Issue 19 2022 May 18 NG Times

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Vol. 10 No. 19

The Voice of North Grenville

May 18, 2022

Dandelion Spirit Lives On Summeris coming.

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by Deron Johnston, BIA Executive Director Coming up on Saturday May 21 is the first annual Kemptville Buskerfest hosted in downtown Kemptville.

Join the fun starting at 9 am for an exciting lineup of talented performers, children’s activities, plenty of tasty food and beverage options, and a singular shopping experience with unique local shops and vendors. Park at the North Grenville Municipal Centre and take the free shuttle down to the festival and back all day from 9 am to 5 pm.

For those who remember, ever since the final curtain call of the Dandelion Festival back in 2017 and with every

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subsequent spring, it has always felt as if there was something missing. Almost like a small piece of our community’s soul left us and we were left wondering what happened and if it would ever come back.

Downtown Kemptville felt it. Gone was the signature event for the downtown and a slice of its identity.

The Dandelion Festival attracted thousands of people and turned Prescott Street into a magical place where people emerged from their winter social slumber and connected with each other and enjoyed the best that the local business and arts communities had to offer.

The Old Town Kemptville BIA recognized that though the “Weed” may have withered, the spirit lived on. When it came to discussing what downtown (and the community) needed, the memory of a spring festival lingered.

Knowing this, it wasn’t surprising to learn that some community builders were also pondering the possibility and whether the conditions were right for something new to grow.

Over a couple of plates of nachos and chicken wings, the “founders” dreamed, discussed and dissected. It appeared as though the political will was in place and the passion was ever present,

but the question was which group would step forward to give things a mighty shove.

Enter the Old Town Kemptville BIA. It was a long conversation at the Board of Management table, but the potential to see the return of thousands of visitors, the chance to electrify efforts to make downtown a vibrant community destination, and the opportunity to showcase a diverse downtown business community that deserved a chance to shine was too tempting. At the end of the meeting, the founders had the seed (a committee) and now just needed some continued on page 2

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KDH volunteers return with the Grand Reopening of their Gift Shop and Coffee Bar Dandelion Spirit Lives On cont'd fertile soil and good weather.

Though the committee wanted to honour the essence of the Dandelion Festival, they recognized that this was also an opening to paint using a blank canvas. There was also a heavy interest to prioritize the participation of local talent, just like its predecessor. From there, the idea emerged of using downtown as a kind of busking stage and the foundation of the event was poured.

After securing the political and financial support of the Municipality of North Grenville and Council, the Kemptville Buskerfest Organizing Committee started recruiting volunteers who wanted to work incredibly hard for little reward, who loved their community and who have never done anything of this magnitude be-

fore. Mission accomplished!

From day one the committee had the vision and the commitment to create something special. They also identified that the community desperately needed something to look forward to after not only a long cold winter, but the extensive hardship caused by the pandemic to nearly every aspect of our lives. It was a true touchstone that motivated them to keep moving forward despite multiple stops, starts and date changes.

The Kemptville Buskerfest shared how they are truly humbled by the faith shown by their sponsors who invested with them despite being a first-year event. They also want to thank the Old Town Kemptville BIA, its members and its volunteers for making the festival pos-

sible. The group was adamant that the North Grenville Times be celebrated as they have gone above and beyond to help share Buskerfest’s story. There are many others they wished to thank, but they claimed there wasn’t enough ink.

To close, Buskerfest’s message was that this day is all about the community.

They want all of you to sit back and enjoy the talents of the performers, the great food and drinks and just let yourself be swept away as you forget all about life for a day.

And don’t forget to get your tickets for the evening concert where Juno-nominated Miss Emily will put the perfect musical finishing touch on a day that the Kemptville Buskerfest hopes you’ll remember for a very long time.

Reopening Day, (l-r) Linda, Marg, Brenda and Jean Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) volunteers returned to the Hospital this week after a two-year COVID-driven absence with the triumphant Grand Reopening of the KDH Auxiliary’s Gift Shop and Coffee Bar. “We are thrilled to be back!” enthused KDH Auxiliary President, Linda Carnegie. “We have very much missed all the different ways we interact face to face with staff and patients in fulfilling our mission of promoting good public relations and assisting the Hospital in providing quality community healthcare.”

KDH staff, in turn, have missed the volunteers. “It’s wonderful to be able to stop by the Coffee Bar again and get a latte or cup of tea and spend a few minutes chatting with the volunteers,” said Liz, who works in Administration.

“They have a unique way of brightening up your day.”

Pre-COVID, KDH volunteers could be found helping out in every area of the Hospital. For now, it’s just the Gift Shop and Coffee Bar that has resumed operations; other volunteer services will be restarted as they are deemed

Provincial

ALL CANDIDATES DEBATE NG Municipal Centre Theatre Wednesday May 25, 2022 Hosted by Leeds and Grenville Labour Council

Doors Open at 6:30 pm Debate begins at 7 pm This event is open to the public

Steve Clark Progressive Conservative

Josh Bennett Liberal

Fiona Jager, Green Party

Chris Wilson, New Democrat

to be safe.

Prior to returning to duty at the Hospital, each volunteer was required to take online training in the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control Measures. “It’s vitally important that we keep our volunteers safe,” said Lana LeClair, Vice President of Corporate Services.

A plexiglass barrier between the volunteers and their Gift Shop and Coffee Bar customers adds another layer of protection.

The safety of the volunteers was behind the KDH’s decision to suspend all volunteer services when COVID-19 arrived in Ontario in mid-March of 2020. “As difficult a decision as it was, it had to be made,” explained LeClair. “Ever since then, we’ve been carefully considering the right time to welcome the volunteers back,” she added.

To celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Gift Shop and Coffee Bar, staff were treated to a free hot beverage of their choice, as well as discounts on Gift Shop purchases. “Several staff came by

on opening day to purchase items they’d had their eyes on for two years!” laughed Carnegie.

The last word goes to KDH’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Vassallo. “I am so happy to see the return of our dedicated volunteers,” he said. “You can easily identify them by their red smocks as well as the kindness, compassion and empathy they radiate.”

The KDH Auxiliary’s Gift Shop and Coffee Bar is now open Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5:00 pm.

To have your question(s) considered for use in the debate, Scan the QR code and complete the form; or email your question to leedsandgrenvillelabourcouncil@gmail.com May 18, 2022

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Local athletes compete at OFSAA tournament

NGDHS athletes Elyssa Miller, Millie Cathcart, and Kayley Van Herpen.

by Brandon Mayer Three local athletes competed against the best in Ontario last week at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) tournament in Chatham. Badminton players Millie Cathcart, Kayley Van Herpen, and Elyssa Miller – who are students at North Grenville District High School – were

honoured to compete against fellow school athletes in the tournament which was hosted

by Pain Court.

“Fantastic achievement!” writes the girls’ teacher and coach, Cathy Parent. “NGDHS is proud, their families are proud, and we hope the community is too!”

After the conclusion of the tournament, athlete Kayley Van Herpen wrote to the

the B flight for the rest of the tournament. The atmosphere at OFSAA was positive - everyone was happy because it was the first OFSAA event since COVID in March 2020.

I just went out for badminton because I heard it was a positive environment and lots of fun. Playing with my partner Kayley and seeing how far we could make it will be a memory I'll hold onto for life. I still can't believe we made it. Receiving support from everyone back home in Kemptville made me try harder. We received lots of shoutouts on Instagram, texts, phone calls and more. Our coaches were so proud of us and I am so thankful for Mr. D Byrd and Mme Parent.”

Millie Cathcart was unavailable to provide a comment due to school commitments, but Cathy is confident that she enjoyed her OFSAA experience along with her fellow athletes. Great job, girls!

Times about her experience.

“It was an amazing honour to have played in Chatham, Ontario at the OFSAA badminton tournament in my grade 11 year in high school,” she said. “All across Ontario, phenomenal athletes compete at this tournament, and for Millie (singles), and Elyssa and I (double partners) to have made it really shows how hard we worked for that moment. I was so proud to have gotten the chance to represent my high school at such a huge sporting event.

The tournament was so much fun whether we were playing our own games, watching other teams play, or even meeting other people. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Fellow athlete Elyssa Miller also weighed in. “Last week was my first experience at OFSAA,” she said. “I didn't have expectations except to be playing some of the top teams of the Province. After our first game, we lost and I felt relief. It wasn't so bad.

Then we won and stayed in

On June 2, Ontario voters will elect the Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) who will form the Province’s 43rd government. In a democracy, it can be easy to be drawn into the words and promises of party leaders who will hold the title of Premier of Ontario if their party wins more seats than the other parties. It is therefore important to remember how a democracy actually works. Issues in North Grenville – and the rest of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes – are very different than issues in Etobicoke or Kingston or Thunder Bay, for example.

MPPs are meant to act as elected representatives who bring local perspectives back to Queen’s Park in Toronto, where legislative decisions are made.

The riding of LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands May 18, 2022

and Rideau Lakes has six candidates fighting for the local MPP job and a seat in Ontario’s legislature. The Times extended interview invitations to all, with four candidates accepting interview requests as at time of writing. Seven questions will be asked of each candidate, with all questions aimed at learning how the candidates view common provincial election issues from a local perspective.

On the subject of education, candidates will be asked “How would your party support rural education, and what is your stance on the closure and amalgamation of rural schools?” To gain an idea of each candidate’s stance on infrastructure investment, they will be asked, “What projects would be investment priorities for the Province locally?”

One issue sure to be important to many North Grenville locals is each candidate’s

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Wondering if you can still retire?

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Can you pay for your child’s schooling?

Make your money work harder.

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Candidate interviews to be published next week

by Brandon Mayer

What to do with extra money since you can’t go anywhere?

How to get ahead?

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stance on the proposed Kemptville jail. Candidates will be asked “What is your stance on the proposed correctional facility in Kemptville and does your stance align with that of your party?” Another hot button issue is the current housing crisis and candidates will be asked “What is your take on the affordable housing crisis locally and what is the solution?”

To help distinguish province-wide matters from the local issues that an MPP is expected to care about, candidates will be asked “How would you support the largely rural population of this riding in being heard at Queen’s Park?” Given that half of the time during which the 42nd parliament was in session, the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing, candidates will be asked “Do you believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is still of concern locally?”

Finally, a candidate’s best

quality is perhaps the ability to listen to constituents. Candidates will have the ability to bring their own issues and those of local residents to the table when they are asked “Are there any issues that locals have touched base with you about which you intend to bring forward if elected as MPP?” Look for your local candidates’ answers to these critical questions in the May 25 edition of the North Grenville Times.

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Fleeing the Russian monster First in a series of articles from refugees from Ukraine

• Brakes Vehicle repairs Class “A” Mechanic • Suspension Sale of Quality Pre- • Tire Sales • Air Conditioning Owned Vehicles and freedom to•Germany, and Tow on March Alignments Flat Bed Truck4, •dependence, but also for the democratic I left Odessa with a friend and principles of the whole world. her child.

