Issue 13 2024 April 4 NG Times

Arts Guild thank their Froid’ArtArt in Ice sponsors

Our sponsors with their gifts of artworks: Front row, l to r: Ardis Lerner (artist), Steve Jonsson (sponsor—Jonsson’s Independent), Tammy Keith (artist), Liane Cormier (sponsor—Salamanders). Back row, left to right: Debbie Wilson (sponsor—Grahame’s

by Tabitha Valliant, NGAG

In an effort to brighten up those long winter months, the North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) embarked on its inaugural presentation of Froid d’Art - Art in Ice, a unique outdoor winter exhibition that truly embraced the wonders of winter. For two weeks in February, Rotary Park in Kemptville was alight with sparkling ice and art that was embedded in 300 lb blocks of ice. Due to our untraditional winter season this year, the

exhibition became an everevolving show as the heavy blocks melted and changed forms daily all while showcasing the juried work of seven NGAG artists: Aleta Karstad, Tammy Keith, Ardis Lerner, Caroline Marshall, Julie Mercier, J. Nicol, and Tabitha Valliant.

NGAG’s Froid’Art - Art in Ice was made possible through the Municipality of North Grenville's Arts and Culture Development Fund and the generous sponsorship of the following local

businesses: B&H Groceries, Salamanders Restaurant, Desjardin Insurance–Vrolyk Insurance and Financial Services Limited, Grahame's Bakery, Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer, and the Municipality of North Grenville. Each sponsor was presented with the original artwork that they sponsored at a presentation at the North Grenville Public Library on Monday, March 27, as a way for the artists and NGAG to personally thank these community leaders

for their generous gift and support. Additional thanks go out to the Kemptville Minor Football Club, the Kemptville Jags, for their help with installation. Many hands make light work and we would have been lost without the muscle!

David Dosset of Martello Alley in Kingston is the creative genius behind the Froid’Art concept, and has been mounting it for a

Bakery), Caroline Marshall (artist), Julie Mercier (artist), Jim Beveridge (sponsor—B&H), Tabitha Valliant (artist). Missing: Kris Vrolyk (sponsor—Vrolyk Insurance), Kristin Strackerjan (sponsor—representing Municipality), Aleta Karstad (artist), J. Nicol (artist).

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decade. His original idea of Froid’Art as an outdoor illuminated ice art exhibit throughout the downtown area of Kingston has become a long running tradition. Under David’s tutelage, NGAG has been working for over a year to bring this event to North Grenville, and it is delighted to share it with everyone. A huge thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and artists for a successful first show!

Without the support and continued involvement of our community, these events would not be possible. This

dynamic collaboration with Mother Nature was truly magical, and NGAG is already looking for ways to make Froid’Art - Art in Ice bigger and better next year!

For those interested in learning more or getting in touch with the North Grenville Arts Guild, you can visit the website at https:// ng-arts-guild.ca, check their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/NorthGrenvilleArtsGuild, or contact them via email at northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com.

Tickets selling fast for KYMTC's production of The Little Mermaid

by Barbara Lacelle

Bring the kids to see The Little Mermaid, April 13 - 28, at the Urbandale Arts Centre, a musical full of life, colour, music and dance and brought to you by your very own Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company. The cast, crew and production team have been working non stop to bring you an underwater adventure full of sea creatures and tall tales. The award winning musical with music by Alan Menken will have you singing songs and salsa dancing in your seat. Tickets are available online at kymtc.org or at Brewed Awakening in Kemptville.

Local Artisans have unique creations at upcoming Indoor Market

by Graeme Waymark

Me elderly eye spied serendipity and a laff: An Easter Duckie, off the beaten path, twasn't there the 'tuther day why its there I canna say

But if there be a reader present who made my Easter Walk so pleasant

Me thinks it be worthy of a mention just how This plucky ducky got onto this trail, just now?

Taken this afternoon, March 28, 2024 on a trail 20 metres east of a recent new road in Kemptville. Can anyone recognize where?

Do you know what a Repair Café is?

by Patricia Habberjam

Two Repair Cafés have now been held and both of them went well.

If you still do not know what a Repair Café is, let me explain. We are a group of people who strongly believe in reusing items we have around the home which may not be working as they should. We do not like to see them go to landfills, thus we offer sewing repairs, electrical repairs, and minor woodworking repairs, to name a few.

If parts are needed, you pay for them, but our time is free. We will be happy to check out the child’s toy, the broken drawer, a patch on your sleeve, or a hem on your pants that is coming down; what about that ornament that you chipped last week? Volunteers are waiting for you to bring them into the North Grenville Library, where they will attempt to refurbish them for you.

Assistance in setting up this project is provided by both the Oxford Mills WI and Sustainable North Grenville.

We have two more Café's booked from 12 to 2 pm on April 13 and May 11. Come along to see us, have a coffee, a cookie, a chat, and get your item repaired.

Excitement is mounting as members of Merrickville’s Makers Markets gear up for their SOLD OUT season opener, set for Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 indoors at the Merrickville Community Centre. This vibrant event promises to be a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

The artisan craft market will feature a diverse array of handcrafted treasures from talented local makers. From exquisite jewelry and pottery to intricately woven textiles and beautifully crafted woodwork, to tasty food provisions and fine arts, there will be something to captivate every visitor.

"The market provides a fantastic platform for artisans to showcase their skills and connect with the local community," said Margaret Armour, Merrickville’s Makers Markets Convenor. "We're thrilled to provide a space where people can discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting their neighbours in the process."

Beyond the opportunity to browse and purchase stunning artisanal goods, attendees can look forward to engaging with the creators themselves. All the artisans will be on-site, offering insights into their creative processes and sharing the stories behind their craft. "We want to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each piece," added Armour. "It's about celebrating the rich tapestry of talent within our community

and inspiring creativity in others."

Merrickville’s Makers Markets is a membership-based collective. Each maker must apply for limited annual memberships, thereby ensuring the high-quality and diverse offerings that visitors have come to expect from the Merrickville’s Makers Market brand over the years. For the members, it is a warm and encouraging environment that nurtures growth and innovation.

“Merrickville’s Makers Market is my favourite event to participate in,” said Rachelle O’Keefe of ClayRush, a creator of unique and functional ceramics. “So much support and such amazing people!”

Merrickville’s Makers Markets hosts three events each year. In addition to the sold-out member market April 13 and 14, there is a huge outdoor market at the Merrickville Fairgrounds on September 7 for members and guest artisans. There is also the very popular indoor Christmas market for members only on the weekend of November 2 and 3.

Whether you're seeking the perfect gift, hoping to add a unique touch to your home, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Merrickville’s Makers Markets’ spring market promises to be an unmissable event. Make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 and join us at the Merrickville Community Centre between 10 am and 4 pm for a day filled with creativity, community, and the joy of handmade craftsmanship. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends along to experience the magic of our local artisans firsthand.

Celebrating 10 years in business

Nature Journaling

by Jayne Couch Molony

Nature Journaling North Grenville began in the Kemptville Campus greenhouse. Now, with the support of a North Grenville Arts and Culture Development Fund grant, Nature Journaling NG is set to take its activities beyond the confines of indoor spaces to the vast expanse of NG trails, starting this April.

Meredith Luce’s journey into nature journaling was inspired by a desire to instill a love for nature and creativity in her young daughter. What began during the pandemic as a personal project sharing materials with friends and their childre, has evolved into a communal experience, supported by the A&C Development Fund.

Central to Meredith's artistic work is her commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and artistic expression. Beyond nature journaling, Meredith also imparts her knowledge through teaching watercolour and printmaking, further enriching the creative landscape of the community.

The Nature Journaling events promise to inspire curiosity and a deeper connection to local green spaces. Participants embark on hikes along the NG trail, to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while documenting their observations and experiences in their journals.

More information can be found at www.naturejournalingng.com.

Inspirations 2024

by Giedre AbromaitisPast President, MAA

The Manotick Art Association is thrilled to announce that its annual spring show and sale, “Inspirations”, will be back again this April 19 to 21. The show will take place at the Curling Club in Manotick, 5519 South River Drive, and will feature the works of 44 area artists. The show runs Friday, 6 to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 to 4 pm; and Sunday, 10 to 4 pm. Entry is free and there is plenty of parking, as well as an acces-

sible entrance.

