The Voice of North Grenville
April Fools Flashback Fun
Dan Pettigrew Owner & friendly neighbour
T: 613.774.1958
Dan.Pettigrew@sobeys.com foodland.ca
12015 Main Street Winchester, ON
by David Shanahan
Way back in 2015 we published this front page as an April Fool’s joke. It was amazing how many readers thought it was genuine. So, here we go again, celebrating April Fool’s Day a day later (of course), just for the fun of it.
Council seek alternative to taxes
Kemptville, 1 April.The Municipality of North Grenville has decided to open a restaurant in the Municipal Centre as an alternate source of revenue in the wake of public opposition to the recent 6% tax increase. Although many other options had been considered, it was finally de-
cided to open a rib-centred facility, to be called “The 6% Solution”.
A special committee had been set up to examine possible ways of increasing municipal revenues, and the committee’s Chair, Jordon Brisket, pointed out the logic of their decision: “It seemed a natural move to open a rib joint in the Municipal Centre. We already have a commercial kitchen on site, along with a dependable clientele after hockey games, movie nights and council meetings.”
Initial set-up costs are expected to be minimal, as the basic infrastructure is already in place, and the
municipal staff and council have already demonstrated their expertise in the field by winning the Rib-eating Championship at last year’s Rib Fest. Another committee member, Eve Adamson, believes that North Grenville residents will appreciate the move by council to ease the tax burden on them, and thinks the restaurant’s name will raise some smiles and a few chuckles too.
Council officially approved the restaurant project at a special closed session of the Committee of the Hole on April 1, and work began immediately on installing advertising signs (see photographs) to
inform passers-by of the new eatery. It is understood that council’s decision to approve the restaurant was not unanimous, but was opposed by two members at least, who objected to allowing people with greasy fingers to run loose in their Municipal Centre. However, a presentation and free samples of the ribs, prepared by Chef April Premiere, had the entire council licking their lips in anticipation.
It was finally agreed that “The 6% Solution” would be given a one-year trial, and council will pick it up again next April 1.
Reaching
Lions Club donation to Legion Branch 212
by Willy Heidebrecht
This donation to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212, Kemptville is to bolster their efforts in support of community needs. It is with honour that Lions and Legion Members work toward a common goal.
As we recognize the enormous needs in all sectors of our local municipal-
ity, the Kemptville Lions Club continues its long tradition of service by identifying gaps, raising funds, and providing meaningful assistance where it is needed most. Through this lottery, we are proud to provide $17,690.00 in support to ten deserving charities. In the end, the true winner is our community, and we extend our sincere thanks to
every ticket holder for making this support possible. If you are someone that enjoys serving the community and is looking for an opportunity to do that here in Kemptville, please consider the Kemptville Lions Club. For more information email: kemptvillelionsclub@gmail.com or call Lion Alan at (613) 4069976.
The Kemptville Cruise Night is moving!
by Luc Bisaillon, Highway 43 Car Club
We are extremely excited to announce that the Kemptville Cruise Night is moving to the North Grenville Municipal Centre’s north west parking lot along County Rd 44 effective May 1, 2026!
We will now be able to offer full accessible washrooms for all of our guests as we will have access to our beautiful Municipal Centre building on Friday nights!
Also, The Ferguson Tree Nursery has offered us access to their parking lot adjacent to the Municipal lot should we need an overflow area and they have also given the Car Club access to their beautiful shaded green area between the Municipal building and their overflow parking including the use of their picnic tables.
We would like to thank Mayor Nancy Peckford and her amazing Team for welcoming us with open arms!
We would like to thank Wes Herring of the Ferguson Tree Nursery for supporting our big move and for offering all of these great new venues.
Last but not least, we would like to thank the Team at Food Basics and the owners/ developers of the property for an incredible 20 years of Kemptville Cruise Nights full of wonderful memories!
The Car Club will continue to support the good people at Food Basics and we wish the developers all the best with the future development of the site.
Our Team cannot wait to welcome everyone at our new location!
by Heather Stewart
Over 40 people shared fellowship and fun while enjoying fresh pancakes with sausages, fruits and maple syrup on March 22, as we continue to celebrate our 175th Anniversary of
St. Paul’s Church. Over $300 was happily donated for the Children’s Mental Health Program of Leeds & Grenville. Our mission goal is to raise $2,500 to this worthy cause.
Ron's Small Engine Repair
In the photo, Lion Secretary Mike Amirault, Legion President Bryan MacRostie, Lions Rob Stevenson, Gerald Christie, Alan Forbes and Gail Osborne.
K E M P T V I L L E L I F E S T Y L E S
Local music and local food at the Sustainability Fair
by Doug Hendry
Spring is a time of renewal, so wake up your senses with the perfect pairing of live local music and delicious local food at this year’s Sustainability Fair & EV Show.
Taking place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Sunday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free annual fair, hosted by Sustainable North Grenville, offers something for everyone. Explore a diverse range of sustainable shopping options in the Market Hall, catch engaging presentations, bring the little ones to the Kid’s Zone, check out the region’s biggest Electric Vehicle Show, and visit the returning Green Your Home area for eco-friendly inspiration.
Enjoy Local Food:
While you explore the fair, be sure to stop by The Boathouse Café, a local favourite from the historic hamlet of Burritt’s Rapids. They’ll be serving up a variety of fresh, locally sourced meals, snacks, and
beverages, including vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore-friendly options.
Live Music All Day:
Music lovers can enjoy performances throughout the day, alternating between informal sets and "learn to play" opportunities in the foyer and stage performances inside.
• 10:00 a.m. – Grenville Troubadours (Foyer)
• 10:30 a.m. – Andre Courtemanche (Food Area Stage)
• 11:15 a.m. – Learn to play the Ukulele! (Foyer)
• 11:45 a.m. – Libby & Cal (Food Area Stage)
• 12:30 p.m. – Learn to play the Autoharp! (Foyer)
• 1:00 p.m. – Arthur McGregor & Ja.m.es Clugston (Back of the Hall Stage)
• 1:45 p.m. – Bruce Enloe and Friends (Foyer Busking)
• 2:15 p.m. – Heroic Mad Peasants (Food Area Stage)
Flagging Respect
by Frederick W. Schueler
You'd think that the Canada flag, having been selected by a tumultuous democratic process, repre-
senting an old-growth tree species that sweetens the end of winter, and with perhaps the most compelling design of any national flag, would inspire respect proportional to its popularity.
