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NGDHS students cook for Friendship Lunch
by Helen MacGregor
On Friday, May 2, the Friendship Lunch at St. John’s United Church was blessed with the presence of the North Grenville District High School Culinary Arts and Food Tech program students. Their teacher, Daniel Clancy, who is a certified Chef, led the students in making a delicious meal of lasagne (made with homemade pasta), salad, garlic bread, and cookies.
A visitor to the lunch, Paul South, from Barrhaven, said “A phenomenal meal, with a well-balanced selection of cheeses in
the lasagne. The students should be very proud of themselves”.
The students, Cammera Beardsley, Gavin Gillingham, Tiffany Ethier and Khalan Pelletier, are enrolled in a special program from Upper Canada District School Board called “Real World Learning”. This program connects students to their community so that they can learn real life transferrable skills such as communication, initiative, problem solving, collaboration and, obviously, the ability to serve over 90 people a delicious meal.
The Friendship Lunch Program has been running for over forty years from September to June, and twice a month during July and August. Each lunch averages 80-100 participants and is a way to provide food, fun, and friendship every Friday. Beginning all those years ago at Leslie Hall on Clothier Street, the loss of that important venue in our community meant a change of location was needed. Presently held at St. John’s United Church, 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville, it is open to anyone in the community at no
charge. A donation box is available. Dedicated volunteers from five groups help make this program happen and include parishioners from St. James Anglican Church, Kemptville Pentecostal Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church, St. John’s United Church as well as the House of Lazarus.
All are invited to join us every Friday at 11:30 am at St. John’s United Church for a wonderful free meal and friendship. Free will offering is welcome. All funds left after expenses go back to charities in the community.
Positive progression during prospects camp
Holding the line...Brody Clookey (Massena U18 Varisity) off the line to find the target behind Jimmy Boyd (Wnchesters Hawks Jr. B) with Roman Hache (Greater Kingston Gaels U18 AAA), Matthew Montoni (Kemptville 73's) and Konrad Karon (BioSteel Sports Academy U16 AAA) in defensive mode during the final Sunday All Star Contest.
by G.J. the sportsguy
This past weekend, the Municipality of North Grenville experienced an influx of young gentlemen born between 2005 and 2009, who hit the ice to
show why they should be included in the Kemptville 73’s 2025/2026 roster. With a combination of veterans, draftees, and young warriors with a hunger to crack the lineup and be part
of a four-team, nineteenmember structure to constitute the All Star game on Sunday.
Friday started at 5 pm with goalie evaluation, team practices, warm-ups with
PERKINS DECKS
four games to end the day at 11 pm. Saturday began early at 10 am, with the four squads exhibiting fantastic entertaining hockey for family, relatives and friends in attendance until they wrapped it up at 8 pm to reduce the numbers and establish the All Star Team. Sunday was the lone early 10 am two forty-three minute All Star scuffle, with Team Black dominating Team White as another successful camp came to an end.
The 73’s scouts, with on-ice personnel, gauged these confrontations to evaluate each combatant on their abilities and skill. Each battle was an intensive, brisk, two hundred-footer forty-three minute grueling two period rounds pushing each player to the limit.
The coach felt confident and extremely satisfied with the calibre of players on display during the Spring Evaluation Camp, anticipating a strong June 20-22 Main Camp.
Hockey with EDGE.
Bishop’s Mills Community Day – May 17
Mark your calendar for the Annual Bishop’s Mills Community Day which will take place on Saturday, May 17. Discover treasures at various community-wide yard sales. Treat yourself to some delicious baked goods from the Bishop’s Mills WI bake sale in the Community Hall. Participate in a silent auction, or browse through the extensive Tweedsmuir History collection. Pick up some plants for your garden. Enjoy lunch, or pick up some quality “Made in Bishop’s Mills” crafts and used items in the Bishop’s Oxford United Church Hall. Bring the kids to the park for some good old-fashioned games.
Maps for the yard sales will be available at the Community Hall at 8 am. The bake sale, silent auction, displays, etc. start at 9 am.
This community day event is hosted by the Bishop’s Mills Community Association, the Bishop’s Mills Women Involved, and the St. Andrew’s United Church Women. Come out and experience the friendly hospitality of our hamlet!
For more information, please contact Victor Desroches at 613-258-2115.
Fabulous Friday: Buskerfest Kicks Off with Music, Magic & Glow!
by Jessica Deaken
The award-winning Kemptville Buskerfest, proudly presented by Urbandale Construction, is expanding into a two-day celebration this May Long Weekend! Join us on Friday, May 16, for “Fabulous Friday,” a new prefestival evening of community fun that sets the tone for an incredible weekend of performances and family-friendly entertainment.
Kicking off the festivities is our Family Fun Glow Dance Party, running from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the North Grenville Curling Club (200 Reuben Cres). DJ and dance party kicks off at 7:00 p.m.! This free community event will feature: Live DJ & glow dance party, busker lessons, jester hat-making, surprise busker appearances, food and more!
“We’re so excited to bring something new to Buskerfest this year,” said Sierra Jones-Martel, Chair of the Kemptville Buskerfest Organising Committee. “Fabulous Friday is an exciting new addition that brings even more magic to the full Buskerfest experience.”
Downtown Kemptville glows on Ladies Night
by Talia Hreljac
If you happened to be walking through the Downtown last Friday, you likely heard the sounds of laughter and joy as women gathered with their best girlfriends to enjoy a welldeserved night out at Ladies Night. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, setting the stage as women strolled through the area, supporting seven local businesses that kept their doors open late to welcome such a fabulous crowd.
Adding a fun twist to the evening, attendees received a Ladies Night passport. Each business stamped attendee’s passports, and at the end of the night, completed passports were entered into a draw for a chance to win beautiful local gift baskets, provided by the participating businesses.
But this night wasn’t just about shopping: it was about community. It was about reconnecting with your neighbours, taking in a sunset stroll over the bridge, and appreciating the beauty of the water. It was about creating moments of connection and celebrating the small-town charm we all cherish, even as our community continues to grow. It was a night filled with pure joy.
Mark your calendars: the next Ladies Night will be happening this November to kick off the holiday season. Keep an eye out for details.
Keeping the trails open at Ferguson Forest
Back row (left to right): Steve Slack, Trails Committee Chair; Wes Herring, Trail Tender and President, FFCC; Lynn Paibomesai, Trail Tender and member of Friends; Darren Vander Meer, Trail Tender; Dave Eldershaw, Trail Tender; Ron Arsenault, Coordinator, Trail Tenders and member of Friends. Front row: Sarah Herring, Trail Tender and member of FFCC; Jim Beckett, member of Friends; Janice Johnson, Trail Tender and member of Friends; Mary Alice Hossie, Trail Tender; Peter Verbree, Trail Tender; and Noel Donovan, Trail Tender.
by
Lynne Tyler, Chair, Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre
If you ever walk – or run or ski or bike – on the trails in our beautiful Ferguson Forest, you may wonder who clears the branches and fallen trees so you can safely continue on your way. They are a group of volunteers from the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre. We at Friends call them the “Trail Tenders” and we wanted to thank them for doing such a wonderful job.