The show brings a breath of fresh air into the community after a long winter through a feast of vibrant colours and images. Visitors can enjoy viewing landscapes, abstracts, florals, and wildlife painted in oils, watercolours, acrylics, pastel, batik, and wood. There are also several photographers showing their art. Many of the artists will be familiar to long-time patrons of Inspirations, but we are excited to welcome several new and exciting artists to the line-up

this year.

The show will also feature live music on two of the days. Scott Voelzing will entertain our guests on Friday evening. Saturday 1 to 3, will feature Chad Wolfe on fiddle and Sherryl Fitzpatrick on piano. As we have done every year, we will also have door prizes that can be won simply by filling out a ballot.

MAA has always taken pride in supporting charities through the proceeds of our spring show. This year, we will be supporting the Manotick Food Cupboard. We will also be collecting cash donations at the door for this worthy charity.

Come out to the spring show! We would love to see you and your family have an enjoyable time viewing artworks that are beautiful, inspiring, and family friendly. Art, in any of its forms, beautifies and enriches our world. The painting that you fall in love with can bring you peace and joy for many, many years.

Meredith Luce teaching Nature Journaling. Photo by Emily Chen.

This is the Spot, watercolour by Vic Dohar, Inspirations 2024 artist.

Hanging on the telephone

by David Shanahan

There was an episode of Star Trek: the Next Generation years ago in which a game took over the entire crew of the Enterprise. Once people put a headset on, their eyes were hit by a beam that resulted in them becoming addicted to the game and neglecting their duties. It was an addiction that slowly took over everyone. Now, there’s a slight difference between a habit and an addiction (people used to have a “drug habit”, now we know it’s an addiction).

So, when the news came last week that the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action seeking $4.5 billion in damages against the owners of Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok, it was a major event on use of technology.

We all know how much the use of cell phones has become ubiquitous among young people, and the not

so young too. As social media has taken over the lives of so many in our society today, it is normal now to see people take out their phones every time they sit down for a meal, a meeting, or on the bus. People get panic attacks when they think they’ve lost their phone, or even left it at home when they go out. This has gone beyond a habit and developed into genuine addiction.

But the lawsuit by the school boards has underlined the extent to which this addiction has impacted the lives of young people across the world, not just in Ontario. The damage to the minds and behaviour of young people was emphasised by the boards: "The lawsuit claims that social media products, negligently designed for compulsive use, have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn, leaving educators and schools to manage the fallout," the boards said in a statement. "Students are experiencing an attention, learning and mental health crisis because of prolific and compulsive use of social

media products."

Because use of social media in schools is compulsory, because of the perceived benefits it brings to education in the classroom, the school boards claim that this is costing them financially, and are collectively seeking $4 billion in damages. But the main argument is that the media giants are intentionally designing “software platforms that are purposefully created to encourage compulsive use”. The boards claim that 90% of Grades 7-12 students in Ottawa's public school board use social media over five hours a day.

Parents can’t really complain about it, because they are the ones giving their kids cell phones at a ridiculously early age. They prevent school boards from implementing restrictions on cell phone use in schools, and in-

dulge their offspring in their addictive behaviour. Young people like “hanging” with their friends; but when they get together, they’re usually hanging on the cell phone”, not always engaging person to person. How can the problem be addressed?

Whether the lawsuit is successful or not is yet to be determined, but it has to be asked: if this is the damage being done to our young people by such an excessive use of social media, how much are adults being damaged by their addiction to their cell phones and social media wherever they go? If, as the lawsuit claims, these companies are producing “software platforms that are purposefully created to encourage compulsive use”, the effect is not confined to young people. We already know how the algorithms used by social media plat-

forms direct users to sites they want them to visit, rather than ones chosen by the users. The effects of social media on politics, social disruption, conspiracy nuts, and others is only too well known, and the addictive nature of the medium exacerbates the danger. Social media use, particularly through cell phones, has created a huge problem for society. Call it a habit, but it is clearly more than that: it is addictive behaviour. Try taking cell phones away, and see how extreme the reaction can be. It has gone past the point where people will easily change their attitude and behaviour, so can anything be done, with or without lawsuits?

There is one potentially positive example where such addiction has been countered. Twenty years ago this month, Ireland was the first

country in the world to ban smoking in the workplace and in public buildings. In spite of predictions of disaster for pubs, and widespread public rebellion, the new laws were not only successful, but welcomed. Other countries followed suit, and today it is simply unacceptable to find people smoking inside public places or at work. Tobacco is a seriously addictive drug and its effect on health was ultimately proven.

Cell phones may not have the same physical dangers to people’s health, but there can be no questioning the psychological and social threat they pose. Can we find ways to stop people hanging on the telephone, and just hang up?

Dear Editor, The problem today, that houses cannot be built fast enough to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population, is a problem the world over. Part of the building problem is a shortage of skilled and unskilled workers.

A solution is housing like ours. Modular homes built in factories and transported to the site where the foundation and all utilities are ready for immediate connection. Modular construction could also apply to schools and hospitals, fire halls, you name it.

Don’t bring in portable classrooms, bring in modular classrooms that connect to the existing school and the school utilities. Can you visualize hospital wards being built in a factory and assembled as and when needed? No longer would there be 2 to 3 years of planning. Each classroom, each hospital ward and each firehall bay can be brought in on flat beds and assembled on site. Last year, in Nanaimo, a four-storey apartment was assembled on site and had its first occupants within 6 weeks of the foundation being poured. The apartment is now fully occupied and is called "Women’s Haven", a home for destitute women. Just my practical thoughts.

Ian Waymark

Dear Editor,

Today I listened to a very interesting program, “Ontario Today”, about the prison system. The question to the listening audience was: “are you set up to fail when released from prison?”

Her guest was a man who had been incarcerated. He said that many go from incarceration to homelessness, as they have no resources. It is a cycle. They often go to the ‘Shelter System’, but it is very difficult and overrun. Dangerous drugs are involved.

Detention centres (Correctional) are very locked down, and this is before being convicted. People are released with nothing. There is a rise of deaths in custody due to overdoses and lack of resources. It is dangerous and inhumane.

When released, they are left on the side of the road, with no help and no support. Six people can be in a room in these correctional centres. They said it’s a cesspool for gangs looking to recruit, i.e., strength in numbers.

They have no hope and no encouragement and are very far from their hometowns most often. They are released without OHIP cards and no money to get home. There is an over-representation of Indigenous people.

Housing is most important for people coming out

of jail, such as transitional housing. Also, they said the solution is not to build more jails. They need communitybased supports. It costs a great deal to build jails and house people.

This was an excellent show, as “Ontario Today” always is, in my opinion. Many callers. The host is awesome.

Kath Piché

Dear Editor, "The Resurrection: Where's The Body?" by David Shanahan. As I read David Shanahan's piece in NG Times, March 28, I was reminded of a " Christian Women's Retreat" I attended many years ago at Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, N.S. I have forgotten the name of the biblical scholar who spoke that weekend. The speaker's address was titled, "The Physical Events That Happen To The Body When Nailed To A Cross". During Jesus's time in history, the Romans had invaded the Holy Land and crucifixion was their main form of punishment for a crime other than feeding criminals to lions. Although Jesus had not committed any crime, He had been arrested as many people had turned against him out of fear that he might place himself as the new government. He had travelled about

the country for three years teaching the people about God's love and grace.

The heavy wooden cross which Jesus was forced to drag through the streets, after he had already been tortured with whips and clubs while in a Roman jail, was painful enough. Then the Roman guards continued to whip, mock, and torment Jesus as he dragged the cross through Jerusalem, being punished although he had done nothing wrong. The Roman soldiers positioned Jesus on that wooden cross which was lying on the ground. Then they pounded spikes, not mere nails, into his palms, then brought his feet together and pounded a large spike through his legs and at his ankles. They had twisted thin branches from a spiked brush to make a crown and did not lay it gently onto his head but pushed it down over his head so that the long thorns pierced his skull. Then, to add insult to injury, the Roman soldiers, using ropes, pulled the cross up and dropped it into deep hole, which would jar Jesus' entire body with pain.

Jesus' cross was placed between two thieves who had already received the same treatment. After hanging there for about three

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Green Party respond to Gas Tax comments

Responding to comments from Steve Clark and Josh Bennett regarding the scheduled increase in the federal carbon tax, local Ontario Greens President Steve Gabell said

"We are in a climate emergency. Last year saw the worst wildfire season on record. An abnormally dry and warm winter threatens more of the same this year, and wildfires are already alight in the western provinces. 2023 shattered global records for the hottest year on record and scientists around the world are sounding the alarm bell.

