North Grenville Giving Garden begins its 16th season
by Michelle Rousselle McEvoy
Everyone is invited to join us for Planting Day scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at 9am at the Giving Garden. It is located on County Road 43 and Anniversary Way across from Creekside Centre.
Many of you have seen the sign on 43 and have perhaps wondered what was happening there.
The Giving Garden is a place where everything that grows is a gift, intended to be harvested when ready, and given in random acts of kindness throughout the commu-
nity. When the produce is ready, it can be harvested by anyone and given to anyone. The Garden gives in many ways, to both the giver and the receiver, and is run solely on the time of dedicated volunteers. The property, located on Ferguson Forestry land, has become a park-like setting that encourages visitors to slow down, and relax a bit, enjoy a book, or their lunch at the picnic table by the flower wheel at the back of the property.
We are continually looking for volunteers to help at the Giving Gar-
den. In July and August volunteers gather for ‘Weedless Wednesdays’ in the mornings and work together to maintain the weeds once the crops begin to sprout. Can’t join us Wednesdays, but would like to help? You’re welcome to volunteer whatever time you can at the Giving Garden. The shed has tools that have been donated that you can use if you wish to spend some quiet time alone in nature.
We are forever grateful for our continuing partnerships with the FFC, the Municipality, St
Michael CHS, KPS last year, and the local nurseries who provide plants in spring. This season, the Salvation Army will plant a plot specifically for the Food Bank.
Giving Garden founder, the late Terry McEvoy, believed that random acts of unconditional giving could have a transformative effect. In these challenging times for many we must continue to believe that Hope Blooms.
We are excited to invite you to Let’s Ketchup, a unique networking event organized by the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Kemptville BIA, Let’s Network, Ontario Approved Professionals and the North Grenville Municipality.
What is Let’s Ketchup?
Let’s Ketchup is a fantastic opportunity for local business owners to connect, collaborate, and explore the resources available right here in North Grenville. This event is focused on building relationships and supporting two incredible local organizations that are making a real impact in our community.
Supporting Local Causes
The event will feature a BBQ, organized by the Oxford Mills Girl Guides unit. Proceeds from the BBQ will support their upcoming trip to Switzerland. We are also collecting donations to benefit the Kemptville Youth Centre, which provides valuable programs and services for youth in North Grenville.
Event Details:
Date & Time: June 12, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: North Grenville Municipal Centre
BBQ Available for Purchase
How You Can Help:
Attend the Event: Join us for an enjoyable evening of networking, food, and community spirit.
Spread the Word: Help us make this event a success by sharing it with your colleagues, friends, and family.
Support the Causes: Your donations and participation will directly support the Girl Guides and the Kemptville Youth Centre.
We look forward to seeing you at Let’s Ketchup, where we’ll come together to support our local community and strengthen our business networks.
Terri-Lynn McEvoy, Executive Director, North Grenville Chamber of Commerce
CSE Power Tour and BBQ
On Friday, May 30, from 9am to 2pm, City Electric Supply will be hosting a FREE BBQ on site, and will be giving live demonstrations of Milwaukee's MX Fuel line and large commercial electrical tools. Whether you are an electrician or a home owner, this is your chance to meet the staff and learn about electric tools and how they can work for you. They will also have exclusive free items with any purchases over $200.
Located at 11 Precision Drive in Kemptville, City Electric Supply (CES) is a trusted electrical wholesale distributor serving local trade professionals. As part of a family-owned company established in 1990, CES is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and a comprehensive range of electrical products.
The Kemptville branch offers an extensive selection of electrical supplies, including lighting, wiring devices, tools, safety equipment, and generators. Operating Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., CES Kemptville provides personalized service and expert advice to support electrical projects.
They are also open to the Public for trade.
North Grenville Men's Shed breakfast and sale
by Stuart Leyenaar
We are pleased to invite you to attend a family breakfast and sale of products created by the members of the North Grenville Men's Shed. This breakfast and sale will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 am. at 2 Oxford St. West, Kemptville.
Ticket prices for the breakfast are $10.00/person for adults and $5.00/child; a maximum cost of $30.00 per family has been established. If you come with six children, please buy several birdhouses!
Yes, the purpose of this event is to be a fund-raising opportunity for the North Grenville Men's Shed. Our members will be serving a breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup, scrambled eggs, toast and sausages, tea or coffee on the menu. As well, we will be selling birdhouses painted in colours favoured by different species of birds common to this area. Other items for sale include cutting boards, garden boxes and raised beds, "little library" book exchange cabinets and other products made by the members in their home workshops.
This will be an "All Hands on Deck" event involving as many members of the NGMS as possible. Members will greet you on arrival and give you time to check out the merchandise on display. If you would like an item custom-made to your specifications, we will try to build it and contact you when it's completed. A common thread of our membership is building things using wood, and doing other projects for the benefit of the community. In addition, our meetings provide time for coffee and social interaction, exchanging stories and building friendships and comradery amongst the membership.
We hope to see you on June 7!
Matthew Brennan - Outside Sales, Aidan Frank - Driver/Inside Sales, Jordan Loughran - Branch Manager, Jamie Moreau - Operations Manager
Walkathon for Small Homes
by Janne Ritskes
Now we, at
Shalom Small
Homes, have started the process of fundraising for our next four housing units for seniors who are unable to afford a safe, livable home. For me, it’s the creation of a legacy in a time when the world is changing. It seems as if the world is full of threats and sorrow, leaving many in a state of fear and insecurity.
It’s a time to become a light in this world of distress, a tiny light for sure, a light that flickers, but never goes out. It’s a time to show that in the midst of all this darkness, there
is hope; a time to do good for others who are in need. It’s a time to leave a legacy for all around us, for our children and our grandchildren. For our neighbours and their offspring. For our communities and for other countries. If all of us were a tiny, flickering light how the world would change!
We are committed to building 36 more units for seniors at a cost of $5 million Canadian. It seems an impossible amount, so we have broken it down to building four units at a time at a cost of $500,000. To do this we need 500 people to donate $1,000 dollars each.
But a good many people don’t have this kind of spendable money, so we have decided to do a walkathon/bikeathon on June 14, 2025. It’s to be held in a lovely area full of trails filled with natures beauty. It’s geared towards everyone, including seniors, disabled, young families, students of all ages and of course, to people who enjoy walking, jogging or cycling. A morning of enjoyment, of positive thinking and doing, a morning of shining like a light! For those of you who participated in our walkathons for the hospital in Cambodia, do come and
Ah Cappella – a unique musical offering
by Mary Moore
When my husband and I moved to Kemptville last year from rural Spencerville we were no strangers to the town. Tom had been a Kinsman for several years, and we had friends and family here as well. Early on, we frequented ‘Amanda’s Slip’ and ‘The Branch’ frequently, participating in the popular open mic run there by my sister and brotherin-law, Terry and John Brewer.
Last March, looking for something cultural I could contribute to the community from our new digs, I decided to focus on the musical genre I have spent years practicing and enjoying – a cappella music. And so, Ah Cappella was born. We had our first successful run at it last year.