Certainly the popularity is immense: in a transect of North America in 1969 I observed that national flags were only flown from federal buildings in Mexico, were fairly prevalent in the States, and were all over in Canada. One problem with the flag is that red fabric dyes fade to pink: driving across southern Ontario in 1966 I observed that the first generation of flags had faded to pastel hues, and my thesis supervisor's photography of a faded flag in Attawapiskat in 1971 inspired the Hudson Bay Company to get a new flag
o w L ( 3 4 3 ) 4
Meet the Artists:
The Grenville Troubadours : A lively ensemble known for their sing-along performances featuring a mix of Celtic tunes, Beatles classics, and more.
Andre Courtemanche: Inspired finger-style music by a real crafstman.
Bruce Enloe: A genrebending singer-songwriter whose music mixes influences from the Beatles and classic country to 70s glam, indie rock, and folk.
Arthur McGregor & James Clugston: Arthur, a Canadian folk legend, ran the Ottawa Folklore Centre for 35 years, while James is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter with a passion for rhythm and storytelling. Arthur will also be running a "Learn to Play the Ukulele" session where you can give one a try!
Bruce Enloe and Friends: A spontaneous, free-spirited jam session where anyone is welcome to join in. Expect a mix of top-notch, medium-notch, and at least one bottom-
notch musician (you know who you are!).
Heroic Mad Peasants: A soulful group blending 12-string guitar, fiddle, and rich harmonies to deliver songs of struggle, hope, and joy.
Libby & Cal: A harmony-driven duo featuring auto-harp and 12-string guitar with clever song-writing by Libby Hortop, who will also be running a "Learn to Play the Autoharp" session using some instruments from the Musical Instrument Lending Library. Come try one out!
Event Details: The 18th Annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair, Sunday, April 26, 2025 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville.
For more information, visit www.sustainablenorthgrenville.ca, find us on Facebook (Sustainable North Grenville), or email info.sustainablenorthgrenville@gmail.com.
out of storage.
The recent sputterings of deranged imperialist notions by the US presidensity have inspired many households to fly Canada flags of various sizes in various ways, but these symbols of elbows-up patriotism are often left hanging and fading for years or entangled in vegetation in ways that degrade their message.
In the Unruly States there is federal legislation about how the national flag is to be displayed outdoors: only in daylight hours, and not in the rain. It would be nice to see the development of a tradition of similar respect in Canada.
Teach your children
Editorial by David Shanahan
It’s an interesting question: how old do you have to be to enjoy freedom of speech, or other Charter Freedoms, in this country? In various jurisdictions around the world, there has been fierce debate over limiting social media access to minors, acknowledging that technology has outstripped the ability of parents and guardians to monitor what their children are accessing on-line. The recent court decision in a Los Angeles Superior Court found that Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta and Google’s YouTube were found liable for deliberately designing addictive products used by millions of young people. The two companies were fined US $6 million, a petty sum, but when added to the US $375 million a New Mexico court had fined the same
companies the same week, it adds up to a serious, and possibly pivotal, reaction to big tech’s impact on the minds of young, and not so young, people around the world.
It is clear that social media platforms have gone from harmless and useful ways of keeping in touch with friends and family, to becoming a vehicle for hate, misogyny, racism, and any other vile thing you can imagine. When does free speech tip over into unacceptable incitement? There is clearly a place for restriction on such behaviour in any society, and the young people affected by what they are exposed to on-line. However, we are also living in a world where any restriction, of any kind, is becoming identified with censorship, hatred, and authoritarianism. Where is the balance to be found?
Traditionally, it has been accepted that education is the forum in which
Letters to the editor
Dear Editor,
I have a big concern about the Sports Dome, the fact that they will be fundraising to get the money to build it. This will take away from all of the Agencies in Kemptville that fundraise to help the people of Kemptville, such as the Youth Centre, the Seniors Centre, and many more, all for a dome that people will have to pay to get in to use the facilities, or are the builders going to be nice and not charge anyone? Definitely, this is not a project that will benefit all of the populace of Kemptville.
Marc Nadeau, the increased traffic on our rural roads also makes them unsafe, what with farm equipment, dump trucks, gravel trucks and other large equipment.
Lynn Paibomesai
Dear Editor,
The Sunshine list is a stick successive governments have used to beat our vital public servants with. The threshold for inclusion has not been increased since it was introduced 30 years ago. A threshold of $100k in 1996 would be $185k today, if it had been
young people are taught to think critically, to learn how to express their opinions, questions, and feelings in a thoughtful and open manner. Schools, from high school to university, are funded on that idea, and it is expected that debate and the open airing of ideas is encouraged in order to produce thinking and informed citizens. But what is the balance needed to prevent open discussion of ideas degenerating into something negative?
The Ontario Minister for Education, Paul Calandra, has issued a memo to all educators in the province instructing them to ensure that graduation ceremonies this year “are not an appropriate forum for organizers or administrators to express political views or promote personal or institutional positions, or engage in divisive or contentious issues of any kind”. The Minister warned teachers and administrators that “Let
me be clear: the failure of school boards to meet these expectations poses a real risk to student well-being and | will not hesitate to consider every tool available to me in the Education Act to ensure that students are always put first”.
uprated in line with inflation. A list that initially covered the very top earning public servants has now become a huge dragnet that includes large swathes of normal employees, such as teachers and healthcare professionals.
It is not possible to draw conclusions about staffing by using the Sunshine list as it does not tell us anything about the overall wage bill, or the distribution of those wages. How many staff in 1996 and today are just under the $100,000 threshold? Statistics such as total wage spend, median earnings, and the top and bottom 10% thresholds would be much more enlightening as to how taxpayer money is being spent.
Steve Gabell, Kemptville
Dear Editor,
In reference to publishing the increased salaries of NG municipality employees from 2024 to 2025, my guess it is distorted as it doesn’t state if the employee changed positions within the organization. For instance, Randy Urslak received an increase of
14.36% but he went from being the deputy fire chief to the fire chief’s position. How many other employees on that list changed positions to a higher paying job category? It doesn’t state that. Also, are there any employees on that list that worked overtime hours throughout the 2024 calendar year.
The published list is not comparing apples to apples. Roger Giroux
Dear Editor,
Some people are questioning why Conservative members are crossing over to the Liberal side. Does their leader, perhaps, have something to do with this? He was openly supporting the illegal occupation of the “Truck Convoy” on Wellington Street, which was sponsored by Trump’s MAGA people.
