National Indigenous History Month
by David Shanahan
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. The House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009. The
name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017. The focus of the Indigenous History Month comes on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.
There has been a
great deal said and written over the years about reconciliation, and the Government of Canada committed to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. However, little has been done, aside from words, to make genuine progress on the project. Important symbolic gestures and activities have certainly changed the public awareness of Indigenous issues, Land Acknowledgment statements for example; but for real positive change to take place, it is important, vital even, for Cana-
dians to know more about their shared history with the Indigenous peoples with whom they share this land, and the separate stories of the peoples themselves, their traditions, cultures, and relationship with each other and the natural world with which they lived.
To that end, the Times will be publishing articles on Indigenous history through June, beginning in this issue with the story of the earliest peoples that we know of who inhabited this part of our shared land.
Kemptville Buskerfest 2025:Thank
As the dust settles and the excitement winds down, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Kemptville Buskerfest 2025, presented by Urbandale Construction, a resounding success.
Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebration & Canoe Sculpture Unveiling
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with the Indigenous Advisory Circle! Join a community paddle from Curry Park at 11:45 a.m. or gather behind the North Grenville Public Library for a noon ceremony featuring a sculpture unveiling, traditional music, speakers, sacred fire, food, and community spirit. Bring your own gear if paddling.
Saturday, June 21
11:45 a.m. at Curry Park
12:00 p.m.
Ceremony behind North Grenville Public Library
northgrenville.ca/events
Despite a rocky start with some morning showers, the festival came alive with incredible performances, enthusiastic crowds, and a real sense of community.
A huge thank you to our talented buskers, dedicated vendors, generous spon-
sors, and tireless volunteers—your contributions made this weekend unforgettable. From jaw-dropping acrobatics to soulful melodies, every act brought joy and wonder to downtown Kemptville.
We also want to thank our attendees for showing up rain or shine, proving once again that Kemptville Buskerfest is more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and togetherness.
Join the Organizing Team!
As we reflect on this year’s event, we’re already looking ahead to Kemptville Buskerfest 2026, and we need YOUR help to
AL'S CLEAN UP SERVICES
make it happen! The Buskerfest Organizing Committee is looking for passionate individuals to join our team across all areas, including logistics and operations, programming, marketing and communications, and sponsorship.
Whether you're a strategic thinker, an event planning pro, a creative mind, or a community-builder, we have a role for you. Being part of the committee is a rewarding experience that directly contributes to the success of one of Kemptville’s most exciting events! Interested? Reach out today and help us create another unforgettable festival, planning for 2026 will begin in September!
For more information, visit www.kemptvillebuskerfest.ca and follow us on social media for updates.
Mayor Peckford on National Indigenous History Month
As we mark National Indigenous History Month, the Municipality of North Grenville reaffirms its deep respect for the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. This month offers all of us the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous experiences, amplify Indigenous voices, and act meaningfully toward reconciliation.
"National Indigenous History Month is a powerful time for reflection and action," said Mayor Nancy Peckford. "It reminds us that reconciliation is not only about acknowledging our shared history, but also about forging stronger relationships built on trust, honest and open communication, and mutual respect."
North Grenville is proud to now have Mino-jichaag-mtigwaaki, a new space within the Ferguson Forest Centre, as envisioned by local First Nation artist Finian Paibomesai. This sacred space honours the Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples on whose territory we live, and provides a welcoming place for community gatherings, ceremony, and learning; and also symbolizes our community’s enduring commitment to truth and reconciliation.
To support and participate in reconciliation locally, the Indigenous Advisory Circle encourages all residents to consider these reconciliACTIONS during National Indigenous History Month:
Donate to help build and sustain Mino-jichaag-mtigwaaki here.
Follow and engage with the “Indigenous Reconciliation in Kemptville” Facebook page, a community hub for learning, sharing events, and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Attend the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 21, including the canoe sculpture unveiling and community ceremony.
The June 21 event will feature:
11:45 a.m. – A canoe paddle from Curry Park to the North Grenville Public Library
12:00 p.m. – A community ceremony featuring music, fire, speakers, and the unveiling of a new scrap metal canoe sculpture by artist Gerry Rekmans, to be installed on the creek wall beside Salamanders.
“It is our hope that these actions, such as the unveiling of the canoe sculpture represent meaningful progress on our reconciliation journey,” Mayor Peckford added. “We are grateful for the leadership of the Indigenous Advisory Circle and the many community members working to bring these visions to life.”
Let this month be a time of learning, listening, and action. Let’s build a future where Indigenous traditions are honoured, Indigenous rights are upheld, and Indigenous culture is celebrated, not just this month, but every month of the year.
Join the Kemptville Canada Day Team
We're looking for passionate, energetic volunteers to help make Canada Day 2025 a day to remember! If you're ready to be part of an incredible team and contribute to an unforgettable celebration, we would love to have you on board.
To get involved, simply fill out the volunteer form: the link is below. Thank you in advance to everyone who expresses interest, we can’t wait to see you there! For Volunteers please use this link: https://forms.gle/PFodxgzsxkt44VqN8
Calling All Vendors: Kemptville Canada Day 2025!
Kemptville Canada Day is excited to support our local and regional craft and vendor markets. If you're a vendor and would love to showcase your products at our event, we invite you to apply for a spot in our exclusive Vendor Showcase Area.
Spaces are limited, so make sure to submit your application early to secure your place!
Simply fill out the attached link and form to apply.
Thank you in advance to all applicants. We look forward to celebrating with you! https://forms.gle/Wv4v1hCjoGMaBjFs8
NG Arts and Culture Development Fund Recipients 2025
The Municipality of North Grenville is proud to unveil the recipients of the 2025 Arts and Culture Development Fund, an initiative championed by the Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee and launched in 2023 to strengthen and celebrate the creative spirit of our community. With a total budget of $10,000, the fund supports individual artists, creative collectives, and arts organizations working to enrich the cultural fabric of North Grenville.
“Congratulations to our 2025 recipients!” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “These projects are bold, imaginative, and strongly connected to our community. They represent the kind of artistic innovation and collaboration that make North Grenville such a special place to live.”
