The Voice of North Grenville
Community Tennis Club ready for the courts
by Robert Matheson
The courts have been cleaned and the nets are up. That means members of the Kemptville Community Tennis Club are getting ready for another season on the hardcourts.
The club, run by local tennis enthusiasts, has been around for more than 15 years and it keeps getting stronger. Known primarily for the children’s camps that it runs during the summer, the club has added team tennis competitions, social nights, and interclub friendlies to its offerings for members.
Members get dedicated court time access during the week on certain courts. Two courts are reserved from 9-11 Monday to Friday mornings and from 5-8 on those
evenings. All four courts are reserved for members on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings.
The children’s camps will run twice during the month of July. The first week starts July 7 and the second week begins on July 21. Camps run for an hour a day with the youngest players starting at 9 a.m. and the older campers taking over at 10. The club’s instructors, who are certified with the Tennis Professionals Association, deliver the new Rogers First Set curriculum. This new program follows a progressive and holistic approach to delivering instruction to young tennis players. Campers generally range from six to 16-years-old and are put into groups based on
age and ability.
Any children interested in giving tennis a try before committing to a full week of camp, can come out June 21 for a Try It Day in conjunction with Tennis Month in Canada. Instructors will be ready to help introduce players to the sport starting at 11 a.m. June is Tennis Month in Canada, so the club will also be running a free clinic for adults to give the sport a try. On June 14, beginners and players who need a refresher are invited to the courts. This clinic will also run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Last year, the club’s Tuesday night team tennis competition was a huge success. Four teams faced off in a series of
doubles’ matches to earn points in the standings over a nine week season followed by playoffs. All four courts were full on these evenings. If there are enough interested new members, the club would like to expand this into a five-team league.
The club’s members also square off against members from nearby clubs a couple of times a year. These friendly competitions are a highlight of the season. Last year, the club hosted matches with players from Prescott and Perth.
Club instructor Steve Hibberd will continue to offer his Stroke of the Week lessons. There is a nominal fee for these lessons and they are open to anyone that signs up. Hibberd also organizes a singles’ ladder for interested members.
Finally, the club is adding more social nights to its repertoire. Any club members can come out on these nights and join in the activities. The club is always looking for new members and new ideas. To inquire about camps, lessons, or membership, please send an email to kctcgeneral@gmail.com.
Campers
PERKINS DECKS
“Joseph” performances this weekend
by Valerie Kirkwood
Are you ready to watch the North Grenville Concert Choir’s performance of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”? This production is an entertaining retelling of the Biblical tale of dreams, of foretelling, of betrayal, of reversal of fortune and reunification.
As a young shepherd in the ancient farm land of Canaan, Joseph had always suspected that he was “made for better things than this”, but his haughty attitude didn’t sit well with his brothers, who sold him into slavery to get rid of him. That event, however, opened the door to his eventual rise to a position of great authority in Egypt of the Pharaohs.
While Joseph and his travels were in the Middle East, the music takes a romp through places even he might never have dreamed of: France, the Carribean, and Wild West of North America, to name a few. You’re sure to get some laughs as the scenes unfold on the stage.
Performances are this Friday the 23 and Saturday the 24 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday the 25 at 3:00 pm. at the Urbandale Arts Centre theatre in the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Tickets are $25, and will be available at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE.
The cast of Joseph [by Paul Sharpe]
Community Forum, May 29
The Community Forum was formed a year ago with the idea of bringing volunteers, service groups, and non-profit groups together to discuss issues such as poverty, homelessness, and food insecurities in our community. In addition, it was felt that, by communicating with each other, we can avoid overlapping of dates for fundraising events, and perhaps even work together as one, instead of separately in our own bubbles. Our next forum will be held on Thursday, May 29, at the Kemptville Christian Reformed Church, 2455 County Rd 18, Kemptville, between 10am to noon. Light refreshments will be served. Our sincere thanks to them for making this space available to the group.
The meeting is open to anyone with a desire to work together to accomplish our mission, to share ideas and resources, and to also have a better understanding of how each group operates in order to help them reach their goals.
Tim Hortons Smile on the KDH Foundation
The Kemptville District Hospital Foundation (KDH Foundation) is proud to announce it has received a generous donation of $23,281.88 from the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign. The proceeds will go directly toward supporting WAYS (Wellness Access for Youth South),
a vital initiative helping youth in our region access essential mental health and wellness services.
The campaign, which ran in local Tim Hortons restaurants, saw overwhelming community participation, as countless residents purchased smile cookies to support the
Lions Club May Draw
cause. Every cookie sold contributed to raising funds for WAYS, making a tangible difference in the lives of local youth.
"We are incredibly grateful to the local Tim Hortons restaurant owners, their dedicated staff, and our amazing community for this outpouring of support," said Cindy Smith, Executive Director of the KDH Foundation. "This donation will go a long way in expanding access to youth mental health services and ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most."
WAYS is a collaborative community-based program designed to remove barriers
The May winner of a $1500 travel voucher in the Kemptville Lions Club Draw is Sandra Aiken. We thank Patty Mathieson for doing the draw.
From L to R: Lion Tyler Bilokur, Patty Mathieson, Lion Dawn-Marie Swallow, Lion Brandon Alger, and Lion Louise Hale.
When the world shifts: healing after sudden loss
Beth Donovan Hospice is offering a sixweek therapeutic support group for individuals grieving the recent and unexpected death of a loved one. Facilitated by a registered psychotherapist and trained bereavement volunteers, this group will provide a safe space for participants to process their grief, learn
coping strategies, and connect with others experiencing similar loss. The sessions will include both psychoeducation and opportunities for personal reflection.
The group will focus on understanding the nature of sudden loss, navigating the emotional impact, and fostering resilience during a time of upheaval. Participants will explore ways to create a personal toolbox of strategies to care for themselves physically,
emotionally, creatively and mindfully while honoring their loved one’s memory.
Meetings will begin on June 18 and take place from 2pm - 3:30pm at Beth Donovan Hospice, located at 1107 French Settlement Road. Space is limited and registration is required. To register or learn more, please call or email Megan at 613-2589611 x 4, or counselling@ bethdonovanhospice.ca.
to mental health care for young people. The funds raised through the Smile Cookie Campaign will help sustain and grow the program, enhancing services and outreach throughout the region.