It is not an easy job, and
they cheerfully head out in sometimes harsh weather. They clear the trails in what can be very tricky situations with fallen trees at a dangerous angle or a hard to reach spot. They also put down corduroy trails where it’s muddy or even duck-boards to walk along. This year they cleared some trails for the horseback riders, which involved pruning overhanging branches a little higher than usual!
On April 28, we had a small gathering of board members from Friends and
some of our colleagues from the Ferguson Forest Centre as well, to give each Trail Tender a certificate of our deep appreciation for their efforts. We had some refreshments for them while the certificates were being handed out and Steve Slack, chair of the Trails Committee at the Ferguson Forest Centre, even brought cake!
Many thanks to all the Trail Tenders for all your hard work and your commitment to Ferguson Forest.
Repair Café
by Tricia Habberjam
Join Us at the Repair Café – May 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Got something that needs fixing? Bring it to the Repair Café on Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where our skilled volunteers will be on hand to help with all kinds of repairs: electronics, clothing, small appliances, and more!
Special Feature: This time, we’re excited to have a hearing aid specialist on-site, offering tuning and adjustments for hearing aids. If you or someone you know could use a little fine-tuning to improve sound quality, don’t miss this opportunity!
Swing by, reduce waste, save money, and connect with your community—all while keeping your favorite items in working order. We can’t wait to see you there! For more details, reach out to Tricia pmjh@snowie.ca
Located in Oxford Station, ON — just 30 minutes south of Ottawa We specialize in indoor renovations, outdoor construction, and custom projects. We take pride in using Canadian-made materials and supporting local suppliers whenever possible, ensuring durability and a commitment to homegrown craftsmanship.
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Helplessly hoping
by David Shanahan
When I first moved to this area more than thirty years ago, there was no North Grenville, that still lay a few years in the future. I lived in Oxfordon-Rideau Township and travelled here from Ottawa along the old Highway 16, not the four-lane 416 of today. Before moving here, I remember driving from Ottawa to Merrickville on the weekend, passing along County Road 43 without realising there was a downtown Kemptville just off the road. South Gower was a Township I had never heard of. I was living in Kemptville when Amalgamation happened in 1998, though that went largely unnoticed, owing to the overwhelming impact of the Ice Storm that took place the same month. There is a certain irony in the fact that we moved “out here” to escape the city life and have a more relaxed, and possibly quiet, life in the country. That life didn’t work out that way was, and is, a major surprise to this day. Lately, as I navigate the
road works on 43, sitting patiently in the car as I wait for the one-way traffic to start moving again, I have time to look around and think about how much has changed since the Municipality of North Grenville came to be, and it makes me wonder if I would choose to move to the place it has become over these 30+ years.
The change has been extraordinary. Back in 2007, when Kemptville marked 150 years since it separated from Oxford, the Historical Society photographed all the line of 43, from the 416 to Somerville Road. There was no Colonnade, no Creekside Mall, almost nothing on the Ferguson Forest side of the road. No roundabouts. Around that time, one Mayor of NG stated that his “vision” for 43 was to make it another Merivale Road in Ottawa. By the time the four-lane is completed, it may well resemble that traffic nightmare.
Ten years after amalgamation, the population of NG was around 13,700, but the Official Plan predicted it would rise to around
Name calling
by Marguerite Boyer
I recently removed myself from Facebook. It has been several months now, and I truly do not miss it. I left not only because it was owned by Zuckerburg, and the reels that kept popping up; no matter how often I hit the button to delete seeing these ads, another 30 would show up the next day, but also because of its toxicity. I mentioned to my niece that I could no longer support this kind of platform and was closing down my account. She said she could not, because her whole life was on there. I have been giving this some thought, and feel it so very sad that Facebook means this to so many people. This is just plain sad. It was not an easy decision, but I am glad I made it. For so many reasons. It is toxic. There are cowards out there who post what they hope are hurtful things about people, name calling, something I believe I taught my sons never
27,000 by 2028. As of 2021, it was just 18,000, so that calculation may prove to be fairly accurate, assuming numbers continue to increase by around 10% per year, as they have been. Back in 2009, the Official Plan noted that “The Municipality does not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate all of the anticipated growth”, and planned to take steps to deal with that problem. Sitting in traffic on 43, or using the busy side roads to avoid it, one wonders how well successive Council have done in meeting that need.
County Road 43 is a perfect example.
As far back as 2001, Council has “County Road 43 Design Guidelines” in place, and published the “County Road 43 Master Plan” in 2006, providing plans and drawings showing the expended roadway, roundabouts and pedestrian pathways. Lack of provincial funding delayed and delayed the project. In the meantime, the successive NG Councils continued to approve large housing developments, particularly in the North-
west Quadrant, the area lying to the north west of the junction of 43 and 44. At one point, when a woman questioned the building of hundreds of houses before the 43 expansion was capable of absorbing the extra traffic, she was told by then-Planning official, Forbes Symon: “Don’t worry, dear. We know what we’re doing”.
Growth was the magic word back then. One Council came up with the motto: “Green and Growing”, which even then sounded somewhat contradictory and made as much sense as the United Counties slogan: “Where lifestyle grows good business”. A later Council stated that NG had to “grow or die”, which seemed a trifle dramatic, but that was rationalised by stating that “growth pays for growth”, another questionable claim, to say the least, as the Times has been pointing out as far back as 2015. The problem has been that a desire for growth has been indulged in without being guided by rational and intelligent planning. Why were so many houses built before 43 was ready?
Why was growth focused on increasing the use of vehicles as we turned into a dormitory town for Ottawa? As we look forward to warmer weather turning much of the construction site of 43 into dust flying and more pollution from cars, trucks, and construction equipment, will we be praising past and present Councils for their dedication to “growth”, or will we wonder what kind of NG, and especially what kind of Kemptville will we have once the four lanes are handling an increasing volume of traffic?
Green and growing has largely meant growth covering the green in concrete and asphalt. Official Plans have become irrelevant, it seems, as regards zoning, planning applications, heritage, environmental concerns, and so much more. The residents of NG are relatively helpless at this point, decisions have been made years ago that impact on our present and future health, social, economic, and physical. Will they make NG a better place to live? We are only helplessly hoping.
to do. I think I would wring their necks if I ever found them posting nasty comments. As a parent, I would be horrified. Even in our own community we have these kinds of cowards. Cowards who would not dare tell you, face to face, that they dislike you; but have no problem doing it on social media. Recently, someone shared a screenshot of a post where some local people (and I hope they are a minority) were dissing one of our councillors, and it was cruel, nasty, and just plain wrong. Makes me wonder why they do this? What ever happened to their moral code? Why do some have it and others feel that it is their right to willingly try to hurt another human being? To my mind they are just cowards, refusing to sit down with the person face to face, and talk it out. I remember facing down a councillor a few years ago, having a private conversation and telling them that I thought they were wrong in an
action they took. At first, I really angered them; but the next day they reached out to me and admitted I was right. The point is not that I was right or wrong, but that this councillor had the integrity to think it through and admit they were wrong. Since then, I have nothing but admiration for that person. And, at times, I have been wrong and have had the willingness to realise this and at times have had to apologise myself. I am very good at putting my foot in my mouth.
