Issue 24 2025 June 26 NG Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Canada Day in North Grenville

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by David Shanahan

Yes, it’s Canada Day again, number 158 since it all started back in 1867. And North Grenville is, once again, putting on quite a show. Between Kemptville and Oxford Mills residents have a huge range of entertainment and activities to enjoy all day and all evening too. Pipe and drum bands, bouncy castles (who doesn’t love a bouncy castle, eh?), petting zoos, more food than you can eat in a day, and so much more. Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll read about July 1 in other decades, and it’s clear that we’ve really become experts on celebrating Canada

Day compared to previous generations. And good for us! But it is important to remember all those, and there are so many, who have made these celebrations possible. There are the local business sponsors whose support allows the volunteers to schedule so many entertainers and games. The Oxford Mills Community Association has been organising the activities in the hamlet for many, many years, volunteers stepping up every time to make it a bigger and better event every time.

JAM Productions carries the Kemptville event on its shoulders, relying on so many

helpers to staff the barriers, supervise the games, as well as setting up before hand and cleaning up afterwards. Across the municipality, residents are coming together to celebrate their community and their country in a fun and joyous manner.

Starting in Kemptville with the Legion Breakfast at 8.30 a.m., and going on through the day until the fi reworks light up the night at 11 p.m., the day is packed with things to do, to see, to play, and to hear. Oxford Mills begin their festivities just before noon with the rousing chorus of Oh Canada at the old Township Hall, wind-

ing down around 4 p.m.. You can see the schedule of events in both locations in this issue of the Times.

Which brings me to those who supported this issue of the paper with their advertisements, making it possible for us to provide an issue full of information, history, colour and news. Many thanks to each of you for supporting the people of North Grenville as we get together to show our gratitude and joy at sharing this great community.

Hands across the border

A special event is taking place on July 5 down at Prescott and all along the Canada-U.S. border. And American initiative is calling for a show they’re referring to as: Elbows Up for for Canada, for America, for democracy, Pour le Canada, Pour les États-Unis, Pour la démocratie. It is planned as a series of peaceful, purposeful rallies, celebrations and protests by U.S. residents to show Canada, the US government and the world, that they stand in solidarity with Canada.

July 5 events will run the length of the longest border in the world, with groups from Alaska to Washington state to Montana to Detroit to Niagara Falls to Vermont, and even London, England.

The organisers have issued an invitation: “Let's show our friends and neighbors to the North that we love them just as they are, and that we want to repair the damage President Trump and his administration has caused to what had been a steadfast ally relationship.”

North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement and North Country NY Indivisible are the local groups on the U.S. side, stating their position:

We stand in support of our shared economic interests.

We stand in support of Canada's vibrant culture.

We stand in support of Canada's independent democracy.

We stand in opposition to using our border as a barrier to friendship.

The plan is to gather at City Hall in Ogdensburg for speeches, then to go to Morissette Park to wave to Canadian brothers on the Prescott Heritage Trail in front of Fort Wellington.

In reply, many local residents are planning to gather in Prescott on the Canadian side of the river to wave our signs and greet our American friends and neighbours to the South. The event begins in Ogdensburg at 1.45 on July 5 and runs until around 3pm. Make your Elbows Up sign and meet in front of Fort Wellington on July 5.

A Summer of Swords in North Grenville

by Chris Chinkiwksy

North Grenville’s own Saint Lawrence Swordfighters Guild, a homegrown historical fencing academy, held an invitational swordfighting tournament on Sunday, June 8, at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. This tournament drew swordfighting schools from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec to participate in a mixedweapons tournament for fun and medals, with a healthy dose of camaraderie and catering. Local businesses like Coba Studios & Print Shop and Simply Baked Catering supported the event and more than 50 people attended.

This event kicks off the Saint Lawrence Swordfighters Guild’s 13th summer season of events and activities, including a command performance of 14th Century armoured duels at the Canada Day festivities at Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills, and a full weekend of swords, spears, wrestling, and armoured combat at the Merrickville Fair.

This pursuit, and the martial styles that come from it, are collectively called Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and is rapidly growing in popularity all over the world. In 2012, the Saint Lawrence Swordfighters Guild was founded by Matt McKee and Dave Rouleau in North Grenville and has been teaching these techniques to adults out of the North Grenville Municipal Centre ever since!

going to tournaments and gatherings of other HEMA academies across Ontario and Quebec. If you want to see a better picture of what true fighting was like back then, come to Canada Day or the Merrickville Fair this year!

This October, the Guild is holding its 4-month Foundations of Medieval Combat program. This introductory program is the annual intake of adult candidates to experience some foundational training on the road to becoming a student of Fiore’s fighting system. For more information, visit sword-guild.com.

Most of the training focuses on the use of the Medieval European longsword and dagger, which requires heavyduty fencing masks, hand protection, and padded coats. This represents duels fought all-too-often in street clothes throughout Late Medieval Europe. But, some of the Guild members specialize in the heavy plate armour that appeared on the battlefields of the Hundred Years War and other famous historical conflicts. This style of fighting required different techniques to deal with the heavy armour of the man-at-arms and, again, Hollywood almost always gets it wrong.

The Saint Lawrence Swordfighters Guild is more than a martial arts academy. It is also an historical society that studies manuscripts written by the Italian swordsmaster Fiore dei Liberi at the turn of the 15th Century. He penned these illustrated works after 50 years of fi ghting in the constant wars and duels of the Holy Roman Empire in the late 1300s. These ancient fight books contain the closely guarded secrets of weapons combat of the age, and modern groups like The Saint Lawrence Swordfighters Guild have spent the past few decades researching the manuscripts to uncover the techniques of authentic Medieval battle, which differ drastically from what Hollywood shows us.

In addition to the public events this summer, the Guild is also busy

Kemptville Farmers' Market Canada Day celebration

w/ Live Music, Sunday, June 29

Come on out to celebrate Canada Day at the market! Wear your best red and white and help support a very local Canada Day. We’ll have live music, ready to eat meals, and loads of fresh fruits and veggies.

Kemptville Farmers' Market 200 Sanders St., Kemptville www.kemptvillefarmersmarket.ca

Kemptville Street Piano summer concert series lineup

by Lisa Poushinsky

Join us on Saturdays starting on July 5 at 1pm on the North Grenville Public Library terrace for FREE musical adventures in blues, jazz, classical, folk, indie, 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!

July 5: Made in Canada Open Mic:

It’s our monthly open mic, hosted by popular piano man Bradley Smith and featuring Canadian classics. Whether you’re there to listen or to play, an entertaining time is guaranteed for all.

July 12: Blue Standard:

Maple Blues Award winner and actor Raoul Bhaneja is up next, singing some crooner classics with returning pianist Jesse Whiteley (yes, that family of Whiteley’s!)

July 19: Roland Graham:

Back (dare I say Bach?) for more, classical pianist, conductor, and inspiring educator Roland Graham puts the new piano through its paces, performing the Italian Concerto (BWV 971), the Overture in the French Manner (BWV 831), and Mozart’s final piano sonata, No. 18 in D major (K. 576).

