The Voice of North Grenville
B&H Your Community Grocer wins Foodland Ontario Retailer Award
Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes has recognized owners and staff at local grocery store, the B&H, for their commitment to protecting Ontario’s farmers and our food supply chain by promoting local food.
MPP Clark presented Kemptville’s B&H Your Community Grocer owners Jim and Judy Beveridge, and staff members Laura Mordy and Joey Arcand with a Silver Award of Merit under the Foodland Ontario
2024 Retailer Awards.
“Some of the best local fruits and vegetables in Ontario are grown by hardworking farmers right here in Leeds and Grenville,” said MPP Clark. “Congratulations and thank you to the dedicated team at B&H for their commitment and dedication to showcase these products and encourage their customers to choose local.”
For more than 35 years, the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have continued to be the produce industry’s
signature opportunity to recognize the creative talent of produce managers and staff who build eye-catching displays that promote Ontario-grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Now more than ever, it is important to buy Ontario-grown and made foods to support our local food industry. Most purchase decisions
are made in-store. When businesses build creative displays to highlight local products, they are helping drive purchases that support and protect Ontario farms, food businesses and our entire food supply chain.”
This year, Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are presenting 64 awards that recognize 60 grocery stores across the province for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario food. This annual program runs between January and November and includes four categories of displays that celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.
For almost 50 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Ontario has one of the most diverse agri-food industries in Canada and produces more than 200 commodities, including asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.
Steve Clark presented the award to (from left): staff members Joey Arcand and Laura Mordy, and owners Jim and Judy Beveridge.
Battlefield BBQ event breaks records
This year’s Battlefield BBQ, held on June 7 in Kemptville’s Tamarack Circle neighbourhood, was the biggest one yet, drawing
hundreds of hungry attendees, serving more than 600 plates of food, and raising over $13,000 for three charities: CHEO, Beth Donovan
Hospice, and, Ned’s Wish, an organization that supports retired police dogs.
Now in its ninth year, the annual BBQ, organized by Jonathan Peacock and his family, has steadily grown into a community favourite. On Tuesday, Jonathan stopped by Beth Donovan Hospice to hand-deliver a donation and share stories from the day.
“It’s incredible to see how the community continues to show up year after year”, said Jonathan. “We had our biggest turnout yet, and I couldn’t pull this off without the incredible team behind me. Everyone plays a part, from the volunteers to the people working the smokers, to the folks handing out drinks and organiz-
L.A. Developments supports Beth Donovan Hospice
by Amanda Keyes
As part of their 9 Weeks of Giving campaign, L.A. Developments is proud to support Beth Donovan Hospice with a $1,000 donation to help further their mission of providing compassionate care to individuals and families navigating life-limiting illness and grief.
Beth Donovan Hospice offers free, high-quality palliative and bereavement services across North Grenville and surrounding areas. Their person-centered care, offered inhome and on-site, is delivered with dignity, respect, and deep community connection. This donation will go toward sustaining hospice programming, volunteer training, and essential services for clients and caregivers in our region.
This contribution marks Week 8 of LAD’s 9-week community giving campaign, which highlights and uplifts local organizations making a meaningful difference. Follow along with the 9 Weeks of Giving Campaign on LA Group’s social media pages.
ing logistics. It’s a real team effort.”
One of the most remarkable parts of the event? Jonathan and Battlefield BBQ donate all the food themselves, meaning 100% of the donations collected go directly to the charities.
And the food? Nothing short of legendary.
Food was served from 11:00 a.m. until they ran out about two and a half hours later. Some attendees waited in line for over an hour but didn’t mind one bit. Burnt end samples were handed out while folks waited, and a bouncy castle provided by South Gate Church kept the kids happy.
Sue Walker of Beth Donovan Hospice shared her appreciation. “The food was
Pictured: Victor Desroches, BDH Board Member; Gilles Brisebois and Amanda Keyes, LA Developments, Sue Walker, BDH Executive Director; Lise Krueger, BDH Board Member; Melissa Hill, BDH Staff.
20th Anniversary of the Kemptville Cruise Night at Food Basics Kemptville
by Luc Bisaillon
The Highway 43 Car Club is celebrating the 20th. year of the Kemptville Cruise Night in 2025! Yes that’s right, 20 years of bringing classic car and truck enthusiasts together to talk shop, catch up with old friends and making new ones all in support of the many local charities that desperately need our help in the Kemptville and surrounding areas. The Highway 43 Car Club is also celebrating our 17th. year as an official club in 2025!
A BIG thank you to founder and longtime
absolutely delicious, and we’re so grateful to Jonathan and everyone involved for choosing to support our work. Events like these help us continue offering care and comfort to families in our community.”
When asked if he was still riding the high from such a successful day, Jonathan smiled and said, “I’ll be riding this wave for months.”
The success of Battlefield BBQ is a testament to what’s possible when people come together. From generous donors to dedicated volunteers and everyone who came out for a plate, thank you for making it another record-breaking year.
past president Rod Rafter for starting the Kemptville Cruise Night back in 2005 and to officially start the Highway 43 Car Club back in 2008.
Heres to another 20 years of the Kemptville Cruise Night!
Getting the food ready for the long lines of hungry folk
Local entrepreneurs get support from Summer Company
by David Shanahan
Two business people with vision have been provided with seed funding to start their own businesses in North Grenville. The Summer Company project is now in its 25th year. Under the program, local youth are given the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses over the summer break. Successful applicants receive a $3,000 grant, business training, and ongoing mentorship.
The successful applicants were announced at a gathering in the Prescott Town Hall Grand Room on the evening of June 10 to launch the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business foundational program. Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., United Counties Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and local mayors were present to congratulate the enterprising business people.
James Richardson Lawn Maintenance, a yard care business offering reliable and affordable seasonal services including mowing, trimming, yard tidying, and watering, was one of the applicants receiving the funding. The description of James’ enterprise reads: “With a friendly, dedicated approach, James delivers quality lawn maintenance to keep your yard looking its best.” Contact him at richardson.lawns@outlook.com.
Lincoln BevAcqua, owner of Astronomical Clothing Co., was the second local entrepreneur. “A unisex streetwear brand offering bold matching sets like graphic tees and mesh shorts. Focused on clean design, Astronomical delivers high-quality, easy-to-style outfits that stand out. Connect with Lincoln at lincolnbevacqua@gmail.com.“
“It’s a milestone year for the Summer Company’s program that contributes to the economic growth of the Counties,” says Carol Hardy, Small Business Development Officer. “Our programs are about more than business training, they’re about building confidence, fostering innovation, and connecting entrepreneurs to a community that believes in their success.”