The Arts and Culture Development Fund is a key component of North Grenville’s 10-Year Community Strategic Plan, which prioritizes building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community. Through this fund, the Municipality is investing in projects that foster partnerships, spark dialogue, and make the arts more visible and accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
“We’re thrilled to support these exciting initiatives,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay and Arts and Culture Advisory Committee Co-chair. “They reflect not only the depth of talent in North Grenville but also our commitment to making the arts an everyday part of community life.”
The 2025 Fund Recipients Are:
- Roy Brown – $1,689.35 for Tri-Service Military Silhouette
- Rebecca Campbell (on behalf of the North Grenville Youth Filmmakers Club) – $500 for North Grenville Youth Filmmakers Club
- Sharon Dean (on behalf of Artists Who Care) – $2,000 for Painted Tile Mosaic Mural
- Talia Hreljac (on behalf of the Downtown Kemptville BIA) – $2,000 for Southbranch Serenade
- Tabitha Valliant (on behalf of the North Grenville Arts Guild) – $2,000 for Froid D’Art Project
From visual art to film, music to public installations, these projects highlight the creativity and passion that thrive in every corner of North Grenville. Municipal Council and the Arts Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee look forward to seeing each of these initiatives come to life and leave a lasting imprint on our community.
What goes on?
by David Shanahan
The Beatles had a talent for putting things into words, didn’t they?
On the aptly titled “Rubber Soul” album in 1965, they wrote: “What goes on in your heart? What goes on in your mind?”
I’ve had those words running through my own heart and mind recently, thinking about the fact that this month is both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in Ontario, an interesting coming together of two communities which have suffered discrimination and marginalisation for so long. Not that long ago, having a month dedicated like this may have seemed unlikely, to say the least. But times have changed, to some extent at least, and there is now a wide acceptance of the legitimate recognition of the history and rights of both communities in Canada.
What I found myself wondering about as I had the Beatles running through my mind, was really a question of how this change had
happened. Was it after a considered and rational understanding of the wrongs that had been inflicted in the past? Was it an acknowledgment by Canadian society in general of the truth of history and our shared role in it? Was it, in the context of the song, a matter of what went on in both hearts and minds? And, it may be asked, why is that so important?
Maybe it’s the historian in me; but I find that many of the changes in attitude in society stem, not from an awareness of the facts, but out of an emotional response to what we’re told. And there should be an emotional response to discrimination, hate, the wrongs of history. That is essential. But we also need to have our change of heart based on a real understanding of the wrongs of the past; an accurate idea of what we’re trying to change.
For example, as someone who has worked for Indigenous communities and organisations for almost four decades, I sincerely welcome the growing
concern Canadians have about Indigenous issues: the reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the acceptance of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the official apologies by churches and state for the wrongs fo the past. But I also have concerns about how much people actually know about those wrongs.
There are those who play down the history and claim that “Indians” have actually benefitted from the past, “get everything for nothing”, and other slanders and lies. But they genuinely believe these things because they don’t know the facts, the history. Others go to another extreme and want to apologise for everything, even things that never happened, or for which they have a garbled or exaggerated idea. They refuse to accept that history is not a simple case of one side being evil and the other side being completely virtuous. Life is not that simple. Why do I think this is dangerous for all of us?
Because Reconciliation depends on Truth, you can’t have one without the other. We all need to know the truth about the past, in all its darkness, in order to properly atone and change. The darkness of the past, for the Pride and the Indigenous peoples alike, is appalling enough without the need to add to it.
Reconciliation among all of us who share this land today is absolutely needed and long overdue. All of us, regardless of what we believe, how we live, colour, gender, orientation, ethnicity, or any other factor which makes us who we are, deserve respect, freedom to be who we are, and understanding of what we have been through, and where we want to go.
This is not something that will happen by marking special days or months, but it can start with that. It also requires time, education, information, open dialogue, a willingness to apologise, as well as a willingness to forgive. Neither of which is easy, and neither of which means
Dear Editor,
Thank you for printing the guest editorial, “Is the Sportsdome Needed?” by Chris Turnbull. “And they paved Paradise and put up a parking lot”.
She says there will be parking for 200 cars. Does this Municipality ever consider consulting with we who are the taxpayers about such matters? The proposed ‘prison’ is another example. Did they ask us? Some of these people who stick us with all of this will make their money and simply move on and away.
As Ms. Turnbull states, why is this to be built on prime agricultural land, such as the proposed ‘prison’ is? She also mentions the Agroforestry Centre and associated forests, meadows, wetland and field. How are they protected from this and other developments?
She continues, very wisely, on the possible harm this can do to the surrounding area. These ‘developments’ are never friendly to the
much if it isn’t based on truth and. Obviously, this means that moving ahead together demands that we understand why we need to do more than say the right words, wear the right buttons, or attend the right events. We also need to face the fact that we won’t agree with each other’s point of view all along the way. We won’t always feel at ease with our past, or our present. We don’t have to be experts in history, sociology, or any other branch of studies. We just need to know enough to know others are justified in their hurts, and we need to have the heart to acknowledge it and do what we can in our own way to ease that hurt in order for all of us to carry on together.
A Rubber Soul may just be one that is flexible, not hard and unyielding. What goes on in your heart? What goes on in your mind? That’s where the change will take place.
eco-system. Obviously, this government does not care about green development. It seems to me to be a contradiction to speak of growth and green space in the same sentence. If we are growing, then we must be losing green space. How can it be otherwise?
Contact 613-215-0735
ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca
Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735
Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca
Graphic Designer
Mary Moore graphics desinger 613-215-0735
Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca
Classifieds classifieds @ngtimes.ca
As the mayor states, we are one of Eastern Ontario’s fastest growing municipalities. That’s great for those in the building industry. Lots of money to be had. Our Official Plan designates it as “prime agricultural land”, as does the County Official Plan. Does this not make a difference?
I think it is very unfair to go ahead with this plan.