July 26: Justin Duhaime’s Gypsy Muse Trio: Inspired by Django Reinhardt, Justin Duhaime’s jazz manouche project might transport the NG Library terrace to Paris, 1930s. A must-see for guitar fans of any genre!

August 2: Open Mic with Bradley Smith: It’s our second open mic, and no two are alike. Don’t skip what August’s audacious musicians have in store!

August 9: Wax Mannequin:

An "utterly singular songsmith," guitar-wielding troubadour Wax Mannequin is touching, ridiculous, catchy, thought-provoking, and absurd. In other words, not-to-be-missed!

August 16: Emmi Winter and the Heroic Mad Peasants: Backed by an entourage of excellent NG talent, Kemptville’s own Katie Nolan performs folk songs from her fresh new album Anthropocene. Local at its finest!

August 23: Jesse Greene:

After sharpening her “axe” by gigging a ton in Toronto, Canada's one of a kind blues woman is back for a solo show. If her gravelly Joplin-style voice doesn’t woo you, her divine guitar licks surely will.

See you at the Street Piano!

culverts

Standing on guard

by David Shanahan

In late June that year, word got round that there was a young foreign family newly-arrived in town. �ey were staying in a hotel while they looked for an apartment, and were finding things very confusing indeed. There were three young children involved, one only a few weeks old, and being confined to a hotel room in a strange town was difficult. Someone in the office decided to invite them to a Canada Day BBQ as a way of introducing them to some new Canadian friends, and a car was dispatched to pick them up on the day.

What a new experience it was for them! To start with, the very idea of a bbq was new: imagine, cooking outside in your garden! Hot dogs were something the children had never eaten, and the burgers were like nothing any of them had tasted before. �ese Canadians were so determined that the newcomers would feel welcome and included.

Then, with food and beer, sunshine and smiles, the gathering broke into “O

Canada”, and the newcomers were deeply moved by it all. At home, there was a lot of politics involved in the national anthem: here it seemed joyful. �e words struck home forcefully: this was an anthem you could sing proudly. �ere was no triumphalism, no arrogance or threats. Going home from the celebration, a foreign family felt they had come to a better place than they had imagined. �at may all seem too sentimental, too much nostalgic memories through rose-coloured glasses. But that was my first experience of Canada Day, and the effects have never really left me. It was years before I could become a citizen, but from that day, because of those people welcoming me and my family into their national birthday party, I felt this was a country I could become part of.

�e words stayed with me too. “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee”. I have never felt that this was a militaristic statement, a call to arms. It has always seemed to me to be a promise, a commitment to protect and preserve what it is that makes Canada

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Kemptville Jags Minor Football Club

There has been scuttlebutt in the Community and in the North Grenville Times about the Kemptville Jags Minor Football Club. My first comment is sadness that people would publicly disparage Volunteers. Our Community doesn't need people like that. My second comment is to express gratitude to the Volunteers who gave my 12-year-old grandson a fantastic opportunity. They coached him from someone who knew nothing about football to someone who become a member of the Ottawa Myers Riders Football Club. These Volunteers totally elevated his self-esteem, enabled him to become a participant in a social group and taught him many athletic skills. This was a totally positive growing experience for him and changed his life for the better. Thank you to the 2024 Kemptville Jags Volunteers.

Pamela Gordon

the country it is. And that is tied up, for me anyway, with the welcoming friendliness I experienced that day in Thunder Bay back in 1982. It is a promise to maintain the character of the country that invented peace-keeping for the United Nations. It tells “foreigners” that they can make a home here, not forsaking their ethnic and cultural roots, but adding them to the mix.

�ere are some, I know, who find that idea objectionable; who think that everyone should become “Canadian”. But what else is that? Canada has always been a country made up of immigrants, refugees, “foreigners”. The French arrived here, paid for by their Government, given land and supported by the merchants of France. �e United Empire Loyalists were refugees, fleeing war and persecution, and dependant on government hand-outs of food, clothes and free land. �at began a tradition, a pattern of immigration, from Europe and Asia and the United States, of people looking for something better, freedom and possibilities, a new chance

Dear Steve Clark, I am writing to you regarding changes in the deposit program in Ontario. I have been collecting donated alcohol containers (beer cans, cooler cans, bottles, wine bladders, etc etc) for three years to raise funds for local farm sanctuaries, including my own. I have very devoted, generous donors whose empties provide a bit of cash for these organizations, on a regular basis. Despite the changes to alcohol sales, I am still able to sort the containers and return them to my local beer store. With that said, how am I and the many volunteers who pick up empties for "Empties for Paws" our parent organization, supposed to be able to continue to do this? How will I know who bought what where? With Circle K and other gas bars, as well as grocery stores selling alcohol, you have just made our fundraising impossible. It is already a lot of hard work to sort and haul all these products to a single location for return. What do you propose we do once this comes into effect?

for their children. �ere is no-one in Canada whose people did not come from somewhere else. We are all immigrants.

Maybe we sometimes fear that continuing that tradition of welcoming newcomers will somehow water down whatever Canada is, whatever Canadians are. But the fact is that “what Canada is” has been built on those traditions, on those foreigners who arrived here and had to fit into the climate, the harsh environment, the new way of doing things. Perhaps what native-born Canadians forget sometimes, is how grateful newcomers are to be here; how determined they can be to live up to the gift they have received by becoming part of this nation. They, we, after all, are the ones who chose this to be our new homeland.

It may be easy to dismiss all of this as a naive and simplistic view of Canada. Anyone who has lived anywhere else in the world, knows that it is not so. Canada is not perfect; it has faults, it has systemic racism, it has poverty, and it has political corruption.

Find a beer store that hasn't closed, probably many kms away from where I live, to take them back? Somehow "Intuit" what was purchased where? Seriously????

Your government has made a complete mess of this entire sales expansion. It's why LCBO employees were on strike last summer to bring this ridiculous scheme to the public's awareness. Not many of LCBO customers supported it either. I see how many alcohol containers are in the ditches on my local roads, which means people are drinking in their cars and throwing the empties out the window. Drinking and driving is a huge danger to everyone. So... thanks so much for making it that much more convenient for young people and adults (who should know better) to purchase alcohol earlier in the day and later into the evening, and at many more stores.

As far as the return program goes, it has been a booming success in our province. But Doug Ford can't leave it alone, as he thinks he's scoring points

All of this is true. But immigrants and exiles are not looking for perfection: they are looking for better; and, in Canada, they find that better place, that place of possibilities and potential. �is year, Canada celebrates 158 years of Confederation. �at makes it a relatively young nation, but built on older, deeper and stronger foundations. But each Canada Day is an opportunity to think about where we’ve all come from (literally and historically) and to stop for a day to appreciate where we are.

Somewhere across the land, a newly-arrived foreign family will be invited to join their new neighbours at a picnic, or party, or bbq, and will be introduced to something quite extraordinary and wonderful. If we can keep our focus on that, we can afford to welcome many newcomers, invite them to add their contribution to our communities, and put down roots for themselves and their children, then we can really sing out: “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!”.

with the Everyman of Ontario by having alcohol available at every corner, and then changing a perfectly well-running return program to make it so much more difficult to divert materials from landfill. He continues to insult the intelligence of everyone in the province with this whole scheme.