Does anyone yet favour becoming the 51st State? Definitely not myself. The “Truck Convoy” was made up of “traitors” to our country, supported by D.T. and his MAGA followers, with Mr. Poilievre supporting them in a plan to bring down the lawfully elected Liberal (Trudeu) govern-
In other words, students should not be allowed make any comment that would be classified as an expression of personal political or other “positions” that he might consider contentious. The threat he makes to respond to such breaches of his rules is made clear and obvious. This is the problem: in order to make sure that no statements are made in the graduation ceremonies taking place this year that would offend, be “contentious”, or make anyone feel uncomfortable, a blanket ban is being imposed on what might be seen as free speech. As the Minister puts it: “Graduation ceremonies must remain free from disruption, distraction, or division”. Is that a good balance, really?
ment. Seems to be somewhat similar to the January 6 insurrection on Capital Hill, but luckily not so violent.
Much appreciated in the recent issue is the Op-ed by Chris Turnbull, entitled “The Breakfast Champions hold a picnic in a field of stalled tractors”.
Standing out for me is the following: “No activity related to the proposed Sportsdome should occur on those lands. The decision contravened policies outlined under Agriculture in Ontario’s Provincial Policy (2024).
“An agricultural system outclasses a Sportsdome because the agricultural system can produce food, contribute to biodiversity, offset carbon (forests) and also offer educational opportunities. The Campus is publically owned. The FFC is too, as well as containing Crown land. The FFC is a tree nursery.”
She also states that the cost for the Sportsdome could possibly be $17 million. Meanwhile, on almost every street in Kemptville, we have to dodge potholes as a result, possibly, of much more truck traffic (as
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has expressed its concern over “this sweeping limitation on the expressive rights of students, educators, and staff—particularly in institutions whose very purpose is to teach young people to think critically and express themselves freely”. A statement by the CCLA goes on to state: “"Public education should foster, not restrict, the free and respectful exchange of ideas. We teach our children to question, to analyze, and to speak up—because critical thinking and open expression are essential to democratic participation."
It has been possible in the past, in pre-social media days, to expose young people to ideas and contrasting opinions in a more gradual and controlled way, through education and parental oversight. Now, parents and teachers have no control over how soon, or how much, such exposure takes place, and what outside forces have that control instead. This is not an issue that can be resolved easily or quickly. I’m not sure that it can be resolved through imposing restrictions on educational facilities, or through banning cell phone use up to an arbitrary age. But a resolution is needed, somehow, because the negative influences of hatred, racism and violent bigotry is only too clearly influential on our younger generation, not to mention their elders.
in dump trucks), along with severe winter weather.
I also completely agree with Peter Johnson in his article “All the good times are all gone”. The Conservatives always seem to cut healthcare in addition to cutting education to the bone. What could be more important to all of us than these most vital things?
Thanks to both of these people, Mr. Johson and Chris Turnbull. Kath Piché
Something's happening here: vol. 33
Greetings North Gremlins. Welcome to Spring. We've had snow since the 9th of November...as of April 1, 143 days. Winter's making us wait. Here's another long wait:
”I will put an end to the Liberals' 'Hallway Medicine' and cut wait times for people. We're going to build 30,000 long term care beds across the province. When people need care, they will get care. Help is on the way.” (April 20, 2018) 'Hallway Medicine' Nice. Who made these promises? Doug Ford. More than 2,900 days ago...and counting.
Now, according to the Ontario Hospitals Association, “More than 1,000 people a day are being treated in hospital hallways.” Uhh Doug? What's happened to 'help is on the way'?
The projected budget deficit is $244.2 billion...
that's BILLIONS! Why is it that the Party that constantly accuses all the other Parties of being 'Tax and Spend' are so good at racking up huge debts and deficits? Mike Harris did exactly the same thing...and Mr. Ford has been following Mr. Harris' blueprint for years now. Next, he will use MILLIONS more of OUR dollars on ads telling us that WE will have to tighten our belts...We? It's not WE that brought this about Doug, it was YOU.
It started on your first day on the job. YOU decided to fire all the top execs of Ontario Hydro. That cost US MILLIONS in penalties for illegal contract terminations. Next? YOU Cancelled Green Energy contracts and spend BILLIONS subsidizing electricity across the province. WE pay for that. What next?
Municipality Matters
by David Shanahan
The past couple of weeks have been pretty good for Council and municipal staff. They brought in a budget with a tax increase below 2%, which is a nice improvement on ten years ago, as you’ll see from our front page. Mayor Peckford’s “Mayor’s Address” on March 26 emphasised the very healthy financial situation in which the Municipality finds itself, with a strong, almost exclusive focus on business and economy.
A major point in the Address was the size of the Municipality’s Total Deferred Revenue and Reserves, which amounts to $36,295,475. This compares with the total debt load carried by North Grenville, which totals $7,754,100, according to the Budget presentation provided at Council on March 3. The presentation contained much interesting detail. It began with a list of the accomplishments of each sector of the municipality’s administration, along with the objectives of each sector for 2026.
For example, the 2025 PR&C Highlights for Parks, Recreation & Culture included:
• Sports Dome Feasibility Study and Detailed Design Completed
• Installation of 500 Arena Seats
• Completion of Heron’s Nest and Bishop’s
Well, how about changing a few laws? A law that removes scrutiny of the records and phone calls of HIS cabinet. Next? HE thinks it would be a good idea to have the province take over the selection and appointment of judges. We have seen how well that worked with the Supreme Court in the U.S. But back to that deficit:
$2.2 BILLION for an Austrian Spa? $1 BILLION on a new Science Centre? The MILLIONS paid to terminate the contract for the Beer Stores? This guy spends money like it's HIS! The job training scandal? Pushed under the nearest carpet. What will this budget do to address this huge pile of mismanaged finances? What would Mike Harris do? Download it onto the municipalities. There will be cuts to education...this is nothing
Mills Park
• Design and Renovation of the Armory Building
• Crozier Park Soccer Field Completed
• Curry Park Accessible Dock Installed
The 2026 Objectives included, among other items: “Installation of the 125,000 sq.ft. Sports Dome & 7500 sq.ft. Ancillary Building”, at a projected cost of $17 million. Listing this as an objective for the year certainly indicates that the Sports Dome is a done deal, regardless of planned public consultations.
The accompanying chart from the Budget presentation shows the proposed operating budget for the Municipality for 2026. In response to some queries from the public in our letters section this week, it shows the total amount budgeted for salaries and benefits, as well as expenses and revenues projected for the coming fiscal year. Tax revenues account for almost two-thirds of revenues.