Year-round, Small Business staff offer free consultations, tools, resources, events, and workshops to support entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville. These programs are funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville.
Find out more at: https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/en/ small-business/small-business.aspx
Let’s Ketchup: Building Business, Community, and Momentum
by Talia Hreljac
On Thursday, June 12, four local organizations joined forces to host a vibrant and inclusive networking event for the North Grenville community. It was a meaningful opportunity for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community members, and local resources to connect, collaborate, and grow together.
This dynamic event was brought to life by The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, The Old Town Kemptville BIA, Ontario Approved Professionals, and Let’s Network. The welcoming space was generously provided by the Municipality of North Grenville, and Mayor Nancy Peckford was on hand to offer opening remarks and officially kick off the evening.
A number of vital community resources were also present, including Community Futures Grenville, CSE Consulting, Moose FM, and representatives from the Municipality. Their presence provided invaluable guidance and insight to those in attendance, reinforcing the strong local support network available to area businesses.
North Grenville is brimming with talent, and events like these shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations driving our local economy. In today’s uncertain climate, particularly with shifting dynamics involving our American partners, it’s more important than ever to focus on strengthening our local relationships and bolstering regional collaboration.
Adding a special touch to the evening, the Oxford Mills Girl Guides Unit hosted a unique and wellreceived BBQ. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, over $400 was raised in
Who knows where the Times goes?
support of the Girl Guides and the Kemptville Youth Centre, a clear reminder of the impact we can have when we come together as a community.
As Julie Cole from Mabel’s Labels famously says, “Your network is your net worth.” Events like these are not just about exchanging business cards, they’re about building the foundations for lasting success and community resilience. North Grenville continues to show that when we work together, we all rise.
To celebrate our twenty years of news in North Grenville, the Times is inviting readers to submit photos of them reading the paper wherever in the world they may be. You may be on vacation in Europe, like Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan was when this picture was taken. Or you may be visiting friends somewhere in Canada. Who knows where the Times goes? At the end of the summer we’ll have a draw to find the winning pic, and present a gift coupon from $100 for a local NG business. It’s a fun way to mark a big anniversary for us here at the Times: one we want to share with our friends and neighbours in our community.
NG_Times_June_quarter_pg_Azamara_ad.pdf 1 2025-05-14 3:47 PM
Access
— it begins again onboard.
by David Shanahan
Don’t you feel things are getting out of hand? It really is all too much. Everywhere you look there’s wars and rumours of wars, protests against oppression and violence, missiles, civilians being targeted by military, corruption and hatred. Everyone sees it happening, and yet there’s very little people feel they can do about it. Where are the leaders? Why won’t politicians speak out clearly and strongly against what we all see?
Why won’t more people simply call out Trump on his lies, his increasing insanity, his inability to tell the truth, or even to speak in a rational manner? Why does the media not contradict his goons when they outright lie in press conferences and interviews?
Why is finding a government or political party obnoxious, violent, hateful, considered antisemitic just because its an Israeli government and Prime Minister? Are the Israeli people and opposition antisemitic when they protest against what’s happening in Gaza, the West Bank, Leba-
non, Syria, or elsewhere?
You can be anti-Israeli government without being anti-Jewish: is that not obvious? Then why not say so?
It shouldn’t make any difference if your views are right wing, left wing, centrist, if you’re white, black, gay, straight, immigrant, or indigenous. There comes a time when it is wrong to keep silent, to let things slide, to keep your head down. As that wise saying puts it: for the triumph of evil it is necessary only that good people do nothing.
But here’s the rub: none of this is new in the world. The last few generations have lived in an unusual era, a time when there was a sense of order, what is called the international rule of law, a time when consideration for others and simple good manners were accepted as the norm. Of course, some of that was superficial and often hypocritical, but there was a solid basis for it. People on opposite sides of the fence could disagree, often angrily, and then go for a drink together afterwards. People tended to respect the good
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
There’s a lot of talk lately about protecting farmland from too much development. This is a great idea. Except the process the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville is using to protect Ag land, the so-called ‘Land Evaluation and Area Review’ or LEAR, raises some concerns which are not addressed yet.
The goal of this review is to protect Agricultural land, which I agree with. The problem is that according to the newly proposed mapping, much land that is not suitable for agriculture,
including many private lands in North Grenville currently zoned ‘Rural’, will now become zoned ‘Agricultural’.
As many know, Agriculturally-zoned land has more restrictions applied to it, when it comes to severing, building and development in general. Normally this is a good thing. Except when the landowners affected by proposed changes haven’t been fully consulted. While a letter was sent out in October 2023 to all affected landowners, and there was an announcement in the paper and some public meetings,
intentions and integrity of the other.
But that was an aberration in history. What we are seeing now is a return to the status quo ante, as you might say. There has never been a time of general peace and tranquility, even over the decades since the end of World War Two. Perhaps it was the fear of nuclear annihilation, or the reaction to the horror of two world wars, but there were times when people tried to get along. Think of the pandemic: everyone trying to pull together, to support the weak, honour the frontline people, do the right thing. We talked then that the world would never be the same again, that we would learn from the experience and live better lives together. That lasted as long as lockdown, and not even that long. Remember the truckers, the anti-vaccers, the vile and bile of on-line media which has never gone away.
Joseph Conrad wrote in “Heart of Darkness” that there is only a very thin veneer of civilisation covering a depth of violence and savagery in the world. We
very few people attended.
This might not be surprising, for when I received my letter almost two years ago, I seriously thought it had nothing to do with me. It was only when a neighbour asked about it that I looked more closely. Indeed, our property had been slated to be changed from ‘Rural’ to ‘Agricultural’, even though we had provided evidence 30 years ago to demonstrate that it was best zoned ‘Rural’. After some further effort, the Counties agreed to maintain our property ‘Rural’.
The Times covered this story in the October 23, 2023 issue: https://ngtimes. ca/agricultural-land-reviewaffecting-local-residents/
have to face facts: almost 80 million people voted for Trump deliberately, agreeing with his views and wanting what has resulted from his re-election. The response of MAGA to current protests against ICE is in sharp contrast to their views of the January 6 Insurrection. Hypocrisy? Yes, but typical of the divided population, the zero sum philosophy that dominates society these days: if you win, I lose. If I win, you lose. No compromise. You’re evil, I’m good, no debate, no grey areas.