613-989-3839 Fortunately, we had C o u n t y R d 1 , M oAfter u n t aa ilong n O nflight, t a r i ochanging friends in Canada who offered three planes and a long wait, to help and invited us to stay we finally reached Canada. with them. We set out to get Devastated, tired and heartto the Canadian Embassy in broken, we landed in MonRomania. Three hours on the treal on April 7. From that road, 16 kilometres on foot, moment to this day, I have five hours waiting in line at received incredible support the border, and we finally from everyone I have met in reached Moldova. We did Canada.

Ukrainian flags on many not know where we would stay or how we would get to houses give me more and Romania. But the world is more confidence that Ukraine not without good and kind will win because good always people. When two men ap- triumphs over evil. Thanks proached us and offered to to everyone who supports help, we were apprehensive, my country. Kemptville is because human trafficking is an incredible town with a big rife. We asked them questions heart and kind people, where that would determine whether everyone I meet greets me they were trustworthy. They with a warm, “Hello! How passed the test and helped us are you?” as though we have find a safe place to spend the been friends for years. Rusnight and drove us to the train sia is a monster that destroys station the next day. Along everything in its path. Russian our journey, we met many soldiers kill, rape, and destroy wonderful people who helped Ukrainian cities. I appeal to everyone who reads this us reach Romania.

I had arrived in a safe article, please¼ help us stop place, but anxiety, pain and the monster. hatred increased more and more every day. I update my Olena Usovich was born in newsfeed daily and contact Odessa. After completing her my friends. It is still very studies at the Christian Hudifficult for me to accept the manitarian-Economic Open idea that there is a war going University, she moved to Kyiv. on. This is a real tragedy for In Kyiv, she studied televiall people and for me person- sion and journalism. Olena ally. Now the whole world is has lived most of her life in watching as a small country Odessa, where she worked as with a big heart fights for a journalist. Currently, she resides in Kemptville, Ontario. the truth.

Ukraine is fighting not only for its own truth, in• • •

by Olena Usovich February 24, 2022. In the early hours of the morning, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine - an independent, sovereign state. The horrifying events of that day radically altered my life and the lives of every Ukrainian.

Dreams. Plans. Joy. Heartto-heart conversations with friends. Dinner with family.

Evening walks by the Black Sea are forever in the past. As much as we would like them to be, our lives will never be the same again. We will return to our cities and homes, but we will return as very different people.

I could not have imagined that in an instant I would have to re-evaluate everything that previously seemed extremely important. On February 24, my phone was bursting with messages and notifications on the news channels. War, war, has begun. Russia has attacked Ukraine and fired missiles at her cities.

Trembling, fear, apprehension, and a complete lack of understanding of what to do and what will happen next.

Snakes used to be my fear.

On February 24, the main fear was not living to the next morning. After calming down a little and making sure that this was not a dream, I began to write and call everyone

I knew, even those I hadn’t communicated with for a long time. None of us was ready for war. We had neither stocks of food nor a prepared emergency bag.

On the street, I saw turmoil. It is impossible to put into words the panic and fear that took hold of people.

Kilometre-long queues at gas stations and ATMs, crowded supermarkets. People were buying up everything that was on the shelves. I realized that in an instant, people had lost everything.

For some it was housing or clothes, for others it was a business and their livelihoods. For me, it was a career in journalism that took years to build. When I finally attained my goal and was ready to launch my own project, I lost everything. What future do I have? How do I live now?

How can I help my country?

These questions looped in my head over and over.

On February 24, at about 9 o'clock in the morning, I heard explosions, and ran to the window, but saw nothing.

That night, I did not sleep, read the news, and contacted relatives and friends, making sure that they were fine. Nine more days of fear, anxiety, sleepless nights, and constant explosions forced me to leave home and move to a safe place. I do not want to leave.

I love my country and my city very much, but I must leave.

On March 3, I sent my older sister with her three children

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100 Women Who Care North Grenville Q2 Meeting 100 Women Who Care North Grenville is hosting its second quarterly meeting on Thursday, May 19th at 6:00 pm – this will be in person at Catered Affairs on the Kemptville Campus; please go to the website www.100womenwhocareng. com to register for the meeting. There will be a Stir Fry & Salad (Veg & Chicken options) for $17 plus tax. Please pre-order and pay for dinner - via either Catered Affairs or 100 Women Who Care NG websites. The bar will be open as well.

May 18, 2022

The 3 nominated charities for this quarter are: Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary https://www.bigskyranch.ca/ Victoria’s Quilts https:// www.victoriasquiltscanada. com/branches/br-kemptville. html Friends of the NG Public Library https://ngpl.ca/ support-the-library/friendsof-ngpl/ To date, the 100 Women Who Care have raised more than $83,500 towards local charities. The 100 Women Who Care NG has partnered

with the Ottawa Community Foundation to streamline their donation process. Members can log on to the Foundation’s central website and enter “100 Women Who Care North Grenville” as the fund to receive their donation. This system automatically generates a tax receipt, making the whole operation that much easier. Please do not choose to be anonymous.

We don’t stop at 100 women: in fact, the more the merrier! We are looking to make the biggest local and immediate charitable impact we can. We remind you that 100% of the proceeds go towards the chosen charities

that night. Join us for the North Grenville Chapter of this amazing charity and help bring positive change to your community.

For more information on 100 Women Who Care North Grenville, visit them on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/100womenwhocareng/ or on their website https://100womenwhocareng. com/.

We look forward to finally seeing you all in person for a fun-filled meeting on Thursday, May 19th at 6:00 pm for a meal and 7:00 pm for the meeting.

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Musician Darren Michael Boyd nominated for prestigious award

by Brandon Mayer A Kemptville musician reached a new milestone in his career earlier this month when he found out that he has been nominated for a significant music award. Guitarist Darren Michael Boyd has been nominated for the Musician of the Year – Guitarist award by the Josie Music Awards (JMA), based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The JMA is the largest independent global music awards show, and is

held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Darren explained why the nomination is so significant.

“Only 1.8% of the 52,442 submissions have gone on to be nominated, so that’s a pretty big honour in itself!” he explained.

In November, Darren was featured in the Times for the release of his third album, “Last Seen in Canada”. He is now working on his fourth album, but is not ready to provide many details as it is

still in the early stages during which creative changes are common. He is hopeful that this next album will be just as well received as the last three. “The response from the previous three releases has been exceptionally positive,” said Darren. “I’m stepping everything up several notches on my upcoming album to be released in October.” Darren writes instrumental music for which he plays guitar. As the owner of Reptile Rainforest in Kemptville, he is known for including animals in his music videos. He answered a question about what it is like to be a musician in the modern age.

“I am a mix of old-school with modern technology,” said Darren. “I still sell CDs, and those physical products still outsell digital downloads on my website. Being that it is show business, I try to release a lot of music videos on my YouTube channel. I love discovering new music

that way myself, so I fully embrace that technology!

Still, I like getting out there and playing live, reaching real people who are sharing the experience with me and reacting immediately. It’s more gratifying than fishing for likes on social media. But that’s part of our world and artists can definitely benefit, if it’s used strategically and in moderation. Sometimes I feel like I would be a better musician and songwriter if I spent more time practicing and less time trying to promote my music on social media platforms!”

Now that restrictions on live performances have been lifted, Darren is back to actively booking shows. He has recently released two music videos on his YouTube channel that are a good demonstration of his “Spooky Surf” genre.

The JMA awards show will take place on October 23.

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H E L P WA N T E D An interpretive plaque describing the history of the cheese factories in the village, commemorating the early pioneers, and the lives lost at this site will be unveiled on the site of the last cheese factory, Mill Street, Bishop’s Mills on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11 am during Bishop’s Mills Community Day The event is organized by community members, with support from the Bishop’s Mills Community Association and the Municipality of North Grenville. Families of the original cheese makers have provided financial support for the production of the plaque.

The cheese factory operated successfully through the early 1900s, with local farmers providing the milk. The cheese was produced in the factory and some was sold back to the farmers and local residents. The remaining cheese was shipped to Ottawa and Montreal and on to Europe.

In 1924, a boiler explosion destroyed the building, killing three people. The factory was rebuilt, and served the local community until 1946.

The plaque is to honour these early pioneers and those who lost their lives. Descendants of the last three cheese makers – including the Dool, Hamblen and Watts families – will be in attendance. The unveiling ceremony is expected to last 30 minutes.

May 18, 2022

Berube Poultry Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. When I was four years old, I was playing outside when I slipped on the grass and fell underneath a riding lawn mower. I lost my left leg below the knee.

I grew up in The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, and today, I help pass on the Association’s PLAYSAFE message. With lawn cutting season here, I want every kid across the country to know they should never be around lawn mowers.

I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I did. I hope that by sharing my story, it will prevent even just one child from being injured.

If you would like to learn more about how to play safely and hear stories from other young amputees like me who have lost limbs in accidents, visit waramps.ca/playsafe.

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Local theatre group offering small-venue productions as fundraisers

by Brandon Mayer The North Grenville Community Theatre (NGCT) and In The River (ITR) will be taking “Romance on the Road”, so to speak, as the organizations offer productions as fundraisers for other local groups.

“During the pandemic, as our planned production dates were closed down, we nevertheless wanted to look ahead,” writes Phil Irving of NGCT. “We decided to prepare smallcast, small-venue productions to offer as fundraisers to local groups. All ticket sales will go to the sponsoring group.”

The groups put much thought into which productions to offer for their initiative. They wanted to choose productions that would be relatable to audiences who could answer an emphatic

“yes!” to questions such as “Have you had a courtship go wrong?” and “Have you laughed at aspects of your previous self?” Two comedies were chosen which fit the bill – “A Marriage Proposal” by Anton Checkov, and “How He Lied to Her Husband” by George Bernard Shaw.

The financial benefit from the productions will be charitable in nature. “The net proceeds for each show can be donated to local non-profit host groups, charities, or to a mixture of the two, however that is negotiated,” writes Phil. “We are going to try to keep costs down, the major anticipated expenses are any rental costs.” The NGCT and ITR are recommending that sponsorship groups who book the performances sell the tickets themselves, at a suggested price of $15 per ticket, though

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Welcome Funding

the organizations can help with ticket sales if needed.

The small-venue productions will be staged from May 20 until June 10, dependent on any changes in local public health restrictions. The productions are an opportunity to raise money while letting the theatre groups take care of much of the work. “A local group could provide minimal on-site help with volunteers for moving chairs, setting up the stage etc. and greeting guests,” writes Phil. “The main task is promotion of the event and sale of tickets. The host venue typically acquires access to community locations, which saves costs and allows more revenue for the host.”

For more information on this initiative, contact NGCT at president@ngct.ca, or ITR at info@itrtheatre.com.

David Price, Vice Chair, LLGAMH Board of Directors and Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Way Leeds & Grenville at the presentation.

Submitted by Jane Adams Thank you to United Way Leeds & Grenville! $43,000 has been provided to Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) to support the care we provide to clients every day.