The KDH Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, proving once again that small cookies can make a big difference.
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Is the Sportsdome needed? Part 2
by Chris Turnbull
The recent North Grenville Official Plan process included community roundtables intended to generate discussion and visioning, based on questions framed by the Municipality with a consulting company. These forums/gatherings offer an overview of resident’s thoughts and concerns related to the effects-to-date of municipal planning; the Official Plan runs until roughly 2050. Ideally, along the way, the community would be re-engaged to assess the OP, say every 10 years, though it’s not a requirement. The Municipality uses By-law amendments to make changes, occasionally, and these can include changes to land designation.
The community discussions are helpful in a general sense because they identify (of roughly 340 participants) directions related to municipal policy. In the municipal summaries of the information they gathered, it was clear that agricultural land and history preservation is important, as are green spaces and recreational networks. There is some indication of
a desire for “more” recreational options; however, in general these are related to establishing waterway, biking, and walking networks, so that the community can be outside and/or enjoy the ecology of the area. There is acknowledgement of, and interest in, respectful consultation to foster greater understanding of the region’s Indigenous cultures, knowledges and practices, in a good way.
Overall, a priority was carefully managed growth with a design ethic that continues to highlight the rural elements and functions of North Grenville — a visual and navigable (roads, trails) network so that agricultural practices, ecologies, recreation (mostly outdoor), and the ability to travel (road and transit infrastructure) are highlighted and maintained. Highlighted, too, is rural economy and small business supports, with modernised access to relevant services. Function and aesthetic are tied, in the community consultations, to agriculture, rural economy, and conservation of green and forested spaces. Something like a
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor, With regard to Chris Turnbull's artcle "Is the Sportsdome Really Needed?" I agree with many of her points, primarily that the site for the Sportsdome is planned to be built on agricultural land on the former KCAT Campus. There has already been a great deal of protest about the proposed Prison, and one of the main points of that protest has been that the prison is earmarked for prime agricultural land. Is agricultural land in North Grenville to be protected, or isn't it? With the emphasis these days on eating locally grown food, one would think that protecting agricultural land close to population centres would be a really good idea.
As to the need - This is Canada, folks. We don't play golf in the winter here. We don't play hockey in July. Likewise, soccer is a seasonal sport. Or are many in our society being caught up in the unsustainable "I want it, and I want it now" mentality, regardless of the financial and envi-
Sportsdome is less of a focus overall, though for particular groups an indoor sportsplex (“facility”) would be an add to the community.
These consultations inform our Official Plan, which will not be completed (ratified) until the County completes its Official Plan (2027-2028-ish). The overarching policy document that both must align with is the Provincial Planning Policy. NG’s Official Plan also must align with the County’s. In the meantime, we can stay alert to possible changes to the NG Official Plan, which is here: www. northgrenville.ca/resources/ official-plan and neatly sectioned online.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan was developed in 2019. It focuses on recreation, but includes arts and culture as well. Of 1,100 participants, there was a focus on outdoor activities, such as trail networks and waterways, and a variety of seasonal sports activities. It’s worthwhile reading in whole, especially because within it there is some information about a potential future complex in
partnership with the YMCA. Section 8: 111-126 outlines practical issues from the perspective of the Municipality: “Generally, municipalities seek to make efficient use of resources through initiatives that have the broadest community benefit and serve the widest range of needs.” It is recommended that a revision of the Master Plan occur between 2025 and 2030.
As North Grenville grows, rather than a Sportsdome in our immediate future, how about we consider:
1) A cogent, future forward plan, with increasted protection against the ongoing fragmentation of our “natural” spaces. Wetlands, flood zones, creeks, rivers, and brooks are essential, as is forest cover and meadows. Increased heat from a changing climate (see the fire map for NG) is modified by fields, forest, and wetlands. Wetlands also absorb flooding. Increased environmental protection could be applied to land designations, or areas that might be threatened in some future political climate. While the OP does establish a “corridor” for species, an Environmental
Impact Study (EIS) would assist with future natural systems planning in terms of species of significance.
2) Rather than a Sportsdome, what about a destination for a broader range of community members and visitors: a centre that emerges through consultation with local Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee cultures?
The cultural centre might also include substantive consideration of the ecology of this region, which presents marine, plant, terrestrial, and geologic systems with a regional focus and a consideration of human impact. Build such a centre in phases, with impact in mind, a building that is as “green” as possible, within a field that isn’t torn up for parking lots but uses green spaces for planting vegetables, fruit trees, and other species. Develop greater transportation networks to encourage the community to use them (walking, bike, bus): bike racks or discounts on the transportation bus. Make parking accessible, but mindful of the environment.
ronmental cost? Take buying fresh strawberries flown in from Mexico in January, for example. What is the real monetary and environmental cost? Will you starve without them? Goodness, thousands of generations of people managed to live without strawberries when they weren't in season!
But I digress. Here is yet another example of a facility designed to provide exercise activities, yet it will require a 200-car parking lot accommodate the vehicles of the potential users who must drive to get to it! Oh, the irony!
Regards, Valerie Kirkwood
Dear Editor, I read with interest Chris Turnbull’s editorial entitled "Is The Sportsdome needed”? Personally, I had heard whispers about a SportsDome but unlike Ms. Turnbull I had no real interest in the subject; until now. It would be nice to have answers to Ms. Turnbull’s questions of Who will be
running it; Who will be using it; and What will it offer the community; and What will it cost to maintain? My most vested concern is, however, the why and the where: why would council allow it to be erected on prime agricultural land, and where else would be more suitable? At best, this appears to be bad planning, at worst a sin.
On the facing page from this editorial was “ Bursaries and scholarships support tomorrow’s farmers”. It struck me that we will not be requiring any scholarships for farmers if planning departments continue to make decisions to build pickle ball domes over prime agricultural land.