Politicians, among others, have copied ths Trump style around the world, often with great success. Putin, Orban, Netanyahu, Farage, all winning support through divisive and fear-mongering policies because people are fearful, they do see the “other” as a threat, whatever form that takes. They believe the lies and trust none of the traditional sources of information. Trump’s military parade is an echo of Rome, Germany, North Korea, Russia/USSR, China, and everywhere people have a strongman, Duce, Fuhrer,
posed to magically become zoned as ‘Prime Agricultural Land’, check out the Counties’ website. Search for Leeds Grenville Agricultural Area Review, and look for the ‘searchable interactive map’ link. If you have comments or concerns, contact the Counties staff person at the bottom of the page.
Tom Graham Bishop’s Mills
Dear Editor,
Several recent articles have discussed the importance of avoiding dehydration, but one aspect not mentioned is that there can be serious outcomes if certain medicines are taken while dehydrated.
Dear Leader, or whatever they are called. It is a fact of human history that these days happen.
How long they last, and what the long-term effects are, is always impossible to know. History may not repeat itself exactly, but patterns do. We have to recognise the pattern and stop thinking that everything will go back to normal soon. It may not, or not for a long time. What do we do, then? We live up to our own values, with honour and integrity, refusing hate and fear as much as possible. It sounds idealistic, even exaggerated and unreal; but it is where we’re at now. Canada has experienced a resurgence of national unity and identity in the past months. I hope it lasts and doesn’t fade or devolve into a parochial isolationism. It is up to us to stand against the forces that will try to divide us through fear and hate, through disinformation and lies. If we don’t, then it really will be all too much.
tion, and increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
Some commonly used medicines should be held temporarily if someone is at risk of dehydration due to fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours, or due to prolonged exposure to hot weather. Medicines that should be held include some that are used for the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention, and arthritis.
Pharmacists are in an excellent position to provide tailored advice on which, if any, of your regular medicines should be held if you become at risk of dehydration.
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 www.northgrenville.ca
Last week, I attended our local Council meeting (June 11) and was allowed to speak to support a motion Council was discussing that evening. The motion was to authorize our Mayor to urge the planners at the County level to come up with more accurate mapping to address the potential negative impacts of changing land designation from Rural to Agricultural. The motion passed unanimously.
If you’re wondering whether your ‘Rural’ property is among those pro-
The first part of the kidney is essentially a filter, and as with any filter if the pressure is too low it will not work effectively. Pressures that are too high can cause damage over the long term.
Some medicines, especially when combined with dehydration, can reduce pressure to the kidney, reducing its ability to filter out medicines and other noxious substances. This can progress to an acute kidney injury which can have severe short and long term consequences including death, hospitalisa-
Steve Gabell, pharmacist (I am employed by Shoppers Drug Mart, this is written in a personal capacity).
Dear Editor, June is Seniors' month in Ontario. I've become dependent on a walker to get around. I am truly grateful and amazed with the many strangers who have come to my assistance and sincerely thank each and every one of you. You know who you are. Just to highlight a few cases: In the Independent Grocers' parking lot, a young mother
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with a toddler in her arms and also holding her daughter by the hand, saw I was struggling to get the walker out of the trunk and offered to help me. How amazing is that?
I sometimes rely on a shopping cart to get around when I anticipate large purchases. One day, I was in the Giant Tiger parking lot and lost control, upsetting the cart, with containers of bottled water rolling away from me. As I struggled, a young man came to my rescue. Thank you, Sir. I am grateful for the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) from the province. I will, however, try to park outside the allotted spaces. Someone else may be in greater need than I. APP buttons are most useful, when entering a building with a walker and especially access to the washrooms. It's great when they work; however, some are not always operational.
In closing, I wish to reiterate my greatest appreciation to the many people for their assistance. These are times that put a big smile on this lady’s face. Ramona Dunahee
More considerations regarding the Sportsdome
by Chris Turnbull
I read Mayor Peckford’s Guest Editorial with interest, last week. This article hopefully continues discussion regarding the proposed Sportsdome.
In brief: the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRM), does not note the Sportsdome as a large priority. It was floated, but respondents considered outdoor recreation of a higher importance. A full review is recommended between 2025-2030. There is a recommendation (#21) to explore opportunities re: partnership with the YMCA and development of a multi-use rec facility with a gym and wellness element. This was to be raised through the Master Plan process at the campus, but it wasn’t, particularly. The PRM is online.
The “Analysis of Indoor Pool Report” (2022) is well written and designed. Location possibilities: the Municipal Centre (linked to the hockey rink); Riverside Park; the Campus (with issues). The Municipal Centre was considered the best location given the types of development already occurring along Hwy 43, the FFC, and Equinelle. Infrastructure
and servicing is available in this corridor. It is online.
The Campus Masterplan (2020) does not show a Sportsdome in its design images. It mentions mostly outdoor integrations: agriculture/food security, public art, ecological interpretation, among other things. “Health and Wellness” is mostly focused on outdoor pursuits. There is a small mention re: indoor recreation. It is noted that the farm lands adjacent to 44: “form a highly visible sector of the Campus. These lands are intended to be converted from standard cash-cropping to an agri-tourism and agricultural demonsration showcase known as The Farm…to demonstrate a range of agricultural activities and crops that incorporate elements of agriculture, research and development, and tourism… (p. 22). It notes the necessity for review every 5 years. It is not online.
There is an example of a publicly funded Sportsdome and Sportsplex in eastern Ontario. 40 km away, Russell Township’s built Sportsdome (2017) and Sportsplex (being built) had a significant number of public/community consultation, with
feedback and amendments to their planning/designs. These are municipally (publicly) owned. The township purchased the land. Their population is around 30,000, with growth estimated around 18%. There are other phasings planned for future. Information is online.
It’s wonderful we received Most Active Community Awards, but we don’t need an indoor Sportsdome to achieve that, and we proved it. For me, this discussion is related to priorities, planning, and land use. Transportation seems a more critical exploration than a Sportsdome. The proposed Sportsdome process raises questions. Is there an updated plan for the Campus? The region known as 44 South? For example, what are the plans for integration of the prison and possible ongoing partnerships with the Province, in relation to the Sportsdome? What is the projection for the Sportsdome in terms of use and size over time? Who gets priority? Etc.
New funding for Transit Services in North Grenville
North Grenville will receive $719,000 through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF), which will support a new fixed-route service between North Grenville and Ottawa and expand the existing on-demand service within North Grenville. Steve Clark, local MPP, made the announcement with North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford and officials from the municipality.
“As an MPP representing rural and small communities, I know that reliable, safe transportation is a lifeline for our residents. Whether it’s getting to work, school, medical appointments, or staying connected to their communities, local transit is a vital part of our quality of life,” said MPP Clark. “I have been a strong advocate for enhanced transportation services and I’m proud our government is making these critical investments locally like this one we’re celebrating in North Grenville.”