Kath Piché
www.northgrenville.ca
What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events
Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
Dedication of Trail and Memorial Bench in Honour of Rowan Dean
The Municipality of North Grenville, in close partnership with the family of Rowan Dean, invites members of the community to a special ceremony on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM to mark the dedication of a section of the Rail Trail, as well as the unveiling of a memorial bench and commemorative plaque in Rowan’s honour.
Rowan, a 16-year-old student at North Grenville District High School, passed away on September 29, 2024 while out for a training run on local trails. He is being remembered not only as a dedicated athlete and track star, but as an exceptional human being as well.
Rowan’s accomplishments were many. On July
23, he set a course record in the Prince Edward Island Marathon, completing the 5K run with a record time of 17:17. Representing the Brockville Legion in the past season, Rowan achieved a national finalist position in the 2000-metre steeplechase at the Royal Canadian Legion Track and Field Championships.
The event will take place on the Rail Trail near the corner of Bridge St. and Parkinson/Wellington Street.
The neighbourhood has street parking available, but the Rush Truck Centre has requested that the Bridge and Van Buren sides of the business not be blocked as there are occasional emergency uses. They have generously offered to make the Hagan
Street side of the parking area available if needed. We are grateful for this offer and request that those parking nearby be respectful and mindful of potential hazards; please do not cross the garage side of the property on foot (the rail trail can be accessed from Hagan Street).
This dedication is a gesture of remembrance, made possible with the heartfelt involvement of Rowan’s family and the support of the community. The trail and its commemorative features are intended to offer a place of quiet reflection, connection, and peace for those who knew Rowan and others who may find comfort in the natural setting.
“We are humbled to support this lasting tribute to Rowan in a way that reflects the profound impact he had on so many,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “This trail and bench will stand as a gentle reminder of his presence, and the strength of community that surrounds his memory.”
All those whose lives were touched by Rowan, including friends, neighbours, classmates, colleagues, and members of
This smile is for you
the broader community, are welcome to attend.
Event Details: What: Rowan Dean Trail Dedication and Bench/ Plaque Reveal
When: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: Municipal Rail Trail near corner of Bridge
by Marguerite Boyer
Retired carpenter George Hogan found out one day that his local pharmacist's mother had died suddenly, and she had flown out of the country to attend the funeral. It is always awkward when someone you know loses a dear one. What does one say?
Well, he pondered for a while, and then decided that he would make a simple wooden pendant for her with a smiley face engraved on the front. On the reverse side, he had a friend, Peter Cornelisse, etch the words
“This smile is for you. When you no longer need it, give it to someone who does.”
And from this small gesture of kindness grew a larger idea. Why not create more of them, and pass them out to people, because in this new world we live in people need at times a pick me up. So, together with his friend, they made 50 more and donated them to Shalom Homes to be used in any capacity they see fit.
The pendant can be bought for $15, in aid of Shalom Small Homes, by contacting Janne Ritskes at janneritskes@gmail.com.
Help pass on the smile!
Street and Parkinson (at Wellington)
Who: Hosted by the Municipality of North Grenville in partnership with Rowan’s family.
Light rain will not deter the ceremony; however, in the event of significant weather conditions, please check
the municipal website or social media for updates. Guests are invited to arrive by 2:45 p.m.. The brief program will conclude by 4:00 p.m.. Photography will be limited out of respect for the family.
LA Developments’ 9 Weeks of Giving supports Mental Health and Addictions Services
by Amanda Keyes
As part of our 9 Weeks of Giving initiative, LA Developments is proud to support Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) with a financial donation to help sustain vital programming and resources for individuals and families in our community.
LLGAMH provides compassionate, client-centered support for those facing mental health and substance use challenges across our region. Their work includes crisis intervention, housing support, counselling services, and outreach programs, all of which play an essential role in community well-being.
This donation will assist in ongoing efforts to provide accessible services to vulnerable populations, especially those navigating complex and overlapping needs such as homelessness, trauma, or addiction recovery.
This contribution marks Week 7 of our 9-week charitable campaign, where we highlight and support organizations making a difference in the North Grenville area.
For more information on LLGAMH, or to learn how you can support their work, visit www.llgamh.ca. To follow along with our 9 Weeks of Giving campaign, follow
This is another recipe using the very versatile pork tenderloin. This one has all kinds of good things in it, including cashews and Havarti cheese. So, please try Pork Tenderloin Roll-ups for your next full dinner. This recipe will serve four with the opportunity of having some left-overs. Pork Tenderloin Roll-ups
Ingredients:
2 pounds of pork tenderloin, sliced in ¾ inch medallions ¾ cup of grated Danish Havarti cheese (a firm Swiss cheese also works well)
½ cup of chopped salted cashews (the common peanut is also an option)
2 pears, peeled, cored and grated; if you can’t find pears, use some firm apples
½ cup of chopped fresh parsley
¾ cup of beef stock
Preparation:
Pre-heat your oven to 350F
Flatten each pork medallion with a kitchen mallet
Mix together the cheese, cashews, pears and parsley as a filling
Distribute a bit of filling on each piece of pork
Roll up the pork and secure with a toothpick
Place in a baking pan (preferably glass) and spray the pork with vegetable oil
Pour in the beef stock, cover your pan with aluminium foil and place in the oven
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes and uncover for the last 10 minutes or so
As for all pork dishes, please don’t overcook You can accompany your pork with Basmati or Jasmine rice. A veg that works well is cauliflower florets. As you are aware by now, I’m very fond of a cheese sauce for the cauliflower. To make one the easy way, heat up a can of cheese soup with 2 or 3 teaspoons of Parmesan and a dash of Tabasco. For staging, just place your glass baking dish on a heat pad along with a serving dish each for the rice and cauliflower. You can keep the cheese sauce separate in a gravy boat. Enjoy with a bold red, like a Pinot Noir. By the way, make sure that your red wine has a bit of chill to it and has been opened at least 15 minutes before serving. Clos Jordanne from the Niagara region works well but check with your friendly LCBO staff for other options. Many thanks from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
Bluebirds caterpiller choice of meal
Sing for your supper
Spring has sprung and some of the grass has riz, but I wonder where the sunshine iz!? Well might the birds be saying this, as they try to keep warm after being “down South” in the warm! But, despite their unseemly cold shock they are making the most of it and nesting has gone on, as usual, for some of them at least. Our nesting Bluebirds are now feeding like mad and Mum and Dad are being kept busy flying to and fro with beaks full of “goodies” for their new babes. Accompanying them, further up the backyard, our enthusiastic singing House Wren is either still trying to entice a female his way, or is singing to celebrate a new birth, I haven’t got up to there to check yet, so am not quite sure what is going on.
