South Branch Serenade Returns for its third season
South Branch Serenade is back for its third season, bringing live music to Rotary Park every Thursday evening in July and August. Inspired by the vision of Don Munz, who wanted to bring music to the waterfront, the
concert series has grown into a favourite summer tradition for residents and visitors alike. Each week from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., talented local musicians take the stage, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing
summer evening.
The concerts are free to attend and open to everyone. Bring a lawn chair, settle in, and enjoy an evening of live entertainment in one of Downtown Kemptville’s most beautiful outdoor
spaces. Whether you're relaxing in the park, strolling through downtown, or exploring the water by kayak or canoe, South Branch Serenade offers the perfect soundtrack to a summer evening.
A special thank you to J.A.M. Productions for their ongoing support and professional sound services, helping ensure every performance is a memorable experience for both performers and audiences.
If weather doesn't cooperate, the show will go on. Concerts affected by rain will be relocated to a participating business in Downtown Kemptville, with updates shared through the Downtown Kemptville BIA and South Branch Serenade social media channels.
Make an evening of it by picking up takeout from one of our fantastic local restaurants, exploring the unique shops and businesses throughout Downtown Kemptville, and then heading to Rotary Park to enjoy the music. It's a wonderful way to support local, connect with the community, and experience everything our downtown has to offer during the summer months.
Eat In or Take Out
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Seatings at 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
At Bishops Oxford United Church, Bishops Mills
Advance Tickets ONLY - $20.00 each
By calling 613-258-4695 before June 17, 2026 Serving: Ham,
Art, Chrome & Community Spirit Roll Into Kemptville This Father’s Day
The North Grenville Arts Guild is bringing colour, creativity, and community together for its very first Art in the Park, a lively outdoor celebration of local art happening at Riverside Park on Reuben Crescent in downtown Kemptville.
This family-friendly event is presented in partnership with the Downtown Kemptville BIA, and joins forces with the Highway 43 Car Club Father’s Day Car Display and a community BBQ hosted by the Oxford Mills Girl Guides, creating a perfect mix of art, classic cars, great food, and small-town charm.
Visitors can stroll through the park and discover 18 local artists showcasing their work beneath outdoor tents along the east side of Riverside Park. Experience a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where there will be plenty to explore, admire, and maybe even take home. Guests will also have the chance to chat with artists, hear the stories behind the work, and experience the creative energy that makes North Grenville’s arts community so special.
And because no Father’s Day outing is complete without a little horsepower, the classic car display will add plenty of shine and nostalgia to the day. Pair that with a burger from the BBQ and an afternoon outdoors and you’ve got the recipe for a memorable community celebration.
Whether you’re shopping for original art, admiring classic vehicles, supporting local organizations, or simply looking for a fun way to spend Father’s Day, Art in the Park offers something for everyone.
The event takes place on Sunday, June 21.
- Arts Guild exhibition and sale: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Car Display & community BBQ: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Art in the Park is set to become a new Father’s Day tradition, bringing together creativity, community, and connection in the heart of North Grenville.
Do you have a story to share about community and compassion?
by Jennifer Gow
A few years ago, some friends and I attended a performance in Winchester by A Bunch of People called “True Stories”. Ordinary people, accompanied by a musician, shared real stories with a small audience. Some stories inspired us with the courage of the storytellers. Some made us laugh, and some brought us close to tears. Every story was true.
That performance inspired me to adapt and ex-
pand the idea to help explain what Compassionate North Grenville is all about. The worldwide compassionate community movement is broad and deeply personal. Compassion can mean caring for someone who is ill, dying, or grieving. It can also mean helping a neighbour, assisting a senior, or listening wholeheartedly to a stranger. Each community defines compassion in its own way.
Stories of compassion abound in North Grenville.
They speak to who we are and the kind of community we want to become. I hear these stories everywhereat special events, in the library, at the grocery store, and during community dinners. Some are widely known, while others are quietly carried out without recognition. All of them matter.
If you have a true story of compassion that reflects the people who live and work in North Grenville, we would love to hear from
NG High Takes on Legally Blonde
by Talia.Hreljac25
make you happy”. Well, you know what else makes you happy? Seeing the cast of Legally Blonde grace the stage this year with another awesome production put on by the North Grenville District High School.
This year's production was a brilliant example of the hard work and dedication of the staff and students who worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring pure sunshine to the stage.
From the opening number to the very end, it was a feel-good experience filled with girl power, friendship, and a little bit of magic.
What I really appreciated about this performance was all the behind-the-scenes work that went into it. These students learned so much, from set production and costumes to choreography and acting, and so much more. They dedicated themselves to bringing this production to the community, and they did a fantastic job. It's important that, moving forward, we as a community continue to support initiatives like this, because they help shape our kids into the kind of community members we want them to be.
This production would not have been possible without the guidance of the wonderful teacher, Meredith Island, who is always there supporting and encouraging her students. The NG High team and student body are lucky to have her. Productions like this also don't happen without the support of volunteers, and there are many who contributed their time and expertise. Thank you for all that you do.
Overall, if I had to give a final opinion on the show, I'd tell people, "It was like Senior Year, but funner." Congratulations to everyone involved. You would have made Elle Woods, and most importantly, Bruiser, proud.
you. We are receiving stories until June 30, 2026. Stories that are selected will be presented by the author on Sunday, November 1, 2026. All stores must be true.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Municipality of North Grenville for their support of this project through the Arts and Culture Development Fund. For more information, or to submit your story, email ngcompassionsessions@gmail.com.
Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins
Toonies For Seniors
Mister Tambourine Man
by David Shanahan
On May 24, Bob Dylan celebrated his 85th birthday, so I thought it right to reprint something I wrote for his 80th. After all, his status is undimmed, and his work will unlive all of us. After sixty years and more than 500 songs, many of them considered classics, this man has been compared to William Shakespeare for the sheer genius of his writing and influence. If you are one of those whose only comment about Dylan is that “he can’t sing”, well don’t think twice, it’s all right. The Bard from Hibbing brought a new morning to how singers are evaluated, a changing of the guards from the traditional crooner to give voices like his, or Leonard Cohen, or Kate Bush, Neil Young, a shelter from the storm. They could have a career because he led the way.
OP ED
I’m not arguing that his voice is something fantastic. All I really want to do is say that Dylan always knew what he was doing, creating a character, a past and a myth, going from Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan, from Minnesota to Greenwich Village, from acoustic to electric, from the Gates of Eden to Desolation Row.
There is a reason why he was recognized with the Nobel Prize for Literature: the way in which he plays with words, with ideas, with language, is truly groundbreaking. He has more in common, perhaps, with Yeats and Rimbaud and Joyce than with Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger. He is a poet of wonderful words, a critic, a cynic, one who can shatter pomposity or express deepest feelings, sometimes with simply a change in the tone of his voice. Singing? Yes, he sings, but more than that, he gives life, emotion, in-
tensity to the words.
Everyone thinks of Dylan as the great protest singer of the 60’s, a title he has been trying to lose ever since. But what can you say when he writes songs like Blowin’ In The Wind, A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall, Masters of War, and With God On Our Side, among so many, many others? Did he foretell the Republicans in Congress in thrall to Trump and losing all honour and integrity?
“Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call. Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall. For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled. The battle outside ragin' will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. For the times they are a-changin'” He warned of environmental dangers back in 1963, when “the pellets of poison are flooding their waters”. In fact, there can hardly be a subject he hasn’t dealt with
Mr. Ford Goes to the Muskokas
by Peter Johnson
Greetings North Gremlins and a joyeux mois de juin à tous . Are these the days that we have been waiting for since early November? THAT first snowfall... the one that never went away... lasted almost 6 months.