So, Mr. Clark, do your constituents and our province a favour and provide a better way to return empties, not increase garbage going to landfills and Blue Boxes. Grocery stores have already stated they don't want the mess, the very real smell (!!) and the additional work created by accepting returns. The cost to corner stores to accept, store and return the empties (where will THAT be) will not be worth their time as well. As for Everyman and their household, we know that if it isn't convenient Everyman won't even bother.

Try to stop being a YesMan for Doug Ford and do the right thing. For the environment, for us little people volunteering to assist muchneeded sanctuaries pay their

vet bills, and for keeping these products out of our ever-shrinking landfills.

Lynn Kennedy Oxford Mills

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Being Canadian

by Molly O’Connor

How do I define being a Canadian when I've never been anything else? That’s not quite true. When I was a child, my teacher insisted I was Irish, since my father immigrated to Canada; but with determination I would stamp my feet and declare: "No, I am Canadian." I have traveled and read a great deal, so I can look at this vast Canadian geography and recognize I am only a tiny speck on its surface, a tiny dot that swells with pride whenever I hear Canada's national anthem. I sing it lustily at any and all events. Yes, we as a people are many tiny dots of all colours and beliefs: a mosaic of a population standing together to make our country a special place to call home.

Canada boasts some of the most beautiful scenic places in the world with mountain peaks, rich valleys, beautiful lakes and three mighty oceans. Our history is young yet rich, reflecting our native culture blended with peoples from all walks of life. Canadians are stoic. We venture out in weather that challenges the bravest of the brave, and that is simply to get to the office,

or to Tim Horton's for a coffee. It is said we are polite and that our most common phrase is "so sorry". That's true. I marvel at the number of times I have witnessed someone not looking where they are going and ramming into an innocent bystander (usually with a shopping cart) and it is invariably the bystander that will automatically voice "I'm sorry". We even apologize when we are complaining. "I'm sorry but this toast is burned." Another common expression pointed at, laughed at, and attributed to the Canadian voice is "eh". I ask you what other language has such an expressive exclamation that can be a question, a word of joy, an expression of sorrow, a shout of success, a note of finality or a greeting between friends - eh?

It is a country where distance is measured in time. It’s never how many miles or kilometres one mentions when asked how far it is to reach a destination but how long it takes to get there. Canada has the most fresh water lakes of any country in the world. That fact spawns a life style known as cottage country weekend-

ers. Every Friday from mid-May to mid-October there is an exodus from our towns and cities in bumper-to-bumper traffic to get to a cabin on a lake. There awaiting these eager Canadians are hoards of mosquitoes and black flies, but as I mentioned earlier, we are a stoic breed so we slather on repellent and brave the bugs. These weekends are spent fishing, boating and sitting around camp fires slapping pesky mosquitoes while swilling our favourite drink, beer, and retelling tales of old with neighbouring cottagers. This tradition is passed from generation to generation as are the stories. Canada has weather, all kinds and some of it all in one day. I have wakened to scrape ice from my car's windshield in the morning, to wearing shorts in the afternoon, and diving under my warm down duvet come bedtime. Violent storms can last less than a half hour and settle to calm in the time it takes to draw a breath. Towns can be buried in snow, finding your car might present a challenge. Canadians love their winters and embrace

UCDSB invests $500K in Music Programs

The Upper Canada District School Board is investing an additional $500K into music education across the district so that more students can have access to quality music education and enriched musical experiences. This investment is in addition to the funding that is already allocated in school budgets to school music programs and initiatives.

In June, each school in the UCDSB received between $2,000 and $19,000, depending on the school population and types of programs already offered at the school. Funds will be used to purchase or repair instruments, to purchase audio equipment, or to purchase other music-related resources to support music classes, choirs, musicals, plays, and other music-related clubs at the school.

“Music can have long-term positive impacts on cognitive abilities, academic success and overall well-being – all things we want for our students,” explains Trustee Michel LaBonte. “Through this investment, all students will have greater access to music and music education at school, which will benefit them for years to come."

School staff will have the opportunity to allocate these funds directly, to best meet the needs of their schools, and maximize the impact on students.

“With so many pressures on school budgets, I’m proud that we are able to allocate this funding to our schools,” says Chair of the Board Jamie Schoular. “Music sparks creativity and connection, values which we encourage not just our students but our staff as well. I’m looking forward to hearing the results next year.”

skating, skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. We bundle up in the winter and strip down in the summer. The weather is almost always the opener to any conversation.

I live in a city that has back-to-back festivals all summer featuring wellknown and lesser known. Every community has a fall fair where every kind of farm animal is judged, garden produce is judged, kiddies’ art work is judged and baked goods are judged. It is a carnival, it is a hive for competition and it is a gathering place for neighbours young and old. On any given day one can find a pub featuring some sort of music or en-

joy our national orchestra in a superb venue. Canadians enjoy entertainment of all kinds, drama and comedy.

We, as a whole, are a reserved people, a respectful people. There is no shoving or pushing when waiting in line; we wait patiently for our turn. Several years ago, I too, stood in line at the airport as a frustrated flight attendant tried to reschedule our connections since our departure from Ottawa was delayed by two hours, meaning most of us missed our connecting flights. There were no angry words or raised voices, we politely joined in conversation accepting

the turn of events, and waited knowing that one way or another all would be resolved. After all that is the Canadian way. I am privileged to share all the fore-mentioned, but my pride in country swells when I witness how we stand together to welcome refugees, step forward to aid our fellow citizens in the event of a disaster, and proudly wear red on Canada Day. We are a country strong and free and that would be me you hear singing loud and strong 'O Canada, our home and native land.'

Keep animals cool this summer

Summer fun is heating up, but let’s make sure our furry friends stay cool!

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is kicking off its annual No Hot Pets campaign and inviting you to be an advocate for animals by taking the No Hot Pets pledge at nohotpets.ca

By taking the pledge

at nohotpets.ca, you’ll not only show your commitment to protecting animals, but you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a cool YETI summer prize pack.

Getting involved in the No Hot Pets campaign is easy! Here’s how you can keep tails wagging this

summer:

Take the pledge at nohotpets.ca and encourage your friends to do the same.

Share the message on social media using fun, ready-to-go graphics and tips from the digital toolkit available at nohotpets.ca

Talk to local businesses

about supporting No Hot Pets by displaying posters and spreading awareness. They can request a free poster for their front door.

Ask your town or city to help protect pets by passing bylaws that prevent animals from being left in hot vehicles.

The No Hot Pets website also has great resources to help you speak up for animals, plus handy hot weather pet care tips.

“It only takes a few minutes for the inside of a parked car to turn into an oven,” says Katelyn Stojadinov, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “Even if you crack the windows or park in the shade, it can be life threatening for your pet. If you can’t bring them with you when you get to your destination, leave them at home where they’re safe.”