Despite the colder weather some of the birds have been taking to bathing, in our front garden bird bath! That was a bit of surprise to see in a recent “cold snap” and I don’t think that it was just to cool down, but obviously the need was there, be it to refresh their feathers or maybe kill off some fleas or other undesirable biting beasties! One of them wasn’t even a Robin either, who are usually the main water splashers, it was a Starling!
The Brown Thrasher, that I had mentioned in my last article, has not abandoned us and has graced us with a couple of visits this week and given me a better opportunity to get pictures of him. What a lovely bird he is too, so I feel very lucky that he returned to see us. I am not so pleased that our Raccoon visitor has also done the same thing too, although it was only during the darkness! It was probably the one that I had passed on the road home the other evening, which had scuttled off into a neighbour’s yard, at the sound of my car coming over the hill.
Well I hope that you too are getting to see the birds, on the good days, and are enjoying what they bring to us, even on the dull days. Stay safe and well, Cheers,
John Baldwin
The Vanishing People
by David Shanahan
In Canadian history, there is a fascinating period between the immediate pre-contact period and the arrival of the first Europeans. Archaeology can tell us much about the people who were here before, and indigenous oral tradition fills in a great deal of information about their ancestors. But there is a people who have left us a mystery, people who were known by the first explorers, and who later vanished, literally.
These people are known to archaeologists and anthropologists as the Saint Lawrence Iroquoians, though there is a great deal of uncertainty about how closely the various communities were part of a single people. But linguistic similarities and artifacts found on their sites indicate that there was a common link between them, from the area around Quebec City as far west as Grenville County in Ontario.
When Jacques Cartier sailed up the Saint Lawrence River, he came across a series of large settlements along the north bank of the river. Two major settlements were at Hochelaga and Stadacona, the sites of present day Montreal and Quebec City. Cartier first visited the two settlements in October, 1535, and described the longhouses in which the people lived at Hochelaga, as well as recording phonetically many of their words and phrases. There seems to have been some differences in the language spoken at the two settlements, and much remains unsure about the relationship between them and other sites that have been identified further upriver.
These settlements,
in fact, seem to have stretched as far as Roebuck, where a site has been excavated showing the presence of around 40 longhouses, each about 100-120 feet long by 30 wide and 23 feet high. The population of Roebuck is estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000 people, who grew corn, squash, beans, sunflowers and tobacco. There were at least six other settlements in the same geographic area, in Augusta and Edwardsburgh Townships.
Although the St. Lawrence Iroquoians initially welcomed Cartier, relations soured when he kidnapped the Stadacona Chief, Donnacona, his two sons, and seven others, and brought them back to France. All but one died there, and nothing is known of the fate of the other, a young girl. But out of that tragic meeting between French and Iroquoian people came one lasting legacy. Cartier learned the word used by the inhabitants for their type of village: “kanata”. From there, Cartier drew the assumption that the entire country was called that, and so Canada became the name for the new lands on the St. Lawrence.
Cartier made three voyages to the St. Lawrence between 1534 and 1541, and it was not until Samuel de Champlain arrived there in 1603 that we have any further information about the St. Lawrence Iroquoian settlements. And the news was dramatic. All of the settlements, from Stadacona west to the Roebuck site, were deserted, abandoned by their inhabitants. To this day, there is no agreement among historian, archaeologists or anthropologists as to what exactly happened to them
and where they might have gone.
They may have been exterminated, or assimilated, or pushed out by the Huron, or Iroquois. The lands on what is now the Ontario side of the Ottawa River were taken over by the Algonquin, who had already been the dominant presence in the Ottawa Valley and almost as far south as the St. Lawrence. The Onotchataroon, or Weskarini Algonquin occupied the lands on the South Nation watershed, where some of the settlements had been in the time of Cartier’s visit. In 1603 the area was a no man’s land between the Algonquin and the Mohawks south of the St. Lawrence. Champlain thought perhaps a war had started around 1570, and it was continuing during his first visit to the region.
There have been many other theories about what might have happened to the St. Lawrence Iroquoian. Some think they moved south of the river and became the Tuscarora, part of the Six Nations Confederacy. Others believe they split into various refugee groups, some going east to be absorbed into the Abenaki. It may be that some were taken in by the Onotchataroon Algonquin who came to occupy their traditional territory. Or were they wiped out entirely by Mohawk war parties during the wars between the Algonquin and Haudenosaunee.
Whatever happened to these people, they were gone from the territory that, according to archaeological evidence, they had inhabited for a period of about 500 years, ending suddenly and dramatically around 1600.
REPAIRS
Treaty Facts
by David Shanahan
Did you know that when the Royal Proclamation was passed in 1763, almost all of present-day Ontario was recognised as “Indian Territory”, and Europeans were forbidden to trespass and settle there?
In just 120 years after the Royal Proclamation, the only “Indian Territory” left were the various Reserves of today.
Between 1781 and 1788, the Crown signed ten treaties with First Nations. They were so badly negotiated that half of them had to be redone later.
On May 9, 1791, the Mississauga surrendered all the Canadian side of the Niagara River, including the Falls, to a depth of four miles from the river. In return, they got 300 suits of clothing.
Most of the land taken under treaty in southern Ontario was to make room for European families and discharged soldiers that had fought in the American War of Independence or the War of 1812.
Many of the treaties signed before 1800 were never actually written down. There is no treaty document, no official record of what was agreed
to, or what was taken by the Crown.
A treaty made in 1783 described the land taken as stretching back from the Bay of Quinte “as far as a man can travel in day”! How far is that?