Recently I read, a comment by one Chris Chandler. He took the time to point out that both Mr. Ford and his Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, have been 'blathering on about teacher and education workers' absenteeism.' As the Worker Cochair of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee for the UCDSB for 20+ years, I know a bit about this topic.
School Boards keep very close watch on both their workers and absenteeism. Their statistics showed that the average amount of time missed by elementary school teachers was 1.5 days—not weekly or monthly---yearly! They don't like other people taking over their classes. How does this compare with
other professions? There are no other professions with such 'nearly perfect' attendance. Certainly not the Ontario Legislature.
The Ontario Legislature has been in session for only 30 days so far this year. This, after a 14 week/70 day 'extended winter break'. Which followed a 19 week/95 day summer break last year. The PR writers for the Ontario PC's have lots of interesting reasons explaining why this is necessary. Alas, we all know that Mr. Ford does not like being asked tough questions... and Marit Stiles rips a wide strip off his backside, daily. This might be why he is heading for the cottage.
There will be no government business done for the next 5 months. The Legislature returns at the end of October. This is the same government that has spent years telling workers to get back to the office, telling public servants to do more with less, telling students to accept cuts to OSAP, telling municipalities to fall in line, and tell-
in those sixty years and 500 songs. I asked myself if I could write an entire article using only Dylan lyrics, or song titles, and the answer was “yes I think it can be easily done”.
Then there are the movies in songs that Dylan produces on a regular basis. Think of Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts, for example. You can see the story play out in your mind like a film. Or Brownsville Girl, which manages to be a movie in which a movie is a central theme. It begins: “Well, there was this movie I seen one time. About a man riding ’cross the desert and it starred Gregory Peck”.
You can talk about his political songs too, because we live in a political world where everything is broken. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol is a fierce condemnation of one William Zanzinger who killed poor Hattie Carroll, and of
the system that let him off with a 6-month sentence. Hurricane is a another masterpiece of reporting, one which led to the release of Hurricane Carter.
Dylan can be vicious. Think of Positively 4th Street, about so-called friends who stab you in the back: “Yes, I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes. You’d know what a drag it is to see you.” Or the quite exquisite put down of Ballad of a Thin Man: “Something is happening, but you don’t know what it is. Do you, Mr. Jones?”
But, equally, who has ever written more beautiful love songs? Make You Feel My Love; If You See Her, Say Hello; Tomorrow Is A Long Time; or the heart-breaking Most of the Time; most writers would retire after just one or two of those songs.
“Most of the time, I know exactly where it all
went. I don’t cheat on myself, I don’t run and hide, hide from the feelings that are buried inside. I don’t compromise and I don’t pretend. I don’t even care if I ever see her again. Most of the time.”
The Jokerman at 85 may be knockin’ on Heaven’s door, but, like a rolling stone, he calls on Mr. Tambourine Man to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free. But for now, the groom’s still waiting at the altar, it’s not dark yet, and we can say in truth, you’re gonna make me lonesome when you go. Happy birthday Bob.
ing Ontarians there isn't enough money for services they rely on. (CBC) Let's take a closer look at this.
These decisions, the ones affecting the most populous province in the nation, are being put forth by just one person; the oft-harassed Mr. Ford. He has advisers, but they are not people that we elected. They, these Premier's office minions, have far too much influence. Whereas, people like me... and you too... we have next to none.
Giving any political Party a majority is very risky. According to Fair Vote Canada, In February 2025, Ontario’s first-pastthe-post voting system gave a single party with 43% of the 27% who took the time to vote, 100% of the power. The very structure of the ancient and archaic 'first-past-the-post' electoral system promotes outcomes like this. If you think this is dandy-fine, well, you just might have played sports without head protection (something else looked at by Health &
Safety Committees). If there were no other alternatives, we could just shrug and say, 'Whaddya gonna do, eh?' But there are alternatives—some form of Proportional Representation is common in European and Scandinavian elections. They've been around centuries longer than Canada. Maybe they know something that we don't.
Toonies For Seniors SHALOM SMALL HOMES
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MP Barrett Introduces Service Dogsfor Veterans Bill in Commons
Last Thursday, Michael Barrett, Conservative Member of Parliament for Leeds Grenville - Thousand Islands - Rideau Lakes, introduced his Private Member’s Bill, the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, in the House of Commons.
Bill C-282 seeks to establish service dogs as an eligible form of rehabilitation support under the Veterans Well-Being Act and create a national training and certification standard for service dogs, including standards for the breeding,
training, accreditation, and placement of service dogs across Canada, in coordination with provinces and territories.
"Veterans who have served our country deserve access to reliable, quality support services," MP Barrett said. "For many veterans living with operational or other service-related injuries, service dogs provide life-changing and often even life-saving assistance. A national standard is an important step toward ensuring veterans receive the
care and support they have earned.”
The proposed legislation was inspired by the work of Veteran’s Elite Canines, a non-profit organization founded by veteran and service dog handler Cindy Weir. The organization supports veterans through expertly trained service dogs, advocates for a national training standard within the service dog industry, and works to match qualified service dogs with veterans in need.
"This bill would support
our Veteran community and recognizes the life-changing impact that properly trained Service Dogs will have on many Canadian Veterans,” Cindy Weir, veteran and founder of Veteran’s Elite Canines, said.
This bill builds on broad public support and multipartisan consensus around the need for a national framework to train, certify, and increase access to service dogs for veterans.
“It’s thanks to the incredible dedication of veterans, their advocates, and organizations like Veteran’s Elite Canines that we have seen the meaningful impact service dogs can have on the lives of veterans. These organizations have demonstrated that veterans living with operational stress injuries can lead healthy, happy, fulfilling lives and remain active members of their communities with the support of a trained service dog,” added MP Barrett. “Now is the time to act to include service dogs as a recognized form of federal support for veterans, establish a national training standard, and ensure that service dogs are available to every veteran who needs one.”
CDSBEO education workers to ‘Paint the Province Purple’ for publicly funded education
On Saturday, members of CUPE 4154, representing education workers at the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), were canvassing door-to-door throughout the ridings of Progressive Conservative MPPs Nolan Quinn, Steve Clark, and John Jordan as part of CUPE’s province-wide ‘Paint the Province Purple’ day of action in support of publicly funded education.
CUPE 4154 members provide critical services that support student success and school operations throughout Eastern Ontario. During the day of action, education workers were speaking directly with residents about the growing understaffing crisis in Ontario's publicly funded schools and the impact that continued underfunding is having on students, families, and school communities.
Education workers also distributed lawn and window signs featuring the message "Together for Publicly Funded Education",
a campaign developed collaboratively by ETFO, OSSTF, AEFO, OECTA, and the OSBCU demonstrating a united front.
"Our members are deeply committed to supporting students, families, and school communities, but they are being asked to do more and more with fewer resources," said Trudy Scott, president of CUPE 4154. "The staffing cuts being proposed by the CDSBEO will reduce supports for students and place even greater pressure on workers who are already stretched thin. We want our communities to understand what's happening in our schools and why investing in publicly funded education matters."
Despite schools already facing staffing shortages, the CDSBEO is proposing staffing cuts for the coming school year. The board is proposing reductions to Student Support Workers and Information Communications Technology staff, while eliminating positions entirely, including commu-
nications disorder assistants and itinerant custodians and secretaries who provide essential coverage when workers are absent.
The board is also reducing some 12-month secretary positions to 10-month positions, a move that will significantly reduce workers' annual earnings and pension contributions while creating additional challenges for school operations.
The ‘Paint the Province Purple’ day of action comes as CUPE education workers prepare to return to the bargaining table with the provincial government. Across Ontario, more than 800 CUPE education workers are facing layoffs at the end of the school year despite increasing student needs and severe staffing shortages.