“On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville, thank you to Minister Sarkaria and MPP Steve Clark for this important investment in our community’s transit future. As one of Eastern Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, we know expanding affordable and accessible transportation options both within the community and between North Grenville and other major centres, is key,” said Mayor Peckford. “This funding will enable North Grenville to increase the capacity of our local service while also providing an important linkage with the City of Ottawa’s new LRT system.”
by Peter Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills
With U.S President Donald Trump making economic and expansionist threats against his northern neighbours, a new survey suggests that pride in being Canadian has increased among supporters of all federal parties - except Conservatives." (The Star, June 13)
I don't think that this is true in our little corner of the country, but in the extreme western, that rhetoric has been going on for quite some time. Seeing where it has led with recent events in L.A., it is worrisome to think that those events could be heading this way. That country is broken. Many academics who study history and politics are saying that it is not fixable.
It is my hope that the recent surge in patriotism continues. It is also my hope that Mr. Poilievre does not win his quasi-legal attempt to worm his way back in the House of Commons. If
he does, he will do nothing for his newest and bestest friends, the voters in Battle River-Crowfoot. He will dedicate his time doing what he does best:
"In five weeks since the election we have been watching the PM and all the liberal MPs working very hard and getting things done that Canadians care about!
All their posts are very positive and encouraging! On the flip side, in the five weeks since the election we have seen that the Conservatives have no idea what their role as the opposition party actually is! We watch Conservative MP’s post Poilievre’s lies and disinformation every day, misleading people and causing anger and division! Looks like Canadians made the absolute RIGHT choice in who will lead this country the best and get us through the crises we are facing!"(Canadians Against Poilievre)
Speaking of groups, Mr. Barrett, I see that you are
on the list of Members of Parliament who are against the Pro-Choice laws that we have in place. That is not good, in my opinion. I do not want to be represented in the House of Commons by anyone who feels that they, rather than each individual Canadian woman, has the sole right to determine what happens with their own body.
110 of the 144 conservatives, or 76.5%, are against Pro-Choice. Only two Conservative MP's have publicly supported the pro-choice laws. That fits in with a lot of what Mr. Poilievre has in mind, should he ever get close to power. This can be solved in the upcoming by-election. The people of Battle River-Crowfoot have a very simple choice: vote for the guy who will not represent their interests, or vote for the independent who has served the country most of her adult life, Bonnie Critchley.
Since you can fly for
OTIF helps municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations start up or expand transit services in unserved or underserved parts of the province, particularly in rural communities. The budget for OTIF is $5 million a year starting in 2025-26. Successful applicants receive funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five years for projects that encourage integrated, coordinated and sustainable transit services.
free, anywhere in the country, I want you to do some flying for me, to Battle River-Crowfoot and campaign for Ms Critchley. She deserves yours and our (the good people of Leeds/ Grenville) support. She has already done more for the country in her 22 years of armed forces service, than Mr. Poilievre has done in his far-too-many years living off the public purse. (Born in '79, he has been tucked away in the House of Commons since 2004! Has he ever done anything else? A paper route?)
Please do the right thing, Mr. Barrett. Now is an excellent time for you to distance yourself from Mr. Poilievre. It is time for the Conservative Party to move on and pick a leader who represents the traditional conservative values of Canadians.
Picture at the announcement, from left, are: Coun. Deb Wilson, Deputy Mayor John Barclay, Mayor Peckford, MPP Clark, Hillary Geneau, Director of Corporate Services, Coun. Doreen Barnes, and Kurt Blais from Blaise Transit.
Hey Day raises over $50,000 for Kemptville District Hospital
by Jenn Westendorp, Communications Officer, KDH
is pleased to announce that Hey Day raised over $50,000 for the hospital. The sale brought in approximately $47,900 and the 50/50 raffle
raised an additional $4,200. This year marked the 62nd edition of Hey Day, which is a long-standing tradition in Kemptville that
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dates back to before the hospital opened its doors. It’s considered one of the largest indoor garage sales in eastern Ontario, with all proceeds going directly to KDH. Hey Day was held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on June 6 and 7, and saw an impressive turnout with people lined up outside the building.
Hey Day is run entirely by volunteers and supported through community donations. Nearly 300 volunteers contributed thousands of hours to make this year’s sale a success!
“Thank you so much to each and every one of our wonderful volunteers,” said Sandi Kelly, Hey Day Co-Convenor. “We are so grateful to the volunteers who are the heartbeat of Hey
Day. They work so hard the week leading up to the sale - collecting and sorting the donations – and then put in long days during the event to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
This year’s winner of the 50/50 raffle opted to donate $1,000 of the prize money back to the hospital. The inaugural Hey Day VIP contest was well received, with a local family winning first prize that included four passes to the front of the line on Friday night, along with a $20 coupon to Lil’s Café for some refreshments.
“Thank you to everyone who attended Hey Day and all those who donated items to the sale,” said Sandi. “The Auxiliary is amazed by the community’s support every year and we couldn’t be
happier to keep the Hey Day tradition going in support of KDH!”
The KDH Auxiliary also expressed heartfelt thanks to its many generous sponsors, including: B&H Your Community Grocer, The Score, Canadian Tire Kemptville, North Grenville Times, Grahame’s Bakery, BRITT Construction/Mr Dumpster, Les Winters (Fat Les's), Kathy Botham (ITV), Casey Kenney and Moose FM, North Grenville Municipal Centre staff, Mike Martin sound systems and Kemptville Farmers Market.
Stay tuned for details about Hey Day 2026 by following the ‘Kemptville Hospital Auxiliary KDHA’ Facebook page and ‘kdh_ auxiliary’ Instagram account.
Local Students win big at National Science Fair
by Gord Eamer
The Rideau St. Lawrence Science Fair Committee is excited to congratulate local students on their amazing success at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, from May 31 to June 6, 2025.
Nearly 400 students from across Canada attended the event to present their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects. It was a great opportunity for young innovators to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. Here are the highlights from our local team:
Chloe MacLeod and Briyanna Wilberforce from North Grenville District High School
received an Intermediate Silver Medal Excel-
lence Award for their project A.H.H. Breathe Easy – The Automated Hodder Hug. Their invention helps ventilated patients exhale by automating a technique that’s normally done by hand.
Elora Faurbo, also from North Grenville District High School, won a Junior Silver Medal Excellence Award for her project Magnets in Motion. She built and tested five model train tracks to study how magnetic levitation works, as in high-speed maglev trains.