In another treaty from the 1780's, the place where the land surrendered was described was left blank. Apparently, they were going to fill in the blanks later. They forgot. It was not until 1923 that another treaty was made to sort out the confusion.
A treaty was made in 1796 with the Chippewas of the Thames for parcel of land twelve square miles in size, in order to build a capital city of Upper Canada.
The Chippewas received £12,000 in goods in return for the land. The town never became the capital, but it is today the City of London.
In 1836, Governor Francis Bond Head travelled to Manitoulin Island for the annual distribution of presents. On the way, he decided that the island would be a perfect place for all the Indians in Upper Canada to live, so he signed a treaty giving up Crown rights to the Island and giving it to the Indians
forever. 1862, the Crown forced through a second treaty to reverse Bond Head’s.
After getting the first treaty on Manitoulin in 1836, Bond Head had the Saugeen peoples agree to surrender one and a half million acres of their land - and paid them nothing in return.
The two Robinson Treaties of September 1850 were originally supposed to get control by the Crown of a strip of land along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior. Instead, more than 52,000 square miles of Indian Territory were included in the two documents.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 12
Let's Ketchup Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Business Networking BBQ
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.. At North Grenville Municipal Centre
June 14
Legacy Walk and Bike-a-thon fundraiser to help Shalom Small Homes build 36 more units for seniors Time: 8:00 am
Kemptville Campus - Horticultural Building 20 Campus DR, Kemptville Ferguson Forest for Beginners. Time: 10:00 am Not familiar with Ferguson Forest? Prefer not to walk alone? Come join one of our volunteers for a guided walk. Also on July 12 and Aug 9, same time and place. FREE MAPS! Meet in parking lot near dog park. Final Repair Café of the season - Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm In the North Grenville Library
HIGH TEA AT THE RECTORY Time: 2:30 pm Sample pastries and sandwiches and sip teas and coffees. The $38 ticket includes chances at door and table prizes. Seats are still available for the 2:30pm sitting; call Audrey at 613-283-5033 to reserve yours. www. stannmerrickville.ca
St Ann's heritage rectory St Ann RC Church, 230 Main Street West, Merrickville Ontario.
So Much to Discover!
June 15
2nd Annual Father's Day Car Show & Breakfast! Time: 7:00 am - 11:00 am
$10 per person ($5 for ages 0-10) Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Refreshments include coffee, tea, and orange juice.
Spencerville Fairgrounds
2nd Annual Father's Day Car Show & Breakfast Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
BUCKLE UP AND GET READY, IT'S BACK
Breakfast 7am-11am $10 per person ($5 for ages 0-10) Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Refreshments include coffee, tea, and orange juice. Car Show 9 am - 3 pm Free to the public ($10 per car entry). Enter the fairgrounds from the Goodin Road Fairgrounds Entrance. General Public, please remember to park in the Drummond Building Parking Lot. We will have food trucks on site and an ATM located in our Drummond Building for your use.
The Drummond Building 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville, Ontario
Car Show Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Father’s Day Celebration The HWY 43 Car Club rolls in with a stunning display of classic and custom vehicles — a free, family-friendly event that’s sure to spark stories and smiles. Fuel up with a delicious BBQ prepared by the Oxford Mills Girl Guiding Unit — available for purchase — with all proceeds supporting their life-changing trip to Switzerland. AtRiverside Park
June 21
RECTORY YARD SALE Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm St Ann is holding a sale of small furniture from the Rectory on the lawn at 10am to 12pm. There will be real bargains in small tables, lamps, drapes, some office furniture, and chairs. www.stannmerrickville.ca
St Ann RC Church, 230 Main Street West, Merrickville
June 26
100 Men Who Care North Grenville, 2nd Quarter meeting (with a fajita bar dinner) Thursday June 26th, 6pm at Catered Affairs. See 100menng.ca for details.
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 613795-7155
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 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 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
Firewood for camping @ $60.00/cord. Call Reg 613 258 7606
MAXFL1 Golf bag new Asking $100.00 Call 613-258-2753
Energizer inverter generator 2;200 peak .80cc engine recoil start in new condition $425. contact nadfudt@gmail.com
2 steel car ramps 36 long 11 wide 10 high $18.00 contact nadfudt@gmail.com
4 steel automotive frame jack stands cap. 1000 lbs. adjust from 12 to 17 inches. $36.00 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 produc-
Ron's Small Engine Repair
ing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
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
41. East southeast 42. On edge
Not this
(across from old Bingo Hall) ronssmallengines@outlook.com 1 Jayland Drive, Kemptville
Rotary Club of Kemptville unveils new accessible dock at Curry Park
by Anna Van AdrichemRochon
A long-held vision became reality on June 4 as the Rotary Club of Kemptville, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, officially unveiled a new accessible floating dock and kayak launch at Curry Park.
The project was made possible through a contribution from the Rotary Club using funds generously donated years ago
by the late Rotarian Keith Rolston. After careful consideration, the club chose this initiative as the ideal way to honour his legacy: a gift that reflects both community spirit and outdoor recreation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a pictureperfect evening, attended by the Mayor and all municipal councillors. As Rotarians, residents, and officials gathered, the river came alive - kayakers and paddlers were al-
ready enjoying the water, a Blue Heron fished nearby, and a group of boys emerged from a swim, all showcasing the vibrancy of Curry Park.
Rotarians praised the dock’s innovative, inclusive design, which ensures ease of access for all users. Durable and thoughtfully constructed, the new installation is expected to serve the community for years to come.
In its 90th year of service, the Rotary Club of Kemptville continues to uphold its mission of giving back. With this latest contribution, the club not only honours a beloved member but also enhances one of the community’s cherished natural spaces for future generations.