"Education workers are stepping up to have important conversations with parents, caregivers, and community members about the future of our schools," said Joe Tigani, president of the OSBCU. "Students deserve the supports they
Monthly nature talks in Bishops Mills'
by Aleta Karstad, Fragile Inheritance Natural History
On Monday, 1 June at 7:00 pm, the first of an ongoing series of monthly nature talks was given by Fred Schueler, revealing the findings of his "Doing the Streets" project in Bishops Mills. Residents and passers-by have often wondered about his daily and nightly presence for years and in all seasons near the intersection of Main Street, Mill Street, and St Lawrence Street as he walks slowly and thoughtfully, looking at the pavement, writing notes, and occasionally stooping to examining a scrap of something.
Dr Schueler finally gave the explanation for this mysterious behaviour in a slide presentation of his long term study of one small part of the world and what the numbers may reveal about the behaviour of several local species and their vulnerability to changes in climate and the landscape. He's been tracking numbers of everything he finds on the streets of Bishops Mills for 23 years and counting – from worms, caterpillars, moths and bumblebees, to frogs, snakes, turtles, and small mammals. University professors and their students are using his data in studies of amphibian decline.
need to succeed, and education workers deserve the resources necessary to do their jobs. As we head into bargaining – one of the most meaningful tools we have to make change – we’re calling on local MPPs to stand up for students, workers, and publicly funded education."
Well-funded and wellstaffed school boards matter to every community in Ontario. Together, education workers and community members are sending a clear message: Ontario's students deserve better.
CUPE 4154 members are encouraging residents throughout the ridings of Nolan Quinn, Steve Clark and John Jordan to show their support for publicly funded education and join the call for investments that put students first.
Some of the discoveries include a serious decline in Leopard Frog numbers after the winter of 2013-2014, with some recovery in 2025, documenting terrestrial movement by Green and Bull Frogs, which are usually thought of as aquatic, with huge numbers of juvenile Green Frogs in 2024, juvenile Toads only arriving in the village every 4-5 years from remote breeding sites, Cepaea snails going out onto the pavement to feed on their road-killed relatives, and being crushed in turn, and the same per-kilometre rate of road-kill of birds found in more wide-ranging Ontario studies, and about one cigarette butt on each 100 metres per day.
Next month's talk, on 3 July, will be by Aleta Karstad, about the habits of Ticks, how you can avoid being bitten by them, and what is known about tick-borne diseases. Come on down, there are plenty of chairs, and she'll have "tick tubes" to give out. Then on the first Monday of August, local biologist Amanda Bennett will give a Turtle presentation and answer all your questions. Mark your calendar for the first Monday evening of each month for a nature talk in Bishops Mills. Fragile Inheritance has a list of fascinating topics each waiting for its turn on the calendar for the autumn, winter and onward. There will be no charge for admission, but Fragile Inheritance and the Bishops Mills Community Association will be splitting what they find in the donation jar, for local natural history research and upkeep of the Community Hall.
Photo: MP Blake Richards, MP Michael Barrett, Veteran’s Elite Canines Founder Cindy Weir, MP Fraser Tolmie, MP Alex Ruff, pictured with service dogs Gracie and Ghost.
Fred Schueler "Doing the streets" in Bishops Mills.
A Gift for Father's Day
by Jim Dolan
I often walk through downtown Kemptville and take moments to look at the display windows of the few retail outlets that remain.
Such was the case last Thursday afternoon when a caption below a pair of men's underwear at Mama's Cheeky Boutique caught my attention, it read: "Lifechanging underwear."
My inquisitive mind found me face to face with the young lady working inside. I asked
her if the life-changing underwear in the display window came with a lifetime guarantee. Her laughter and beautiful smile answered my question far better than any words.
As I left the store, my fertile mind kicked in. What if the undergarment really does provide life-changing experiences for its wearer?
For example, if your significant other put on a pair of this underwear and it had the effect of adding a little more play-
fulness, a little more energy, and a little more affection to your romance, would you rush out to purchase a pair for him?
Given that Father's Day is just around the corner, I think it is worth the purchase, even without a guarantee. Your support will help promote our downtown and the owners will appreciate the extra business. Furthermore, if it does not produce the life-changing results you hoped for, it will make a delightful story for grandma to tell her grandkids at Thanksgiving.
Give it a shot, and, if it works, please let the owners know. It will also give me a reason to visit the store a little more often.
Wishing you a lifechanging Father's Day.
Skating Legends Inspire Kemptville Skaters
by Talia.Hreljac25
Skating royalty graced the North Grenville Arena this week when Canadian Olympic figure skater Kurt Browning and his wife, American figure skating champion Alissa Czisny, visited the area and arranged a special stop at the Kemptville Skating Club to help celebrate the end of
the skating season with the club's spring skaters.
The Kemptville Skating Club has been serving the community for more than 55 years. The not-for-profit organization offers skating instruction for all ages and skill levels, helping skaters develop both their skills and confidence on the ice.
Kurt and Alissa spent
three hours on the ice with the skaters, offering tips, encouragement, and guidance on a variety of moves and techniques. Each skater also had the opportunity to receive an autograph and pose for a photo, making the experience even more memorable.
It was an incredible day for everyone involved. The
Kemptville Skating Club hopes to welcome the celebrity couple back in October for a two-day seminar. These are the kinds of moments that young skaters will treasure for years to come and draw inspiration from as they continue their skating journeys.
St. Lawrence Writers Festival returns Community Bake Sale another Success! Bishop's Mills Women Involved
The St. Lawrence Writers Festival returns for its second year, bringing an outstanding lineup of Canadian authors, poets, and literary personalities to Brockville from September 10–13, 2026. Held primarily at Arts Hub Brockville, 32 Park Street, the all-Canadian festival celebrates words in all their forms, transforming Arts Hub Brockville into a vibrant centre of literary discussion, creativity, and intellectual exchange.
The festivities commence on Thursday evening with national bestselling author Waubgeshig Rice (Moon of the Crusted Snow, Moon of the Turning Leaves), and the return of Wayne Johnston (new release: The Novice of Holloway Hall) and Terry Fallis (The Marionette) in conversation with Rod Carley.
Friday afternoon features award-winning author Gary Barwin (new release: The Comedian’s Book of the Dead), new releases from area writer Heidi Reimer (What We Found Instead), Heidi von Palleske (The Lost Queen), Hollay Ghadery (The Unravelling of OU), and Catherine Bush’s 2025 critically acclaimed short story collection SKIN. Audiences are in for a
treat Friday evening with best selling Newfoundland author, the imitable Donna Morrissey (new memoir: Tell It to the Water), in conversation with acclaimed Calgary writer, Ali Bryan.
Start your Saturday with a Poetry panel (featuring Brockville-born Carolyn Van Der Meer, Kim Fahner, Kingston’s Armand Garnett Ruffo, and Ottawa poet Margo LaPierre) followed by a Romantasy panel with three of Canada’s hottest romantasy writers (H. Leighton Dickson (new release: Ship of Spells), Shade Lapite (debut release: Goddess Crown), and Kelley Armstrong (new release: An Ordinary Sort of Evil. Do you want to know how the publishing industry works? Attend Patricia Westerhoff’s “How to Get Published in Canada” lunchtime workshop, followed by a Historical Fiction panel featuring Giles Blunt (new release: Bad Juliet and author of the Cardinal TV series now on Netflix), Donna Morrissey (Rage the Night), Lucy Black (new release: The Quilting of Scars), and Frances Boyle (new release: Skin Hunger). The afternoon concludes with an eclectic Contemporary Fiction Panel featuring Russell Smith (new release: Self Care), Governor-Gen-
eral award-winning playwright Judith Thompson’s debut novel In Crow’s Field, Giller nominated Dennis Bock’s new release Strangers at the Red Door, and Darlene Madott’s new release Closing Ceremonies and Dying Times).