If you see an animal in distress this summer, get help! Call the government’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL, or your local police. If it’s a lifethreatening emergency, call 911.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.

The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca. ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.

Together, we can make this summer safer for animals across Ontario.

The Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.

Exploring Italy Beyond the Usual: Six Stunning Regions Worth the Journey

Italy is more than Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. For travelers looking to uncover the country’s quieter corners—where authentic charm meets natural beauty—these six regions offer unforgettable experiences, complete with world-class accommodations that elevate every stay.

The Dolomites

A dramatic alpine wonderland in northern Italy, the Dolomites are a dream for adventure lovers and nature seekers alike. Towering peaks, lush valleys, and postcardperfect villages provide the backdrop for skiing in winter and hiking or cycling in summer. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, travelers can unwind at luxury retreats such as the Gardena Grodnerhof or the Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, where spa treatments and gourmet cuisine complement the stunning views.

Sicily

Italy’s largest island is a mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and flavours. From the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento to the fiery presence of Mount Etna, Sicily blends history, drama, and soul. Bustling markets, vibrant towns like Palermo and Taormina, and a coastline dotted with idyllic beaches make it a destination that satisfies all senses. Rest and rejuvenate at the elegant Grand Hotel Timeo, perched above the sea, or indulge in boutique luxury at the stylish Q92 Notto Hotel.

Sardinia

Sardinia is a Mediterranean gem, offering crystalclear waters, hidden coves, and prehistoric sites like the Nuragic ruins. With its mix of dramatic coastlines and serene inland landscapes, it’s a haven for beach lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking solitude off the beaten path. For a luxurious escape, book a stay at 7 Pines Resort or the Baglioni Resort Sardinia, both offering refined hospitality just steps from the sea.Puglia Down in Italy’s heel, Puglia enchants with its whitewashed towns, endless olive groves, and a coastline that rivals the more famous Riviera. The region is famous for its rustic cuisine, charming masserie (farmhouses), and unique architecture like the trulli houses in Alberobello. For a memorable stay, consider the serene Borgo Egnazia or the nature-focused Naturalis Bio Resort & Spa.

Calabria

Calabria, forming the toe of the Italian boot, remains one of the country’s most untouched and soulful regions. With rugged mountains, unspoiled beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, it offers a raw, authentic experience far from the crowds. Its cuisine is bold and spicy, and its hospitality is deeply heartfelt. Settle into the Praia Art Resort, a hidden gem nestled along the Ionian coast, where tradition meets tranquility.

Piedmont

Tucked at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is a region for gourmands and wine aficionados. Home to Barolo and Barbaresco wines, decadent white truffles, and elegant cities like Turin, it’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration. Rolling hills, historic castles, and peaceful vineyards create a luxurious backdrop for exploration. Stay at the contemporary yet eco-conscious Casa di Langa or the regal Castello dal Pozzo Resort for a true taste of northern Italian elegance.

Visit www.gravitate.travel and click on the “Let’s Talk” icon to schedule a time to talk or drop by our offices to chat about discovering Italy in a whole new way! TICO # 50026003 215 SANDERS STREET, UNIT 201A / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0

London - the final conference

by David Shanahan

We have seen many conferences and meetings between leaders recently, all trying to find new ways of solving problems, new initiatives for realigning the world as it had been. Policies and personalities clash and co-operate, ideas are mooted and rejected, and it becomes clear how central to all new approaches is the simple fact of personality. If individuals like each other, or share ideas, then things happen and the impossible becomes real. Making Canada was like that in the period from 1865 to 1867: ideas which seemed impossible, individuals who might not have seemed in sync with each other, all coming together in a series of meetings in which they shared, got to know and, at least to some extent, trust each other. There had been so many highs and lows in the story of Confed-

eration since 1864. What with the Fenian raid in June, 1866, the resignation of one important partner in the project, George Brown, from the Coalition and his subsequent bitter attack on his one-time colleagues, by the summer of 1866 everyone was tired, dejected and the great spirit of fun and excitement that had marked the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences had long since faded. It had been hoped that Confederation would pass the Imperial Parliament in London by the end of the 1866 session, but the British Government fell in June, and the Canadians were delayed in passing the legislation necessary to establish the new provinces of Ontario and Quebec once union was officially achieved. The delegates from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia arrived in London in July to find the Canadians still back at home. The Nova Scotians were desperate to get the job finished, as

Joseph Howe and his anti-Confederation party could force an election and scupper the entire project. John A. Macdonald was no help at all, as he seems to have indulged in one of his periodical drinking binges and was in no condition to provide the leadership needed to get things done. He had not been tremendously encouraging anyway, as the version of union was that the one he favoured.

When, at last, the Canadians arrived in London, it was November, 1866 and the Maritime delegates had been kicking their heels in England since July. But now the final work could begin and Macdonald was back in magisterial form. This was threatened only once, in December, when he fell asleep in bed while reading and his bed and curtains caught fire. It took the help of colleagues Cartier and Galt to put out the flames, a very narrow escape for the future Prime Minister of Canada, whose shoulder

was badly burned. There was still a great deal of debate and argument about various Resolutions, and it was not until after the New Year of 1867 that the British North America Act was finally ready for the Imperial Parliament. Two interesting changes in terminology were introduced in London. Instead of the two chambers of the new Parliament being called, as they had been before, the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council, they would be called the House of Commons and the Senate. More importantly, the new nation would be called “Canada”, and about that there was no dispute. However, the British Americans wished it to be known as the Kingdom of Canada, and here the Imperial Government objected strongly. They feared the American reaction to having a Kingdom rise up on their borders, and they wanted to find a less controversial title. Some American

politicians had attempted to introduce a resolution to Congress objecting to Confederation itself: a Kingdom would only make matters worse.

It was Samuel Tilley of New Brunswick, it seems, who came up with the name “Dominion”, which came to him as he read his Bible, a daily act of his. That particular morning, Psalm 72 was part of his reading, and in it he found: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth”. This seemed to describe the new geography of Canada very well, and hence his suggestion of the Dominion of Canada as the name of the new nation. The British, including Queen Victoria, found it an acceptable, though uninspiring, title, and so it came to be.

The British North America Act received Royal assent on March 29, 1867, though the Canadians realised that their hosts were not as excited as they were. Alexander

Galt, who had worked for this day since the 1850's, wrote to his wife: Ï cannot shut my eyes to the fact that they want to get rid of us”. The London Times clearly felt that way: “We look to Confederation as the means of saving this country [Britain] from much expense and much embarrassment”. Nevertheless, the great project had been achieved: the Union of four of the British American Provinces had been achieved, and a new nation had been born.

The community events & posters listed in this paper are made possible by the support of local businesses. Support your neighbours!