This year’s show will host five entertaining groups who will perform without instrumental accompaniment. Here are their profiles: Cuppa Joe vocal jazz quartet:
Cuppa Joe (John Wilson, Cathy Thompson, Mary Moore and Peter Feldman) has been entertaining audiences in the Ottawa region for over fifteen years. Popular performance venues for the quartet have included Zolas, Pressed, and Montgomery Scotch Lounge (now Night Oat). They’ve also performed at the NAC’s Fourth Stage, Gigspace, and the Buckingham Jazz Festival. And they’ve sung for a variety of private events, including birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, garden parties, and even an engagement dinner.
Inspired by the sounds of The Manhattan Transfer and tunes like Java Jive, Cuppa Joe’s jazz-based repertoire includes a variety of their arrangements, along with those of New York Voices and other
close harmony groups, augmented by songs of popular artists like James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Beatles.
big baNG:
“big baNG” are students from North Grenville District High School in Kemptville. They learn traditional percussion rhythms along with songs and dances from the West Coast of Africa and respectfully present these rhythms from the cultures from whence they originate. These pieces will be presented in a “performance format” where the drummers and dancers face the audience.
“big baNG” recently participated in the “invitation-only” MusicFest Canada Nationals in Toronto where they received a unanimous Gold standing from the 3 professional adjudicators, including Joaquin Nunez, FOH drummer with The Lion King. Village Voyces Chamber Choir:
This ensemble, under the combined direction of Sheila Fawcett, Abraham TeGrotenhuis and Cheryl Robertson, have been blending their voices in harmony since 2008, exploring a cappella music from medieval to contemporary times. Known for their subtle musical colouring and conviviality, the ensemble has performed widely in Eastern Ontario, with highlights including the Brockville Music Festival and a gig at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. Proceeds from their performances support charitable causes.
The Workshop Dance Studio:
The Workshop Dance Studio opened its doors in 2015 and proudly remains Ontario’s only dance studio exclusively for adults. Over the years, it has become a welcoming hub for adults looking to try something new—especially tap dancing. What began as a small interest quickly grew into a vibrant community of people rediscovering the joy of
join us.
Come and join me in being a small flickering light in this world of increasing darkness. I am thankful to my God for this privilege and for each of you.
PERKINS DECKS
movement, rhythm, and connection. Most of the tap dancers you’ll see at the show had never put on a pair of tap shoes before joining The Workshop, and for many, this is also their first time performing on a large stage.
HappyCrap:
HappyCrap (Brian ‘MudCat’ McAuley, Eric ‘Baloo’ Josling and George "’Chill’ Tierney), are a ‘pseudo-Celtic garage band’: that’s as close to a genre as they can come up with. They love playing gigs, parties, and host regular jam sessions. At its heart, Happy Crap is about entertainment. “Making people smile, laugh out loud and sing along is what we’re all about. We live to play our collection of four-chord songs whether it’s on-stage, in our living rooms or around a camp fire.”
culverts
by Mayor Nancy Peckford
North Grenville is at a crossroads. As one of Eastern Ontario’s fastestgrowing municipalities, our community continues to evolve, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. Over the last several years, we have engaged residents in meaningful conversations about the future of our community - through the development of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan in 2019, and the Official Plan renewal process, which included a pre-consultation with an array of stakeholders, residents, and businesses last fall.
More recently, the Municipality’s “All In for the Dome” campaign this spring has enabled municipal staff and elected officials to hear from a wide variety of user groups, community, and business leaders. In every case, your input has helped shape our collective priorities.
We recognize that residents deeply value our rural character, agricultural lands, and natural ecosystems. We are proud to steward a community where trails, waterways, and green spaces are cherished. That
commitment is unwavering. In fact, North Grenville continues to prioritize investments in parks, trails and pathways.
At the same time, as our community evolves, we are confronting the heightened demand for accessible, year-round recreational infrastructure for seniors, families, and everyone in between. This is where North Grenville’s proposed indoor, year-round sports dome comes in.
The idea for an indoor multi-sport facility did not emerge overnight. It has been referenced in municipal planning documents as far back as 2019, and more recently reaffirmed through community consultations in the lead up to the Official Plan renewal.
Hundreds of residents, sports organizations, schools, and health-focused groups have expressed strong support for a facility that provides space for field and hard-court sports, walking clubs, youth and seniors’ activities, as well as community and cultural events throughout the year. We recognize that our long winters and hot summers can be equally challenging for outdoor recreation, which is why we have integrated four season HVAC
(heating and air conditioning) to ensure we can maximize usage 12 months of the year. Ultimately, it’s about equity and access: ensuring people of all ages and abilities can stay active year-round, regardless of the weather.
The Sportsdome is not a departure from our values, it is a complement to them. It is one part of a larger vision that includes investing in sustainable growth and creating spaces that promote well-being for all. We can, and must, do both. The proposed location of the Dome on the periphery of Kemptville Campus is an ideal location owing to its proximity to the 416 and trail connectivity to the rest of the Campus and our beautiful downtown (via multiple trails).
For context, the Campus is a 632-acre parcel of land owned by the Municipality. 180 acres are currently active agricultural lands. The Indoor Sports Dome would utilize a maximum 10-acre parcel and would not compromise the other important agricultural activities. When the Campus was purchased in 2018 by the Municipality, it was always envisioned to be a community hub to facilitate education, recreation, agriculture, and
community cohesion.
Council and staff have seen the power of creating more recreational opportunities to foster cohesion and connection among residents, no matter how long they have lived in North Grenville. Our collective commitment to recreation was affirmed when North Grenville won the National Title as Canada's Most Active Community in 2021, followed by the provincial title in 2022 and 2023. This was a truly impressive accomplishment for a community without significant indoor recreational amenities.
The recent establishment by the Government of Ontario of a $200 million recreation fund to support communities like ours was the impetus North Grenville needed to develop a robust plan for an Indoor Dome that could serve local needs and also promote economic development and regional sporting opportunities. The values we’ve heard so clearly from residents are woven into the design and vision for this Indoor Sports Dome: sustainability, community connection, and quality of life.
We have been overwhelmed with positive support which includes over
forty letters of endorsement from many different organizations, thirty community champions, and over 200 letters of support from residents of all ages and stages of life. North Grenville’s indoor Sports Dome would be a state of the art facility designed for maximum durability and energy efficiency. It would likely be the largest, and only publicly managed, domes between Ottawa and Belleville, with crucial input from local Dome builders / operators.
We applaud the Province's commitment to empowering more communities to offer crucial recreational opportunities that are literally a game changer for thousands of individuals and a myriad of groups and organizations from North Grenville and beyond.
Let’s continue the conversation, grounded in dialogue, respect, and a shared commitment to the longterm health and well-being of North Grenville. Together, we can build a future that reflects our values and meets the evolving needs of our community.
We have universal healthcare. But is it enough?
by Hilary Thomson
Over the May long weekend I was in the emergency room with my toddler for over six hours.
Chasing a young child around an ER waiting room was not exactly what I had planned for a Sunday on a long weekend. But hey, such is life with young children.
It was a busy afternoon in the Kemptville District Hospital ER. I expected that for a long weekend. With most doctors offices in the area closed, anyone who needed medical attention before Tuesday had no option but to end up there.
One side effect of having an active toddler in a small ER waiting room is that you inevitably become the entertainment. My son waved goodbye to the room as we went for another walk around the small hospital. He also found his love for automatic doors, giving the people waiting a chuckle as he burst through the door into the waiting area once
again.