“It is beyond all doubt that burning fossil fuels is causing the climate crisis, and that we must reduce carbon emissions both rapidly and deeply. Putting a price on carbon is a necessary part of reducing emissions.

“Greens will always prioritise the protection of our environment over short term political games. Ontario Greens are calling for a climate affordability plan to slash emissions while putting money back into people’s pockets through savings on household energy, transportation, and transit."

Letters continued

hours, a Roman soldier pushed his spear into the bodies, just below the rib cage to make sure the crucified victims were dead, before removing the bodies.

At the end of his lecture, I looked around me in that large auditorium and the women were crying, some visibly sobbing. It became a weekend I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I continue to remember every Good Friday as that memory haunts my thoughts.

For those people who think, "well, why do we continue to live in a world with hate and wars; if Jesus is God, why didn't He run away or kill the Roman guards? That was not God's plan.

Life on this earth will continue to be filled with hate, wars, and anger, until the time comes for Christ to return.

Josephine Herman

Dear Editor,

In May 2024, I will have lived in my owned home in Kemptville for eighteen years. I live peaceably, am not a flight risk and have no criminal history. At 8:20 am on March 20th, 2024, there was a loud knocking at the front door of my home. I tried ignoring it, thinking it was my difficult neighbour, but then I heard my name shouted and realized that it was two male OPP officers. They told me that I had to talk to them. My dogs were barking, so I opened the door slightly and told the officers I couldn't talk to them as I was not wearing clothes.

Federal offender wanted - Connor MURDOCK

The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public's assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of his statutory release.

Connor MURDOCK is described as an Indigenous male, 21 years of age, 6'3" (193 cm), 162 lbs (73 kgs) with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears glasses.

He is serving a 2 year, 1 day sentence for Possession Prohibited/Restricted Firearm with Ammunition.

The offender is known to frequent the Cities of Ottawa, Arnprior and Renfrew.

Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE), Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or call 9-1-1.

One of them said, "Ma'am, if you do not talk to my associate right now, we will get a warrant to arrest you”. I exited my house and stood on my front porch in a towel in front of the two officers. They did not identify themselves or explain why they were at my home. I was told that I had to come with them. I explained that I was getting ready to go to a class and they looked visibly shocked. They told me I had to 'turn (myself) in or there would be a warrant issued for my arrest’. I must 'surrender' to them because, "The paperwork is all done" to have me arrested. I asked if it was over the targeted bullying I have been enduring for two years. I told them that it was an ongoing issue and asked why they hadn't spoken to me before deciding to arrest me. I told them I had written to their Superintendent about the ongoing misuse of OPP and by-law officers by a local volunteer fireman. One of the officers informed me that, "We don't have superintendents, we have constables and sergeants, that's it".

When my class ended, I tried to 'turn (myself) in' in Smiths Falls but the OPP there had no idea what I was talking about. I was told that the paperwork was in Kemptville and I must go there. I refused to 'surrender' to the officers who forced me to stand outside without clothes. A sergeant (Cadieux) was helpful and facilitated the presence of other officers to 'surrender' to. I still had not been told what I was

'surrendering' for. I was again told that if I didn't surrender, then a warrant would be issued for my arrest.

When I reported to the Kemptville OPP detachment, I was read my rights, photographed and fingerprinted but still not told the reason for my arrest. When I said that I'd never been arrested before, the officer taking my handprints said, "Well, you have now".

I asked repeatedly what I was being charged with and finally was told it was 'mischief'. Sergeant Cadieux found out for me that it had to do with me wobbling a concrete bollard of a disconnected gas meter that is located on my property. I am trying to have the useless bollards and disused meter removed. He couldn't explain how that constituted 'mischief' but he also told me that an officer can't reverse an arrest of another officer and that I have no choice but to attend court on April 12th, 2024. I asked again why there would be a decision made to arrest me over a disconnected gas meter. The OPP 'nurse' told me that "They have evidence or you wouldn't have been arrested". I still have no explanation for how I am supposed to have damaged the disused meter, if that is even possible, or why I would be arrested over it. I was told I detached it from the falling building, but Enbridge Gas technicians disconnected it on January 23rd, 2024. I have repeatedly reported the meter for being disconnected and falling into my driveway.

The paperwork I was made to sign for my release tried to trespass me from my own property. I have no idea why any police officer would have me charged and arrested without doing the most basic of easy research. If he can find me to order me out of my home naked then why couldn't he find me to ask about the encroachments on my driveway?

North Grenville has had some great OPP officers. Sean Tobin was and still is a wonderful, helpful and reasonable supporter of our community. I wonder what has happened to OPP training if new OPP officers think it is reasonable to order a woman out of her home without her clothes on at 8:20 in the morning over alleged damage to a disconnected gas meter. Why would any officer take the word of their buddy without at least asking to hear the other side? When police officers act arbitrarily to favour their friends, we become an authoritarian state. This is happening currently in our town, and if you can't feel empathy for me, then imagine if it was your wife or daughter or sister ordered out of her home nude and then arrested based on the allegations of someone who hates her.

Susan Hunt

The Times contacted the OPP about the allegations in this letter and received the following statement: “all I can confirm is that a 60 year old women from North Grenville has been arrested and charged with mischief.

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

ODSP Action Coalition disappointed by Provincial Budget

ODSP Action Coalition expresses its deep disappointment with the 2024 Ontario provincial budget’s failure to address the critical needs of people with disabilities who rely on social assistance to survive.

“This budget illustrates just how out of touch this government is with the daily struggles of disabled Ontarians living in deep, deep poverty, particularly those who are unable to work” said Trevor Manson, a cochair with ODSP Action Coalition. “The Province should recognize that keeping benefit rates so far below the poverty line leads to exponentially higher costs further downstream through increased homelessness, emergency room visits and involvement with the judiciary.”

ODSP Action Coalition is a provincial, volunteer grassroots advocacy group led by people with disabilities on ODSP, with a network of valued allies, that advocates for improvements to the income and other supports available to people with disabilities. As an advocacy group led by people with disabilities on ODSP, our coalition condemns the lack of meaningful improvements to social assistance and calls on the government to demonstrate care and compassion for its most vulnerable citizens by raising

ODSP and OW rates to ensure a livable income.

People with disabilities deserve to live with dignity, adequacy and independence and the 2024 provincial budget fails miserably in living up to this expectation. In fact, the word “disability” was only uttered 3 times within Building a Better Ontario’s 200+ pages, in relation to ODSP’s 2024 inflationary increase, which is not new spending. Ontario Works meanwhile will again see no increase and no new investments.

ODSP Action Coalition strongly urges the provincial government to reconsider its approach by prioritizing the well being of Ontarians with disabilities. Disability is not a choice, while government policy is.

North Grenville Civic Awards presentation

The NG Civic Awards for 2023 were presented to this year’s honorees at a special council meeting last week. As reported in the March 14 issue of the Times, the “awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements by individuals and groups who have significantly impacted our community”. The recipients, pictured above, include: Katy Ferguson, Linda Carnegie, Cora Beking, Noel Donnovan, Mitch Barsalou, Jordan Turcotte, Claude Smith, Connie Parson, Sandy Guest, Jess Ross, Vaughn Verney, and Bruce Wehlau. Also included in the picture are Mayor Nancy Peckford and Councillors Deb Wilson, Doreen O’Sullivan, and Kristin Strackerjan.

NGDHS Science Fair

The North Grenville District High School held its annual Science Fair on March 21, and students participated in twelve different categories, from Microbiology to Sports Science, and from General Chemistry to Environmental Science. Some of the First Place achievers are pictured here.

Briyanna Wilberforce and Chloe MacCleod: Rotary Club of Kemptville Best of Fair

Ocean Li: Aquaponics Mini Farm and Russ Mosher Computer/Technology Award

Madden Leonard: Engineering and Thermodynamics Award winners in the Product Testing Category: Amelia Benning, Heidi Humphrey, Izzy Leland, Braeson Last, Coco Henderson, Kiki Henderson

Madden Leonard Ocean Li

Briyanna Wilberforce and Chloe MacCleod

Amelia Benning, Heidi Humphrey, Izzy Leland, Braeson Last, Coco Henderson, Kiki Henderson

Pilot to combat gender-based violence in Grenville

Kristy Masson

In response to the heightened discussions on women's safety and gender-based violence, Genvis, a female-founded tech company, has announced the commencement of a pilot program in Eastern Ontario beginning in April.