One of the festival’s most popular events returns this year - a Saturday night cruise with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruise Lines! This year’s cruise takes a romantic turn as it transforms into “The Love Boat!”
On Sunday, the festival isn’t going to the dogs, but it is going to the cats -- Hilton the rescue Tabby to be purr-cise. Join us for the Cat Meow’s brunch followed by the book launch of The Great Catsby by Hilton, a catification of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic (adapted/translated by award-winning humour writer Rod Carley and illustrated by Quebec-based illustrator Juliette Miron). Join Hilton and friends in conversation with Terry Fallis (free event).
Other featured authors include Carolyn Bennett, Celia Godkin, Daniel Goodwin, Lois Lorimer, Michael Mirolla, Emily Weedon, and Ron Zajac.
by Jeanne Lambert
The Women Involved (WI) in the community of Bishop's Mills would like to extend gratitude to all the bakers and buyers who participated in the Community Bake Sale held in May. This year the sale raised over $1000 through the many fresh and delicious contributions from people in the community. Every dollar raised goes to support the community hall.
In addition to the Bake Sale, the Bishop's Mills Day events included WI Tweedsmuir history books on display. There was also a natural history display, including information about the Fragile Inheritance initiative with Aleta Karstad and Fred Schueler. The Bishop's Mills Community Association hosted children's games at the park and a Silent Auction. The United Church members had the church hall full of new and gently used items for sale and hosting their famous canteen to feed the visitors. Thank you to all the volunteers and visitors who made the day such a success.
Some of the highlights of the BMWI meetings held in the past few months include discussions about the meaning of the Red Dress movement with Rachel Carroll, our AGM in April, work on organizing the history collections, and other interesting discussions. Women in the community continue to work together and make a positive difference. In June, the meeting includes having a potluck supper.
For information about attending local meetings, please contact Jeanne Lambert at jeanne.lambert828@gmail.com, or send a message through our Facebook page.
The Bishop's Mills Women Involved has been active in the community since 1985, sharing stories and building community. The Bishop's Mills WI holds monthly meetings and welcomes new members interested in meeting their neighbours and getting involved in their community.
If you are interested in finding out more about WI, see the Provincial organization's website: www.fwio.on.ca.
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."
Kurt Browning and Alissa Czisny with members of the Kemptville Skating Club [Photo by Melissa Baczek]
The Heart of Summer Beats in Downtown Kemptville
Summer has finally arrived, and there is no better time to explore everything Downtown Kemptville has to offer.
Whether you're looking for a great meal, unique shopping, local services, or simply an afternoon out with family and friends, the downtown core is full of reasons to visit. From restaurants and cafés to bakeries, boutiques, and professional services, there is something around every corner waiting to be discovered.
As you stroll through downtown, be sure to check out Kemptville's three beautiful painted crosswalks. These colourful works of public art have become landmarks in our community and are a reminder of the creativity and pride that make our downtown unique.
Summer also brings
some fantastic events to the heart of our community.
Father's Day weekend is shaping up to be a great day in Downtown Kemptville. The Downtown Kemptville BIA is proud to host the Father's Day Car Display in Riverside Park, featuring an impressive lineup of classic, custom, and vintage vehicles from the Highway 43 Car Club. Just across the field, the North Grenville Arts Guild will be hosting Art in the Park, showcasing beautiful works from talented local artists. Whether you're a car enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun day out, there is something for everyone.
Returning for its third season is Southbranch Serenade, an idea first brought forward by Don Munz and now a beloved
summer tradition carried on by the Downtown Kemptville BIA. Every Thursday evening in July and August from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rotary Park comes alive with live music from talented performers. Bring a lawn chair, arrive by boat, or simply stop by and enjoy an evening
by the water.
What makes Downtown Kemptville special isn't just the businesses or the events—it's the feeling. It's the place where neighbours stop to chat, where local businesses know your name, and where supporting local feels good.
Downtown Kemptville is where memories are made. It's where families gather for events, friends meet for coffee, and visitors discover the charm of small-town living. In a world that moves a little too fast sometimes, our downtown offers a chance to slow down, connect with your community, and enjoy all that North Grenville has to offer.
This summer, make a day of it in Downtown Kemptville. Shop local,
dine local, attend an event, and experience the heart of our community.
South Gower Business Park
We would like to take this time to thank our clients, fellow business associates and community. You have contributed greatly to our success at 4 Industrial Road, South Gower Business Park.
Great effort is made to meet your requirements in a timely, cost-effective manner, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity With varied experience, continued growth in education and support staff, our team continues to provide assistance in many areas including: CORPORATE SERVICES
• Financial statement preparation including compilation, review and audit reports
• Corporate tax return preparation and strategic tax planning
• G/HST, Payroll, WSIB
• Representation to tax authorities
INDIVIDUAL SERVICES
• Tax planning and personal tax return preparation
• Estate planning and tax return preparation
• Representation to tax authorities
FINANCIAL SERVICES
• Assist with budget and projection forecasting
• Business management consultation,
• Assisting with new and changing business & restructuring
• Buy and sell business consultation
• Provide in-house bookkeeping or assist with finding your own bookkeeper
We know and love the local area we serve and strive to support local businesses and individuals in all their business and financial goals.
Dare to Dream ...
Cassidy, Brian Edward
Peacefully passed away at the Maycourt Hospice on Saturday June 6, 2026.
Brian Edward Cassidy was born in Ottawa on November 9, 1936. He was predeceased by his parents Irene (Fouchard) and Bertram Cassidy along with one sister Norma. He is survived by Lori, his friend and partner for over 40 years, brothers Pat (Diane) Bowmanville, Robert, BC, sisters Colleen (John) Mississauga, Maureen - England, Cathy and Aileen - Ottawa and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his three children, Sharlene (Mark) Swimmings - Kemptville, Patti (Randy) Wyatt- Prescott and Tim - Prescott, along with 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Brian joined the Royal Canadian Navy October 1, 1956 and had postings to Alert, Bermuda, Churchill, Coverdale, Gloucester, Leitrem and Massett.
He retired from the Navy and went into the Insurance business, starting in Prescott and then he moved to Kemptville and bought Patterson Hadden Insurance where he loved meeting & chatting with the people that walked through the door.
He was one of the founding members of the North Grenville Curling Club, Past President of the Kemptville Rotary Club and he also managed the Ottawa Nepean Canadian Senior Baseball Team.
Brian has enjoyed many retirement years golfing, curling, travelling and just relaxing.
As per Brian’s wishes Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at the Mountain Township Agricultural Hall, 2967 Lough Road, South Mountain on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m.
A Memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 503 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on Monday June 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. Lunch to follow, everyone welcome. Inurnment South Gower Cemetery. By family request donations may be made to the Beth Donovan Hospice or Hospice Care Ottawa-Maycourt Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Summer Black and White Challenge
The North Grenville Photography Club's June meeting featured two presentations. Scott Elmore led a discussion on AI, arguably the most fiercely debated topic in photography today. Robert Young explored key considerations when capturing and processing black-andwhite images. Several images were presented to inspire ideas including a cactus plant from the Kemptville Campus greenhouse. Before the club adjourned for its summer break, he challenged members to create images in a variety of black and white styles, including chiaroscuro, high key, moody, documentary and low contrast. The club looks forward to gathering with new and returning members in September. Email contact@ngphotoclub.ca for more info.
Job Seekers: Stop Fearing Rejection
by Nick Kossovan
At the risk of stating the obvious, if you're looking for work, you're likely fearful of rejection. I constantly see job seekers paralyzed by fear of rejection, dreading the sting of hearing "No." Rejection isn't a personal tragedy; it's an unavoidable part of job searching, just as my articles are sometimes rejected, is part of "being a writer". Viewing every job application as an emotional investment is why job seekers struggle with their job search. Let go of the dread you're harbouring and approach your job search as an activity that thrives on volume and resilience, not on emotional validation.
