Issue 27 2022 July 14 NG Times

Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic

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*see store for details

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Book your eye exam online laurieropticalkemptville.com

613.258.2700

Reaching by direct mail 9,500 homes and businesses in North Grenville www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 10 No. 27

July 14 , 2022

Kemptville Agricultural College -100 Year History Book

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Kemptville Agricultural College played an important role, not only in agriculture, horticulture and food education but also in the development and growth of the Old Town of Kemptville.

Through research, demonstration trials and conferences, this college improved farming, gardening and nutritional practices in Eastern Ontario.

This book describes in

detail how students learned better farming methods, improved gardening, food preparation and developed new nutritional guidelines for students to work as dieticians in hospitals, nursing and retirement homes.

The book is written in 10-year increments, showing the colourful start of this prestigious college during the twenties, life on campus during the dirty thirties, and then

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the wartime period during the forties, when students were trained at the old fire hall in Kemptville to go to war in Europe.

During the fifties, student enrollment increased as many European farmers arrived in the region. During the sixties, the college expanded with the construction of many new red brick buildings. During the seventies and eighties, horticultural education expanded

into various categories, like organic gardening and ornamental horticulture, such as landscaping. By the mid80s, the horticulture section grew 35,000 bedding plants of which the surplus was shared with the residents of Kemptville.

Some highlights in gardening and market gardening are the introduction of varietal fruit production and insect monitoring, the introduction of low-bush blueberries and of course our famous “Yukon Gold” potato in 1983.

Turmoil in agricultural, horticulture and food service education in Ontario started in the early nineties when the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs went through a re-organization of its ministry and divorced itself from Agricultural Education and disposed of its agricultural colleges.

Through a 20-year transition, Kemptville Agricultural College became a satellite campus of the University of Guelph in 2008. Kemptville College’s education became a Guelph-designed academic training.

Kemptville College’s closure and how this closure was organized are described in detail, showing how politics can destroy a well-functioning educational system.

The students at the College over the years made

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cont'd from front page numerous “farm tours” to many places in the region that do not exist anymore.

One such annual trip was the famous Glenayr Kitten Mill in Lanark.

This book was written by using all the written documentation obtained from the students’ yearbooks, including lots of photographs, that were produced throughout the years. Some parts are

actually hilarious to read.

The book, retail price $66.37 +HST, or $ 75.00, is available at B&H Grocery Store on Rideau Street in Kemptville.

For more information or

ordering, please contact the author at william.langenberg@sympatico.ca William J. Langenberg, M.Sc. Env. Biol. Retired lecturer, Kemptville College of Agricultural Technology

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ngtimes.ca

Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary presentation

L-R: Darren Cleroux (St.Michael), MacKenzie Leclair (NGDHS) sbmitted by the EGMB executive Graduating students, teachers, parents, and dignitaries came together in North Grenville on June 27 and 28 to celebrate the completion of students’ secondary school studies without pandemic restrictions and face coverings; just smiling faces, laughter, applause, hoots and hollers, and even the odd tear. Graduation is a

very special occasion filled with tremendous meaning!

Members of the Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary executive were on hand to present the charity’s bursary, awarded annually to a student continuing post secondary education , who has faced personnel or family challenges, who has demonstrated perseverance and who is involved in school and the community.

High School, 153 potential Ontario Secondary School Diplomas and Certificates were announced and presented to graduating students. MacKenzie Leclair took home top honours for the EGMB Award and also received $1500 and a plaque for his victory efforts.

MacKenzie will be attending the University of Toronto studying physical and environmental sciences, with the end objective being the study of astronomy. He has always had a keen interest in the field of astronomy, such as cosmology, astrophysics, astrology and the general history of astronomy.

The EGMB Charity has now awarded $37,000 to deserving students at our two local secondary schools since 2011! Congratulations to all graduating students in North Grenville and also those students taking a gap

At St. Michael’s School on the afternoon of June 27, there were 93 recipients of Ontario Secondary School Diplomas and Certificates, with Darren Cleroux taking top honours for the EGMB Award. Darren shared many of Eric’s interests including philosophy, war history, and psychology and will be pursuing his dreams at the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. His passion is to help others with mental illness and to understand why they are suffering, who they are, and especially how they develop into the individual they are today. Darren received $1500, a winner’s plaque and his name will be forever etched on the school plaque, proudly displayed in the St. Michael School’s trophy case.

The following morning at North Grenville District

year, those going into the world of work and those who just remain undecided as to what their next steps will be.

Every student at both schools deserve considerable praise for working through their studies while enduring the certain frustrations with the on again/off again cruelty of the pandemic. Hats off to the class of 2022!

Wondering if you can still retire?

Are your investments performing as they should?

Can you pay for your child’s schooling?

Make your money work harder.

Samantha Rivet-Stevenson, PFP Financial Planner, Investment & Retirement Planning samantha.rivet-stevenson@rbc.com

Tel: 613-258-4877 Cell: 613-816-9697

Volunteers started to collect books on Thursday at the Ferguson Forest Centre Outlet Store.

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KYC collecting books for upcoming Book Fair submitted by Bruce Wehlau Cathy, Kieran, Rhys, Doris, Serge and Marguerite were on hand to help unload and start sorting. KYC will be collecting at the FFC Outlet Store on Thursdays, 4 pm - 6 pm and Saturdays 9 am - 12 pm throughout July and well as August 4, 6. On Saturday, August 6 and 13, we will collect books from 9 am to 12 noon.

The Book Fair will take place Friday, August 19 to Sunday August 21.

Please note, we are unable to accept magazines, dictionaries or text books.

For more information, go to KYC website.

July 14, 2022

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The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

Successful graduation at Merrick Preparatory School submitted by Johanna Ziegler On June 24, 2022, we held our Graduation Ceremony – a very special event each year, and particularly this year as it was the first in person graduation ceremony since June 2019! Families and students joined us in person and online – the joy of technology allowing families from around the world to celebrate with those here on campus. This year was special as our students had to overcome and navigate through the ongoing pandemic.This didn’t stop our 8 graduates from being one of the most successful classes in Merrick Prep history, receiving 61 university offers and bringing in over $235,500 in scholarship offers!

There were lots of smiles and a few tears as we parted –

and most importantly it was a chance to acknowledge the hard work of our students, and the exceptional work invested by our teachers to make such a positive and enriching experience for all!

Merrick Prep’s valedictorian Ekefeoghene closed the ceremony with a tearful yet inspiring speech, and then our students departed in their own ways. This year, every MPS staff member took a moment to say “All the best and see you soon”.

We will miss our gradu-

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UPDATE MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

ates very much – it was an amazing group of students, but we are super excited to see what bright future lies ahead for them! We look forward to keeping in touch and hearing of their many successes in the future!

We are still happy to help local and international students join us this fall or or those starting to apply early for 2022-2023. Merrick Prep is where your success starts!

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville. ca/events-calendar.

2022 MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

The nomination period is now open for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election. Please visit NGvotes.ca for nomination information, announcements, and updates.

Notices setting out the positions and details concerning school board elections can be found at: NGvotes.ca/election-news.

Are you on the voters list for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election? Visit voterlookup.ca or simply scan the QRCode using the camera on your smart phone or by downloading a QR reader.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS Council meetings will be held in Council Chambers and will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

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To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@ northgrenville.on.ca

Kutebah Alyousef kutebah1984@gmail.com 613-276-4583

Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

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APPOINTMENTS TO THE JOINT LEEDS AND GRENVILLE 2022 ELECTION COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend.

