The Voice of North Grenville
KDH marks grand opening of Tallman Family CT Scanner Suite
by Jennifer Westendorp
Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) celebrated the grand opening of the Tallman Family CT Scanner Suite on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The event marked the culmination of extraordinary efforts spanning several years by KDH, the KDH Foundation, and the hospital’s incredibly supportive community to improve access to quality care in North Grenville.
The ceremony featured an official ribbon cutting, tours of the new CT suite and unveiling of the Crossroads Campaign donor wall.
“I was honoured to cut the ribbon for our state-ofthe-art CT suite alongside Louise Tallman, Honorary Chair of the Foundation’s Crossroads Campaign,” said the hospital’s CEO, Frank J. Vassallo. “She was a tremendous champion for the Crossroads Campaign, which exceeded its goal of raising $2.2 million to bring a CT Scanner to KDH. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Tallman family for its longstanding support of our hospital.”
The CT Scanner, a GE Revolution Ascend, has been operating since April, 2025.
It uses computed tomography to examine structures in three dimensions inside the body using the latest AI computing power, enabling care teams to diagnose patients more quickly, thereby managing and treating their conditions faster. Having a CT Scanner at KDH helps to reduce CT wait times regionally and enhance quality of care for patients. To date, almost 1,000 CT Scans have been performed at KDH.
“We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for our wonderful community, which stood behind us every step of the way, pushing KDH
towards a brighter future,” said CEO Vassallo. “I truly believe this hospital is the heart of our community; a place where we find ourselves facing different stages and phases of life. KDH understands the importance of person-centered care, along with service excellence and innovation, and we’re so lucky to have a forwardthinking community that shares our vision and values.
I am so grateful to everyone who supported the campaign to bring a CT Scanner to KDH!”
The funds for a CT Scanner were provided by the KDH Foundation ($2.3 million raised through the Crossroads Campaign), the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ($900,000) and Municipality of North Grenville ($900,000).
“The Foundation has been looking forward to this moment for years,” said Margret Norenberg, Chair of the KDH Foundation Board.
“We knew when the Crossroads Campaign started that its success would be up to our community, and it’s no surprise that our donors and sponsors rose to the occasion once again for our hospital!
The Foundation is so grateful to all the individuals, service groups, and local businesses throughout North Grenville and beyond who contributed to the campaign. Thank you all so much!”
The CT has transformed patient care locally, enhancing emergency and inpatient services, and significantly reducing the need for patient transfers, ensuring timely and efficient health care right here at KDH.
North Grenville celebrates Pride
by Diane Dewing Pride Month celebrates the diversity, inclusion and resilience of our 2SLGBTQAI+ community. North Grenville opened Pride Month with a bang! NG Pride, with the help of North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance, hosted a successful Pride parade followed by a joy-filled Afterparty. Pride and Allyship were evident everywhere and the community support was palpable. The OPP operated a booth to recruit 2SLGBTQAI+ members and local police marched with their families. No extra security was needed this year. CTV and MooseFM reported posi-
tively on the day's events.
Supported events through June included flag raisings, Pride banners along main street, rainbow cookies and cupcakes at businesses, Pride Month coffee from Rideau Roastery, and many others. NG Pride held an interactive discussion based on our WE All BeloNG Inclusion training modules. It has been glorious.
Despite these efforts, a trans child died. Despite our belief in a changing world, Quebec has decided to place inmates in prisons based on their sex assigned at birth. Despite our persistence, trolls still comment viciously. Clearly, we need to do more.
What can we do?
Monica Bancheri, @ GayItalianNonna, writes, “when diversity, equity, and inclusion work fades from view – and those who once celebrated loudly with us during
June grow quiet – it can feel like Pride was a marketing moment, not a commitment.” As good people, we need to make a commitment to stand in support of the wonderful diversity that is the human race. We need to be active allies all year long.
Allyship is not selfassigned, but earned through actions. Earning allyship means speaking out whenever we hear hate or discrimination, even if this is uncomfortable. It means actively listening to the experiences of others and continually examining ourselves for unconscious bias. It means being willing to have hard discussions while maintaining good manners and a respectful posture. Being an ally means learning to do better and helping others to know better. It means elevating queer voices and not talking over them. It means showing that you are a “safe space”. Al -
Friends of the Ferguson Forest BIOBLITZ
by Chris Turnbull
Wondering what that tree is? Noticing butterflies and moths? Curious about birds, and other flying species? Seeing wild flowers in bloom and watching the insects and other species that visit them? Fascinated by amphibians like turtles, frogs and salamanders, or reptiles like garter and ribbon snakes?
The Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre’s (FFC) first annual community science BIOBLITZ is happening on this Saturday, July 5, 2025, and all ages are welcome! We need your help and enthusiasm to understand some of the species that live in, or mi-
grate through, the FFC, both in the present and over time.
Please meet the Friends at Anniversary Park from 10:00-12:00 on Saturday, July 5. Pick up an information sheet and, if you need it, a trail map. The information sheets will have different plants, trees, and animal species for you to sight and identify! Some will be easier to find, and some may need a bit more time.
You can let us know what you’ve discovered by coming back to the FFC Booth at Anniversary Park by 12:00. If you complete your search after 12:00, you can still let us know what you’ve found and where you found it (the info sheet will have instructions). If you notice some species that aren’t on the sheet, we’d be happy to hear about them, too! Just let us know how you identified them. Eagle-eye prizes will be given to children under 12 years old.
Also take some time to visit Mino-jichaag-mtigwaaki (meaning Good Spirit Forest, pronounced Minnow che gaak m tig waa ke), at the Arboretum. It is designed in the form of a medicine wheel and is symbolic of the four elements fire, earth, water and wind. The medicine wheel contains many teachings about Mino-Bimaadiziwin (“a way to live a good life”). Mino-jichaag-mtigwaaki is a site for gathering, meeting, learning and reflection. www.fergusonforestcentre. ca/visit/indigenous-forestspace
The Ferguson Forest Centre is a unique combination of provincial crown forest and leased lands and is run by the Ferguson Forest Corporation. It is made up of a tree nursery (300 acres), public forest (800 acres), public trails (22 acres), a public arboretum (25 acres) and other recreational and green spaces.
The Friends of the Ferguson Forest is comprised of a volunteer board of directors, public members, and community volunteers and sponsors who support the public recreational spaces of the FFC, support its preservation for future generations, support the development of the Arboretum, and are a strong community voice for the maintenance and conservation of Ferguson’s public recreational lands. We welcome new members!