Ian Gauthier
Dear Editor, David Shanahan’s article (Helplessly hoping) in the NG Times of May 8 brought up many interesting points. Like him, we came to North Grenville in 1990 when Hwy 43 had a lot less traffic. I remember in the late 1990s a discussion about development in
the town and how there was a desire to keep the “character of Kemptville” (small town and all that) with sensible growth. Well…..haven’t we come a long way from there! Kemptville is lovely, but the development in the past 10 years has made it like every other small Canadian town. There is nothing that differentiates it. The rapid housing development has created landlocked communities with little opportunity for interaction, and there are no sidewalks anywhere. A case in point: the development to the east of Food Basics has one exit on to Hwy43…where there is no sidewalk on the north side, nor any means to cross the road to the shops, unless one schlepps up to the traffic lights and back….fun in the cold weather eh? Neither is walking in the gutter very inviting, is it? So, people have to drive anywhere. The same can be said of the development behind McEwans’ gas station….no means of safely getting from there to the mall shops….except to drive – no sidewalks. The farcical bol-
lards along River Road from the roundabout to Canadian Tire shield the pedestrian from what exactly? The pedestrian still has to walk on the hard gravel shoulder: not very inviting. God forbid you have to push a stroller! And Oxford Village: look at villages the world over, they have centres. This development has been designed solely for residences (and no sidewalks!). Will there be an exit to the shopping areas to its east? Where’s its proposed centre? - it’s raison d’être! Sadly, it will only increase the number of cars used for shopping because there is no other way to get to the shops. Housing development continues all over NG (for that ‘growth’ that’s always talked about) whereby every house has at least 2 vehicles, if not more. Over the past 30 years, Kemptville & North Grenville’s Town Planners have allowed this to happen which is why we now need a 4-lane highway, which, to be fair, will have sidewalks. But what are they linked to? Yes, the building of the
613 215-0735
path to e-Quinelle provides a link, but, seriously, who’s going to walk to and from the shops from there? Easiest way to get from Canadian Tire to Walmart? …..drive! Walmart to Staples….drive! The Independent to Food Basics….drive! There’s the problem. Where are the centres for the housing communities? Zoning laws need to be loosened to allow multi-purpose development. Yes, yes, yes people have to live somewhere, but allowing these “development islands” to be built has just created places where cars are an absolute necessity. There is no cohesive, joined-up community, just islands of development linked by roads (and therefore traffic). This is the price of that ‘growth’. There’s no “small town” feel anymore, is there, and like Mr. Shanahan I find this worrying and sad.
Andrew Thriscutt
Integrity Commissioner reports and conflicts
by David Shanahan
Every year, the Integrity Commissioner to the Municipality of North Grenville provides a Report to Council on his activities, in accordance with section 223.6 (1) of the Municipal Act. The Commissioner for North Grenville, Tony E. Fleming, C.S., submitted his report for 2024 on April 9. 2025. The Integrity Commissioner is mandated to provide advice and investigate complaints regarding conflicts of interest and the Code of Conduct for members of council and of local boards.
In his report for 2024, the Commissioner noted that he had received two requests for advice on matters relating to potential conflicts of interest. In addition, there were five complaints submitted to the Integrity Commissioner, of which four were dismissed, as the report notes: “reason for dismissing a complaint varies, but can include complaints that are not within the jurisdiction of the Integrity Commissioner, or that despite being within the Integrity Commissioner’s jurisdiction, allegations that do not amount to a breach after undertaking a preliminary review of the facts”.
These referrals to the Commissioner involved the outlay of taxpayer funds as follows: Costs associated with Advice provided was $2,147.00; and costs associated
with Complaints was $5,621.75. This amount does not include investigations that occurred this year, particularly the inquiry complaining about the manner in which Council handled a previous complaint against the Deputy Mayor. This matter was reported in an article in this paper on March 13, 2025 (“Municipal Muddle”). It was later covered in a piece in the Brockville Recorder on May 2, following a letter to that paper by a disgruntled resident, unhappy with the result of the inquiry. That article, it should be noted, failed to note that the Deputy Mayor had been cleared by the Integrity Commissioner of one of the two complaints made against him. How much this inquiry into the handling of the Commissioner’s findings cost is still unknown.
In the meantime, a possible conflict has arisen regarding the Integrity Commissioner himself, as Tony Fleming is not only the Municipality’s Commissioner, he is also its official Solicitor, which may not be sustainable given the rules governing the role and appointment of the Integrity Commissioner.
Municipality Sunshine List 2025
by David Shanahan
The annual “Sunshine List”, showing the salaries and benefits of various public officials earning over $100,000 per year in Ontario, was published recently. In 1996, the Public Sector Salary Disclosure (PSSD) Act was passed in the Ontario legislature, with a stated purpose of: "assuring the public disclosure of the salary and benefits paid in respect of employment in the public sector to employees who are paid a salary of $100,000 or more in a year." The lists of public sector employees appearing in the PSSD eventually became known as the "sunshine lists".
In an effort to be transparent and provide greater accountability to ratepayers, the province and municipalities release a “Sunshine List” on an annual basis and show the number of public sector workers whose annual earnings are $100,000 or more.
Organizations that receive public funding from the Province of Ontario are required to disclose the names, positions, sal-
aries and taxable benefits of these employees. The Act was passed to provide accountability and allow ratepayers to compare the performance of an organization with the compensation given to the people running it. The Act covers the Government of Ontario, crown agencies, municipalities, hospitals, boards of public health, school boards, universities, colleges, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, and other public sector employers who receive a significant level of funding from the Province including notfor-profit organizations
The List for the Municipality of North Grenville showing salaries and benefits for 2024 shows that 18 employees earned over $100,000 2023, although the actual average salary ranged from a low of $107,000 to a top of $183,557 (Chief Administrative Officer). Of the 18 included on the List, 3 had no increase over 2023, and another 2 had a decrease. Four senior officials saw their salaries increase by more than 10% (Director of Public Works, 12.75%; Director of Planning and Development, 10.28%; Facilities
Superintendent, 13.16%; and Deputy Fire Chief, 14.36%). Of the rest who had a bump in salary, the average increase was just 4%. Benefit payments were a relatively standard $954.46 per employee.
To compare with other public sector salaries in Ontario, ZipRecruiter. com notes that “the majority of Public Sector salaries currently range between $58,000 (25th percentile) to $120,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $168,500 annually in Ontario”, which has the highest public service salaries of any Province in the country.
One of the main problems experienced by this municipality is attracting qualified and experienced people to municipal government, as comparable positions in the private sector usually pay higher rates. According to municipal sources, North Grenville is currently short-staffed in a few positions.