And now I hear there is a Facebook page that is called Kemptville Uncensored? People are allowed to post anonymously and again say cruel things. I am glad I don’t have access anymore. I hate to see a society go downhill, or even my own town. We are told to teach our children to be respectful, and yet here we have grownups name calling on social media? Or even signs on people's lawns or vehicles when Trudeau was Prime Minister, saying “F*%k
Trudeau”. Is this something we want our kids to see when passing by on a school bus.? I am not a fan of his, nor am I am fan of Pollievere, who has had no problem name calling in some of his speeches.
It seems that Trump has unleashed something in us, since his first term, of giving his opponents nasty nicknames. We did this as kids, did we not? I remember a cousin who lived close by and he gave me a nickname that was cruel. It stayed with me for years. It was hurtful. So I assume these grown ups on social media want to hurt others, perhaps it is because of their own hurts and insecurities? I don’t have the answer, nor do I understand.
I may never agree with you, but I can agree to disagree with you and even have respect for you, but I will never lower myself to the point of calling people names on social media. This is a coward’s way of doing things, not that of a mature grownup
Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca Contact 613-215-0735
ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca
613-215-0735 Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Classifieds classifieds @ngtimes.ca
www.northgrenville.ca
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
Agriculture must be part of interprovincial trade barrier discussions
by Paul Maurice,
OFA
Tariffs and trade are front and centre these days, from dominating news headlines and influencing election discussions, to figuring prominently in government, business, organizational and even personal decisions nationwide.
Our agriculture, food and agribusiness sector, a key pillar of the provincial economy, is no different. Canada-wide, we export a large part of our agricultural production around the world and overall, approximately 60% of those exports go to the United States. For some individual sectors of agriculture, like greenhouse and field vegetables or flowers, those U.S. export figures are even higher.
Earlier this month, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and 22 other commodity and agricultural organizations and businesses jointly wrote to Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones, and federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Kody Blois about the threats the current trade and tariff uncertainty pose to our sector and how government can help.
These include developing targeted support programs for farmers, investing in agriculture’s productive capacity, supporting buy local initiatives, expanding export markets and supporting homegrown solutions.
A particularly hot topic for farmers and non-farmers alike – and government – is removing or reducing interprovincial trade barriers. We know that we have market opportunities for our agri-food products right here in Canada, but they’re not accessible due to interprovincial trade barri-
ers of many kinds.
We are asking for Ontario agriculture to be at the table with governments at all levels to take a serious look at regulatory barriers to competitiveness between provinces and where appropriate, address and remove them to expand our market opportunities within Canada.
This includes decreasing regulatory red tape and logistical challenges around transportation and moving products across the country and eliminating restrictions that impact some of our sectors in particular, like livestock production and meat processing.
For the OFA, interprovincial trade barriers were the subject of a recent fullday meeting with our Policy Advisory Council.
This council brings together representatives from all our regional and county federations of agriculture to discuss important issues and provide feedback that helps the OFA’s provincial board shape its policies and positions.
The policy advisory council discussions did identify three main barriers that are common across most segments of the agriculture industry:
Trucking and transport regulations: differences in provincial trucking regulations impose significant costs when transporting agricultural goods and farming supplies across provincial borders. These differences between provinces include things like driver logbook requirements, licencing, safety inspections, height restrictions, and maximum load weights.
Sale of provincially inspected meat: Federal interprovincial trade legislation
under the Safe Food for Canadians Act restricts the sale of meat from provincially inspected processing facilities outside of the province. Only meat from federally regulated facilities inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency can be legally sold in other provinces.
Mobility of skilled workers and licensed professionals: current laws mean that provincially accredited professionals like veterinarians, for example, or skilled workers like drainage contractors cannot work outside of the province where they are licensed.
As with so many issues in a sector as diverse as agriculture, this one is as complex and there are no easy or immediate solutions.
What is important, however, is that agriculture is at the table with all levels of government when these discussions and consultations are taking place so we can bring the concerns and opportunities of our sector to the attention of decisionmakers.
With Ontario’s combined agriculture sector exporting billions of dollars in goods annually - $26.2 billion in 2023 alone - punishing tariffs and trade barriers disrupt supply chains, reduce market access, and put immense financial strain on farm families and agri-businesses.
Ontario’s farmers and agri-businesses are the backbone of the provincial economy, driving economic growth, supporting job creation, and ensuring our national food security.
We believe in the Team Canada approach to help preserve and support our farmers and farm businesses during this challenging time and ensure the long-term stability of the agriculture industry, our food system and the broader economy.
by Jean Gallant
Hey Day, one of Eastern Ontario’s largest indoor garage sales and a major fundraiser for the Kemptville District Hospital’s Auxiliary, is less than a month away!
The garage sale features 25 sections of donated items including everything from books, sporting goods and clothing to jewellery, purses, baked goods, tools, furniture and everything else you could thing of! It’s a great place for collectables, vintage, and everyday items at bargain basement prices – everything must go! The exciting $5 fill-a-bag happens on Saturday June 7 for even greater savings!
This is the 62nd year the event will be held; organized and staffed entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds going to the Kemptville District Hospital to support patient care and equipment.
Please consider donating your unneeded items (in good condition) during the donation drop off at the Municipal Centre arena on Wednesday, June 4 (1 to 7pm), and Thursday, June 5 (11am to 7pm), and come out for the sale on Friday, June 6 (6 to 9pm) and Saturday, June 7 (9am to 1pm).
Questions? Please call us at 613-447-4492, or email us at kdha.heyday@gmail.com.
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Bird Walk
Sat. May 10, 9:00, Meet at Anniversary Park
Family Nature Scavenger Hunt
Sat. May 18, 2:00 at Anniversary Park Pavillion. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In collaboration with the Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding Pathfinder Unit. No pre-registr’n required.
More details at kemptvillecampus.ca/opportunities Application deadline is June 2nd, 2025.
Ferguson Forest for Beginners
Sat. June 14, 10:00. Parking lot near dog park. Not familiar with Ferguson Forest? Prefer not to walk alone? Come join one of our volunteers for a guided walk. Also on July 12 and Aug 9, same time and place.
Bioblitz Prizes!!
Sat, July 5, 10:00. Anniversary Park. Help identify & count species in Ferguson Forest. Fun for all ages. Info sheets provided.
Medicinal Herb Walk
Sat, Aug 2, 10:00 with Dr. Shawn Yakimovich. Parking lot off Cty Rd 44 at Settlers Trail.
Birds of Prey Sun. Sept 28 , in the Arboretum
details as the events draw closer at
by David Dunn of Rideau Woodland Ramble
There are days when I find the greatest joy in simply rambling. Wandering along the trails and
paths through the woodland and gardens always brings an inner peace and a unique sense of inspiration, especially when I encounter an unexpected
bird or a woodland flower about to bloom. No stress here!
I recall one Mother's Day when a new mother visited with her young,
Happy Mother’s Day
stressed-out daughter. It had been her wish to visit the Ramble on Mother's Day, but her daughter cried and had other ideas. Stephanie, our Master Gardener, noticed the distraught child and spent some time showing her plants in the garden and the trails. That was all it took for distress to turn to joy, allowing her mother to fully enjoy her ramble and the day! There is healing power in the garden and the woodland.