CANADA DAY in Oxford Mills

11:50 - 11:55:

Legion Pipe and Drum Band parade

11:55 - 12:05:

Opening ceremony by the Mayor and Dignitaries

12:05 - 12:20:

Legion Pipe and Drum Band entertains

12:30 - 1:15: Live Music - Anya Perry

1:15 - 1:30:

David Shanahan historical discussion

1:30 - 2:30: Live Music - The Family Name

2:30 - 2:45: Canada Day cupcakes served to all in attendance

2:45 - 3:45:

Closing Performer - Jessica Pearson and the East Wind

3:55: Closing discussion

"Jessica Pearson and the East Wind's live show will first bring you to the edge of your seat, and then to the edge of tears - before spilling over into joy, community, and a sense of sacred, shared power.

Backed by the impeccable harmonies of Sam Stone and Malia Rogers alongside clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and tasteful percussion, Jessica's storytelling and songs centre kindness and vulnerability while imploring audiences toward a better future for all. Audiences will enjoy versatile Americana stomp-and-holler, upbeat Celtic sing-and-sway, and intimate, high-lonesome folk ballads, replete with singalong choruses, energetic audience banter, and the occasional unexpected party trick."

Day 2025

at

Riverside Park –Kemptville’s Biggest Celebration Yet!

We’re thrilled to invite you to this year’s Canada Day festivities at Riverside Park – it's shaping up to be our most fun-filled day ever, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Our amazing volunteers have been working tirelessly to create a full day of excitement for the whole family. This year’s theme? Family Fun! From morning to night, there’s something for everyone – and yes, we still have the best fireworks show around!

Here’s What’s Happening:

Start your day right with the Legion Breakfast at 8:30 AM, followed by the patriotic Flag Raising Ceremony at 10:30 AM.

Then head over to Riverside Park at 11:00 AM for a full day of fun in the sun! Take a dip in the free public swimming pool, cool off at the splash pad, or relax in the shaded Kid’s Zone.

In the Family Zone:

• Giant bouncy castles

• Inflatable games

• Face painting

• Petting Zoo

• Aerial Fitness Demos

• Vendor Alley

• Yummy cotton candy & popcorn …and so much more!

• Brad the Balloon Guy

Main Stage Highlights:

• Family-friendly performances from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM

• Evening concert series kicks off with live music leading right up to the spectacular fireworks finale!

Try something new with a free Pickleball intro session at the Curling Club Beginners welcome!

Don’t forget the delicious food trucks serving up local eats all day long.

And for the adults, the return of a true Canadian favourite – our 19+ Beer Gardens, proudly sponsored by 4 Degrees Brewing Company!

And there’s still much more in store!

Stay up-to-date with the latest announcements and schedule on our Facebook page: North Grenville Canada Day Facebook

Come join us for a day packed with laughter, music, food, and community pride. Let’s make this Canada Day one to remember!

Canada Day in Kemptville

Local Scholarship Celebrates Mental Health Advocacy

by Talia Hreljac

Haileigh Brown, a graduating student from North Grenville District High School, has been named the 2025 recipient of the annual $1,000 mental health scholarship. This marks the fifth year the scholarship has been awarded to a local student pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of Psychology or Social Work.

Haileigh will be attending McMaster University this fall, where she has been accepted into

the Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour undergraduate program. Her dedication to mental health awareness and passion for helping others stood out among this year’s applicants.

The scholarship is available to residents of North Grenville and the surrounding area who are graduating from high school and entering an undergraduate program focused on Psychology or Social Work. Applicants are asked to submit

a 250–500 word paper outlining their interest in the field and their desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Courtney Vezina, from Courtney James Counselling & Psychotherapy, the founder and sponsor of the scholarship, shared her ongoing commitment to the cause:

"The applications have been really amazing; so many students who are wanting to build upon their own lived experiences with mental health

awareness and a desire to help those around them. It's motivating simply to read those words and also be able to give back to the community in a tangible way."

Courtney launched the scholarship with the goal of promoting careers in mental health and therapy while strengthening the local community through support and encouragement of young people. Her hope is that this scholarship helps inspire the next generation of mental health professionals to lead with empathy, understanding, and resilience.

Congratulations to Haileigh Brown on this well-deserved recognition, and best of luck as she begins her academic journey this fall.

The Kemptville Male Choir conveys its thanks to you all

Following its recent, very successful, Local Charity Support performance of “2 Choirs Strong and Free”, held at the Urbandale Art Centre on May 31, the Kemptville Male Choir wishes to conveys its sincerest thanks to all our Community Supporters and the Choir’s Sponsors. Your donations made it possible for us to donate the equal sum of $1,600 to each of the following three Food Banks: The House of Lazarus, The Knights of Columbus, and The Salvation Army. We are greatly appreciative to you all, for all your help and generosity in enabling us, as a choir, to pay back our community, especially the more needy of us, in some small way by means of our singing. Our thanks also go to The Ottawa Carleton Male Choir, for their assistance and aid in achieving this fine result.

Sponsors: CI Assante Wealth Management, O’Farrell Wealth and Estate Planning. COBA Studio and Print House. Bryson and Wood Construction. MKP Chartered Professional Accountants. Fat Les’ Chip Stand. The Workshop Dance Studio. Dobbie & Sons Poultry Products. Yazdani Family Dentistry. Iron Forge Pizza. A Fitter Me Personal Training. Kemptville Health Hub. Eternal Care. Winds of Change Counselling. Jim Perry Motor Sales. Evergreen Dental Care. Hard Stones Grill. Christine’s Piano Tuning. Ticket Outlets: B & H Groceries. Brewed Awakenings.

Courtney Vezina presents her scholarship to Haileigh Brown

Canada Day History

The new Parliament Building for Canada, May, 1868.

by David Shanahan

Canada Day has become such a central part of the Canadian year that it is easy to forget that it is a very recent arrival on the scene. Officially, Canada Day celebrates its 43rd anniversary this year. On October 27, 1982, the Parliament of Canada initiated Canada Day following the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution that year. Before 1982, July 1 was known as Dominion Day and had been acknowledged as Canada's birthday from the date when the British North America Act came into force in 1867.

The following year, 1868, the Governor General at the time suggested that Canadians celebrate Dominion Day as their National Holiday.

Surprisingly, Dominion Day was not itself a major event for decades after 1867. It took another ten years before there was any legislation passed in recognition of the holiday. In fact, the first official government celebration of Dominion Day only happened in 1917, on the 50th anniversary of Confederation. The Canadian Government started organising official celebrations in 1958, and it was after that that the name "Canada Day" started to be

used. There was, however, great argument among Canadians about using that term, as it seemed a break with tradition. However, the plain truth is that there was very little tradition of Dominion Day celebrations before the 1950's.

In the North Grenville of past eras, Dominion Day was a hit and miss affair. Some years there were celebrations in Kemptville, other years the day passed without comment or activities of any kind. It seems that the day's events depended on various groups and organisations within the community, just as is true today. In 1925, one hundred years ago, there was nothing to indicate that anyone was celebrating Dominion Day. There were activities that day, including a parade and what appears to be the usual round of vents, but they were not connected explicitly with Dominion Day, or Canada. Instead, the activities revolved around the annual convention of the Eastern Ontario Firemen’s Association, on June 30 and July 1.