It was exhausting chasing him around the ER, but he was also the ice breaker needed to strike up conversation with other people anxiously waiting to be seen by a doctor. I have no idea what brought each of these people into the ER on a long weekend. But I can bet that, like me, it was urgent but not necessarily ER material.
One woman with whom I struck up a conversation had moved back to the Ottawa area from out East two years ago with her 5 month old daughter - she is still on a waiting list for a family doctor. I have no idea whether the ailment she was seeking care for could have been treatment by a general practitioner. But, the fact is, she didn’t have that option. With no walkin clinics in North Grenville and surrounding rural area the ER was her only choice.
When I moved here ten years ago, my doctor's office had just opened and I
had no trouble landing a family doctor. Luckily my children have been grandfathered into the clinic, so we do have someone to turn to for medical care. I can't even imagine having a young child without access to a consistent doctor.
My daughter started part-time preschool this year and, apart from a few good weeks, we have all been sick since September. And to be honest, I have felt extremely alone when it comes to caring for my health, and the health of my children. Even with a family doctor to fall back on.
Medical care is (sort of) covered in this country. But that doesn't mean it is timely and thorough care. Canada has been highly praised for its equitable approach to healthcare, but if you take a good look at how it works in practice, with its disjointed records, severe lack of family doctors, and long wait times, it is far from the gold standard that we should be striving for.
Many people with the financial means are opting to pay for healthcare. Money helps them jump to the top of lists for tests, specialist appointments, surgeries and more. Our sub-par healthcare system has created a two-tier reality that is neither equitable nor fair.
I am not saying that the medical care that we receive in Canada is not quality care. Once I was able to see a doctor at the KDH ER the staff were kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. The issue is less with the many qualified professionals that work in healthcare and more about the system as a whole.
Our country is in flux at the moment as we deal with the repercussions of the questionable leadership down south. Our new Prime Minister is looking at promoting industry and strengthening our economy internally.
I hope he will be successful in his mandate. If he is, I hope he will also dedi-
cate funds and focus on our healthcare systems nationwide.
In the words of the Tommy Douglas - the father of Canadian universal healthcare:
“Courage, my friends; ‘tis not too late to build a better world.”
Contact 613-215-0735
www.ngtimes.ca
ISSN 2291-0301
Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
Is there a Doctor in the house?
by David Shanahan
North Grenville has been suffering from a shortage of doctors for some years now, a problem that has been shared by many other communities across the country. The situation is more pressing in rural areas, as doctors and nurse practitioners, particularly the newly-qualified, often prefer to settle in an urban setting, where they believe they would have more career choices and a higher quality of life. But the shortage of family doctors is an issue that is being addressed by the Municipality of North Grenville, which has, so far, been successful in attracting new physicians to live and practice here.
This is partly due to an initiative Council began two years ago. The municipality offers a $20,000 annual bonus to new doctors for their first five years of practice in the region. To date, four doctors have signed on to the scheme. In a recent interview with CBC Ottawa, Mayor Peckford discussed the project, noting that, at the time of pandemic there were around 3,000 people in the municipality without a family doctor, or as she described them, “orphaned patients”. This was
in a community of just over 19,000, so the urgency of the need was acute.
Council and municipal staff came up with an initiative to “put North Granville on the radar with newly graduating family doctors so we're heavily engaged in a residency program where they can come out and do a week's practice if you will with a family clinic and kind of get to know the area and of course at the same time we did introduce our financial incentive program which clearly has met with some success”.
There is a limited allocation of doctors allowed by the province to each community, depending on population and other factors. North Grenville has an allocation of 25, though the municipality is canvassing for an increase in that number owing to the fact that this is a rapidly growing community and a revised allocation is warranted. There is also hope in the recent announcement by the Ford government that they will be spending an extra $235 million to expand 80 primary care teams across the province, and Mayor Peckford stated that council, “working closely with the Kemptville District Hospital and our own municipal team and fam-
Canada road safety week results in eastern Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across eastern Ontario laid more than 2,500 charges during Canada Road Safety Week 2025.
OPP members from all East Region Detachments, as well as the Highway Safety Division, placed an extra focus on traffic and road safety as many people start thinking about summer travel plans. Initial results show that between May 13 and 19, charges in East Region included:
Speeding - 1,303
Stunt driving - 38
Impaired driving - 47
Careless driving - 26
Distracted driving - 71
Driving while prohibited - 8
Failing to have insurance /improper insurance151
Road safety should be a driver's number one priority everyday, 24/7/365. Lives depend on it.
OPP officers across eastern Ontario are on the roads day and night, now and through the summer, looking for those who engage in dangerous driving habits. If you see someone driving dangerously, or suspect someone may be driving impaired, call 9-1-1.
ily health, family doctors across the community, we are definitely wanting to leverage whatever we can.”
The end goal, according to the Mayor, is to ensure every resident in North Granville has access to a family doctor. But the need is for more than increasing numbers of health professionals working in North Grenville; it is also important that doctors, in particular, working in rural areas have access to research and procedures specific to a rural environment. In an article last year in The Medical Post magazine on the importance of Family Physicians doing medical research on issues directly related to their day-to-day work with patients, Dr. Sarah Lespérance, a rural doctor in New Brunswick, explained that she got involved in medical research when she realised how urban-centric much of the research was. “Often research is designed around urban centres and so I thought that the perspectives and challenges of rural areas aren’t always included”.
It is often the case that primary care research isn’t always the focus of new analysis and research findings, and family doctors, especially in rural areas, are encouraged to find funding
opportunities to turn everyday questions that arise in their practice into valuable research studies. One of the problems facing such an initiative is for a family physician in places like North Grenville to find time and energy for such research, particularly given the incredible workload they carry given the shortage of doctors in the community. And this brings everything back to the initiative undertaken by council and municipal staff to find and attract doctors and nurse practitioners to the area. It requires thinking outside the box to not only plug the gaps in medical services, but also to have a broad perspective on what is needed.
As Mayor Peckford said: “So we're looking at how to leverage some of the new funding from the province to support some other options to bring family health teams to the community. It doesn't always have to be a family doctor, as you know. Nurse practitioners are a very viable option. And so we're actively exploring how we can enhance the family health teams that are here with perhaps other medical professionals that are ideally suited to serve the community”.
Peer, David Kevin Grenville
Accounting Services
On Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at his home in Prescott, David Peer entered into rest at the age of 62 years.
David Peer beloved husband of Donna Peer. Son of the late Pete and Yvonne MacDonald. Step-father of Darryl Dake (Justine) and their children Parker and Abby. Predeceased by one brother John Peer and step-son David Dake. Brother of Edward, Duncan, Stanley and Heather (Andrew). Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Doug Brunton and His Wife Kathleen (deceased) encouraged Dave to be the best in his field of Accounting.
A Celebration of David's Life will be held at the Prescott Golf Club on Sunday June 8th, 2025 from 1-4 pm with lunch served. For those wishing to place a donation to the Bursary In Memory of David at North Grenville District High School, money should be e-transferred to: paypal-ngd@ucdsb.on.ca. In the message section please put "in memory of David Peer" and also include your full name and mailing address so that a tax receipt can be provided, or share a special memory of David at www.mackayfuneralhome.com
Malcolm (Mac) Graham (1929-2025)
Malcolm Graham passed away in Regina, SK at the age of 95 on Friday March 21, 2025 He was born December 12, 1929 at home on the farm at South Mountain, ON.