The municipalities of Athens, Augusta, Brockville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, ElizabethtownKitley, Front of Yonge, Gananoque, Leeds & the Thousand Islands, Merrickville-Wolford, North Grenville, Prescott, Rideau Lakes and Westport are recruiting experienced professionals for appointment to the Joint Leeds and Grenville 2022 Election Compliance Audit Committee.

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended (MEA), requires municipalities to establish a Compliance Audit Committee to consider applications requesting audits of election campaign finances. The Committee may be required to appoint auditors and determine if legal proceedings are required as a result of the auditors’ reports.

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Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

The Committee’s term of office is four years, beginning in November 2022. Successful applicants, in good standing, will receive a $100 retainer at the end of each year during the term, and may receive additional compensation depending on compensation by-laws of the local municipalities.

Applicants may be required to participate in an interview process.

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ngtimes.ca

For further information or to obtain an application form please visit the participating municipal websites or contact the Clerk of any of the participating municipalities, or the Clerk of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022

Melissa Ottenhof marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 329 0209

July 14, 2022

the north grenville

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TIMES Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee - August 3, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.

Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Pursuant to subsection 88.37 (2) of the MEA, applicants cannot be candidates or registered third party advertisers in the 2022 Municipal Election, or any by-election during the 2022-2026 Council term, nor can they have committed to providing professional advice to any person running for office in any of the participating municipalities. Municipal employees and members of Council are also ineligible.

Marketing/Sales

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The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130 , Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal elections, including campaign financing rules; Proven analytical and decision-making skills; Experience working on committees, task forces or similar settings; Availability and willingness to attend meetings during daytime and evening hours over a four-year term, as required; and Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

Accessibility Advisory Committee - Monday, July 18, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

Looking for an exciting career in municipal government? Visit northgrenville.ca/careers to stay up to date on career opportunities with the Municipality.

Applicants should have:

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VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Applicants with a background in law, election administration, public administration, auditing and accounting, professionals who are required to adhere to codes of standards of their profession and those with in-depth knowledge of the campaign financing rules are preferred.

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Council Meeting (Closed) – Meeting Room 1 – Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

OFFICE 613-215-0735

Staff Reporter Accounting Brandon Mayer Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca brandon@ndtimes.ca 613-258-4671

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Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Staff Reporter Stephanie Seaver stephanie@ngtimes.ca

Production production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

And poof, like magic, it’s gone

by Brandon Mayer I can’t be the only one who feels like the last two years have been a blur. Pandemic life was something none of us signed up for, but all of us were thrown into it.

We need to take seriously the fact that COVID-19 created many victims, reaching far beyond those that lost their lives.

What I remember most from the onset of the pandemic is the disbelief. Much like other adults, I had lived my whole life simply not believing that things like this could happen, or at least that they couldn’t happen to me. I was a grad student completing my placement for a mental health counselling degree, and everything was humming along smoothly.

I had various schools that I was travelling to, providing counselling to students as a third-party service provider through my placement site.

This was in March of 2020, when the “coronavirus” had already been in the news for several months. A colleague at my placement site lived right behind a building that was slated to host a group

of incoming travelers for isolation, and she was very panicked about it. Meanwhile, there were talks of a looming lockdown, and I simply didn’t think it could be possible. A lockdown? In Canada. Yeah right.

I was at work at Winchester Public School when news came through of an upcoming three-week shutdown. A March Break Camp we had been planning was immediately cancelled.

The three-week shutdown turned into six months, followed by three more school closures at various points in the span of two years.

Masks became mandatory, stores were shuttered and then opened and then shuttered. Vaccines caused intense debate, division, and protests. Many small businesses were offended at being deemed “non-essential” while big box stores were allowed to sell the very same goods. Some small businesses didn’t survive.

When schools were open for in-person learning, students and staff wore masks, learned strict COVID-19 procedures, and were only allowed to interact with

The Voice of North Grenville

people in their own classes.

This past school year, I will never forget a group of third graders coming up to me and asking if they could see what I looked like. This was around January or February, when masks were still mandatory, even outdoors for staff. I had known most of the students for years, but it had been at least 18 months since any of them had seen my face. It felt so surreal to know that I had worked with these kids every day, yet they didn’t know what I looked like. I put some space between us and obliged. They were very excited.

By the time March of this year rolled around, it was difficult to even think back on all that we had been through in the pandemic. Two Christmases, two Halloweens, and two Thanksgivings of nothing feeling the same, with gathering limits and families divided. For many people, especially those reporting to workplaces with masks and enhanced cleaning protocols, not a day went by when the pandemic wasn’t a stain in their minds – a constant weight of stress and

uncertainty. When mask restrictions were lifted, many people, including myself, had trouble adjusting back to normal. Some people chose to keep wearing masks, and others chose to continue staying away from crowded public places.

March 21 was almost four months ago now, and I just recently realized that entire days go by when I forget about the pandemic entirely. COVID-19 doesn’t even cross my mind, and it’s almost as surreal to think we have made it this far as it was to think the pandemic was happening in the first place. Just as quickly as life got turned upside down, most things have now gone back to normal. It was like magic – poof, and the stress was gone.

There have been few things as controversial to write about in the past two years as the pandemic. It has been polarizing, and has facilitated debate ranging in intensity from spirited to downright aggressive. I have therefore tried to stay neutral and leave opinion out of it. I suspect others did as well. When I interviewed

candidates for the recent political election, even the candidates themselves were heavily divided on the state of the pandemic. Most were, at very least, cautious about how they worded their opinions of things such as public health measures.

Just as we must focus on physical health, mental health needs attention. That is why I’m not interested in discussing the past or the future of COVID-19, I’m only interested in discuss-

but fools despise wisdom and instruction. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Mr. Lachance has asserted in his last article earlier in June that the “religious” have only faith, not evidence. Within limited parameters, I would agree with Mr. Lachance. The Christian Bible claims that: God is, in fact, He is three in one, Father, Son and Spirit.

That He created all things in heaven and on earth. That man is a duality, made of body and spirit to form a living soul. That history had been awaiting the advent of Messiah. That after Messiah’s death, all things await His return. Between Messiah’s birth and death was, as Alfred Edersheim rightly penned “Jesus Christ: The Greatest Life”. That Messiah was resurrected and ascended to God. That there is a bodily resurrection and a judgement.

All these claims are without modern scientific, repeatable, verifiable evidence.

Paul, the Apostle, wrote “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. The writer to the Hebrews wrote “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (God) and again, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. More importantly, “God is the author and finisher of our

faith”. So then, faith is a gift of God, the essence of why the believer believes that God is and that all the biblical claims are true, such that faith is the result of a covenant relationship established by God in which that relationship is the basis of believing the biblical claims and evidence. Stated in the negative: no relationship no faith, no faith no evidence will suffice.

This is an unbelievable story, yet the Christian believes it is the “greatest story ever told”. And when “faith becomes sight” (promise becomes reality) what can one say but “my God how great thou art!”

Willem Van Dam

the country is forced to follow their beliefs regarding abortion and gay rights. It may not be happening in our country yet, but there are surely individuals who want the same here.

Regarding Mr. Lachance's article, I can only say that scientists are people who make as many mistakes as the rest of us...and some will lie about it.

Both sides in this discussion have to deal with the fact that human beings will always see things through their own personal lens no matter how hard we try to be objective.

Fun reads...thank you.

Jane Campbell Merrickville

ing the here and now. We need to live life moment by moment, and the pandemic has certainly taught us not to take anything for granted.