Questions about staff size and shortages was also addressed in the presentation, which noted that there had been 49 external hires “onboarded”, as it was put, over the past year, of which 39 were part-time and seasonal, 6 full-time vacancies, 2 retirement replacements, and 2 “growth-related new positions based on organizational review”.
The idea of a “Mayor’s Address”, a formal event at
new. A man who left school after grade 10 is in charge of the funding for Education in this province. What could possibly go wrong? There will be more cuts to health care. The same as with education, health care is not as important as some of HIS self-aggrandizing projects. He has a tunnel that he thinks should be built under the 401. There will be major transit expansions...in short, lots of dollars to spend in the GTA. Is it any wonder that there were anti-Ford rallies across the province on March 28th. Will he care? He's been given a 3rd majority. He'll talk his way out of it...he's good at that, at least.
Peter
Johnson Upper Oxford Mills
Op-ed: We need to care more for the FFC
by Lynn Paibomesai
There was quite the turmoil on Facebook instilled by Sarah Herring's post criticizing the people who do not want the 13 acres of the Ferguson Forest Centre to be developed. She said that there was a lot of emotion in the call to remove the intensification overlay on the 13 acres. I think there is nothing wrong with showing emotion for the place where you live, it shows that you care about it, and what is wrong with more green space? At the first Official Plan meeting, the Mayor did mention that there wasn't much green space within the urban boundaries of North Grenville.
As to the person who said that, in the future, more land will be taken from the Ferguson Forest Centre, they are probably correct. Look at what has already happened, the Shoppers' Drug Mart shopping mall, the High School, the Municipal Centre, the Fire Station, and in the "Unaffected Area" on Sarah's map, the dog park and a disc golf course. The Disc Golf Club was given half of the Arboretum, but that wasn't enough. They were also given 4.5 acres of the Crown Land pine bush by the Pump House.
Sarah is wrong in saying the rest of the Ferguson Forest Centre and the Crown Land is unaffected. With the increase in businesses and the population of Kemptville, the garbage becomes a problem. On Earth Day in 2024, I organized a garbage pick-up for the Ferguson Forest and the Ferguson Forest Centre. Board Members of the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation came out to help, as did quite a few members of the public. A "Big Thank You" goes out to all of you.
which the Mayor can speak to the “State of the Union”, as it were, is a novel and generally good idea, adding to the transparency which we like to see from our elected representatives. The event allowed for questions from the audience, which all proved to be “softball” in nature, and a number of
Op-ed
businesses were profiled which allowed them to promote their enterprises. All referred in glowing terms to the “community”, noting how much they valued being part of the one here in North Grenville, where they felt welcomed and valued.
The Greenbelt scandal and freedom of information
by Steve Gabell
During the 2022 election campaign, Premier Ford promised the Greenbelt would be safe from development under his government. Shortly after the election was concluded, and Ford had won a majority, plans were announced to remove some parcels of land from the Greenbelt for housing to be built on.
Investigations by journalists, using freedom of information requests, discovered that nearly all of the land removed from the Greenbelt belonged to developers with ties to Premier Ford. The chief of staff of the then Housing Minister, Steve Clark, was found to have played a significant role in deciding which parcels of land should be removed. Further investigations by the Auditor General and Information and Privacy Commissioner found multiple breaches of laws surrounding the conduct of government business, including the use of personal email accounts and devices for government use, using codewords such as “GB” or “G**” in messages, deleting emails, and having a surprising lack of decision-making documentation.
In the aftermath of the Greenbelt revelations, Clark’s chief of staff resigned from his post and Clark himself later resigned from his ministerial post. An RCMP criminal investigation is still ongoing.
The 2026 Ontario Budget now contains a provision to retroactively change the law around freedom of information, greatly reducing the records covered under this legislation. Given what is already known about the Ford government (there have also been scandals over Ministerial Zoning Orders, Ford’s daughter’s wedding, and the Skills Development Fund), there must be serious questions asked over what exactly they are trying to hide from public view.
We picked up 22 pitch-in bags of garbage, renovation garbage, an old muffler, all from the roads, the parking lots, creeks that flow into the South Branch and the trails. Last year on Earth Day, three members of the Board of The Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre picked up two and a half bags of garbage at the Dog Park/Disc Golf parking lot, the Arboretum, the part of the Disc Golf course east of the parking lot, and down Honour Way to Anniversary Park. Five months later a half bag of garbage was picked up at the Dog Park/Disc Golf parking lot and down Honour Way to Veterans' Way.
The sad thing is there is a garbage dumpster in that parking lot. In the 4.5 acres in the crown land for the Disc Golf Club, they have cleared all of the understory, letting the wind blow through there. As a result trees outside of this area are being affected, they are being blown down by the wind. If the 13 acres is developed, no matter how, when we get a strong south wind, garbage and debris will be blown into the Nursery fields from there. We don't live in bubbles, what we do in one area will affect another. What puzzles me is why the Municipality and the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation don't take the initiative to showcase the Ferguson Forest Centre, an asset to the Community that makes it unique. When I give directions to people who have never been to the Ferguson Forest Centre, they are amazed that they have driven by it but never saw it, it being hidden behind the Municipal Centre. Put a sign on Highway 43, plant trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that are grown in the nursery, put out picnic tables. This area can be a buffer zone for the nursery fields as well. The Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre have had interest from a number of people who would like to volunteer their time to help the Ferguson Forest Centre. They can help to look after the "Showcase Green Space."
An added bonus, doing this will also help the Municipality to combat Climate Change as per their Official Plan.
International Children's Book Day
International Children's Book Day is celebrated every year on April 2, the birthday of the famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The International Board sponsors this worldwide observance on Books for Young People (IBBY), to commemorate the books that shape us all from a young age and the positive influence of literature on children and their development.
Children's books stimulate the imagination, teach values, and introduce children to new things. International Children's Book Day also aims to encourage children to read more (or parents to read more to
their children) to inspire their love for books.
The International Board on Books for Young People founded International Children's Book Day in 1967, to promote children's literature and encourage young people to read more. April 2 was picked as the date to celebrate this day on, as it is the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, one of the most prolific story writers of all time.
This day is an annual event, and every year a different national section of IBBY is chosen to be the international sponsor of International Children's Book Day. That section can pick a theme, and invite a famous
SALE
author from their country to write a message to be seen by children worldwide. IBBY Cyprus is honored to be the official sponsor of ICBD 2026, with the inspiring theme: Plant stories and the world will bloom!