One of the easiest ways to create an inviting garden is to carve paths through the property, in the woods, and through the fields. These paths create rooms, edges, and destinations, setting up vistas and views that will capture your imagination. Once you have laid out a path system, your garden can evolve almost like paint by numbers—just fill in the gaps.
Rambling Along Following new paths in the woodland garden
A shady bench beckons in the natural airconditioning of forest shade. Paths present opportunities to showcase artwork and sculpture in settings that can be majestic, poetic, or humorous. A walk down our woodland ramble brings the surprise of a Picasso-like head, and further down, a little mouse family, as well as a glimpse at Pieter Doef’s constitutional debate!
When creating gardens within a path system in the woodland, you must amend the soil with 6-12 inches of fresh soil to counter the natural growth inhibitors of the forest floor. This will ensure young plants can establish themselves and flourish. Take advantage of the opportunity to present plants and art in a manner that will capture the imagination of the
visitor, with a little surprise, interesting combinations, colours, and textures. When you are finished, ramble through your creation and soak up the positive energy and creative spirit it generates!
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary of being in business and open to the public, we invite you to Rideau Woodland Ramble for your very own garden experience! Rideau Woodland Ramble is open from mid-April to the end of October, seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and features a fascinating collection of plants and art in our display gardens. David Dunn Rideau Woodland Ramble 613-258-3797
7210 Burritt’s Rapids Rd.
We love our moms year-round, but Mother's Day is the time to really show it by spending some time together, going out for a meal or gifting a thoughtful present. And don’t forget, it takes a village to raise a child and guidance can come from everyone in the community. This Mother's Day remember all the di erent women who have held you up in life.
The present-day celebration of Mother's Day began in the year 1908 when Anna Jarvis organized a memorial for her mother, Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who used to care for the wounded soldiers of the American Civil War. The event was held at the St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which currently holds the International Mother's Day Shrine. Anna Jarvis began the task of getting support for the celebration of Mother's Day in the United States in 1905 after her mother died the same year. She wanted to honor all the mothers of the world who have done a lot for their family and society.
Mother's Day is an occasion which is celebrated in various parts of the world to express respect, honor, and love towards mothers. The day is an event to honor the contribution of mothers, acknowledge the e orts of maternal bonds and the role of mothers in our society. Although, di erent countries celebrate the occasion on different dates, the common months of the celebrations are March or May. It is a day which makes people remember the importance and signi cance of mothers in their life and is observed as a day to give special emphasis to the motherly gures around the world.
Mother’s Day Ballroom Brunch
Mimosa
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Home Fries
Dollar Pancakes & Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup Whipped Cream & Fruit Toppings
Greek, Kale, Caesar & Mixed Bean Salads
Pasta Selections with Vegan Options
Charcuterie Table with Imported Meats, Cheeses & Smoked Salmon
Roast Beef & Ham Carving Station
Bread, Rolls & Gluten Free Options
Pasteries, Cakes & Gluten Free Selections
KDH launches
‘Healthcare with Heart’ campaign
by Jenn Westendorp
Kemptville District
Hospital (KDH) is pleased to announce the launch of its ‘Healthcare with Heart’ campaign. The campaign is a creative way for KDH to recognize and showcase its excellent health care workers across all departments - including maintenance, scheduling, environmental services, administration, health records, diagnostic imaging and nursing, along
with KDH physicians and volunteers.
It also ties in with KDH’s strategic directions of person-centered care, service excellence and innovation, and Team KDH.
‘Healthcare with Heart’ involves weekly posts featuring a KDH staff member talking about why they chose to work in health care. These personal stories will be shared online at www.kdh.on.ca, and through KDH’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), every Wednesday starting next week, on Wednesday, May 7.
“Our people are what make KDH such a fantastic hospital,” said the hospital’s
CEO, Frank J. Vassallo.
“Without our incredibly professional, dedicated and compassionate staff, KDH wouldn’t have the same heart we all know and value. They provide a level of care to patients that is second to none and I couldn’t be prouder of Team KDH. This campaign is a way for us to promote the amazing people providing excellent care at KDH.”
‘Healthcare with Heart’ aims to strengthen the connection between KDH staff, physicians, volunteers, and people who access care at the hospital. Watch KDH’s social media channels for the latest ‘Healthcare with Heart’ posts.
UWLG Celebrates Volunteers
United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) proudly launched its 2025 campaign, Hope Starts with You, with a Volunteer Breakfast on May 1 at the Brockville Country Club. The sold-out event brought together over 100 supporters, community leaders, volunteers, and agency partners, all united by one
mission: to build a more compassionate, resilient Leeds & Grenville.
Board Chair Ian McFall opened the morning, noting, “There is incredible energy in the room this morning. Volunteers make waves. A big thank you to all in attendance today, for your spirit of giving and volunteerism.”
Book Corner by
Steve Gabell
Shadows of Tyranny, Ken McGoogan
After the defeat of fascism in 1945 half of Europe was made to live under another authoritarian regime led by Stalin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, it seemed that liberal democracy had triumphed over authoritarianism, in economically developed countries, at least. Francis Fukuyama argued that this triumph of liberal democracy marked the end of history.
Storm clouds have been gathering over the last 25 years, however, and authoritarianism, like a mutating virus, has been making a comeback. Putin in Russia, Erdogan in Turkey, Orban in Hungary, Modi in India, Bolsonaro in Brazil, and of course Trump in the US have all been willing to embrace authoritarianism to varying extents.
Against this background comes Ken McGoogan’s Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship. McGoogan traces the paths to power that Mussolini, Franco, and Hitler took, quoting widely from Hemmingway, Orwell, Arendt, London, and others. The parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 30s and today have been discussed in many places. McGoogan highlights the soft treatment Hitler received
after his role in the Munich Beer Hall Putsch, and the appeasement by the UK and France over Hitler’s territorial expansion in the 1930s. Trump’s treatment after the January 6 insurrection, and the appeasement of Putin’s territorial expansions have clear echoes here.
Throughout the book, McGoogan recounts the heroic exploits of ordinary people in fighting tyranny and the costs they incurred in doing so. From Orwell and the International Brigades in Spain, to Canadian soldiers in France, and to members of the French Resistance, McGoogan shows his background as a reporter in bringing these historical snippets to life.
Towards the end of the book, McGoogan turns his sights on the US. A clear thread links Trump to his political predecessors Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Joseph McCarthy (much more detail on these figures can be found in Rachel Maddow’s Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism). McCarthy’s purges were later described as an “American mirror image of Stalin’s purges” by war correspondent Martha Gellhorn. A key figure in McCarthy’s reign of terror was his chief counsel Roy Cohn, the same Roy Cohn who became Trump’s mentor in the 1970s and who introduced him to
Roger Stone.
Trump has brought the newspeak that Orwell anticipated in 1984 from the realm of fiction into reality with his claims of ‘fake news’ against legitimate media who were critical of him, and he has also flooded the zone with a firehose of lies. McGoogan quotes Arendt as saying, “The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the committed communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.”
