Issue 23, June 18, 2026

The Voice of North Grenville

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The Voice of North Grenville

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Vol. 14 No. 23

June 18 , 2026

Kemptville Campus continues its quiet transformation

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Photo: Members of the Board and Council at recent AGM Pictured: L-R (Standing): Finance Officer Melissa Colborne, Board member Dana Farcasiu, Executive Director Annie Hillis, Board member Rebecca Campbell, Vice-Chair Mike McCoy. Seated: Deputy Mayor John Barclay, Councillor Doreen O'Sullivan, Mayor Nancy Peckford, Councillor Kristin Strackerjan, Board Chair Brian McKee, Trea-

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More than a decade after the closure of Kemptville College (University of Guelph), the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre continues its steady evolution into a vibrant education and community hub serving North Grenville and the surrounding region.

Governed by a 10-member volunteer board of directors and supported by a small professional staff, Kemptville Campus reported an exciting year of growth, partnership, and investment at its recent Annual General Meeting under the leadership of new Executive Director, Annie

Hillis. Operating as an independent, arms length, not-for-profit organization, the Campus continues to pursue its long-term mission of preserving and repurposing the historic site for public benefit.

Today, the Campus is home to an extraordinary mix of schools, daycares, government agencies, community organizations, health and wellness providers, businesses, skills training and recreational programs. The organization reported that tenant occupancy reached 97 percent in 2025, reflecting strong demand for space and confidence in the

KEMPTVILLE LIFESTYLES

Campus as a place to learn, work, and connect.

Community use of the property also continued to grow. Short-term rentals increased by 18 percent over the previous year, with approximately 35,000 people attending events, programs, meetings, and activities on Campus. More than 2,500 rental hours were logged, including sporting events, conferences, community gatherings, cultural activities, and educational programming.

The Campus also hosted its first international conference, welcoming more than 400 delegates

connected to forestry and environmental stewardship. At the local level, residents participated in everything from soccer, football, and volleyball to art shows, wellness events, environmental programs, and seasonal celebrations.

Environmental stewardship remains an important part of the Campus mandate. During the year, more than 3,600 trees were planted across the property with the support of community partners and funding organizations. A Naturalist-in-Residence program was launched, including the arrival of two new forest and nature schools. The AJ Logsdail Greenhouse and the community garden continue to be active centres for community connection.

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the growth of the Kemptville Apprenticeship Centre. Through Employment Ontario, provincial and federal funding programs, approximately $1 million in modern training equipment and teaching aids was acquired. Hundreds of secondary school students and adult learners participated in skilled trades workshops, and the Campus remains the only location in Eastern Ontario offering Level 2 Heavy cont'd on page 3

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The Voice of North Grenville

A New Treasure Hunt Awaits at Found & Foraged Co.

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by @Talia.Hreljac25 Welcome to Found & Foraged Co., a unique new shop on Rideau Street featuring everything from upcycled gems and tasty treats to home décor and handcrafted goods. Curated by owner Jessica Pasinetti, the space is warm, welcoming, and full of surprises. As soon as you walk through the door, you're greeted with a smile and invited to browse a collection of treasures that make gift giving, and treating yourself, a little more fun.

Located in the Downtown Core, Found & Foraged Co. was created to be a welcoming space where visitors can find exactly what they're looking for and often discover something they never

e a r t b e a t H OF OUR COMMUNITY

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expected.

One of the things that makes Found & Foraged Co. especially exciting is the variety of local vendors featured throughout the store. In many ways, it feels like walking into a farmers' market, with a collection of local makers, creators, and entrepreneurs all under one roof. What's even better is that there is very little crossover between the Kemptville Farmers' Market and the vendors featured here, creating even more opportunities to support local.

For the grand opening, Found & Foraged Co. brought together some of the local vendors featured in the shop, along with delicious BBQ and fantastic treats. There were

games, a gift basket, and plenty of opportunities to connect with community members who came out to support a new local business.

This is where Kemptville shines. When a new business opens, we support one another. We empower one another.

We show up for each other. That's exactly what happened here.

Congratulations to Jess and her team. We look forward to seeing what treasures you bring to the community.

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Lions Club June draw

County Road 43

PROGRESS UPDATE

Bus

Project Update Highlights

open ainesses s usua l!

•

Landscaping work has begun at the County Road 43/44 intersection and is moving east toward the bridge.

•

Topsoil placement and tree planting are underway throughout the project area.

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Road construction continues on County Road 19 approaching the bridge.

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Underground electrical and utility installations remain in progress.

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Phase 2 bridge construction is advancing, with preparations underway for pouring the bridge’s concrete surface in July.

For updated information, visit the project website at:

CountyRoad43Expansion.com June 18, 2026

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by Willy Heidebrecht District Governor Lion Jim Devenny makes the June draw, and the winner is Ian Fortugno, manager of the local Royal LePage office. Jim is eligible to travel to Tamarindo, Costa Rica within the next twelve months.

Monitoring the draw are Lions David Doyle, Dennis Burton, Robert Sentner, Jim Devenny, Alan Forbes, Wendy Gallinger Gail Osborne and Isqial Ombayo.

As a courtesy to our current ticket holders, we offered them the first opportunity to renew their tickets. As expected, not everyone has chosen to purchase

again, leaving a limited number of tickets available to new supporters.

If you would like to secure one of these remaining tickets, please contact us as soon as possible by email at kemptvillelionstotm@ gmail.com or by calling Willy at 631-850-2349.

Thank you for sup-

porting the Lions Club of Kemptville and the many community organizations that benefit from the funds raised through this lottery.

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Kemptville Street Piano Summer Concert Series Lineup

Hey Day 50/50 winner

We’re pleased to announce Angie Fordas the winner of the Hey Day 50/50, taking home $4,750.81. Our sincere thanks to everyone who sold tickets and everyone who purchased them. Your support made this another sellout success.

Angie is shown receiving her cheque from Linda Carnegie.

Hey Day raises over $55,000 for Kemptville District Hospital The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary is pleased to announce that Hey Day raised over $55,000 for the hospital. The sale brought in more than $50,000 and the 50/50 raffle raised an additional $4,750.

This year marked the 65th anniversary of Hey Day, which is a long-standing tradition in Kemptville dating back to June of 1961. 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 5 and 6, and saw an impressive turnout with people lined up outside the building.

Hey Day is run entirely by volunteers and supported through community donations. Hundreds of volunteers contributed thousands of hours to make this year's sale a success!

"We're so grateful to our generous community and amazing volunteers for supporting Hey Day and the hospital," said Sandi Kelly, Hey Day Co-Convenor. "Every year, I'm blown away by the community spirit behind Hey Day! These funds will go towards patient care initiatives at KDH; on behalf of the Auxiliary, I'd like to thank everyone who donated, attended, and helped with Hey Day." The KDH Auxiliary also expressed heartfelt thanks to its many generous sponsors. Stay tuned for details about Hey Day 2027 by following the ‘Kemptville Hospital Auxiliary KDHA' Facebook page and ‘kdh_auxiliary' Instagram account.

June 18, 2026

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by Lisa Poushinsky Join us on Saturdays starting on June 27 at 1pm on the North Grenville Public Library terrace for FREE musical adventures in blue grass, folk, pre war jazz, blues, and singersongwriter, featuring both local and out-of-town talent for a season that has something for everyone.