“We are grateful to all of the funders who support the work of our team,” noted Da-

vid Price, LLGAMH Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Quality Committee. “We value this partnership with the United Way as we work together to ensure our clients receive the right care, at the right time and in the right place.”

Funds will be used to support LLGAMH’s programs and services, improving direct

care for our clients. For example, in the past, the money has supported client wellness opportunities, helping to achieve an improved level of health and personal growth.

Thank you to the United Way Leeds & Grenville!

NGAG CARES submitted by Tammy Keith On Saturday, May 21st, the North Grenville Artists Guild welcomes spring with its first Art Show of the year.

This show is special and close to the hearts of the artists.

Guild members have either created special works or donated a piece of art to be offered to the public for sale. One hundred percent of the sales from these donated works will be used to purchase North Grenville Green cards to present to the 18 incoming refugees from Ukraine who have come to our community from the uncertainty of their homeland. The Guild hopes that by giving these cards directly to the people, it helps to make their transition more personal as well as functional.

The use of the cards will allow our new friends to become familiar with and support the local businesses and shops in their new town, as well as allowing them some autonomy in choosing goods and services that meet their individual needs.

A win-win situation.

Please come down to view the art being offered for this initiative - hopefully, something will catch your eye. Stay and enjoy the rest of the Art Show and the Buskers Festival!

May 18, 2022

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The Voice of North Grenville

Letter from Ireland

by David Shanahan Greetings from Dublin, as I take a break from +30 temperatures and settle for the “soft days” of Irish summer a little rain, a little sun, and nothing more than +17 on a good day. But there’s so much to balance that minor issue.

When Johnny Cash visited Ireland more than fifty years ago, he wrote a song called “Forty Shades of Green” about the incredible scenery he found here. I think he underestimated the varieties of green, to be honest.

But, not to make anyone jealous, let me point out some of the more practical aspects of life in modern Ireland.

Like so many other countries, Ireland is dealing with an increasing cost of living, questions about climate change, and political shenanigans.

While Canadians may complain about the price of gas, here a litre of petrol (why is a liquid called “gas”, by the way?) costs around 1.86 Euro, or roughly $2.50 Canadian.

Diesel is worse: averaging $2.70 a litre.

Of course, in Ireland, you don’t have to go far to go far, if you follow me? You can drive from Clifden, on the west coast, to Dublin on the east coast, in a few hours, as the distance is under 300 kms. That doesn’t help when you drive in a large city like

Dublin, where the rush hour traffic would make a denizen of Toronto feel almost at home. Dublin is an Eighteenth Century town at its core, not designed for modern traffic, but recent imaginative changes in traffic flow have made things much better than the gridlock that used to grip the Capital in days gone by.

Oscar Wilde once said (Oscar said a great deal, most of it worth repeating), that North Americans and the British/Irish are two peoples divided by a common language. We all speak English, of a sort, but it doesn’t always sound the same. It’s not just the accents, or the different words for the same thing (truck or lorry; garbage or rubbish; chips or crisps, etc.), it’s the use of language that makes us different from each other. Naturally, I think (as do most Irish people) that the only really pure form of English is spoken in Ireland.

The rest is a pale imitation.

That may be bias, but not necessarily untrue...

So, here I am in my home town for a couple of weeks, wandering the streets, listening to the buskers on Grafton Street, people-watching with great delight, and enjoying the occasional (?) Pint in the local pub. Ah, that’s another thing: the pubs. There is simply nothing like an Irish pub for atmosphere, convivial-

••

UPDATE

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please note: Renovations at the North Grenville Municipal Centre reception area are underway. Access to the facility will continue to be through the main entrance doors located on the North side of the building.

Customer service will be moved upstairs for the duration of the renovation project. Access to the 2nd floor stairs and elevator will be available during this time.

Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

2022 MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

The nomination period is now open for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election. Please visit NGvotes.ca for nomination information, announcements, and updates.

Cong Abbey, County Mayo, Ireland ity, good food, and properly poured pints.

Ireland is a changed country since I left here so long ago. It is much more multicultural than it was, with people of all backgrounds, colours and beliefs living together, generally amicably, though there are always the ignorant, the racists, to cast disapproving glances at others on the bus, or make snide comments about “foreigners”, even though those foreigners were born and raised here and speak with astonishing Irish accents. Even for me, there is something wonderfully joyous about hearing young

people with brown or black skin chatting happily together in strong Dublin accents. The Irish were used to being the immigrants in other countries; now we’re the destination for so many from other, less happy, nations.

But the Irish face the same issues as Canadians: cost of living, scarcity and cost of housing, especially affordable housing. The Irish wonder how they managed to elect such incompetent politicians, wonder at the apparent dimness of anyone in authority, and make marvellously witty comments about anyone and everyone.

A recent study on the effects of climate change showed that most of downtown Dublin will probably disappear under water in the next century: but that did not come as a surprise. You see, growing up here, I heard about the prophecy made by St. Patrick, that before the end of the world, Ireland would be saved from the worst disasters by disappearing under the sea. At least that’s how I remember it. These days, I’m not sure I see how that would be a bonus.

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Notices setting out the positions and details concerning school board elections can be found at: NGvotes.ca/ election-news.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS Council will continue to meet virtually during the Municipal Centre renovation project. Please pre-register with the Clerk at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk when pre-registering so that we may best assist you.

To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

• Council Meeting (Open) -Virtual - June 7, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

• Council Meeting (Open) -Virtual - June 15, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend.

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee – May 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – May 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – June 1, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

• Heritage Advisory Committee – June 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

• Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – June 6, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

NORTH GRENVILLE POLICE SERVICES BOARD

Police Services Board meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca • Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Municipality and the Kemptville Campus are seeking to fill a variety of positions. Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for more information.

• Accounts Payable Clerk

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The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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Guest Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Regions 416, 905, and other

by Brandon Mayer

A provincial election is looming! It is less than two weeks away now, and I am just as much a victim of other people’s unsolicited political opinions as any. I therefore apologize in advance for adding to it, but at least I can say I am not going to offer a political opinion, per se, but rather a concern about one particular election issue which I believe outweighs them all.

About two weeks ago, I was searching the internet for surveys capturing the types of provincial election issues that matter the most to average people. I was therefore quite excited when I found a survey of the top-rated election issues on Ontario’s provincial election day in 2018, and even more excited that it was organized by region (sure, 2018 and 2022 are very different time periods, but all research starts somewhere). My excitement turned into a stunned,

annoyed eye roll when I saw the regions included in the survey. They were area code 416 (Toronto), area code 905 (also Toronto), and “Outside GTA”.

Ladies and gentlemen, the biggest issue plaguing Ontario politics is the simple fact that the 40% of Ontario’s population who live in the Greater Toronto Area seem to forget that the Province continues beyond their city’s borders. Let’s face it: 40% is a lot of voting power, and studies like the one I found show that there is simply not enough regard for rural issues in a province which has two of Canada’s largest cities and also a sizable rural population. I might have even been less outraged if Ottawa – a major city of 1 million people that also happens to be the nation’s capital and an important hub for all of Eastern Ontario – had been included in the survey’s regions, but it was not. Those 1 million people

are sufficiently represented in the glamourous “other” category, says mighty Toronto.

There is really nothing we can do about Toronto being Toronto (and if any Toronto natives have recently moved to the area, please don’t take this personally – it’s a beautiful city). Our only recourse is to remember that the single most important question we can ask local MPP candidates is how they will represent our unique, rural interests at Queen’s Park, located within a city that forgets we exist.

Health care is important, education is important, childcare is important, but it can be a dangerous game to forget that these issues look different in rural communities.

An excellent example is rural schools, which are frequently on the chopping block. Take a drive down some local county roads and pass through some of the smallest hamlets in the area. It is possible to see half a dozen

shuttered old school buildings in less than a 30-minute drive.

And it continues – North Stormont Public School in Berwick is currently in its last year of operation, with last ditch efforts to save it falling flat. Oxford-on-Rideau Public School in Oxford Mills is another that was slated for closure for years before parent pressure made the school board agree to re-evaluate the decision, though the final outcome is still not known.

Those of us educated in rural schools know the value of rural education, but when the decisions are made in Toronto, the only factor that matters is that having many small schools in many tiny villages is expensive and looks bad on paper.

Health care is another matter than looks different in the city than it does in small communities. Local doctor shortages have left many without a family doctor, especially those without the means

ing Supreme Court decision will take girls and women back more than fifty years by overturning Roe v. Wade.

States like Florida, Texas and others are making things even worse as they pass laws to prevent abortion even in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking.

We all know that what happens in the USA is often followed by similar legislation in Canada. However, In the case of abortion rights, we are in a very different position because criminal law here is a federal responsibility and, thanks to Dr. Morgentaler, we have no abortion law. However, we do have, I have read, close to 40% of the Conservative Members of Parliament who are in the wings waiting and hoping for a Conservative government that will permit them to propose a law against abortion.

Make no mistake, desperate women who, for medical, psychological, economic or other legitimate reasons, will continue to seek abortions even if they are illegal. Those with money will be able to travel to other jurisdictions or countries where abortion is legally attainable. Those who are poor will find other

means that may or may not result in abortion or death.

How can one begin to understand the minds of those mainly male legislators who would do all in their power to outlaw abortion and at the same time refuse to pass laws to provide maternity leave or financial or any assistance to the women they want to force to carry through a pregnancy regardless of their circumstances? This is a health issue that should be decided by the pregnant woman and her physician, not governments.

Stay alert ladies. I read that the “pill” is the next target of attack by these social and religious conservatives.

Shirley Price, Kemptville, ON

Dear Editor, It has begun. This person representing a certain party, first beginning with "F" has no more concern for the environment than the former President of the U.S. He plans to pave over almost everything it seems, covering important wetlands and agricultural land.

How does that help in the fight against 'climate change'?

ABC, Kath Piché

of transportation necessary to travel far and wide. Of course, there are city dwellers who also struggle to find a doctor, but the point isn’t that rural dwellers deserve more attention or sympathy, but rather that city and rural issues have to be looked at from their unique perspectives.

Yet another issue with a unique “rural” side is childcare. Not only is childcare availability abysmal in many parts of our region, but families who live in rural areas often need unique childcare options. Parents who travel into the city for work don’t just need childcare for the standard work hours – they also need their children cared for during their long commute. For those using childcare centres and home childcare providers who charge an hourly rate, this can mean higher childcare costs for rural dwellers, as well as a greater need for childcare with longer or more flexible

hours.

These “big three” issues in provincial politics – education, health care, and childcare – are not the only election issues to have different urban and rural perspectives.

In fact, one could argue that every provincial political matter should be considered through the lens of every specific region. What this means for your vote is simple: don’t pick a party, and don’t pick a Premier. It is not the parties and the Premier candidates who are going to make sure Eastern Ontario is represented at Queen’s Park. That is the job of an MPP, so the best use of your vote is to cast it for whoever you feel is not afraid to take our local, small town perspectives back to the big wigs in area codes 416 and 905.