More info: https:// ow.ly/33Z850W47VT
Complete
Distant
Small fireproof dishes
Bib
How old you are
45. Earthquake waves 48. Be hungry 51. Primary chemical 52. Villain 54. A certain cut of meat 55. Gave up 59. Low point 62. Food thickener 63. Unique 65. Type of knife 66. Adopted son of Claudius 67. Grin
68. A period of calm 69. Observed 70. Bachelor of Literature 71. Being DOWN 1. Rescue
2. Was indebted to 3. Post-employment years 4. Variant of an element
Abate 6. Bend 7. Apple or orange 8. Detector 9. Slattern 10. Vagabond 11. Affirm 12. T T T 15. Condition 21. Marinate
23. Holy man 25. Threesome 27. Backside 28. Goes ballistic 29. Finish 31. Awesome 32. Rose dye 34. Dog command 36. Bird home 39. Employ 40. Ponder 43. Expensive spice 44. A Great Lake 46. A noble gas 47. Friendly 49. Blood vessels 50. Bury 53. Satan 55. Devotees 56. Curved molding 57. Scarce 58. Sandwich shop 60. Misfortunes 61. Part portrayed
Permit
Mayor and Council join Kemptville Rotarians unveiling the new dock at Curry Park
Ontario farmers renew support for farmers’ markets
A second year of funding for a cost-share program to support marketing projects promoting Ontario farmers at farmers’ markets across the province has been approved. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will be contributing another $50,000 to Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) following a successful program in 2024 that supported marketing and awareness projects to promote local farmers participating in farmers’ markets.
“In our current climate of economic upheaval and trade challenges with the United States, consumer interest in buying local products and supporting local businesses has never been higher and we want to help make it easier for Ontarians to shop local,” says Teresa Van Raay, farmer and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
“The ongoing uncertainty is tough for farmers and farm businesses, and this is one way we’re able to support our members who sell directly to consumers.”
The program’s emphasis on local food aligns well with OFA’s commitment to increasing visibility for Ontario agriculture, promoting local food, fuel, fibre and flowers through its Home
Grown initiative as well as Local Food Week, Ontario Agriculture Week, and other provincial agriculture promotion efforts.
The OFA’s grant will be matched by participating farmers’ markets, bringing the total program value for the year to $100,000. This will build on the success of last year’s program, where 28 projects with markets across Ontario were approved. Those projects included digital and social media advertising, point-ofsale promotions on market days, and special events focusing on farmers and their products.
“We are extremely pleased that OFA and FMO are once again partnering to deliver this valuable program. The collaboration between our two organizations strengthens our shared mission to support local food systems and promote the importance of farmers' markets in our communities,” says FMO Chair Elmer Buchanan. “By shining a spotlight on both the markets and the hardworking farmers who make them possible, this program helps raise awareness, drive traffic to local markets, and reinforce the value of buying directly from producers.”
The Ontario Federation
Hadestown hits all the right notes
of Agriculture (OFA) represents 38,000 farm families across the province and serves as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. Home Grown is a public awareness initiative of the OFA that puts the spotlight on the importance of local food and preserving Ontario farmland as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers.
Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) is the only official provincially recognized organization representing farmers’ markets. Since 1991, FMO has been advocating with municipalities, regulators and potential funders to help ensure the health and sustainability of Ontario farmers’ markets. With now over 180 members across the province, FMO continues to support the growth of farmers’ markets for the benefit of local farmers, local food and Ontario consumers.
by Talia Hreljac
In the North Grenville District High School production of Hadestown, Persephone sang, “You want stars? I got a skyful.” Well, it turns out the NG High drama club is full of stars too, and every one of them was shining on stage this past weekend. Their musical talents were absolutely impressive, the set design was
well thought out, and the overall amazing. While many people may have walked into the theatre simply to support the students, most walked out dancing to the beat of those New Orleansinspired tunes. It was a show that fed the soul.
Last week, I had the chance to interview a few of the lead cast members. One of them is planning to pursue per-
Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute grateful for another successful Community Bake Sale!
by Jeanne Lambert
The Bishop’s Mills Community Bake Sale was held on May 17 as part of Bishop’s Mills Day, and was another success thanks to the many generous donations from the community. A tremendous variety of pies, muffins, cakes, squares, cookies, homemade bread, and pickling were all part of the many items on the sale table. At the end of the day, over $800 was raised to support the community hall. The WI collaborates with the Bishop’s Mills Community Association and members of the United Church for this annual event. We would like to thank all of the people who participated in the sale either by donating their baking, purchasing baking or both!
The WI also had books from their Tweedsmuir History collection on display in the community hall. Curators Jillian Wainwright and Susan Jenkins were available to answer any questions about the stories and photos. The community association also organized a silent auction which helped to raise funds for the hall.
The Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute (BMWI) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with an afternoon event on Sunday June 22 from 2-4 in the community hall. The BMWI has been involved in the community since 1985, including documenting the history of the village and encouraging positive change – sharing stories and building community.
The BMWI holds monthly meetings and welcomes new members interested in meeting their neighbours, sharing their stories, and getting involved in their community. The June 12 meeting will be held at the home of a member and will be our annual potluck meal. For information about attending local meetings or how to be kept informed about upcoming events in the village, please contact one of the Co- Presidents: Jeanne Lambert at jeanne.lambert828@gmail.com, or Sheryl McKim, 613 926 2472.
If you are interested in finding out more about WI, see the Provincial organization’s website: www.fwio.on.ca.
Mission Project supporting Interval House
by Heather Stewart
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church dedicates their Spring Mission Project as a means of extending Christ’s healing love through the ministry of the Leeds & Grenville Interval House, supporting women and children as they seek refuge from abuse, so that they may find safety, dignity, and hope.
Melissa Leveck, Executive Director of Leeds and Grenville Interval House, received the cheque of $3,750 from Samer Kandalaft and the Mission Committee during Sunday Service recently. By supporting Interval House, we join in a mission of grace and hope.
This is more than a donation, it is a declaration: that every person deserves to live free from fear, that healing is holy work, that justice is love in action.
forming arts after graduation, and no doubt will go on to do incredible things. The others said they just did the play for fun. And honestly, I love that. But I also hope they reconsider, because the raw talent they brought to that stage has so much potential. A huge shoutout to Mrs. Island of NG High for recognizing that spark. You're an inspiring teacher, and your
impact is clear.