Need special accommodations to enjoy the show?

Contact Lisa Poushinsky at kemptville.street.piano@ gmail.com. Dogs on leashes welcome!

Visit the municipal and NG Library event calendars for concert updates and don’t forget to visit, like, follow, and share our Insta and FB Kemptville Street Piano pages. TikTok coming soon! Funded by the Municipality of North Grenville and the Government of Canada, in partnership with the North Grenville Public Library.

Presented by Lisa Poushinsky / Voyageur Art & Music School.

JUNE 27 - Hannah & Nathan: Enjoy timeless Appalachian-style originals featuring banjo, fiddle, and pristine mountain harmony. Don’t miss this award-winning duo.

JULY 4 - Kemptville Folk Club: Meet the good folks of Kemptville as they gather to share their love of music and performance at the North Grenville Public Library. Folky fun for everyone!

JULY 11 - Open Mic Jam with Bradley Smith: Come to listen and to play with local piano man Bradley Smith for an afternoon of music you know and songs you love at the Street Piano.

JULY 18 - Miranda Ceara and the Oddfellows Orchestra: Immerse yourself in an orchestra of prewar jazz, blues, and calypso, wrapped in old-timey guitar and horns, delivered with slinky cabaret-noir vocal styling and a floral sousaphone.

JULY 25 - Lily Sazz: Blues piano songstress Lily Sazz twists the genre with her superb original songs, clever lyrics, and joyful performances. You’ll love her and her music too.

AUGUST 1 - Loch Monster Media's Emerging Artist Showcase: Produced by event presenter Nisse Anonby, this showcase features Ottawa artists who are on the rise and ready to fly. Be the first to meet

who’s next on the scene!

AUGUST 8 - The Vaudevillian: Armed with musical spoons, jug-band blues duo The Vaudevillian are “…a sassy time warp into a rollicking hokum juke joint!” (Washboard Hank) Saucy!

AUGUST 15 - Open Mic Jam with Bradley Smith: When you’re jamming with the piano man, a great time is guaranteed for all.

AUGUST 22 - Jesse Greene: Canada's "one-ofa-kind" blues woman channels legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin in a style that is entirely her own. A virtuosic player and entertainer, Jesse ends the series with a towering high note!

When and where are the concerts taking place?

This year the concert series takes place rain or shine on Saturday afternoons at 1pm from July 5th to the end of August on the North Grenville Public Library terrace. The library is wheelchair accessible, with air-conditioned bathrooms and free parking.

See you at the Street Piano!

Cont'd from front page Kemptville Campus continues its quiet transformation Equipment and Agricultural Equipment Technician training.

Investment in infrastructure also continued throughout the year.

Building improvements included roof replacements, window upgrades, underground infrastructure repairs, and renovations to improve rental spaces and extend the life of historic facilities.

The AGM also confirmed that the Campus finished the year in a net-

positive financial position, an encouraging result for a not-for-profit organization responsible for stewarding more than 600 acres of land and numerous historic buildings.

These accomplishments align with the Campus' renewed strategic vision: to sustain and realize the full potential of this historic public property as a dynamic, multi-tenant community hub supporting learning, work, recreation, and connection.

The transformation of Kemptville Campus has never been about returning to the past. Rather, it has been about building on a proud educational legacy while adapting to the needs of a growing community.

The result is a Campus that is increasingly active, financially sustainable, and relevant to the people it serves.

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Editorial

The Voice of North Grenville

Gimme some truth

by David Shanahan For all of my professional life as a research historian I’ve worked for, and on behalf of, Indigenous communities across Canada, though mainly in Ontario. As someone born and raised in Ireland, I have been really impressed by the parallels between Irish and Indigenous cultures and histories. It’s well-known that the Irish have suffered greatly from colonisation and attacks, literal and political, on our traditional language, culture, and character; but I have rarely been as upset, downright angry, in fact, about the Irish experience as I have been about the story of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

That may seem a bit strange to some: after all, the Irish went through centuries of oppression, imperialism, racism, and massacres. But, in this National Indigenous History Month, and with National Indigenous Peoples Day coming up on June 21, I’ve been thinking a lot about the issues involved in Canada’s campaign for Truth and Reconciliation.

I’ve written and spoken many times that there can be no Reconciliation without Truth, and that is where the problems arise.

Because the truth cuts both ways, and is never easy to discern, even for historians! As Oscar Wilde once put it in a play: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple”,

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I was at the Independent grocery today and was shocked to find a large section of California wines for sale. I expect the chain management will have some excuse for doing so but its unacceptable. As much as I love California reds, its not appropriate to buy USA products where avoidable. I hope that those bottles will become very dusty.

William Vanveen , Kemptville June 18, 2026

though it would be so much easier if it were. A real priority in reconciliation is educating Canadians generally about the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in this country. Most of what people know comes from often misinformed media reports, rumours and, to be honest, racist claims made on social media.

Things have not been helped by the coverage of unmarked graves etc., since the Kamloops incident a few years ago. For a short time, it threatened to become a criminal offense to even question aspects of Indian Residential Schools, which would have put a paralysing check on genuine research. What was needed was not a purely emotional response, but a full investigation of each and every school to document exactly what happened in each over time. To be clear, I have spent many years doing that research on one particular school, so I do know something of the topic. Believe me, there is no need to make up any stories, the reality is bad enough to bring shame on many of the parties involved, not least the federal government which has somehow escaped much of the condemnation it has deserved.

But the story goes well beyond the residential schools: it goes so far back, and involves so much hurt inflicted on

peoples across the country. The infamous Indian Act has been used by the Canadian Government to dictate much of the daily lives of indigenous people in this country since 1876. Unable, by law, to establish commercial businesses, to even leave the reserve lands which were often of poor quality and remote from centres of commerce, it was claimed by the bureaucrats that "progress" was beyond the abilities of indigenous people.

It was a vicious circle: the Indian Act prevented indigenous people from becoming independent and successful in the eyes of the wider society, which then blamed those people for not succeeding and becoming independent. Which led to stricter regulations being introduced into legislation: outlawing traditional spirituality, social customs, and interaction between communities.

And then, when legal remedies were sought by indigenous organisations, the Indian Act was amended to make it illegal for them to hire legal representation to plead their case in court. Chiefs were not permitted to contact the Minister or Prime Minister directly: everything had to go through the local Indian Agent, someone who was quite unwilling to forward letters to Ottawa which complained about his actions and attitudes.

Indian Affairs was a backwater department in

the Canadian Government, and complaints against the Indian Act were ignored. Bureaucrats became impatient with what they saw as the failure of indigenous people to develop into non-indigenous people, but there was no attempt to understand why things were as they were. It was not until the 1940's that a Parliamentary Commission was established to look into Canada's relations with indigenous people, and this was, believe it or not, the very first time that native people were invited to be part of the discussion. Before that, decisions about the future of indigenous people, and amendments to the Indian Act, were made by bureaucrats and politicians without any reference or consultation with the very people the Act was governing, restricting and culturally maiming.