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, RE: ROE V. WADE – U.S.A. SUPREME COURT “Hey, did you hear about Sadie, she had to get married!” “Maisie? She had to drop out of school in her last year. I heard that she is pregnant and her parents sent her to live with her aunt.” “Betty?

She went to Boston for an abortion. She has a friend who has a friend who is a med student there.” “June? She died last week of an infection. I heard that she went to a back street abortionist.” “Katie?

She died. Don’t tell anyone but I heard that she committed suicide. When she got pregnant, her parents talked her into marrying the father and he abused her.” “Josie? She is in a home for unwed mothers.

Her father kicked her out.”

As a teenaged girl during the 1940’s and a young wife and mother during the 1950’s, these comments were typical of the gossip I heard because they were real. Pre-marital sex was considered a sin by most churches. Unmarried mothers were in desperate straits if they were not supported by their families, a situation that was not uncommon.

Now, in the United States, if passed, a draft of an upcomThe North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

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Satellite elections office for Elections Ontario We are located at 212 van Buren Street, unit 5.

We are open now for people in our electoral district to vote for the upcoming provincial election.

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Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Production production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REAL ESTATE GUIDE The Year of the Garden is worth celebrating (NC) While each spring we celebrate the return of gardening season, this year’s celebrations may be extra special. The Canadian Garden Council and Communities in Bloom are inviting individual gardeners and municipalities to celebrate gardening in Canada.

Whether you are a long-time gardener, or just took up the pastime during the pandemic, the Year of the Garden is a great opportunity to grow your interest and your skills.

Gardens and gardening come with a wide array of benefits. Creating more urban green spaces has long-term sustainability benefits. For example, plants and gardens produce oxygen, sequester carbon, and mitigate the heat island effect in urban areas. Gardening also has individual health benefits for gardeners and broader societal health benefits by creating spaces for us all to enjoy active living.

Gardens and gardening also create important economic benefits, including attract-

ing residents and visitors to communities across the country.

But growing healthy lawns, flowers and vegetables can be challenging. Just as farmers must overcome threats from insects, weeds and diseases to grow safe and healthy food for Canadians, gardeners face similar challenges. Careful planning and management are important to success.

When pest challenges threaten your lawn or garden, there are pest control tools available that are safe, effective and specifically designed for homeowners’ use.

Let’s all celebrate The Year of the Garden and the many benefits that gardens bring to our communities.

Gardens to Ramble

Garden Centre to Experience

Contracts and rentals to consider in home ownership from Jennifer Hindorff website blog

When it comes to buying a home, there are always additional fees to be considering when you make an offer. Typically, a first-time home buyer needs to be aware of the costs associated with buying a home – legal fees, mortgage rates, home insurance, closing costs, property taxes, land transfer fees…But what about those little extras not everyone considers? The contracts and rentals associated with the home such as furnaces, hot water tanks, and in some locations even your septic tanks – and what that could cost you.

The main point is to understand EXACTLY what you are buying. Some of these costs are minimal, and won’t make a significant impact on your decision when it comes to home buying. However, if you’re looking at a home that requires you to take over a rental furnace, for example, some furnace contracts can cost hundreds of dollars per month to maintain.

What can you do to know what you’re getting yourself into before the costs start rising?

To begin with, ensure that you have an experienced realtor who can go over all appliances, and their extra associated costs (such as a hot water rental tank). Then have your lawyer go over the information provided and share their opinion and expertise with you. Be sure to do your research when it comes to the costs of rental furnaces (if that is your situation) in the area that you are looking to purchase the home, and understand what their associated terms and costs are. Carefully consider all options when it comes to these expenses, and what exactly you agree to take over. Smaller appliances, such as hot water tank rentals, and propane tank rentals are relatively low cost/inexpensive to take over and have precise terms and conditions. When it comes to taking over a furnace or septic tank rental, be sure to thoroughly evaluate all the options in the contracts provided, as well as research the typical costs associated with such items.

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The 5 best investments you can make in your backyard

(NC) Make your backyard a welcome extension of your living space by investing in outdoor essentials. Here are five financially-savvy backyard tips to minimize costs in the long term and transform it into your favourite place to relax.

The Voice of North Grenville

5 tips to maximize the curb appeal of your home

1. Find the privacy you need Adding a fence to your property not only offers privacy and security, it also increases the value of your home. The right fence depends on your budget and preferences. If privacy and durability are important, pressure treated lumber is a great option. If you want a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative, consider vinyl, which won’t splinter or crack.

2. Get creative with landscaping Add character to your backyard by investing in landscaping and have fun choosing materials to bring your vision to life. Incorporate rock elements such as flagstone, pea gravel or river rock to compliment your flower beds or to frame your patio area. Choose drought-tolerant plants and flowers like yarrow, coneflower and agastache as a way to save money, conserve water and attract pollinators.

3. Set up a year-round outdoor dining space By investing in a fire pit or outdoor heater, you can use your patio on chilly summer evenings and even into the fall and winter. Frame your space with string or deck lights to add ambiance, and don’t forget a gazebo or umbrella so the rain can’t put a damper on your plans.

(NC) Whether you’re considering a full exterior update or just freshening up your home’s curb appeal, there are simple and inexpensive solutions that deliver rewarding impact.

4. Build a deck designed to last Get top value out of your deck by choosing a material that’s long-lasting and durable, so you can enjoy it year after year. Deckorators Voyage Composite Decking is one great option, since it’s made from a mineral-based composite that holds up against moisture and sun to withstand every season. It also offers excellent traction, making it perfect to use around a pool or as a dock.

Here’s how to make heads turn in five easy steps:

5. Stay organized with a shed A good shed should be able to store everything you need. To start, think about the size of shed you need and where you want to position it. Choose quality materials to ensure it lasts for years and remember that you can adapt how you use the space as your needs change. For a stress-free build, try an easy-to-follow DIY shed kit which you can find in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

Update weather-worn hardware

Make an impact without overspending by updating little things around the outside of your home, including your house numbers, mailbox and front door handles. While they may feel like minor changes, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference these easy refreshes can make.

Find out more about your backyard options at homehardware.ca.

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Landscape Design Construction Over 30 Years of Service Design Interlock Ponds & Gardens Armour Stone Deliveries Lawn Repair & Maintenance Lawn Seeding & Sod Spring & Fall Clean-ups Tree Removal

Put the spotlight on your home

Exterior lighting makes your house shine while also adding an extra layer of security. An outdoor post light can add charm and personality to your yard and illuminate a driveway, while inset step lighting can make stairs safer and stylish. Solar or string lights can also boost the ambiance in your garden pathway or patio areas.

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Rethink colour

Revive the look of your home by adding a new coat of exterior paint or stain.

Painting your front door is a simple, affordable and high-impact way to give your home a new look.

Consider bold colours to make your front door pop or choose a calming coat of white or grey for a clean, fresh look.

Focus on the main features

Transform your home’s exterior by replacing your siding. From different colours, widths and materials, there’s a wide selection of products to fit every home and budget. Explore how vinyl siding, wood or stone veneer could be the new look your house has been waiting for.

Invest in the right maintenance tools

Keeping your lawn healthy and your entryway spotless creates a great first impression, but it also takes the right tools. From a grass trimmer to a pressure washer, build a checklist of the power and hand tools you need to keep your property looking its best.

To maximize what you have, consider how your tools work together and look for a line like Benchmark that lets you interchange batteries for different tools so you can save space.

Find more information on the wide range of outdoor tools available at homehardware.ca

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Growing Food

Submitted by Danielle Labonte, MPH, MAN, RD Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Finally, winter is over and people can get to their gardens. Growing your own garden is a great way to have access to a variety of fresh and delicious vegetables and fruit, and research has shown that gardeners eat more vegetables and fruit than nongardeners.

What if you are just starting out? Some people are happy to learn from internet resources but many people learn best by doing.

One solution is to participate in community garden-

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ing. Community gardens come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be large or small, on the ground or on rooftops, in plots, or in planters. They can also be a mix of all of these things. Some are communal, where everyone shares the work and the harvest. Some have separate, individual plots for each gardener, and some are a combination.

In addition to providing food, belonging to a community garden can provide you and your family, students, co-workers, or neighbours the opportunity to learn about growing your own food and then, you get to eat it! Community gardens provide benefits such as social con-

The Voice of North Grenville

What would Mother Nature do?

nectedness and an opportunity to learn something new. In addition to the fresh food, they contribute to our health through physical activity in the fresh air, provide a chance to meet new people, have some quality time with others, and to get connected to your community.

If you’re interested in starting your own garden, or expanding your usual plants, check out the Food Inventory at foodcoreLGL.ca for places where you can buy plants and seeds or participate in seed exchanges and find the locations for local community gardens.

by Rachel Gill Here's a scary story to tell around the campfire this summer: Almost half of the world’s fertile soil has disappeared in the last 50 years.

While the answer to this environmental issue does not lie solely in the average backyard garden, every small effort helps so today we are going to discuss why lazy gardening is the key to healthier soil.

Tilling soil loosens and removes plant matter. Bare, exposed soil is more likely to be eroded by wind and water.

No-till gardening is not a new concept. Mother Nature has been doing it from the beginning of time!

As I get older and more rickety, I am experimenting with different techniques that will allow me to garden well into my 90s. That's another 50 years, so I need to be as easy on my beautiful aging body as possible. The less digging and turning we need to do, the better. Think about the forest. Leaves fall, plants die, tree branches decompose, layers of rich organic matter pile on and break down and

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life just continues on richer for the nutrients. Why are we so obsessed with clean and perfect gardens? Why do we rake our leaves and throw them to the curb? Do you have any idea how valuable leaf mold is? You're tossing garden gold.

When we till, we are disrupting the natural concentration of bacteria, earthworms and fungi in the soil and, if nothing else, you could hurt your back. All that digging will also aggravate your severely arthritic hands. Just me? Fine. Why do you want to work so hard? When you practice no-till gardening, soil organisms can thrive undisturbed allowing for a more natural balance between pests and their predators. When in doubt, look to the forest. Mother Nature knows what she's doing.

When amending your soil,

add about 4-6" of compost or well-rotted manure, then add 2" of mulch (woodchips, leaves, straw). Do not mix the layers. When you plant your seedlings, push aside the mulch and plant in the soil beneath. The purpose of the mulch is to slow down evaporation of water, protect soil from erosion and suppress weeds. As the mulch breaks down, it will improve soil structure without the need to dig.

So, when you feel the urge to start turning and digging, ask yourself, "What would Mother Nature do?" and then just do that.

Rachel Gill is a photographer and an avid gardener living in Kars, ON. In addition to selling seedlings and fruit/vegetable baskets, she offers helpful and hilarious advice on her Facebook page "How Does Your Garden Grow?”

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Most of the time, pt. 2

by David Shanahan The people of the world have been living through challenging times recently, to say the least. Pandemics, a war in Europe and in other places too, not to mention the political turmoil of populism, autocracy and the undermining of traditional democratic values in the most deeply democratic countries. What has been true most of the time, is beginning to be questioned.