In 2018 North Grenville had six of its staff on the Sunshine List. In 2012, there was just one employee in the municipality earning more than $100,000. By 2021, the
KDH Auxiliary invites you to 62nd annual Hey Day
sort donations and set up for the sale. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Auxiliary by emailing kdha.heyday@ gmail.com, or calling 613447-4492.
number had risen to 10, although it must be said that figures are not readily comparable, given the inflation in salaries and expenses over the years. In addition, municipal staff deal with a complexity of issues today that have only increased in number, and require a greater level of expertise.
Nevertheless, it is important that residents, taxpayers in the community, are informed about how their taxes are being used, and the PSSD Act was designed for that purpose. It is the only clear way to evaluate performance and value for money that the public has in this field.
STAY ENGAGED, STAY INFORMED, and STAY CONNECTED with your community
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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
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The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary is pleased to present the 62nd edition of Hey Day on June 6 and 7. The major fundraising event is being held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre arena.
Hey Day is a longstanding tradition in Kemptville that dates back to before the hospital opened its doors. It’s considered one of the largest indoor garage sales in eastern Ontario, with all proceeds going directly to KDH. Hey Day is run
entirely by volunteers and supported through community donations.
Hey Day features a wide variety of items, including clothing, linens, books, toys, sports equipment, electronics, housewares, décor, plants, baked goods, jewellery, furniture and more! Thanks to Les Winters from Fat Les’, we’ll also be taking over the canteen at the Arena for sales of food and drinks, with all proceeds going to the hospital.
The Auxiliary is looking for volunteers to help
Donation can be dropped off at the Municipal Centre on Wednesday, June 4 (1pm – 7pm) and Thursday, June 5 (11am –7pm). The sale opens on Friday (June 6) at 6pm and runs until 9pm, and again on Saturday (June 7) from 9am to 1pm.
The Auxiliary is also selling 50/50 tickets at Hey Day; don’t miss your chance because they sell fast!
The VIP contest is online, through the ‘Kemptville Hospital Auxiliary KDHA’ Facebook page, along with the KDH Auxiliary Instagram account. Participants will be asked to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the post featuring the VIP contest, and ‘Follow’ the Auxiliary on Facebook / Instagram to be entered into the random draw. The contest starts on May 28 and ends on June 4, so watch the Auxiliary’s Facebook page and Instagram account for more details.
“We thought this would be a fun way to spread the word about Hey Day,” said Sandi Kelly. “Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the hospital, so please come out and support this wonderful event.” For more information about KDH, please visit: www.facebook.com/kdhauxiliary.
“We’re trying something new this year by running a contest to win four VIP passes to Hey Day,” said Sandi Kelly, Hey Day Convenor. “The winner will get to be first in line at Hey Day on the Friday night, along with a $20 coupon to Lil’s Café for some refreshments. We also have a runner-up prize for a $10 coupon.”
Safety and access concerns at Holy Cross School
by Lynn DeCarlo, parent Dear Holy Cross Administration,
I am writing once again to express serious and ongoing concerns regarding the end-of-day student pick-up process at the back of the school. Despite raising this issue for over a year, there continues to be no resolution, and the situation remains not only frustrating but increasingly dangerous. Specifically, there are several pressing issues that pose risks to student safety and limit accessibility:
1. Vehicle Traffic: The congestion is worsened by the fact that many vehicles are trying to find parking where parents pickup their children at the end of day or vehicles leaving while families are walking through the lot.
2. Lack of Designated Walkways: There is currently no safe, marked pedestrian path for parents and students walking through the lot. With cars pulling in and out of the tight back parking, this creates a high-risk environment where the risk of an accident is significant and growing as parents and their children must navigate directly through traffic.
3. Unauthorized Parking: A growing number of vehicles are consistently parking in non-designated spots, including fire lanes
and areas not intended for drop-off or pick-up. This not only blocks proper traffic flow but also creates dangerous blind spots and overall creates a hazardous environment.
4. Ownership and Usage Clarity: While the school has noted that the back lot technically belongs to the church, it is still being used regularly for school functions, particularly pickup. This creates a grey area of responsibility, which needs to be addressed jointly by both the school and church for the sake of safety.
I understand the school has stated that the lot is technically owned by the church, yet it is being used as a de facto school parking and pick-up zone. This discrepancy should not be used to avoid responsibility for ensuring the safety of students and families.
I have previously suggested practical, low-cost solutions such as: Having a staff member or teacher present outside at dismissal to supervise and guide traffic.
Placing cones to block non-permitted vehicles from entering certain parts of the lot or parking in unsafe spots.
Recommendations for Consideration:
Designate and enforce specific parking rules for the
back lot, including clear signage and regular monitoring.
Establish a clearly marked pedestrian walkway with cones or paint to protect students and parents on foot.
Reiterate communication to families regarding the appropriate pick-up areas and the risks of misusing the back-parking lot, and more than a blurb in the newsletter.
Coordinate with the church (if necessary) to define boundaries, responsibilities, and appropriate use during school hours.
The unauthorized parked vehicles are also blocking the entrance to the cemetery.
Other schools have implemented similar measures with great success. It is disappointing that this has not been prioritized here, especially after a year of voicing concerns.
I urge the school to take immediate action to address this issue before a preventable incident occurs. The safety of our children should not be compromised for the sake of convenience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to discuss this further or support any efforts to implement safety improvements.
From glow parties to fire breathers
by Talia Hreljac
A little rain didn’t stop thousands of people from attending the award-winning Kemptville Buskerfest during the May Long Weekend. The festival kicked off with a Glow Party at the North Grenville Curling Club. It was there that the kids (and kids at heart) had the opportunity to learn from all of the talented buskers, get some free glow-in-the-dark tattoos, make some crafts, and then watch a few of the performers who would be taking the stage the next day.
There was also some delicious food prepared by the Oxford Mills Girl Guides, supporting their upcoming trip to Switzerland. Once the lights turned off, the glow-in-the-dark fun began and everyone danced the night away to some pretty sweet tunes. All had a ball, and it was truly heartwarming to see different groups of kids come together to simply have fun and live
their best lives. As I dragged my sweaty kid off the dance floor, she exclaimed that it was, in fact, “the best night of her life,” and that she wishes there were more dances like this in the community.