A woman or girl in Canada dies as a result of IPV and GBV every 48 hours, and 44% of women report experiencing some form of psychological, physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Spousal violence alone costs Canada $7.4-billion per year, with victims impacted disproportionately. Experts emphasize the urgent need for improved data sharing, reporting, and collaboration to tackle this complex problem. Responsible agencies and service providers lack modern, fit-for-purpose tech tools to share information and collaborate with impacted women, support organizations and government.

“Genvis is on a mission to transform how public safety teams keep communities safe. We’re not content to innovate tech to make it possible—we are actively driving the agenda to make it happen by investing more than $1-million to support women at risk of harm through the pilot,” said Genvis CEO Kirstin Butcher.

As part of this pilot, a personal safety app named Milli is being introduced, alongside a purpose-built case management solution called Kudo. The pilot technologies enable victim-survivors to access support services on their own terms, improve coordination and collaboration between support and government agencies, foster perpetrator accountability through collecting evidence of harm, and improve data quality and sharing to provide researchers with an evidence base that can inform service design, delivery and policy. The pilot includes a community of practice to drive sector uplift through experiential learning and sharing best practices.

This collaborative initiative, undertaken with Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville and eight other East Ontario Victim Service providers and directly impacted individuals, aims to harness technology to empower victim-survivors, streamline support services, and foster enhanced collaboration among service providers and government agencies.

History Pics

Spring Car Care 2024

The latest threat to your vehicle – and what you can do about it

(NC) Vehicle theft rates are increasing year over year. Thieves often ship stolen vehicles overseas for resale or strip and dismantle them for valuable parts and materials. But the latest fate for stolen vehicles is something called “re-vinning.”

A recent poll from insurance provider Aviva Canada found that although cases are on the rise, less than half of Canadians are aware of this new frontier of crime. Here’s why it’s causing grief for those in the market for a used vehicle.

What is re-vinning? Every vehicle sold in North America since

1981 comes with a unique vehicle identification number. This VIN is marked in various places on the car, including on the driver’s side dash and the ownership permit.

Re-vinning is when criminals change the VIN to a fictious one to make the vehicle appear legitimate and hide the fact it was stolen. They do this to help them re-sell the car within Canada.

How can re-vinning affect you? As criminals get more sophisticated, making it difficult to identify when a car might be stolen property, more and more Canadians are at risk when purchasing a used vehicle. If you have a car with a fake or incorrect VIN, it can cause major problems when you try to register the vehicle, renew your licence plate permit or make an insurance claim. It could even void your auto coverage.

It can also cause major maintenance issues since mechanics use the VIN to identify parts to order and diagnose problems.

And, of course, being stolen property, the police could seize the vehicle at any time, leaving you without a car and out of pocket.

How can you spot a re-vinned vehicle? To avoid accidentally buying a car that’s been re-vinned, here are six tips.

If you’re buying from an individual, make sure to get details like their name and phone number, and check their identification

when you meet up.

Trust your gut. Is the price too good to be true? Does the seller want to meet somewhere odd? Will they only accept cash? These are all red flags.

Check that the VINs match on the car and the paperwork that comes with it. You can take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to inspect and validate the vehicle.

Consider ordering an auto history report, (which is like a credit history check for your car,) and checking that the details are consistent.

If your province offers a used vehicle information package be sure to obtain it. In Ontario, for example, sellers are legally required to provide the package to buyers, but buyers can also purchase one as well.

If you’re buying from a dealership, run their details through your provincial dealer regulatory website to make sure they are licensed and check for any offences.

Find out more about re-vinning and how to protect yourself at aviva.ca.

G & S Automotive

We are as honest & reliable, as the day is long. With our knowledgeable and professional staff, we will get you and your family back on the road quickly and efficiently.

What more can you ask for when it comes to your vehicle and your safety?

Ogilvie's Auto & Fleeet Service

•

Mike & Vicki Ogilvie have run the family business since 1997. Mike has been a licensed Auto Technician since 1989. He is also a Light Duty and Heavy Duty Drive Clean Inspector and Repair Technician. Vicki manages the daily operations, accounting and marketing. Together, they run their family business with the love of family in mind.

We are a Napa AutoPro Service Centre which means we offer a range of vehicle maintenance and car repair services that help prolong the life of your car. With our highly-skilled, certified technicians and our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we have the tools and expertise to help you avoid high-cost auto repairs through a regular preventative maintenance schedule and keep your car young a long time!

We can repair and service all makes and models of vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Spring Car Care 2024

43 AutoWorks

43 AutoWorks offers complete car repair and maintenance for your foreign and domestic vehicles in Kemptville.

Your vehicle is important to you and that's why keeping it well maintained is our top priority.

At 43 AutoWorks you can expect to receive courteous, knowledgeable, trustworthy and personalized service.

Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers is our goal.

We know a thing or two about cars and trucks

43 AutoWorks is a family owned and operated with a combined 60+ years of experience with strong ties to the community.

Our employees work together to form an extremely knowledgeable staff with the skills and versatility to be able to solve all your automotive needs. We service every make and model because we know we can do it well.

Keeping your vehicle well maintained is our top priority

Experience the Di erence at 43 AutoWorks Kemptville

Local food

by Dana Douglas, MScFN, RD, LG&L District Health Unit

Spring is here and soon we'll be seeing locally grown food in our area. Local food is food that's grown as close to home as possible. For some products, that may mean grown in Ontario. Choosing local food can help increase your fruit and vegetable intake, and provide you with fresher, tastier and better food for freezing and canning. Choosing local food also contributes to local employment incomes, and to a reduction in carbon emissions.

When you buy local food at farmers’ markets, you can meet your growers and producers. Local pickyour-own farms provide a great outing for families, friends and coworkers. When you are out, keep your eyes open for farm-gate sales. Have fun at strawberry socials, county fairs or food festivals. Community Shared Agriculture programs are another way to support local farmers and producers. Look for signs in the grocery store indicating which foods were grown in Ontario. Ask your favourite eating establishment to buy local food.

Visit the Food Inventory at foodcoreLGL to learn more about local farmers and producers.

2024 Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan intake open

Modest financial incentives are once again available for businesses and property owners to continue the revitalization of Downtown Kemptville. In 2021, North Grenville’s Council approved the Downtown Kemptville Community Action Plan (DKCAP) and a refreshed Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Progress continues to fulfill the targeted goals of the DKCAP which focuses on connectivity and encouraging balanced growth in the core.

“Downtown Kemptville is a central part of our community, with lively events and vibrant businesses. It is a great place to live, shop, play and connect. Programs like the CIP are intended to leverage opportunities that contribute to driving a diverse and resilient local economy,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

As part of the Downtown Kemptville CIP, intake is now open for the following financial programs:

- Façade & Signage Grant: covers 50% of the costs up to $10,000 of high-quality improvements to the frontage of buildings.

- People Make the Place Grant: $5,000 per residential unit created in multi-unit residential builds.

- Building Fees Grant: up to $2,500 for multi-unit residential developments to cover building fees.

- Tax-Increment Equivalent Residential Grant: reimbursement of the municipal portion of the incremental property tax for new multi-unit residential developments, starting at 90% and decreasing by 10% per annum.

The Development Charges Exemption continues to be in place for downtown.

TIRE REBATES AVAILABLE

“We are excited about new recreational and multiunit residential developments in our downtown core and look forward to a diversity of applications,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

In addition to the Community Improvement Plan, Community Futures Grenville has funding opportunities that can work in tandem with North Grenville’s CIP. To learn more about funding opportunities, visit www.cfgrenville.ca/services-programs/economicdevelopment.

To learn more and to review the full program guidelines visit: www.investnorthgrenville.ca.

Baldwin's Birds

Some of our high-flyers!

Well, our birds all seem to be on the move, or in the process of doing so, as they either return to our part of the world, or are just using it as a transit stop, utilizing whatever Mother Nature cares to provide for them. Such an example is just along the road from us, where a significant dip in a field fills up with water to form quite a deep pond at this time of the year, and the Canada geese take full advantage of it. Being still quite grassy, they have lots of space to just squat, stand - many on just one leg - and preen, and those that prefer the water can just indulge themselves too.

There gets to be quite a

gathering of them, with opportunities to watch them approach in their small flights, and then position themselves for landings into wind for maximum lift, as they letdown onto the water or the grass. Watching that final flair of their wings, as they actually touch-down, is quite fascinating and a real joy to see, especially the water landings when their feet are extended in a forward position and contact the water first, giving them maximum braking and creating quite a "bow-wave" as they finally settle on the water.