Much has changed since then, but indigenous people in Canada today remain the only ethnic or cultural group in Canadian society that are governed by their own Act of Parliament, still legally considered minors in the eyes of the law. This is simply an overview: the actual effects of the Indian Act are numerous, long-lasting, and almost unbelievably negative in their impact of indigenous societies. Canadians have remained ignorant of most of this history for too long. It is past time that changed.

But it is important for Indigenous peoples to rethink the past also. In Ireland, we allowed our past, however true and real it was, to dictate our present and future. We became people with a grievance, unwilling victims who could point to the past colonial oppression to excuse whatever was wrong with our society. It took thirty years of violence on our island to get us past that. Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island have a proud and strong culture and identity which no amount of colonisation has managed to destroy.

Dr. Cecil King, himself a graduate of a Residential School, pointed out that a blanket view of the schools and history “...created a new theory of making our people victims. We are red objects of while subjects. We had things done to us. This serves the mainstream institutions, because they can maintain that we are not capable of looking after ourselves. But for those of us who do not want to be considered victims, for those of us who survived and thrived, this interpretation is insulting and demeaning”.

The truth is rarely pure and never simple.

Things are changing, and the future is beckoning.

We need, all together, to

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TIMES Contact 613-215-0735 ISSN 2291-0301

Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics designer 613-215-0735 Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca face the truth, all of the truth, so we can move forward in reconciliation.

Not everyone seems to want this, the racists and the bigots and those who can’t let go of the past.

But that is the way forward for all of us. Can we be open and willing to say, in honesty and facing the possibilities, “gimme some truth”?

He a r t b e a t OF OUR COMMUNITY

NG Men’s Shed

The NGMS held its first Annual Meeting as a Not for Profit Corporate entity on Tuesday, June 2, in Kemptville.

The main outcome of this meeting was the Election of three new directors for the North Grenville Men's Shed.

Rob Wheelhouse was elected President, replacing Peter Ivay who helped form the Shed as an organization in February, 2024. Chris Rowland was elected Vice-president, replacing Danny Callaghan who had worked with Peter Ivay from the earliest days of the Shed. A new member of the Board is Dennis Delaney, Director of Communications. Stuart Leyenaar continues as Treasurer, and Tony Camillone, while not elected as a director, continues as Recording Secretary.

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The Voice of North Grenville

“Arthur” is bad today

by Heather Whitbread At eighty-four, my hands are bent and swollen with Arthur, my nickname for Arthritis. My knuckles are crooked and stiff, and some days they ache when I’m typing, painting, or lifting a kettle. I can no longer slip my wedding bands on to my finger. Years ago, the three bands were soldered together, and if they were resized today, they would swing heavily underneath my finger, always turning and feeling awkward. So, they sit quietly in a box at home. Yet even without wearing them, I do not need rings to remind me

of the love and life these hands have known. But, when I think about all the things these hands have held through my lifetime, I feel no pain at all.

The first thing I think of is holding newborn babies, tiny and soft, their fingers curling instinctively around mine. There is something sacred about holding a new life. In those moments, my hands felt less like ordinary hands and more like a bridge between generations.

For many years, I held my artist’s paint brushes.

My hands mixed colors, traced lines, and tried to capture beauty on canvas.

Even when life was difficult, painting gave me peace. My hands created something lasting from imagination and memory.

My hands have also gently held bridle reins, trained horses, and quietly caressed their velvet noses, learning the silent language of trust and companionship.

These hands have also offered comfort. They have wrapped around people crying with grief, fear, or heartbreak.

Sometimes no words were needed. A hand on a shoulder or a long embrace could say, “You are not alone.”

These hands have also

held the hands of my loving and thoughtful spouse.

Through years of joys, hardships, laughter, and quiet ordinary moments, we walked side by side together. I can still recall the comfort of our hands fitting together naturally, a simple gesture that spoke of love, partnership, and devotion. Though my spouse is gone now, the memory of holding those beloved hands remains with me always, as steady

and comforting as ever.

The most unforgettable moment was holding my mother’s hand as she was dying. I told her I loved her, and she squeezed my hand in return. That small squeeze said everything that words could not. Even now, when I remember it, I feel gratitude more than sorrow.

My hands may be crooked now, but they have

lived a full and meaningful life. They have cooked meals, created art, comforted others, cared for animals, and held the people I love. When I look at my hands today, I do not only see arthritis. They tell the story of my life.

Statement from North Grenville’s Council on the Passing of Don Munz

by Mayor Nancy Peckford Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Don Munz, an extraordinary artist, community builder, and visionary whose contributions have left a visible and lasting mark on North Grenville.

Don saw beauty and possibility everywhere - in our landscapes, in our downtown, in our heritage buildings, in our public spaces, and most importantly, in the people of this community. He did not simply imagine what North Grenville could become; he helped show us, quite literally, through his art, his designs, his ideas, and his tireless volunteerism.

Long before many of today’s improvements took shape, Don

was helping residents and business owners picture a more vibrant, welcoming, and beautiful downtown Kemptville.

So much of what he imagined has since been realized – in restored façades, public art, murals, the Giving Garden, music in the heart of the community (The Southbranch Serenade!), flowers on the bridge, the Kinderwood trail, the recent silhouette project at the Legion, his vision for how our community could face the world has contributed over and over again to the things that make us most proud of our community.

Don’s gifts reached far beyond North Grenville.

He was an accomplished and internationally respected artist.

But what made him so special to us was that he

chose to pour so much of his talent, energy, and generosity back into this community.

We owe Don a deep debt of gratitude. His legacy is visible all around us, not only in the art and spaces he helped create, but in the sense of possibility he inspired in others.

On behalf of Council and the Municipality of North Grenville, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Don’s family, friends, fellow artists, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

North Grenville is more beautiful, more creative, and more confident because Don Munz called it home. He will be deeply missed and long remembered.

Jeremy Fisher and Séan McCann: United in Song

Saturday October 24, 2026 at 7pm. St. John's United Church in Kemptville!

Some friendships are forged on the road. Séan McCann and Jeremy Fisher met in the lounge of a dusty tour bus behind an arena in Sudbury. Within minutes, they had guitars in hand and began co-writing their first song together.

Their last proper co-headline tour was in 2011. Now, in 2026 they're bringing it back together with United in Song; a revue of their best and most beloved music. Séan and Jeremy will step on stage at the same time, trading tunes and backing each other up. If you like acoustic guitars, Irish hand drums, tin whistles, big heartfelt singalongs, and good stories, this show is for you.

United in Song is a deliberate act of joyful resistance. In a world increasingly mediated by screens, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, Séan and Jeremy are making the case — loudly, melodically, and with considerable charm — that one of the most life-affirming human experiences is when real artists, play real songs, for real people, in a real room.

Expect the hits. Expect the stories. Expect to sing! Let's get together.

June 18, 2026

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The Voice of North Grenville

The loss of a gentleman

by Marguerite Boyer Our community recently lost a remarkable man. Don Munz, who meant so much to me personally and to so many in Kemptville, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 94.

Writing this is difficult, because Don’s influence on my life, and on the heart of our downtown, is immeasurable.