On Saturday, when the thunder rumbled at 8 a.m., my heart plummeted. I had seen firsthand how much blood, sweat, and tears the volunteers and Buskerfest Committee poured into planning this event. Every week, a group of dedicated community members came together to bring this amazing vision to life; but, thankfully, the show went on!
As you approached Prescott Street, you were greeted by the sounds of beautiful music from the stage, the stunning artwork showcased by The North Grenville Arts Guild, and the excited “oohs” and “ahhs” from onlookers amazed by the gravity-defying buskers. You couldn’t help but be
impressed by the talented vendors, also. There were so many activities for kids to enjoy, from games by Whip It Bouncy Castles to meeting animals from Happy Little Farmstead, and more. Add in the delicious aromas wafting from the food vendors (I’m still dreaming of the shrimp tacos, poutine, and lemonade we had), and it truly was a fantastic afternoon spent with the kids.
So, if you didn’t get the chance to experience the magic of Buskerfest this year, please mark it down on your calendar for the May long weekend next year. From giant hula hoops to fire-breathing magicians, Buskerfest truly had something for everyone.
A huge thank you goes out to the incredible Buskerfest Committee and all of the volunteers who made this event happen. We tip our jester hats to you in thanks and appreciate everything you did for the community. We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the title sponsor, Urbandale Construction, for their generous support, as well as the Ruby sponsor, Mike Ackers and Kristy Morrison from Century 21, for sponsoring the Kemptville Glow Party. Events like this don’t happen without amazing people and organizations behind them. Thank you for helping bring the magic to life.
Skye The Guy amazes. Photo by: Tania Blake
My May struggles
by Ivan Martinovic, Kemptville
I have a bone to pick with T.S Eliot. He proposes that: “April is the cruelest of all months.” While this may be true for a lot of people on the tail end of Seasonal Annual Disorder, or smackdab in the middle of springtime lethargy, I have been able to breeze right through April unscathed for at least a decade now. Heck, I may even be able to get through the first week, or if I’m lucky, even the second week of May without any issues.
But after that, an old adversary of mine will rear its ugly head and will inevitably look for a fight. Having spent a large part of my life dealing with depression, metacognition has become a great ally long time ago, and being able to monitor my own thoughts helps raise all the red flags nice and early. It can be extremely demoralizing to see them go up in the middle of May, as I notice that my thoughts will drift towards patterns I thought I left behind years ago. I wasn’t looking for a fight, but here we go again.
Having spent 8 years on very strong anti-depressants, followed by a 2-year process of weaning myself off, I have had plenty of time to explore different aspects of thinking and human behaviour. Years of depression which preceded that lack anything that even resembles proper thought. It is hard to accept that someone’s mind can be dragged so far down that non-existence ends up
sounding wonderful, and happiness you see in others disgusts you, but unless you’ve been there, you will not understand. What Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors have done for me is take my thinking from minus ten (let’s use numbers for this) to roughly zero, or maybe even plus one, which is far better than the position I was in. This can be a very comfortable spot for one to be in, since just getting to it is a gargantuan victory in itself, and I will never point my finger at someone who stays there.
However, I am a person that likes improvement, regardless of what it pertains to, and I felt that the medication was a crutch/cane that helped me walk, but had to be discarded eventually in order for me to be able to walk on my own two feet. What followed was a long time of educating myself about the tools needed to maintain, and also improve, a healthy mind; then setting out and acquiring those tools. On that journey I’ve meet plenty of people who shared their experiences with me and without them I wouldn’t be where I am now. Over time, the effort invested in discipline, mental exercise, physical exercise, nutrition, maintaining social interactions (even when it’s the last thing one wants to do), engaging in creative endeavours, and spending time in nature, does begin to pay off. It is hard to believe at first, but the neurons start to fire differently and the quality of one's thoughts, and therefore, one’s life, begins
to climb up the previously mentioned number scale.
It all sounds fine and dandy until May rolls around and starts throwing punches. I've never been able to figure out why it’s happening in May; but it becomes a daily grind to keep my thoughts in check. It robs me of all my energy and patience, and I frequently find myself creating excuses so I don’t have to deal with people. It is absurd that after 11 months of happiness and productivity, with no change in my routine whatsoever throughout the year, one month ends up being vastly different from the rest. It doesn’t have to be the entire month either, once it ended up being the last two weeks of May plus the first week of June. But, nonetheless, it does return annually. At first, I hated everything about it. I saw it as a filthy reminder of the time when I despised everything that exists, including myself. I saw it as depression trying to claw its way back into my life.
Now I look at it from a different perspective. I see it as a short skirmish which reminds me of the war I had to go through in order to attain the freedom of thought I have now. And for the first time, I see it as an inspiration to write these few paragraphs about a topic that almost everyone chooses to ignore. I spent 24 years in construction and have met countless individuals on a variety of job sites, and have also been blessed with a wonderful group of friends. Many people in both of these camps have been directly
affected by depression, and some have lost their family members because of this evil behemoth. What could possess a young man, who seemingly had absolutely everything he needed in life, to tie an extension cord into a noose? I worked with that young man’s father for several years and that question was on his mind, believe me.
And yet we, human beings, will ignore and dismiss everything we don’t understand, and you won’t hear a peep from us when it comes to a topic we’re not comfortable with. I plead guilty myself, as I acted that way many times. However, change will only manifest itself if it goes from thought to word, and then to deed, and to start late is better than starting never. My May struggles have reminded me that there are plenty of folks out there who have it a million times worse and maybe just need someone who will talk to them, and if these few words help just one person, my heart will be filled with joy. May your journey from minus ten up to plus ten on the scale of life take you way less time than my journey took me. Ask for help, we live in a time where there is lots of it.
Sa turday, June 1st, 2025 2:00pm
June 1st, 2025
Hello again
by Hilary Thomson
I used to write every day. In fact, I made a career of it. For six years I told the stories of this town through my writing, and along the way I found a community.
Then, almost four years ago, I had my daughter. I had no idea what motherhood would look like for me. I remember asking my sister when babies usually settled into a consistent sleep schedule.
"Oh around six months," she told me, probably knowing all too well that this was a truly loaded question.
After I had my daughter, I didn't write a word for over two years. I think I was probably burnt out from a demanding career in which I strove to achieve perfection, while ultimately failing at that goal time and time again.