This year, proceeds from the play and the bake sale will help fund next year’s production, and I can’t wait to see which show they take on next. For those with kids at NG High, I really encourage them to audition. It’s a big commitment, but the friendships, the life lessons, and the skills gained are absolutely worth it.
I saw the impact firsthand when the cast came together after the show on Saturday night. They weren’t just castmates, they were family, celebrating something truly special. And to the young gentleman who played Orpheus: I saw you highfiving everyone before you left. I saw how you made each person feel seen and valued. I saw the joy you brought to that room. Keep sharing that joy with the world, it needs more of it. Congratulations to the entire cast of Hadestown. The story may have unfolded six feet under, but you were all flying high.
Moon Names
by Gary BoyleThe Backyard Astronomer
The moon is by far the most observed object in the sky. Whether spotted during the day when mostly fully illuminated, or gazed upon at night, our natural satellite amazes us. For centuries the moon has been portrayed in works of literature, paintings and songs. There are even ancient artifacts of a flat piece of animal bone with notches etched into it. The cave dweller at the time was recording the everchanging lunar phases.
Because of its 29.5-day rotation around the earth from full phase to the next full phase, we see a slightly different face each night. This is the best time to examine the lunar terrain with a telescope as long shadows drape across the terminator, the dividing line between the lit and unlit side of the moon.
When the moon rises in the east at the same time the sun sets in the west, it appears perfectly round and is now 100% illuminated. By the way, the dark band rising in or near the moon is the Earth’s shadow. The full moon is the worst time to examine it with a telescope as the moon appears onedimensional: a circle with smaller circles on it.
We do not just call it the full moon. Each month of the calendar year is assigned a name. The most common reference we have heard is the Hunter’s Moon in October, but there are
eleven others. Dating back hundreds of years, some early Native American tribes only used the four seasons as their calendar, while other tribes adopted a 12-month system of full moons reflecting the conditions of that time of year. The various names given for each month are still found in the Farmer’s Almanac. Notice the pattern of seasonal change from month to month:
January – The Full Wolf Moon, February – The Full Snow Moon, March – The Full Worm Moon, April –The Full Pink Moon, May – The Full Flower Moon, June – The Full Strawberry Moon, July – The Full Buck Moon, August – The Full Sturgeon Moon, September – The Full Corn or Harvest Moon, October – The Full Hunter’s Moon, November – The Full Beaver Moon and December – The Full Cold Moon.
There are times when there are two full moons in the same month. One appears on the first or second of the month with the assigned name while the second full moon is seen on the 30th or 31st. This is called the Blue Moon occurring about every thirty months or so.
Another term we hear in the news is a Super Moon. Coined by an astrologer back in 1979, it is the combination of the Full Moon
and its closest approach to the Earth. The moon has an elliptical orbit with a 50,000 km variance. During a Super Moon, it appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is farthest from us.
The moon is tidally locked to the Earth so we only see one side. So the next time you look at the moon, you are looking at the exact same face as did your ancestors dating back hundreds of years.
Clear skies, Known as The Backyard Astronomer, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, and former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a certified STEM instructor. His articles have appeared in newspapers across Canada and has been interviewed on more than 80 radio and television stations across Canada and the USA. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com
RCMP Musical Ride coming to Spencerville Fair
by Eric Connell
The Spencerville Agricultural Society is thrilled to announce that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride will be performing live at the 170th Spencerville Fair on Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 PM, a historic highlight for this milestone year.
This year, the worldfamous RCMP Musical Ride will be appearing at only a handful of select venues across the country, including the Calgary Stampede, and Spencerville is proud to be the only fair in Ontario to host this iconic Canadian performance in 2025. Making this an exclusive, once-in-alifetime opportunity for
fairgoers in Eastern Ontario and beyond.
Founded in 1876, the RCMP Musical Ride is a breathtaking display of tradition, teamwork, and pageantry. Featuring 32 RCMP officers on horseback, the Ride performs intricate cavalry drills choreographed to music, a spectacle that showcases Canada’s rich history and the enduring pride of its national police force. The Musical Ride has performed around the world, representing the strength and spirit of Canadian heritage.
“The 170th anniversary of the Spencerville Fair is a momentous occasion, and we wanted to celebrate with something truly unforgettable,” says Eric Connell, 1st Vice President, of the Spencerville Agricultural Society. “Hosting the RCMP Musical Ride is not just an honour, it’s a powerful tribute to our history and a gift to our community.”
The RCMP Musical Ride is more than a performance, it’s a proud symbol of national unity, and this year, it’s helping Spencerville mark 170 years of agricultural tradition, community spirit, and family fun. With the RCMP Musical Ride scheduled for shows in Alberta, Quebec, and Northwest Territories only this summer, this will be your opportunity to witness this historic show in 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canadian history at the 170th Spencerville Fair.
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m..
Location: Spencerville Fairgrounds. Tickets: Included with regular fair admission and available now at www.spencervillefair.ca/admission.
The Nearly Summer Sing-Along
A quick glance at the calendar shows us that summer is just around the corner, however reluctant spring might be to release us from her clutches. To encourage spring to yield to the inevitable, Tripoly & the Grenville Troubadours will be doing another of their popular sing-along shows on Saturday, June 14 at 7pm at St. John’s United Church in Kemptville.
"The Nearly Summer Sing-Along" will feature some of our favourite songs from Scotland and Ireland, and we will also be performing a number of songs on the subject of emigration, celebrating those brave souls who were scattered hither and yon sometimes by choice and sometimes not.
In addition, this being the year in which three of the band celebrate their 70th birthdays, we feature songs they have picked that have meant something special to them in their lives!
Everyone is invited to share their voices in song! Please consider sharing this evening event with a friend. Singing together is great, but singing together with a friend really cements the friendship! Also, if you know of anyone who is alone and does not get out much, then this might be a good opportunity to reach out to them and let them feel included in the community.
The proceeds of this performance will go partly to St John's for their community programs like the Friday lunch, and partly to the North Grenville Musical Instrument Lending Library. This is a relatively new and exciting addition to North Grenville where folk can borrow an instrument to try out. This venture is administered by the Public Library but is funded by donations and grants and we're delighted to be able to help foster more music in the community!