It always pays to be careful, but a spark of optimism goes a long way. We all have a pandemic story, though we may not realize it. I did not know I had a “story” until I told mine. So no matter what it brings, cheers to summer 2022. Let us hope that worst is behind us!

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

We just experienced a wonderful Canada Day in Oxford Mills. The decorated park was most inviting, soon filled with cheering friends and neighbors as the bandstand came alive with entertainers showing professionalism within our community. The total ambiance of the day, from the Lions Club food booth to LePors crepes, to children's activities, to the Anthem singing, made this a memorable day. Thanks to the volunteers, and the Oxford Mills Community Association.

Maureen Harrison Dear Editor, Mr. Lachance in his article in NGT July 7/22 cites Epicurus “if God is unable to prevent evil, then he is not all powerful”. The “logic” begins with a false premise, that is, the non co-existence of God and evil. Human life is limited and fragile, tragedy and evil both occurring. Tragedy is the bounded limitations placed on this existence (death, disease, natural disasters etc) but evil is the malevolent, malicious, injurious actions between individuals (murder, death camps, deceit etc). The biblical story recounts evil in the stories of Eve and the serpent (deceit and murder), Cain and Able (betrayal, jealousy, murder), Judas and Jesus (betrayal to

July 14, 2022

murder), Pontius Pilate and Jesus (injustice and murder).

With Jesus’ claim to be God, evil was done to God at his trial and crucifixion. Thus God and evil can exist at the same time.

That man is and does evil is the biblical position. To expand on Epicurus’ false supposition, if God and evil cannot co-exist, and God exists, God would of necessity wipe out man.

Instead, the co-existence of God and evil (man) is possible by love, mercy, punishment, confession and forgiveness. But then, such “spiritual” things are neither fathomable nor provable by the “materialist”.

Another “false logic” is “If God is not willing to prevent evil, then (he) is not good”.

Apparently Epicurus and Mr. Lachance have never heard of patience, forgiveness or love (good). Ask this question. If God prevented man from performing evil, what evidence would there be of man’s evil nature?

“If God is willing and able to prevent evil, why does evil exist? Refer to the previous two answers. I will not address the other false “logical” premises Mr. Lachance puts forward.

Since Mr. Lachance seeks truth and knowledge of a materialistic nature, I would encourage him to seek the same of a spiritual nature. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:

Dear Editor, I read with interest your recent article on residential schools and reconciliation. As I read I thought that is was the first reasonable article on the subject that I have seen.

I also have strong feelings about the way many other issues are represented through mainstream media reports.

Thank you, Sandie Dear Editor, After reading your op-ed, I am afraid I disagree. It is horribly obvious to me that Christian organizations in the USA are doing their best to ensure

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Dear Editor, Big thanks to Colin Creasey for his excellent letter about the recent election. I couldn’t agree more. Also, thanks to Steve Gabell, also greatly appreciated on that subject. Also very interesting is Steve Gabell’s history on abortions.

How can it be “just” for soldiers who go to war, and is often reported that women are raped, as in the Ukraine at the present time, and possibly they get pregnant with no means to raise a child even if they are lucky enough to survive.

I am presently reading ‘Crazy Rich’, where the freshmen went on their drunk rampages called ‘panty raids’. I am presuming that some very

young women might become pregnant as a result. Then their lives, as a result, would be greatly altered, but the male participants would move on as usual.

His last statement, “A woman’s right to choose should be sacrosanct and we should not be following the path our southern neighbours are taking”.

Thank you so much Steve Gabell.

Kath Piché Dear Editor, I would like to thank Shirley Price for the great letter she had printed in the Ottawa Citizen entitled ‘Let’s remember why the Emergencies Act was imposed’.

She states “I hope this committee (the inquiry) will not forget that the chaos would have continued for some unforeseeable time had the government not taken this action.

Her letter is simply perfect from my viewpoint. Thank you so much and for all of your letters in the NG Times. You are among my favourite letter writers.

Kath Piché

Letters cont'd on page 10

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The Voice of North Grenville

Rudderless, Aimless and Hopeless submitted by William J. Langenberg, (M.Sc. Env. Boil.)

Our Governments are Rudderless, Aimless and Hopeless I discovered today when I received a “Dear William” letter from my local family physician: “With regret I am informing you of my practice closure. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a replacement physician.

Therefore you are on your own”. One of the reason my family physician gave me in this letter: “lack of systemic and government support”.

Today I am turning 76 and found out that I no longer have a family physician. I feel “abandoned”.

Throughout those years, I

have had the confidence of always having a permanent family physician available in case I needed a consultation.

That was until early 2000, when our local established family physicians started to retire. Since these retirements, both my wife and I were constantly looking for a replacement physician until we found one a number of years ago. This doctorpatient relationship ended today on my 76th birthday.

Today I feel that I live in a rudderless, aimless and hopeless society. We need a family physician for all kind of reasons.

The reasons we need a family physician is to meet our basic esteem needs according to Maslov (1943).

The most important basic esteem need is, according to Maslov: “Community Wellbeing”, which includes, air, water, food, shelter, and psychological and physical medical services. You cannot expand a municipality by increasing its population without providing adequate services that meet the basic needs to maintain a community’s well-being. Over the 76 years I needed my family physician to advise me on my physical, psychological and spiritual well-being.

That doctor patient relationship is just to meet my basic needs, which provides me with the basic instinct of trust, respect, autonomy and well-being in a sustainable society. When my basic

esteem needs are not met, I experience what psychologists Alfred Adler called “feeling of inferiority”. I am not the only one, because the other night my wife and I did a crisis intervention in North Grenville. The person we spoke to over the phone was desperate and called in panic.

I can’t change politicians. I can only support others who are in the same boat as myself. So, today I am pulling weeds in my garden.

While doing this, hopefully I can find a solution in finding another health-care provider.

I got to have faith.

The noble act of hosting a refugee family

by Brandon Mayer With conflict continuing in Ukraine driven by the presence of hostile Russian forces, many Ukrainian families have been seeking safety in other parts of the world in the past few months. While not always publicized, some of these families have found asylum right here in North Grenville.

One local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Times about a young family from Kiev that she and her family are hosting.

The guest mother and her two boys arrived about three weeks ago, and their host has had plenty of help from neighbors, who have assisted with such tasks as bringing the guest to appointments to get an OHIP card and a social insurance number. Neighbours have also offered bikes, welcome gifts and games, the use of their swimming pools, offers of English tutoring, and more. “We managed to organize her new bank account and phone plan,” said the local host. “Everyone wants to help. When we needed two small bikes, 11 bikes appeared. They had their pick.

It’s been amazing.”

The decision to host came easy for the local family. The husband of the host who spoke with the Times has Ukrainian ancestors. They also felt a sense of connection with displaced Ukrainians because the guests led very similar lives to those of Canadians prior to the Russian invasion. “They had jobs, homes, cars, kids in school… and then in a blink of an eye, they were running for their lives,” the woman said.

“We would hope that someone would do this for us if the situation arose.”

The local host emphasized that she and her husband are not the only family providing this selfless gesture locally.

Other members of the North Grenville community are hosting Ukrainian families as well.

The woman said that some preparation, such as cleaning, was needed before the guests arrived, but that there have been few challenges to speak of. One important aspect of hosting is having the appropriate space – she and her husband were able to provide empty bedrooms and a separate bathroom for the refugee family, while the rest of the house is shared. They take turns cooking, cleaning, and buying groceries. Helping

the guest woman obtain OHIP other is “North Grenville Helps coverage and a social insurance Ukraine”. number, and aiding in her job search have been the biggest challenges, so it helps greatly to have the extended support of the community.