Don and his wife, Mary Lou, moved here from California in 2002 to live with their daughter. They embraced Kemptville with genuine enthusiasm and quickly became in-

volved in countless projects that helped shape the downtown we know today. Don designed many of the storefront facades and was the artist behind the High School Mural Project, which still brightens our streets. The enlarged historic postcards by the bridge were his idea. He helped found the Giving Garden, created the bridge flower boxes, and volunteered tirelessly at Kemptville Live, often alongside his step-son and daughter, who travelled from the United States each year to join him.

He contributed to of how much shade the the Kinderwood proj- proposed multi unit resect at Ferguson Forest, ident beside the Legion designing the char- would cast on this critiacters and signage in cal connection linking Kinderwood. His later downtown to Riverside projects included South Park Branch Serenade and Despite his many acthe design of the Legion complishments, Don Commemorative Mural was profoundly humnow displayed outside ble. He never boasted, the Legion. His artistic even though his work fingerprints are every- sold successfully in where in this town. the United States and Don was a gentleman his achievements were in every sense of the many. He and Mary Lou, word. He and Mary Lou love this town and said were among the kindest, it was the best place they most generous people ever have ever lived.

I have ever known. He Our community is was a mentor to me, better because he was someone who believed here. I am better bein me and in my art even cause he was here. And when I doubted myself. his legacy will continue I truly believe he was to brighten Kemptville one of the finest artists for years to come. in North Grenville, and Don was known as he donated countless Papa to his family and paintings and prints to was very close to them support local fundrais- with 6 children, 14 ers. grandchildren, and 15 Don remained in- great-grandchildren. volved in developments downtown til the very His celebration of end. Most recently Don life will be July 11 at corresponded with 1 p.m. at Hulse, Councilor John BarPlayfield and clay about the design McGarry in of the walkway joining Kemptville.

Prescott Street to Riverside at Rueben Crescent,T:10" including calculations

Eric Leslie William Gutknecht

September 6, 1992 - June 25, 2010

Grief is a vast ocean, and your departure 14 years ago left us shipwrecked. Time hasn't stopped the waves, and it hasn't weakened the pull of the tide but, even in the deepest, darkest undertow, the memory of your light gives us the strength to fight our way back to the shoreline.

You are missed beyond measure, today and every single day.

Love Mom and Dad

Answer the call.

Volunteer with Ontario Corps.

T:7"

Sign up at ontario.ca/OntarioCorps Paid for by the Government of Ontario June 18, 2026

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The Voice of North Grenville

NGDHS students hosted the Friendship Lunch at St. John's United

by Helen MacGregor Once again, the students from The Hospitality and tourism class in Grades 10,11 and 12 hosted the Friendship Lunch at St John's on Friday June 5. They set the tables and cleaned up following the meal. Their teacher, Becky Trepanier, guided them all in the preparation of lasagna, Caesar salad, hand prepared bread and oatmeal & chocolate chip cookies. The Friendship Lunch patrons were very complimentary and impressed with the meal, and appreciated the conversations with some of the students.

Community raises over $43,000 at Hike for Hospice

by Darlene Collin On Sunday, May 31, more than 90 participants gathered at Ferguson Forest Centre for the 16th Annual Hike for Hospice, raising more than $43,000 in support of Beth Donovan Hospice and the compassionate care and programs it provides throughout the region.

While the funds raised will have a lasting impact on local hospice services, the true significance of the day could be found in the stories behind each participant. Every person in attendance had a reason for being there. Some walked in memory of loved ones they had lost.

Others walked in honour of someone currently receiving care, in support of a family member or friend, or simply to help ensure hospice services remain available for those who will need them in the future.

The morning began with a moving moment of reflection and remembrance as participants gathered to honour loved ones and acknowledge the journeys that had brought them to the event. As the crowd prepared to begin the walk, the Kemptville Legion Pipes and Drums took their place at the front of the procession.

Without question, the band became one of the most memorable highlights of the day. The powerful sound of the June 18, 2026

pipes and drums echoed through Ferguson Forest as they led participants on to the trail, creating an atmosphere that was both emotional and uplifting.

For many in attendance, it was a goosebump moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Hike for Hospice.

The band set the tone for the entire event, one of remembrance, gratitude, community, and hope, and their performance served as a meaningful tribute to those being remembered and honoured throughout the day.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the participation of long-time North Grenville resident Milford, who proudly joined the procession as participants made their way onto the trails.

Throughout the morning, walkers enjoyed the opportunity to connect with one another, spend time outdoors, and support a cause that touches so many lives. The event served as a reminder that while grief, caregiving, and illness can feel isolating, no one has to face those experiences alone.

As participants returned from the trails, they were welcomed back with enthusiastic cheers from Kemptville Infinity. Their energy and encouragement helped create a celebratory atmosphere and recognized the efforts of every walker crossing the finish line. Following the

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Books, Friendship, and Pocket Hugs:

hike, participants gathered to enjoy a community barbecue generously hosted by the Kemptville Masons.

The barbecue provided an opportunity for supporters, volunteers, and families to relax, reconnect, and celebrate the success of the event while sharing stories and enjoying time together.

Funds raised through Hike for Hospice help Beth Donovan Hospice provide grief support, caregiver programs, in-home visiting, day hospice services, and compassionate endof-life care for individuals and families throughout North Grenville and the surrounding communities.

Beth Donovan Hospice extends its heartfelt thanks to every participant, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and community partner who made this year's event possible. Together, they demonstrated the compassion, generosity, and community spirit that continue to make Hike for Hospice one of the community's most meaningful annual events.

Although the walk has concluded, there is still time to support this year's campaign. Donations can be made at www.hike4hospice.ca, helping Beth Donovan Hospice continue providing essential services and support to local individuals and families facing illness, caregiving responsibilities, grief, and loss.

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Meet The Reading Chipmunks

by @Talia.Hreljac25 What's it called when a group of young girls gets together to start a book club and decides to spread happiness in their community?

Magic. It's called magic.

On Saturday, "The Reading Chipmunks: The Kids That Change the World" ventured out into the downtown core with a bin of goodies, including

"Pocket Hugs," to bring joy to everyone they encountered. While we were eating lunch, this excited group of girls approached us with sparkles in their eyes and cautiously asked if we would like a pocket hug or a little treasure. As more people happily accepted their offer, the girls became increasingly confident in their mission, which was

beautiful to see.

When I spoke with the two moms accompanying them (aren't moms the best?), they told me the girls get together once a month to discuss a book or enjoy fun arts and crafts projects like this one. Their most recent reads were Wonder, and Pay It Forward - two books centred on kindness, empathy, and the power of making a difference. Judging by their actions on Saturday, those lessons are clearly being put into practice.

I think it's an absolutely brilliant idea. What a wonderful world we live in when it includes book clubs and pocket hugs.

Thank you to the girls who chose to spend their Saturday spreading joy throughout our community. May we all learn from your example.

Darren Dwyer

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Common Sense Health

What Gifford-Jones Said a Decade Ago

Photo credit: Sam Truax

by Diana Gifford-Jones It has been almost a year since my father penned his final column at the age of 101. To mark the occasion, I offer his own timeless words, this week edited from the forward to his book, 90+ How I Got There!

George Bernard Shaw once remarked, "The

single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place."