The FFC is within the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg. The Friends of the Ferguson Forest acknowledge all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call North Grenville their home; the Friends support the need for cultivating strong relationships to foster paths towards reconciliation. www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com
lyship is an action, not a sticker on your window or a pin on your lapel.
If you want to explore allyship, consider taking on an action. Visit NG Pride’s office in Parish Hall for a conversation, or offer a volunteer commitment. Donate a resource to North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance. In September, join our 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors the first and third Sunday of each month. Become a member of NG Pride ($2 yearly dues) and help determine programming and activities. Above all, stand up and speak out. Let the world know you will not tolerate hateful language, misinformation, or disrespectful attitudes. Be an ally!
Happy Pride! – all year long
CF Grenville launches EcoFutures Loan Fund
On June 26, at the inaugural Sustainable Business Summit, co-hosted with the North Grenville Mayor’s Taskforce for Clean Technology, Community Futures Grenville announced the launch of the EcoFutures Loan Fund, a new initiative to help local businesses implement emissions-reduction projects and contribute to Canada’s climate goals.
Small businesses face climate-related challenges, but they can also drive environmental change. Taken together, small businesses generate about 40% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Many are taking steps to reduce their emissions, and the return on these
investments is significant. However, financing these projects remains a challenge.
The EcoFutures Loan Fund bridges this gap by providing businesses with capital to invest in sustainability.
The EcoFutures Loan Fund is open to new or existing businesses in sustainable technology sectors or those adopting clean technologies in the CF Grenville service area. The program provides loans of up to $300,000 with flexible terms and competitive interest rates. Eligible projects include:
• Installation of zeroemission energy infrastructure;
• EV charging stations and electric
fleet purchases;
• Equipment and process upgrades to reduce emissions;
• Matching funds for other emissionsreduction programs;
• Tree planting or other nature-based climate change mitigation solutions.
By supporting green initiatives, the EcoFutures Loan Fund aligns with regional economic development goals, helping attract and retain sustainable technology businesses while fostering a resilient local economy.
Marking the 35th anniversary of Community Futures Grenville, this program builds on decades of investment in jobs, businesses, and innovation. “The Community Futures Program supports local entrepreneurs in addressing key challenges,” said Mitch Bloom, Chair of Community Futures Grenville. “The EcoFutures Loan Fund exemplifies this by empowering businesses to take climate action while driving economic growth.”
“Small businesses are at the heart of Canada’s clean economy transforma-
Hitting all the right notes in Downtown Kemptville
tion,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through FedDev Ontario, we are proud to support Community Futures Grenville and forwardthinking programs like the EcoFutures Loan Fund. These initiatives help local businesses lead on climate action while driving innovation, creating good jobs, and building a stronger and more competitive regional economy for the long term.”
Since 1990, Community Futures Grenville has supported more than 700 small businesses with flexible financing, investing nearly $40 million that has supported over 3500 jobs. A non-for-profit organization, CF Grenville is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
For more information about eligibility and application details, visit www. cfgrenville.ca.
by Talia Hreljac
The streets in the Downtown core are alive with the sound of music coming from the gorgeous piano in front of the North Grenville Public Library. This piano will be used for the Kemptville Street Piano Series, which takes place on Saturdays in July and August from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. It will feature different musicians, and it is free for the public to come and enjoy
the beautiful music. Speaking of beautiful music, it’s also available for the community to come and play whenever the mood strikes. That’s exactly what happened last Wednesday, when a high school student stumbled upon the piano and blew the BIA away with their rendition of Coldplay. It just goes to show how much hidden talent North Grenville has!
The exciting unveiling
was marked with a ribbon cutting by the Municipality, the BIA, the library, and the artist behind the magic: Aleta Karstad. The piano is truly energetic and tells many stories. The painting is just as alive as nature is in the North Grenville area, and to pair it with the musical notes of the piano touches on something special.
Thank you to Miles and Emma for gracing us with beautiful pieces of music.
To celebrate our twenty years of news in North Grenville, the Times is inviting readers to submit photos of them reading the paper wherever in the world they may be. You may be on vacation in Europe, Or you may be visiting friends somewhere in Canada. Who knows where the Times goes? At the end of the summer we’ll have a draw to find the winning pic, and present a gift coupon from $100 for a local NG business. It’s a fun way to mark a big anniversary for us here at the Times: one we want to share with our friends and neighbours in our community.
Who knows where the Times goes?
out whale watching with his
who grew up locally but now lives on
The expedition was very successful, with both Humpback whales and an Orca family spotted at close range, as well as a submarine running on the surface. While there, he also attended his Grandson Theo's 3rd Birthday.
It surely set the stage for what’s to come. Another thank you goes out to Lisa Poushinsky for bringing this unique vision to life. Between the Kemptville Street Piano Series, The Southbranch Serenade, and the different live performances hosted by local restaurants, the Downtown Core is the place to be for music lovers near and far.
Our well established dental office is looking for a motivated and skilled dental receptionist to join our highly collaborative team. We pride ourselves to be providing exceptional patient care while enjoying a well balanced work environment. More than half our team have been with us for more than 10 years.
The ideal candidate will:
• Have significant experience as a dental receptionist and patient communication and demonstrate an upbeat and welcoming demeanor
• Thrive in a team based setting
• Be exceptionally organized and detail oriented
No evenings or weekends. Hourly wage: $24-$40
Please email us your resume: Shermindds@gmail.com
Dental Receptionist
Local resident and NG Times subscriber Gord Godfrey was out in Victoria B.C. recently. This photo was taken while
daughter Mackenzie
"the Island".
Community Futures Grenville Executive Director Katie Nolan announces the launch of the EcoFutures Loan Fund.
Artist Aleta Karstad (centre) unveiling her artwork on the Street Piano, with, from let, Lisa Poushinsky, Deputy Mayor John Barclay, Councillor Deb Wilson, CEO of NGPL, Emily Farrell, and BIA Chair, Shelley Mitchell.
Summer side of life
by David Shanahan
Let’s pretend, if only for a short time, that there’s nothing going on in the world to make us unhappy, uncomfortable, insecure, or anxious. A hard task, to be sure, but it’s Summer with a capital S, so why not be a little silly? After all, there’s plenty of time to focus on the negative, isn’t there? No, it’s Summertime and the living is easy, and in the Summertime, says Mungo Jerry, when the weather is high you can stretch right up and touch the sky. So sing a Summer day reflection song with Donovan. Listen to the hissing of Summer lawns with Joni Mitchell, and enjoy the feel of the Summer breeze with Seals and Crofts. It makes me feel fine, blowin' through the jasmine in my mind... Eh?