A question some readers may have is how to go about being a host themselves. In the host woman’s case, they found out about their Ukrainian guests through one of her husband’s clients at work. The guests didn’t know anyone in Canada and had wanted to go to the USA. However, Canada has a streamlined process for accepting refugees, so it was a better choice. “Now that they are here, they are very happy that Canada chose them,” said the host. Hosting is completely voluntary, with no known grants or payments that the host is aware of. However, there is another benefit. “It’s been very rewarding so far, and with all the negativity in the world, it’s been an experience that has helped restore our faith in human kindness,” said the host.

More information on hosting a Ukrainian refugee family can be found by searching for two useful Facebook pages.

One is called “Ukrainian Settlement Helpers Ottawa”, and the

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Senior Times

The North Grenville Times

Dr. C.L. Eamon

Celebrating Seniors Month What a Time!

June is a vibrant month chock a block full of celebration and collaboration. It is the month that raises awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Brain Injury, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and Stroke. It is the month we celebrate Pride, in our community and all-around Canada. For SCS, June is Seniors Month and a time when we recognize older adults and the extraordinary contributions they have made in our community.

The opportunity to celebrate came in a few different ways. In late May, two SCS staff connected with the participants of Seniors’ Centre Without Walls with porch visits and some photography. In the over two years running the program, and because it is a telephonebased program, many had never seen the faces of the facilitators of SCWW and had only heard the voices of the other participants. The photos were made into a collage, along with a beautiful poem written by one of the talented members, and mailed to each home. Now during the weekly SCWW programs, each participant can see the face that goes along with the voice on the other end of the telephone line. Connection and inclusion, both so vital to decreasing loneliness and

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

social isolation.

On June 5, our second Photos in the Park fundraiser was held at Curry Park. This year Jill Woodley Photography took photos of young and young at heart.

There was an engagement, a birthday, and an ode to the Queen’s Jubilee–just to name a few! Thanks to the generosity of The Ralph and Maureen Phillips Family Foundation, $3925 was raised for the SCS Transportation Service. Thank you to the over 60 attendees who made up 19 amazing photoshoots! The best part of the day was knowing that so many memories were captured for years to come.

On June 29, after waiting three years, the Seniors’ BBQ returned to Maplewood Park. With blue skies and sunshine, over 100 people joined us for an afternoon of music, laughter, great food and of course a dance off for our ParticipACTION minutes! Thank you to the Kemptville Lions Club for always being such wonderful chefs with the most generous hearts. They made feeding so many folks look effortless.

I had a beautiful time -meeting all the happy people and singing and dancing with them.

So nice! – SCS Client

The Voice of North Grenville

It's a jungle out there!

Do you have the right eye wear?

We welcomed Mayor Nancy Peckford who gave a warm talk, and had some great dance partners during the dance off. Thank you to Councillors Debbie Wilson, Kristin Strackerjan and John Barclay for taking time to help us celebrate.

Our thanks to our special guests Constable Annie and Constable Dave from the Ontario Provincial Police - East Region. They are such remarkable community members, and almost stole the show with their energy and bright smiles.

The musicians were AMAZING! A beautiful Oh Canada was led by Chris Morgan and Jean Jacques, and they kept toes tapping and hands clapping the whole afternoon. Bravo!

And of course, a big thank you to our volunteers who made the BBQ look seamless. They never cease to amaze us with their positivity and support.

June was a wonderful month. Our hearts are full!

Optometrist

212 Van Buren St.

613.258.7438 www.drcleamon.com

Bayfield Manor Retirement Community Your place to call Home

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Professionally trained staff Affordable carefree lifestyle Part of the Kemptville Community for over 40 years

Come in and see for yourself!

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215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate

July 14, 2022

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The Voice of North Grenville

Fireworks incident highlights need for responsibility

by Brandon Mayer It is well known that fireworks can be dangerous in the wrong hands, but one woman and her family recently had a traumatic experience that drove the message home.

Nerissa Gurr and her family had just finished watching the fireworks display in Brockville on July 1 when they stopped at the waterfront patio, near the Fat Les’s chip stand. That’s when they got a second unsolicited fireworks display that went badly wrong.

“The fireworks were dropped or fell over and started shooting everywhere,” Nerissa wrote online. “One went into the eating area and caught a woman’s hair on fire, and fireworks also struck our three children.” The woman whose hair caught fire had to be taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.

What made the problem worse is that the family who lit the errant fireworks would not take responsibility for the dangerous incident. “The people

who caused the problem tried to walk away like nothing happened, and were confronted and followed by a crowd of people so they couldn’t get away,” Nerissa wrote. Her nine-year-old daughter was hit once in the stomach and once in the leg by rogue fireworks.

Another firework hit the back of her infant’s stroller, and then exploded in her six-year-old son’s face, burning his hair off.

Nerissa reports that the family who lit the fireworks became combative when confronted about what happened.

The man had to be restrained by security as he was getting angry, and the woman would not even look at or acknowledge Nerissa when confronted about the fact that her three children had been hit by fireworks.

Nerissa described the incident in more detail in correspondence with the Times.

“We weren't watching their fireworks,” she said. “We were going for a walk after the fireworks were over, just for something to do. We ended up in front of the restaurant patio

in the middle after deciding it be charged, and will possibly be was too dark to walk down to paying for the damages done to • Brakes • Vehicle repairs the play structure, plus there their stroller. “The worst part • Class “A” Mechanic • Suspension were a lot of mosquitoes. When was, they had kids with them • Sale of Quality Pre- • Tire Sales we were in front of the patio and still couldn't even recog• their Air Conditioning Owned in the middle of Vehicles the walkway nize actions and say sorry • Alignments Flat Tow Truck said Nerissa. was• when theBed fireworks started to people,” Fireworks have caused shooting at us.”

Nerissa’s children have some controversy this year, o u n t yabout R d the 1 , M owith u n tinfo a i n graphics O n t a r i ocirculatnot stoppedCtalking incident. They are still trauma- ing online describing the distized by what happened, and are tress they can cause to various saying that they never want to animals and to people afflicted go to another fireworks display with PTSD. Nevertheless, fireagain. “Both of my older kids works displays are a long runsaid their ears were fuzzy and ning Canada Day tradition, ringing for a couple of days unlikely to come to an end after the incident,” Nerissa said. anytime soon. The safest way “Our son was absolutely terri- to enjoy a fireworks display fied, I’ve never heard him have is to watch a show put on by such a blood curdling scream professionals, such as a local before. It was horrifying.” fire department. However, Her daughter has bruises from anyone deciding to put on a where the fireworks hit her. One fireworks display of their own of the fireworks would have should be careful to read the went in her infant’s stroller if instructions on the fireworks she hadn’t pushed it forward at they purchase, to ensure they are enjoyed safely. More firethe last second.

To Nerissa’s knowledge, works safety tips can be found no arrests were made, but the at https://canadasafetycouncil. police did show up. From org/fireworks-safety-tips/. what the officer told her, those responsible for the incident will

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Bayfield Manor renovations almost complete

by Stephanie Seaver Renovations taking place at Bayfield Manor in Kemptville are close to being finished. VP of the Seniors' Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships, Beryl Collingwood, says they are pleased with the progress on the project and are expecting to welcome residents to their new home this summer.

Southbridge Kemptville will be a three-storey, 160bed long-term care home with five resident home areas housing thirty two residents each.