Today, the biggest problem with communication in medicine is that it's the wrong communication, delivered to medical consumers with disastrous results. During the latter years of my surgical practice, I began to realize that big pharma had created a culture of "consumer pillitis" wherein every minor problem required a pill. But no mention was made of unintended consequences. This triggered my interest in natural remedies that had stood the test of time. They have not killed anyone. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, have removed 100,000 North Americans from this planet every year.

As a medical journalist

I've enjoyed the privilege of interviewing international medical authorities. This had a profound influence on my approach to medical matters. And there's no doubt my two lengthy interviews with Dr. Linus Pauling are among the reasons for writing this book.

Pauling's views on vitamin C, and those of Dr. Sydney Bush, represent to me the greatest medical achievement since I graduated 65 years ago from the Harvard Medical School. It may have the potential to help mankind as much as, or more than, any other research. But is still collecting dust in the medical community. It's an appalling tragedy as their findings of C's benefits could save countless lives.

Voltaire, who spent time in the French prison

June 18, 2026

people together while supporting an important cause,” says Darlene Collin, Outreach Coordinator with Beth Donovan Hospice. “Whether you're gathering with friends, planning a date night, or simply looking for a unique local experience, this evening offers a chance to connect with others and support compassionate care in our community.”

Funds raised will help Beth Donovan Hospice continue providing free programs and services for individuals and families facing life-limiting illness, caregiving challenges, and grief. The hospice serves communities throughout North Grenville and the surrounding area through caregiver support programs, grief services, visiting volunteers, day

Sooner or later the truth does emerge. As Winston Churchill wrote, "The truth is inconvertible.

Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it. But there it is." The truth is that we are getting older and living longer. But we all want to live longer well. In this age of degenerative disease, the Gifford-Jones Law states that one bad problem leads to another and another.

It's best to avoid them a much as possible. Due to faulty lifestyle decisions, obesity may lead to Type 2 diabetes. Its complications may lead to loss of limbs, blindness and kidney failure. Atherosclerosis due to diabetes may lead to heart attack and sudden death.

All may prevent a lengthy and active life.

I hope that this book

will show how these disasters and other medical pitfalls do not have to happen.

They will occur less often if North Americans learn that smart people do at the start of life what fools attempt at the end.

Enough said.

Next week I'll share one of the chapters from 90+. Readers interested in e-copies or one of the few available hard copies can order at www.docgiff.com or contact me. Join me at 5PM Eastern time on July 2 for recollections of Dr. W. Gifford-Jones. Contact me for the link. diana@ docgiff.com. This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice.

Op-ed:

New Summer Fundraiser supports Beth Donovan Hospice

Beth Donovan Hospice is inviting the community to welcome summer at its newest fundraising event, Strawberries Among the Vines, taking place on Tuesday, June 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Green Gables Winery.

This inaugural garden party fundraiser offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an evening of vineyard views, live music, lawn games, and strawberry-inspired treats, all while supporting local hospice care. Each ticket includes a personal fruit and cheese tray, a glass of wine or mocktail, and access to a dessert bar featuring a variety of strawberry-themed sweets.

“We wanted to create a fun and relaxing summer event that brings

Bastille one wrote, "It is dangerous to be right, when the government is wrong."

During my lifetime as a surgeon and medical journalist I learned that Voltaire was right. When my newspaper column tackled controversial medical topics, my popularity with some segments of society and the medical establishment was jeopardized. The written word is dangerous. But as a journalist one should never expect to win a popularity contest.

Reporting the facts of medicine is never easy.

Multinational companies producing chemical therapies are making billions of dollars supposedly to reduce suffering. But they confuse the public about the cause of heart disease and other medical problems.

Everyone loves a parade

hospice programming, and future plans for residential hospice care.

As a first-year event, organizers hope Strawberries Among the Vines will become an annual tradition.

“We are fortunate to live in a community that consistently supports local organizations,” says Darlene. “This event is a wonderful way to celebrate the start of summer while helping ensure hospice support remains available for those who need it most.”

Tickets are $55 per person and advance registration is required.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Beth Donovan Hospice online.

Event Details:

Strawberries Among the Vines, Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Green Gables Winery. $55 per person In support of Beth Donovan Hospice

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by Christian Hackbusch There seems to be something deeply human about them: the desire to proclaim together in public space something important, something that unites us and invites us into something larger than ourselves.

June is a prime month for historic, military, cultural and religious parades. In Bali, Indonesia, the Arts Festival Parade marks the opening of a month-long celebration with colourful floral floats, music and dance. In Peru, the Festival of the Sun on June 24 features an Incathemed procession in which a representation of the Emperor is carried through the streets in a golden carriage to mark the solstice.

In London, there is the magnificent Trooping of the Colour, marking the official birthday of the Sovereign with a grand military parade, horse guards and an RAF flypast. Across the Catholic world, Corpus Christi, celebrated sixty days after

Easter, is often marked by a mix of religious piety and highly decorative, colourful pageantry. And since 1970, North America, and now much of the world, has celebrated Pride parades, which began as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, where LGBTQ+ people fought back against police harassment, helping launch the modern movement for liberation and equal rights.

All of these parades tell stories. They signify identity, mark histories and proclaim values.

Participants and observers alike devote time and energy to a shared celebration of achievement and aspiration, creating moments of joy and solidarity in a world that often feels fragmented and lonely.

As people of faith and goodwill, parades can invite us to reflect on what energizes us, strengthens our solidarity, and draws us into a deeper recognition of our shared dignity and humanity. In doing so, we need not abandon

our values, lay aside our distinctiveness, or surrender our beliefs. But neither need we harden our convictions into binaries that obscure our vision and prevent us from seeing one another as neighbours.

Beyond the spectacle, the colourful costumes and the exuberant celebration, who is in the parade and who lines its route? They are our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, neighbours and friends, people who, like ourselves, carry joys, hopes, griefs and anxieties. They are people seeking meaning, belonging and connection in community.

We don't have to join every parade. Uniformity is not a requirement for a healthy community. What is required is sufficient trust and goodwill such that diverse people can share public space, honour their traditions, and still recognize one another as fellow travellers.

Perhaps that is the most important procession we can join in the divided age in which we live. www.ngtimes.ca

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VOLUNTEERING IS THE

June 18, 2026

e a r t b e a t H OF OUR COMMUNITY

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A SAFER ONTARIO MEANS

PARKS WITHOUT ENCAMPMENTS

Learn how we’re protecting the province at ontario.ca/SaferOntario Paid for by the Government of Ontario

June 18, 2026

10

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Bigger downtown, same small-town feel The Old Town Kemptville BIA is proud to announce the expansion of its downtown footprint - a major milestone that reflects the continued growth and momentum of the community while maintaining the charm and connection that makes Downtown Kemptville unique. As part of this exciting evolution, the organization will also officially move forward under a new name: the Downtown Kemptville BIA, a name that better reflects the broader and growing downtown core it represents.

Established in 2006, the BIA has spent 20

years supporting local businesses, enhancing the downtown experience, and building a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. As the organization approaches its 20th anniversary, this expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Downtown Kemptville.