To expedite your job search, adopt a "Business of One" mindset. A job seeker is essentially someone seeking an employer to buy their service(s)—their expertise and labour. An employer choosing not to buy isn't personal; it's just a business transaction that didn't close. I know firsthand that the fear of rejection is a real and exhausting emotion. However, observing those who achieved the success I wanted made it clear that rejection is something to overcome, not something to lean into.
Breaking out of the paralysis caused by fear of rejection requires recognizing that rejection is part of a numbers game. Baseball's greatest hitters—Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn—failed to get a hit 70% of the time. They built their careers on failure and still made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Your job search requires the same resilience. Getting hired only requires one "Yes". However, you'll never hear "Yes" if you're too afraid to swing the bat. Consider the following strategies to strengthen your ability to cope with rejection.
1. Become Comfortable with Not Knowing: When you submit an application or leave an interview, don't agonize over what your interviewer(s) might think of you. How people perceive you often has far more to do with them than with you. Other people's inner thoughts are beyond your control. Ob-
sessing over what you can't control is a massive waste of mental energy. Instead, redirect that energy to your job search. Control what you can—your preparation, skills, and execution—and let go of the rest.
2. 2. Recognize That You Aren't the Centre of Attention: We'd worry less about what others think of us if we realized how rarely they do. The idea that a hiring manager is actively dissecting your character and critiquing every flaw is a figment of your imagination. Recruiters and hiring managers are overworked. They're sorting through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications to fill open positions, not sitting around judging your worth as a person. They care about only one thing: whether you'll deliver measurable value to the bottom line.
3. Their Opinion Is Not Your Problem: A two-page resume, a LinkedIn profile, or a 30-minute phone screening rarely captures a person's true competence. When a hiring manager forms an opinion of you and decides to pass, consider it their loss, not yours. Never internalize a stranger's judgment. It's a mismatch of timing and needs, not an audit of your underlying value. However (me interjecting), it never hurts to consider how you can better present your skills and qualifications so employers can easily see how you'll enhance their profitability, greatly increasing your chances of hearing "Yes."
4. Stop Trying to Blend In: Many job seekers believe that becoming a corporate chameleon, smoothing their personality, using a generic resume, relying on inconsequential buzzwords during
interviews, and giving scripted, robotic answers, hoping to "blend in," is an effective job search strategy. Playing it safe doesn't reduce your chances of rejection; it makes you forgettable, which is a job seeker's kiss of death. Recruiters and hiring managers, especially the good ones, value individuality. Your unique skills, experience, and personality are your competitive advantage.
5. Focus Entirely on Execution: Rather than focusing on what scares you, focus on what you want to accomplish. Think of it this way: if you were administering life-saving CPR in a crowded public square, you wouldn't care what bystanders thought of your hair or jeans. The mission's intensity completely drowns out the noise. Treat your job search with the same missioncritical focus.
6. 6. Run Toward the "No's.": Stop running from "No's." Collect them until they mean nothing. Jia Jiang demonstrated in his "100 Days of Rejection" experiment that the best way to eliminate your fear of rejection is to actively seek it out. The moment you realize that a "No" doesn't harm you, the word loses its power over you. Make collecting rejections a daily goal. Reach out to people you'd like to connect with and apply for roles that are beyond your current abilities. Accumulating "No's" will quickly show you that "No" isn't the end of the world. You're still standing, your coffee still tastes the same, and you're able to move on. Who knows, you might even get a "Yes."
39. Large powerful dog 41. Perfume 43. Beg 44. Mongol dwelling
46. Asterisk 47. Urine
49. Modern 50. Wails
51. Book of instructions
54. Break in two 56. False god 57. Feeling your pain
23. Fired a projectile
30. East northeast
31. A low monotonous tone
32. Dwarf buffalo
33. Anagram of "Slid"
35. Show embarrassment
63. Classify 64. Competed 65. Shad
66. Celtic language 67. Sea eagle
68. Refine
69. Marsh plant 70. Trawling equipment 71. Twisty turns
DOWN
1. Stair
2. Drunkard
3. Hearing organs
4. Cupid's Greek counterpart
5. Fables
6. Embody
7. Expected
8. Adopted son of Claudius
9. Ditch
10. Limitless
11. Approves
12. Complain
13. Beauty parlor
21. Mantelpiece
25. Centers
26. Pack down
27. Nitpicky to a fault
28. Fail to win
29. Slung
34. Woos by singing
36. "Do ____ others"
37. Sign of healing
38. Not his 40. Notion
42. Brown ermine
45. Unexpended
48. One more than ten 51. Cheapskate
52. Love intensely
53. Scandinavian 55. Stage
58. Bog
59. Shade trees
60. Foot digits
61. Small island
62. Felines
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville
Two of the most popular dishes at Salamanders are Chicken Crepes and also Seafood Crepes. Crepes are very easy to prepare and stuffing them with great ingredients is a lot of fun. The results are always tasty and a hit with young chefs and big eaters. Today's recipe is Ham and Apple Crepes, adapted from Pol Martin's Easy Cooking for Today, Volume 2.
Ham and Apple Stuffed Crepes
Ingredients for the Crêpes:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
3 ½ cups whole milk (3%)
½ cup butter, melted and cooled slightly (2 tablespoons for the pan)
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Ingredients for the Stuffing
2 apples, peeled, cored and diced (MacIntosh are nice, Spy are better)
1 red pepper, chopped
3 green onions, sliced (include the stems)
1 cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cups of cooked ham cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and black pepper
2 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of flour
2 cups of chicken stock, heated
1 ½ cup of grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese of your choice
Preparation:
Crepes
For the crepes, place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth
Transfer to a bowl and let rest for an hour while you are preparing your stuffing
Once you are ready to cook, pour some melted butter in the bottom of a nonstick pan
Pour enough batter to coat the bottom of the pan; when stiff, flip the crepe over
Stack the crepes as you make them; you'll need 8 or more; keep the rest for another day
Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 400F
Melt butter in a large pan; add the peppers, onions and mushrooms and sauté for five minutes
Add the apples and ham and cook for 15 minutes on low heat
Add the parsley and pepper, then stir in the flour, mixing well
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil; then, reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes
Mix in half of the cheese you have selected and cook for another couple of minutes
Lay your crepes flat on a cutting board and place a generous line of stuffing on each
Roll or fold them; then, line them up in an oven proof dish; top with the rest of the cheese
Bake for no more than 5 or 6 minutes in your pre-heated oven
Bring directly to the table with any left-over stuffing. Serve with a bold red wine such as a Zinfandel. So, try this out, then talk to me at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
KEMPTVILLE MALE CHOIR presents FROM SEA TO SONG
June 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Urbandale Art Centre. Tickets are $25 dollars and children under 12 years are free. Tickets can be purchased at B&H Your Community Grocer or call 613-252-9576 to purchase by e-transfer. $5 dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the Victim Services of Leeds Grenville.
THE NORTH GRENVILLE ARTS GUILD
On Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. is bringing colour, creativity, and community together for its very first Art in the Park — a lively outdoor celebration of local art happening at Riverside Park on Reuben Crescent in downtown Kemptville. This family-friendly event is presented in partnership with the Downtown Kemptville BIA and joins forces with the Highway 43 Car Club Father’s Day Car Display and a community BBQ hosted by the Oxford Mills Girl Guides — creating a perfect mix of art, classic cars, great food, and small-town charm
Arts Guild exhibition and sale: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Car show & community BBQ: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SOUTH GOWER CEMETERY SERVICE Sunday July 5 at 2:30 pm. Rev Steven Kohls officiating, Gallagher Family providing the music.