There have been so many times like this throughout history, when a general malaise seemed to fall on the world, and everything seemed threatening and out of control. We live such short lives that we don’t really have the perspective that allows us to see our own times clearly. I know, this hardly seems like a “religious” article.

Hardly the kind of thing a Christian should be saying.

But that is precisely what Christians have been saying for two millennia: that the world is broken, and in need of serious TLC. But also, that there is Good News: there is a reason why we feel lost and need to make up our own philosophy to

survive. We should reject the pie-in-the-sky answers of “religion”, science or whatever, and be satisfied with nothing less than Reality. We need to ask serious and honest questions and stop being satisfied with second-hand ideas.

One of the characteristics of this disillusioned and lost generation is that we have taught ourselves to believe in contradictory things. We have accepted theories and philosophies that seem profound, but are, on examination, nothing but assumptions and based on nothing but abstractions.

We take our stand on certain statements of principle that have no foundation in reality, and don’t even notice, because we simply accepted them without thinking them through. For example: to those who say they don’t believe there is anything beyond what can be empirically proved by scientific means, I say “Prove it”.

By definition, you can’t.

If there is a reality outside what we can observe with our senses, then we cannot disprove its existence through observation by our senses.

This may seem academic, but look around

you. These assumptions and theories have had an effect on how we live, how we act, how we connect, or fail to connect with each other. They are slowly destroying us and the world in which we live. How many of us would like to swap places with our children or grandchildren and live in the world we see coming to them? That says something, doesn’t it?

Perhaps the biggest myth of all, accepted too easily, without thought or reason, is the claim that “people are generally good”. The sad fact is that history teaches us quite the opposite. Yes, most of the time, people can be incredibly generous, brave, resilient, self-sacrificing too.

But, as Joseph Conrad portrayed it in his novel “Heart of Darkness”, the basis for the movie “Apocalypse Now”, civilization is just a very thin skin laid over a deep and dark reality, and all it takes to bring it to the surface is a crisis, a trauma that overthrows normal routines. Think of the violence that can be unleashed in war, or when parents see their child being threatened.

When normal constraints are removed, when people

are no longer answerable for their actions, terrible things can happen. Even the tone and language used on social media can be shocking and disturbing, and can come from individuals who would never think of saying to someone’s face, or in company, the kind of thing they write online. It is clear that society is not improving in this area, and we are certainly not the “civilized” society we once thought we were.

This “progress”, this Descent of Man, is inevitable unless there is something more, something that transcends and gives real meaning and purpose. So here is another thought: by definition, there can be only one Supreme Being (which we call God). You can’t have two Supreme Beings, because then they are not supreme. If you want to have many gods, then each one cannot be Supreme, or God. The question then becomes: is there one Supreme God? Isn’t this worth thinking about? Isn’t this even more

important, ultimately, than politics, sociology, psychology or hockey? This is not pushing my beliefs: if it were, I’d be telling you how to live, what to believe, etc.

This is simply asking questions and suggesting that there may be answers worth looking into. Christianity is not, perhaps, what you’ve

always thought it was. It is not going to church, it is not having a particular political bias, and it is most certainly not about power, position or titles. Most of the time, we can live with things as they are. But sometimes, we need more. There is more. He is there, and he is not silent.

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Kirkwood, Wilma "Billie" Viola Clare (nee Giffin) R.N. 1931 - 2022

Billie passed away peacefully in her 92nd year at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital (Smiths Falls) on May 7 with her daughters Valerie and Carolyn at her side. Billie graduated from the Grace Hospital in 1951 with a Certificate in Gynecologic and Obstetrical Nursing and Care of Infants. For almost 20 years, she was a stay-at-home mom and then went back to school attaining a Diploma as a Registered Nurse 1971. Billie was, understandably, very proud of her accomplishment, and she worked for many years in the Kemptville District Hospital. Billie loved to knit and made many lovely items for her family. She dearly loved her four grandsons, and when they were young she delighted in finding little treats to give them at each visit.

In their retirement years, both she and her husband enjoyed travelling throughout Canada with their fifth-wheel trailer and truck and also spent many happy times camping in Algonquin Park and at Bennett Lake. Billie was predeceased by her husband, Russell Kirkwood, and by her parents, Harold and Keitha Giffin (nee Armstrong), her brother, Glenn, and sister Lois Fulford. She leaves behind her daughters, Valerie Kirkwood and Carolyn White (nee Kirkwood), and her niece Glenda Napper (nee Fulford). She will be missed by her grandsons, Glenn Jung (Amanda), Christopher Jung (Stephanie), Brian Jung (Heather) and Jonathan Jung, and fondly remembered by her six greatgrandchildren: Ashley, Brody, Camden, Emma, Keegan and Warren. A memorial gathering will be planned at a later date.

The family would be pleased if donations in Billie's memory would be directed to the Kemtpville District Hospital, or the Alzheimer Society of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com

the north grenville

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Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

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The Voice of North Grenville

Science and Faith: An Introduction

Be aware of the effects of extreme heat

by Victor Lachance I have proposed to David Shanahan, and he has agreed, for me to submit a series of articles about the role of science and faith in the pursuit of what is true and what is not. This article is an introduction to the purpose of the series. The desired outcome of the series is identifying, if possible, a reliable path to knowledge and truth.

The purpose of the series is not to determine what or who is right, or what or who is wrong. It is to propose rules of engagement for a discussion or debate about science and faith. As we’ve seen in a number of ways in the Times, there are differing views that lead people to proselytize, argue at cross purposes, quote their respective authoritative sources and experts, or simply attack each other in unproductive ways. I do not pretend to have the answer to all the relevant questions, nor to have the perfect way to debate the merits of any subject, let alone one as complicated as science and faith. But I think that agreeing upon an approach to the search for knowledge and truth is a worthwhile goal.

In philosophy there is the question of how we know what we know, otherwise known as epistemology. The series will not be dealing with epistemology, at least not directly. However, the articles will compare two main approaches, naturalism and supernaturalism, in terms of how reliable each one is as a path to knowledge and truth.

This is not meant to be a choice about which one is right or wrong – it is meant to compare methods by which to pursue knowledge and truth. From these comparisons we may be able to establish a reliable path to future knowledge and truth.

When looking at science and faith, debates often take the shape of those who believe in a god (theists) and those who don’t (atheists). Or debates about creationism versus evolution, or intelligent design versus natural selection.

The series will not be that kind of discussion. It will be about an approach to discuss and debate such contentious subjects.

A few key definitions and observations: Being open-minded means being receptive to arguments or ideas (Merriam-Webster). It usually refers to someone who is ready and able to change their minds about the soundness, merit or value of an idea or belief.

Revelation means an act of revealing or communicating divine truth. It is something that is revealed by a supernatural being (such as a god) to humans (MerriamWebster).

Evidence means an available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid (Oxford Dictionary). It normally refers to reliable knowledge and facts that provide proof of something.

Truth is not an ideology or belief; it is an objective thing that can be identified through reason. It means that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality (Oxford Dictionary).

A reliable path to knowledge and truth means a method or set of methods that can both identify what is false and what is true. If a method allows different people to come to different and inconsistent conclusions, or leads us to something that is true but also something that is false, then it is not a reliable pathway to truth.

Science comes from the Latin word for knowledge.

It means a systematic approach that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about reality (Oxford Dictionary). It operates on the basis of the scientific method.

Faith is trust or certitude in someone or something.

It most often refers to a strong belief in God, or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof (Oxford Dictionary).

Naturalism means that all beings and events in the universe are governed by nature and natural forces. It most often relates to the realm of scientific investigation (methodological naturalism).

Supernaturalism means that all beings and events in the universe are governed by supernatural forces or beings. It most often relates to a god or spirit.

The next article will look at Naturalism versus Supernaturalism in their approach to knowledge and truth.

It feels like summer! As we get into the warmer weather this summer, it is important to be prepared for high heat.

Don’t forget to check your local weather forecasts so you can plan your activities and adjust them to protect yourself and your family from the health effects of heat.

Anyone can be affected by high temperatures and become overheated which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Some people are at higher risk, especially the very young, older adults, those with chronic illness, those on special medications and those who are physically active or work outdoors. When temperatures are high, it is important to stay hydrated and to take the following precautions to stay cool: • Never leave people or pets alone in a parked vehicle.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.

• Pack extra water for daily activities including while your family is at school or work.

• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

• Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.

• Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.

• If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to the highest setting that is comfortable (somewhere between 22ºC/72ºF and 26ºC/79ºF). This will reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief. If you are using a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler days, earlier in the day or choose a cooler location, like a place with air conditioning or with tree shade.

• Spend a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot.

Know the signs of Heat illness: Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems. If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat, seek medical attention immediately: Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision Difficulty or rapid breathing Severe headache or confusion Convulsion Fever Extreme thirst, decreased urination that is unusually dark Changes in behaviour in children (sleepiness or temper tantrums) If you think you are suffering from heat stroke or if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, call 911 and immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids - water is best. Heat stroke is a medical emergency: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/fact-sheet-staying-healthy-heat.html Check in on friends and family members to make sure that they are prepared for heat events and during the heat, see how they are doing, if they are staying cool and hydrated not only during the day but during the night too. Hot summer nights can make sleeping and breathing difficult for some.

For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit Extreme heat events: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat - Canada. ca or call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @LGLHealthUnit for important public health updates.

13

SEND IN YOUR CLASSIFIED to classifieds@ngtimes.ca

BUY AND SELL LOCALLY FIRST TEN WORDS FREE

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The North Grenville Times

Classifieds eds Classifi WANTED

FOR SALE

2 Brand New Wedding Dresses, never been worn, Tags Still On, LULUS (XL) ordered online. $300 each (phone number: 613-2032724 No. 6/4 wire cabtire 18 meters; No, 6/4 wire liquidtight 15 meters; $175.00 each or both for $300.00.

Bill 613-850-1584 Two brand new wedding dresses, tags still attached, bought online LULUS (XL) $300 each Walker with seat; electric active cycle, manual exercise cycle. Call 613-5678533 Hearing aid with charger, hardly used. Call 613-5678533 Firewood for sale $110 a cord delivered, min 2 cord for delivery. Call Jon 613227-3650 Hay and straw for sale 4x4 round bales, stored inside.

Call Jon 613-227-3650 Cedar posts and rails for sale, various sizes available. Call Jon 613-227-3650

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204

HELP WANTED

Occasional muscle required part time for landscaping and waterfront maintenance on Boyd Landing , Merrickville.

Heavy work. Pays $100 for five-hour day. Must have transportation. Phone 613 2847780.

The Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary Charity is seeking 250ml jars (new or used) for 2022 jam/ jelly sales.