The other morning, when returning from a weekly breakfast meeting, I had to pass by this particular resting spot, but, not having

my camera with me, had to pass them by and fetch my camera from home. On my return, I was able to watch all their activity for a while. I also got to watch a Turkey Vulture as it glided past the ridge of trees, just beyond where the geese were turning and coming in to land. A Turkey Vulture, of course, isn't a threat to the geese as it only seeks dead "carion" for its sustenance, not "live" food.

Talking of which, on returning home, and just having finished stocking my feeders, a hawk, probably a Coopers Hawk, made a low slow pass over our front yard. No doubt he was looking for some of my "live" bird visitors, such as Rock Pigeons or Mourning Doves and the like! I noticed that, as it flew across the road, the Crows were making quite a noisy racket, warning everyone of thir presence! What else are they useful for!? Unfortunately, these selfsame birds will raid the nests of other birds at this time of the year, so are not entirely innocent in their own activities when in the neighborhood.

On a brighter note, my wife and I had a Bluebird pay a very brief visit to our backyard on the 22nd of March, which was a real surprise. We haven't seen any others yet. Maybe you too are seeing different birds show up unexpectedly. Keep your eyes peeled and you might be surprised at what you see. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Some advice never ages

After 10 books, over 2,500 columns, and nearly 50 years of writing it, some things bear repeating. This week revisits a column from three decades ago about how to prepare for surgery. Has anything changed?

From that old column, “What would God do if He were a surgeon? If it is true God helps those who help themselves, He would refuse

to operate on many, telling us, ‘Respect your own Godgiven body and then I’ll do what I can.’”

Next came a case. “A 45-year-old woman underwent an operation for extensive vaginal repair. For this type of surgery, her surgeon warned her repeatedly about the hazards of smoking and her persistent smoker’s hack. Ten days later she was

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW

When there is a seasonal change, employment change, weather change, aging change or any change in fact, the tendency is to reflect on the happenings and its effect on our lives. With Easter celebrations and remembrance of the crucifixion, the question becomes, what did you commemorate, or tell your children? Was it all about chocolate and eggs? If you don't believe in God, why do you blame him for the misery in the world? Why do you call out "Help me God" when in distress? Bear in mind, even Satan believes in God. What reflections permeate your actions?

While some negate the presence of Jesus, one simply has to ask "what year is it?" Why the AD after 2024? The letters denote Anno Domini, which is Latin for in the year of the Lord. Historically, the death of Jesus was significantly noted enough to formulate the designated

AD and BC (Before Christ.)

With the solar eclipse being so prevalent in our lives this year, there is the fact that at the time of the crucifixion, there were three hours of darkness not linked to a solar eclipse. Perhaps it lends poetic justice to the suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf. God gives us the choice to believe or negate His love. Sharing the biblical event is crucial to reflection on the true meaning of Easter, including rebirth and our perspective of the meaning of life and death.

Realizing the resurgence of new growth/new life is not limited to offspring and landscape but also the ways in which our lives are changed due to new experi-

ences or new understanding. Reflecting on the persona we present is crucial to self growth and self awareness. Today is the day to reflect on your mortality. As one individual said, "I'd sooner live believing there is a God, and find out there is none, than believe there isn't and find out there is!" Being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are perfect - but rather that you are forgiven." Find a quiet place, free from the hustle and bustle of life to reflect on your understanding, your prejudices and your purpose in life. Develop your spirituality based on your definition of cosmic, community, and individual criteria. Be the best person you can be for today.

rushed to hospital because of sudden post-operative hemorrhage. Incredibly, she was still smoking and coughing convulsively as she lay in a pool of blood in the emergency room. Speedy surgery stopped the bleeding.”

Then another case. “A 45- year-old diabetic weighing 275 pounds was admitted to the hospital due to an acute gallbladder attack. A skilled surgeon removed the organ, but a lifetime of bad habits began slowly to take its toll. The patient’s diabetes was hard to control and the incision in the pendulous abdomen became infected. Shortly after, the patient developed pneumonia, phlebitis, and blood clots in the lungs. Family members watched the complications multiply and the situation deteriorate. When the patient succumbed to overwhelming odds, the family demanded of the surgeon, ‘Why did this happen? Why couldn’t

you have done something?’”

It needs no repeating what that column reported next. Suffice to say, the surgeon answered truthfully that the patient’s weight, smoking, and lack of exercise caused the death.

Let’s read on. “No doctor turns away a patient who has an acute surgical problem. But patients can’t expect doctors to work miracles with surgery when they haven’t given a tinker’s damn about their bodies for years. I think God would agree it’s time to issue an ultimatum to everyone. God and surgeons shouldn’t attempt the impossible. And patients should be expected to help themselves by shaping up.”

The article then gave advice on how pre-operative patients can prepare for an operation, physically and mentally. “Surgery, like tennis or football, demands psychological preparation.

A good start is to get rid of needless worries. Tell the doctor if you are overcome by a fear of not surviving the surgery, or if you’re concerned about post-operative pain, or confused about which organs will be removed. And if you’re apprehensive about the length of the incision, remember Abe Lincoln’s remark. He was once asked, ‘How long should a man’s leg be?’ He replied, ‘Just long enough to reach the ground.’ Incisions, like legs, are just long enough to do the job safely.

“The main thrust of preparation should be directed at good physical conditioning. Some of these tragedies could be prevented if patients tossed away cigarettes before an operation or made a genuine attempt to control and lose weight.

“My advice is to be prepared for possible surgery all of the time. This means having a lifelong respect for

mind and body. It would give surgeons fewer gray hairs. Fewer families would be asking why post-operative complications occurred. And I’m sure God would be more willing to help those who help themselves.”

There you have it. While surgical techniques may have improved greatly over 30 years, have patients heeded the age-old call to prepare for surgery? Doing so would give surgeons a much-needed break in tough cases. And starting early enough may even prevent the need for going under the knife in the first place.

Sign-up at www.docgiff. com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @ docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.

Turkey Vulture in flight

Canada Geese concentrating

by Graeme Waymark

Last week, I replied to a David Shanahan feature column regarding housing. I expressed my gratitude and also attempted to constructively build on his findings. I focused on a well-understood, but not commonly used, planning tool of looking at significant issues from "both ends of the telescope”. That is to say: ensuring the essential diligence in planning, where it gauges certain potential, unexpected shifts in demands and needs of tomorrow, and in particular, where transactional expectations react suddenly to technological, scientific, or cultural changes in our community.

Today, issues of governance at any level are commonly reported as being altered significantly, in rapid time, by change. My observation is that governance shifts may well be appearing more quickly than at any time in our history.

Due to the obvious increasing rapidity of emerging changes influencing town planners today, I regard citizen contributions to be an integral and essential part of town planning as well as local governance.

The North Grenville Times is to many residents, an effective forum for promoting such dialogues. We

have a Council that has demonstrated a commitment to listen to, not only its constituents, but also to its entire community.

I realize that one can expect only so much from elected representatives; however, should they expect that citizens and the 4th Estate can be counted on to flag certain policy perceptions which may be lingering in their own collective political shadows? That is to say: not generally visible to many elected policy influencers.

My brother and I were schooled post-WWII, in Vancouver, B.C. My parents had emigrated from England. Several of my classes took place in discarded army shacks. They were unique structures with pot belly wood stoves providing the only climate control! The University of B.C. also reused the same structures. The post war Baby Boom, revealed an almost unresolvable problem of not enough classrooms. That alternative accommodation was urgently presented as a possibility, out of necessity.

Was planning involved?

My brother suggests today that perhaps modular concepts could become one possible planning aspect. Could we replicate the solution of 1950 albeit this time with planning tools using

Good Food in Schools event

Creating healthy and positive school food environments in Eastern Ontario

With growing understanding of the importance of food and food systems to our physical, mental and emotional well-being, incorporating food literacy in schools is essential. Schools today are active stakeholders in helping kids to build a healthy relationship with food, to understand where food comes from and how it is produced, and to build their own skills in growing, preparing and serving food.

The Good Food in Schools Forum is a oneday event that brings together stakeholders working on school food education and programs across Eastern Ontario to share efforts to create healthy and positive school food environments. We will hear from sector lead-

a myriad of solutions of proven value such as modular concepts?

My goal:

To build on the initial article of Dr. David Shanahan regarding housing for the present urgency, AND for tomorrow’s horizon which could become visible with the inputs of other equally concerned and experienced citizens.