The following health care services will be avail-

able in the new home: Professional health care staff 24/7 , ongoing health monitoring, medication administration, assistance with daily activities as required, fully qualified personal support workers and registered staff, medical care by physicians providing services in house, pharmacy services, palliative care, nutritious meals and snacks, including seasonal favourites, a variety of activities available daily, physiotherapy services, dietician services, assistance in securing dental and eyecare services in house as available, contracted diag-

"Bayfield Manor has been in the Kemptville community for a number of years. We have always found the community to be a very welcoming community to us and for the seniors who have chosen Kemptville as their home" says Beryl.

nostic supports available in-house (i.e. bloodwork services, access to x-rays/ ultrasound as available).

The main floor will host a large programming space for events and gatherings, a physiotherapy fitness room, wellness lounge, worship/ theatre, interactive games wall and more.

Each resident home area will have double accommodation suites and private resident suites, a spa room, activity room, computer lounge/library, resident family lounge, a large dining room and access for all residents to outdoor areas.

Kemptville Live Music Festival Draw Contest

The Marketing and Programming Committee of the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area (BIA) is excited to announce the launch of our Kemptville Live Music Festival Draw Contest which will result in one lucky winner receiving two VIP passes for the entire fourday festival. The contest will run until July 15 and people can get a ballot at participating businesses displaying the Festival Fan poster in their window.

“The contest is a great way of promoting the festival itself, but also to highlight some of the unique businesses in the downtown. It has been very difficult for our small business community over the last two years, and this is another opportunity for us to put our best foot forward to show people the resiliency of our downtown small businesses.

Overall, the big winner is still that very lucky person

Patrick Maloney Memorial Bursary awarded to local graduate

submitted by Anthony O'Sullivan The 2022 Patrick J. Maloney Memorial Bursary, offered by the local Knights of Columbus, was awarded to local North Grenville District High School graduJuly 14, 2022

ate and Holy Cross Church parishioner Alexander Gardiner. The $1000 bursary was open to graduates from the local French and English school boards. The award emphasized academic excellence and parish and community participation. Alex hopes to study and work in the software engineering and computer science field.

To that end, he completed a Specialist High School Major in Technology at North Grenville.

Given that Pat Maloney was an avid musician, he would have been pleased to note Alex’s participation in the after school African Drumming course, where

they performed musical pieces from Africa and won a gold award in the MusicFest Canada Nationals in 2019. We wish Alex every blessing in his future endeavours.

The bursary was presented to Alex at Holy Cross Church after Sunday Mass.

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ngtimes.ca

7

who gets their ballot drawn for the two VIP passes, but we feel that this contest is a win/ win for the businesses too.” – Shelley Mitchell – Chair of the Marketing and Programming Committee.

The Kemptville Live Music Festival is one of the premier summer attractions in Eastern Ontario. This year’s edition of the festival runs from Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24 and will feature an all-Canadian lineup of musical talent from a number of different genres including rock, blues, country and folk. This year’s festival

is back after a two-year hiatus and people seem as excited as ever to attend. At almost 25,000 visitors for 2019, organizers are hoping for another recordsetting crowd this time around as the event’s reputation grows across North America.

To learn more about ticket availability, pricing, artist lineup and facilities for The Kemptville Live Music Festival, visit their website at www.kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com.

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BIG Thank you to all who made Buskerfest an outstanding success

613.258.2782

146 Prescott St. Kemptville

@bubbaandbugscoffee

Heritage wood-fired brick oven operating since 1885 115 Clotheir St., E., Kemptville 613.258.2317 www.grahamesbakery.com

On behalf of the Kemptville Buskerfest Organizing Committee and the Old Town Kemptville BIA, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who was involved in making the 2022 Kemptville Buskerfest Presented By Urbandale Construction such an overwhelming success.

Through the financial and in-kind contributions of our major sponsors and partners such as: the Municipality of North Grenville, Urbandale Construction, Valley Eats, Xplornet, Coba Studios, Livestream Junkies, Stevens Creek Shutter Co., Jamming Around Man Productions, the North Grenville Times, the North Grenville Curling Club and others, we had the resources needed to put on a community event that attracted thousands to Downtown Kemptville.

Free community events like this are only possible through the efforts of volunteers who perform a wide variety of essential tasks, from web design to answering visitor questions to garbage pickup to the actual organizing and planning of the event. We feel blessed to have such an amazing group of event-day volunteers who did everything possible to provide the best possible experience for all visitors to Downtown Kemptville. Thanks Buske-teers!

“We truly wish that we could thank everyone individually for their contribution to Buskerfest, but that would be a full-time job in itself. Literally thousands of hours of volunteer work went into organizing and hosting Buskerfest.

Our team took time off from work, sacrificed time with family and friends, and on many nights stayed up to the wee hours to put on the best event that we possibly could; and based on the feedback we’ve received, we feel we succeeded. We’re hoping that other passionate community builders will join us for next year so we can make the 2023 Buskerfest even better!” Sierra Jones-Martel – Chair of the Kemptville Buskerfest Organizing Committee.

The members of the Kemptville Buskerfest Organizing Committee also deserve individual recognition for their considerable commitment and sacrifice in bringing Buskerfest from vision to reality. Thanks to Sierra JonesMartel, Meagan Cumming, Mary-Anne Leang, Amanda Leang, Herb Cloutier, Ashley Sloan, Megan McDonald and Deron Johnston. Though not an official member of the committee, Tammy Hurlbert was also a major contributor to Buskerfest.

The Kemptville Buskerfest is a free one-day community festival hosted in beautiful Downtown Kemptville amongst a diverse business community of personal service providers, foodservice businesses, boutique retail shops and more. This community event features local & professional street performers, unique vendors, delicious food options, family-friendly activities and much more.

Deron Johnston Executive Director Old Town Kemptville BIA bia@northgrenville.on.ca

the north grenville

TIMES MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

Tel: 613-258-0110 Nursery/Farm Equipment Operator •

Minimum two years experience operating farm equipment • Mechanical skills an asset • Seasonal fulltime April – November • Pay range $19.00-$22.00 per hour For more information inquire within and/or check out our website under careers for full job description

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Minimum two years experience operating farm equipment • Must have pesticide license • Seasonal fulltime April – November • Pay range $22.00 - $25.00 per hour For more information inquire within and/or check out our website under careers for full job description

*Please e-mail resume to: admin@fergusontreenursery.ca* July 14, 2022

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CROSSWORD

Classifieds eds Classifi FOR SALE

Floating dock on the Rideau. 60' (3 sections and walkout) Best offer 613-258-8000 Danby Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU. Asking $250.00. Call 613-2582753 Walker with seat; electric active cycle, manual exercise cycle. Call 613-5678533 Wheelchair, Fuse 5.0 with accessories; Shower chair with coasters & commode. $375 each. Call 613-567- 8533.

Old horse machinery for lawn ornament or for use. No 1 horse hay. Call Jim 613-258-3561

Travel trailer Jaco, 5th wheel, fully loaded, 28ft long, perfect condition.

Must sell. Call Jim 613258-35612 No. 6/4 wire cabtire 18 meters; No, 6/4 wire liquidtight 15 meters; $175.00 each or both for $300.00. Bill 613-8501584 1992 Ford Econoline E150 Palm Spring's edition. B.C. vehicle, no rust, 396000 kms. 5.7 litre engine, tested and certified $2500. Phone: 613-7910204

Hearing aid with charger, hardly used. Call 613-5678533 Hospital Bed, full electric with 7" gravity mattress and half rails, asking $800.00. contact Kim 613852-7031 Hardwood firewood for sale $110/face cord. Minimum 3 cords for delivery.

Jon 613-227-3650..

Small square and large round hay bales for sale.