Books are crucial when it comes to a child's development and education. It is not only a great brain exercise because it engages them and builds up their vocabulary, but it also stimulates their imagination and curiosity and teaches them empathy. This means that it opens new horizons for children, makes them want to explore the world around them, and teaches them how to think outside the
box. These are all essential skills that make them grow up to be intelligent, kind adults.
Children's books are important because they stay with us. Most of us had a favourite book as a child that we still remember today, and it brings us good memories. It is almost certain that your favorite book as a child has had some important impact on your life. Here are five of the most loved and well-known children's stories from around the world:
Cinderella: This is a classic tale of a young girl who overcomes the adversity of her evil stepmother and step-sisters, and with
OF LAND FOR TAX ARREARS BY PUBLIC TENDER Form 6 MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001
Ontario Regulation 181/03 Municipal Tax Sales Rules THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE
TAKE NOTICE that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3pm. local time, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Municipal Office, Box 130, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0.
The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day at 3:30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION OF LANDS
Roll No.
07.19.716.040.11800
Part LT 30, CON 1, OXFORD, on PR33557, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville PIN 68130 - 0434 (LT)
Known municipally as: vacant land, cedar Beach Lane, Kemptville
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $25,500
Minimum Tender Amount $14,190
Roll No.
07.19.719.015.45302
PART LT 26, CONCESSION 3 OXFORD, Being Part 2 on 15R-11902, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville PIN 68124-0555 (LT)
Known municipally as: 710 Barnes Street, Kemptville
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $100,000.00 Minimum Tender Amount $8,902
Roll No.
07.19.716.020.12100
Lot 6, NE/S, Water Street, 8 NE/S Water Street, Plan 4, Oxford Mills, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville PIN 68117-0175 (LT)
Known municipally as: 8 Water Street, Oxford Mills
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $244,000.00 Minimum Tender Amount $108,375.00
07.19.716.010.11002
Roll No.
Part Lot 12, Concession 1, Oxford, being Part 1 on 15R7346, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville PIN 68113-0264 (LT)
Known municipally as: 1205 River Road, Kemptville
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $205,000.00
Minimum Tender Amount $23,945.00
Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form along with the address or roll number of the property noted on the outside of the envelope and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/money order payable to the municipality.
Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, existing interests in favour of the Crown, environmental concerns or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Any existing Federal or Provincial Crown liens or executions will remain on title and may become the responsibility of the potential purchaser. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property.
The land(s) does (do) not include mobile homes situate on the land(s).
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as Land Transfer Tax, Non-Resident Speculation Tax and HST.
The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.
A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the web site of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender can be viewed on the Municipality of North Grenville web site www.northgrenville.ca _or if no internet access available, contact: Ann Miller, Accounting and Tax Co-ordinator Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44, P.O. Box 130 Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 613-258-9569 x 136
the help of her fairy godmother attends a royal ball and wins the heart of her prince. It is a story known in many cultures, with various versions of it in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: The Harry Potter series tells the story of a young wizard and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the stories have captivated children and adults around the world since the first book was published in 1997.
Little Red Riding Hood:
The story of a girl who ventures into the woods to visit her grandmother, only to encounter a dangerous
wolf along the way. It is believed to have originated in Europe, and the most wellknown version of the story was written by the French author Charles Perrault in the late 17th century.
The Three Little Pigs: This story of the three pigs who build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks to protect themselves from a hungry wolf.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: This classic picture book, which tells the story of a caterpillar who eats his way through a variety of foods before transforming into a butterfly, has been popular with children since its publication in 1969.
The CDSBEO Kindness Project
At the March 24, 2026, Board Meeting of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, Jordan Prophet, Equity Consultant, introduced the CDSBEO Kindness Project, a collaborative initiative between the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Religious Education departments. Designed to foster inclusive and supportive school communities, the project encourages collective acts of kindness and a sense of belonging among students. Each assembly begins with a teamwork-focused activity, followed by the interactive “Kindness Cake” exercise, where students select positive behaviours as ingredients and identify those that do not belong. Students then gather in groups to develop “I will…” statementspersonal pledges to promote kindness - which are later compiled into a Kindness Jar and returned for implementation. Principals and teachers use these commitments to guide schoolwide or classroom activities, celebrating progress as kindness takes root. Throughout the process, students design logos to express their understanding of kindness, with one design chosen for the team’s T-shirt. The initiative reinforces that kindness is a shared responsibility, empowering students to shape a welcoming and caring school environment.
www.northgrenville.ca
What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events
Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
The Resurrection, part 2: How do we know it happened?
By David Shanahan
Without the Resurrection, there is no Christianity. “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” [1 Cor. 15. 13-14] That is quite straightforward, isn’t it? It was written about twenty years after the death of Jesus, and was part of a letter Paul wrote in which he passed on what he had learned about the Resurrection. It is important that this teaching had been clearly formulated so soon after the event, because it shows that there had been no time for any myths or legends to grow up about the Resurrection of Jesus. It had already, even then, become the basis for everything Christians believed.
But on what evidence did they base this belief? Why should we believe it ever happened? How do we know Napoleon fought at Waterloo, or that the Titanic sank in 1912? We base our knowledge on historical evidence: eye-witness reports, judging between accounts and written reports to evaluate facts and remove fictional elements. That is how we decide if something really happened or not in history, or even current events. So, what is the evidence for the Resurrection? In fact,
there is so much it will be possible only to point out some of the more obvious arguments.
Let’s start with the very basics: either it is a true event, or it is fiction. If it is fiction, who made up the story and why? The people who first preached the Resurrection were the men and women who had followed Jesus during his public life. Does this mean they had a good motive for carrying on by telling this lie? After his arrest, these people ran away out of fear they too would be taken into custody. After his execution, they locked themselves into a room out of fear that they would be next for crucifixion. But something happened that brought them out into the streets shouting and singing and telling the world that Jesus was alive. What happened to them?
What did they gain from this deception, if that’s what it was? They spent the rest of their lives travelling the world telling people that Jesus was God and had risen from the dead. They suffered deprivation, torture and death. People will do that if they believe something enough, even if it is a lie. But people don’t do that for something they know is a lie. And if the Resurrection did not happen, they knew it was a lie, because they were the ones who had
made the story up originally.
The four Gospels contain differing accounts of what happened that morning when the empty tomb was found by the women, differences that reflect what happens when various witnesses describe the same event. People always remember things differently, not contradicting each other, but providing individual memories of the same event. If the story was made up, these accounts would be more uniform, they would have got their stories straight, without these differences. The story would have been tidier, and the first witnesses would certainly not have been who they were.