He was predeceased by his wife Marion (nee Cumming) Graham, and his parents William E. and Irene (nee McIntyre) Graham.
Malcolm is survived, loved, and remembered by children Nancy Graham-Fiss (Chuck) of Qu’Appelle SK and Doug Graham (Rosemary) of East Moline IL; grandchildren Timothy Fiss of Saskatoon, SK, Micheal Fiss of Ottawa, ON, William Graham (Macy) of Lenexa, KS and Wesley Graham of Ogden UT and great-granddaughter Sinclaire Graham of Lenexa, KS.
A retired dairy farmer, Malcolm was a member of OFA, Dundas Soil and Crop, Mountain Township Agricultural Society, Canadian Club, Lions Club, an elder in the Presbyterian Church and volunteer weather observer for 37 years for South Mountain ON. In his later years, He enjoyed tracking the weather and Great Lakes shipping on his computer and talking to friends on the telephone.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday March 25, 2025, at Queen Victoria Estates, 2025 Heseltine Road, Regina SK.
A Visitation and Memorial service will be held Saturday June 7, 2025, at Byers Funeral Home, 2990 Church Street, South Mountain, ON (613989-3836) from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Service at 11:30 am. Followed by Inurnment at South Gower Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Malcolm can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Ayden, my grandson, requested lasagna for dinner last night. As a fairly busy guy, it became important for me to get it put together quickly without sacrificing flavour. Today’s recipe is a very simple lasagna made with cottage cheese and it will give you rave reviews with very little work. It makes a full 10” by 14” pan of this great comfort food so, expect left-overs (which are just as good, confirms Ayden). Here is the recipe for Quick Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
Quick Cottage Cheese
Lasagna
Ingredients:
1 pound of lean minced beef (or pork)
2 tablespoons butter
3 X 600 ml jars of pasta sauce
1 750 ml container of Cottage cheese (3 cups)
3 cups of grated Mozzarella cheese
½ cup of natural (unflavoured) yoghurt
3 eggs
2 teaspoons of crushed oregano
2 teaspoons of dried parsley
1 teaspoon black pepper
12 no-cook lasagna noodles
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350F and in a large saucepan, fast fry the beef in the butter
Once nicely browned, pour in the pasta sauce and simmer, covered
Separate the Mozzarella into two batches of 2 cups and 1 cup
In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of Mozzarella, the Cottage cheese, yoghurt, eggs and spices
Spread a cup of the simmered pasta sauce in the bottom of your 10” X 14” baking dish
Place 4 lasagna noodles over the pasta sauce without overlapping
Cover the lasagna noodles with a layer of the cheese mixture
Then spread another layer of the pasta sauce
Cover with 4 more lasagna noodles and repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients
Complete with a layer of pasta sauce and spread the remaining cup of Mozzarella over the top
Spread the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the Mozzarella to complete your lasagna
Seal tightly with aluminium foil and pop into your oven for 45 minutes
Then, uncover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned
Let your lasagna “rest” for 10 minutes before bringing it to the table with some garlic bread. Lasagna goes well with a dark beer if you are so inclined. When you are on a roll, the preparation time is about 20 to 25 minutes + cooking time. Vegetarian Alert! Replace the beef with another jar of pasta sauce. From Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess. com.
Slightly Different Pairs
The slightly warmer days that we had just last week were the source of joy for some of our garden birds, especially when it came to cooling off. All inhibitions seemed to disappear and dissimilar birds mixed quite freely with each other. A male Downy Woodpecker, drinking alone at the water bath, was joined unashamedly by a Mourning Dove, who was then subsequently joined by a male Cowbird, when the woodpecker had vacated.
Not only was the water a source of attraction to the various birds, but the bird feeders too attracted some different pairs, such as a House Finch accompanied by a Chipping Sparrow. When pictured together, it shows up the variances between them and gives one a contrast of their various identifying colours and the different markings about their faces and wing feathers. Bill/beak shapes can also be compared to determine what sort of feeder they usually use, although some of them have varying diets and cannot be categorized so generally.
Whilst the odd viewing of different partnerships do take place at times, due to different circumstances, the majority of the noticeable partnerships are, as you would expect, mating birds who are choosing their own breed with which to do this. The usually shy and retiring Cardinals can be spotted now and again perching together on a branch, where they sometimes are seen beak to beak, either receiving food or offering it, as part of their courtship ritual. It looks like they are kissing, but I don’t think that is actually the case, however whimsical I might appear to be!
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Besides the sighting of birds in the garden, our menagerie of animals continues to grow and the Squirrels (3 types)and Chipmunks are continuing to grow in numbers. Another more frequent visitor than in previous times is a rabbit, but its visit has now been surpassed by that of a Raccoon! I got some close pictures of it the other day when it climbed up on to one of my suspended feeders and very cleverly tilted it towards itself to get the seed to come towards it. When it had emptied that, it went over to another feeder to try its luck on my peanut holder, which I had found on the floor on a previous day, prior to this event! At this stage of the game, I decided to disturb its present activity and made enough noise to send it scurrying rapidly away. It didn’t go very far though, because it scaled one of my pine trees, where it stayed for a couple of hours, before vacating our property. We haven’t seen it since then, so, fingers crossed, we won’t see it again! Maybe you too are having fun(?) in that respect, I hope not!
Stay safe and well,
Cheers, John Baldwin.
Mourning Dove with Cowbird
Senior Times
Over the last year SCS has delivered 6826 meals to 126 clients. Our volunteer drivers have travelled over 2125 kms reaching all the corners of North Grenville. While we know how reassuring and supportive this service is for the folks who use it, we also know we would love to see it grow! The meals are delicious and made locally. They are delivered right to your door which empowers independence. There is no need to rely on family, friends, or caregivers to bring food or help with cooking. MOW also promotes safety by reducing the need for seniors or vulnerable individuals to travel or cook when they are not physically able to. MOW means reliability –five days a week – check ins by caring volunteers, accessibility, food security and convenience. North Grenville is
growing, and more people are choosing to live independently as they age. Meals on Wheels is a great option for success.
The stigma surrounding Meals on Wheels can sometimes prevent those who need the service from accessing it. While the program provides an invaluable service to vulnerable populations, there are a few misconceptions and social biases that can create barriers. Understanding and addressing this stigma is crucial to ensuring that people who need help feel comfortable utilizing Meals on Wheels. Together, let’s face this stigma head on and break it down.
Stigma of Dependency
Many people feel embarrassed about receiving help from a service like Meals on Wheels because they may perceive it as a sign of weakness or dependency. This stigma is
Meals on Wheels – Let’s Grow!
particularly strong among older adults, who may not want to be seen as "needy" or incapable of caring for themselves. MOW is not about being dependent it’s about being INDEPENDENT.
Ageism
Ageism refers to the discrimination or stereotyping of individuals based on their age, particularly older adults. Some people might feel that Meals on Wheels is something only for the elderly or those who are "too old" to care for themselves.
MOW is about helping older adults facing barriers to accessing food or maintaining their health independently. It is also about having food to go for busy lives!