What was once centered primarily along Clothier Street and Prescott Street will now expand to include the downtown triangle up to Highway 43, down Prescott Street to Concession Road, and along Van Buren Street to Bridge Street. This expanded footprint means

the BIA will now be able to support even more local businesses, strengthen connections across the downtown core, and create an even greater impact within the community.

"This is a win for Downtown Kemptville, for our businesses, and for the community as a whole," said Talia Hreljac, Executive Director of the Downtown Kemptville BIA. "Our community continues to grow, but what makes Downtown Kemptville so special is that it's never lost its small-town feel. My hope is that more people come to experience the magic of the downtown

Reflections on Pride Month

Ira at Pride 2026

by Ira Lacroix With my first Pride weekend behind me as the new Chair of NG Pride, I find myself reflecting on my life and my lived experiences. For those who know me well, they'll see this is a time I could speed down the tangent highway and tell 400 stories. But I'm going to be selective.

I'll start with this - this past weekend brought me joy in ways I can't adequately express. A mic and a stage were foisted on me, and from that platform I saw a community that I wanted to make feel seen, heard, loved, and accepted. And I wanted all of those things from them in return. Too often I make jokes about being dead inside: that's not true, I'm just amazing at managing my feelings (read: burying them deep). But this Sunday I looked out at our event and felt poleaxed by my emotions.

How did I get here?

June 18, 2026

How did I become a middle-aged gay man on a stage wearing layers of taffeta and crinoline and having the deep honour of addressing a community I love deeply? Addendum to that, when did I become middle-aged?!

I started as a kid who deeply wanted to be accepted and found no path that accomplished that. I was a teen who did his best to fit in - and mostly failed.

I was a young adult who vacillated between situations where I could be my authentic self and situations where I had to mask so hard I thought I would break.

I was an "adult" who did his best to just get by and figure out what he actually wanted. I had great experiences and terrible experiences. I was an adult who worked hard to build his own safe community. I was a person who found a way to build a family that made his heart swell.

I am a human with a phenomenal community, large and small, near and far. I'm a father, a friend, a confidant, and a thousand other things. But what I am now is a man who for the first time can 100% say: I stood on stage in front of friends and strangers and said, "thank you. I love you" and I meant it. I am thankful for all of you. I love all of you. And I don't think I'm going to be burying my feelings anymore, I think this weekend taught me that I can be unashamedly, authentically, myself and people aren't going to run away. I can work with like-minded people and bring joy to my community.

So here's my reflection: the 5 year old boy who was made to feel bad for "mincing about like a faerie" in the living room can now smile and say, "good job you're not as graceful anymore, but you've become who I needed" and boy, do I wish I could get a hug from that 5 year old right now and give one back just as strong.

I love this community.

I love what I am being allowed to do for this community. It is an honour, a privilege, and a joy to serve this community. Thank you. I see you. I love you.

And I will stand next to you any day and every day.

Just don't step on my taffeta.

Happy Pride!

11

core and discover that they don't need to leave Kemptville to find what they're looking for. We're fortunate to have incredible shops, businesses, eateries, and events right here, making it easy to support local while still finding everything you need close to home."

“As we approach the BIA's 20th anniversary, this expansion represents both a celebration of how far we've come and an investment in our future," said Shelley Mitchell, Chair of the Downtown Kemptville BIA. "This milestone has been years in the making and is the result of strong collaboration between local businesses, property owners, the Municipality, and our Board of Directors. Their dedication, leadership, and belief in the future of Downtown Kemptville have been instrumental in bringing this expansion to fruition."

Our downtown continues to grow, and this expanded footprint allows us to support more businesses, strengthen our collective voice, and enhance the experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits Down-

town Kemptville. We are excited to welcome new members and continue building a downtown that is vibrant, connected, and proudly local.

The BIA's work is guided by four core pillars: Advocacy Marketing Beautification Events Every initiative, partnership, and investment made by the BIA is rooted in these priorities, helping create a welcoming, thriving, and connected downtown experience.

The expanded boundaries will allow the Downtown Kemptville BIA to broaden its reach across the core, strengthening support for local businesses, enhancing streetscape and community programming, and building on the momentum of a downtown that continues to grow while staying true to its identity: welcoming, vibrant, and distinctly small-town in spirit.

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CROSSWORD

Repair Café news

by Tricia Habberjam The last Repair Café of the season will be held on June 27 in Kemptville Library 11am -2pm.

We will have electrical repairers, a 3D printing capability for small items, sewing people including soft toy repair and visible mending (embroidering over small holes or stains). Come along and get your repairs done before summer engulfs us.

We are hoping to have a new feature in the fall that involves computers and being able to use them even after Windows 10 finally comes to an end. It is a new operating system which I hope to be able to make available. It will enable older laptops to continue to work. Watch this space for more information coming soon.

Fame at Last?

The NG Times has made it to the CBC. In a recent episode of The Debaters, the debate was on "moderation" and the question was to the effect of "what does the North Grenville Times, a newspaper in Eastern Ontario, suggest does not need to be done in moderation?" The answer came from a Common Sense Health article we published: spending time in nature.

39. Before, in poetry ACROSS I do remember a time when some critics claimed the Times “wasn’t a real newspa40. Challenges 1. X X X X per”. Ah, the good old days!

41. Above the horizon 5. Foot lever 42. Thrombocyte 10. Wagers 44. Container 14. Focusing glass 45. Wooden box 15. Andean animal 46. Connection 16. Blue shade Trustees with the Up- $92.9 million in planned and 2026 Staff Climate 17. Unbeaten 50. Pale per Canada District School investments, 52. Dogs wag these including Surveys to guide ongoing 19. Grooves Board (UCDSB) met on $31.7 million for major efforts to improve work- 20. Foot digit 54. Writing implement Wednesday, June 10, 2026. projects, along with $61.2 place culture and staff well- 21. Consumed 55. Harness part Key items discussed in the million for upgrades across being.

56. Fire starter 22. Garbage public session are as fol- other UCDSB schools.

58. Dispatch Key initiatives include 23. Lengthwise lows.

Indigenous Student the following: 25. A picture-in-picture 59. Scope UCDSB Delivers Bal- Voice Survey findings 60. Unit of land Support Principals and 27. Half of two anced Budget with Focus showed that 97% of self- Vice-Principals in improv- 28. Theft 61. Jittery on Students and Respon- identified Indigenous stu- ing reading, writing, and 31. Storehouse 62. Belief system sible Spending: 63. Jury member dents feel their identity is math achievement across 34. Downhill racer Chief Business Of- represented and 94% feel schools; DOWN 35. Petroleum ficer Jeremy Hobbs out- Indigenous cultures are 1. Wash out with a Ensure secondary as- 36. Hearing organs lined the proposed budget represented positively in sessment, evaluation, and 37. Horse solvent for compliance purposes, schools.