The first reports of the Resurrection, according to the Gospels, came from women. Under Jewish and Roman laws, women could not testify in court because they were considered unreliable witnesses. Then why would the disciples base their claims on the testimony of women? The Gospels say that not even the disciples believed the women at first, so why should anyone else? We are told that even when Peter and the others heard the women’s story, and visited the empty tomb, they still did not believe that Jesus had risen. That took a
Finding business support services is now easier
by the United Counties
of Leeds & Grenville
Businesses and entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville now have a convenient way to access the resources they need to start, grow, and succeed.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in collaboration with business support agencies, have launched new marketing campaign that will assist businesses in navigating the many agencies available to help them with funding, staffing, networking, training and advisory services.
The Business Support Services Map, is an online tool that brings together local programs, services, and supports in one centralized location. This interactive map allows users to do a customized search based on their location. The map is part of the Counties’ ongoing efforts to improve access to business supports and service delivery for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and expanding companies.
“Each business support agency covers different geographic areas, and this new tool makes it easier for businesses to connect with the right resource,” said Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager Ann Weir. The various resources include Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Supports, Employment Services, Community Futures Development Offices, Business Improvement Associations, and Small Business Enterprise Centres.
“There are many supports available for businesses, and in a coordinated effort with the agencies, we want to ensure businesses are aware of them all,” Ann added. “This project is a strong example of collaboration, and is supported with funding from Counties Economic Development, 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation, and Community Futures Grenville.
Whether launching a new venture, hiring employees, or exploring funding, users can navigate the map to discover and connect with services. Explore the Business Support Services Map at: invest.leedsgrenville.com/maps
personal visit by Jesus to their locked room, followed by many other appearances, to many other people. At one place, more than five hundred people saw and heard him. Mass hallucinations do not happen, that is a scientific fact. And Paul points out that most of the five hundred witnesses were still alive twenty years later and they could be interviewed to confirm the accounts.
The Gospel accounts are full of little details that ring true, some of them quite strange indeed. When Jesus, like every dead body at the time, was prepared for burial, his head was wrapped in a cloth and strips of linen were wound around his body. When the tomb was found empty, the burial cloths were found lying where he had lain. But the cloth that had covered his head had been folded carefully and set to one side. Try and imagine that scene!
Next: What happened to the body?
The honour our veterans banner program
by Mike Amirault,
Branch 212, Kemptville Legion The Honour Our Veterans Banner Program is an ongoing Remembrance, Cultural and Legacy Project that honours military Veterans who have served, or continue to serve, in the Canadian and Commonwealth Armed Forces. Similar Banner Programs with various names and banner titles have been adopted by Cities, Towns and Villages throughout North America, as a means of encouraging members of their communities to remember the sacrifices made by their local Veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville and the North Grenville Historical Society, are very pleased to once again offer our Hometown version of the Honour Our Veterans Banner Program in our community. A Branch 212 Kemptville Banner Committee administers this special initiative, which is intended to ensure continued recognition and respect for our Veterans both now and in the future.
The 2026 edition of the Honour Our Veterans Banner Program is now open to active and former Canadian and Commonwealth Armed Forces Veterans of the Municipality of North Grenville. Non-resident honourees may be sponsored by a relative who currently resides in the Municipality of North Grenville on a first come basis. It should also be noted that the honourees or their sponsors do not
need to be affiliated with the Royal Canadian Legion.
The banners traditionally include a head and shoulders photo of the honouree, preferably in uniform, his or her Branch of Service, Theatre of Service whether it be in War or in Peacetime, name of the banner sponsors, and in our case, the trademark partnership logos of the Royal Canadian Legion, Municipality of North Grenville and the North Grenville Historical Society.
The actual banners are entitled “Hometown Heroes” measuring 24 inches wide x 60 inches high which are manufactured from heavy gauge vinyl with double sided printing. The cost for manufacturing the banners is the financial responsibility of either the honouree, or through private or corporate sponsorships on behalf of the honouree. The Honour Our Veterans Banners are priced at $275.00 per unit including HST and shipping and handling.
During the fall of 2026, the banners will be on display on both sides of Prescott Street in close proximity to the Kemptville Cenotaph. The banners will be attached to Municipal lamp posts, light standards or utility poles for a four to six week period in October and November. It is anticipated that the banners will have a display life of a minimum of three to five years, solely dependent upon local weather conditions. When the banners are formally retired, they will be presented to the honouree, applicant or the sponsor
as a keepsake.
As of Monday, March 30, 2026, banner application packages will be available at the Reception Desk of the North Grenville Public Library, Kemptville Norenburg Branch, at 1 Water Street, Kemptville, Ontario. The completed applications and associated documentation must be returned BY HAND to the Library Reception Desk. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 29, 2025. This is an on-going program that will be expanded each year with the addition of new banners resulting from the same application process.
North Grenville Hometown Heroes Project:
The Branch 212 Kemptville Banner Program Committee also extends an invitation to the honourees to participate in the “North Grenville Hometown Heroes Project” which is part of our Honour Our Veterans Banner Program. Banner honourees, their families or friends, are requested to write a brief military biography of the honouree and include it in the banner application package. The biography, photo of the honouree, along with a digital copy of the banner, will be placed in a special file at the North Grenville Historical Society Archives as a permanent record in honour of these exceptional men and women.
Contact Person: Mike Amirault, Chairman / veteransbanners212@ hotmail.com.
Leading the life you want
by Diana Gifford-Jones
There’s something quietly heartbreaking about waiting too long to start living the life you might have had all along. An 83-year-old reader wrote to me recently. For decades, this person lived with social exclusion, low self-esteem, and fear. Then, just last year, they did something about it. They signed up for modern line dancing at a local community centre. I don’t know if it was a decision taken after a lot of soul searching, or if it was a whim, something more frivolous.
But the same result, either way. Everything changed.
Some things were evident right away. Others came over time, and they were physical, mental, emotional, and social. Enough for the reader to report, with a sense of regret, “It makes me want to start life over again… and do things differently. Better. With more enjoyment.”
That last line lingers.
It invites the question: Why do people wait? Not everyone does. Hopefully, not long-time Gifford-Jones readers. But my suspicion is that a lot of people do. They wait until retirement to travel. They wait until illness to value health. They wait until loneliness becomes noticeably painful before reaching out. They wait for permission to be a little bit different than everyone has come to expect. Well, guess what? That permission is not coming.
Years ago, I heard a story about a young man who didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. He asked an older, wiser fellow for advice. The answer was stark. “Go to the beach. Sit there. Look at the ocean. And don’t come back until you know.”