Fear of Being Judged
Many people fear being judged by their peers or community for receiving what they
see as a "handout". They may worry that neighbors, family members, or friends will perceive them as incapable or weak.
MOW is a community service that supports everyone, not just those in crisis. It is a normal, supportive resource that is meant to improve quality of life.
Perception of less than desirable food
Meals on Wheels can have an overarching stigma of meals that are of low quality or lack variety. The idea of pre-packaged or institutional food can sometimes feel less appealing compared to homecooked meals.
to access. You do not need a crisis to access food that enhances your life!
Meals on Wheels is a preventative service designed to support people’s ongoing health and well-being—not just a solution for emergency situations. It is food at your fingertips. On the go with no time to eat? Grab a delicious frozen meal, heat it up and get going with your fulsome life.
During Community Champions Week we welcomed Community Living, the Kemptville Youth Centre and Mayor Peckford into the kitchen and on the road to highlight this vital delivery service. They saw how SCS drivers provide a reassuring
presence. They participated in heating and packing meals, and they saw the impact of a service that encourages independent living. Thank you to our Community Champion ambassadors for helping us help others. If you would like more information about MOW, or any of our other programs please reach out at lisa. caldwell@seniorscs.ca or call 613.258.3203. www.seniorscs.ca
MOW offers nutritious, balanced, and customized meals designed to meet specific health needs can help shift this perception. There are twenty-nine different meals to choose from, all made locally by the family company, TimeSavers. Choose from chicken, beef, pork, fish, or vegetarian. Hearty soups and desserts too! Stereotyping as a "Last Resort"
Using Meals on Wheels can have the stigma of being for folks who are in severe need. If there is a crisis, then Meals on Wheels is the service
COMMUNITY EVENTS
613-215-0735
UPCOMING EVENTS
May25
Hike for Hospice. Time: 10:00 am Sign up for the 15th Annual Hike for Hospice Those interested in participating can join at bethdonovanhospice. ca At the Ferguson Forest Centre
May27
Historically Speaking Time: 7:00 pm The Merrickville and District Historical Society invites you to our last monthly lecture of the winter/spring 2025 Please join us for the presentation, “Merrickville’s Four Golf Courses! – Who Knew?” with Don Childs. At the Merrickville Legion. May29
Oxford-on-Rideau PS Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
You’re invited to take a walk down memory lane at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School! The 60th anniversary celebration is set for Thursday. The event features a 50/50 draw, cash BBQ, cake and music. Oxford-on-Rideau Public School
Ah Cappella Time: 7:00 pm A concert of voice, dance & rhythm without instrumental accompaniment. PAY WHAT YOU CAN Proceeds to House of Lazarus, Kemptville Hub
Kemptville Municipal Centre May30
Drag Bingo Time: 6:00 pm TWO SHOWS: Show 1: 6–8 PM (All Ages) Youth (17 & under) get in FREE with an adult. Show 2: 9–11:30 PM (18+)
Unfiltered drag, adult vibes, and a party to remember! Tickets: $25/person Includes bingo cards + all supplies. To book: Email NG.Rainbowyouth@ gmail.com with your show choice, attendee names, and if any youth are coming. These events always sell out — grab your tickets now! Kemptville Legion 100 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville, ON Romance on the Road Time: 7:00 pm
For a fourth year North Grenville Community Theatre will be presenting its travelling, largely comedic cabaret, "Romance on the Road," at six local venues. All profits for each show will go to the community group that is hosting. At St. James Church, Kemptville. Other shows: Friday, May 30, Marlborough Community Hall, Pierce's Corners. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 1, St. John's, Kemptville, Friends of the Library 2 p.m. May 31
Kemptville Male Choir Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2 Choirs, Strong & Free. Help raise funds for the three food banks in the Kemptville area. This year's program will feature a significant amount of great Canadian music, including songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Tyson, Allister MacGillvarey, and others. Purchase your tickets online now through Showpass: https://www.showpass.com/kemptville-male-choir-two.../ TICKETS: $20 Urbandale Art Centre 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Benefit Concert For Shalom Small Homes, Time: 7-8 pm Kemptville and St. James Anglican church with Strings and Ivory Duo Music ranging from Mozart to Taylor Swift
Tickets $25 Available At: B&H Brewed Awakenings North Grenville Historical Society Or Contact Mr. David Finnie 613-292-9502 Email: finniefarms@ gmail.com
St. James Anglican Church, 35 Clothier St. West, Kemptville
June 3
Planting Day
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am Looking for volunteers for Planting Day at the NG Giving Garden. All are welcome to help us plant this seasons crop. Bring a watering can, sun hat and your favourite hoe. Look forward to seeing you there!
June 7
FFC Open House
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm We’re opening our gates to the public from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to showcase what we do here at the nursery and how we support the Ferguson Forest Centre. We will also have some local vendors set up as well as some information booths Ferguson Forest Centre
June 8
WIZARD CARD TOURNAMENT
Time: 12:30 pm Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com. Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road.
RECURRING EVENTS
Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.
St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@gmail.com At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.
Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St.
Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the first and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given.
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, June 3 and 17, July 15 and 29, August 12 and 26. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
North Grenville Men’s Shed
A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.
Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.
Malala Women’s Choir
Invites you to explore uplifting music for treble voices. Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm, March 5– May 28, 2025. At St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Bennett St., Spencerville. To register: contact Sheila at 613-658-5290 or sheilafawcett92@gmail.com No previous choral experience required.
Membership fee: $35
KSK Euchre Night. 3rd Wednesday of every month. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7 pm, $5 to play.
Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 1505 O'Neil Rd
Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.
FOR SALE
Energizer inverter generator 2;200 peak .80cc engine recoil start in new condition $500. contact nadfudt@gmail.com
2 steel car ramps 36 long 11 wide 10 high $25.00 contact nadfudt@gmail.com
4 steel automotive frame jack stands cap. 1000 lbs. adjust from 12 to 17 inches. $45.00 contact nadfudt@ gmail.com
We sell and install cedar trees for hedges and we are also looking to harvest cedar trees for cedar hedges from land owner(s). Joanne (613)799-0958
TO RENT
LAND FOR RENT to farm. High producing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
GARAGE SALES
Yard Sale. May 31 Time: 8-2pm Spring Market. BBQ starts at 11 am. Huge selection of items, something for everyone. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St.