Jon 613-227-3650 Cedar posts and rails for sale, various sizes available. Call Jon 613-2273650

WANTED Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204

HELP WANTED GENERAL LABOURER NEEDED for construction company to start immediately. $18-$22/hr depending on experience . Harvey (613)227-8850

GARAGE SALE 15 CAMBRIDGE CRT. KEMPTVILLE. JULY 16TH.

WANT3D

The Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary Charity is seeking 250ml jars (new or used) for 2022 jam/ jelly sales.

Drop off at 529 George St. E or call Billy at 613-796-0941

ACROSS 1. Pinnacle 5. Finger jewelry 9. Dugout shelter 13. Tibia 14. Agitated 16. Scheme 17. Bagpiper's wear 18. Force open 19. Stone 20. Divided 22. Small European grebes 24. Computer symbol 26. Old Persian coin 27. Unbeatable foe 30. Fire 33. Go too far 35. Coral reef 37. Animal doctor

SERVICES RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair.

Call George at 613 462 7637

HANDYMAN SERVICES Call Bill 613 774 2922

Hedge Trimming Small or Tall Call Rob 613-795-1845'

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

available on a monthly basis or occasionally Jackie 613-821-6161

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Part-time Dance Instructor with a sense of humour required for group of 30-60-something women wanting to dance away our "pandemic pounds". Please come and teach us some cool moves such as Modern, Jazz, London Soul, Hip-Hop, Disco, or Belly, We'll try anything. Contact ailto:brhallrental@ gmail.com

38. Not fresh 41. Modern 42. Bless with oil 45. Stripped 48. Remnants 51. Announce 52. Fastener 54. Blackball 55. False appearances (Br. sp.)

59. Alpha's opposite 62. Hubs 63. Muse of poetry 65. Hard punch 66. Deserve 67. Goat antelope 68. Distinctive flair 69. Any narcotic 70. Sort 71. Scarlets

DOWN 1. Inquires 2. A small fragment 3. 10 to the centimeter 4. Siren 5. British rule in India 6. Footnote note 7. Wanderer 8. It steers a rocket engine 9. Peach-like fruit 10. Alliance 11. Torture device 12. Writing fluids 15. Elastic fabric 21. Throw 23. Hello 25. Pesky insects 27. Exploded star 28. Occurrence 29. Band performance 31. Soft spot of a baby's head 32. Fugitive 34. Cushion 36. Prospector's find 39. Top 40. Nights before 43. Durable 44. Behold, in old Rome 46. Reflected sound 47. Light sleep 49. Sea eagles 50. Clandestine 53. Fatigued 55. Implored 56. Big laugh 57. Beige 58. Cease 60. Incite 61. Barley beards 64. Be in debt

Easy

Marketing Consultant

Medium

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MILTONS ESTATES LAW Wills - Probate - Estates Estate Litigation As heard on CFRA Experts on Call www.ontario-probate.ca

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

VA L L E Y A I R WAY MECHANICAL • HVAC • CUSTOM SHEET METAL• VENTILATION Jack Lalonde, RSE, President, Operator Serving The Ottawa, Dundas and Cornwall Areas Residential, Commercial

Valleyairwaymechanical @gmail.com 613- 915- 5820 July 14, 2022

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International Plowing Match & Rural Expo Book your RV Spot Today & Save!

Stay in the official RV Park of the 2022 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM 2022)!

The RV Park is located on a rolling 120-acre site in Kemptville. Guests will have convenient access to all of the IPM activities. The site includes two daily admission passes and a shuttle to Tented City, nightly entertainment, on-site dump station and site pump outs are available at the camper's cost.

Be sure to book your site by July 20 to save! There are both serviced and unserviced sites available for visitors.

Serviced Sites (30' x 45') 30 amp: Weekly Rate of $550+hst if booked by July 20, 2022 and $600+hst if booked after July 20.

Unserviced Sites (30' x 45'): Weekly Rate of $500+hst if booked by July 20, 2022 and $550+hst if booked after July 20.

Unserviced Sites (30' x 45'): Daily Rate of $150+hst per day.

If you are interested in booking a spot in the RV Park or are looking for more information, it can be found here: https://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2022/visitor-info/rv-park For more information on the 2022 IPM, visit https:// www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2022/

Tid Bit Musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW Summer time appears to be the time of musing. As an older adult, you reflect on how you spent your youth as a child and where you dilly-dallied!. Younger children probably only have a tid bit of reflection. Certainly the hazy, hot days can lend to musing about the future opportunities and endeavors, or just plain wishing.

No-one can hold a candle to the person up in the hay mow stacking hay! Certainly if you are asthmatic that is not the place for you. Nor is fresh sileage silos! Fatalities have unfortunately occurred. Then there are the bee stings that prove to be very toxic to some and just a mere ouch to others. Did you know honey bee and bumble bee have the same venom, and you can react up to a month after a sting.

Now is the time to check the expiration date of your epipen!.

Poison ivy seems to love you or hate you and is destined to cause many to go on prednisone to clear up the rash after other measures have been tried, including the plantain plant compress, calamine lotion and so on. There are many memories around fishing, playing in the local quarry, spring fed stream, even catching frogs. The evening was filled by trying to catch the firefly, or even the bats coming out for their feeding time. Scary was the threat of thunderstorms, as so many of the older folks can tell you of houses/barns struck by lightening, or the lightening coming in through the phone and bouncing off the stove. People and animals have died as a result of being hit. Do you recall staying over at relatives?

What are your memories-good or bad? Can we replicate some of the good for the youth today or even for ourselves.

We can still stargaze, picnic, have a huge multi-flavored ice cream cone, enjoy the outdoors, knowing that whatever we choose, it will make today and tomorrow better for you!

Imagination is a great tool. Use it!

Smirlholm Farms fundraising event will 2nd Merrickville pack loads of family fun Festival of the Arts

by Brandon Mayer “Soak up the sunflowers and ‘bee’ amazed” at Smirlholm Farms this summer. That is the slogan the local farm is using to promote their fundraising event for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. The fundraising event will take place from July 29 until August 7, with daily opening hours of 10 am until 8 pm.

The fundraising event is sure to pack loads of family fun. It will feature educational displays on bee keeping and wildflowers, horse drawn wagon rides provided by Navandale Farms, a wildflower plot, a beehive set up for observation, tractor rides, and more. Smirlholm Farms honey will also be available for purchase on site.

This type of event is new for Glenn Smirle of Smirlholm Farms. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” he said. “I’m very nervous about the whole thing, and I really hope it goes well. If I don’t get 1000 people here over the 10 days I’m running the event, I’m going to lose July 14, 2022

money.”

As nervous as Glenn may be, he has great motives for running the fundraiser for the hospital.

“It’s as simple as wanting to give back to the community,” he told the Times.

“I’ve lived here all my life and I thought the hospital was a good place to try and give back to.”

Those wishing to attend the event at Smirlholm Farms – located at 65 Main Street in Morewood – can purchase tickets online for $8, or at the door for $10.

For online ticket sales, visit http://www.smirlholmfarmshoney.ca/. “When that opens it shows poster, below poster it says ticket details, click on that and it says buy tickets, and when you click on that you can buy tickets,” said Glenn. For more information, contact Glenn at 613371-0962.