It wasn't until after I had my second baby that I felt the twinge to write again. And so, as he slept in my arms, I would open my notes app and write - musings about motherhood, mental health,
society and self-discovery - opinions and feelings that I didn't even know I had.
Having kids has made me grow as a human being in a way I could never have predicted. There is so much emphasis placed on how to raise and nurture the next generation. What I think is missed is how much having children really makes you go inward and discover parts of yourself that you forgot existed, or didn't know were there in the first place.
When I first started my position as the main reporter at the North Grenville Times, I remember telling David Shanahan that I didn't want any hard-hitting pieces. And I definitely didn't want to write editorials. I didn't think I had any opinions that would truly matter to people and I wasn't confident enough to put myself out there.
But, now that I have almost four years of motherhood under my belt, I have become more grounded in myself, and have found a deep passion for feminism and maternal mental and
physical health.
I know that there are a lot of new and young families moving to this community, choosing to leave city life for somewhere with more space and cheaper real estate to call home. It is my hope that in sharing my experiences as a mother, and as a human being, I can reach the people who need it most, those in the trenches of parenthood, and life. Because if there is one thing I have learned over the past few years, it's that human connection is so important. It's what I loved so much about my job as a journalist, getting to meet interesting people who were trusting me to tell their stories.
It's what I have sincerely missed over the past few years, and although I don't have the time or energy to dive back into that career, I do want to fill that void in other ways. This column is one way to do that.
If you have been a longtime reader of The Times, hello again. And if you are new, hello and welcome. I'm so happy you are here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May23
NG Drawing Circle. Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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 Romance on the Road Time: 7:00 pm
For a fourth year North Grenville Community Theatre will be presenting its travelling, largely comedic cabaret, "Romance on the Road," at six local venues. All profits for each show will go to the community group that is hosting. At St. James Church, Kemptville. Other shows:
Saturday, May 24, North Gower United Church, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, St. Paul's Church, Osgoode, 2 p.m. Friday, May 30, Marlborough Community Hall, Pierce's Corners. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 1, St. John's, Kemptville, Friends of the Library 2 p.m.
May25
Hike for Hospice. Time: 10:00 am Sign up for the 15th Annual Hike for Hospice Those interested in participating can join at bethdonovanhospice.ca
At the Ferguson Forest Centre
May27
Historically Speaking Time: 7:00 pm The Merrickville and District Historical Society invites you to our last monthly lecture of the winter/spring 2025 Please join us for the presentation, “Merrickville’s Four Golf Courses! – Who Knew?” with Don Childs. At the Merrickville Legion.
May29
Oxford-on-Rideau PS Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
You’re invited to take a walk down memory lane at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School!
The 60th anniversary celebration is set for Thursday, May 29, from 5pm to 7pm. The event features a 50/50 draw, cash BBQ, cake and music. Oxfordon-Rideau Public School
Ah Cappella Time: 7:00 pm A concert of voice, dance & rhythm without instrumental accompaniment. PAY WHAT YOU CAN Proceeds to House of Lazarus, Kemptville Hub
Kemptville Municipal Centre
May30
NG Drawing Circle Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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
Drag Bingo Time: 6:00 pm TWO SHOWS: Show 1: 6–8 PM (All Ages)Youth (17 & under) get in FREE with an adult. Show 2: 9–11:30 PM (18+) Unfiltered drag, adult vibes, and a party to remember! Tickets: $25/person Includes bingo cards + all supplies.
To book: Email NG.Rainbowyouth@gmail.com with your show choice, attendee names, and if any youth are coming. These events always sell out — grab your tickets now!
Kemptville Legion 100 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville, ON Kemptville Male Choir Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2 Choirs, Strong & Free. Help raise funds for the three food banks in the Kemptville area. This year's program will feature a significant amount of great Canadian music, including songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Allister MacGillvarey, and others. Purchase your tickets online now through Showpass: https://www.showpass.com/kemptville-male-choir-two.../ TICKETS: $20 Urbandale Art Centre 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Benefit Concert For Shalom Small Homes, Time: 7-8 pm Kemptville and St. James Anglican church with Strings and Ivory Duo Music ranging from Mozart to Taylor Swift
Tickets $25 Available At: B&H Brewed Awakenings North Grenville Historical Society Or Contact Mr. David Finnie 613-292-9502 Email: finniefarms@ gmail.com
St. James Anglican Church, 35 Clothier St. West, Kemptville
Gravitate Travel Talk
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.
Rotary Club Of Kemptville Thanks the
many
generous supporters
Rotary Radio Day on 10th May at Moose 97.5
Dr. C.L. Eamon
Fat Les's Chip Stand
First Stop Tools & Equipment
Anytime Fitness
B. Baird Water conditioning
Beking Poultry Farm
Benjamin Flooring
Blooming Smiles
Brewed Awakenings
Brewing Oasis
Brigadoon Restaurant
Brooks & Cryderman
Brown's Electric
Bubba Bugs Coffee Bar
Canadian Tire
Catered Affairs
Clark Code Repairs
Connie Lamble- Barrister & Solicitor
Cooperators Insurance
Cranberry Hill Animal Hospital
Creekside Dental Center
Crusty Baker
Current Systems Service (Melanie)
D. R. Howell Electric
Dentistry @ Kemptville
Gabriel Pizza
Giant Tiger
Good Night Bed Company
Gravitate Travel
Greg's Quality Meats
Grenville Mutual Insurance
Hansen's garden ornaments
Hard Stones Grill
Harold Workman Heating
Healthier Ever After
Helen's Sewing Room
Howard Wilson Motors
Hygiene Now
Iron Forge
J.D. Duke Excavation & Septic
Jac's Boutique
JMR Electric
Joel Marshall ReMax Boardwalk
Keller Williams Integrity Realty
(Geraldine Taylor)
Kemptville 73's Jr. A Hockey
Kemptville Animal Hospital
Kemptville Bowling Lanes Inc
Kemptville Brewing Co,
Kemptville Chiropractic Clinic
Kemptville Denture Clinic
Kemptville Drug Mart
Kemptville Family Restaurant
Kemptville Infinity
Kemptville Main Street Clothing Company
Kemptville Marine
Kemptville Windows and Kitchens
Kemptville Youth Center
KG The Accidental Glass Blowers
KrisAlis Glass
Laurier Optical
M&M Food Market
MacEWEN Petroleum Inc
Mama's Cheeky Boutique
McDonalds
Moose FM 97.5
Motor Tredz
Mountain Generator Services (Darin)
Mountain Orchards
Mr. Mozzarella
Mrs. McGarrigles
Myers Kemptville Chev/Buick/GMC
Rotary marks 90th Anniversary with Gift to Dock Project
The Rotary Club of Kemptville is making waves, literally and figuratively, with a generous $32,000 donation to the Municipality of North Grenville for the purchase and installation of a multiuse, accessible floating dock and kayak launch at Curry Park.