Multi Family Garage Sale plus bbq and girl guide cookies. May 31 8am - 3pm 1565 Lindsay Road Oxford Mills
Garage Sale, June 1, 8am - 1pm. Moving out of country everything must go, reasonably priced. Housewares, tools, toys, comics, clothes etc. 336 Pinehill Rd
HELP WANTED
Need help with yard word & general small maintenance outside home We are 1 km from Hwy 43 . If you can help contact me at nadfudt@gmail.com
ACROSS
1. Percussion instrument
5. Greek goddess of discord
9. Increase in size
14. Curved molding
15. List of choices 16. Eagle's home
17. Long-armed ape of Borneo
19. Delineated 20. Discourage 21. Exhorted
23. Criticize
25. Amiable
28. Form of "to be"
29. Bloodshot
32. A small chin beard
33. Commercials
34. An amusement or pastime
35. After-bath wear
DOWN
1. Not bad 2. Brute
3. Uncluttered
4. Produces
5. Large flightless bird
6. Stop working
7. Fatuous
8. Awning
9. Containing salt
10. Strange
11. Sea eagle
12. Told an untruth
13. Light Emitting
Diode
18. Diving bird
22. Sweat
24. Common
25. Acquiesce
38. Vermin
39. L L L L
40. Before, in poetry
41. Footnote word
43. East southeast
44. Life story
45. Puts on clothes
46. Ephemeral
48. Aeronautical electronic systems
50. Approaches
54. Coronet
55. Mexican red scale insect
57. Twiddled one's thumbs
58. African sheep
59. Therefore 60. Requires 61. In order that not 62. Amount of medication
26. Gullible people
27. Legend
29. Forays
30. Master of Ceremonies
31. Regards
33. Air hero
34. Gleamed
37. Mocking
42. Sesame
44. Women (slang)
45. Decathlon event
46. Weary
47. Tally 48. Assistant 49. Low-lying area
51. Pertaining to flight 52. Tatters 53. Blackthorn 54. Can 56. Strike
36. Arm muscle
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
Sa turday, June 1st, 2025
2:00pm
Tickets are available at the door with cash or e-transfer to friends@ngpl .ca Sunday, June 1st, 2025
St . John’s United Church, 400 Prescott Street Tickets: $25.00
Join us on Sunday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Church for Romance on the Road 2025! It is about various kinds of love. Talented singers, actors and storytellers of all ages will entertain and inspire! It is a North Grenville Community Theatre production, sponsored by Friends of North Grenville Public Library and St. John’s United Church. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door with cash or etransfer to friends@ngpl.ca and children under age 12 are free.
Solution to last week’s Crossword
A Burritt’s Rapids pioneer: John Mills
by David Shanahan
John Mills lived in Burritt’s Rapids more than a century and a half ago, one of those men and women who were the foundation of the community in which we live today. I got to know John through some letters he wrote to his family back in Scotland between 1843 and 1862. John Mills was, in many ways, typical of the people who lived, worked and died in North Grenville: a man who came from abroad, married and raised a family, contributed to the growth of his community, and died, acknowledged and respected by his peers. In fact, John Mills did more than most: he married twice and raised two families.
John was born in Scotland, in Focharbers, County of Moray, north of Aberdeen. in 1815 and emigrated to British North America sometime in the 1830's. At first, he lived in Toronto, where he was married to Jane and had seven children with her. In 1842, he moved to Burritt's Rapids where he built himself a house on the corner of Oxford and
Dear Residents,
It has come to my attention that there has been some misinformation circulating on social media regarding what are undoubtedly a couple of hot topics: the capacity of Merrickville’s waste treatment plant and the development of McLean’s Landing. By writing this letter, I hope to be able to set the record straight.
Merrickville’s Waste Treatment Plant:
At present, Merrickville’s waste treatment plant is at approximately 62% of its capacity because of groundwater infiltration to the pipes that deliver the wastewater to be processed; without this infiltration, it would be at approximately 43%. This is well below the 80% that the Ministry of the Environment sets as its marker. When a waste treatment plant reaches this marker (physically, not theoretically) it triggers a conversation. The Ministry and the municipality’s objective and goals would then be to work towards a constructive and cooperative solution to resolve any capacity issue. Unlike what has been suggested on social media, fines and lawsuits would
South Streets in 1848, and started a career as a tailor. His oldest son, Alexander, named after John's father, died soon after their arrival, at the young age of 5. But worse was to follow. John's wife, Jane, died right after giving birth to another son, in August, 1853, aged only 32. The baby was sent to live with a woman in the village who had lost a baby of her own. For ten shillings a month she took care of the young boy. John, a good Scottish Presbyterian, was pleased to have got a good deal: the usual price for this service was five shillings a week. Nine years later, his son was still living in the woman's home.
Imagine his situation after Jane's death: a single father trying to run a business and take care of a large and growing family. In a letter home to his sister, he told her: "I am left with six children which is a very heavy charge upon me. The oldest girl is 12 going on 13, and the youngest is 2½ years old. My wife was 32 years and 6 months. I have got an old woman keeping
not be the course taken; it is in our mutual interests to work together. Obviously, we need to restore the integrity of the pipes so that we are not needlessly processing runoff water at the expense of sewage capacity.
The municipality’s grouting program (5 years) was initiated, approximately in 2020 as a measure to prevent groundwater infiltration; however, testing has shown that this “Band-Aid” action has not improved the situation, nor can it be a long-term solution.
What we need to do is to manage the run-off water more efficiently. Next steps will be to replace the failed and failing sanitary and stormwater pipes and to add further stormwater drainage where necessary. In addition, we must also consider the plant itself, which was brought online in 2011. As it is already 14 years old, at some point it will require expensive maintenance work, the cost of which will fall to the users. By decreasing groundwater infiltration, we can increase the usership of the waste treatment plant and thereby divide future costs more economically - the greater the number of users,
house for me just now but she is not able to do a good deal, but she is very careful about the house, but it has left me in a lonesome condition, but we must bear it patiently....The people here have showed themselves very friendly during my trouble."
The old woman did not last long in the household, and two years later John's oldest daughter was doing the housekeeping for him. The other children were getting older and better able to care for each other. John's business was doing well too: "I am still getting plenty of work, I have got a machine for sowing which is a great help to me and I think that I will make better wages...I have got a comfortable place to live, and out of debt." Life was improving, but still not without difficulty. He explained to his sister in 1855 that " the times are very hard here, and all over the country there has been a great scarcity of provisions. The flour that was sold for £1 was sold for £3 and £3 15sh and everything else in
the lesser the cost to each. McLean’s Landing:
I know that there are some residents who would rather not see any development in the Village and, while it’s understandable to like the status quo and not want change, there are several factors which need to be considered. Firstly, it is my understanding that existing infill lots and subdivisions have been “lots of record” since the late 50s and 60s; there have been no new lands added for development in the Village proper. Secondly, the current Council is bound to deliver on development plans which were ratified by earlier Councils. Phase 1 of McLean’s Landing was given the go-ahead in 2009, with the intention to start Phase 2 at some point in the future. In 2020, a “Notice of Phase 2” was distributed to the public. Discussions with our staff, our planning consultant (Jp2g), together with County planning staff and the developer (Parkview) have been ongoing since that time. An update was provided to this Council (by Jp2g) in early 2024. Contrary to what has been suggested, the decision that this Council made
proportion but thanks be to God there has been an excellent crop and the potatoes is coming on well and I don't hear of any rot".
By 1861, the news occupying the minds of the villagers was the Civil War to the south. Life had improved for John: he had remarried. Ursula was of German stock, though born in Ontario, and she and John were starting his second family together. His oldest son, John, was starting out in the tailoring profession too. John was now 45 years old and starting to take stock of his life. He was a morose kind of man, with a Calvinistic belief that Life was hard and full of sorrow. He was not very happy as he reviewed his achievements to date: "I am still working away and making living but I have not done great things. There is some that does uncommon well in this country A good many get by Defrauding some one way and some another but what I have that is my Living I get it by hard work."
He expresses feelings
regarding McLean’s Landing Phase 2 was not a rushed one, but in fact involved a year-and-a half conversation with our consulting engineer, Neil Caldwell. In his report, received at the February 24th 2025 meeting of Council, he stated that if Council was interested in moving McLean’s Landing Phase 2 forward in a phased approach of 40 connections (full build-out is 76 homes,) he would be supportive of that as we continued to work on a Master Plan.