Does none of this make sense to you? You may need to cast your mind back to remember some of the great songs of the past to remember that Summer with Garth Brooks, maybe as far back
as the Summer of ‘69 with Bryan Adams? Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be, as Bryan found out: Oh, when I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever. And if I had the choice, yeah, I'd always wanna be there. Those were the best days of my life.
What Summer holiday do you remember most?
Cliff Richard believes that everybody loves a Summer holiday, doing things we always wanted to. Fun and laughter on a Summer holiday, perhaps, unless it was Summer in the city, which is not so cool. The Lovin’ Spoonful found that there doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city. All around, people lookin' half dead walkin' on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head. But at night it’s a different thing. Oh, the Summer nights, to quote John Travolta, not to mention Olivia!
People like to go places in the Summertime. The Pogues liked Summer in Siam, because, they said, when it's summer in Siam and the moon is full of rainbows, you can enjoy the
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
So, is anybody having buyers’ remorse from switching your vote to the Liberals in the last election, because you were fed up with the politics of confrontation practised by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre? An Opposition Party is supposed to hold government accountable, not help pass dangerous legislation. Bill C5 has shown us all that there is scant difference now between the policies of the two major Parties. Strike
yet another negative for strategic voting, and yet another positive of why we need Proportional Representation to stop these abuses of power. This is what happens under First Past the Post. When Parties know that they can win power with far less than 50% of the vote, they don’t have to listen to you, and they certainly don’t have to govern like they earned your trust.
Bill C5, the One Canadian Economy Act, was rushed through Parliament in two days, with scarcely
Summer side of life. Gordon Lightfoot agreed with that, claiming that there was no illusions on the summer side of life. Only tenderness. And what could be better than that, I ask you? So dancing days are here again, as the summer evenings grow. Led Zep said so, so it must be so. I remember Chubby Checker saying the same thing, encouraging all: let’s twist again, like we did last Summer.
A happy Summer memory for me: the month I graduated from High School, Alice Cooper sang a special song just for me: School’s out for Summer, School’s out forever, school’s out completely! Ah yes, Summertime and the living is indeed easy. Or it was, until I had to get a job! But I remember that Summer in Dublin and the Liffey as it stank like hell. And the young people walking on Grafton street, and everyone looking so well. Hot fun in the Summertime, as Sly Stone put it. Summer's here and the time is right for dancing in the street.
But maybe it’s just too
hot to think about dancing in the streets. We could follow Ray Davies’ advice and just be lazing on a sunny afternoon in the summertime. Perhaps a glass of Summer wine? Nancy Sinatra singing to Lee Hazlewood: strawberries, cherries and an angel's kiss in spring. My summer wine is really made from all these things. You could fall asleep to that, but watch out for the hangover.
There’s something about Summer that creates memories, isn’t there? In those past days of summer, it seemed like they lasted longer than they do today. You remember people you knew, things you did. Like Kid Rock put it: It's the simple things in life like when and where. We didn't have no internet, but man, I never will forget the way the moonlight shined upon her hair. Singing Sweet Home Alabama all Summer long.
Things didn’t always go well, even in the Summer. Hearts can be broken, you could be stuck in a boring job when everyone else was outside playing in the sun. There ain’t no cure for
the Summertime blues, I guess. But be positive: the world may be going mad, again, still, but we have our Summer memories and our Summers present and future to revel in. Personally, I don’t really enjoy the whole walkin’ on sunshine thing. I tend to stay indoors, unless it’s Summer in Dublin again. I was singing a song I heard somewhere called Rock and Roll never forgets... They go together, Summer and songs.
So, take a few minutes now and then and play a Summer song. Sing along and maybe even move to the groove, throw a few shapes, dance like no-one is watching you. The troubles of the world will still be there when you’re finished, so it’s ok to take a break from the screens and the news and the downers. Don’t let the blues win, because there ain’t no cure for the Summertime blues. Whisper it: Winter is coming again one day. Yes, there’s always a song for a Winter’s night, as Gordon sang so well, but here comes the sun, it's been a long, cold, lonely winter. Here comes the sun and I say: it's alright
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any opportunity for comment. This is what happens when governments use moments of “crisis” to bulldoze laws that put corporate interests first. It is not democracy. On top of that, this Bill does not respect indigenous rights, environmental protection, and labour laws. Nothing is going to change while governments put the interests of predatory corporations over those of the people that they were elected to serve.
CBC At Issue panellist and Toronto Star columnist Althia Raj called C5 “a naked power grab that tramples our democracy”, and “Not even Harper tried to rev up a bulldozer like this one”.
I can’t help but notice parallels with Doug Ford’s Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, represents a clear and unprecedented assault on nature, environmental protection, indigenous rights, and democracy in the province. (See the parallels?) It repeals the existing Endangered Species Act and creates “special economic zones” where developers and resource companies would be exempt from pro-
vincial regulations. It’s a clear signal that the Ontario government, much like the Trump that Doug Ford so admires, prioritizes corporate profit over the well being of people and nature. Biodiversity is directly linked to ecosystem health, which provides clean air and water, productive soils, pollination, flood prevention and carbon sequestration and storage. If we care about this planet, and what our grandchildren are going to inherit, we must stop these all-out assaults on nature. This planet has finite resources. Plundering these resources in the name of progress threatens future generations. Indigenous people know how to live in harmony with our planet. We would do well to take more notice of their teachings.
Colin Creasey, Kemptville
Music in the Heart of Kemptville
The SouthBranch Serenade is returning for its second year, and the Downtown Kemptville BIA is thrilled to welcome everyone back to the heart of the community for a summer of music and connection. Join us Thursday evenings throughout July and August from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and the beauty of our downtown.
This concert series was the vision of Don Munz, a remarkable gentleman whose efforts have helped shape Downtown Kemptville into the vibrant, welcoming place it is today. Don’s influence can be seen all around the core, from the charming flower baskets that decorate the bridge to the stunning posters across from Salamanders. His dedication to beautifying and enriching our town continues to inspire, and the BIA is proud to carry on his legacy through the SouthBranch Serenade.
Each Thursday evening, Rotary Park will come alive with the sounds of talented local musicians performing live. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and settle in to enjoy the music in the park. If you're in the mood for a night out, consider dining at one of our downtown restaurants—many of which are perfectly situated to enjoy the music from your table. Salamanders will also be offering take-out picnic boxes, so you can enjoy a delicious meal right in the park.
For a unique experience, why not paddle in by boat and take in the serenade from the water?
This is a free community event, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Municipality of North Grenville and their Arts and Culture Fund.
The series kicks off on Thursday, July 3rd with a performance by the talented JoyRide.