The other members of the team were Lukas Savkoff from Notre Dame Catholic High School, who earned an Intermediate Gold Medal Excellence Award and a Youth Can Innovate
Grand Award for his project TALON: The Search and Rescue Drone of the Future. Lukas created a low-cost drone that can take off like a quadcopter and then fly like an airplane; and Holly Chaters from St. Lawrence Academy, who received an Excellence in Astronomy Award for her project Stellar Waves. She used a NASA kit to build a radio telescope and picked up signals from the Sun and Jupiter. Her findings were confirmed by experts in the field, including NASA’s Radio JOVE team. The Rideau St. Lawrence Science Fair aims to spark curiosity and innovation in STEM among young people in our community. We’re proud of all our finalists and their hard work!
Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary
Setting up for Hey Day 2025
The Rideau St. Lawrence Science Fair team, l to r: Chloe MacLeod, Briyanna Wilberforce, Lukas Savkoff, Elora Faurbo, and Holly Chaters.
Calling For A New Canadian Superhero For Kids By Kids
by Patrick McCaully, Pointman News Creation
Scouts Canada (the country’s leading co-ed youth organization) is nurturing the nation's need for a new Canadian Superhero NOW! Canadians are embracing ‘elbows up’ and need a homegrown superhero now more than ever. Calling on our kids to get creative:
Scouts is launching a nationwide contest for kids between the ages of 5-15 to create a new quintessentially Canadian superhero complete with a hand-drawn picture, a name, special powers and a backstory. The top three (3) drawings/ superhero concepts will be turned into 3D action figures, sent to winning creative kids and will be showcased on the Scouts
Canada website (for national bragging rights).
“Canada is currently having a proud ‘national moment’, and every Canadian is looking for a way to celebrate our country in their own way. So far, kids haven’t had a tangible way to join in,” said Liam Burns, CEO, Scouts Canada. “We wanted to let kids communicate the values and pride they feel being Canadians while tapping into the incredible creativity of our kids on a national scale.”
While we certainly have many real-world heroes like Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and Roberta Bondar, Canada is a little underrepresented in the fictional superhero world. We have Captain Canuck, Captain Canada, Mr. Canoe Head, Captaine Acadie and (technically) Wolverine, Sabretooth, and Deadpool, but not really enough to fill a Canadian Hall of Justice.
To get an idea of the superhero savvy of the average Canadian, Scouts also ran a national survey of 1,000 random Canadi-
ans and asked them serious superhero questions like: Rank in order, the top 10 superpowers that a new Canadian superhero should have:
Aurora Paralysis: Ability to use the Aurora Borealis to stun and blind foes.
Eh+: Ability to make any event a little more fun (and maybe more polite) by tapping into ‘Canuckness’.
Bilingual Blaster: Speak perfect English and French - at the same time - confusing and charming foes into submission.
Beaver Barrage: Ability to launch razor sharp (fully biodegradable) woodchips from front teeth.
Maple Manipulation: Ability to shoot maple syrup from wrists to immobilize criminals
Timbit Teleportation: Instantly transport between Tim Hortons locations.
Moose Meld: Instantly mind meld with a moose anywhere in Canada to carry out dangerous missions.
Tactical Tuqueing: Power to turn any random
tuque into a helmet harder than a Yukon Snowbank.
Zamboni Zapper: Command any Zamboni to (slowly) run over foes.
Asked if Canadian superhero’s get the same respect as American, a combined 73.5% said ‘yes’ (47.54%) or ‘maybe’ (25.50%) they don’t! A further 73.70% of Canadians think Canadian superheroes are ‘not well represented’ in the world of superheroes.
Starting Tuesday, June 3, Canadian kids are being asked to upload a handdrawn (not AI) image of their original Canadian superhero along with a 100word description of their name/superpowers/and backstory to the Scouts Canada website: www. scouts.ca. Kids can upload their Heroes between June 3 and June 27.
The winning three (3) ‘Hero’ creating kids will be announced and showcased on Monday, June 30 and Hero action figures will be created and sent to winners by early August.
The Accidental Treaties
by David Shanahan
June is Indigenous History Month and the Times has been publishing articles dealing with aspects of Indigenous culture and history. This article deals with just one of the many outrageous examples of colonialism which deprived Indigenous communities of their land, their culture, and their freedom.
Treaties are important documents. They deserve careful consideration. But, in a couple of weeks in 1836, one man, without any formal authorisation, and on the spur of the moment, made four treaties with various First Nations around Lake Huron/Georgian Bay. He only informed the British Government of the agreements after the agreements were signed. One treaty involved Manitoulin Island and 23,000 islands in Georgian Bay. Another consisted of one and a half million acres on the Bruce Peninsula, while the other two covered a total of 72 square miles.
Not exactly a minor transaction, and one which completely changed the history of the Georgian Bay area.
The man responsible for these treaties was Sir Francis Bond Head, Governor of the Canadas, later described by the British Prime Minister as “such a damned odd fellow”. He was really quite eccentric. In 1836, he travelled to Manitoulin Island where the annual Presents were to be distributed that year. This was a very symbolic event, as the British Crown renewed their commitment to their indigenous allies; but, by 1836, the ties between the two sides had become strained, and the Crown no longer saw the First Nations peoples as equals.
Bond Head had decided to visit as many Indigenous settlements as possible on his journey, and what he saw convinced him that the inhabitants were simply doomed to extinction in the face of European expansion. It was not that he was a racist in the normal manner: he developed a great regard for what he saw as the nobility of the
indigenous peoples and their traditional ways of life. It was just that he considered European influence on that lifestyle to be a corrupting one. Indians, he believed, could never survive in the face of the negative effects of white settlement.
So, this aristocratic Englishman came up with a plan, entirely of his own devising, that he believed would be to the benefit of all. As he canoed through the islands of Georgian Bay, he decided that this was the prefect location for aboriginal people to spend their final decades. If they were destined to die out as a race, where better than the islands around Manitoulin for them to carry on their traditional ways until the end came?
On arriving at Manitowaning, he immediately set to work to put his scheme into action. He got the permission of the Oddawa and Ojibwe inhabitants of the Island to allow any indigenous person who wished to, to move and settle on the island. In return, the Crown would recognise aboriginal rights to Manitoulin. This was the so-
called 1836 Manitoulin Treaty, dated August 9, 1836. But Bond Head then went further. Thousands of people had gathered for the Presents, and Bond Head entered into an Agreement with the Saugeen to surrender 1.5 million acres of their land and to remove to Manitoulin. Pleased with his work to date, Bond Head made two more treaties on his return journey to York (Toronto), one with the Huron around Amherstberg, and the other with the Moravians on the Thames. Each group surrendered 36 square miles of territory, and Bond Head urged them, too, to remove permanently to Manitoulin.