KEMPTVILLE YOUTH CENTRE is open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm daily for drop-in programming. Ages 11 to 19. Jr. Youth Night 3rd Monday of the month from 6pm to 8pm. Ages 8 to 11. No preregistration required. All programming at KYC is FREE. Follow us on Facebook to view other scheduled events and programs.
NORTH GRENVILLE PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: Meets from 7 - 9 PM on the 1st Wednesday of each month (Sept. - June) at Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colannade Dr., Kemptville. Welcoming photographers of all skill levels. Email contact@ngphotoclub.ca for more info.
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. Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome
NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
YOUNGSTERS OF YORE Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street.Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair.
“Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack after our weekly guest speaks. June 18th - Victor Lachance NG Payers Association June 25th - Peter Johnson Musician
We welcome All Ages!
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.
NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm) Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres.Everyone is welcome. Bring clean indoor shoes
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. 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. 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 7:00 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Robert Taylor (613) 853-5634, or email grenvillegremlins09@gmail. com.
NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED The NGMS provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coffee and conversation, and do projects that benefit the community. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30 to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West. Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) : northgrenvillemensshed@gmail.com for more information.
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. NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans. Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?
JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thoughtprovoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For
details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com
CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers. pril 21), Kemptville Legion Lounge, 7 pm. Contact mary.moore@ cedarlanestudio.netformore info.
EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18. NEW TIMES STARTING IN JUNE: Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25. NEW TIMES STARTING IN JUNE: Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m.
WIZARD CARD GAME at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Sunday, June 14, August 9. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m.
SPEED EUCHRE 10X10 at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. June 27, July 26, August 23. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m. 10x10 means you play 10 games with as many euchre hands as you can within 10 minutes per game, for unlimited points. Stick the dealer: if everyone passes, the dealer must call a trump suit. If you like to take your time when playing euchre, this version is not recommended.
3RD ANNUAL FATHER'S DAY CAR SHOW & BREAKFAST
Sunday, June 21, 2026. 8:00 AM,The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville, Ontario
BIRDS OF PREY SHOW, Sunday, June 14 at 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00 at Ferguson Forest Arboretum. You may see an eagle, a hawk, a falcon, an owl or other raptors up close and personal. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Friends of Ferguson Forest. Suggested donation $5."
THE SPENCERVILLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY invites the public to attend its June Monthly Meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville. Community members are welcome to learn more about planning for the 171st Spencerville Fair and upcoming events.
HELP US WITH A VOLUNTEER SUBSCRIPTION!
We’re locally owned, locally operated, and committed to our community. You can help us continue with our commitment to keep NG residents informed and entertained with community news and happenings. FOR ONLY $60.00 A YEAR.
How Can You Help Tell North Grenville's Story?
By Geraldine Taylor
A week ago, I asked a simple question: Who will tell North Grenville's story?
It is a question worth asking. Who will preserve the photographs tucked away in family albums? Who will record the memories of our veterans, farmers, business owners, teachers, and community builders? Who will ensure that future generations understand where they came from and how this community was built? The answer is not one person. It is all of us.
The North Grenville Historical Society exists because local residents believe that our history matters. We believe that the stories of ordinary people deserve to be remembered. We believe that our heritage is not something stored away in a box, it is a living part of who we are today.
Every year the Historical Society works to collect, preserve, share, and celebrate the history of North Grenville. We maintain archives, support educational initiatives, host public events, and work to ensure that future generations will have access to the stories that shaped our community. None of this happens without support. That is why we are holding our 5th Annual North Grenville Historical Society Golf Tournament.
The goal is straightforward. We need to raise approximately $25,000 to help offset the Society's operating expenses and continue the work of preserving our local history. The response from our community has been encouraging. Local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and golfers have already stepped forward to help.
However, there is still room for more community participation.
At the time of writing, we have approximately:
- 12 golfer registrations remaining (3 teams of four)
- 25-hole sponsorship signs available
- Opportunities for direct financial donations
You do not need to be a golfer to support the Historical Society. A hole sponsorship is an excellent way for local businesses and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the community while gaining visibility during the event. Individuals and families may also choose to make a donation in support of preserving our local heritage.
Every contribution helps.
When you support the Historical Society, you are helping preserve photographs, documents, stories, artifacts, and memories that might otherwise be lost forever. One day, someone will want to know what life was like in North Grenville in our time. They will want to know who built the businesses, farmed the land, served their neighbours, volunteered their time, and helped shape the community we enjoy today.
The North Grenville Historical Society is working to ensure those stories are not forgotten. We hope you will help us continue that work.
Together, we can preserve North Grenville's past and ensure its story continues to be told for generations to come.
For information about golfer registrations, hole sponsorships, or donations, please contact nghsociety@gmail.com, or call Geraldine Taylor at 613 808 8912.
Because every community deserves to remember its story.
First of June Birds
The nesting season is well under way and our Chickadee parents, who are using one of my nesting boxes, are very busy keeping up with the new demands within. I know that they are doing this, but am only catching very fleeting glimpses of them as they go in and out. They are so quick to negotiate the entrance hole that I wonder, at times, if I just imagined it!
I am not even going to try to catch them with my camera, my thought process and actions are not up to their speedy entrances and departures, I would only get a series of blanks, so will have to content myself that a new family is about to appear without me being a witness to the fact!
In stark contrast, to their extremely quiet ways, the House Wren is sitting on top of his chosen nesting box singing his little heart out for hours on end! For such a small bird, its singing stamina is amazing and goes on from dawn to dusk. All his efforts are aimed to attract a female into his chosen spot, but I wonder if she actually listens to him!? Who knows, I can't hear much of him at the present, so maybe she has and they are now nest building!
Whilst one of the smallest birds that we get seems to make a lot of noise, perhaps the brightest colored one that stays all year round, with us is doing a pretty good job too, in that respect. Yes, you've probably guessed that I am talking about the Cardinals who, over the past week or so, have
Common Sense Health
Will getting active make aching joints worse?
Diana Gifford-Jones
Few health problems are more discouraging than the pain of osteoarthritis. Day after day, aching knees, hips, or ankles can make simple tasks seem like major obstacles. Suffering people ask, "Should I start exercising to help my joints, or will it simply make the pain worse?"
thritis. It develops when cartilage, the smooth cushion between bones, gradually deteriorates with age. As the cushioning disappears, joints become stiff, painful, and inflamed. Understandably, many sufferers feel that resting painful joints is the safest course of action.
adults maintain mobility and independence. Walking, combined with exercises that improve strength and balance, remains one of the most effective non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis.
been singing like mad in our front garden area. Of course, they also stay well hidden whilst doing it, which is probably quite necessary, because they are more vocal than usual and so are very liable to be preyed upon, should one of their predators appear on the scene!
Hopefully that doesn't happen and they survive unscathed to nest and bring their families up safely. Cat owners, please take note when letting your feline friends out to roam freely, that they are natural predators of our feathered friends, so please keep them in close proximity to your own properties. Thanks. Meanwhile, life goes on and two abandoned nests in different parts of our backyard let us know that the Robins have been busy, somewhat unsuccessfully, which isn't surprising really when you see where they try to build. No doubt, you yourselves have seen them trying to build in the most unlikely places, under your porchway, on lights, up on a ledge, between two spindly tree trunks, and other weird locations!
They certainly don't seem to learn from the number of failures that they build, or are destroyed, but still persevere, so must be doing something right, as young birds start to appear no matter what! I hope that you get to enjoy seeing them without any tragic events spoiling your viewing of the young offspring as they emerge from the safety of their nests and come out into our "not so friendly" world!
Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin
For years, there has been a common belief that walking on an arthritic joint is like driving a wornout car on a rough road. The fear is that every step causes more damage. Fortunately, research suggests the opposite.