Around thirty delegates from the region gathered

Canada Day in Merrickville

EVENT SCHEDULE

in Kemptville and were greeted by local dignitaries. In the evening of June 30, there was a visit to the Kemptville Agricultural School and “an enjoyable time on the greens of the Kemptville Bowling Club”, followed by a banquet at the Oddfellows Hall on Clothier Street. The banquet was hosted by the local fire brigade and the Kemptville Citizens Band, with a special musical performance by Findlayson’s Orchestra, “an organization consisting of the young people of Kemptville”, whose music was “a surprise and delight”.

On July 1, a parade was held through the town “of decorated floats”, and more than 2,000 people gathered in Riverside Park for an afternoon of soft-ball, with a tournament including teams from Renfrew, Carleton Place, Pembroke, and Kemptville. The local team were the victors. The firemen then held hose relay races and a hose coupling race, appropriate for the Firemen’s Association convention. The interesting aspect of the day was that it seems to have had noth-

ing to do with celebrating Canada in any way.

Life went on as usual in town, with the local movie theatre, the Empress, showing “Tess of the D’Ubervilles” on July 11, and it was the Orange celebrations on July 12 which was the focus of local celebrations one hundred years ago.

Ten years later, in 1935, the main focus was on the Rotary Wiunter Carnival taking place on July 24. For weeks beforehand, it was the banner headline in the local newspaper, and the reports on activities from July 1 and the days around it concerned everything but a Dominion Day event. An article in the newspaper covered a July 1 event in Osgoode, but it was a Water Carnival under the auspices of the Golf and Athletic Club, complete with dancing, softball and races. The Kemptville Oddfellows held a grave decorating event on June 30, where the graves of deceased Oddfellows were decorated with geraniums, accompanied by music from the Kemptville Citizens’ Band. The gathering

them removed to the Union cemetery in Oxford Mills where the grave decorating continued. Between June 28 and July 2, there were Strawberry Socials in Oxford Mills and Hallville, and a music recital by a local music school at Leslie Hall. But nothing to mark Canada’s birthday. Recent history in North Grenville has also seen July 1 receive a mixed attention: some years have been really well organised, others not so much. More and more responsibility has fallen on volunteers who find it increasingly difficult to deal with the myriad demands of permits, insurance, road closures, health inspections and other bureaucratic regulations. There are suggestions that this year may be a turning point in celebrations, but Kemptville and Oxford Mills will carry on the traditional activities, so let’s gather together and celebrate a country and a history that we are growing to cherish more and more as the world turns.

How to live to 101 with a healthy prostate

Centenarians get asked, “What’s your secret?” The honest answer is, “good genes and good luck.” But for men who have reached old, old age, a fair addition might be “plus a functioning prostate.” This tiny gland, often the size of a walnut, can have an outsized impact on a man’s health and happiness. So, if you plan to blow out 101 candles, your prostate deserves your lifelong care.

A lot of people have no idea what the prostate does. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, helping produce seminal fluid. But as men age, it can become the source of trouble: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer top the list. Statistically, by age 60, over half of men will have some degree of BPH. By age 85, that number jumps to 90%. And prostate cancer? It's the second most common cancer in North American men, right after skin cancer. So how can a man tilt the odds in his favour?

It turns out what you put on your plate matters –immensely. Research from the University of Toronto shows that men who consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats have a lower risk of prostate problems. Lycopene, the antioxidant found in cooked tomatoes, is particularly prostate-friendly. In Italy, where pasta sauce is practically a food group, prostate cancer rates are significantly lower than in North America. Coincidence? Perhaps not.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon also have benefits. A Harvard study of over 293,000 men found those with the highest omega-3 intake had a significantly lower risk of fatal prostate cancer. Meanwhile, a diet high in red meat and dairy has been associated with increased risk. That doesn’t mean you have to swear off steak forever, but moderation is a virtue.

Exercise isn't just good for your heart, your prostate loves it, too. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Urology found that men who engaged in regular physical activity had a 10-20% lower risk of prostate cancer. Even brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can help reduce urinary symptoms from BPH.

And let's not forget body weight. Obesity is a known risk factor for aggressive prostate cancer. Carrying too much abdominal fat raises estrogen levels and lowers testosterone, which can fuel prostate issues.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing remains controversial. Overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments and side effects. But as Dr. Willet Whitmore, a pioneer in urologic oncology, once said, “Is this cancer going to kill the patient, or is the patient going to die with the cancer?” The answer requires nuance. In Canada, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine PSA screening for men under 55 or over 70 unless there are symptoms or strong risk factors. The American Urological Association suggests a more individualized approach.

Family history counts. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk doubles. And if you're of African descent, your risk is even higher. For these men, earlier and more frequent screening makes sense. What about supplements? Some are worth considering. Saw palmetto has mixed evidence, but many men find it helps with urinary symptoms. Zinc, selenium, and vitamin D have shown promise in small studies. Just remember, more is not always better.

If you want to live to 101 with a healthy prostate, eat like a Mediterranean, move like a Scandinavian, and get checked like a Canadian: with caution, but not complacency. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young."

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The Indian Act

by David Shanahan

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. But it had its origins in legislation passed in 1839, which was designed to protect indigenous lands from trespass and exploitation by white settlers and land speculators. Special experimental settlements had been established to educate native people in farming methods, in a bid to find an alternative to traditional lifestyles based on hunting and fishing.

Those pursuits required very large tracts of land for each family, where wildlife and fisheries were maintained. But, with the spread of European settlement, forests were cut down, fences were built, farms were established, all of which became barriers to traditional ways of life.

The problem was that close contact with white settlements proved to be detrimental to indigenous culture and health, and so legislation was passed to “protect” them from such negative influences until indigenous people could complete the transition to farmers on the Canadian model. But, how could they adapt and blend with the wider society if their settlements were deliberately separated and located in out of the way locations?

Ottawa bureaucrats soon decided that the reason there was no progress being made in “civilising” the natives was because they were temperamentally incapable of such progress. The Indian Act was introduced as a means of giving control over indigenous people to agents of the government, in theory until the people could reach a level where they could make decisions for themselves. Of course, being under such close legal control, it was increasingly impossible for the native The Times is publishing a

bands to accomplish what government had demanded of them.

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 apparent to the bureaucrats that “progress” was beyond the abilities of indigenous people. This was, in fact, in spite of the clear and obvious examples of those few indigenous leaders and individuals who managed to overcome the obstacles and succeed in a particular field. Those successes were usually squashed by Indian Agents, or competing white business interests who used the Indian Act to end the competition. 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 the Indians for not succeeding and becoming independent. Which led to stricter regulations being introduced into legislation: outlawing traditional spirituality, social customs, and interaction between bands. And then, when legal remedies were sought by indigenous organisation, 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 cultur-

ally 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.

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The Town of Brockville declares July 1, 1867 a General Holiday and Day of Rejoicing to mark the arrival of a new nation in North America: The Dominion of Canada.

