved over the past than I do if they are already “okay, here is where we few years, strictly because doing it. And if they are part want to be and here is how we couldn't get funding for of the solution, and they we are going to get there”. it. And I think that, basically, are only too happy to take And if we are going to have what the feeling is now is ownership of it, you end the kind of community we that we can’t afford not to up with a well motivated want, if we want a healthy do it. crew. So we're headed in viable community which And we shouldn't be that direction. What will be we know is probably one of looking at a budget line item: new too is that, in January, the most important things to we should be doing more to we will be having our first residents, then we have to be research whatever funds Public Meeting, and we will talking to Dr.Paula Stewart are available for grants, and be sending out a survey as and all the Health Unit staff, staying on top of that. But well. I want to know how and identifying the facilities we have some research. For the public feels about what we have available here. the study we just did through we, as a Council, are doing. I We have to be engaging the ad hoc study group for don't want to wait four years our kids and getting them the Strategic Plan, we had to have people say: well that involved in these facilities, some very high level experts guy was a real pain in the and getting them away from involved, volunteering their neck. Let’s kick him out and the TV's, and getting some time to work with us to come elect someone else. If we are physical exercise. We have up with a framework which not doing the job right, tell the prime opportunity for we can take to Council to us so we can fix it. that. We have so much in the proceed with. We have met So, what I want to do way of physical resources with the Economic Devel- on an annual basis is to available to us. We have opment group and they are have a public meeting and some of the prime hiking quite anxious to get involved let people tell us how we trails in the area, we have in that and run with it. We are doing, and if there is outdoor skating. We are have sat down and listened something else we should looking at possibly work- to the Vision 20-20 group be doing. I want to open up ing with the Lions Club and who are here in town. All of those lines of communicathe recreational advisory these people are going to be tion. I want them to fill out committee to see if we can key players, because what a survey at the same time, to have some skating on the it comes down to is that it let us know how the staff are canal, and have a bonfire is our community. And we doing. Our excellent staff and light it up. We want to have to listen to that, and are committed to serving bring back all of those old that's part of what I am all the public and look forward time values to the village, about. When I got involved to any suggestions they may and have a beach area: get in Council, my concerns have to better serve them. I our volleyball net down were transparency, account- want to know are they phonthere. And these are things ability, communication, and ing, are the calls answered that residents recognize are sustainability. promptly, are the people poimportant.

So what we have to do lite and courteous to them?

We have a very dedicated is to be asking people ques- Are they helpful, or are we group of volunteers and the tions and providing a format putting up road blocks and recreational advisory com- for people to express their things like that. It's all about mittee, as well as the envi- opinions. Rather than tell customer service, so rate

our customer service and, if there is something wrong with it, tell us and we will fix it. All those things are important if we are going to have a healthy or a happy healthy community.

Those are things we are going to have to work on, so I think the Public Meeting will be one way of doing that. We won't know until we’ve tried, and at least, if we have tried, we can say we tried. Another thing we already do is to have an open question period, and we have three of those at each Council meeting. At those times anybody attending the Council meeting can stand

up and ask a question. Maybe they won’t be answered that night, but they will be answered within a month, if not at that meeting, then the one following it. And so it’s basically getting the information out to people.

We have also tried to show people how much we appreciate what they do.

This year we have had our first volunteer appreciation barbeque, where we invited people and did hamburgers, hot dogs, and that's just to say that we appreciate what you do. I would like to see that become an annual event, and I think that it's important. Volunteers

are the backbone of our communities and they don't want money, they just want recognition; and just the fact that somebody takes time to say “thank you, we appreciate it”, is all it takes.

And what we get back in return is phenomenal. So I can't overemphasis that enough: we are lucky we have got a community that is only too eager to step up and volunteer and to do things. It is also a community with a big heart and, with families suffering, the fundraisers are just incredible in this community. So I think we are heading in the right direction.

A happy and safe Holiday to all the residents of Merrickville-Wolford from the staff and council with best wishes in the New Year.

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Living your best life at Beth Donovan’s Day Hospice

photo credit Jemman Photography

by Deron Johnston When you walk through the side door of St John’s United Church in Kemptville on a Thursday at around noon and head down to the basement, what you’ll see at first glance looks like a gathering for some sort of community group or club. There are some folks sitting down at tables talking to each other, and a few others in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone.

What isn’t normal are the individuals themselves: there’s something very special about all of them. Most of them are dedicated volunteers, but what you wouldn’t expect is that the rest of the people here have terminal or lifelimiting illnesses. This is the Beth Donovan Day Hospice Program.