This book looks at the past, but there is little discussion of the future or of what ordinary people can do to fight authoritarianism to prevent it gaining power. McGoogan only mentions Putin in passing, despite his dictatorial regime in Russia, his intervention in the Syrian civil war, and his expansionism against Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Winston Churchill railed against appeasement of Mussolini and Hitler, being labeled a warmonger in the process. Churchill was proven right, and tens of millions of lives were lost because his warnings were ignored. Where are our Churchills now?
(This book is available at North Grenville Public Library)
The event marked the official unveiling of the Hope Starts with You campaign: an inspiring call to action that emphasizes the power of individual and collective impact. Attendees were gifted beautifully packaged seed pods, donated by Developmental Services of Leeds & Grenville, symbolizing
how even the smallest acts of kindness can grow into lasting change.
The morning also featured three outstanding guest speakers: David Beatty, Chris Curry, and Jordi Wills, each sharing personal stories of leadership, service, and the transformative power of community. Their heartfelt messages underscored the campaign’s theme and reminded guests that hope truly does start with each of us.
United Way Leeds & Grenville was proud to present its 2024 Volunteer Awards to individuals and workplaces that demonstrated exceptional leadership, generosity, and community spirit throughout the year. Workplace awards, known as the Chairs Cups, were presented to organizations that led the way in their sectors through successful United Way campaigns. Individual and special recognition awards celebrated
those who went above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference.
UWLG also announced its 2025/2026 funded community partners. The total investment of $354,459 will support a variety of essential programs and services across Leeds & Grenville. This diverse group of programs represents the widereaching impact of United Way donors and the collective strength of the Leeds & Grenville community.
Some of the local 2025/2026
Funded Partners & Programs:
Big Brothers Big Sisters –One to One Matching Program – $20,000
Beth Donovan Hospice –Expanding Caregiver Support – $8,459
Family and Children Services LLG - Camp Program – $12,500
Family and Children Services LLG - Family Counselling – $15,000
Girls Inc. – The Girls Inc.
Experience – $25,000 Interval House – Children’s Programming – $10,000 Kemptville Youth Centre –Healthy Minds, Body and Spirits – $25,000 Lanark Leeds Grenville Addictions and Mental Health –United Way Cares for Leeds & Grenville – $30,000 Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation – Outdoor Education Access – $10,000 Seniors Community Services – Senior Care Access – $10,000 United Way Leeds & Grenville’s 2025 campaign continues throughout the year with exciting events, workplace campaigns, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone is invited to get involved—because hope really does start with you. To donate, volunteer, or learn more about UWLG’s work, please visit www. uwlg.org or call 613-3428889.
Celebrating ‘Asset Builders’ in Leeds, Grenville & Lanark
by Katie Lamb
The Every Kid in our Communities of Leeds & Grenville Coalition, and the Lanark County Child & Youth Services Collaborative are excited to invite the community to help recognize and celebrate those making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth.
Nominations are now open for individuals, organizations, and businesses that are actively building assets and empowering young people across LGL. These ‘Asset Builders’ will be recognized at upcoming community events and through local media.
We encourage nominations of individuals, businesses, and organizations who: Show interest and invest time in children and youth
Inspire children and youth
Provide support to children and youth
Give children and youth a voice
Introduce children and youth to new ideas and experiences
Advocate for children and youth
Recognition Events: Leeds & Grenville: Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario in Brockville Lanark: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Lanark County Council meeting Each Asset Builder will be honoured with a certificate and celebrated in the media. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Thursday, May 22, 2025. Submission forms are available online at the EKIOC website: www.everykid.on.ca.
“We are so fortunate to live in a community where many organizations and individuals influence the lives of young people in a positive way,” said Tawnya Boileau, Chair of EKIOC’s Developmental Assets Work Group. “This recognition is a way to shine a light on those who help our children and youth thrive.”
South East Health Unit is member of the Every Kid in our Communities of Leeds & Grenville Coalition and the Lanark County Child & Youth Collaborative.
For more information, please contact Tawnya Boileau at tawnya.boileau@healthunit.org.
Unmask Mental Health
from the South East Health Unit
After Mental Health Week, the South East Health Unit is inviting residents to join the bigger conversation of “Unmasking Mental Health.”
We all wear masks sometimes, smiling on the outside while struggling on the inside. Masking emotions can be exhausting. Our mental health affects how we enjoy life and respond to challenges. It includes not only our emotions, but also the parts of ourselves shaped by culture, relationships, and social justice. Mental Health Week is about creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and accepted.
Despite growing awareness, stigma still prevents many from seeking support. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians who needed mental health support didn’t ask for it because they felt uncomfortable. Talking openly about mental health, building meaningful connections, and supporting one another can reduce stigma and break down barriers to getting help. It’s important to remind each other: you are not alone.
Ways to Foster Positive Mental Health:
Prioritize self-care: get enough sleep, stay active and eat well Stay connected with your culture and community
Have honest conversations about mental health with family, friends, and coworkers
Reflect on how social media impacts your emotions
Local Resources Are Available:
Residents of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville can access local and virtual mental health supports for free, no referral needed. Visit: healthunit.org – Mental Wellbeing, or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also e-mail us at contact@heathunit.org, or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and X, or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.
Let’s take off the mask and normalize talking about mental health. It's okay not to be okay - and it's okay to ask for help.
Charles Lawrence
Ten Years Have Passed My Love On that day I wondered why time didn't stop Why the world kept turning How could it not? For you were here no more.
Dearly missed by his Mom Theo, predeceased by Dad Albert, Brothers Chris (Manon), Geoff (Martine), Wife Glenna, Daughter Amanda (Josh), Son Joseph (Hannah), Grandsons Cole and Noah, Granddaughter Maggie and many Nieces and Nephews.
Arno , Robert Maxwell
May 19, 1930 – April 20, 2025
Loving husband at 70 years to Marion (Jackson). Father of Judith Beveridge (Jim) and the late David (1978). Proud Poppy of Andrew (Lindsay) and Colleen (Kyle) Beveridge. Best Great Grandfather of Beau and Lucy.
A Celebration of Life and Interment will be held at Rosetta Cemetery, Rosetta, Ontario on May 18, 2025 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to fundraisemyway.cancer.ca or Rosetta Cemetery, c/o Lorraine Creighton, 2508 Rosetta Road, RR2, Lanark, Ontario, K0G 1K0.
In honour of Robert’s love for peak caps, please feel free to wear a hat that reminds you of him!
Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435
COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca
613-215-0735
RECURRING EVENTS
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.
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, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
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 Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
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. 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. St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@gmail.com 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. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. 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"
Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the first and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library. 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.
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, May 6 and 20, June 3 and 17, July 15 and 29, August 12 and 26. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, May 13 and 27, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
North Grenville Men’s Shed
A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/ or do projects.
Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.
Malala Women’s Choir
Invites you to explore uplifting music for treble voices. Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm, March 5– May 28, 2025. At St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Bennett St., Spencerville. To register: contact Sheila at 613658-5290 or sheilafawcett92@gmail.com No previous choral experience required. Membership fee: $35
KSK Euchre Night. 3rd Wednesday of every month. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7 pm, $5 to play.
Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 1505 O'Neil Rd
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 8
Spaghetti Buffet Fundraiser Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Helping a Local Family Recover from a House Fire Join us for a warm meal, great company, and an evening of support for a local family in need. Silent Auction Live Music Tickets available at the door Or reserve by calling 613-612-1189
Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Crescent
May 9, 16
NG Drawing Circle These are draped sessions and they are open to all residents, 14 years and older regardless of drawing skill level. The cost is $80 for 8 sessions or you can drop in for $15 per session.
St. John’s United Church
May 10
Radio Day Extravaganza hosted by Kemptville Rotary Club. Join Kemptville Rotary Club for a day of live radio on Saturday, May 10th, from 8 AM to 3 PM at Moose FM 97.5. Local Rotarians will host, conduct interviews, read sponsored ads, and hold an on air auction to raise funds for Shalom Small Homes. Don't miss this chance to support your community. See Rotary Kemptville website to see items available for bidding.
The Kemptville Horticultural Society will be holding their annual Plant Sale, Time: 9am - 12pm
Donated plants can be dropped off at the greenhouse on Friday May 9th between 8:0012:00. All donated plants should be potted and labelled. at the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse, 75 Campus Drive, Kemptville
Addison United Church Women ’s Spring Sale Time: 10am - 2pm Plants, Baking, Knitting & crafts, Books & puzzles , New 2 You, Jewelry, & Canteen 9007 County Rd 29 Addison
Huge Multi-Family Garage Sale: Tools, Housewares, Furniture, Collectibles. Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
7 McCaul Dr Kemptville
May 12
Spencerville Agricultural Society May Meeting. Time: 7pm. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. www.spencervillefair.ca Contact: Email: info@spencervillefair.ca Phone: 613-6583333. 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville, Ontario
May 15
Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is hosting its annual Memorial Service to honour patients who have passed away at the hospital. Time: 2:00 pm. Those wishing to attend the KDH Memorial Service are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, May 6 by emailing kdh_info@ kdh.on.ca.North Grenville Community Church 2659 Concession Road, Kemptville, located next door to KDH.
May 16
Family Fun Glow Dance Party. Time: 50pm-10pm . This exciting event promises a glowing good time, featuring busker lessons, jester hat making, busker performances, music, dancing, delicious food, and more. North Grenville Curling Club (200 Reuben Cres, Kemptville
May17
Kemptville Buskerfest
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Gravitate Travel Talk
May 10
Time: 11:15 am
Kensington Tours and Azamara Cruises
June 14
Times: 11:15 am
G Adventures and Rocky Mountaineer
Tickets are limited so don’t miss out. Go to www.gravitate.travel/events-list for more details and to reserve your spot now. All ticket proceeds benefit Community Living in Kemptville.
Legion Calendar May 2025
May 17 - Paddy Paystub Tour8-11:30 PM
May 20 - Kitchen Party - 7-9:30 PM
May 21 - Bingo - 12 PM
May 21 - General Meeting - 7:30 PM
May 23 - Bar open - 3 PM - close
May 24 - Karaoke - 8-11 PM
May 27 - Folk Club - 7-9:30 PM
May 28 - KLUB 67 euchre - 1 PM
May 30 - Bar open - 3 PM-close
OASIS PAINTING
Free
FOR SALE
We sell and install cedar trees for hedges and we are also looking to harvest cedar trees for cedar hedges from land owner(s). Joanne (613)799-0958
Talia’s Take
Horse manure, great for flowers & gardens. Sold by the bushel or load. Call 613.258.3561
Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box, X-Large $250 613-258-9202
TO RENT
LAND FOR RENT to farm. High producing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
This Is 35: Spanx, Style
and Zero Effs Given
by Talia Hreljac
I recently turned 35, and with this so-called "old age" came a bit of wisdom: I no longer care what people think of me. I still want to be seen as a good person, of course, but I’ve stopped living to please others. I’ve started living out loud and doing what brings me joy, unapologetically.
One way I’ve been embracing that is through how I dress. I’ve always liked fashion, regardless of my size, and I’ve never minded being the centre of attention (no shame in my game). But I held back from sharing my style because I’m not exactly Vogue material, and I’ll never be an influencer. That used to stop me from doing fun things like posting outfits. This year, though, I put “share your style with the world” on my list, and here we are. With my whopping 300 followers on Instagram, I guess I’m trying to be an influencer; but really, I’m doing it for the joy. Social media doesn’t always have to be about clout. Sometimes, it can just be about sharing what makes you happy.
So, here are a few things I do that bring me joy with fashion:
1. Stick to what suits you. I don’t chase trends; whoever brought back low-rise jeans needs to be stopped. I found my colors and styles, like empire-waisted dresses that flatter my shape, and built my wardrobe around them. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but once
you find what works, lean into it.
2. Steal inspiration. If you’re not sure where to start, copy a style. I search things like “casual workplace looks” on Pinterest, break down the outfit pieces, and recreate it. You don’t need to be creative, just resourceful.
3. Build around one piece you love. When I moved to Kemptville, I decided to lean into a “country chic” vibe; ironic, since I hate bugs and don’t live in the country. It all started with a hat I found at Indigo, which I also know is not your typical place to buy stuff for the country. I built entire outfits around it: a dress, a jean jacket, booties, lipstick. One happy piece led to many more.
4. Don’t shrink yourself. I’ve been every size, from pre-kids to postthree-kids, and my body has changed a lot. But I wear what I love. If I see a cute dress, I’m wearing it. Maybe with Spanx, but always with a smile. My tiger stripes, my mom pooch, my arms that continue to wave even after I’ve stopped, my smile
lines, they’re mine, and I’m proud of them.
5. Organize your closet. Not a fashion tip exactly, but group clothes by type, then by colour. Pants with pants, tops with tops, etc., and then by colour. It makes getting dressed easier and way more fun; plus, it’s so pretty to look at. Also, get rid of whatever you don’t like or whatever doesn’t make you feel your best. If that sweater just doesn’t sit well on your frame, toss it, regardless of how pretty it might look on the hanger.
So sure, some people might look at my outfits and wonder who I’m trying to influence most days: maybe the troll under the bridge, judging by how often I rock a ball cap and cozy sweaters. But honestly, I’m not dressing for them. I’m doing it for me. If it makes me feel good and brings me joy, that’s more than enough.
Now tell me: what’s something you would do if you stopped caring what people thought?