One large study followed older adults who had knee osteoarthritis and found that those who walked regularly for exercise were less likely to develop new episodes of frequent knee pain than those who remained inactive. Researchers also found no evidence that walking accelerated damage to the knee joint. This is important news because osteoarthritis is already one of the leading causes of disability among older adults.
Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear type of ar-
But our bodies were designed for movement. Just as a ship tied up too long in port develops barnacles, joints that are not used become stiffer, weaker, and less functional. Muscles lose strength, balance deteriorates, and everyday activities become more difficult.
The objective of exercise for osteoarthritis treatment is not simply to reduce pain today. It is to preserve the ability to enjoy life for years to come. It's not about training for a marathon. The goal is to remain independent. Can you climb the stairs? Carry groceries? Visit friends? Travel? Enjoy a walk around the neighbourhood? These are the activities that determine quality of life as we age.
Researchers have repeatedly shown that regular physical activity helps older
Of course, use your common sense too. People with severe joint damage should consult their physician. And, in all cases, when beginning a new exercise program, start slowly. A ten-minute walk may be enough at first. Increase activity gradually as strength and endurance improve.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is doing too much too soon. A sore muscle after exercise may be expected. Sharp or worsening joint pain is not.
For those who find walking difficult, swimming and water exercises can be excellent alternatives. Water supports body weight while allowing joints to move through a comfortable range of motion.
There is another important point that deserves emphasis. Many people spend their time and money on gym memberships or physiotherapy appointments
while ignoring one of the most effective treatments available. For those carrying extra pounds, weight loss is an excellent objective.
Excess body weight places tremendous stress on hips, knees, and ankles. Experts estimate that losing just one pound removes roughly four pounds of pressure from the knee joint with every step. Imagine the benefit of losing ten or twenty pounds. As said many times before, the bathroom scale can solve a surprising number of health problems.
The bottom line? If you suffer from osteoarthritis, don't assume that sitting in a chair is protecting your joints. Benjamin Franklin was right when he said, "Motion is the best medicine". Unfortunately, it doesn't come in a pill bottle, which may be why so many people overlook it. This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff. com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
How to Add 16,000 Doctors and 27,000 Nurses to Canada's Workforce
from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship
With 6.5 million Canadians without a family doctor, an Institute for Canadian Citizenship [ICC] report finds only 41% of internationally trained physicians and 37% of internationally trained nurses work in their fields, and proposes a federal Fair Licensing Act to break the impasse
Immigrant doctors driving taxis is a cliché, and a costly one. A new report from the ICC, Ready to Contribute: How a Fair Licensing Act Can Put Immigrants’ Talents to Full Use for Canada, proposes a timely, novel approach to ending the pervasive foreign qualification recognition (FQR) barriers that keep hundreds of thousands of qualified immigrants from practicing their professions, costing Canada as much as $50 billion in lost economic potential every year, in addition to pain and suffering from needlessly long healthcare wait times.
The report shows that roughly 640,000 degree-holding immigrants, almost 26%, are overqualified for their current jobs. That is more than double the 11% rate among their Canadian-born counterparts. Closing the overqualification gap could add roughly 16,000 doctors and 27,000 nurses and related professionals to Canada’s ailing healthcare system, without growing the population.
“Keeping qualified immigrant talent on the sidelines while Emergency Departments routinely close due to staffing shortages is an epic triumph of self-defeat,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. “Despite knowing about this problem for at least 66 years, the immigrant overqualification problem is only getting worse. It’s past time for a brand-new approach designed to succeed where past efforts have failed. Hand-picking immigrants because we need their skills and then refusing to put those skills to use is not just an act of bad faith, it’s an act of bad leadership that hurts all Canadians.”
The report traces the problem to a fragmented system
of roughly 500 self-governing licensing bodies, many of which apply discriminatory practices against immigrants with provinces’ tacit permission. The most notable is the “Canadian work experience” requirement that mandates Canadian experience as a condition of licensure but also requires candidates to have a license to gain Canadian experience. This catch-22, deemed discriminatory by the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 2013, is still common. Past reforms have relied on voluntary cooperation and patchy enforcement, leaving the underlying problem intact.
The report calls for a federal Fair Licensing Act, modelled on the Canada Health Act, to drive change across all professions and provinces at once. It recommends:
- A Fair Licensing Act that rewards provinces removing barriers and withholds funds from those that do not.
- An accompanying Canada Fair Licensing Transfer tied to measurable performance indicators.
- Additional levers, such as Provincial Nominee Program allocations, to reinforce compliance.
- A dedicated Division within Employment and Social Development Canada producing an annual report to Parliament.
- A Fair Licensing Act Secretariat within the Forum of Labour Market Ministers to coordinate federal-provincial cooperation.
“The Canada Health Act shows the federal government can set national standards on matters of provincial jurisdiction and reward those who meet them. A Fair Licensing Act could do the same for licensing, in every profession and every province at once,” added Bernhard. “Canada doesn’t need marginal improvements. We need a big change across the board, to put immigrant talent to work addressing the needs they were brought here to address.”
Read the full report at https://forcitizenship.ca/ready_ to_contribute
Baldwin's Birds
Purple Finch
History page
Kemptville in the 1950's: parking, schools and nudists
by David Shanahan
Much is being said and written these days about the incredible rate at which Kemptville is growing, for better or worse. But it seems that Kemptville in the late 1950s was just as lively a place. In 1957, the village had celebrated its 100th birthday since it split from Oxford-onRideau Township in 1857. That split was in the name of growth too, so Kemptville has a track record in ambitious expansion.
In the two years after the centennial celebrations, a few major issues dominated the life of the village, as if the birthday party had accelerated those ambitions. Parking was one of the first topics to gain people’s attention. Not a new issue for Kemptville, after all. In March, 1958, complaints were being raised that people were spending too much time parked on Prescott and Clothier Streets, making it hard for others to find parking spaces. The worst offenders included the store owners
themselves, who parked outside their businesses all day. Council heard a proposal from a company supplying parking meters, and, in May of that year, agreed to install 82 meters on Prescott, Clothier, Asa, and Reuben Streets. Parking would cost 1 cent for 12 minutes, or a full hour for 5 cents! Violations would result in an initial fine of $1, if paid within 24 hours, and a maximum of $10 otherwise.
In August, the Board of Trade for the village had met and issued a stern rebuke to Council for ignoring the Board’s opposition to the parking meters in what was described as “probably one of the most fiery and interesting meetings” yet held by the Board. Under the chairmanship of Ralph Raina, the Board meeting “started off with the board’s foot aimed at council’s pants”, a fascinating insight into 1950s local journalism. The stand-off between Council and merchants carried on for many months, and the parking meters were eventually removed.
Schools were another big issue for Kemptville in those years. In July, 1959, Council passed a resolution authorising the borrowing of $85,000 on debentures for the purpose of building an addition to the North Grenville District High School on Prescott Street. That is the equivalent of almost $1 million today, a major investment for a small village to make. But the major project undertaken between 1857 and 1960 was the building of a new Public School on Reuben Street, then still known as Victoria Street. Up to that point, the Public School had been housed in the High School building on Prescott Street, and the new 10-room school was planned to be open at the start of the 1958 school year.
Moves were begun at the same time to raise funds for a local hospital in Kemptville, and the next years were full of fund-raising and planning for the Kemptville District Hospital, and amazing undertaking by the community, and one which has been a lasting
benefit to North Grenville. In January, 1959, it was announced that the old swing bridge over the South Branch at what is now Bridge Street, would be replaced by a permanent concrete structure. In spite of some problems with the contractor, the bridge was completed and officially opened in October of that year. A special plaque naming the bridge was unveiled by J. O. Clothier, descendant of the founding family of Kemptville, after whom the bridge was named.