This exciting addition, planned as part of the Municipality’s 2025 Capital Budget, is a wonderful collaboration between the Rotary Club and Municipality of North Grenville. With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, the new dock will create safe and welcoming water access for individuals of all ages and abilities.
“This contribution is a legacy project that reflects our ongoing commitment to community service,” said Bruce Wehlau, President of the Rotary Club of Kemptville. “As we mark our 90th year, we were delighted to support a project that promotes wellness, connection, and fun for everyone in North Grenville.”
The floating dock and kayak launch will be designed to accommodate
users with mobility challenges, ensuring a safe and easy way to enjoy the water; whether paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the South Branch River
“This is a fantastic gift to residents in our community who cherish our local Creek and embrace our public docks and launches,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Thanks to the Rotary Club’s spirit of generosity, this new dock will be inclusive and accessible, expanding options for enjoyment of North Grenville’s waterfront.”
Although the announcement comes ahead of National AccessAbility Week 2025, the installation is expected to be completed during this important time, which runs from May 25 to May 31. The week celebrates the contributions of
people with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive design in building stronger, more vibrant communities.A ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for June 4, at 6:30 p.m., and commemorative signage at Curry Park, will honour the Rotary Club of Kemptville’s lasting contribution to this meaningful project.
The Rotary Club of Kemptville has been a driving force in North Grenville for nine decades, supporting countless events, programs, and initiatives that enrich our community. From empowering local clubs to enhancing public spaces, their impact is far-reaching and deeply felt. This dock is more than just a structure; it’s a powerful symbol of Rotary’s unwavering commitment to “Service Above Self.”
Nakhon Thai Restaurant
Napa Auto Parts
Nature's Way
North Grenville Historical
Society
Outer Creations Landscaping
Partylite
McDougall Brown Insurance.
Rose Automotive
Randy's Performance Auto
RB Heating ClimateCare
RigMac Junk Removal
RM aluminum Contracting Ltd ( Roger )
Rock my House Music Center
Rod Vedder Woodworking
Royal Lepage Team Realty
RPM Automotive
Saltastic Salt rooms & Spa
Sam's Pizza
Setanta Solutions Inc
SEW Kool Embroidery
Shannon from Escape Salon
Shoeless Joe's
Smokie Ridge Vineyard
Smolkin's Mens Wear
Solarcity Inc.
Staples
Starbucks
Stevens Creek Décor Center
Sugold Jewellers
Sustainable Success
T & T Dogs Unleashed
TD Bank
The Workshop Dance Studio
Thomas Byrne- Lawyer
Tim Hortons
Tina Murray Dominion
Lending centers
TMSI Sports Camps
To be continued
Valley Sanitation Services
Valley Sports
Village Pets Boutique
W.D. Stinson & sons
Z'Amore
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
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
GARAGE SALES
Garage Sale, May 23 & 24, Time: 8am-3pm: Vintage copper/brass, men's bike, art & supplies, books, games, Dingy, furniture, leather coats and more!. 62 Hurd St. Kemptville
Garage Sale. May24 8:30 am - 3:00 pmVintage copper/brass, men's bike, art & supplies, books, games, Dingy, furniture, leather coats and more! 62 Hurd St. Kemptville
Yard Sale. May 31 Time: 8-2pm Spring Market. BBQ starts at 11 am. Huge selection of items, something for everyone. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St.
Specializing in Residential House Beautification
ACROSS
1. Prostitute
5. Anagram of "Sage"
9. Colorful parrot
14. Margarine
15. 5280 feet
16. Alpha's opposite 17. Horse racing fans
19. Waits
20. Mistake
40. American Sign Language
41. Thumb through 43. Affirmative
44. Poetic contraction
45. Cut out
46. Zoological garden
48. Implements
50. Chasm
54. Shopworn
rock
5. French for "Friend"
6. Beam
7. Patriarch
8. Legislative sittings
9. Moving
10. Awry
11. Formally surrender
12. Ancient
13. Past tense of To be
18. Hurray
22. Pimp
24. Grounds
25. Postpone
26. Ancient Roman magistrate
27. They connect points
29. Float
30. Parental brother
31. Feinted
33. Be bedridden
34. Makes weak
37. Assaulted
42. Of a pelvic bone
44. Principles
45. Craving
46. Doled
47. World
48. Desire
Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas.
Jennie Childs Owner, CEO
613.314.6866 brightshinyspaces@gmail.com
@BrightShinySpaces
For tickets call: Doreen Henderson 613-652-4652
Lynn Levere 613-989-6017
Jane Boyd 613-989-5378
Linda Boyd 613-989-1389
Joyce Dennaugh 613-989-2436
21. Hated
23. Fabrics
25. Bring
28. Half of two
29. Flop
32. Newspaper bigwig
33. Additionally
34. Coastal raptor
35. Queue
36. Lift
38. Notch
39. Brews
55. Garb for Tarzan
57. Lace tip
58. River in Spain
59. A Great Lake
60. Requires
61. Exploit
62. Sow DOWN
1. Drill
2. Winglike 3. Dam 4. Kind of sedimentary
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
49. Game piece
51. Bygone era
52. Anagram of "Site"
53. Outbuilding
54. Browning of skin
56. Gesture of assent
A Touch of Fresh Spring Colours
What a lovely change in the weather, from the dreary days, to the nice and sunny ones that we are getting. Of course, with the sun comes our returning migrational birds, who add their splendid colours to those of the resident ones, who have now quite literally “turned coat!” Well, maybe not coat, but at least their feathers, more correctly plumage! What a display we are getting too, as the Hummingbirds return and, hopefully, are going to stay. One that we enjoy, but doesn’t usually hang around for long, for us anyway, is the Baltimore Oriole, who gave us a brief glimpse of its beautiful orange colour the other day, when trying out our Hummingbird feeder for size and accessibility. Not quite right for him I’m thinking, but at least getting a few sips of inspiration to make it worthwhile, whilst I know that the Oriole is most likely not going to frequent my feeders that often.