Drop off at 529 George St. E or call Billy at 613-796-0941 GARAGE SALES STREET GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 14, Brookberry Cres, Kemptville, 8am to 1pm MASSIVE GARAGE SALE, Sat and Sun May 21 &22, May 28 & 29. New items daily. 2685 River Rd. Multi Family Yard Sale. 7 McCaul Dr Kemptville. Saturday May 21, 8 to 2

MILTONS ESTATES LAW Wills - Probate - Estates Estate Litigation As heard on CFRA Experts on Call www.ontario-probate.ca

VA L L E Y A I R WAY MECHANICAL • HVAC • CUSTOM SHEET METAL• VENTILATION Jack Lalonde, RSE, President, Operator Serving The Ottawa, Dundas and Cornwall Areas Residential, Commercial

Valleyairwaymechanical @gmail.com 613- 915- 5820

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BUY AND SELL LOCALLY

The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids!

Gather your loved ones for a celebration of life or a life well lived. Start an art, musical, travel, or book club in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com/

SEND IN YOUR CLASSIFIED

ACROSS 1. Mild expletive 5. Carve in stone 9. Stair 13. Prospector's find 14. Fables 16. A magician 17. Light source 18. Scare 19. Dogfish 20. Motionless 22. Infinite 24. Backside 26. Nickel or steel 27. Speech 30. Choose 33. Canal 35. Mob 37. Fifty-two in Roman numerals 38. Velocity 41. Grassland

to classifieds@ ngtimes.ca

SERVICES SERVICES RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair.

Call George at 613 462 7637

HANDYMAN SERVICES Call Bill 613 774 2922

42. Hillside 45. Voyager 48. Informant 51. Enliven 52. Anklebone 54. Retained 55. Certain chemicals 59. Inflict 62. Apiece 63. Heavily built 65. Sea eagle 66. Anagram of "Seen" 67. One more than six 68. Fill to excess 69. Elk or caribou 70. Repose 71. Lingerie item

DOWN 1. L L L L 2. Caprine animal 3. Esteem 4. Use up 5. Greek letter 6. Not short 7. Allegation 8. Greek messenger to the gods 9. Not bigger 10. Domestic 11. Auspices 12. A leguminous plant 15. Strike 21. Den 23. After-bath powder 25. Seating sections 27. "Wise birds" 28. What trains run on 29. Short sleep 31. Incidental 32. Bird sound 34. At a future time 36. Challenge 39. Chapter in history 40. Musty 43. Ewer 44. French for "State" 46. Scene 47. Female ruler 49. Category 50. Prey stalker 53. Cooking appliance 55. Marsh plant 56. Lack of difficulty 57. Skin disease 58. Litigates 60. Against 61. Hoard 64. Explosive

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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Easy

Medium

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Spring Yard Sale and BBQ

May 7, 8 am to 2 pm, back-up date May 14 Huge selection, something for everyone Subject to current

Covid protocols

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Solution to last week’s Crossword

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May 18, 2022

14

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The North Grenville Times

Southgate Mega Yard Sale is back!

Submitted by Richinda Bates Mark your calendars for Southgate Church’s Annual Mega Yard Sale on Saturday June 4th at 8:00 am, rain or shine! Come have some breakfast too at the cafe! The sale features a bake table, plant table, indoor and outdoor shopping, a silent auction table as well as a BBQ lunch. Be sure to bring your reusable shopping bags and cash! Yes, cash!

Due to COVID, the yard sale was paused but is now back in swing for its 6th year.

The proceeds from the sale are used to send kids who could not otherwise afford it to Silver Lake Camp. “Every year we send about 30-40 kids to camp and we have sent about 300 kids in total” said Pastor Ben Last. ‘The previous three years, we had the Touch A Truck event. That will not be here this year but we will have the bouncy castle up and the

play structure open.”

Kate Stacey’s children (Southgate member) have attended Silver Lake Camp for numerous years due to the generosity of the Church.

“Silver Lake holds a special place for my kids. The camp culture is one of acceptance and a place where they have learned to communicate face to face without the crutch of electronics. The biggest area of growth has been in their emotional intelligence, a trendy catchphrase right now.

They can self reflect, make good decisions through creative problem solving and can build healthy relationships.”

“My oldest has become the best version of herself through attending Silver Lake! She knows what she's good at and she recognizes where she still needs to grow.

She has gone from being mentored by great leaders to being a teen who is willing to unplug for the summer and

The Voice of North Grenville

Request for Comments Engineering Standards, Site Alteration, Tree Preservation

donate her time to work with the youngest campers. Not only that, but volunteering at camp has extended to her wanting to give back yearround right here in our community of Kemptville. That says something! How many one-week experiences in life can impact so many areas the other 51 weeks of the year?” said Stacey.

With spring here, it is the best time to start cleaning and purging! The Church is accepting gently used donations or household items, plants, trees etc. and baked goods the week before the event and they can be dropped off at the Church from Sunday May 29th to June 3rd. Mattresses, unless brand new, and ripped or torn furniture will not be accepted at this time.

Thank you in advance to our generous community! Let the purging begin!

Municipality of North Grenville is seeking feedback on the draft Engineering Standards that will be used as a guideline for the design and construction of roads and other projects within the Municipality.

The Municipality is also seeking feedback on the Draft Site Alteration and Tree Preservation By-laws.

Comments received will be reviewed and appropriate changes incorporated into the final document for Council approval.

For more information and to view the documents visit:

www.northgrenville.ca

We’ve got that loving feeling at the Spencerville Mill this summer

Spencerville Mill & Museum, 11 Water Street, SpencervilleJuly 2 to September 4, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm As we go back into action this summer, visitors will find lots of romance and love in the form of our headliner exhibit 100 Years of Romance: 1920s to 2020s, Something

Old, Something New. This celebration of love explores changes in customs, attitudes and ways of expressing romance over a hundred years.

The exhibit takes a retro look at the hardships of the Depression era, wartime, mail order brides and – more recently – the impact of pandemics. It is clear that people have fallen in love, been swept off their feet and tied the knot in many different ways. To fully explore that concept, the Mill is reaching out to local households for stories about unusual proposals, family memorabilia and items including love letters,

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vintage wedding attire and stories reflecting the great variety of choices in contemporary weddings.

•Send photos/pictures to Stephanie Summers or send a list of what you have to contribute - email: ssumrs@ gmail.com •Send stories to Vicki Cameron (needed by June 15) email: summerofloveatmill@ gmail.com •Send Sheila Fawcett a list of wedding attire and other items that you are pleased to lend - email: sheilafawcett92@ gmail.com •Exhibit intake at the Mill – June 20 & 21 In addition to the Romance Exhibit, another special event is Tea and Tales of Romance on July 17, an elegant tea with silver service, dainty treats, tickets for an impressive draw, live music

by Helen Hyndman and story telling by Deborah Dunleavy.

Equally impressive is the popular return of Music at the Mill featuring Buckledown, Mixed Blessings, Bruce Enloe & the Burning Sensations and River City Junction upstairs at the Mill where the great acoustics capture the vibrations of retro rock, blues, Motown and R&B funk.

Event details at: www. spencervillemill.ca 15

Contact us today at info@atelair.ca www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville-Wolford

Rideau Canal saga

Section of the Rideau Canal showing Merrick’s Mills, Nicholson’s, and the Oxford Snie (later Burritt’s Rapids locks), from a drawing by Lt. Col. John By, February, 1829.

by David Shanahan Nearly 190 years ago, on May 22, 1832, the steamboat, “Rideau”, also known by its nickname, “Pumper”, left the dock in Kingston to make the inaugural voyage through the newly-completed Rideau Canal to Bytown. The passengers included the British officer who had supervised the construction since 1826, Lt. Col. John By, along with members of his family and some of his fellow officers.

Stopping at some of the settlements along the way, the “Rideau” arrived in Bytown on May 29, the first of innumerable vessels to make the journey in the near-two centuries since.

The impact which this waterway was to have the regions through which it passed would be profound, bringing with it access for new settlers and goods, the opening up of the lands which had, before then, been difficult to reach overland, and changing the face of the landscape almost beyond recognition. Some small settlements, such as Merrickville and Burritt’s Rapids, would experience exponential growth in importance and population, if only for a short time, before being bypassed, in turn, by the railways and roads which would come in the future decades.

And, after a long period of neglect and comparative irrelevance, the Rideau Canal would regain its status as a primary route, but this time for tourists, boaters, and sightMay 18, 2022

seers, becoming recognised as a World Heritage Site.

But the project that reached a conclusion 190 years ago this month, was itself the outcome of an earlier and more urgent initiative that began some twenty years earlier, in 1812, when Britain and the United States went to war against each other, a war that would be fought almost entirely in the province of Upper Canada and would make the future defense of that outlying part of the British Empire a matter of concern for its government and military.

The Rideau Canal saga begins, in truth, with that earlier conflict, and it is in that context that the very existence of the Canal came to be. In this anniversary month, and the weeks to come, we will delve into this great saga of Canadian history, and look at the events surrounding the decision to build the great work, the people who were brought together to achieve the vision, as well as the ironic twist that made it largely redundant almost before it was completed.

It is also the story of the thousands of men who worked on the canal, both the military engineers and the labourers who did the hard work without the aid of any major mechanical support. It was the shovel and wheelbarrow, the dynamite and pickaxe that did the job.

The section of the Rideau Canal that forms part of the boundaries of MerrickvilleWolford and North Grenville has its own store of legends

and stories, tragedies and comedies, from the pathos of the McGuigan Cemetery, to the comedy-farce of the Battle of Merrickville in 1829. To this day, no-one knows how many of those workers died in the course of the construction, and estimates usually range around 1,000. French-Canadians and Irish were the main casualties, from both disease and accident. The work, through malarial swamps and sweltering temperatures, had a devastating effect on the labourers. One account from

October, 1827, described the condition of canal workers returning to Kingston after the working season: “There is scarcely a hut or log house here but is filled with sick and needy, who are suffering, not only from Disease, but also from Hunger, and from almost every other misery concomitant upon the want of the common necessities of life.”

There is no doubting the incredible achievement in completing such a project through such a landscape with such minimal technology and maximum labour. Looking at the vessels passing through the locks at Merrickville, Nicholson’s, or Burritt’s Rapids, it is easy to admire the scene and forget the background, the context, the saga itself. Easy, too, to take for granted that this heritage site exists solely for recreation and tourism.

But why is it there? What prompted such a massive undertaking through a land that was almost entirely unpopulated, aside from a few scattered settlements and farms?

That is where the saga begins, and where we must begin also, if we are to appreciate the jewel that is our Rideau Canal today.

Image 2: Irish labourer on the Rideau, c. 1830, by J. P. Cockburn, Royal Ontario Museum.

16

Merrickville-Wolford launches election web site

by David Shanahan Residents of MerrickvilleWolford can take advantage of an informative and practical move by the Village to prepare for the Municipal and School Board election coming up in October. Although we have still to deal with a provincial election in a couple of weeks, May 2 was the official kick-off date for the upcoming Municipal Election. Individuals wanting to file a nomination paper for the offices of Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee could do so from that day, and Mayor Doug Struthers was quickly out of the block to file his papers the very next day. A special Candidate's Package has been put together for those interested in joining the race for the positions on Council and the various School Boards, and an electronic copy of the package is available online at: www.mwvotes.ca/ resources. Hard copies of the information package are also available at the Municipal Office (317 Brock Street West, Merrickville) during regular office hours (8:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday).