The Downtown Kemptville BIA extends heartfelt thanks to Don Munz, the musicians, the volunteers, and the sponsors who make this event possible. The SouthBranch Serenade is a beautiful way to bring music to the community and share the joy of summer evenings together.
Outstanding Senior Award for Chris Morgan
Chris Morgan joins the other recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award at a ceremony at Queen’s Park.
Local resident, Chris Morgan, has been recognized by the Ontario Government with the 2024 Ontario Senior Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the province and his community. Chris has been a dedicated volunteer with Seniors' Community Services since 2018. Known for his warmth and energy, he welcomes visitors at the reception desk and has made nearly 5,000 birthday calls - each with a special songto local seniors. Beyond the Centre, Chris shares his love of music through performances at senior homes and community events and supports the Kemptville Musical Lending Library. His contributions have brought joy, connection and comfort to countless individuals, making him a cherished presence in the community.
The Ontario Senior Achievement Award was created in 1986 to recognize outstanding seniors who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their communities. Chris was one of 22 individuals from across the province to be awarded this honour.
"I am delighted to have this opportunity to acknowledge the work of 22 impressive Ontario seniors who have done so much to uplift and support their communities,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “These awards recognize the wisdom, generosity, and positive impact of seniors in all aspects of daily life.”
Chris and the other recipients were recognized at a ceremony at Queen’s Park on June 25, by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Harmful Algal Blooms:
Don’t drink, don’t swim, keep
pets away
by the South East Health Unit
Harmful Algal Blooms occur both naturally in the environment and as the result of human activities. Some of the causes of the fresh water algal blooms are the result of increase in nutrients such as phosphorus, higher temperatures, slow moving/stagnant water and climate change.
Potentially harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in our lakes, rivers and ponds. Many of these blooms are relatively harmless; however, some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals. The presence of a harmful algal bloom and its toxins can only be confirmed through a laboratory test, so we recommend taking a cautious approach when you suspect a potentially harmful algal bloom. Toxins are released when algal cells break down. These toxins when released can cause skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, and in higher concentrations, liver problems.
Algae blooms do degrade with time; however, it is not possible to say whether the toxins have completely left the area. Once the toxin is released from the cell, where it goes depends on the local characteristics of water movement in the area. The toxin will eventually be diluted into the body of water as any other soluble compound.
Drinking Water:
The Health Unit advises people using surface water for recreation and drinking, to become familiar with potentially harmful algae so they can make informed decisions on when to avoid contact with the water. Surface water is never a safe source of drinking water without effective treatment. The toxins released by harmful algae are not removed by commonly used treatment methods such as boiling,
chlorination or ultraviolet light treatment. Surface water requires specialized treatment. Consult a water treatment specialist if your drinking water comes from a surface body of water such as a lake or river. You may want to choose another source of water for drinking.
Recreational Water Use:
Avoid activities that increase your exposure to toxins in the water during an active algae bloom. When deciding whether to resume recreational use of the water after a harmful algae bloom (swimming and water sports) consider the following factors:
Faster moving water will dilute and move the toxins out of an area more quickly, further decreasing the risk to health. Each property will have a different water flow pattern, so a local assessment is useful to further assess risk.
Skin irritation is the first sign that the level of toxin is significant in the water, so if this occurs, it is important not to go
in the water. A few more days will help to clear the water if it is moving well, unless another bloom has occurred.
Bacteria, viruses and other microbes that can affect health are commonly found in surface water such as lakes and rivers, so it is important not to swallow the water. Young children are more likely to swallow water so they should be watched carefully when playing or swimming in the water.
Be cautious about eating fish caught in water where a harmful algae bloom has occurred. Toxins are concentrated in the liver; but it is best to avoid consuming any organs of fish caught in an area affected by potentially harmful algae.
Algae exist in nature; however, nutrient levels can contribute to an increase in blooms of algae. You can help reduce nutrient levels entering water bodies by reducing the use of household fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and ensuring your septic system is in good working order.
Residents are encour-
aged to contact the Spills Action Center at 1-800268-6060 to report any new potentially harmful algae blooms. If possible, take pictures of an active bloom as this may help identify the type of algae. For more information about harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae, visit the Health Unit’s Recreational Water page or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and X or on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.
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Collaboration for a greener tomorrow
by Talia Hreljac
Community Futures Grenville, in collaboration with the Municipality of North Grenville and Mayor Nancy Peckford’s Taskforce for Clean Technology, proudly hosted the inaugural Sustainable Business Summit, marking a significant milestone for the region’s sustainability journey.
Held with the intent to inspire, inform, and empower local businesses, the summit brought together a dynamic group of panelists who shared their insights and strategies for building greener, more sustainable enterprises. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with a variety of speakers and moderators, each bringing their own expertise to the conversation.
The event also included a thoughtful and forward-looking message from Catherine McKenna, former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who, while unable to attend in person, shared valuable ideas for weaving sustainability into both business practices and daily life.
A key takeaway from the summit was a practical and accessible starting point for businesses looking to become more environmentally responsible. When asked where to begin, the panelists suggested starting with a business’s largest expense. By finding greener, more cost-effective alternatives for major expenditures, companies can simultaneously improve environmental impact and financial performance. From there, businesses can move down the list, continuously improving their operations through sustainable choices.
Howell Electric has established a leading business in general electrical contracting proudly serving
and the surrounding area. No matter what size the project – Howell Electric can provide you with any type of
service and expertise that you require.
The summit also marked the launch of an exciting new initiative. Community Futures Grenville introduced the EcoFutures Loan Fund, a dedicated funding program aimed at supporting both new and existing clean and green technology ventures. More details can be found in an article in this issue of the Times.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the collaborative energy in the room. Business owners and community leaders alike were already brainstorming how to work together locally to build a greener economy, proving that sustainability is not just a future goal, but a shared and actionable vision.
Beach water testing program begins
The South East Health Unit (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) has started weekly water sampling of the area’s public bathing beaches for this year. The results of the testing will appear on our website and social media, and be posted weekly until the end of August.
Beaches are sampled once a week and monitored for E. Coli. Research has shown that when people are swimming or in the water (bathing) at beaches where the water has a high E. coli level (above the standard of 200) there is a direct relationship with an increase in ear, eye, nose and throat infections in swimmers. Therefore when samples exceed 200, the beach is posted with a warning sign “unsafe for bathing” The bathing beach will remain posted until test results indicate that the water quality meets the bathing beach water standard. To help you better understand “Why Beaches are Posted”, check out the Health Unit website Beaches page.