ACROSS
1. Supervisor
5. At the peak of
9. ____ Ruth, baseball legend
13. Acid related to gout
14. Glacial ice formation
16. Pitcher
17. Stow, as cargo
18. Necklace item
19. Infinitesimal amount
20. Mix
22. Wanders
24. Oceans
26. Rose dye
27. Greed
30. Impending danger
33. Surf without a board
35. Aquatic mammal
37. Purge
38. Be similar
41. Letter after sigma
42. Runs in neutral
45. Volume
48. Intimate
51. Rookie
52. Novices
54. Ballet attire
55. Miscarriages
59. Hurray
62. Molten rock
63. Milker's seat
65. "Smallest" particle
66. Millisecond
67. Spooky
68. French for "Head"
69. Dispatched
70. Expunge
71. Biblical garden DOWN
1. Onion or tulip or light 2. By mouth
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
3. Style of horse riding
4. Stage background
5. Viper
6. T T T
7. Give a speech
8. Mimic
9. Yeast-raised doughnut
10. Absent without leave
11. A detested person
12. Ages
15. Skirmish 21.
Speaker's place
23. Form of money transfer
25. Lowlife
27. Dugout shelter
28. Annuls
29. Chapter in history
31. Faded
32. Josh
34. Faster Than Light
36. Diversion
39. Camp bed
40. Ache
43. Remove
44. A set of garments
46. Smear
47. Fertilizer ingredient
49. Come up 50. Pillaged
53. Breathe noisily while asleep
55. Charity
Baking appliance
Cast a ballot
Downwind
Spring seems to have finally arrived, and with it comes some of our returning garden birds and those who prefer more open places, such as the open fields, woods, and water habitats. The latter gave me the chance to watch an Osprey as it cruised along the river, obviously looking down for food and, at times, almost stopping and hovering, but never actually making a dive downwards to catch anything whilst I was still watching. I was quite surprised that it was considering fishing where it was, because the water was really rushing down over the “breakwater” and I wouldn’t have thought that it could make a successful catch in such turbulent conditions; but, then again, who am I to second guess what they can do?
The bacteria fighter in your fridge
Enjoy! From pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Refreshing Spring Birds
Red winged Blackbirds and Grackles were also making their presence heard above the sound of the water, but trying to see them for any length of time was quite impossible, as they were always on the move. However, later, on my drive back to home, I caught in my eye the sight of a more sedate mover in amongst the corn stubble of one of the fields that I was passing. It was a lone female Wild Turkey, which was making her way parallel to the road and provided me with some very nice views. The traces of sun showed her plumage up quite nicely, which included some subtle red colouring on her neck and face, and her back feathers also showed up nicely.
A little further on from where I saw her was a field with some remaining puddles of water, which had attracted some Canada Geese, who looked quite striking as they rested and fed. A friend and bird enthusiast had called me a day or so before to tell me of his sighting of hundreds of Snow Geese in a field south of Winchester, so I was hoping that, just maybe, I might spot some around here. Of course, I didn’t, and neither did I see the two Bald Eagles that he had also seen some days previously a lot nearer to home!
I haven’t been without my own sightings though, but these were back in our garden, and not when out and about. The first was when I was looking out of my front window and I caught a glimpse of yellow on a small bird hopping about on the ground. Super! I then took a lot closer look for the striped head and the white throat, identifying it as a White Throated Sparrow, which I was able to do. The second happening was the sighting of two Chickadees busily flying to and from my nesting box, usually occupied by a House Wren or a Bluebird. They kept this up for two days, but my wife and I haven’t seen much action now for a day or so, but we are still hoping! Maybe you too are doing the same in anticipation of some of your own birds giving you a surprise treat. Enjoy and stay safe.
Cheers,
John Baldwin
Often neglected, the humble eggplant deserves a lot better. A staple of many cuisines, such as Chinese and Greek, it is very versatile and has a delicate taste. Today’s recipe, Cajun Egg Plant is quite simply a delight, both to make and to eat. You will wish to cook up enough slices so that you can feed 4 people and adjust accordingly.
Cajun Egg Plant
Ingredients
• 2 or 3 small young eggplants sliced into ¼ inch medallions
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ to ½ cup of milk
• 1 cup flour mixed with ½ cup Panko crumbs
• 1 tsp each of black and cayenne pepper or 2 teaspoons of Cajun spice mix
• 1 tsp of white granulated sugar
• ¼ cup Canola oil for frying
Preparation
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and just enough milk to thin out the egg
• In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the Panko, pepper and sugar
• Heat the oil to deep frying temperature
• Dip the egg slices in the egg wash and then the flour mixture
• Fry the eggplant until golden brown, remove and drain on paper towels
• Use a pan that is big enough for good separation between the eggplant slices
Serve hot. If you wish, you can stack the slices with a toothpick. No sauce is needed for this recipe; the eggplant is great as is. However, you can make some sour cream or some natural yoghurt available as a very nice condiment. A dark, full flavoured beer goes well with this dish, if you are so inclined.
Family Meals:
Leading By Example - Week 2
by Eunice Adu-Tutu, South East Health Unit
Family meals present a perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to bond with and teach children/youth lifelong skills. When families eat together regularly, children/ youth learn vital lessons about food choices, social skills and body image.
Children/youth tend to mirror the behaviours that they see from the adults around them. For example, if parents enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, children are more likely to do the same. Conversely, if parents skip meals frequently, children may pick up the same behaviours. This is why setting a good example around food choices is important.
To get children and youth excited about family meals, get them involved in the entire meal process by:
Allowing them to help pick food items when shopping.
Inviting them to participate in preparing and cooking food with age appropriate tasks, or setting the table.
Teaching them about food safety by showing them how to properly wash vegetables before eating them. Including them in these tasks builds their self-confidence and gets them excited to eat what they helped prepare.
Lastly, family meals are an ideal setting to encourage a healthy attitude towards food and body image. Family meals allow caregivers to role model enjoying all foods in moderation, by trusting children to decide what and how much to eat from what is offered. Getting the family together for an activity after the meal is an opportunity for adults to teach children/youth to embrace what their bodies can do rather than what it looks like. Having these regular positive experiences sets the tone for children to adopt healthy behaviours. Learn more at www.healthunit.org, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter or call 1-800-660-5853.
We’ve always said nature is an excellent physician. The most common item from your garden may be your best medicine. Recent research has proved it. Tomato juice has been shown to kill Salmonella and other harmful bacteria.
We’ve often preached the gospel of simple, evidence-based health advice: eat well, move your body, avoid sugar, and never underestimate the power of vitamins. But now we’re happy to add tomato juice, plain and simple.
Research published in the Journal of Food Protection and corroborated by studies in the International Journal of Food Microbiology reveals that tomato juice has potent antibacterial properties. Scientists found that compounds in tomato juice, notably lycopene and tomatine, interfere with the growth and survival of pathogens like Salmonella. These compounds disrupt the bacterial membrane and hamper their replication. The result?
A natural, delicious bacteria-busting beverage.
It’s not just Salmonella that takes a hit. E. coli, Listeria, and even some strains of the virus causing Staphylococcus infections also don’t fare well when exposed to the mighty tomato.
People often ask, “What’s your secret, Dr. Gifford-Jones?” After all, at a vibrant 101 years old, there must be more than good luck and good genes. We usually credit high-dose vitamin C and lysine, moderate alcohol, and a good dose of common sense. But now we’re wondering: is it the daily garden-fresh tomatoes enjoyed for years?
History can teach us. In the early 20th century, tomato juice was considered a health tonic. Long before we had antibiotics, people reached for remedies that soothed the gut and strengthened the immune system. It was in 1917 that tomato juice was first canned commercially, and by the 1930s, it became a staple in North American households. Soldiers in WWII were even given canned tomato juice as part of their rations, not just to quench thirst, but to support their health in the trenches.
Today we are grappling with a far more modern issue: antibiotic resistance. In our rush to medicate every sniffle and stomachache, we’ve created a population of bacteria that scoff at our strongest pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity.
What if we’ve been overlooking simple, dietary ways to fight infection all along?