To encourage others in our community who may have similar experiences to share their thoughts

To establish constructive dialogue between readers in this forum to assist residents and elected representatives to become as fully informed as possible with regard to planning alternatives.

We lost the voice of Dr. Shanahan once, for a brief time last year. Hopefully his good intentions and enterprise will always be with us in some form.

Today, I am offering my humble contribution. Perhaps in ensuing weeks, one or more of the experienced, and erudite letter writers often seen herein, will offer more profound suggestions on how to enjoin, add to, and continue those enthusiastic polemics of Dr. Shanahan! Perhaps that will then encourage first-timers at letter writing to editors. And….we will all be better for it.

ers on best practices and innovative approaches, discuss shared challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration. Everyone is welcome; educators, students, school board trustees and staff, parents, volunteers, and community food organizations are encouraged to attend.

Date: Thursday April 11, 9 am to 4 pm

Location: Parish Hall, Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre, Kemptville

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/ e/4lNVRr9pH Registration (Required prior to event. Paid & free options available):_ www.eventbrite.ca/e/ good-food-in-schoolscreating-positive-schoolfood-environments-tickets-789489613687?

by Brandon Mayer

Perhaps some things are bound never to change. North Grenville Council being accused of rubber stamping property development requests is a fine example. I sympathize with those who do not want their beautiful views to be compromised, or North Grenville’s beautiful natural environment to be paved over. However, hypocrisy shines brightly in many of those who come before Council to complain about a new development proposal.

There are those who have earned the right to complain. Those with decades of history living in Kemptville’s downtown, for example, can certainly complain about a multiunit residential building that threatens to bring dangerous traffic flows and deal a potential aesthetic blow to an area rich in history and natural charm. Then there are those who really have no business complaining at all. Prime example – those currently living in brand new subdivisions who complain about new subdivisions being built nearby.

Property developers seem to be vilified by a lot of North Grenville locals. They are viewed as the face of corporate evil, the personification of the pursuit of wealth no matter who must be trampled to achieve it. And yet… where would Kemptville be without new developments? Yes,

we can refer back to those long standing residents of 30-40 years who have every right to argue that the tiny, quaint town they once knew is no longer recognizable. Such folks had no say in what Kemptville grew to become, and I respectfully bow in response to any complaints they may level.

What about someone who just came to Kemptville a few years ago? Kemptville’s population has grown significantly in recent years, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. Do these newcomers have a right to complain? Of course, complaining is indeed a constitutionally protected right. Is such complaining hypocritical? Also, yes.

I have said it time and time again – Kemptville is charming. Hundreds and hundreds of Kemptville residents live in newer subdivisions, meaning that they came to town and settled in a home on newly developed land to claim their piece of the charming pie. Imagine doing so, and then showing up to a Council meeting a few years later to express a shocked and entitled opinion that any further development of the land is morally reprehensible. Imagine being fi ne with the new development that gave you an otherwise unlikely opportunity to settle in a coveted community, only to then argue that no one else should get that chance.

Many have concerns about the forests around Kemptville being destroyed for development, but at the same time, they are failing to see the forest for the tiny twig that represents their small piece of North Grenville. Without development in the last few decades, the majority of those who currently call Kemptville home would be living somewhere else.

There is a way to ensure aesthetic quality and a respect for the natural environment when developing new residential neighbourhoods. This process involves consulting countless municipal departments and other key players. This process already happens for each new development in North Grenville. To think that the only work that happens to make these decisions is happening in a 15-minute time window in a Council meeting is just plain ignorant.

If you want to be entitled to a view of a forest or a quaint open field, then you better be prepared to buy a forest or a field. You get what you pay for. Developers don’t owe you a massive, picturesque backyard when you paid for a 0.3 acre lot with city-esque amenities. Kemptville is growing. It’s time that our capacity for sharing our community with others grew as well.

Border collie 3 yrs old free to a good home. Excellent recall, friendly but won't herd sheep.

Call 613-447-0207 Golf equipment, men's right handed; including golf bag with 2 wheel cart, plus extras. $200. Call 613-340-2729

approx 140 vinyl LP records - 50s & 70s music. Make an offer. Call 613-340-2729

Mixed hardwood firewood. $120 per face cord. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.

4X4 round bales of hay, stored inside, suitable for horses. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.

Spring & Fall pullover coat with hood. Hand made, medium-tall, rose coloured. $100. email nadfudt@gmail. com

Island Countertop with rounded front; grey speckeled. $80. 22x38x1.25". Contact nadfudt@gmail.com

Used kitchen sink; 20x18x7". $40. Contact nadfudt@gmail.com

Swiffer Wet Jet floor cleaner. $20. Contact nadfudt@gmail.com

RV EAZ-Lift hitch kit. 2.25" ball, round spring bars & trailer clips. $340. Contact nadfudt@gmail.com

Upright freezer, 10 c.f. , $150 firm, call Reg 613 258 7606

Horse manure for gardening. High in nitrogen. By load or bag.Old horseshoes. Call after 6pm 613-258-3561

Taking orders for cedars from 3ft to 6 ft; tamaracks, spruce, pine and white birch. Call after 6pm 613-2583561

Maple dowels for sale. 24"30" long, 1.25" diameter. Some painted, some raw. 2$ each. 1000+ to sell. Better price for large quantities. Contact Jordan 613-2912747

WANTED

Looking to harvest cedar trees for cedar hedges from land owner. Joanne (613)799-0958

Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

Senio male looking for female companion, 60 to years old. Call 613430-5065

Lois May Forbes

Lois passed away peacefully at the Bayfield Retirement Residence on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, with family by her side.

Lois Forbes, age 97 of Kemptville, beloved wife of the late Gordon Anson Forbes. Predeceased by her siblings, Ernie Whiteside, Dorothy Gamble and Muriel Petersen. Also predeceased by her youngest grandson, Ryan Forbes. Loving mother to Alan (Elizabeth) Forbes and Neil (Brenda) Forbes. Cherished grandmother to 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

There will be no Visitation or Funeral. A private Family Graveside Service will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in Memory of Lois Forbes may be made to the Cancer Society or the Kemptville District Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

History Pics

COMMUNITY EVENTS

events@ngtimes.ca

613-215-0735

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes

Friendship Lunch every Friday at St. Johns United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. The meal begins at 11:30 and is free of charge. A good will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Drawing from Life - Portrait and fi gure drawing clothed models. Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street. Artists at all levels are welcome. Drop in fee $15. For information contact gowjb5@gmail.com

Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

EUCHRE on Tuesday, April 16, 30 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com.

BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, April 9, 23 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction - April 6 at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott Street, Kemptville, two seatings 5:00 and 6:30 PM. Featuring salad, dessert and beverage. Adults: $15.00, Children 4-10: $10:00, Children 3 and under: Free. Take-out also available. For advance tickets please email fundraising@stpaulskemptville.ca or call 613-715-3049. Limited tickets available at the door. If you have any questions, email or call 613-715-3049. NGHS Bed Turning & AGM. Quilts & their stories. April 10 , 3:00pm at the History Hub, 148 Prescott Street.

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, April 14 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ ymail.com.

St Michael Spring Craft Show, Saturday April 27. (:30 - 3:30. Admission: $2 or Canned Food Donation EUCHRE FUNDRAISER FOR THE KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION in support of the CT Scanner Campaign. On Saturday, June 22 at Pierce's Corners, aka the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. $10 per player.Pre-register by contacting Debi at 613-868-7600 before 8 p.m. or send an email to debiar@ymail.com.

2024 NORTH AMERICAN WIZARD TOURNAMENT on Sunday, July 14. Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. At Pierce's Corners, aka the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. $5 per player.Advanced registration is required. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com.

The Food Corner

By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

School is still in and it’s still time to make hearty meals for the kids and grandkids. Hearty also means healthy and stir fries definitely qualify. Today’s Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry is a great way to feed the family. Our grandson Ayden is an artist with stir fries; as a family, we believe that the more you involve young people, the more they will appreciate good food prepared well as they grow to mature adulthood.

Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pork tenderloin, trimmed and cubed

• 2 cloves of garlic or 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic

• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely chopped

• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups each of broccoli and cauliflower florets

• 1 cup of carrots, thinly sliced

• 1 cup red and/or green peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

• ½ cup of beef stock (or water with a squirt of Knorr’s beef extract

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (if you have it)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (if you have it) (or: 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a bit of water)

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup of red wine

Preparation

• Marinate your pork cubes in the soy sauce and red wine for 15 minutes

• Heat a large pan or wok, heat the olive and sesame oil and add the garlic

• Stir and after a minute or so, add your onion, ginger and hoisin (or sugared water)

• Drain the marinade from your pork, retain and add the marinated meat to your pan

• Stir fry till the meat is just cooked through

• Add the remaining vegetables, beef stock and marinade

• Stir well to coat the vegetables, cover and lower your heat to simmer

• Cook till the vegetables are tender but don’t overcook

You will want to serve your stir fry over piping hot Basmati rice and with triangles of Naan bread, warmed briefly in the microwave. As always, this stir fry easily becomes vegetarian by replacing the pork with bean curd. If you wish, you can accompany with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Baco Noir.

All the best for spring weather from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

History Pics

Ottawan steamship on the South Branch

The mysterious Mr. Henderson

by David Shanahan

The political turmoil that gripped Upper Canada in the 1830's grew out of genuine grievances on the part of residents. The Anglican Church, it was believed, had too much power, too much influence in the government, too much land. Reformers wanted to make it illegal for priests and bishops to sit in the Executive or Legislative Councils which were appointed by the Governor and not answerable to the elected representatives in the Assembly. The Reformers also wanted to change the land granting system, the rule by a few powerful families, and have more power and control over the Province’s finances to the Assembly.

This region was just as affected by these issues as anywhere else in Upper Canada, but there were specific grievances being debated also. In the 1830's, all of what is now the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville,

along with the townships of Montague, Marlborough and North Gower, were part of the Johnstown District, and the only centre of administration was in Brockville where the courts sat and where municipal government was located. Given the state, and even absence of roads, this made it extremely difficult for people in the northern part of the District to gain access to these centres of power.

Public meetings were held throughout the decade to draw up petitions to the Governor asking for redress. In March of 1832, for example, such a meeting was held in the courthouse in Brockville. It broke up in angry division between supporters of the Governor and those seeking change. A petition was drawn up by the latter group, and certain individuals were given the responsibility of getting signatures on the document to be laid before the government. One of those individuals was John Henderson, making his first appearance in the political annals of Upper Canada.

Part 2: The coming storm

This was some two years before he settled in Kemptville, in business with Baxter Bowman at their warehouse and store on the banks of the South Branch, now part of Curry Park. The next time we find the mysterious Mr. Henderson is after his arrival, attending yet another protest meeting in his new town. This was a very significant gathering which had been advertised in the Prescott newspaper in June, 1835. The purpose of the meeting was to draw up yet another petition to be presented to the Parliament, seeking the division of the Johnstown District. It asked that a new district be formed, with Kemptville as its capital. Townships to be included were Edwardsburg and Matilda, Mountain and Osgoode, North and South Gower, Oxford and Marlborough, Montague and Wolford.

The meeting took place in December 1835 and was attended by many of the families whose names were associated with the region at

the time. The venue was Thomas Beckett’s Hotel which stood on the corner of Clothier and Sanders streets where the parking lot is today. Col. Stephen Burritt was Chair, and resolutions were made by W. H. “Squire” Bottom and Milo McCargar. The main resolution, passed unanimously, stated:

“That it is expedient and highly necessary, for the convenience and general interests of the people inhabiting the townships of Montague, Wolford, Marlboro, Oxford, North and South Gower, and Edwardsburgh of the Johnstown District - Mountain & Matilda of the Eastern, and Osgoode of the Ottawa District, that the said townships be formed into a separate District, and that Kemptville, in the township of Oxford, be the place selected for the transacting of the public business of the said proposed District.”

Hundreds of signatures had been received on previous petitions to this end, but with no result. A committee of five was established to draft a

Petition to the Legislature including Squire Bottom, Truman Hurd, and John Henderson. John Henderson was also one of those entrusted with getting signatures on the petition in Oxford. As usual, nothing came of this, or other petitions passed before 1837.

Henderson was clearly at the forefront of political activism on the Reform side in Oxfordon-Rideau, as he continued to work in partnership with Bowman and make his home in Kemptville. But that all changed radically and, it seems, quite suddenly, and John Henderson found himself in exile in Ogdensburg by the end of 1837. Kemptville was not to become the capital of a new Dis-

trict, but it was to experience a political upheaval that would remake the town and give a character to its politics that would remain unchanged to this day.

Next: Part 3: Secrets and lies in Kemptville

613-215-0735

THOMAS M. BYRNE

Barrister and Solicitor

General Practice

Corporate / Commercial Family Law Estates

Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney

tom@tmblaw.ca

613.258.1277

222 Prescott St., Kemptville

Frogs in the El Niño Spring

by Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

“The El Niño–Southern Oscillation is a climate phenomenon that exhibits irregular quasi-periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific Ocean. It affects the climate of much of the tropics and subtropics, and has links to higher latitude regions of the world” (wikipedia). Recent El Niño variation is most likely linked to global warming, and this past

winter’s warmth is linked to a strong El Niño.

Ever since the 1980s, we've noticed that in El Niño springs, Wood Frogs tend to have a disrupted breeding season, which results in eggs freezing after being laid in flooded ruts and other unsuitable sites. This spring, we're not following any populations where we could likely observe mislaid eggs, but we did have choruses of Wood Frogs and Chorus Frogs calling before the March 17 to 25 March cold snap which froze over the

Notes from above ground Rock or sand?

by David Shanahan

Society, in general, has developed a very strange and confusing trait: we try to believe in things which are mutually contradictory. Everyone’s opinion or theory is treated as equally valid, even where there is no apparent basis for it. Even the most tenuous scientific idea is taken seriously, whether there are any grounds to think it is worthwhile or not. As a historian, I am required to provide evidence for what I write: footnotes, sources, all of which have to be credible and solid.

And, in our usual business of life, we expect that certain sources can be relied upon, that food labels, for example, accurately describe the contents of an item and can warn us of ingredients that might be harmful to people with certain medical conditions. We certainly trust our medical people when they prescribe medications, or especially when they recommend surgery! But, at

breeding ponds.

On March 8, Jeffrey Ethier, from Vance Trudeau’s lab at the University of Ottawa, had heard “a few Chorus Frogs calling in the flooded field just by Bolton and Hares Hill roads... Went to the ditches by Merrickville on County Road 15... Saw a few salamanders, 1 female Chorus Frog and a Leopard Frog.” This was a full week earlier than we have had calling before (15 March in 1995, 19 March 2010, and 16 March 2012). On March 4, we found that two Leopard Frogs had overwintered in a shallow pool in our backyard, where frogs had died when the pond froze in the 2022-2023 winter, and on March 15, there was a substantial movement of Leopard Frogs across County Road 18, just north of the Bishops Mills Cemetery, again the earliest such movement we have observed.

Then, from March 21 to 26, an extreme El Niño cold snap set in, with temperatures down to -11°C, and ice cover on the vernal pools where the frogs breed. Climatologist Phil Chadwick writes about effects of global warming: “Spring is the

time of cold lows in eastern Ontario with the cold trough. Expect heavy rain separated by drought. Sounds crazy but the weather will become more extreme and binary in nature - either too dry or too wet. Goldilocks' weather is a thing of the past.”

Calling by Wood Frogs, Chorus Frogs, and Spring Peepers resumed on March 27, but locations and proportions of species were unusual compared to the traditional “Goldilocks” spring when warm rain gradually melts the snow, and the Amphibians can move across a moist landscape from their hibernation habitat to their breeding sites. Back in 2001, I wrote “warmth, rain, ponds, and freedom from predators are so often absent or unpredictable, that every observer solemnly proclaims of every spring: “This is the most bizarre year yet” but since then, springs have been even more irregular.

Since we’ve been observing Amphibians in Bishops Mills, we’ve seen declines and some signs of recovery in Toads (every 4-5 years), Chorus Frogs (early 1990s), and Leopard Frogs (2013-2020). The main thing

that can be done to offset future declines from an increasingly changed climate is to provide fish-free “vernal” breeding ponds. When South Nation Conservation dug such pools in the Robert Graham Conservation Area near Glen Stewart, in November of 2014, frogs and salamanders found the ponds the next spring, and it has since had similar successes in pools dug elsewhere on its lands.

We dug a vernal pool on

our land south of Bishops Mills in 1983 which has provided breeding habitat for a population of Bluespotted Salamanders, and I’ve staked out another low area where we’ll be holding a shovel-&-wheelbarrow bee later this spring to dig a broader pool which we hope will sustain a population of Chorus Frogs.