The suggestion to go away and think deeply about it sounds absurd in today’s lightening-paced, hyperconnected world. But it’s not that hard to do, in fact. Just put the phone down and shut away any other distractions. Schedule time for focused thinking in blocks of two or three hours. Set up a spot for thinking, someplace not too comfortable, but attractive. Then go there and do your thinking for as many sessions as it takes. You’ll figure something out soon enough.
And then you have to go for it.
We don’t give ourselves the time or the discomfort needed to think clearly about what we want. We fill every quiet moment with noise and distraction. And so the years pass, not in crisis, but in drift.
Research in psychology has long shown that novelty and social connection are powerful medicines. Trying something new. Even something as unassuming as line dancing can stimulate the brain, improve balance and cardiovascular health, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s not just about the activity. It’s about stepping outside the box quietly built around ourselves.
At 83, you can still change your life.
At 63, you can still change your life.
At 23, you can still change your life.
The difference is how much time you have left to enjoy it. But if you are at the older end of the spread, you know it’s not all about duration. Quality of experience, even if fleeting, can last a lifetime, even retroactively.
So here’s the drill. Take a step. A small one is enough. Sign up for something. Call someone. Go somewhere. And if you truly don’t know what you want? Find your own “beach.” Sit quietly. Think deeply. And don’t get up until you know.
I did just this upon the passing of my father several months ago. And now I’m writing this column. It’s an intensely high-quality weekly experience that I hope will last for a long time.
This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff. com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff. com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
Beth Donovan Hospice receives major donation
The Beth Donovan Hospice has received a grant of $200,000 to renovate the facility to accommodate two new hospice beds allocated by the Ministry of Health. The grants was provided by the OutCare Fund, which has announced more than $1.54 million in disbursements to 10 palliative care providers across Eastern Ontario, supporting critical services for individuals and families facing endof-life care.
Established at the Community Foundation of Ottawa following the closure of the OutCare Foundation in 2023, the OutCare Fund has continued the Foundation’s longstanding mission to champion high-quality palliative care across the region. Traditionally awarded as semi-annual grants, this year’s distribution reflects the Advisory Board’s final allocations of the Fund.
The Fund’s Advisory Board includes Chair Christine Irvine, Linda Bruce, and Andy Loney. Recognizing urgent pressures on frontline palliative care, the group prioritized releasing the funds now to maximize impact.
“Our community’s hospices are experiencing unprecedented demand,” said Christine Irvine. “We felt strongly that these funds needed to be put to work now, supporting the dedicated teams who provide compassionate care every day and ensuring families across our region continue to have access to the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve at end of life.”
“This funding reflects OutCare’s commitment to ensuring compassionate, high-quality palliative care remains accessible across our region,” the Advisory Board added. “These organizations provide essential support to individuals and families at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.”
Christine Fouchard
Christine Fouchard began her fluid art journey after discovering paint pouring, a process that opened the door to a more joyful and liberating way of creating. With a background in painting, drawing, sculpting, carving and photography, she now explores alcohol inks, acrylic inks, and gel plate printing—embracing flow over perfection and finding joy in the creative process.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
events@ngtimes.ca
Rotary Club of Kemptville meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly at the Community Room, Grenville Mutual Insurance , 380 Colonnade Drive, 6.45 - 8 pm. Help serve the community and meet people with similar aims
North Grenville Photography Club
Meets from 7 - 9 PM on the 1st Wednesday of each month (Sept. - June) at Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colannade Dr., Kemptville. Welcoming photographers of all skill levels. Email contact@ngphotoclub.ca for more info.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONTHLY SUPPER at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
YOUNGSTERS OF YORE
Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street. Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair.
“Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack after our weekly guest speaks We welcome All Ages!
FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.
NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION
Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm)
Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres. Everyone is welcome. Bring clean indoor shoes
FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. TUESDAY COMMUNITY HUB hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St.
MODERN SQUARE DANCING in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.
NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED
The NGMS provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coffee and conversation, and do projects that benefit the community. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30 to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West. (Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) : northgrenvillemensshed@gmail.com for more information.
KEMPTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church. NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans.Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?
JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE — a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com
CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers. EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, April 14, 28, May 12, 26, June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m.
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m.
WIZARD CARD GAME at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Sunday, April 12, May 3, June 14, August 9. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m.
SPEED EUCHRE 10X10 at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. April 26, May 24, June 27, July 26, August 23. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m. 10x10 means you play 10 games with as many euchre hands as you can within 10 minutes per game, for unlimited points. Stick the dealer: if everyone passes, the dealer must call a trump suit. If you like to take your time when playing euchre, this version is not recommended. For information, send an email to debiar@ymail.com.
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Lion's share 5. Rewrite 9. Sorrow
14. 2.53 centimeters
15. Assistant 16. File
17. Streak left by tears
19. Feudal lord
20. Medieval sword 21. Chiropody
23. Run-down apartment houses
25. Associate
28. Regret
29. Back of the boat
32. Pilings
33. Adult males
34. Talon
35. Rear end
36. Not 1st or 2nd
38. Employ
39. Prevaricates
40. Young boy
41. Each
43. Male adult
44. Large
45. Rendered unconscious
46. Singers
48. Cowboy
50. Barrel part
54. Meadow
55. Pertaining to the skin
57. Licoricelike flavor
58. Garden tool
59. Asian nurse
60. In shape
61. Large number
62. Game on horseback
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Small amount
2. 1 1 1 1
3. "Go away!"
4. Constrains
5. Consume food
6. Baby underwear
7. Dialect
8. More affectionate
9. Denounce (archaic)
10. Leaves out
11. Lascivious look
12. Debauchery
13. Deli loaf
18. Fragrance
22. Flood
24. Chick
25. Sacred hymn
26. Skylit lobbies
27. Above the horizon
29. Extraterrestrial
30. Madcap comedy
31. Thick woolen fabric
33. Central 34. Football helmet part
37. Bargainers
42. Pocketbook
Stuck to
Work stoppage
Mud volcano
Floral leaf
Harness part
Ammunition
Medicine bottle
Reflected sound
Not thin
Morning moisture
Baldwin Birds
The Grackles are Back
The constant changes in the weather, from cold to sun, from snow to melt, continue their seemingly never-ending cycle as the birds slowly make their return. My three Pine trees have suddenly become alive with activity, as a flock of Redwing Blackbirds seem to have temporarily adopted it as a refuge.