2. Colorless odorless attendance practices align 38. One single time which includes projected Strengthened student with Ministry policy and revenues of $473.1 million pathways through inte- support clear, consistent Solutions to last week’s Sudoku (representing a $2.7 mil- grated programming with expectations for student lion or 0.6% increase over 588 students in the On- learning and success; the 2025-2026 budget) and tario Youth Apprenticeship Expand Indigenous edexpenses of $472.7 mil- Program (OYAP), 1,930 ucation opportunities for lion, allowing for a modest students participating in a all students; $0.4 million surplus. The Specialist High Skills MaLaunch a Student and proposed 2026-27 UCDSB jor (SHSM), and 46 stu- Family Support Office; budget maintains instruc- dents completing Level 1 Implement a staff attional services provided in apprenticeship training in tendance strategy that 2025-26, and includes: 2026-27. enhances well-being, $67.6M in Special EdMore than 375 staff strengthens staffing stabil- Easy Medium ucation funding; $3.4M completed Mental Health ity, and supports student in Indigenous Education in Action training to learning; funding; $3.1M dedicated strengthen support for Increase visibility and to literacy and numeracy student well-being. 174 access to the Employee supports; and $2.4M in classes participated in Dis- and Family Assistance Prostudent safety and well- trict-Wide Learning Series gram and other wellness being supports. focused on mental health, resources to support emThe UCDSB is moni- resilience, and well-being. ployee well-being; toring and strengthening $500,000 (year 2 of 3 fundDevelop and implerisk management strate- ing) to expand access to in- ment an enterprise risk gies in 2026-27 including, clusive extracurricular and management framework; managing a contingency physical activity opportu- and financial reserve as per nities through the All-In Develop a structured Ministry of Education Sports initiative. approach to securing and planning guidance. OverStaff Supports: managing a contingency all, the Board remains in Launched the Atten- financial reserve that is a strong financial position dance Support Program consistent with Ministry of to manage risks while con- to provide a proactive and Education planning guidtinuing to invest in student supportive approach to im- ance. achievement and well-be- proving staff attendance, Trustees voted in faing. The draft budget will and reduced staff absences, vour to adjust the frenow go to the Ministry contributing to more stable quency of Regular Board of Education for final ap- classroom environments. Meetings. Starting in the proval.

Improved recruitment and 2026-2027 school year, the Additionally, CBO retention practices, leading UCDSB Board of Trustees Hobbs highlighted that to greater staffing stability. will meet quarterly rather the capital budget includes Used data from the 2024 than monthly.

UCDSB Report

June 18, 2026

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inert gas 3. Terminated 4. South southeast 5. Satisfy 6. Gladden 7. Day, month and year 8. Creature comforts 9. Young boy 10. Cask 11. Algebra work 12. Sounds of reproof 13. Cummerbund 18. False move 22. Russian emperor 24. Courts 26. Require 28. Shooting game 29. Pleasant 30. Secluded valley 31. Profound 32. Noble 33. Delivering a sermon 34. Trolley 37. Sodium chloride 38. Pig sound 40. College bigwig 41. Washer cycle 43. Voguish 44. Charged 46. Feudal lord 47. Quickly 48. Category 49. Go inside 50. Rear end 51. Sow 53. Skin disease 56. Circle fragment 57. Strike

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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

June 18, 2026

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, August 9. Aged 18 and over. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m.

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.

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.

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Region’s Small Business Programs fuel entrepreneurial growth

(l-r) Front row: Leeds Grenville Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Summer Company participants Forrest Swale, Lexi Belanger, Ava Andress, Cooper Hedderson, Austin Ogilvie and Owen O'Brien. Back row: Small Business Development Officer Carol Hardy, Starter Company Plus participants Tatiana Nedecheva, Candace Berseth, Shannon Thompson, Siobhan Mullen, Lauren Hurley, Ian Burnett, Tyler Holmes, Cara Dixon, Karen Lowry, Sarah Benning, Aiko Mackie, Thane Robyn, Kiera Maguire, Nihal Birden and Emily Grant.

Summer Company and Starter Company Plus officially launched the start of their 2026 program journeys on the evening of June 11 at the Prescott Town Hall Grand Room. Dignitaries, mentors, program supporters, and community partners gathered to celebrate and welcome youth and adult entrepreneurs participating in this year’s programs through the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business division.

“These programs continue to create opportunities for entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville to build confidence, develop valuable business skills, and bring new ideas to life,” says Carol Hardy, Program Manager. “It’s inspiring to see participants take the first steps toward growing businesses that contribute to the strength and vitality of our local economy.”

Summer Company gives local youth the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses during the summer months. Successful applicants receive a grant up to $3,000, business training, and ongoing mentorship throughout the program.

This year’s Summer Company participants includes Municipality of North Grenville’s Forrest Swale, of Forrest Fotography.

Starter Company Plus participants receive training in core business fundamentals, develop business plans, and learn how to manage cash flow. Participants pitch their ideas to a panel of local business leaders and mentors for the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $5,000. Grant recipients also benefit from personalized coaching and ongoing mentorship.

This year’s Starter Company Plus participants includes Municipality of North Grenville’s Emily Grant; Kiera Maguire: Maguire Wellness; and Shannon Thompson: The Shanry Collective.

Both programs are designed to support entrepreneurship through training and funding opportunities that help participants launch and grow successful businesses. Entrepreneurs completing the programs gain practical skills, industry connections, and resources that strengthen both their businesses and the regional economy. Throughout the year, Leeds Grenville Small Business staff provide free consultations, business resources, workshops, and events to support entrepreneurs across the region. These programs are funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville. www.ngtimes.ca

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What I See Every Week Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.

215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate

Specializing in Residential House Beautification Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas.

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by Nancy Morgan, At my small, rural dance studio in Kemptville, I have been teaching adults to "move" for over ten years. People come because they've heard that Line Dancing is fun, or there's a new Tai Chi class in town. Styles change, music changes, but something else stays consistent.

Something I didn't expect when I opened the doors of The Workshop Dance Studio.

What I see every week has very little to do with fitness, tap shoes, or remem-

We can’t promise your knees won’t hurt.

We can promise someone will notice if you’re not there!

W WW.T H EWOR K SHOPDANC ES TU DIO.COM WWW.THEWORKSHOPDANCESTUDIO.COM 215 SANDE SANDERS RS S STREET, T RE E T, KE KEMPTVILLE MP TVI LLE

bering line dance patterns.

A woman walks in for her first class. She stands near the back, arms crossed, apologizing in advance for her two left feet. By week three, she's claimed a spot in the front row. By month two, she is encouraging the newcomer standing near the door. I have watched this happen so many times I could almost set a timer.

I have watched people come through my door carrying things they think I can't see, like grief, early retirement, and a feeling they've started to fade into the background. They came for the exercise. They stayed for something harder to name.

No names, but one silently grieving student told me that her class was the only time all week she looked forward to leaving the house. Did she come for my fabulous choreography? She came for the oth-

er people in the class, and because someone noticed when she wasn't there.

That is not a small thing.

Often the talk is about the importance of keeping both our brains and body active. But, in my ten years of watching adults rediscover the joy of movement, I have come to believe that the physical benefits are almost secondary. Showing up for class restores a sense of mattering. Of being seen. Of belonging somewhere on a Tuesday morning.

North Grenville is a community that understands this intuitively. We look out for each other here. But seniors can slip into invisible lives. Retirement, loss of a partner, or maybe loved ones have moved away. This is the natural slowing of a once busy social world. It happens quietly, mostly with-

out announcement.

Signing up for a dance or fitness class is where it starts. Then, slowly, it becomes the place where everybody knows your name and they notice your new hair cut. At the end of class there's always a buzz of chatter starting with "How are your knees today? See you next week?" It's genuine and comforting.