We’re not suggesting you toss out your doctor’s prescriptions and live on tomatoes. But a healthy diet, rich in natural antimicrobials, might spare you from needing those antibiotics in the first place.
Consider this: many people are prescribed antibiotics for digestive issues, skin infections, and even urinary tract infections. Yet straightforward dietary interventions, like the regular consumption of tomato juice, garlic, fermented foods, and cranberry, can help prevent or even treat these conditions without pharmaceutical assistance.
As Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” If he were alive today, he’d raise a glass of tomato juice in solidarity.
But beware, not all tomato juices are created equal. Many commercial varieties are loaded with sodium and additives. Choose low-sodium, organic versions, or better yet, make your own. A blender, a few ripe tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and voila! Add a dash of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice, both of which also have their own antimicrobial properties.
Not a fan of tomato juice, but fresh sliced tomatoes appeal? Eat them up, any way you choose. It’s exactly the same thing. Sometimes, the best medicine isn’t in a bottle at the pharmacy but in your garden or fridge.
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Female Wild Turkey in Spring.
Free Webinar supports kids with anxiety & mental health struggles
Growing a resilient Leeds Grenville Food Trade Network
by Becky Coles
It's reported that approximately 20% of Canadian children and youth will experience a mental illness. This includes a significant percentage of children experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
In recognition of Mental Health Week in May, the Ontario Caregiver Organization is excited to partner with Parents’ Lifeline (PLEO) to offer a free webinar offering strategies for supporting parents of children who face mental health challenges on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.. The guest speaker will be Catherine Shea of PLEO, a dedicated caregiver who truly understands the challenges families face in supporting children and youth with mental health struggles.
The stats are staggering, and as primary
caregivers, parents are struggling. In Ontario:
Half of Ontario parents report having concerns about their child’s level of anxiety.
One-third of Ontario parents have had a child miss school due to anxiety
One-quarter of Ontario parents have missed work to care for a child with anxiety. This is significantly higher among parents who have expressed concerns about their child’s anxiety
62% of Ontario youth report ever having concerns about their level of anxiety; however, only three in ten (32%) have spoken to a mental health care professional about anxiety
As many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health problem. Five out of six kids will not receive the treatment they need.
70% of mental health problems begin during childhood or adolescence.
17% of children ages 2-5 years meet the diagnostic criteria for mental health problems.
28% of students report not knowing where to turn when they wanted to talk to someone about mental health.
Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) supports Ontario’s 4 million caregivers- ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to family members, partners, friends, or neighbours. For more information, planning tools and resources to support family caregivers, please visit the website at OntarioCaregiverOrganization.ca.
Link to webinar: www.eventbrite.ca/e/ supporting-your-childsmental-health-strategies-for-caregivers-tickets-1299674865509
A new collaborative opportunity, exclusive to Leeds Grenville sellers and buyers took place on May 1 at the Lansdowne Community Building. Sellers showcased their local food and beverage offerings as buyers moved from table to table sourcing new products for their restaurants and retail stores. Building strong local partnerships has never been more important. The event highlighted a range of products and created opportunities to discover new suppliers and explore locally sourced solutions.
What began as an idea to build local producers’ capacity to increase their sales has grown into a cooperative event designed to create the foundation for a local food business network — ultimately supporting and boosting the region’s economy.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Economic Development Manager Ann Weir welcomed attending businesses. “Supporting local and growing local is what we are about and why we are here today,” she said. “We are discovering unique ways for retailers, restaurants, and other buyers to connect with Leeds Grenville food sellers, so together we can achieve more. There are opportunities to support growth, and the Economic Development Team is here to help,” she noted. Other major industry trade events could be a next step for local businesses expanding into larger markets.
Sean Lucey of Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant & Patio and Windmill Brewery, who participated as a seller, was impressed by the level of knowledge and commitment among attendees. “It was a great chance to meet local producers and see what’s being made right here in our region. I came away with a few solid leads and some fresh ideas,” he said.
Jeff Day, a buyer from Hotel Kenney in Jones Falls was delighted by the array of offerings and appreciated sharing with other business owners. “This event made it easy to meet local sellers and learn about new products in the region. It’s a great step toward building stronger local connections in the food and beverage sector,” he said.
This event supported small business and new entrepreneurial growth. Facilitating business expansions is part of Counties Economic Development Strategic Initiatives. Increasing local food and beverage capacity is a key step in their development to future domestic and foreign export opportunities.
Lions Club April draw winner
The winner of the Kemptville Lions April Trip draw is Helen Vokey, who wins a trip to Chicago, or another destination of her choice, worth around $3,000.
Disadvantaged students take learning outdoors
local newspaper is a community with a VOID
United Way Leeds & Grenville is helping 375 disadvantaged students learn and explore at Foley Mountain Conservation Area over the coming year. The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) accepted a cheque for $10,000 at the United Way’s Volunteer Breakfast in Brockville on Thursday, May 1.
It will support the Foundation’s Out To Learn campaign, which removes financial barriers for priority schools so all children can access curriculum-connected outdoor education programs run by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA).
The grant will cover tuition and bussing costs for 15 classes or 375 students. They will experience hands-on programs exploring things like pond study, survival skills, navigation, soil ecosystems and bugs on the 800-acre property just outside of Westport.
“All students deserve a chance to learn and explore in the great outdoors, no matter their financial situation,” said RVCF executive director Diane Downey. “We are so grateful to United Way Leeds & Grenville for offering more schools an opportunity to experience the magic of Foley Mountain.”
Foley Mountain site supervisor and educator Rebecca Whitman said it
is incredible to work with students who may have never had an opportunity to learn outdoors before.
“The natural wonder these kids have for the world around them deserves to be nurtured and supported,” she said. “This grant will help these students grow in so many new ways.”
Spending time in nature has been shown to improve children’s physical and mental health, increase creativity and problem-solving skills, encourage leadership skills and improve academic learning. It has also been shown to help with sleep, self-regulation and even to fend off near-sightedness.
“True equity in education means every child, regardless of background, has access to meaningful, enriching experiences that help them learn and grow,” said United Way Leeds & Grenville executive direc-
tor Hailie Jack. “Outdoor learning does exactly that. It builds confidence, curiosity, and connection. Not all students have the same opportunities, and that’s something we’re working to change. We’re proud to support this program because it opens doors and levels the playing field in a very real way.”
Foley Mountain’s curriculum-connected outdoor education programs are offered throughout the entire school year for kindergarteners to Grade 12. To learn more about the Out To Learn program visit www.rvcf.ca/waysto-give/out-to-learn, or contact diane.downey@ rvcf.ca.
To book an outdoor education program at Foley Mountain visit www.rvca. ca/outdoor-education/ foley-school-communityprograms, or contact rebecca.whitman@rvca.ca.
UWLG Executive Director Hailie Jack, left, presents a cheque to RVCF board member Allison Gibbons, RVCF Executive Director Diane Downey, and Foley Mountain site supervisor Rebecca Whitman
Left to right: Lions Bill Neil, Mike Amirault-secretary, Robert Sentner-president, Helen Vokey-winner, Lions Robert Stevenson-past president, Connie Beardshaw, and Kathy McCoy.