The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is organised in a Ward system, with two Wards: Merrickville and Wolford.

You must vote in the Ward where you live. If you are also the owner or tenant of a property in another ward, you are not permitted to vote in that Ward instead. The rules governing who can vote in the election are also set out on the Village web site, and cover both resident and non-resident qualifications, as well as those

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for students and those qualified to vote in more than one municipality. Whatever your status, it is essential that you ensure your name is listed on the voters list at your correct address. All the details and information needed to guarantee your right to vote can be found on the site at www. mwvotes.ca.

To confirm that you are on the voters list, you can check your status on https:// voterlookup.ca, and to add or correct your information, go to elections.on.ca, where you can also confirm your status before the provincial election on June 2. If you have a problem with the voters list information, you can also visit the Municipal Office (317 Brock Street West, Merrickville) during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and speak to someone from the Clerk's Office.

Although the official election day is Monday, October 24, it will be possible to cast your vote any time after October 17 by using internet or telephone voting options.

The Village site recommends internet voting as being easier to use than the telephone option, but directions on using both methods is provided on the site.

Intending candidates have until August 19 to file their nomination papers, or, alternatively, to withdraw their nomination.

The Village has provided a very useful and informative site for those wishing to find out what they need to know before the vote in October, or, indeed, in deciding whether to throw their own hat in the ring for the coming election.

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The North Grenville Times

Supporting the agri-food sector means economic growth and prosperity for Ontario

by Steve Brackenridge, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Throughout the last two years, farmers and farm businesses have worked hard to adapt to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. That included ensuring Ontarians continued to have access to locally grown food and keeping farm workers and rural communities healthy and safe.

As an industry that contributes $47 billion a year to the provincial economy, agriculture is a key economic engine for Ontario. Agriculture will also be a key driver of the Province’s post-pandemic economic recovery – and as candidates of all parties roll out their election campaigns, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is busy making sure the issues that matter to farmers and their communities are front and centre.

We’ve already been meeting with candidates over the last few months leading up to the provincial campaign to help build awareness of food and farming and what we need to thrive and support economic growth for all Ontarians.

I’ve participated in a few of those meetings myself to share our provincial election priorities and provide more information about how supporting farms and rural communities will provide benefit to the entire Province.

Investing in rural infrastructure We believe the key to producing prosperity for Ontario is ensuring that economic de-

velopment opportunities are spread more evenly across the Province than they are now.

The pandemic has shown clearly how inconsistent infrastructure and services can unfairly disadvantage the non-urban regions of our province. Now, more than ever, all levels of government need to engage with the agricultural community to capitalize on the economic opportunities that the farming and food sector could additionally provide for the economy and its citizens.

Ontario’s rural economy relies on properly constructed and maintained roads, bridges, and drainage to support the growth and transportation of goods and services. Simply put, when we can’t get trucks on the road, local food doesn’t make it to Ontario stores.

Rural Ontarians pay anywhere from 30 to 100 percent more for energy than people in urban areas because many parts of the Province still don’t have access to natural gas. If natural gas was available across Ontario, farmers, local businesses, and rural residents could save more than $1 billion in annual energy costs – money that could instead be used to create jobs and grow businesses.

Fast, reliable and affordable internet has become an indispensable necessity of life in our modern world.

Pandemic-related restrictions that sent everything from school to social activities online certainly highlighted that need – yet also illustrated how this piece of critical infrastructure is still not yet available to everyone in Ontario, putting rural Ontario at a competitive disadvantage to the rest of the Province.

That’s why we’re urging a newly elected government to make long-term investments in rural roads and bridges, reliable broadband internet, and affordable access to natural gas.

But it’s not just about physical infrastructure. To attract and keep families in rural communities, our social

infrastructure needs support as well. This means schools, healthcare, recreation, businesses, community hubs and programs, and mental health and wellness resources that can meet the unique needs of rural Ontario and the agrifood sector.

Supporting responsible land use planning As a farmer, I believe strongly in the need for preserving farmland and protecting high quality agricultural land that is vital to our food production through responsible land-use planning – and we’ve been hearing that this is an issue that matters to many candidates too.

In Ontario, we grow and raise more than 200 hundred commodities, from grains, fruits and vegetables to milk, meat and eggs. Farmland is vital to our ability to grow food for Ontario, Canada and the world – after all, they’re not making any more of it, so it’s essential that we carefully look after this valuable resource that we have.

Through responsible land-use practices, we know that farmland preservation can go hand-in-hand with addressing the Province’s housing needs. The solution is two-fold: intensification of the residential development in our existing urban footprint to create complete and liveable communities, along with the distribution of economic development province-wide.

New investments in rural communities and distribution of economic development beyond just the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area will grow existing businesses, attract new ones and make those areas appealing for new residents to raise their families and build their lives.

When you support local farmers, you are supporting the jobs and employment opportunities the agri-food sector creates, as well as the economic growth and prosperity it contributes to the Province.

The Voice of North Grenville

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The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Ok, so back to those fine folks who have chosen a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle. I have posted a number of “just in time” salads in the past year or two. This “salad” actually fits the fresh pickle category and can act as a side for any other dish you prepare. It is simply called Marinated Veggies and can act as a great way of finishing up some vegetables that you have left in your fridge. The colours are also great!

2 largish carrots, peeled, sliced and diced Marinade Ingredients 2 cups of white vinegar 1 tablespoon of crushed chili peppers 3 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons of dried oregano 1 tablespoon of dried thyme 2 tablespoons of honey 1 cup of water ¼ cup of dry sherry (optional, if you wish, or just drink the sherry…)

Preparation 1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a saucepan Vegetable Ingredients and bring to a boil 2 medium sized onions, 2. Place your vegetables in a sliced and diced large bowl 5 cups carrots, sliced thinly 3. Pour the piping hot mari½ cup of broccoli florets ½ cup of cauliflower florets nade over the vegetables and ½ cup each of red, green and let cool 4. Place the result in a sealer yellow peppers

Marinated Veggies

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jar or two 5. Refrigerate for a couple or three weeks to get the full whammy of flavour You can toss in any other vegetable you have kicking around, e.g., some shallots, green and yellow beans, etc.

There is no fat or any cholesterol in this dish.

All the best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Many thanks for your mails, they are much appreciated. Please don’t forget to share some of your own culinary masterpieces. Also, I’d love to hear how you have modified some of the recipes from the North Grenville Times Food Corner to suit your own needs.

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS Support the local businesses that support your local newspaper.

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May 18, 2022

17

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The North Grenville Times

Another blow for community newspapers

Sons and Daughters

Walter Turnbull: Man at the top

by David Shanahan Walter James Turnbull probably had one of the more interesting lives of anyone who grew up in Oxford Mills.

His mother, Sophronia Williams, came from a long-established family in the village.

She met Alexander Turnbull while living in Kingston where they married in July, 1895. Their first children were born in Kingston but when Walter arrived on September 16, 1896, the family had moved to Toronto. Something happened between Sophronia and Alexander because by 1901, she and the children were back living in Oxford Mills again, still married, but Sophronia is listed as the Head of the family on the census for that year. Alexander remained in Toronto for the rest of his life, working as a timekeeper at Massey-Harris.

Walter grew up in Oxford Mills, attending school at Maplewood, and then moving on to the High School in Kemptville. After graduation, he joined the Post Office in Ottawa, first as a clerk in the secretariat branch, and then, when World War broke out in 1914, he moved to the Censorship Office. It was an important move for a young man of 18, but he obviously impressed his superiors. Aside from a term in the Air Force in 1918-1919, Walter rejoined the rapidly expanding Post Office, rising to the position of Director of Public Relations.

In 1919, he married Helen Buell Graham of Ottawa, the city where they settled down and raised their two children.

By the 1930's, he had caught the eye of Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, who brought him into the Prime Minister’s Office in 1936. By 1939, he was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, allowing him to witness some of the most important moments in Canada’s struggles during the Second World War. Working for King involved Walter in some tasks which were rather unusual for a public servant.

When King put his support behind the new documentary film-making arm of

the government, the National Film Board, Walter found himself acting as liaison between the PMO and the film makers. He talked about visiting New York in 1939, where a film was being put together on behalf of the Canadian war effort. Although not a man with natural musical abilities, he had to correct the musicians who were recording the soundtrack for the film.

“As a person with a tin ear, I found it necessary to direct the orchestra in the playing of “O Canada”, because their tempo was wrong. So here was Turnbull up waving his arms trying to get them what I thought was the correct beat”.

Earlier in that same year, Walter was put in charge of press relations for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their tour of Canada. This involved him in travelling across the country with the King and Queen in the months before the outbreak of war. As Private Secretary of the Prime Minister, Walter also took a role in the Conferences of Commonwealth Leaders which took place in 1941 and 1944, events which cemented the ties between the various countries as they found their places in the overall war effort as sovereign nations.

When King met in Quebec City in 1943 and 1944 with British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill and American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Walter was there as part of the host delegation in support of the Canadian Prime Minister as the three leaders planned for the invasion of Europe which took place in June the following year.

After the war, Walter continued to serve at international conferences including the one in 1946 in San Francisco at which the United Nations was formally established. Walter had travelled a very long way from Oxford Mills, and was moving in the highest political and diplomatic circles of his time. He returned to the Post Office after the war, and, in 1946, he was a member of the Canadian delegation to the fourth Congress of the

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May 18, 2022

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Postal Union of the Americas and Spain held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Closer to home, he represented the Post Office Department at the Universal Postal Union (UPU) conference in New York, organized by the U.N. And, in 1950, he headed the Canadian delegation to the Congress of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain in Madrid in his capacity as the Deputy Postmaster General of Canada. He headed Canada Post, as we know it, from 1945 until 1957, and was responsible for introducing many technical innovations in the area of air mail service and the mechanical sorting of mail. Even after he retired in 1957, his expertise was called on by Spain and some South American countries, where he reorganized their national postal services.

Walter James Turnbull died in 1987 at the age of 91.

Helen had died before him in 1974. His links to Oxford Mills continue, as his mother, aunt, and two brothers are buried in the Union Cemetery outside the village.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Gravenhurst printing company McLaren Press Graphics will close its doors at the end of the month.

This is bad news for many community newspaper customers, including the North Grenville Times, North Dundas Times, and MerrickvilleWolford Times, who rely on McLaren to print their papers.

While the work is already underway to ensure that the papers will continue to be produced on schedule, the closure of McLaren speaks to a much broader issue – that of the rising costs of paper and printing.

Ontario Community Newspaper Association CEO Ronda Parkes sent a press release to members, which expressed much sadness at the news of the closure. “Effective May 31, McLaren Press Graphics is closing its doors,” the note reads. “Sad news for the industry and for the McLaren family that has been serving many of our members for years. McLaren has also been a major supporter of the OCNA, and we are forever grateful. President Drew McLaren cites numerous issues leading to the closure. A global paper shortage, increases in material costs, as well as labour shortages all added up to what we can only imagine was a difficult decision. We are also concerned for our members who

are affected by this news and face disruption to their businesses.”