Testing the water for bacteria is one factor used to determine water quality. The quality of surface water is changeable so the Health Unit advises bathers that before they visit a local beach, to consider other issues that may affect the quality and safety of the water, such as heavy rain in the area within 24 hours and water fowl droppings in the water or on the beach as these may contribute to high bacteria levels. Beach goers should also be on the lookout for the presence of harmful algal blooms and signs of accidental spills that may pollute the water.
Change rooms and washrooms may not always be open to the public so come prepared for the beach by changing at home. Remember to bring hand sanitizer so that you can clean your hands frequently, especially before eating.
For more information about recreational water safety or beach water testing results for this week visit our Weekly Beach Results page or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also connect with us on Facebook and X @LGLHealthUnit or on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z for important public health updates.
Park Play Date
by Talia Hreljac
What began as a casual idea between two local moms quickly blossomed into a vibrant community event. At the beginning of last week, Emily Harrington and Gabby Gay were simply looking to burn off some Friday energy with their kids at the park. Hoping to make the outing a little more social, they shared their plans with a few fellow parents, adding an open invitation for anyone to join, and encouraging others to pass it on.
Pass it on they did. By Friday afternoon, more than 100 parents and children made their way to Riverside
Park, transforming an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Families arrived in waves, armed with folding tables, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, and summer smiles.
There was no formal agenda, just space to connect. Children roamed freely, making new friends and enjoying the open green space, while parents had the rare opportunity to chat, laugh, and unwind without the constraints of a tight schedule. Many families stayed well into the evening, with some not packing up until after 7:00 p.m..
"In a world where our
villages are often fragmented and our schedules overloaded, this was a reminder of what’s possible when we say yes to community," said the pair. "No RSVPs, no pressure, just people showing up for each other."
What started as a simple play date turned into something more: a powerful reminder that, sometimes, all it takes to build connection is one shared idea and the willingness to reach out. For those who attended, it was more than just a day at the park, it was a moment of summer magic.
Talia’s Take Finding confidence in your own company
by Talia Hreljac
There was a time when the thought of sitting at a restaurant alone, going to a movie by myself, or doing anything without a support person, would have given me serious anxiety. I would’ve pretended to scroll on my phone or looked super busy, anything to avoid the embarrassment of people thinking I couldn’t find someone to hang out with. To me, that sounded so pathetic.
But after many years of growth, learning, and chaos, something inside shifted. I no longer saw doing things alone as a sign of loneliness, but instead, as a form of confidence. In fact, some of my most powerful, freeing, and even joyful moments have come from solo lunches, solo walks, and solo adventures.
I came to realize I was okay with the silence. I was okay with not sharing every moment with someone else, and that simply enjoying it by myself was also worthy. I started noticing things I would’ve missed if I were busy chatting with someone: the splashes of colour in a new art exhibit, the elderly couple holding hands while sharing ice cream (who’d been mar-
ried for 60 years and told me the secret to a lasting relationship was a simple “yes, dear”). I got to truly see with my own two eyes, without distraction or filtering the experience through someone else's lens.
Of course, this isn’t easy for everyone. Doing something alone can add a layer of nerves. So, here are a few tips to help you find confidence in going solo:
1. Start small and with low stakes. Try going to a coffee shop on your own. Bring a book and peoplewatch (it’s honestly so much fun).
2. Pick places that genuinely interest you. I went to the War Museum on my own because I love taking the time to read all the plaques. I didn’t feel rushed. I moved at my own pace, lingered at the exhibits that caught my attention, and didn’t have to worry about holding someone up.
3. Plan ahead, but not too much. A little structure can ease the nerves, so have a general idea of where you’re going. But also leave space for spontaneity. Walk into a local pub that catches your eye,
sit at the bar, and ask the bartender to whip you up something fancy.
4. Let go of what others might think. Honestly, there’s a good chance no one will notice you or care what you’re doing. So go to that new rom-com, buy the biggest bag of popcorn, and enjoy the show.
5. Leave your phone in your bag. So many of us use our phones as a crutch when we’re nervous. But if your eyes are glued to your screen, you’re missing the whole point and all the magic is passing you by. Give yourself a break from social media and soak in real life. Safety first though: if you’re heading out on a solo adventure, let someone you trust know where you’re going.
With so many online influences, it’s hard to feel comfortable in our own skin, and even harder to do that alone. But it’s so important to work on finding our inner strength. You should be your number one priority. In the chaos of life, you may have forgotten who you are. It’s time to reintroduce yourself to yourself, and find joy from within.
Season roster to be initiated after 73’s main camp
by the sportsguy
On the weekend of June 20, the Municipal Centre in Kemptville was inundated with numerous coloured logoed bulky hockey bags slung over various shoulders of young gentlemen with hockey sticks in tow as they headed to their assigned dressing rooms. Anxious to demonstrate their skills and talent during the three days
of camp to move one step closer to the final All Star game to be put on the radar for a nucleus on the initial seasonal roster spot.
Sixty participants from the area and beyond, consisting of fifty-two newbies with eight veterans, were distributed into a three-team twenty-player roster. GM with coaches were confident in the keen caliber of the
young athletes in the mix for their Main Camp.
Friday evening at 5 pm started off with team practice for the all combatants until 8 to 11 pm, when the teams competition was scheduled with two twenty minute continuous time periods.
Saturday morning started at 10 am with a goalie session until 11 am, with a rotating schedule until 2 pm,
Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League June round-up
by Joan Beauregard
Well, the weather gods challenged us in June, with exceptional rain and heat. But they are no match for the intrepid, good-humoured ladies of the Rideau Glen Ladies league! We had good turnouts for all our regular games, annual Jean Hyndman and Super-Seniors’ tournaments, qualifiers for the OVGA Intersectionals, and a very special monthend shotgun and lunch.
On June 12, thirtytwo golfers took to the course for the Jean Hyndman tournament; as usual followed by socialising on the deck. The winners this year were First Place Leslie Cheal, and Second Place Elaine MacNaughtan. Our SuperSeniors, two-person bestball tournament, followed on June 19th. Twentyeight players defied soggy weather for friendly competition and laughter. The
and then a three hour break to continue the schedule until 8 pm. After the final contest of intensive, fantastic, exciting exhibition for the families, friends, and relatives in attendance, it was time to decide the numbers for the Sunday All Star Teams.
The All Stars were Team Black and Team White, comprising of 31 newbies shored up with 9 veterans to their intensive two thirty-eight minute continuous time periods that was a see-saw two hundred footer confrontation. Both squads showed their skills and talent, with Team Black breaking a tie in the final minutes to cap a 6 to 5 victory.