I started teaching because I love to tap dance. I continue to teach because I see how much people care about themselves and others. They walk in apologizing and walk out smiling.

I see you. It is never just about getting in the steps.

Nancy Morgan is the owner and instructor at The Workshop Dance Studio in Kemptville, Ontario, offering adult dance and fitness classes for all levels.

Learn more at theworkshopdancestudio.com.

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Nesting time is well upon us and the birds are all very busy either sitting on newly laid eggs, or feverishly trying to feed their new offspring. This, of course, is a full time job with both adults having to participate, which they all seem to do quite enthusiastically. I was able to get these pictures of a Common Grackle recently when actually hoping to see some of the riverside dwelling birds, which, I guess, could also describe the Grackles habitat as well!

We always seem to get some in our garden, so

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wrongly make the assumption that they only dwell in this area. Notice that "assumption" word creeping in again, that's why I am still very much an amateur at recognizing all the various aspects of the wildlife that I happen to see, and probably a lot of you do too!

Nothing to be ashamed of though, at least you are being vigilant enough to be able to recognize most of it, so don't worry about it, just enjoy it. Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin

Ron's

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ronssmallengines@outlook.com 1 Jayland Drive, Kemptville (across from old Bingo Hall)

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The Voice of North Grenville

Treaty Facts

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 Did you know that when the Royal Proclamation was passed in 1763, almost all of present-day Ontario was recognised as “Indian Territory”, and Europeans were forbidden to trespass and settle there?

The Territory included all the land west and south of the Ottawa River, with the exception of a small strip giving the Crown possession of land on both sides of the Ottawa River. All of North Grenville and North Dundas was included in the “Indian Territory”.

In just 120 years after the Royal Proclamation, the only “Indian Territory” left were the various Reserves of today. In a series of “treaties”, many of which remain undocumented,

the way was cleared for European settlement across Ontario. The terms of these treaties may seem a little strange in retrospect.

A treaty made in 1783 described the land taken as stretching back from the Bay of Quinte “as far as a man can travel in day”.

How far is that? On May 9, 1791, the Mississauga surrendered all the Canadian side of the Niagara River, including the Falls, to a depth of four miles from the river. In return, they got 300 suits of clothing.

In another treaty from the 1780's, the place where the land surrendered was to be described was left blank. Apparently, they were going to fill in the blanks later. They forgot.

It was not until 1923 that another treaty was made to sort out the confusion.

A treaty was made in 1796 with the Chippewas of the Thames for a parcel of land twelve square miles

in size, in order to build a capital city of Upper Canada. The Chippewas received £12,000 in goods in return for the land. The town never became the capital, but it is today the City of London.

Many of the treaties signed before 1800 were never actually written down. There is no treaty document, no official record of what was agreed to, or what was taken by the Crown. Most of the land taken under treaty in southern and western Ontario was to make room for European families and discharged soldiers that had fought in the American War of Independence or the War of 1812.

In 1836, Governor Francis Bond Head travelled to Manitoulin Island for the annual distribution of presents. On the way, he decided that the island would be a perfect place for all the Indians in Up-

per Canada to live. He believed that the indigenous population was doomed to extinction when faced with the encroaching tides of European settlers. Better, he thought, to allow them to die out in peace on an island that would allow them to follow traditional ways of life. So he agreed to give up Crown rights to the Island, giving it to the Indians forever, in order to open it to all who wished to resettle there. Twentysix years later, in 1862, the Crown forced through a second treaty to reverse Bond Head’s agreement, and the Island was opened to settlers while the indigenous people were confined to Reserves.

After getting the first treaty on Manitoulin in 1836, Bond Head had the Saugeen peoples agree to surrender one and a half million acres of their land - and paid them nothing in return.

The two Robinson Treaties of September 1850 were originally supposed to get control by the Crown of a strip of land along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior. Instead, more than 52,000 square miles of Indian Territory were included in the two documents. One of the major indigenous leaders at the time, Shingwakonse, believed the treaties were a prelude to a joint venture

by Crown and Nations to develop resource industries in the north of the Great Lakes. Instead, once the treaties were signed, the Nations were informed that they were now under British law and were excluded from any commercial operations in the region. They could only fish for their own domestic use.

Considering the wealth extracted from the lands under the Robinson Treaties, which stretched from North Bay to past Thunder

Bay, and north almost to Hudson’s Bay, in the form of timber, fish, copper, gold, uranium, and other resources, it is incredible to think that, in return for ceding this vast treasure house, each individual indigenous person living under those treaties is paid, to this day, the princely sum of $4 per year. And this was an increase in the annuity paid until 1874, which was $1 per year each. It was onlt in the last three years that proper compensation was paid for losses under the treaty.

The treaties are legal documents, but the Crown, whether Canada or Ontario, has consistently failed to meet their obligations set out in those documents. And so it continues in our own time.

businesses and then enjoyed a phenomenal lunch on a patio in the gorgeous sunshine. Although I had to leave early and miss out on the rest of the fun, I still got a taste of the hilarious antics that unfolded throughout the afternoon.

Here's my takeaway.

First, yes, I was busy.

And if I truly couldn't have made it work, I would have said no. But deep down, I knew the timing would work and that I could go, even if only for a little while. I'm so glad I did.

Besides, cancelling at the last minute is the absolute worst in my book.

Second, although I really wish my muumuu had arrived in time, I wasn't going to let that small detail be the reason I missed out.

And third, this community is full of some of the most hilarious women I've ever met. I'm so glad I continue to put myself in situations where I can meet new people. My heart is fuller because of it. I'm glad someone came to "knock on my door." What followed was an afternoon of delight, good fun, great laughs, and memories being made.

Talia's Take Friendship, Fun, and a Mrs. Roper Romp

As a shock to absolutely no one who knows me, I overbooked myself this weekend. Between three kids' birthday parties, my friendship potluck, and a grand opening in the Downtown Core, I didn't have any extra time.

However, there was one extremely important event happening that I was having serious regrets about June 18, 2026

missing. A local book club had organized a Mrs. Roper Romp, an event where women dress up in colourful muumuus, don red curly wigs, and explore an area while visiting local businesses and shops.

It's based on the show Three's Company, which was, admittedly, before my time, but I love the idea of a good theme that brings

women together.

Here was my dilemma.

I was already extremely busy, but I also knew this event was going to be a lot of fun. To add salt to the wound, my muumuu had been delayed, so I wouldn't even be dressed for the theme.

So, I did what any wellbalanced person would do.

I sent a text to the group 16

saying, "Sorry everyone, I can't swing it. Have so much fun."

To which I received a picture that said, "You're dead to me," followed by a voice note. And you know it's serious when someone sends a voice note instead of a text. The message was simple: "If I can make it, you can make it."

Now, you would think that as a strong, capable woman, I wouldn't be susceptible to peer pressure.

It turns out you would be wrong. 10 minutes before the event started, I swiped on some red lipstick and drove to the Downtown Core. At first, I wondered how I was going to figure out where everyone was.

However, those curly red wigs were like beacons of joy, and I instantly knew I had made the right decision.

We visited a few local

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