All problems have a chain that can be followed. Community newspapers often struggle financially because of the ever-increasing cost of printing. Printing companies must raise their prices because of supply chain issues that drive the cost of paper up.

The cost of paper is driven up by many factors, such as the increased cost of fuel which makes it more expensive to transport both materials and finished products, not to mention the exponentially higher demand for wood pulp in recent years owing to the amount of cardboard packaging used by online retailers.

Finally, the dramatic increase in buying from online retailers can logically be explained at least partially by the high rate of inflation, which pushes people to look for the cheapest options when purchasing goods. No matter what path leads to printing companies not having the supplies necessary to meet their orders, or having to significantly increase costs for customers, community newspapers feel the resulting pinch. Should governments and members of the public care? Of course!

Community newspapers are vital because, unlike the internet, they provide content that can always be trusted.

“Don’t believe everything you see on the internet” is a common lesson parents teach

their children, but no such lesson is necessary for newspapers, which contain both professionally written content and community firsthand experiences, all of which are vetted through an editor.

Community newspapers also act as a place for the community and local businesses to connect, making them vital in supporting local economies.

In this way, newspapers also help create pride and a sense of belonging by providing information, resources, and entertainment that are unique to one’s geographic area, but exclusive to none within the area (for newspapers that are free).

In correspondence with the Times, Ronda Parkes summarized the importance of community newspapers very nicely, saying “The silver lining is that community newspapers are the lifeblood of the people of Ontario, as showcased throughout COVID-19, providing information and resources that ensure transparency, promote accountability, and support our local economies.

There is an increasing recognition amongst governments that local news is a vital part of small communities, and grants and other government programs speak to this recognition. However, it is clear that there is always room for improvement. Many thanks to the McLaren family for nearly 40 years of dedicated service to community newspapers.

Run as a candidate in North Grenville’s

2022

Municipal

Election Visit NGvotes.ca Nomination period: May 2nd - August 19th 18

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Flashy marketing deceives new mothers

Menu #113 Wed May 18-20 Please Preorder the day before for next day pick up 1:30-4:30pm Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136 $39.99 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $74.99 Complete Meal for 4 + HST Meals come cold with gentle heating instructions Dessert of the week: Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes $2.50 Buttermilk Fried Chicken Picnic Dinner Crisp juicy Chicken (white & dark meat) | Mac n Cheese | Slaw | Potato Salad | Chocolate chip cookies Pulled Pork Enchiladas or Bean Medley Enchiladas Soft flour tortillas with Slow Cooked, Beans and Housemade Enchilada Sauce | Pico de Gallo | Sour cream | cheddar | dirty rice | Cabbage & Pineapple Slaw | House fried Tortilla Chips | Salad Falafel Bowl - Vegan (serve hot or cold - Self assembly) House made Falafel | Basmati rice | Tahini | Hummus | Pita Bread | Pickles| Tabouli | Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables | Salad

Menu #114 Wed May 25- Fri May 27 2022 Dessert of the week $2.50 each - Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding w/ caramel sauce

Pork Schnitzel Crispy Pork Cutlet | Spaetzle | Sauerkraut | Lemon-Caper Butter | Vegetables | Salad Butter Chicken or Tofu & Cauliflower (G/F) Boneless Chicken in Mildly Spiced Tomato Cream Sauce | Basmati Rice | Housemade Samosas & Cilantro Chutney | Flat Bread | Salad General Tso’s Chicken Sweet n Spicy Chicken | Egg & Garlic Fried Rice | Cantonese Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry | Egg Rolls with Plum Sauce | Wonton Soup

WELCOME BACK to the Farmers’ Market Sunday, May 15 STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm

613.258.3014 301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Menu # 114 will be our last Curbside Meal till the Fall as we turn our attention to all the special ccasions that have been on hold for the last 3 years.

Our Catered Affairs team thanks our community for all the support over the last three years. We will have a series of special events over the summer months on the beautiful Kemptville Campus grounds. We will be open in-house and patio for Kemptville Live Thursday July 21st - Sat July 23rd for breakfast and dinner.

Curbside meals will resume in the fall 2022. All gift certificates will still be honored. We can still prepare meals for your special events over the summer months Please contact us info@cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136.

Happy Summer North Grenville…

Please stay Happy and Healthy!

Book your special occasion or corporate event with Catered Affairs.

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The global formula milk industry is huge and growing rapidly, at about US$55 billion and projected to reach US$110B by 2026. Aggressive and deceptive marketing by manufacturers is driving this growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) is ringing alarms. It charges the industry with using new digital marketing tactics to target pregnant women and new mothers with “personalized social media content that is often not recognizable as advertising.”

The Internet and smart phones are wonderful tools. But they can also be dangerous. Women have breastfed babies since the beginning of time. Animals thrive without Big Pharma.

Human babies do too.

The WHO says the digital onslaught by industry reaches 2.47 billion people. The intention is to plant concerns in the minds of new mothers that their natural breastmilk is insufficient. They set out to convince new mothers that they’re nutritionally uneducated and irresponsible if they choose traditional breast milk.

Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO Nutrition and Food Safety Department, goes on the offence. He says, “The promotion of commercial milk formulas should have been terminated decades ago.” He adds, “That formula milk companies are now employing even more powerful and insidious marketing techniques to drive up their sales is inexcusable and must be stopped.”

What are the natural benefits that breast milk has always given babies? For one, mother’s milk transfers antibodies to build immunity against infection.

Ameae Walker, Professor of Biomedical Science at UC Riverside School of Medicine, explains that copies of these cells will provide immunity to the baby for life. Breastfeeding protects mothers as well by reducing risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Apart from conveying immunity, extensive research shows that breastmilk offers increased long-term protection from a host of diseases. Breast-fed babies have less chance of developing ear, respiratory, and urinary infections. They are more resilient against bacterial meningitis, a serious condition that can lead to death. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, high blood pressure and heart disease.

While antibodies in breastmilk adjust to a growing baby’s evolving needs, manufactured formula is unchanging and has no antibodies. Instead, manufacturers add ingredients designed to foster good gut bacteria. This may help protect babies from illness, but not to the same degree.

It has also been found that vitamins and minerals added to manufactured milk cause increased gas in babies and more constipation. Bottle feeding affects mother-child bonding. And formula fed babies have an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Expectant mothers have reason for confidence, not trepidation, in their abilities to breastfeed babies. At best, it should be deemed unethical to market misleading information about baby formula. At worst, given the lifelong health consequences at stake, and the duty to care for society’s youngest and most vulnerable members, such marketing should be criminal.

There are, of course, circumstances in which formula is the right choice. These mothers should be supported, not shamed.

It’s an obvious fact that many babies raised on formula have fared just fine. There are geniuses, concert pianists, goldmedal athletes, doctors, lawyers and every other professional among them.

But the economics of the formula milk industry is the problem. This industry should not be allowed to profit at the expense of parental confidence and children’s health – yet profit is precisely the boardroom mandate of these companies.

Looked at another way, the total cost of formula feeding is estimated to be US$900-$3,000 per year. Those funds would be better spent other ways.

It’s the WHO’s boring reports versus deceptive digital marketing. Not a good match up.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Baldwin's Birds

Hummy Returns!

Thursday, 5 May, was a day of note for myself and my wife, as we stepped out of our garage and heard, and almost felt, those familiar wings whirr-r-ring and going a mile-a- minute! Yes! Our first sighting of a Ruby Throated Hummingbird, as it sought a drink, and maybe a resting place, after its long trip back to our part of its world.

Unfortunately, my feeder for it was not to be in place until

10 minutes later, surprise, surprise, so it didn't linger to wait for us! It, or another one, did appear at the feeder four days later and partook of a drink, but other than that their presence at the feeder has not become a regular event yet.

The hotter weather will now give more encouragement for the "Summer birds" to show themselves, as they too return to spend a few months with us.

With the lifting of the Covid restrictions and a lot more vehicles back on the roads, our soaring "clean-up crew", the Turkey Vultures, are ever more in evidence, as they majestically soar above the fields and hedgerows alongside the roads in search of "carrion", as do the ground feeding Crows. They, the Crows, seem to get bolder by the day, defying passing motorists by waiting until the last second on a "roadkill" before deftly hopping out of the way of the approaching wheels! Unfortunately, the food that they are cleaning up is of some poor animal victim, who isn't quite so smart, as they are, at doing this!

Other "big bird" sightings. such as the Ospreys, can be seen whilst traversing the local highways and byways, especially in proximity of the river. Some of the nesting platforms are now in full use and the head of a parent bird

can just be seen as they sit on their nest and newly laid eggs. Please be careful if you happen to come across such a platform on your travels, and be conscious of other drivers.

Stop to look, rather than being distracted and attempting to look whilst you are driving.

My picture this week is of a female Red-winged Blackbird that has been availing herself of our feeders, and giving us a good look at her lovely feather markings.

Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin

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Indigenous matters

The Power of Family Memories

This is part of a series of articles on Indigenous issues and history to promote awareness of our shared history among the general population.

L-R: Martina Osawamick, Lisa Osawamick, and Craig Lecuyer from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. \ – Photo supplied May 18, 2022

P: 613.774.1672 F: 613.774.6612

by Lisa Osawamick Pow wows are a special type of gathering that bring all of us together to share time, laughter, stories, songs, and dances. There is so much to look forward to when you know you are travelling to a pow wow; craft vendors with the baddest beaded bling, the best Indian Tacos and corn soup to feast on! But most important is making the best pow wow memories with the people you love. This picture represents love, happiness and pride.

Welcoming my partner Niigaan Batoo into the dancing circle with his first-ever regalia and first time dancing Men’s Woodland.

It was an amazing 20

process to watch this beautiful Woodland regalia come together! My sister Aileen Fox Plant worked at the sewing and putting it all together—working tirelessly for two weeks straight!

It eventually became a team effort at one point where all of us helped out with tracing and cutting the floral patterns for the appliqué! Other pieces of his regalia came from his nephew Nimkii, his late father Adolphus-baa, and the odds and ends from my mother Martina and me.

The war bonnet he is wearing was also worn by my late stepdad, Ronald-baa. My mother was more than happy to loan it to him as it is meaningful to

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her, which further made this day extra special.

It also sweetened the moment when we got to see Niigaan Batoo dance with it on in the pow wow circle.

Pow wows are not only a gathering but can play such an important role in our very own healing journey. When we are welcomed into the pow wow circle, we feel included— we have a sense of belonging, pride, confidence, healthy living and healthy relationships, and feeling grounded.

The smiles on our faces is a testament to exactly this.

We are so very grateful for this pow wow memory and that we were able to attend a handful of pow wows in the summer 2021!

When we needed it most, we look forward to dancing and travelling together in 2022!

Chi-miigwech!

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