Now it was the responsibility of the 73’s GM, coaches and scouts to fill the holes for their 2025 / 2026 season roster nucleus.
Special kudos go out to the Municipal staff for their perseverance to secure the ice for Sunday’s All Star Game after experiencing a major Saturday power outage.
Hockey with EDGE.
When is surgery the right move for a pain in the knee?
Osteoarthritis comes on slowly. But with time, it steals your comfort, your mobility, and eventually, your independence. For those living with bone-on-bone agony in their knees or hips, the prospect of surgery can feel like a lifeline. But be cautious. Sometimes, the best scalpel is the one that stays in the drawer.
Orthopedic surgeons are fond of saying, “We can fix that.” But just because they can doesn’t mean they should – not right away. Too often, patients are shuffled down the surgical assembly line before they’ve tried the basics: weight loss, physiotherapy, mobility aids, proper footwear, and anti-inflammatory strategies. One Canadian study showed only one in five patients fully pursued these nonsurgical options before being referred for surgery. That’s medical malpractice by neglect.
When surgery is the right decision, it can be life changing. Total knee and hip replacements have excellent longterm success rates. Roughly 85 to 90 percent of patients are satisfied, and for many, the pain relief is dramatic. But “dramatic” doesn’t mean instant or perfect. Recovery is no picnic. There’s the risk of infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or a replacement that never quite feels right. And if you’re under 60, there’s a good chance you’ll outlive your implant and face the joyless prospect of revision surgery –a second round of surgery that's more complicated, more painful, and far less predictable.
Hip replacements generally have even higher satisfaction rates than knees. The anatomy is simpler, the rehab tends to be smoother, and most patients are walking painfree in weeks, not months. If you’re weighing your options, a worn-out hip often responds better to surgery than a badly arthritic knee.
trophy this year goes to Laurie Howard and Judy Degrosbois.
Qualifying rounds took place during the first half of June, selecting our Rideau Glen team for the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Women’s Open on July 13 at the Oaks of Cobden. We have a strong team and high hopes. Thanks to Cheryl Canning for once again shepherding us through the Intersectionals circuit.
Our month-end game had a full field of enthusiastic players in spite of blasting heat and humidity. Our theme was Viva Italia!, inspiring our garb and lunch menu for the day. When all the cards were tallied, there was only 12 points between the lowest and highest scores. The day’s results: First Place was the team of Brenda Lawson, Marie Coady, Leslie Cheal, and Teresa Guertin, hotly followed by the team of Glenda Helem, Linda Stewart, Donna Lush, and Joyce Lavergne. Jan-
ice Rennick was unchallenged, for Best Italian Costume. A very special addition to our month end programme; Alan Forbes joined us to unveil the Lois Forbes Memorial Hole-in-One Trophy, inspired by his mother’s joy in golf, and excitement over her Hole-in-One in 2004.
This month we honored 10 golfers for their first birdie of the season:: Pascale Derycke, Brenda Gentle, Brenda Lawson, Cat McCarthy, Valsa Nair, Tanya Peters, Suzanne Poulos, Thanh Simpson, Linda Thomson, Cathy Valcour. We also recognised Marie Coady, Brenda Lawson, Linda Stewart, and Cathy Valcour for the first time breaking 100.
Moving into July, our regular play will be topped up by the Dickenson Tray tournament, a ‘Friendly’ in Prescott, and the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Intersectionals.
If there were a winner of a popularity contest for pointless procedures, arthroscopic knee surgery for arthritis would be it. This minimally invasive surgical technique may be useful for other problems, but not for osteoarthritis. High-quality trials on both sides of the Atlantic have shown this surgery does little for long-term pain. Yet the instruments are busy, and the surgeons are billing.
There are lesser-known, but promising, surgical options. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, or “partial knee replacement,” is one. If arthritis is confined to just one side of the joint, this more conservative approach can offer pain relief with a smaller incision, quicker recovery, and lower complication rates.
Other treatments are emerging outside the operating room. In Germany, genicular artery embolization – an outpatient procedure that targets inflamed blood vessels in the arthritic knee – reduced pain and improved quality of life for 87 percent of patients within a year. In Canada, early clinical trials using stem cells harvested from patients’ own bone marrow are showing promise. And researchers in Switzerland are even using engineered cartilage grown from nasal cells to resurface damaged knees. Call it the rhinoplasty of joint repair!
But none of these treatments should be step one. Real care means starting with education, patience, and conservative treatment. In one study, patients who used a decisionmaking aid often chose to delay surgery after learning about other options. Not because they were afraid, but because they were informed.
We’re not anti-surgery. We’re pro-wisdom. If you’re suffering, you have diligently tried proven approaches to halting the creep of osteoarthritis, and nothing else helps, by all means talk to your surgeon. But go in with your eyes open and your brain turned on. Ask tough questions. Demand alternatives. And remember, as Ben Franklin put it: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Or, as we’d put it, don’t let the surgeon be your first therapist.
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bucket crunch...Rylan Donovan gets dislodged from his bucket when Alexis Beaulieu glides across the blue paint during the All Star battle on Sunday during the 73's Main Camp.
Unveiling the Lois Forbes Memorial Hole-in-One Trophy: Alan Forbes with RGLL convenor Jenny Thibert
From Mullets to Meaning
by Cindy Peters
In a powerful show of solidarity and compassion, a group of students at Oxford on Rideau Public School, led by Cole DeVries and Hunter Wilson, have spent over a year growing mullets to raise funds and awareness for cancer. The unique campaign, dubbed “Mullet Mas-a-Cure”, culminated in an emotional head-shaving event, where participants shed their locks in honour of a beloved friend, Derek Ireton, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Not content on their own, Cole and Hunter recruited their friends to join the cause: Easton DeVries, Jack Holmes, Mason Wilson, Isaac Frampton, and Kane Cooper joined them in growing their mullets. In March, they invited their friends, family, staff, and community members to sponsor their hair-growing journey, all in support of cancer research and patient care.
The boys decided to fundraise because “If we were going through cancer, we know Ike would do the same for us.” said Cole and Hunter. “It made us feel very happy about what we did, raising so much money for cancer.”
The head-shaving event held at the school drew a large crowd of supporters. Cheers and tears filled the room as each student took their turn getting their head shaved, proudly honoring their commitment and the cause. Hunter noted: “I was happy to shave my head finally, because it felt like I had a toque on all winter!”
By the end of the day, the boys had raised $6,970! Proceeds from the fundraiser were split between the WDMH Foundation Cancer Care Fund, with $3,000 received for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), as well as two additional charities supporting cancer research and services for patients and families.