As yet, there are no vivid displays of their beautiful red wings, which, of course, give them their name. The
only view of them is a whitish line where the wings fold into the body feathers. The further we get into the Spring and the nesting season, will be when the males really display their wings.
Along with the Redwings there are a couple of Common Grackles, of which the males are very easily distinguished with their iridescent dark blue necks and heads and their piercing eyes. They are also bigger than the Redwings,
so easy to see when they all gather in a flock together on the ground, feeding. There seems to be no animosity between the different birds, so they feed relatively peacefully amongst themselves, with no big squabbles ever occurring, which is a lesson to us all to learn I think!
The skies overhead are getting back to being a very busy highway, or should I say ”Flyway”?, for quite big skeins of Geese as they make their way to more northerly climes for the summer. En route to breakfast this morning with a friend, we spotted, from the car, a really big flock of Geese doing just that. We were heading towards the Rideau River, where it won’t be long before we start to see the Ospreys returning to their nesting sites that have been provided for
them over the years by enthusiastic bird lovers, who enjoy seeing these magnificent birds in close proximity, as do we all. Now and again, a Bald Eagle gets spotted amongst the birds seeking nesting sites along the rivers, by their food sources, so keep a sharp lookout and you might be lucky enough to spot one yourself very soon!
Until that happens, please don’t forget to enjoy the birds in your own garden and watch out for the different ones that might be just passing through, on their way to their favorite summer territories. These will provide only fleeting glimpses of themselves, so keep vigilant and whilst doing that please stay safe and well.
Cheers, John Baldwin
73’s take out Grads the hard way in double OT’s
by G.J. the sportsguy
Well 73’s hockey fans, your boys had another meeting in Navan in the quarter finals that became a marathon as it required double OT to declare the 4 to 3 Kemptville victory. The first frame was end to end punishing pursuit, with the slap shot chippy scenario with the Grads ice breaker at 1:11 when Matthew D’Urso put it past Rylan Donovan. Kemptville, with a man advantage, countered when Travis Ouellette found Jacob Kulas PPG to deflect it by Cooper Flemming at 2:57. Power play combination from Restauri to Owen Knight PPG for Navan tie breaker at 12:18. Johnson with Robertson to Andrew
Waugh 13:04 for Grads go ahead. Kemptville pulled within one with a give‘n’go from Zachary Venance to Gavin McDougall PPG on 5 on 4 just before the horn at 19:18.
The slab was kept warm in the second salvo without any markers on the sheet to end it scoreless. Final twenty at 7:24 when Kemptville’s Travis Ouellette razzle dazzled with Gavin McDougall reversed to Morgan Henderson blasting a laser off on the line for his first of the year to knot it up and force OT. First OT with the 73’s PK on display remained scoreless.
Game winner from Thomas Dickey in his second game rallying
with Gavin McDougall for the biggest goal of the night at 6:17 to close out double OT sudden victory 4 to 3 for Kemptville, who outshot Navan 53 to 50 with 2/4 PP to 1/6 PP.
The fifth meeting of the quarter finals Friday evening mirrored the previous battle against Navan Grads with a 3 to 2 double OT Kemptville victory to move on to the semi-finals. Initial twenty was end to end punishing pace with the stoppers standing tall until 73’s Jay Zeus Mbarushimana cycling with Travis Ouellette reversed to Nicholas Voisey on the point to rifle it over Cooper Flemming on PP at 17:27. Lucas Achim powered through the zone with Jacob Kulas, unto Zachary Venance tape to bury one top shelf at 11:30 opened the second frame. Suspect calls on Kemptville for four minutes allowed Navan’s Jack Johnson to spoil Rylan Donovan SO at 19:01. Navan crashed the cage at 2:37 when D’Urso combined with Paris to Brayden Lindsay forcing OT.
First OT was a fast, furious two way battle forcing both net minders to keep the game relevant with Kemptville dominating without suc-
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville
The versatile and inexpensive pork tenderloin is the continuing source of many great recipes. This one benefits from a slightly acidic and sweet flavour. It has the advantage of being both a great meal for dinner but also serving as party food when people get together enjoy each other’s company. This recipe will serve four with the opportunity of increasing the recipe if you have more people at the table. Thanks to the Fast and Healthy Cookbook by Pillsbury for this adaptation.
Pork Tenderloin Tortillas
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of pork tenderloin, sliced in ¾ inch medallions
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar
• 1 medium sized onion, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced into strips
• ½ of a green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• As many 8 to 10 inch tortilla shells you need to feed four hungry people
• For the salsa, ½ cup of diced pineapple, fresh or canned and 1 cup chunky salsa
• ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese (or more, to taste), grated
Preparation:
• Mix the pineapple, salsa and grated cheese and set aside
• Cut the pork tenderloin lengthwise, then into ¼ inch slices
• Combine the brown sugar, chili powder and vinegar in a separate bowl
• Add the pork, toss and let marinate at room temperature for a half hour
cess. Double OT was a repeat of the previous twenty until your 73’s pulled another gear after boisterous roar from fans at 19:14 when Lucas Achim to Zachary Venance, chipping it to Morgan Henderson holding the line who launched a howitzer game winner to eliminate their opponents. Kemptville peppered Navan 53 to 29 with 1/7 PP to 1/5 PP in front of nearly a thousand strong.
The coach felt it was a hard fought series against Navan and great to see us come out on top, especially with three OT games. The crowds in Kemptville were awesome and we appreciate their support very much. I am very proud of this group and their work ethic so far, to give us the opportunity to face Rockland. Organization, grit, passion, hunger, focus, determination, cardio with skill is a formula for success and these young men have those attributes in abundance.
Come out to show your support as they venture into the semifinals to meet Rockland Nationals in their race for the Bogart Cup
See you around the wall…hockey with EDGE.
• Melt the butter in a large pan on medium heat and sweat the onion and green pepper
• Add the pork and stir fry until the pork is no longer pink
To serve, spoon the pork mixture onto the tortilla shells that you have pre-warmed in the oven. Add the pineapple, salsa and cheese mixture and roll up your tortillas. You can slice these in half if you wish. Serve hot with a bit of sour cream or natural Greek yoghurt. These go well with your favourite beer. All the very best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
A Male Common Grackle
Na na na goodbye..Morgan Henderson perfect perfection from the point between top iron and blocker after Lucas Achim with Zachary Venance combination high cycle to wrap double OT.
The NG Times has reportedly been seen in Hong Kong, Thailand, and in Singapore. Doreen and Anthony O’Sullivan have been cruising the Far East. The Times gets around!
Erick Le Pors in Huelgoat, Brittany