Walking around and listening to the conversations that are taking place, you don’t hear anyone talking about their illness. What you do hear are typical, everyday conversations that you would

expect in any gathering space.

You’ll hear stories being told, you’ll hear laughter and maybe even a little gossip if you listen hard enough. The group is here to have fun, socialize, eat a home cooked meal, do some chair yoga and play some cards. Thursdays, from 10-3, are often the only time each week that they get out of their home and be “independent”, or get some “me-time”.

It’s also possibly the only time their caregivers, spouses or family members have time to themselves because some of these clients may require around-the-clock care.

Beth Donovan Hospice has been running a day hospice out of this church basement thanks to the generosity of the church itself, the tireless work of the volunteers and the funding that the hospice has been able to secure through the Champlain LHIN (Local Health Integration Network).

If you look around, you’ll see eight pieces of specialized furniture that were bought especially for the day hos-

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pice. You’ll also see a small memorial area where dedicated memorial candles are lit when a client dies while under the care of the program.

The music that plays in the background is chosen by the clients themselves. The clients and volunteers even get to enjoy a little live music every few months.

Currently there are seven clients, but the capacity of the program is eight people. In the past, both male and female clients alike have enjoyed the program immensely. Clients might be referred to the program by their doctors or by the CCAC, or any other means.

That’s when the Day Hospice Coordinator, Melanie Goldberg, comes to their home to conduct a home visit. Some prospective clients simply aren’t able to make the trip every week, despite the fact that the hospice has a van and volunteer drivers (Shawn Tobin and Keith Eastman) who can pick up and return clients to their homes for free. For those clients who may be ner-

vous about coming to the day hospice, the program allows for family members to accompany them to make sure they feel comfortable. There are no age restrictions for clients as shown by the current 60’s to 90’s age range. There’s also no expectation for clients to discuss their personal health situation, as it’s not a group therapy environment.

On average, there are about two volunteers for each client at the day hospice. Volunteers go through a thorough screening process, including vulnerable sector police background checks. They also must undergo a comprehensive training program.

On top of working directly with clients, volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis to prepare lunch and snacks.

If you didn’t know the story behind what was happening in the basement of St John’s United Church in Kemptville on Thursdays, you’d probably just figure that it’s just another community group getting together. But I guess that’s the point. These folks don’t come here to be reminded about their illnesses; they only want to live life like the rest of us do, even if it’s only for a few hours every week.

Maybe their story serves as a good reminder for the rest of us. Let us all be more grateful and consider how lucky we really are.

For more information, please contact the hospice by email at dayhospice@ bethdonovanhospice.ca or call 613-258-9611. There is no charge for any of the programs at Beth Donovan Hospice, however donations are encouraged and welcomed.

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Building a Sustainable North Grenville

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The North Grenville Times

Shaking it up at the South Branch Public School Christmas Concert

Merrickville celebrates with Annual Community Dinner

By Beth Nicol For many years, the businesses and volunteers of Merrickville have worked together to allow the students of Merrickville Public School to celebrate Christmas as a family.

The entire school gathers at the Community Centre and enjoys a traditional dinner together. Prepared by a team of volunteers and served by grade 6 students, it is a marvellous feast. Special guests, Merrickville-Wolford Mayor, David Nash, Upper Canada District School Board Trustee Susan Richards and Montague Reeve, Bill Dobson, brought their best

wishes and greetings.

A new twist this year saw students selecting their own treats from the desserts table. This turn of events prompted a young man to suggest that there should be a reversal of the usual order with the desserts being served first.

A special moment for everyone was the “retirement” of parent volunteer, Janine Tackaberry. After more than a dozen years of faithful service at Merrickville Public, she is moving on; her youngest son graduates to North Grenville this coming June. Acknowledging her

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contributions on behalf of the parents and students were fellow volunteers, Kelly Baatnes (right) and Jody Robinson (middle).

By Beth Nicol ‘Tis the season of school Christmas Concerts. After having the opportunity to watch one or two, I can say without a doubt that the wealth of talent apparent amongst North Grenville youth is not accidental. While the appreciative audiences applauded and smiled at the efforts of their children and grandchildren on stage, I saw the practice, the stage presence and poise, and above all, an enthusiastic love of music.

South Branch has earned a reputation for having a formidable African drumming corps.

New gear, sticks and tambourines, recently purchased by the parents’ council, allow an alternate approach to percussion instruments. The students’ display of rhythm patterns and facility with the sticks were indications of programme’s success.

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Lone Tree - By John Wilberforce, was shot in Oxford Station.

Dec. 23, 2015

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