Cindy Ault Peters, Executive Director of the WDMH Foundation, praised the students’ efforts: “This is what community looks like—compassion, courage, and action. We are incredibly proud of these students for turning empathy into impact and making such a difference to WDMH patients going through cancer treatments. We can’t thank them enough – and we hope that they will inspire other young people to fundraise too!”
To chat about fundraising events for WDMH or Dundas Manor, please contact Justine Plummer at either 613-7742422 ext. 6172 or jplummer@wdmh.on.ca.
Lions Club last draw of the season
Left to right: Lion Alan Forbes, out-going president Lion Robert Sentner, Lion Gerald Christie, lucky winners Karin and Ted Ceelen, Lion Wayne Vachon, incoming Lion President Connie Beardshaw, Lion Bill Neil, and Lion Gail Osborne.
Mayor Peckford honoured by Royal Canadian Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville has proudly presented Mayor Nancy Peckford with the prestigious Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award, a rare honour reserved for individuals and organizations outside the Legion who have demonstrated extraordinary support and service to Veterans and the Legion community.
The award presentation took place during the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, where Legion President Bryan
MacRostie and Immediate Past President Jay Tousaw made a formal deputation before Council.
Through her tireless efforts, Mayor Peckford has fostered a spirit of unity and support, ensuring that the needs of both the community and local Veterans are prioritized at the municipal level. She has been a frequent participant in Legion social events, ceremonies, and award presentations, consistently demonstrating her commitment to those who have served.
In accepting the award, Mayor Peckford expressed her deep appreciation: "It is a tremendous honour to receive the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award. The men and women who have served our country, and the families who stand beside them, deserve our enduring respect and gratitude.
Although I am the one receiving this, I must thank my Council colleagues for their collaboration and support for all of these initiatives.
I am profoundly moved by this recognition and remain
steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of our Veterans are never forgotten."
Among her many contributions, Mayor Peckford has supported several highprofile initiatives, including:
• • The North Grenville Sites of Remembrance
• • Commemorative naming of Prescott Street as Remembrance Way
• • The Honour Our Veterans Banner Program
• • The Kemptville Cenotaph Restoration Project
• • The 100th Anniversary of the Kemptville Cenotaph The ceremony featured a formal procession from the main lobby into Council Chambers, led by Piper Peter Cook of the Kemptville Legion Pipes and Drums Band and accompanied by members of Council and a contingent of Legionnaires. The award includes a commemorative Legion Medal and a framed certificate from the Ontario Provincial Command.
The Lions Club of Kemptville presented the latest winner of their monthly Trip Draw to Karin and Ted Ceelen in their last meeting before summer. Taking advantage of the fine weather, the Lions went out of doors this time.
Nancy Peckford receives the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award from Legion President Bryan MacRostie and Immediate Past President Jay Tousaw.
left to right, Hunter Wilson and Cole DeVries, lead organizers of the Mullet Mas-a-Cure.
A Bath and a Groom
Now that the summer heat has come to either keep us happy, or to make things worse for some of us, our avian friends have to cope no matter what! Our mosquito-catching pair of Eastern Kingbirds are making the most of it, and when not in the water freshening up are perched in a tree above the water awaiting their next snack. My wife got some nice pictures of one of them as it ruffled its feathers and generally tidied itself up following a bit of a splash in our waterfall feature.
I was able to get some good shots of a Robin “doing its thing” in the birdbath at the front of the house, as it is wont to do. It was really having a good session of cleaning and preening at the same time as it sought relief from the heat and those pesky bugs.
A Baltimore Oriole popped in to say Hi, and tried to get some sustenance from the hummingbird feeder, which is a little bit of a challenge for a conventionally “billed” bird. With the feeder being one of those with a rose head shape and a fairly fine mesh, those birds without a long probing tongue like the Hummingbirds, don’t stand much of a chance in getting too much to drink from it. This was the case for the Oriole, so it didn’t stay for very long, despite making a reasonable effort at trying to get something from it.
Most people have better success when they provide an orange for them to have a go at. I have never persevered at using this type of feeder, but a lot of folks seem to, and thus get the benefit of seeing the Orioles for greater periods of time than we do. Well done, if you are one such person, enjoy the beauty that such a colourful bird, brings into your life, you deserve it.
The nesting community in our garden seems to have finished their breeding cycle for the time being and, apart from a still busy House Wren, there doesn’t seem to be much action of that kind still going on. Of course, some of them do have another round of such activity, so we will, no doubt, see more action before the summer is out! Perhaps you will be lucky enough to be able to witness that too. Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin
We are getting close to green tomato time. So, it’s appropriate to start thinking about picking some off your plants before they mature or getting some locally. Today’s recipe is Cheese Fried Green Tomatoes. These can be served for lunch on their own or to accompany meat or fish. They can be quite nice for breakfast with eggs also. Try ‘em; you’ll love ‘em.
Cheese Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients:
• 4 medium size green tomatoes (a couple of pounds, to serve four )
• ¾ cup of yellow cornmeal
• ¾ cup grated Swiss cheese
• ¾ cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten with a bit of milk as a “wash”
• ½ cups of vegetable oil, e.g., canola for frying
• A sprinkle of salt and black pepper
Preparation:
• Combine the cornmeal, cheese, salt and pepper in a shallow dish
• Cut the tomatoes into ½ slices
• Dredge the tomatoes slices first in flour, then dip in the egg wash
• Place the tomatoes on the cornmeal and press to coat each side
• Place on a metal rack and let dry a bit
• Heat the oil on medium heat and fry the tomatoes on each side
• Once crisp and golden (2 – 3 minutes) per side, drain on paper toweling
• Keep the slices warm on your favourite serving dish
As with regular Green Fried Tomatoes, you can serve with a couple of teaspoons of Remoulade Sauce (just Google the New Orleans Style Remoulade) on each tomato slice.
A fresh salad (maybe spinach) and some cold white wine (a Chardonnay, perhaps) go well with this dish. You might want to let me know that you gave this a whirl at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
VOLUNTEERING IS THE
HChilds Owner, CEO
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. 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 7:309:30pm. 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
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.
Eastern Kingbird grooming post water bath
CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@ngtimes.ca
FOR SALE
Wall desk white in colour brand new hardly used, $150.00. call 613-215-0665.