The Current Challenge: There is no doubt that the municipality is facing a considerable challenge with all its aging and inadequate infrastructure, some of which is already near or below provincial standards. Council has been aware of this since 2014, when the province mandated that all municipalities develop an “Asset Management Strategy.” Without intervention, our infrastructure will continue to decline, while the cost to recover these assets will only continue to grow. There is also no doubt that tough decisions must be made to mitigate the financial impact that addressing these issues will have on all residents.
that must have been so common among those who lived in this area in those days: a homesickness, a longing for the days of youth in a land far away. "I have not forgotten Scotland my mind is still at home amongst you tho' there be many a mile betwixt us, my native country is still Dear to me and the places where I used to frequent and my old acquaintances". He also shows us something of the tensions existing in the society of his time, attitudes and divisions that do not always come alive in text books: "The People here is very kind but they are mixt, not many Scotch, a great many Irish Roman Catholic. I have nothing more particular except be our neighbour Yankees is still Fighting the North and the South and there been a Great Dell of Blood Shed. There is still peace in our borders and long may it continue".
By the end of the 1880's, John was a widower again. His family had grown up and moved away, except for his daughter, Elsie, who
However, what the past has shown us is that while we need to address the municipality’s current needs, we also need to be proactive in forecasting our future needs. In this way, we can improve the financial viability of the municipality for years to come.
The Way Forward: As I’m sure you appreciate, running a municipality is costly, especially for a small community such as ours, which has a limited tax base. Over the past two years Council has been collecting data and has commissioned consultants to verify the state of our collective assets. The results are in! It will require tens of millions to rebuild our wastewater and stormwater systems as well as to repair and to replace, where necessary, our roads, buildings and our fleet of vehicles. As a municipality, we need to look at all the options available to us. These include raising taxes, cutting services, increasing our tax base and having shovel-ready projects in hand so that we can be first in line to apply for government grants as they become available. Cutting services and raising taxes,
remained with him for the rest of his days. When he died, in February, 1897, at the age of 82, Elsie was left alone in the house. She was there until 1905, when she was 45 years old. John had lived in Burritt's Rapids for more than fifty years. He had watched the village grow, and then begin to decline again. He had seen the great and the small events of the nineteenth century from his tailor shop. Canada had changed unbelievably in those decades: steam ships, trains, wars, Confederation. He represents so many of those who built this place up, putting down roots in a strange land, far away from the land of their birth. When he died, the local newspaper summed up his life simply: "Deceased was a real old Scotchman, a zealous member of the Presbyterian church, and highly respected by those who knew him best". I'm glad I got to know him.
as I think most will agree, are the least desirable of these options, but we cannot rule them out without changes to the status quo. Obviously, going for the grant monies that are available for small communities such as ours makes sense, especially when the outlay for necessary improvements is far beyond what we could hope to achieve on our own. However, this is not a complete solution to our ongoing needs. We need, as a municipality, to be able to function daily, to fix what is broken and to be able to bear the cost of maintenance. While I know that many residents have concerns about growth, the reality is that without it the cost to manage the assets of our municipality will fall on the shoulders of our existing residents in a way that will not only be undesirable but financially challenging for most. I hope that this letter has helped to provide clarity on some of the issues that our community is facing.
Sincerely,
Michael Cameron Mayor of MerrickvilleWolford
Open letter to residents of Merrickville-Wolford from Mayor Cameron
Downtown Kemptville: Where Summer Memories Begin
There’s no better time to rediscover the heart of our community than right now in Downtown Kemptville! With the warm weather settling in, the downtown core is buzzing with activity, events, and the kind of small-town charm you can only find right here. Make a Splash or Cast a Line:
The dock is officially in at Rotary Park, the perfect place to launch your canoe, cast a fishing line, or just sit back and enjoy the view of the South Branch River. Did you know you can borrow fishing equipment for free from the North Grenville Public Library? It’s a great way to spend the day outdoors with friends or family.
If you're looking to cool off with the kids, head over to Riverside Park where the splashpad is now open! It’s a go-to spot for families in the summer, especially with the outdoor pool and playground just steps away. Bring a towel and make a day of it.
Celebrate Father's Day in Style:
On Sunday, June 15, bring Dad down to Riverside Park for a special Father’s Day event hosted by the Highway 43 Car Club. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., some of their incredible vintage and classic cars will be on display: a perfect photoop and a fun outing for car lovers of all ages. Hungry? Grab lunch from the Oxford Mills
Girl Guides, who’ll be hosting a BBQ, with food available for purchase, or head to one of the amazing eateries in the Downtown core.
Let’s Ketchup – A Tasty Networking Opportunity:
Business owners and entrepreneurs, mark your calendars for Let’s Ketchup on Wednesday, June 12 from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Centre. It’s a free event, but donations are welcome to support the Kemptville Youth Centre. This fun and casual event is a fantastic opportunity to meet other local business owners, discover valuable community resources, and connect with local networking groups who are here to support your growth and success. The
Oxford Mills Girl Guides will also be there hosting a BBQ, with food available for purchase to support their trip to Switzerland.
Whether you're spending the day by the water, enjoying local events, or simply strolling through the historic streets, Downtown Kemptville is the place to be. It's where memories are made, over treats with the kids from a local bakery, chatting with a friendly shop owner, or finding that perfect something in one of our unique local stores. Come for the events, stay for the charm, and support the small businesses that make our community so special. There’s always something happening downtown — and it’s all waiting for you.
Hey Day News And Views…
Hey Day, one of Eastern Ontario’s largest indoor garage sales, is coming back for its 62nd year! A small army of over 250 volunteers from all over our region is busy getting ready for this fun event, organized by the Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary, with all proceeds going
to the hospital. If you’re planning to donate or attend, we thank you for your kindness and ask that you please be patient, as lineups for this very popular fundraiser can get long. If you’re dropping off donations, please refrain from dropping them off anywhere but at the donation
door, as our volunteers then have the difficult job of collecting it and carrying it to the drop-off location. We have tried to allow as many hours as possible so as to spread out the heavier traffic times.
Donation times are: Wednesday, June 4, from 1pm to 7pm and Thursday, June 5, from 11am to 7pm.
Lineups also occur on the Friday night at the start of Hey Day and can get long. We uphold the Fire regulations and only allow a certain number of people in the Arena at any one time. We have counters at the doors to ensure we meet those regulations and keep ev-
eryone safe. Here again, we ask for your patience. The lineup does move quickly, especially after the first couple of hours that we’re open.
Sale times are: Friday, June 6, from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, June 7, from 9am to 1pm. Thank you so much for your patience and support. Patients and visitors to our hospital, as well as the doctors and nurses who work there, will all benefit from your generous involvement. For more information, please email us at kdha. heyday@gmail.com, or check out our Facebook page kdhAuxiliary, or call 613-447-4492.
Don’t
Play with Fire: a warning about skin cancer OFA advocating for insurance that works for farmers
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world. And most cases are preventable. So why are we still seeing over 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and 90,000 cases in Canada, including well over 100,000 cases across both countries of melanoma, the deadliest form?