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

H eartbeat OF OUR COMMUNITY

the same time, we’ve seen numerous examples of unsubstantiated opinions claiming that vaccines are actually mind-control devices, or that the 911 attacks were an inside job by the American government. One of the oldest theories is the one that claims that Jews are secretly running all world governments, which, if true, would mean that the Holocaust was one major mystery!

In the end, the issue is one of authority. What is the authority upon which a claim, an opinion, or a theory is based? These days, every nutcase on social media seems to claim to have the same authority for their opinions as the most strongly supported peer-reviewed publication. It just needs someone to make a claim online, no matter how crazy and off-the-wall it is, to find support and to grow to Q-Anon status. But where is the evidence, the proof, the facts, what is their authority for what they are claiming?

It is also true of the more mainstream population that contradictory, or obviously untrue ideas can be held simultaneously. In an effort to be inclusive, tolerant, or accepting, people will bend over backwards not to give offense, even where their position is irrational and illogical. People will believe that we are a cosmic accident, the result of mindless chemical processes without meaning or purpose, yet, at the same time, be unwilling to live in accordance with that belief. If life is fundamentally meaningless, as their claim states, then why do we cherish life? Why do we stand firm for civil rights and the value of each individual?

The answer that is often given to this is that society has decided, arbitrarily and for the greater good, to ignore the core beliefs and assign meaning and value to life. That doesn’t answer the problem, it only adds an extra layer of contradiction and obfuscation. As a

Christian, I’m used to having people dismiss my belief system as unscientific, outdated, antiintellectual, and a host of other things, none of them positive. But I can claim a source, an authority, that can be questioned, examined, analysed, and stands on a historic basis. I am convinced, after more than fifty years of that kind of questioning, analysis and research that what I believe is wholly rational, reasonable and true.

But, by trying to be nice to everyone, to be inclusive and tolerant and accepting, we, as a society, have drifted into a world of passive irrationality, of accepting as equally true things, opinions, ideas and beliefs that are mutually contradictory. And yet, we take pride in this. We glory in being so wonderfully intolerant of intolerance, or our ability to accept the most ridiculous or contradictory ideas on subjects we know nothing about, have never examined for

ourselves. We just accept the word of others on their own authority: if they are sincere, they must be right, if only for themselves. Yes, what is right for them may not be right for you. There is no Truth, no universal absolute, like, for example, that murder or pedophilia is wrong. Or is that just a socially accepted opinion that could be changed if society wanted to change it? Do we really want to believe in a society that thinks that way? There’s something Paul said to the Romans that seems to be relevant to this:

“Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1.22).

This laissez faire attitude to opinions, ideas, standards, and thinking has led us to the edge of a precipice, where we want to believe everything, and can take a stand on nothing. To cite another authority: we are like the “foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7.26-27).

Female Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) coming up from a 25 cm-deep pool in Bishops Mills as the ice melts back, March 4, 2024.

Kemptville District Hospital at the Crossroads, part 6

Pictured here in August 2023 alongside the new Anesthesia Ventilators, with funding provided by the KDH Foundation: (l-r) Taylor Shelp, RN, Jennifer Ellis, VP, Nursing/Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive, Tanya Deans, RN, Manager, Clinical Programs, Dr. Colin Sentongo,

by Lynne Clifford-Ward, KDH Foundation

The Kemptville District Hospital Foundation is in the process of raising $2.2 million to bring a CT Scanner to the hospital. What follows is the Hospital’s chronological story, how it came to be, how the community has generously supported the Hospital over the decades, how it has physically transformed since 1960 and why the current fundraising campaign is such an important Crossroads for the hospital and the community.

What exactly is a CT Scanner?

A CT Scan, or Computerized Tomography Scan, according to the Mayo Clinic description, combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body. Not only does it provide more detailed information than plain X-rays, a CT Scan helps to diagnose disease, internal injury, blood clots, fractures, brain and spinal cord diseases and certain types of cancer and bowel disorders. A CT Scan can also help physicians plan medical, surgical or radia-

tion treatment and monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments.

What will a CT Scanner mean to the community?

Having a CT Scanner in Kemptville will mean that physicians do not have to ask favours from other overburdened hospitals to bring KDH patients to use their CT Scanner.

It will mean that an urgent care patient will not require a 100 km round trip in an ambulance to an Ottawa hospital, then wait again –perhaps for hours - before having a CT Scan.

It means that in-patients at KDH, when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable, will also not need to ride in an ambulance to a hospital in Ottawa or elsewhere for a CT Scan. Instead, it will be a quick ride down the hallway in a gurney or wheelchair to the KDH Digital Imaging Department.

It will also mean that non-urgent patients will be able to have local CT Scan appointments, saving time, wear and tear on travel, costly parking and navi-

gating unfamiliar hospital hallways.

It will attract new physicians to KDH who expect a CT Scanner as part of their “tool kit”, enabling them to confirm their diagnosis and provide early management of the medical issue.

Supporting the CT Scanner Crossroads Campaign

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Municipality of North Grenville and the Hospital combined have pledged two million dollars to build the space to house the CT Scanner which will be connected to the Digital Imaging Department. It is the current goal of the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation to raise $2.2 million to purchase the CT Scanner technology. More than six decades after Winchester District Memorial Hospital provided the community with an ultimatum to build a hospital in Kemptville, in 2024, the CT Scanner is the Hospital’s new Crossroads challenge.

Foundation Board Chair Margret Norenberg commented, “Kemptville has a very generous town spirit. That’s what a small town is all about.”

Help us bring the CT Scanner, an urgently needed diagnostic tool, to Kemptville. Know that your generosity will be greatly appreciated and will help the entire community by bringing the best quality care close to home.

For more information, stories and events about the Crossroads CT Scanner Campaign, including how you can donate, see: The Crossroads Campaign (kdhfoundation.ca).

VOLUNTEERING IS THE H eartbeat OF OUR COMMUNITY

Every quilt tells a story!

The Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project (EOQDP) will be returning to North Grenville on May 2 and 3, 2024 for another discovery tour of the treasure trove of quilts that belong to the residents of the area. The history and pictures of the beautiful quilts that were brought in by the community last May have now been published in a ‘Quilts of North Grenville and Area, 2023’ book which is available at local quilt shops and at the North Grenville Historical Society for $25.00 a copy.

Look in your closet or your attic - you may have a quilt that was made for a milestone event, a special celebration. or just for family use, that could be part of our project. The EOQDP is interested in all quilts ... no matter the condition.... and in learning the stories behind the quilts. We are especially interested in quilts made or brought to North Grenville in the early days of settlement and/or quilts made by local groups such as signature quilts. The North Grenville Municipality has provided funding to continue the initiative to record local quilts, and Bethany Garner, curator of the EOQDP, will be returning to work with our volunteers as we document the rich history of quilting in the North Grenville area. Bethany is a quilt historian and restoration consultant who lives in Kingston, and who specializes in the conservation of heritage textiles.

The EOQDP is a historically significant project as quilters over the years have incorporated their families’ history, as well as social, economic and historical events in their art. Quilters

also understood and practiced the concept of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ in order to create their quilts and they used all manner of textiles such as sugar and flour sacks, leftover scraps of fabric from clothing projects as well as repurposing well worn clothing and bedding to make warm quilts for their families.

As they age, the fabric and colour in these quilts can deteriorate, and the oral history of who, when, where, and why these quilts were made can be lost to future generations. The main goal of this project is to preserve the history of these quilts as well as the stories of their makers.

If you are the proud owner of an old or antique quilt or have a significant quilt

that was made for a milestone event or a special celebration that you would like to have documented by the EOQDP and incorporated in the next book release, please contact Nancy Grundy/Teresa Harrison to make an appointment to have your quilts photographed and documented on May 2 or May 3. To register: documentation.ngquilts@gmail. com or call Nancy Grundy 613-791-7505 for questions. The event will be held at Grenville Mutual Insurance’s Building, located at 380 Colonnade Dr, Kemptville and is being sponsored by The North Grenville Municipality, Kemptville Quilters’ Guild and the North Grenville Historical Society.

Chief of Staff, Kelly Richer, RN, Surgical Care Unit Team Leader, Chelsey Green, RN, Epic Coordinator, Margret Norenberg, Foundation Board Chair and Frank Vassallo, KDH CEO.

Photo by Jenny Read, KDH.