Facebook/NGTimes
@ng_times
www.ngtimes.ca
The Voice of North Grenville
Vol 7, 24
June 12, 2019
Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford
20% OFF on all in stock chairs from &
4.4 cu. ft. washer....WTW4855HW
Fat her Da ’s Spe y cia l
Local group advocates to "bury the R” Being comfortable doesn't have to be complicated.
Enviro 1700 Wood stove
"Give me a call. I'd be happy to help." Ben Sauve
Regular $2566
SALE price $1925 photo credit Deron Johnson
613-258-1262
845 Prescott St. Kemptville
www.rbheating.com
by Hilary Thomson A group of people are making an effort to make life better for those with special needs in the community. People First North Grenville is not new. The self advocacy organization, which is committed to creating a supportive environment for people with intellectual disabilities in North Grenville, has been around for over 30 years. People First started in Canada in 1973 with a conference that was held for people who had lived in the country’s institutions. Canada’s first self-advocacy meeting was held in 1979 and gave people with disabilities the opportunity to talk about the things that were important to them, take a stand for what they believed in, and figure
out ways to become more interactive with the community. People First North Grenville hosted the Eastern Ontario People First meeting in May, which brought together various People First groups from the area. Deputy Major Jim McManaman attended the meeting and was so impressed with the group that he invited them to come make a presentation to council. President of People First North Grenville, Wayne Richer, says they jumped at the idea. “We wanted to let them know who we are and get to know them as well,” he says. On May 21, 2019 People First North Grenville made their presentation to council and it was met with lots of interest and enthusiasm. Member of People First North Grenville Linda
!
ale S d e d Exten
Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic BOOK YOUR EYE EXAM NOW!
Kemptville Mall Expires June 30/19
*see in store for details
613.258.2700
Antoniak spoke about the word “retarded” and how much it hurts people with all types of disabilities. “I can do what everyone does,” she told council. “Call me Linda. I’m Linda Antoniak.” One of People First North Grenville’s main initiatives right now is to “Bury the R.” Wayne says he feels like he has been shot every time he is called retarded. He loves to watch stand up comedy, but he says many comedians use the “R” word like water. “They don’t know what it’s like in our shoes,” he says. “They just want to get a reaction from an audience.” The members of People First North Grenville have created a giant “R” which they are getting people to sign in solidarity and that they will physically bury later this year.
All members of council took the time to sign the “R” after hearing their presentation. The members of People First North Grenville were encouraged by the support they received from council. People First North Grenville advisor Bruce Paterson says that by and large North Grenville is a very respectful place. He says they hear a lot of stories from People First groups in larger communities where those with disabilities are consistently denied jobs and called names. “We have a lot of amazing partnerships in the community,” adds another advisor, Kaitlyn Utman. That being said, President of People First North Grenville Wayne Richer says he would really like to go into continued on page 2
613.258.7173
SauveHeating.ca
Spring Sale up to
60% off Quality Women's Clothing & Accessories..
COMMUNITY SQUARE Kemptville
613.215.0894