So much more happened in that happening town in the last years of the 1950s: a fire damaged the mens’ residence at the College, and a new
womens’ residence was begun there also. A fire deswtroyed much of the building which later became the Clothier Inn, and led to the bankruptcy of a famous store, Swedlove’s on Clothier Street, which had used the destroyed building to store their stock.
And then ether were the nudists. A newspaper article in August of 1959 reported the opneing of a nudist colony south of Kemptville on old highway 16 (now County Road 44). It had been first reported on CFRA radio, leading to the newspaper offices being “deluged with calls as to its whereabouts”. Diligent sleuthing uncovered (?)
The facts. The Silva Sun
Club had 28 members, 16 adults and 11 children. Of the adults, six were married couples, one engaged couple, and one single man. Most of the members were from Ottawa and “hold high positions in the civil service”. Set on a 400-acre parcel, seasonal membership cost $15 for a married couple, $25 for an unmarried man, and just $10 for an unmarried woman. The reason unmarried women were charged less was, the Club explained, “there are fewer unmarried women inclined to join sun bathing groups such as this”.
Yes, life in the Village of Kemptville was really quite busy almost 70 years ago.
The meaning behind the visuals
The visual identities for National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day bring together meaningful symbols and vibrant colours to highlight the richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures.
In the centre are three symbols: a feather, a narwhal, and a fiddle. Each represents the distinct cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, brought together in a circular flowing composition to reflect the connection between the groups.
Around these central elements, are flowing curved lines and floral motifs which represent the connection to land, water, and all living beings. Dotted patterns symbolize beadwork, a traditional art form shared across First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures. Stars
honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, representing how they are always in our thoughts, even in moments of celebration. Flames represent the enduring strength of knowledge, culture, and resilience, and the shared responsibility to carry these stories forward.
The coloured background design features a sunrise-inspired palette that reflects the summer solstice, a time of celebration for many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Warm gradients evoke light, renewal, and possibility. The colour palette used in the white-background version, inspired by the rainbow, celebrates the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures across Canada.
Repudiation comes 500 years too late
by David Shanahan
This is part of a series of articles on Indigenous issues and history to promote awareness of our shared history in National Indigenous History Month
The announcement by the Vatican that they are repudiating the ideology known as “The Doctrine of Discovery” has been welcomed by many Indigenous peoples around the world as a welcome first step in reversing the multitude of injustices and grievances suffered by them over centuries. However, the joint statement by the confusingly named “Dicasteries for Culture and Education and for Promoting Integral Human Development”, is not nearly as straightforward as it may first appear.
The Doctrine of Discovery was based on Papal Bulls, or official statements issued by the Pope, in 1454 and 1493, which effectively granted to European monarchs whatever “dominions, cities, camps, places, and villages, and all rights, jurisdictions, and appurtenances, all islands and mainlands found and to be found, discovered and to be discovered towards the west and south” of a line west and south of the European mainland. These documents gave European monarchs permission to in-
vade, enslave, and steal the lands of any inhabitants of lands included in the area described. This included the Americas and Africa, and became the legal basis for colonial jurisdiction in those continents.
Upon such a basis was built the colonisation of Canada, the system which produced various Indian Acts, the Residential School system, every socalled Treaty entered into by the French and British Crowns within Canada, and the forced marginalisation of Indigenous peoples, confined by law to reserves, denied the right to participate in the use of natural resources on their own territory, and the situation, even today, where Indigenous people are the only group covered by a specific Act of the Canadian Parliament which gives a bureaucrat in Ottawa the right to decide who is, and who is not, considered Indigenous, status or otherwise.
The implications of the Vatican “repudiation” of the Doctrine of Discovery remain unclear. Much of the legislation governing Indigenous-Settler relations in Canada will need to be reconsidered, possibly amended or discarded. The treaties in Canada no longer have the same legal support, and the injustices resulting from the implementation of
those agreements will certainly have to be addressed in the coming years.
But the repudiation is rather wishy-washy. It claims that the Doctrine was not a doctrine as such, but political statements which, unfortunately, “were manipulated for political purposes by competing colonial powers in order to justify immoral acts against indigenous peoples that were carried out, at times, without opposition from ecclesiastical authorities”. This hardly reflects the wording of the Papal Bulls, which justify the granting of such overreaching authority to kings by pointing out that the invasion and conquest of Indigenous lands and peoples was to spread the Catholic faith, the monarchs simply being instruments of God’s will, as defined by the Popes.
The ultimate tragedy is that this superficial and begrudging repudiation comes 500 years too late. The damage has been done, and it has been extensive, costing untold number of lives, coming close to destroying entire cultures, reducing nations in the eyes of Canadian laws to mere “uncivilised savages”. In fact, the program to confine Indigenous people to certain reserved lands and to cut them off from every element of their tradition-
al ways and beliefs, was called “The Civilisation Policy”, officially implemented by successive government in this country from 1830. The first piece of legislation to bring this policy into effect was not the Indian Act of 1876, as is often cited, but the 1839 Act against Trespass on Crown Lands, which transferred all jurisdiction over Indigenous lands from the people to the Crown. It is astonishing, in its way, that declarations by Popes more than 500 years ago could still be having such an impact on Canadian society today; that there is still an Indian Act, reserves, conditions of status and non-status, not to mention the dreadful legacy of everything that came from those colonial and imperial documents. Canada has officially adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and this, along with the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, means that an entirely new relationship needs to be developed between Indigenous and Settler communities in Canada. Significantly, this lies solely in the power of the Canadian Government to arrange: as in 1830, so in 2026, that is where the real power lies.
UCDSB Recognizes National Indigenous History Month
Throughout June, schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are recognizing National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) as important opportunities to learn about and honour the histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
While June is a time of focused recognition,
Indigenous education is embedded in learning throughout the entire school year in the UCDSB. Through authentic experiences, partnerships, and resources, students and staff are encouraged to deepen their understanding, reflect, and build relationships grounded in reconciliation.
Experiential Learning: Sweat Lodge Teachings:
A powerful example of UCDSB’s commit-
ment to Indigenous education are opportunities for students to visit a Sweat/Healing Lodge in Maxville and Perth, with the most recent visit from Gananoque Secondary School (GSS) on June 1. Guided by Elder Thomas Louttit, a residential school survivor, and Fire Keeper Paul Allaire, GSS students participated in teachings connected to the Miitig Healing Lodge in Maxville and experienced a sweat firsthand.
During the visit, students learned about the significance of the sweat lodge as a place of renewal and healing. Teachings emphasized balance, respect, and the interconnectedness of all things. Students also participated in hands-on activities, including helping maintain the lodge and learning protocols that guide ceremony and community. GSS students described the experience as both eyeopening and meaningful.
“I had a really fun time. I liked learning about the Indigenous culture and honouring it,” said Grade 8 student Nicholas Offord.
“It taught me how to go into my mind and open my heart more,” shared Grade 7 student Ayden Veley.
“It brings good to my heart to see young people here,” said Elder Louttit. “I want them to get the feel of a sweat, hear the songs and understand their meaning.”
Ongoing Commitment to Indigenous Education:
The sweat lodge experience is one example of how UCDSB supports authentic, land-based and experiential learning opportunities that complement classroom instruction. These opportunities help students build empathy, challenge misconceptions, and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.
Some other handson learning offered
to UCDSB schools throughout the year include:
The Indigenous Leadership program (iLead) for self-identified Indigenous students and allies that provides leadership and learning experiences from cultural advisors; for-credit classes in subjects such as Mohawk Language and Lacrosse; a three-day cultural camp experience at
Thompson Island that connects land-based learning with traditional Indigenous experiences and science; and regular school-based support from Cultural Advisors providing teachings, mentorship, and community connection.
Grade 7 and 8 students from Gananoque Secondary School at Miitig Healing Lodge in Maxville on June 1.