None of these “treaties” met the legal requirements for valid agreements between the Crown and Indigenous people, and were carried out without any legal authority, no proper consultations, and were clearly not considered in the same way by the two parties. In any event, there was no general move to Manitoulin from other areas of the province. The agreement Bond Head made didn’t last long. Just 26 years
after, through exploiting divisions on the Island, by misrepresenting what the 1836 Agreement said, and by flagrant use of alcohol, the Crown reversed the Treaty and took over all of Manitoulin, except the Wikwemikong unceded territory and a few reserves.
Bond Head was very pleased with himself. He had “saved” the indigenous peoples around Lake Huron from the corrupting influence of the Europeans, and he had gained
for the Crown a huge tract of territory that could be filled with settlers. When he proudly informed London of his actions, he was amazed to find that he was reprimanded for acting without authority, and that no-one agreed with his scheme for moving the doomed Indians to Manitoulin. The Crown condemned his scheme - but they kept the surrendered land.
One slip can change everything
Everyone trips up now and again, sometimes figuratively, and inevitably with age, literally. Almost always, these mistakes can be avoided. Rushing is a risk factor. The wrong shoes are too. But did you know your personality may also affect your likelihood of a fall? Was this a factor in our recent father-daughter visit to the ER? Yes, it probably was. And how do we know?
Examining the data from longitudinal studies is like looking into a medical crystal ball. If you follow people long enough, the truth has a way of revealing itself. By collecting large datasets in these studies, it’s possible to analyze detailed information on the group’s health, behaviours, environments, and medical histories. This allows the identification of patterns and correlations. We can, for example, see how changes in medication use or in physical activity can affect the likelihood of falling.
In Canada, researchers examining the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging found more surprising risk factors for falling among people over the age of 65. Ironically, cessation of smoking and a decrease in alcohol consumption were both predictors of increased fall risk. You read that right: increased risk! But we add, the risks of smoking at any age far outweigh the potential benefit of relaxing with a cigarette and avoiding a fall. Nevertheless, we are pleased to see the finding related to alcohol. It underscores our position that, in moderation, an alcoholic beverage can be an effective way to relax the arteries; and perhaps this research suggests the practice also upholds a familiar evening routine that reduces risk of falls. One can’t draw solid conclusions, but you know where we stand.
Now, here’s the personality part. Researchers found that individual traits, like conscientiousness and openness, offered protection. Put simply, when people are made aware of fall prevention practices, like holding onto handrails and moderating pace, and are agreeable to adjusting, they reduce their risk of falling.
You may think it’s a trifling thing to bring in the cushions from an outdoor balcony when rain begins. But this, too, is a behaviour that deserves modification. It was a minor misstep and loss of balance that had one of us missing the cushions and landing on the floor instead. Luckily, this occasion only resulted in a gash to the hand.
But even a minor misstep can lead to dire consequences. In North America, between 20-30% of adults aged 65 and older fall each year. A 2021 report found 6,579 Canadians aged 65 or older died from falls, with mortality rates steeply rising after age 80, and men more than women. Hospitalizations from falls rose 47% from 2008 to 2019 and emergency department visits have been climbing since 2010. Researchers calculated that in the U.S., falls cost patients, insurance companies and the economy nearly $80 billion each year. Those are expensive missteps!
Yet old-fashioned remedies are cheap. Here are the most common recommended steps to staying upright: 1. Stay active: do daily balance and leg-strengthening exercises.
2. Review medications: polypharmacy, sedatives, and blood-pressure drugs can cause trouble.
3. Fix your living space: grab bars, railings, non-slip mats, well-lit walkways.
4. Footwear matters: wear shoes with firm soles and good traction.
5. Vision check: keep eyeglass prescriptions current and avoid bifocals when walking.
6. Use assistive devices: canes and walkers are signs of smarts, not weakness.
7. Stay social: isolation increases risk.
Now, add one more: your personality. If you are the type that rushes for balcony cushions before the rain starts, rethink it and let them get wet. Changing your behaviour might save you a gash on the hand, a broken hip, or worse. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones
RECURRING EVENTS
Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome
BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@gmail.com At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.
Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St.
Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the first and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre.
Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given.
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, 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 613658-5290 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.
Ontario residents want funding for hospitals before private clinics
(COMMUNITYWIRE)
- The privatization of hospital services in Ontario is negatively impacting the vast majority of Cornwall residents, as people with affluence gain increased access to private clinics at the expense of everyone else, says a new report released by CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU-CUPE).
The OCHU-CUPE report highlights the findings of a 2024 Canadian Medical Association Journal study showing that privatization of cataract operations resulted in surgical rates increasing by 22% for the wealthiest Ontarians while declining for everyone else. Access to surgeries for the poorest people in Ontario declined 9%. The study noted that hospitals provided equal access to care.
The CUPE report comes a month after the Ontario government allocated $280 million to private, for-profit clinics in its recent budget. On the other hand, the budget increased funding for health
care by two per cent, well below the 5.2% annual health care inflation.
The union also commissioned a survey polling Ontarians about privatization. The Nanos Poll was conducted between May 27 and June 1, surveying 1,017 Ontarians over the age of 18. The survey found that 73% of Ontarians believe the government should prioritize spending on public hospitals rather than private clinics, with 84% opining that public hospitals are understaffed.
“This poll shows there is overwhelming opposition to this government’s plans to privatize hospital surgeries,” said Michael Hurley, president of OCHU-CUPE, which represents 50,000 hospital and long-term care staff. “The public understands that spending on private, forprofit clinics and agencies is much more expensive, comes with poorer outcomes and duplicates infrastructure and administration. The vast majority wants our resources allocated to public health
care.”
After significant privatization of cataract surgeries, the government plans to expand private, for-profit delivery of other procedures including knee and hip replacements as well as diagnostics. In 2023, Premier Doug Ford suggested that up to 50% of surgeries could be performed outside of hospitals.
“This is startling given that for-profit surgeries in Ontario are twice as expensive as those performed in public hospitals,” said Michael Hurley. “People can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars for health care. The great majority of Ontarians reject this expensive privatization that bakes in inequalities and greatly reduces access.”
The Ontario Health Coalition has documented hundreds of cases of private, forprofit clinics billing patients for medically necessary services – which is illegal – and add-on services that patients felt compelled to purchase.
67% of respondents to the Nanos poll said it was unacceptable for private clinics to charge people for medically necessary services.
The union expressed concerns about the acceleration of privatization, citing the CMAJ study’s findings showing that since expansion of public funding for cataract surgeries in Ontario, 22.5% of these procedures were performed in private clinics.