Firewood for camping @ $60.00/cord. Call Reg 613 258 7606
MAXFL1 Golf bag new Asking $100.00 Call 613-258-2753
Energizer inverter generator 2;200 peak .80cc engine recoil start in new condition $425. contact nadfudt@gmail.com
2 steel car ramps 36 long 11 wide 10 high
$18.00 contact nadfudt@gmail.com
4 steel automotive frame jack stands cap. 1000 lbs. adjust from 12 to 17 inches. $36.00 contact nadfudt@ gmail.com
We sell and install cedar trees for hedges and we are also looking to harvest cedar trees for cedar hedges from land owner(s). Joanne (613)799-0958
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 3
South Branch Serenade Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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
FREE Event Every Thursday Night Throughout July and August
Featuring: JoyRide. Rotary Park in Downtown Kemptville
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
Kemptville Street Piano Time: 1:00 pm
Join us on Saturdays for FREE musical adventures Featuring: Made in Canada Open Mic: It’s our monthly open mic. North Grenville Public Library terrace
July 10
South Branch Serenade Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
FREE Event Every Thursday Night Throughout July and August
Featuring: Libby and Cal. Rotary Park in Downtown Kemptville
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.
Kemptville Street Piano Time: 1:00 pm
Join us on Saturdays for FREE musical adventures Featuring: Blue Standard. North Grenville Public Library terrace
July 13
ROOTED IN PLACE Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Featuring SHAWN DONALDSON at BREWED AWAKENINGS LIVE MUSIC • KID'S ACTIVITIES
2868 COUNTY ROAD 43 KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO
July 14
Spencerville Agricultural Society July Meeting. Time: 7:00 pm
If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Website: www.spencervillefair.ca Email: info@spencervillefair.ca Phone: 613-658-3333 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
ACROSS
1. Retrieve
6. Not fat
10. A speech defect
14. Drama set to classical music
15. Overhaul
16. Bounce back
17. Adjust again
18. Weightlifters pump this
19. Found on rotary phones
20. Noticeable
22. Prefix meaning "Within"
23. Possessed
24. Durable fabric
26. Browbeat
30. Show embarrassment
32. Give or take
33. Supervised examinations
37. French for "Black"
38. Difficult
39. Achy
40. Excisions
42. Stop
43. Battle
44. Thousands of kilograms
45. Truth (archaic)
47. Aspiration
48. Storage site
49. Interchanged
56. Module
57. Walk in water
58. Parental brother
59. Roof overhang
60. Nitpicky to a fault
61. Josh
62. Perished
63. Awful
64. Aromatic compound
DOWN
1. Car company
2. Type of sword
3. Exam
4. Algonquian Indian
5. Short-handled ax
6. Threesome
7. Parsley or sage
8. False god
9. Paragon
10. Leather shorts
11. Sugarcoating
12. Protective covering from sunlight
13. Game on horseback
21. Small amount
25. Estimated (abbrev.)
26. Orchestra
27. Double-reed woodwind
28. Earth
29. Steady
30. Main impact
31. Cuts lumber
33. Winnie the ____
34. Horse color
35. Celtic language
36. D D D
38. Cheapskate
41. Small songbird
42. Use a calculator
44. Poetic contraction
45. Red Sea peninsula
46. Martini garnish
47. Bless with oil
48. Took to court
50. Hindu princess
51. Jewish month
52. Anagram of "Nose"
53. "Go away!"
54. Otherwise
55. Bambi was one
to last week’s Sudoku
History Page
This and that
by David Shanahan
The history of any country, county, or community is full of little incidents and facts that are often overlooked in telling their stories. Little things that may not deserve mention in more general works may have a fascination of their own. Indeed, sometimes those apparently trivial events had a much greater impact on the people of the time than we can now imagine. Here’s a few of them.
When the Province of Upper Canada was established in 1791, the governing authorities wished to see the emergence of a minor aristocracy, large land owners who would rise to positions of leadership in the community. At the time, this necessarily meant Protestant men. Even more, it meant Anglican men (and it was all men). During that same period in the history of Ontario, the position of the Anglican Church was to be as close to a State Church as possible, as having government run by Catholics was illegal, and Methodists and Presbyterians (other than Scottish Presbyterians) were looked on as fanatical and tending to hold democratic, that is, mob rule, principles.
So it was that the laws passed in the first Assemblies in Upper Canada recognised only those marriages presided over by an Anglican priest as having legal validity. An exception was made for those couples who lived in a district that had fewer than five Anglian clergymen in residence. In their case, a civil marriage was permitted. Marriages solemnised by any other type of minister, pastor, or whatever, were simply not legal. It was to be some years, even decades,
Did you know Royal LePage is a Canadian Real Estate Company? If your looking to buy or sell call your local Realtor Lisa Deschambault today!
before other Christian denominations were recognised in law as having the legal right to perform marriages.
A wonderful sight could be seen in the 1880's, as Mike Driscoll and Owen McGovern from Oxford Mills walked their 150 geese and turkeys from Kemptville to Prescott and on to the ferry to Ogdensburg. The men and birds would walk the length of the plank road that ran between the two towns, past the tool booth where the road crossed the railway tracks outside Kemptville. When the birds got tired walking, they would be taken up on to a cart to rest. Then some tar, gravel and sand would be applied to their feetshoe-ing the geese - so they could walk the road again.
At night, the turkeys would roost on fences, the geese would settle by the side of the road until morning. Then the men would call the birds together and off they’d go again. It took four days for the trip from Kemptville to Ogdensburg, via Prescott. What a sight that must have been: two men and 150 geese and turkeys, making their way along the plank road and across the Saint Lawrence to the markets in Boston and New York.
In 1905, the blacksmiths of this region formed an alliance to push through an increase in what they charged for their work. Knowing that there would be opposition to the raising of rates, the twelve men (and they were all men) signed a letter in which they agreed to “pledge our word and honor as men to abide by the above mentioned prices and rules”. Clearly, this was a matter of some importance, and the letter they signed was
written to assure anyone who would try and break their alliance by influencing one of their number to maintain the lower prices for service.
The twelve blacksmiths represented the communities of Oxford Mills (J. Kingston and Robert Lindsay), Burritt’s Rapids (D. B. Davis and W. H. Derrick), Merrickville (Charles Edwards and J. F. Hicks), Andrewsville (W. J. Quinn), and Kemptville (James Tobin, T. M. Griffin, George Taylor, William Spotswood, and Zachariah Beach).
The terms they used may seem rather extravagant to us today. In rejecting the idea that one of them would buckle under pressure from customers, they declared:
“Apparently their object is to see if some one of the twelve is not weak minded enough to betray the cause, degrade his word and honor and become a Judas”.
Standing strongly against any suggestion of dishonourable dealings, the twelve blacksmiths insisted that their price for shoeing a horse would rise, from 10¢ cents to 15¢, while the cost of new shoes would go up from 25¢ to 30¢. On such small things blacksmith’s honour and integrity depends.