Our other really surprising visitor(s) to the garden are the very strikingly coloured White Crowned Sparrows, and what a show they are putting on for us. We have a flock of about six, or so, of them. They are a very active “ground feeder”, using the two footed scuffle forward in the leaves and grass to reveal their food, much the same way as some others that use this method, do. Another thing that they do, or have been doing since we have spotted them, is to take frequent baths in our front garden bird bath. This surprised me when they did it, because the weather that day was not particularly warm, but bathe they did, and even the Robins haven’t done that yet!
Our other very colourful birds, the Bluebirds, are still being seen in our backyard, but there doesn’t seem to be the action, in and out of our nesting boxes, that we had anticipated, and I suspect that we are just a stop-over for them to enjoy when it is sunny, as they don’t seem to be taking up residence at all. I have a feeling that they are actually using a box down the road from us and we are just a diversionary one. Time will tell, as it will for the House Wrens that were busy a few days ago in another of my nesting boxes further back in the backyard. Some of the birds build false nests to divert any would-be enemies from actually getting at their eggs and young, so I guess we have to be content with this fact if none of their activity actually brings about a new family on our patch! Perhaps you are getting the same feelings too? Whatever we think, it isn’t going to matter; they will do their own thing regardless! Stay safe and well and enjoy what there is to see, regardless of what the outcome is. Cheers, John Baldwin
Ok, so one more egg-plant recipe and then I’ll stop. This week, I’d like to introduce you to my grand-son Ayden’s favourite dish, Eggplant Parmesan. Years ago, we used to visit Tony’s in the Town Square at the entrance to Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom. There, they served a stacked Eggplant Parmesan to die for. The restaurant was named after Tony’s in the original Disney animated film Lady and the Tramp. Today’s recipe is easy to make, very tasty and sure to please. So, here is Eggplant Parmesan.
Egg Plant Parmesan
Ingredients
• 3 largish eggplants, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch rounds
• 3 large egg, beaten with 3 tablespoons of milk for your egg wash
• 4 cups bread crumbs or Panko
• 3 tablespoons of oregano flakes
• 1 teaspoon each of basil flakes and of sea salt
• 2 X 680 ml cans of spaghetti sauce (try Primo’s Garlic and Herb)
• 1 X 16 ounce package or one pound of Mozzarella cheese, grated
• ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated Preparation
• Preheat your oven to 350F
• Mix your spices into the bread crumbs or Panko
• Dip the eggplant in egg wash, then coat them with your flavoured crumb mixture
• Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes
• Spread some of your spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish
• Place a first layer of eggplant in the sauce and sprinkle with some of the cheeses
• Cover the first layer of eggplant with sauce and cheese
• Repeat the layering process with sauce and cheese and finish with cheese
• Pop in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown
Now, you and I know that you can also make your very own spaghetti sauce and if you do, your Eggplant Parmesan will be that much better. The same is true of using freshly grated Mozz and Parm rather than the usual grocery store variety. This recipe is for your convenience and is very good, particularly when served piping hot with a crusty Grahame’s bread of your choice. A small side dish of extra Parmesan cheese is always welcome. For wine, you may want an Italian Chianti or Valpolicella cooled a bit in the fridge but not chilled. Try this one: you are going to love it! Regards from Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
The civic duty in our veins
There’s an old quote often misattributed to Winston Churchill: “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” Whether Churchill said it or not, the message is true. And nothing proves it better than the simple, life-saving act of donating blood.
Any doctor who has spent decades in the operating room will tell you, donated blood is a critical part of major surgeries that are happening day in and day out in hospitals everywhere. The lives of women experiencing a hemorrhage during childbirth depend on a blood transfusion. People undergoing cancer treatment may also need transfusions. Accident victims. Children with anemia. The list goes on. But surgeons, patients and their families are all witness to the frustration when supplies run low. Yet here we are, in 2025, still pleading for donors.
According to the World Health Organization, every two seconds, someone needs blood. In fact, the Canadian Blood Services reports that over 100,000 new donors are needed each year just to keep pace with demand. Yet fewer than 4% of eligible Canadians and Americans donate.
So what’s stopping people? A 2022 study from the University of Oxford found that the top reasons people avoid giving blood include fear of needles, a lack of time, and simply not realizing how urgent the need is. But the same study also revealed that people who are reminded of the social impact of their donation—how many lives they could touch—are twice as likely to become regular donors.
It's time for a dose of common sense.
During World War II, blood drives were considered acts of patriotism. Posters read, “Your blood can save a life on the front lines!” In the 1940s, Americans rolled up their sleeves in record numbers, not because it was convenient, but because it was the right thing to do. Where is that spirit today?
In the operating room patients are counting on someone else’s generosity, and it doesn’t appear magically. It has to be stored, processed, and ready to go—long before the need arises.
Modern medicine relies on this invisible safety net. Red cells last 42 days. Platelets only five. That means the donation you make today may already be used by the weekend. It’s not about stockpiling; it’s about a steady stream of humanity doing its part.
And yes, it is part of good citizenship. We live in a time where the word "community" has been replaced by "individuality." But community is what holds a society together. Giving blood is one of the few acts that is entirely selfless—you gain nothing material, but what you give is immeasurable.
You may not think of yourself as a hero. Most people don’t. But research from the University of Michigan found that regular blood donors often share one trait: a strong sense of civic duty. They don’t wait to be asked. They act because they can.
So here’s the prescription—not pills or potions, but a plea. If you are healthy and eligible, give blood. Not once, but regularly. Encourage your friends and family. Make it a habit, not an afterthought.
Think of it as paying forward your own insurance policy. You may need it one day, too.
In the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca, “No man becomes great without a touch of divine inspiration.” Giving a piece of yourself to help others is one of the most inspired acts you can do. And it’s right there, in your veins.
So roll up your sleeve. Be the reason someone lives. 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
Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird
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, 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 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 613-658-5290 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.
The community events & posters listed in this paper are made possible by the support of local businesses. Support your neighbours!
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