Summary of survey results:
72% agree with the CMAJ study results that privatization will negatively impact access to care for the poorest people.
67% say it’s unacceptable for private clinics to charge patients for medically necessary services.
73% say government must prioritize spending on public health care, not private clinics.
84% say there’s not enough staff in public hospitals.
FOR SALE
Queen size bed frame box spring mattress and head board no stains on box spring or mattress Jackie 613 821 6161
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 producing 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
VOLUNTEERING IS THE
H eartbeat OF OUR COMMUNITY
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 20
North Grenville Historical Society 4th annual Golf Tournament REGISTRATION 2:00 PM TEE-OFF 3:00 PM NGHSOCIETY@GMAIL.COM
RIDEAU GLEN GOLF CLUB KEMPTVILLE
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 Join the Indigenous Advisory Circle to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! Take part in a ceremony at noon behind the North Grenville Public Library to unveil a new sculpture. Enjoy music, speakers, food, fire, and comradery. Attendees can also join a paddle starting at 11:45 am at Curry Park to attend the ceremony from the water - bring your own gear.
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. June 28
Fishing derby. Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Sam's annual fishing derby & breakfast bar Join library Sue from the North Grenville Public Library Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow a rod and tackle from the library! Fruit, muffins and water will be available. The dock in front of Salamander's Restaurant HAM SUPPER with STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE. Eat In or Take Out. Seatings at 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Advance Tickets ONLY - $20.00 each By calling 613-258-4695 before June 25, 2025 Serving: Ham, scalloped potatoes, peas, carrots, salad, roll, strawberry shortcake. At Bishops Oxford United Church, Bishops Mills
July 5
Bioblitz. Time: 10:00 am
Help us identify and count species in Ferguson Forest. Identification sheets provided. Meet in Anniversary Park 263 Honour Way, Kemptville, ON located inside the Ferguson Forest Centre at the end of Veterans Way overlooking Kemptville Creek July 12
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 Aug 9, same time and place. FREE MAPS! Meet in parking lot near dog park.
July 14
Spencerville Agricultural Society July Meeting. Time: 7:00 pm
If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Website: www.spencervillefair.ca Email: info@spencervillefair.ca Phone: 613-658-3333 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
ACROSS
1. Scottish hillside
5. Asian nurse
9. Slaloms
13. French for "Wolf" 14. Infant's illness
16. Pitch
17. Horse feed
18. Geologic period
19. Arm bone
20. Grill
22. Include 24. Association
26. False front
27. Really dumb
30. A prefabricated structure
33. Sends forth
35. Repetitive pattern
37. Type of cereal grass
38. Sows
41. Crow cry
42. Lashes
45. Praise highly
48. Not down
51. Lodger
52. Electronic letter
54. Tall woody plant
55. Marionette artist
59. Father Christmas
62. Component used as fertilizer
63. Aromatic compound
65. Asterisk
66. Russian emperor
67. Examine
68. L L L L
69. Empty weight
70. Abbey area
71. Weir
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Amorphous mass
2. Big laugh
3. Dictatorial
4. Greek letter
5. Air hero
6. Brood
7. Beside
8. Singultus
9. Befuddle
10. Caffeine source
11. Hotels
12. Oceans
15. Hymn singers
21. Moon goddess
23. Millisecond
25. Morsels
27. Cat sound
28. A city in Nebraska
29. C
31. Without intention
32. Fire
34. Observe
36. Pitcher
39. Copy a recording
40. Coin opening
43. Make ready
44. Several 46. Paddles
47. Lubricated
49. Satisfies
50. Catnap
53. Abatement
55. A golf shot
56. Celestial bear 57. Juicy fruit
58. Scarlet and crimson 60. Speak
61. Rear end 64. Deli loaf
An Eastern Kingbird’s Day
Once or twice over the past week we have been visited by a lovely Eastern Kingbird, who landed near to our, still as yet, covered swimming pool, where leaves had accumulated in the water and was liable to provide habitat for mosquitoes. These are a favourite food for the Kingbird and so it was keeping a sharp eye out for them. Fortunately, for us, there aren’t any actually in it yet, so the bird flew to our water fall feature to try its luck there. It’s a more likely spot for it to find food, since it only gets switched on now and again for the water to be pumped and then kept on the move all the time, thus inhibiting the mosquitoes’ production of offspring! The rainfalls also help to cut down on the breeding chances, so food pickings are fairly slim, but the birds still must be finding something there, which is just as well, since my pool is now up and running.
This morning, though, as I passed through my front door, I heard quite a noisy racket going on in the front garden. Once out there I saw two Crows being chased by two irate Kingbirds, or it might have been vice versa, since no one was giving way to the other. Eventually, after a brief skirmish, birds were seen to be breaking off in all directions and the melee ceased. No one seemed to be injured, but I suspect that the Kingbirds had probably had their nest raided by the Crows, hence the angry dispute. Nature can be cruel at times, so hopefully the Kingbirds can restart if this was the case.
Whilst on the subject of nesting, our House Wren is still very vocal in the vicinity of my tall nesting boxes, so I hope that they are successful and don’t have anything bothering them. Our Bluebirds have now fledged and left their nesting box, but we have never seen them, so can only wish them the best in their new life. It’s amazing how many young birds leave their nests and yet can never can be spotted in the act of doing so! A few years back, we had a Robin nest in a precarious position on one of our deck spot-lights and we did get to witness them all taking their first flights, which was quite exciting to watch.
This wont happen this year either, because the nest that the Robins built on a shelf to the rear of my garage was abandoned soon after it was built and they haven’t returned to reclaim it! Pity!
Other bird activity continues, but not in any great volume, so photography moments seem to be few and far between, but I suspect it might pick up once the nesting season is over. Hopefully, though, you are getting your fair share of sightings and are sharing them with your friends as you sit in the garden enjoying the sun. Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin
Specializing in Residential House Beautification
Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas.
Jennie Childs Owner, CEO
613.314.6866
brightshinyspaces@gmail.com
@BrightShinySpaces
Today’s recipe is for another great muffin involving two healthy ingredients: carrots and oatmeal (we won’t talk about the sugar and fat content). These muffins work very well as a snack for when the family goes fishing or on some hiking expedition. They travel well and are very tasty with a thermos of tea or coffee. Many thanks to The Village Bins in Sundridge Ontario for sharing this recipe.