Don’t think it won’t be you. The sun doesn’t play favourites. It doesn’t care if you’re fair-skinned or olive-toned, whether you’re working on a tan or just walking the dog. If you’re unprotected, you’re at risk. Yet, too many people treat sunburn like a harmless rite of summer. Here’s the truth: just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
Recent research is sounding the alarm even louder. A 2024 study out of the University of Sydney tracked thousands of participants over two decades and found that people who regularly used broad-spectrum sunscreen had a 40% lower risk of developing carcinoma in skin cells. That’s a big number. And it doesn’t just apply to beach days. They found the same benefit for people who used sunscreen during daily for incidental sun exposure such a when walking to work or gardening.
Another study from Harvard last year added more insight. It’s not just the SPF number that matters. It’s how you use it. Many people underapply sunscreen, using about a quarter of the amount needed for full protection. Think of it this way. If you’re applying SPF 30 like a miser, you’re only getting the protection of SPF 7 or 8. That’s not enough.
Let’s bust a few myths.
Myth #1: “I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.” False. Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin when it’s overcast.
Myth #2: “I have darker skin, so I’m not at risk.” Wrong again. People with darker complexions can and do get skin cancer – and when they do, it’s often caught later, when it’s more dangerous.
Myth #3: “A base tan protects me.” A tan is skin damage, plain and simple. There’s no such thing as a healthy tan.
The Canadian Dermatology Association now advises wearing SPF 30 or higher every day from March to October, even if you’re not planning to be outdoors for long. And for those who spend a lot of time outside – farmers, construction workers, athletes – the message is even stronger. Cover up with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
Let’s not forget about vitamin D. People often ask: “If I wear sunscreen, won’t I be vitamin D deficient?” If you ask us, we’ll tell you we prefer to get our vitamin D from diet and supplements. Most dermatologists recommend 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
For the men reading this, especially those over 50, you’re the group most likely to develop melanoma, and the least likely to use sunscreen. Consider this a wake-up call. Regular skin checks, either at home or with a dermatologist, save lives. Look for new moles, changing spots, or anything that doesn’t heal. When caught early, the survival rate for melanoma is over 90%. But once it spreads, those odds drop fast. Be sun smart. Use sunscreen generously. Reapply it every two hours. Cover your skin. Skip the tanning beds entirely. And keep an eye on your own body.
As an old medical professor used to say, “Skin remembers.” It remembers every sunburn, every tanning session, every time you said, “I’ll be fine.” And one day, it might remind you – with a diagnosis you weren’t expecting.
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by Mark Reusser, Director, OFA
Insurance is important in any situation, but it is a particularly high priority for farmers. From hail and damaging winds to flooding and frost, field crops, orchards and vines face threats from weather extremes. Heavy snow loads and fires pose risk to livestock barns and other farm facilities – and theft is a growing concern in rural areas, leaving farm equipment and other items increasingly vulnerable.
It's no surprise, then, that farmer members of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) identified insurance as number two on the list of issues they’re most worried about in relation to their businesses in OFA’s 2024 Farm Business Confidence Survey. That’s up from fifth spot only a year before.
The nature of farming means that farmers and farm businesses have special insurance requirements that aren’t necessarily covered by conventional solutions. Farmers often use a combination of private and governmentbacked insurance programs to reduce risk on the farm.
This includes production insurance to protect against yield reductions or crop losses; farm property insurance
covering buildings, equipment, livestock and stored product; or liability insurance to protect against injuries or damage from third parties.
There is also insurance for business interruption, cybersecurity, workplace safety for employees, and vehicles, as well as insurance programs such as AgriStability and AgriRecovery to help with income support or disaster relief when margins fall or unexpected events happen that aren’t covered elsewhere.
The availability of accessible and affordable insurance options is an ongoing challenge for farmers: one that dates to just after World War II.
I’m a director on the OFA’s board, and I’ve also just been newly elected as a director on the board of Cooperators, an insurance company that is also an OFA benefit program partner.
The history of these two organizations dates to the 1940s, when it was difficult for farmers to get affordable insurance for farming activities like transporting livestock. In 1946, farmers decided to form their own insurance company, called the Co-operators Fidelity and Guarantee Association. The OFA became a partner in the venture a year later. In 1950, the Co-operators Insurance
Association was created with principal shareholders OFA, the Ontario Credit Union League and the United Cooperatives of Ontario, and Co-operators as we know it today came into being in 1978.
Their offering of farm business insurance has grown over the decades to include other insurance and financial services. For example, OFA and Co-operators have worked together to design a family health, medical, dental and life insurance program for farm families who can’t access employer benefits the way many of their fellow Ontarians can.
As an insurance co-operative, Co-operators is owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services under a one member, one vote model. Their lineup of products and services isn’t just focused on the farming community, and agriculture is a unique industry. One of the OFA’s biggest assets is our ability to advocate for the needs of our members across Ontario and ensure that farmers are represented where decisions are being made. Not everyone understands the needs of agriculture the way farmers do, and I’m proud to be that voice for Ontario’s farmers on The Co-operators’
Bill 5 a threat to us all
Submitted by Sustainable North Grenville
Through their latest sweeping omnibus piece of legislation, the Ford government is once again showing us that their priority is development at any and all cost. Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, would in fact unleash a torrent of policies that would gut environmental protections and reverse progress on renewable energy. This thing is moving fast, and now is the time to act.
What would Bill 5 achieve, in a nutshell?
1. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (2007) would be repealed, spelling disaster for endangered, threatened and
special concern species that are currently protected by this critically important provincial legislation.
2. Special Economic Zones would be created, which would make designated businesses or individuals, chosen by government, exempt from following municipal laws, for any reason they invent.
3. Government would be able to ban all parts of energy projects coming from abroad, in particular China, who sources 80% of solar panels and 60% of wind turbines. This would halt access to renewable energy and keep Ontario dependent on imported fracked gas from the U.S.
4. Archaeological as-
sessment requirements would end, which would limit indigenous input into projects by failing to identify significant indigenous and other culturally important sites and values.
According to Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment program manager with Environmental Defence, “Bill 5 reads like an attempt to outdo even the most regressive policies and the most transparently false political pretexts of the Trump Administration.” Omnibus bills are designed to create a flooding effect whereby the public becomes overwhelmed and is presumed less likely to protest. But this is Canada, where we hold our democratic system to a
board.
Our relationship also helps us advocate for new and improved programming, like for agri-tourism activities that bring the public onto farms and better solutions for new truck drivers who need to obtain driving experience. We also regularly co-host webinars together for our members on issues like fire prevention or storm damage, such as after the derecho that swept through parts of Ontario in 2022, for example. For farmers, insurance is one of the tools necessary for us to function in today’s world. It’s very difficult or even impossible to run a business without it.
Our members continue to share concerns about the affordability of farm insurance and are experiencing a surge in premiums due to a combination of factors: escalating values of farm assets like equipment, buildings, and technology; the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as storms and wildfires; and rising costs associated with rebuilding and repairs. These elements collectively heighten the financial risk for insurers, leading to higher premiums for farmers, and is something the OFA will continue to focus on addressing.
higher standard.
The enormous potential damage of this bill is daunting, however it is a fallacy to believe that its scope makes it unconquerable. It’s actually easy to have your voice heard. Write to your MPP today. Go to the SNG Facebook page for more ways to stop Bill 5. www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville.