Chip off the old block

A somewhat quiet week this one has been, with not a great deal seeming to be going on. Many of the birds seem to be pre-occupied with more important things than coming to visit our feeders. Hopefully, it is because they are now being able to get enough of their natural foods, to be able to survive without our help. That would certainly be reassuring to us to know, but I doubt that they will actually tell us, will they!?

Our nesting Bluebirds, which I thought had finished with their family caring duties, made a couple of re-appearances in the vicinity of the nesting box during the past few days, and actually went inside a couple of times. Why, I don’t know, because I thought that their young had all gone and that they were finished for this year. Perhaps they are thinking of another brood!

Our House Wren has now gone silent, although it can still be seen flitting about at times, with what intent other than feeding itself I’m not sure. Perhaps I’ll be able to report something in an article in the near future.

With some sunshine and warmth blessing us for a while, the birds are turning to water sources for some sort of relief, from both the heat and some of those annoying critters, such as fleas and other biting beasts that seem to plague them, as well as ourselves, at this time of year.

The other day I had to go to the rescue of some very upset birds who were screeching desperately at a couple of marauding Crows in the process of raiding nests of their young fledglings! A couple of claps of my hands and an angry shout sent those black hearted bullies fleeing out of the garden and, hopefully, away from the young ones that they were seeking. Nature can be cruel, can’t it, with its everyday struggle for survival going on for some of the mildest ones? We wonder why so many of them are so twitchy when feeding on our feeders, but when you actually stop to think why, it puts our relatively safe lives into a whole new perspective. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Not every decision is crucial

by Hilary Thomson

Podcasts are one of my favourite ways to have "me" time these days. After the kids are in bed, I put on a podcast and clean the kitchen, or do whatever needs to be done to make the next morning more manageable. Productive, but enjoyable, is my MO.

Recently I discovered Meghan Markles' new podcast, Confessions of a female founder, where she interviews women who have started their own businesses and found success.

I know everyone has their own opinion on the Duchess of Sussex. But, to my mind, she is an excellent example of a brave woman who is not afraid to stay true to herself and go after her dreams. Despite the media's portrayal of her as a self-serving social climber, I don't believe any of her actions have displayed that. This podcast is no exception. Her interview style is warm and focuses much more on the guests than herself; a trait that many podcasters struggle with.

But I digress...

In the inaugural episode Meghan has a conversation with Whitney Wolfe Herd, the 35-year-old founder of the dating app Bumble. Even though she was named the world's youngest female self-made billionaire in 2021, I found Whitney's interview to be very down to earth and relatable. Particularly the way that she handles ruminating and obsessing over business decisions.

When she is stuck in an anxious loop she zooms out and asks herself if this decision is going to matter in the long run. If the decision is not likely to have a significant impact on her business in five years, she decides it's not worth losing sleep over.

I feel like we can also apply this perspective to parenting. It can get extremely overwhelming when we feel like every little decision we make is going to affect our children long-term.

If they watch more than the recommended amount of TV one day their brain will turn to mush.

If they won't eat vegetables they will never learn to have a well rounded diet.

If we cave and buy them the toy they want at the store they are going to turn into a greedy and ungrateful human.

If we don’t choose the right school for them in Kindergarten they are never going to reach their full potential.

But the reality is the little decisions we make day to day are not going to make a huge impact long term. It's the things you do consistently over time that is going to mold them into the type of adults they will eventually become.

Raising kids, like building a business, is hard work that takes a lot of time and energy. But, in order to survive as parents we really need to take the pressure off. We are not going to make the right decisions all the time. That's impossible. But if we course correct when we do make a mistake and hold true to our values most of the time our kids are going to be ok.

And we are too.

I’m cooking up a batch of Cajun Stuffed Peppers today at the farm. They are another family favourite and it’s easy to understand why it’s a popular dish for largish families.

The flavour is excellent and recipe can be taken care of by the young ‘uns. In a day when both spouses often have careers, engaging the family’s youngsters to make dinner is a great benefit to all. Here is the simple recipe for Cajun Stuffed Peppers.

Cajun Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

1 large green pepper for each person you are serving (I make enough for leftovers)

2 pounds ground beef, pork or turkey

3 cups of cooked rice (the rice of your choice)

3 tablespoons of butter

2 cups of tomato sauce (I use ½ and half plain tomato sauce and pasta sauce

1 cup of grated old cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons of Cajun spice

2 tablespoons of crushed garlic

A couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce

A couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce

Preparation:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F

Cut the peppers in half and empty them of pulp and seed Fry the meat till brown with the garlic and Cajun spice

Add the Worcestershire and Tabasco and ½ cup of the tomato sauce

Stir in the rice and remove from heat

Stuff each half pepper with the meat and rice mixture

Place the peppers meat down in a shallow pan

Pour the rest of your tomato sauce over the peppers and into the bottom of the pan

Cover and bake for 45 minutes to an hour

For the final 15 minutes, uncover your peppers and sprinkle them with the grated cheese

Bring the pan as is to the table and serve with a loaf of your favourite crusty bread from Grahame’s. If you are thinking of wine, you will probably want a fairly robust red, like a Shiraz. Check with your local LCBO for ideas. By the way, leftover peppers are just as tasty as the first time round. All the best to you now that it’s summer. Please stay keep in touch at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

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White Breasted Nuthatch in an upright stance.

42. Not artificial

44. Sleigh

45. Nursery rhyme farm animal

48. Not at any time

50. Small island

51. One billionth of a second

56. Russian emperor

57. Pitcher

58. Seaweed

59. Remedy

60. Anger 61. 52 in a deck

62. Pay attention

63. Not the original color 64. Fine-tune

1. Stinging insect 2. Winglike 3. Storage site 4. Suckling spot

5. Terminated 6. Demolish

7. A straight sword

8. In pieces

9. Large mass of floating ice

10. Tools

11. Become calm

12. Fill with joy

13. Eye infections

21. Floorshow

24. Relating to audible sound

25. Terminates 26. Jacket

27. Funnel shape

28. In peril

30. Sullies

32. Postpone

34. Yawl

35. Balm ingredient

36. Extend credit

40. Someone who flees

41. Preferred

43. Fail to fulfill a promise

45. Throw

46. Put out

47. Dirty look

49. Respond 51. Geek

52. Talon

53. Brute

54. Nil

55. Writing table

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, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

North Grenville Men’s Shed

A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.

Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.

Malala Women’s Choir

Invites you to explore uplifting music for treble voices. Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm, March 5– May 28, 2025. At St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Bennett St., Spencerville. To register: contact Sheila at 613-658-5290 or sheilafawcett92@ gmail.com No previous choral experience required.

Membership fee: $35

KSK Euchre Night. 3rd Wednesday of every month. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7 pm, $5 to play.

Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 1505 O'Neil Rd

Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Jean Margaret Knapp (Earle)

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the death of Jean Margaret Knapp (Earle) at Kemptville District Hospital on June 16, 2025. Jean was 104 years and 8 months of age – a remarkable length of time living life to the fullest. Jean’s family is exceptionally grateful for the ‘home’ environment Bayfield Retirement provided for both Mom and Dad since 2009. Her curious nature and love for people made every day an adventure and as long as it was a ‘productive’ day as well, then it was a good day. Jean was the only child born to Harry and Christena (Caves) Earle on October 23, 1920, in Wakefield, Quebec. When she was 2 months of age, the family moved to Hurd Street and began farming there. When she was 5 years of age and playing in the sandpile, she told her childhood friend that she was now 5 and was sad that “time was moving so quickly”. Jean married Donald Knapp of Merrickville on August 17, 1946 and shared life together in Uxbridge, Petrolia, Kemptville and back to Hurd St. with the apple farm. Jean was predeceased by her husband Don in 2017 and son-in-law John Snider in 2008 and is survived by daughters Heather (Larry) Wiegand and Sandy (Wayne) Kozak, granddaughter Nicole (Rob) Henning and great-granddaughter Lauren. Respecting Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation was held at St. John’s United Church, 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville, ON from 10 am to 10:50 am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am. In memory of Jean, donations to St. John’s United Church or Beth Donovan Hospice in Kemptville would be gratefully appreciated Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435

OPP Notice

Know before you go - e-bikes and other alternatives

Davis, George Arthur

After a very brief illness, George Davis of Kemptvile, formerly of Oxford Mills, ON., passed away peacefully in hospice in Ottawa. George was predeceased by his parents Allan and Stella Davis (nee Morris) and his beloved wife Lesley Davis (nee Bond) in 2014. He is survived by his sister Joan Davis of Ottawa and much-loved companion Sharon Kelly, her children Terri Roach (Tony) and Paul Kelly (Blayr). George was a much loved father to Jamie Davis (Lara) of Kingston and Robin Davidson (Scott) of Oxford Station. Beloved grandfather “Poppa” to Joey, Katie, Connor, Kristyn and Charlotte. Dear to Sharon’s grandchildren Sarah, Katelyn, Scott, Taylor and Colton. Loved by his niece and nephews Leah, Michael, Marc and Chris. A wonderful, generous, kind and endearing man, George was loved by many friends and his community. His presence will be sorely missed. As per George’s request, no funeral service will take place. He will be buried beside his wife Lesley and next to his parents in Oxford Mill Cemetery. If desired, please consider making a donation to Friends of Algonquin Park, in his memory. “And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make” the Beatles.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435

Eric Leslie William Gutknecht

September 6, 1992 - June 25, 2010

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

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

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

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region is urging all operators of e-bikes, mobility devices, mopeds, electric scooters and other alternative forms of transportation, to know the laws before heading out on the roads. With the emerging popularity of these forms of transportation, it is vital that users understand the rules and regulations governing their use as well as all safety requirements.

The most common type, the e-bike, is defined under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and the Motor Vehicle Safety Act Regulations as a power-assisted bicycle. Vehicles in this category must:

Weigh 120 kg or less

Have a label affixed by the manufacturer that the vehicle complies with these regulations

Have steering handlebars

Be fitted at all times with pedals that are operable to propel the bicycle

Be designed to travel on no more than 3 wheels in

contact with the ground

Not be capable of providing further assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/hr

To operate an e-bike on a roadway, the following must apply:

Operator and passengers must be 16 years of age or older

Operator and passengers must wear a helmet (bicycle or motorcycle helmet) May carry a passenger if the e-bike is equipped with a seat and foot pedals

Does not require driver's licence, permit, license plate or insurance

Operator must follow all rules of the road that apply to any vehicle or bicycle

Many of the following means of transportation are similar in appearance and it may not be immediately obvious which category they fall under.

E-bikes (and e-scooters) and mopeds are equipped with pedals and a form of power assistance (an electric or gasoline-fueled motor).

Sometimes life can be unkind, when hearts are torn in two.

But nothing ever could compare to the pain of losing you. But all the love you left behind, forever will live on, and so until we meet again rest peacefully dear son!

Mom & Dad

E-bikes/e-scooters (which can be equipped with two or three wheels) can be ridden on municipal roads (where permitted) but not provincial highways and they must be equipped with safety devices (e.g. bell; white front light; red rear light).

A moped is considered a motor vehicle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.

A motor scooter is not equipped with pedals, has a gasoline or electric-powered engine, and is considered a motorcycle under the HTA. Drivers and vehicles must both be licensed.

E-bikes/e-scooters, mopeds, and motor scooters are not permitted on controlled access highways in Ontario. Operators of e-bikes/e-scooters do not require an Ontario driver's licence, a license plate, or vehicle insurance.

Before purchasing or operating a new type of vehicle, the OPP recommends researching requirements for equipment and licensing under the Highway Traffic Act and permitted uses in the municipality where you intend to operate it.

Back in Gear: Father’s Day Car Show makes a Comeback

by Talia Hreljac

On Father’s Day, a much-loved tradition returned to our community. The Old Town Kemptville BIA, along with the Hwy 43 Car Club, brought back the Father’s Day Car Show, a big deal before COVID that had disappeared for a few years. But that all changed this weekend.

Over 50 vintage and classic cars were on display, and hundreds of visitors came out to see these moving works of art. As my son excitedly put it, “It’s like big Hot Wheels cars!”

What made this event so special was how it brought together people of all ages. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, from toddlers to grandparents. At one point, I noticed three generations of the Reynolds family walking the rows of cars together: grandparents, parents, and kids all pointing out their favourites. It was one of those simple, beautiful moments that really captured what the day was all about. There was even live music, thanks to someone who casually offered to play guitar, adding to the fun, laid-back atmosphere.

It was a free opportunity for families to come out, explore the downtown core, and experience the beauty of the community. Many also took full advantage of the play structure and splash pad at Riverside Park, turning it into a full day of adventure.

As I walked around, the excitement was contagious. I was stopped not once, but twice, by people saying, “Next year, The BIA should invite all the local car clubs and bring this back to what it used to be - hundreds of cars!” I think the BIA has its work cut out for them, but after seeing the joy on everyone’s faces, it’s going to be hard to say no. So, here’s to good times, cool cars, wonderful memories, and to all the amazing Dads in North Grenville. I hope you had the best day.

Beta Sigma Phi wind up

by Barb Empey

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, eight of our members attended an entertaining play at the Morrisburg Playhouse. We took the scenic drive there and back by Hwy 2. On our return

we gathered at Sylvia Duncan’s home where we enjoyed a social hour and a delicious Chinese food buffet, followed by a decadent dessert provided by Susan Tatarciuc. Maureen Leeson announced our

chosen Sister of the Year to be Susan Tatarciuc and presented her with a gorgeous yellow rose, a symbol of our sisterhood. Susan is a very deserving recipient for many reasons; she is always enthusiastic, our treasurer and on our executive for many years, Susan is also the chairman of our social committee and, her sense of humour makes her the perfect candidate to be emcee at our social functions. She keeps us smiling with her great stories; Susan is a dedicated member of our group, The Ontario Torchbearer Alpha Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Congratulations Susan.

Photo: The Reynolds family at the Car Show

Left: Susan Tatarciuc, middle Nancy Goetz, past president and right is Maureen Leeson, recording secretary.