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ngtimes.ca

submitted by Nick Previsich The Merrickville Organization for Culture & the Arts (MOCA), the Merrickville Artists’ Guild (MAG) and Theatre Night in Merrickville (TNIM) are pleased to be collaborating once again on the production of the 2nd Merrickville Festival of the Arts to be held in the Blockhouse Park on the banks of the Rideau Canal, July 23 - 24, 2022 from 10 am to 6 pm, and there is no admission fee - families are welcome ! There will be a delightful array of one-act plays, local musicians, thought-provoking poetry and original art on display. This year, we are pleased to have the participation of local authors, and there will be a community painting mural for you to express yourself artfully. Our famous Town Hall Crier will be in his splendid attire informing visitors on the timing and location of events. Special thanks to the Merrickville-Wolford Council and the Merrickville Lions Club for their financial support. Updates and the full Program will be posted regularly at: https://www.facebook. com/MerrickvilleArtistsGuild.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series

Jennifer King with Susanna Doherty, July 24.

Pianist, Singer, and Songwriter Jennifer King is the recipient of numerous music awards and scholarships and is one of Ottawa’s most versatile musicians. Starting with Brahms, Liszt, and Gershwin, Jennifer will treat us to originals and Art Songs in the languages of love before Mezzo-Soprano Susanna Doherty joins in. Hold onto your heartstrings as King and Doherty whirl from Poulenc's Hotel to Offenbach and back again! This free concert will take place July 24, 2 pm at the North Grenville Public Library.

Listen to Jennifer play the Rachmaninoff Prelude in E flat major, Opus 23 no. 6 here: https://youtu.be/ dx-NESn7-rc, and an excerpt of the Soprano-Alto duet Aria from Bach’s Cantata BWV 78 here: https://youtu. be/1sEeHkaqpnk.

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The Voice of North Grenville Letters cont'd from page 4 Dear Editor, I see that Mr. Van Dam's that is solely because Mr. Singh response to my recent Op-Ed failed in getting some NDP on Proportional Representation, (PR), fails, again, to see the big picture, or to understand the inherent fairness in the PR system.

He sees that the Greens support of PR as a power grab.

That's because the system that he supports, first past the post, is skewed towards the Conservative and Liberal Parties.

Pardon me for suggesting that isn't a very fair system. (Except in the eyes on Conservatives or Liberals, of course). Even with PR, Greens would have only received 8 seats from the last election, still 4 seats short of giving us Party status at Queens Park, and scarcely a "power grab". Besides, we are not the only Party that believes in PR. So do the NDP. The current neoliberal system that we have fails to see our planet's riches as something other than something to exploit, fails to think about what we are leaving for future generations, and denies climate change because it means that, to tackle it, some of us would be obliged to do something outside of our comfort zone.

Greens don't do business as usual. Greens want to implement a system where nobody is left behind, where we care about proper funding of social programs, including education and health care, where we care about climate change, care about our natural environment, care about reconciliation with First Nations, care about fair taxation.

Mr. Van Dam lists all the countries that have had a problem with PR. A closer inspection shows that they also include countries that are already polarised by religious beliefs, or have so many parties running in their elections that the system becomes unwieldy. Of the latter, all that you need to do to eliminate fringe Parties is to set the percentage vote at, say, 3% of the electorate, for your Party to be able to be considered a part of government.

Sure, Parties are going to have to talk to each other.

Why is that a problem? Are we getting so idealistic that we cannot see that others might actually have a better idea?

From what I see from Mr. Van Dam's Conservative Party, you could be forgiven for answering in the affirmative.

Anyway, what does Mr. Van Dam think that we have now, here in our very own Federal Government? Looks very much like a coalition to me, something he obviously abhors.

The NDP is supporting Liberal policies in order to keep the Trudeau government in place for another couple of years. I didn't see much evidence of the instability that Mr. Van Dam's referred to.

To many, it looks like we are still getting the same Liberal government we had before, but

policies incorporated as a part of his agreement with Trudeau.

So, pardon Greens for wanting a fairer system where every vote counts, and a system that truly reflects the desires and wishes of those who actually vote. PR would also likely tempt more people into the polling booth, because now they would know that their vote will count. It has nothing to do with a "power grab", and everything to do with a fairer system of governance.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

Dear Editor,

In response to your July 7, 2022 Op Ed 'The need for grace', you make a claim on behalf of "all Christian churches who follow the Bible" which you clearly have no authority to make. Obviously you lack an understanding of the vast range of Christian churches who, to use your awkward phrase 'follow the Bible,' most certainly do not agree with the Southgate Community Church position as stated in 'A Wesleyan View of Homosexuality' (/www.wesleyan.org/a-wesleyan-view-ofhomosexuality-235).

I am Proud to serve in one denomination that, while it still has far to go with respect to full inclusion of LGBTQIS2 people in too many places and ways, has made great strides in understanding that a thoughtful, prayerful, well researched, faithful 'following of the Bible' does not mean equating homosexuality (or any other sex/gender variation from the narrow binary) with sin. 'Following the Bible' is not simply a matter of reading sometimes inaccurate translations of words and passages without regard to their many contexts, nor does it allow us to choose to be literal in some instances, as seems to be the case in this instance, while choosing quite the opposite in so many other cases.

Your statement that "every individual is a sinner," does not lessen the pain you have, no doubt, inflicted by your previous argument.

Make your claim that grace is needed in this situation. Fine.

But please do not make claims that are not only untrue, but damaging to the reputation of many inclusive Christian churches, and most tragically, extremely hurtful to people who have already been hurt far too much by churches.

Peace, Nancy MacLeod

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No Guff – Swearing Eases Pain Baldwin's Birds Seguin, Maurice Richard Noel A taboo forbids a practice that is deemed unacceptable.

Swearing, especially in polite company, is an example.

But here’s good news for the foul-mouthed. Swearing can have surprising benefits – including a remarkable effect in reducing pain!

Dr. Emma Byrne knows a lot about letting the filth fly. She published “Swearing is Good for You”, a book presenting research that may change the way you behave when you next stub your toe.

For the well-mannered, silent fortitude is the response when something hurts. Studies show, however, swearing like a sailor can ease the pain.

One study by psychologist Richard Stephens compared the pain tolerance of people holding their hands in ice-cold water. As compared to yelling a neutral word, they endured the freezing temperature for longer and perceived less pain when they let the cuss words rip.

There’s also evidence swearing can increase productivity in the workplace by building stronger teams.

“From the factory floor to the operating room,” Byrne writes, “scientists have shown that teams who share a vulgar lexicon tend to work more effectively together, feel closer, and be more productive than those who don’t.”

Swearing is more about emotions than the use of language. This helps explain why even very young children love to repeat “bad words”, even before they can put sentences together.

Toddlers enjoy the potty-mouthed taboo of bathroom humour because they get an emotional rise, not because they want to wax eloquent about the association between “poop” and “your face”.

Women get the short end of the straw when dishing out profanities. Byrne cautions women who may wish to try their chances with a flourish of foul-mouthed obscenities.

“If it backfires, it’s not just a judgment about a poor choice of tone, it’s still seen as being a reflection on your character in a way that it isn’t for male speakers,” she says.

Other researchers have studied the connection between swearing and honesty. In fact, there are many studies demonstrating that people who swear tell fewer lies and are less deceptive.

One study concluded that “people regard profanity more as a tool for the expression of their genuine emotions rather than being antisocial and harmful.”

Another study found that people who use more profanity were more honest in posts on Facebook about their personal status.

Research has shown that people who swear with flair are deemed to be more persuasive in delivering arguments.

Interestingly, it is more effective to swear in your mother tongue. This is presumably because profanity is often socially constructed. It’s best not to swear in a foreign language unless you know the culture inside out.

Language fluency does seem to have an important role in one’s ability to produce variation in profanity.