Oatmeal Carrot Muffins
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• ½ cup of carrots, grated
• ¼ cup of brown sugar ½ cup flour
• ¼ of vegetable oil, e.g., Canola
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ cup of white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of dried fruit: raisins, currants or cranberries (I prefer the latter)
Preparation:
• Preheat your oven to 350F
• Soak your oats in the buttermilk for 10 minutes
• Mix the carrots, brown sugar, oil, egg and orange peel together
• Stir into the oat mixture
• Combine the dry ingredients with the dried fruit of your choice
• Add to the oat mixture and mix till moistened
• Spoon into a lightly greased muffin pan and bake for about 20 minutes or firm to the touch
Of course these muffins, like many others, are great just hot out of the oven with a dollop of butter. However, they keep well and freeze very nicely. When you are off on a family trip, pack them from right out of the freezer and they will be cool and defrosted when you are ready for them. Enjoy! Enjoy! Compliments of pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
Nominations open for Immigration Partnership Awards
The Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award is back for its 11th year and is designed to celebrate and recognize the hard work, achievements, and contributions local immigrant entrepreneurs make to local communities.
Everyone is encouraged to nominate their favourite immigrant run business. Past years have brought nominations from across Leeds and Grenville and have included everyone from restaurant owners, donkey farmers, and dentists, to IT technicians, accountants, and fitness professionals! Nominees must have been born outside of Canada, live in Leeds Grenville, and own/operate a business in Leeds Grenville
Talia’s Take Teaching my Daughter grace
by Talia Hreljac
Last week, I had to bring my daughter to an appointment, and while we were there, a woman nearby was clearly having a pretty rough day. I don’t think she was feeling well, and maybe she wasn’t acting like her best self. I'm assuming here, giving her the benefit of the doubt. My daughter was in the car, making rainbow loom bracelets for everyone waiting, partly to be kind, partly to pass the time. She had already handed out two bracelets and had one more ready to go. But the woman was on the phone, so my daughter held onto it.
As the doors opened, the woman suddenly became very upset and started yelling at the other patients. Again, she was just having a tough day. While this was happening, my daughter looked at me with her giant blue eyes and quietly asked what she should do. It was one of those Mama moments where I honestly didn’t know the right answer. On one hand, this woman had just yelled at everyone, and I didn’t want to teach my daughter that people can treat others poorly and still be rewarded. On the other hand, I wanted her to learn compassion.
I thought back to a moment during the early days of COVID, when I snapped at a receptionist at the eye doctor’s office. All three of my kids were sick, I had to cancel an appointment, and the receptionist told me they’d still need to charge me. I was covered in snot, running on two hours of sleep, and I lost it. I said things I regret. Later that day, after calming down, I packed the kids into the car, picked up some Starbucks, and brought it to the clinic. I broke down crying while apologizing for my behaviour. That same receptionist, the one I’d yelled at, hugged me and said it was okay. That moment meant the world to me. It still does.
So I put the ball in my daughter’s court. I told her that sometimes people are just having really tough days, and sometimes that’s just who they are; but, either way, it doesn’t change who we are. We can choose to stand tall and be the light. And because kids are just the best, we walked down to the woman hand in hand. My daughter gave her the bracelet and told her we hoped she felt better. You could honestly see a wave of emotion come over her. We hope it brightened her day, even just a little.
These parenting moments are hard. You’re trying to teach your child not to let people walk all over them, but you’re also trying to raise them to be kind, compassionate humans. I don’t have all the answers, and every situation is different; but our family’s rule is simple: show kindness as often as you can. The world needs more of it.
to be eligible.
Paired with the Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, the Leeds and Grenville Inclusive Employer Award is back for a second year and is also open for nominations. This award was created to recognize and highlight the efforts and successes of local employers who create welcoming and inclusive workplaces and communities for immigrant employees. Any workplace with immigrant employees that operates in Leeds and Grenville is eligible.
These two awards are an incredible opportunity to showcase the unique contributions that local businesses and local immigrants are making to Leeds and Grenville com-
munities.
Nominations for both awards are open to the public until September 12, 2025. To nominate, simply submit the name of the business or employer to the St. Lawrence – Rideau Immigration Partnership. This can be done via the Immigration Partnership’s Facebook page (www.facebook. com/LGimmigration ), or via email/phone/text to the Immigration Partnership staff (lauren@eecentre.com /613-213-4455.
Self-nominations are allowed, and judging forms will be evaluated by the judging committee in September to choose a winner. The awards will be presented at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Bridges to
Better Business Conference being held during Small Business Week in October.
The awards are a collaborative effort between members of the St. Lawrence – Rideau Immigration Partnership; the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Employment + Education Centre, CSE Consulting, Upper Canada District School Board Settlement Services, and the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence – Rideau.
Chipping Sparrow
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MyView Youth Film Festival winners announced
The results are in! Six local youth film-makers were nominated as finalists in the 10th anniversary MyView Youth Film Festival. Last Thursday night they, along with several alumni film-makers from the nine previous festivals, came together with friends, family, community members and the media for an impressive event at the Brockville Arts Centre to celebrate, and reveal the winners.
Grand Prize $1000 winner for overall best film: Just Be You by Ian and Isaac Dennis from Kemptville (sponsored by McGahey Insurance and Grenville Mutual Insurance)
Winners of the YMCA prize (sponsored by the YMCA of Eastern Ontario): Dear Future Me by the Multi-Exceptional Program Students at St. Michael’s Catholic High
School in Kemptville ($500)
Winner of the 10-13 age category: Finding Confidence by Mara Knudsen from Athens (prize sponsored by YourTV)
Winner of the 14-17 age category: Brunham and Sebo: Theoretical Services by Harrison Campbell & Miles Dockendorff from Kemptville (prize sponsored by YourTV)
Best of the Fest 10th Anniversary winner: You’re Not Alone by Emma Yakimovich from Kemptville ($500 prize sponsored by the North Grenville Times)
All nominees got to enjoy an electric red carpet media event and then see and hear their films on the big screen at the beautiful, historic Brockville Arts Centre theatre. The awards were presented by
both festival sponsors and celebrity judges. Comedian and writer, Carolyn Bennett, closed the evening with some encouragement for young people to stay involved in media creation on behalf of the Brockville Arts Centre’s commitment to supporting youth voices. Two of these local films (Dear Future Me and Brunham and Sebo: Theoretical Services) will also be going on to compete in the Ontario Youth Film Festival which takes place in November.
Check out MyView’s socials @myviewfilmfest for more pictures of the event and you can watch the nominated films –including the winners, on the website at www. myviewfilmfest.ca.
Best of the Fest Winner Emma Yakimovich with Rebecca Shams and John Barclay
MyView 2025 Grand Prize winners Isaac and Ian Dennis from Kemptville with Rebecca Shams and John Barclay
YMCA of Eastern Ontario Prize winners: The Multi-Exceptional Program Students from St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Kemptville presented by Emily Patterson (YMCA)