Doors open at 6.30 and you can buy your tickets at the North Grenville Public Library (cash only) or from St John's Church Office (visit or call 613 258-3259), B & H Grocery or online at eventbrite.ca. Tickets are $25, although online is a little more owing to the add-on fees by the vendor. Tickets also available at the door. Tripoly & the Grenville Troubadours look forward to seeing you on the 14th June.
Curriculum for a long healthy life
This past week, we found ourselves in Rome: one of us in person, the other traveling vicariously on video connections. The intent was not to study ancient ruins, but to witness something much more modern and, we daresay, more vital: a graduation ceremony.
The event was brimming with the exuberance of youth, the blossoming of intellectual vitality, and the naivete of ambition. These students, many of them undeniably privileged, are set to begin lives marked by education, opportunity, and health. Their beaming faces were an exhibition of a powerful truth that two great predictors of a long and healthy life are youth and education.
Youth is a kind of medicine in itself. Your body repairs more quickly. Your arteries are flexible, your immune system resilient, and your risk of chronic illness low. Aging, on the other hand, is no disease, but it is the single greatest risk factor for nearly every chronic condition – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia among them. While we can’t turn back the clock, we can better prepare for the realities of aging.
But if youth is a fleeting asset, education is a lasting one. Study after study confirms that higher levels of education correlate with better health outcomes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that adults without a high school diploma are three times more likely to die before age 65 than those with a college degree. Education leads to higher income, healthier environments, and greater health literacy. These in turn shape behaviours around nutrition, exercise, and pre-
ventive care. The result? A longer, healthier life.
Contrast this with poverty, perhaps the most reliable harbinger of poor health next to old age. Poverty limits access to nutritious food, stable housing, and quality healthcare. It increases stress and reduces the ability to make longterm plans, including those for health. In short, poverty is a chronic condition all its own.
The CDC recently released new data on obesity rates by U.S. state. The numbers are alarming. In states with low levels of educational attainment and high poverty rates, such as Mississippi, West Virginia and Arkansas, adult obesity rates exceed 40%. Obesity, of course, is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. It’s no coincidence that these states also see some of the nation’s highest rates of diabetes. Adults with less than a high school education are more likely to have diabetes (19.6%) compared to people with a bachelor’s degree (10.7%).
These are not coincidences. They are the logical outcomes of systemic inequalities and missed
opportunities. And this is should not come as news. Back in 1877, the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, said, “The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend.”
At the Rome ceremony, the students were not just receiving diplomas, they were receiving life’s most effective vaccine. Not against any virus, but against ignorance, instability, and, yes, illness. They will likely live longer, healthier lives than many of their counterparts who never had the chance to walk across a graduation stage.
We can't rewind the clock on age. But we can invest in education at all levels, for all people. We can build systems that promote learning and lift people out of poverty. And by doing so, we can change the health trajectory of life for individuals and for society.
That so little is being done to address this problem is a terrible shame. We are bankrupting ourselves when we could be buying more healthy and productive time.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@ docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @ diana_gifford_jones
Dehydration
by Eunice Adu-Tutu, MPH, RD, South East Health Unit
When we don't hydrate our bodies often and adequately, it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration occurs when our body loses more fluid than we take in. This imbalance can potentially lead to serious consequences if not addressed properly.
Dehydration can happen for a few reasons. For instance, someone experiencing severe or frequent diarrhea who does not drink enough fluids, may lose a significant amount of water and salts. If these fluids are not replaced, dehydration could occur and, if severe, could require medical attention. . Likewise, vomiting excessively can also result in substantial fluid loss, which can increase the risk of becoming dehydrated.
Depriving our bodies from fluids, especially water, can affect important functions in the body. It can elevate blood pressure as the body attempts to compensate for low blood volume. Dehydration can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes in our body, which are essential for fluid regulation, nerve signaling and muscle function. It can even slow down digestion, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Many people may not recognize when their body fluids are depleted. However, here are some common signs that suggest you may need to hydrate:
- Thirst
- Dry lips, mouth and skin
- Dark yellow urine
- Constipation
- Dizziness and fainting
- Headaches
- Faster heartbeat
Ignoring the signs of dehydration can cause serious health problems such as urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones and, seizures. Essentially, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to protect your health.
For more information, visit the healthunit.org, follow us on Facebook and X, or call 1-800-660-5853.
Medical ignorance can be bliss?
by
David Shanahan
Every now and then, my wife accuses me of being a hypochondriac, claiming my various aches and pains are all in my head. Well, some of them definitely are! But more and more people are visiting websites to try and diagnose their ailments, real or imagined, and they can usually manage to find something to add to their fears. It may be thought that having genuine medical knowledge does away with that kind of thing. Surely trained physicians have an easier time dealing with medical issues of their own, since they can be expected to properly identify whatever their problem might be?
In fact, a survey of 779 Canadian physicians found the opposite to be true. When asked if having medical knowledge increased or decreased their fears about illness, a surprising 58% said their fears only increased with their knowledge. Ig-
norance may not be bliss, but knowledge may not be a benefit either.
There are other potential disadvantaged for physicians when it comes to their own medical state of mind. Almost every physician surveyed agreed that being a doctor “makes one aware of the risks that come with certain medical conditions”. That makes sense, of course. But more interestingly, 65% of those doctors admitted to being wary of being admitted to a hospital. This, in spite of the fact that almost half of those surveyed believe that doctors get better care than non-doctor patients, and even 15% claim that they had been offered medical treatments not offered to nondoctor patients.
One other advantage in having medical training was that around 60% think that physicians are more willing to refuse certain treatments, assuming that those of us with no medical back-
ground will usually accept whatever treatment the experts recommend. However, as with the mechanic you trust to service your vehicle, most of us have no choice but to trust those to whom we hand over our safety and well-being. The important thing is to find the doctor, or mechanic (same job, really) with whom you feel comfortable, who is reassuring and inspires trust. But be willing and ready to change to another, should you feel the need. Of course, then you have to find another one, somewhere...
The online survey of Canadian doctors was conducted by Medscape.