Dr. Timothy Jay, a psychology professor, conducted an experiment in which people were asked to generate a list of as many words beginning with a certain letter of the alphabet as possible in one minute. Afterwards, the same people were given a minute to list as many swear words as possible. Those who did better in thinking of words in general were also better able to list obscenities.

“People who are good at producing language are good at producing swear words,” Jay explains. “It’s not because they don’t have language — it’s because they have a whole toolbox full of words.”

Here’s something simple to try. The next time the lid on a jar of pickles presents too great a challenge, give that lid a twist and some foul language too. Studies have shown people can perform stronger physical feats when they swear out loud.

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Colorful Finches On a beautiful sunny morning, what better time to see all the wonderful color that abounds, both in the garden, from the flowers, and in the plumage of our avian friends.

The brilliant blue of the Bluebirds and Bluejays, the iridescent colors of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Grackles, Starlings, and male Cowbirds, as well as the reds of the Cardinals and the waterbathing Robins. Also included amongst the reds is the strikingly colored male House Finch, who, when feeding alongside a North American Goldfinch with its superb black and bright yellow feathers, creates a truly spectacular picture.

The latter birds make a very stunning sight when they settle on to a lovely green pine tree which then provides a marvelous green "backdrop" to emphasize the yellows more vividly!

Our elusive Baltimore Oriole, with its bright orange plumage, is still visiting us and just lands tantalizingly enough for me to grab my camera, but not long enough for me to

get a good picture of it! Of course there are many other colorful birds to be seen that I haven't mentioned, and I bet that you can name some more; and, if not, you have got a very revealing colorful treat to come, should you so desire. They are there to be seen and enjoyed, if you look carefully, so hopefully, you will go out and do just that. Remember though, that whatever you do, please stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Dad passed away peacefully April 10, 2020 in the Kemptville District Hospital with his loving wife Joyce (Prodonick) for 61 years, at his side.

Joyce and family invite family and friends to a Memorial Mass and Reception for Maurice at Holy Cross Church, 503 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on Saturday July 23, 2022 at 1 pm. Donations may be made to Kemptville District Hospital Auxillary, Arthritis Society or a charity of choice.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435

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CO2 Down to Earth 17

Field of Wildflowers.

Natural Succession (1)

by Philip Fry

One of the main differences between colonial and habitat gardening is the approach taken to the ecological process of natural succession, the complex sequence through which plant and animal populations replace each other on a given site.

With geographic and climatic conditions remaining more or less stable, the process of succession is initiated following a serious disturbance to a site and works towards a state of relatively self-sustaining equilibrium. Succession is about what happens in a given place over a period of time; the location, size, neighbourhood, and the living conditions on the site all have an impact on the process of habitat transformation.

The nature of the disturbance at the origin of a succession sequence has an influence on the process. Disturbances are of many kinds – lightning striking in a climax forest, a bulldozer "improving" drainage along a stream, a beaver dam which floods a valley, clear-cutting followed by burning, repeated over-grazing of livestock, preparing the infrastructure for a housing development.

In general, though, two

main types of can be distinguished: primary, in which the disturbance is so thorough (such as clearing a forest area and grading the resultant field) that little of the site's past remains; and secondary, in which the disturbance, even though it might be severe, does not completely "wipe out" the past of the site. In this type of site, regeneration frequently takes place at the same time that "colonizing" species appear with or without human help.

What distinguishes the main European garden traditions (the source of our colonial gardens) from habitat gardens is the degree and manner in which natural succession is espoused as a gardening principle. The European approach tends to exclude succession to impose a preconceived mental and aesthetic order on the site, and often treats soil and plants as mere materials in the attainment of that goal. The extreme example of this tendency is the French formal garden as seen in the work of Le Notre. In contrast to this, habitat gardening is a constantly renewed attempt to understand the processes of succession taking place on a site and to collaborate as best possible with what is happening. Lawns and golf courses,

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for example, are historical relicts of European landscaping traditions that, while trying to be immutable in their perfection, have a negative effect on biodiversity; a butterfly meadow is in constant change and promotes biodiversity. The practical and aesthetic goal of habitat gardening (and its larger scale version, landscape restoration,) is not to create a particular "look" or "style" reminiscent of a lost past, but to ensure the over-all ecological health of a site. Instead of trying to fashion a beautiful thing, habitat gardening attempts to set up natural processes so that, as a correlative of ecological health, beauty just happens.

The difference between European garden traditions and habitat gardening is about general outlooks and degrees of application. In this sense, the principles of habitat gardening are far from new. In the 1730's, the poet Alexander Pope wrote the following lines in his "Epistle IV, to Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington (I edit for brevity): To build, to plant, whatever you intend, To rear the column, or the arch to bend, To swell the terrace, or sink the grot; In all, let nature never be forgot… …Consult the genius of the place in all; That tells the waters or to rise, or fall; Or helps the ambitious hill the heav'ns to scale, Or scoops in circling theatres the vale; Calls in the country, catches op'ning glades, Joins willing woods, and varies shades from shades; Now breaks, or now directs, th' intending lines; Paints as you plant, and, as you work, designs… …Spontaneous beauties all around advance, Start ev'n from difficulty, strike from chance; Nature shall join you; time shall make it grow A work to wonder at - perhaps a Stowe.

To overcome the effects of climate change and loss of biodiversity, "consulting the genius of the place" would seem to be a wise beginning.

In my next column, I will discuss various applications of the principle of succession in gardening. If you wish, contact me at wildflowerguy@gmail. com. .

12

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Pork is still a great bargain these days, particularly cuts of meat that are not prime.

Such are the end pieces of pork chops, which have a tendency to be fatty, grisly and bony. So, the idea is to process the meat so that it is tender, tasty and still a great bargain.

Try this Garlic Pork and Sweet Onion recipe and see if you like it for an everyday meal that is quick, easy to make and highly satisfying. Please note that for vegans, you might substitute Tofu for the pork, as long as you don't have a soy-bean allergy. And for those who can't eat pork, stewing beef will also work.

Garlic Pork and Sweet Onion

Ingredients ·2-3 pounds of end of cut pork chops (adjust to the number of eaters at your table) ·2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted) ·2 tablespoons of granulated sugar ·1 teaspoon curry powder ·1 teaspoon black pepper ·¼ cup of all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour ·6 cloves of garlic or the equivalent in crushed garlic (be generous; it's a garlic dish…) ·3 large onions (Vidalia are nice); sliced finely ·¼ cup chopped fresh parsley ·4 cups of cooked Basmati rice Preparation ·Cut your pork into small chunks i.e., ½ inch 1 inch and coat with flour. ·Remove all fat, tendons and bone and set to boil in a saucepan in a cup of water. ·In another saucepan, melt the butter and add the garlic; bring to medium-high heat. ·Once the garlic is sweated, slowly add the chunks of meat and brown on all sides. ·Once brown, add pepper and the boiled down water from your off cuts; simmer for 30 minutes. ·While the meat is simmering, sauté the onions until they are sweated. ·Sprinkle the sugar over the onions while stirring and add the curry powder; let brown. ·Check your meat and thicken the liquid, if necessary with the left-over flour. ·Taste and add additional spices as you think is necessary.

To serve, place a bed of Basmati rice on a plate (it's nice to heat the plates a tad before serving). Then, on half the rice, place a helping of the garlic pork (or your alternative protein) and on the other half, add a serving of onions. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

If you are looking for a complementary vegetable, try asparagus spears with a butter or cheese dipping sauce. The garlic and onions each have a distinctive and hearty flavour so I would recommend a Chardonnay or even an amber beer to wash things down.

Have a great summer! Best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

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