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The Secretariat for the North Grenville Community Forum (NGCF) recently met to discuss its ongoing mission of building a healthy, inclusive, and vibrant community through collaboration between local groups and individuals. At the meeting, the Forum Secretariat proposed a series of ambitious activities and confirmed plans to invite two significant guest speakers for upcoming sessions this fall.
The NGCF, supported by a secretariat consisting of community leaders from groups such as the House of Lazarus, NG Times and Kemptville Campus, continues to serve as a platform for sharing information and tackling shared challenges within the municipality. During the latest meeting, the secretariat introduced a series of forward-looking initiatives and confirmed plans to invite prominent
guest speakers for future Forum sessions.
Planned Fall Guest Speakers and Focus:
John D. V. Hoyles, Executive Director, Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario (CNEO) – Mr. Hoyles will introduce the 211 services, a region-wide helpline and online database connecting residents to social, health, and community resources. He will detail how Kemptville’s public information and referral services can be better integrated with the 211 Eastern Ontario system, improving local access to vital support. John’s presentation will also explore ways for community organizations and public services in Kemptville to be effectively promoted through CNEO’s widely used database and website.
Larry Harper, Governor, Central Ontario District Optimist Club – Mr. Harper, a recognized leader among Optimists Clubs in
Central Ontario will speak about the potential to establish an Optimist Club in Kemptville. He will share examples of successful community engagement, youth programs, and volunteer development from existing clubs, and open the conversation about building a similar initiative locally. Optimist Clubs are known for promoting youth empowerment and community well-being through service and outreach.
Update on Food Insecurity Initiative by Cathy Ashby, CEO House of Lazarus –Ms. Ashby will provide and update on progress made by a sub-committee of NGCF members dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The sub-committee’s focus is on connecting community members with resources and developing new strategies to improve local access to nutritious food for those in need. This initiative underscores House of Lazarus and NGCF’s commitment
to practical, collaborative solutions for residents experiencing food insecurity and highlights new community partnerships being explored.
These proposed activities and guest speakers reflect the NGCF’s priority to address local needs through collaboration, resource integration, and innovative partnerships. By bringing together expertise from regional service navigation (CNEO), youth engagement (Optimist Club), and food insecurity (House of Lazurus), the Forum aims to ensure that North Grenville continues to be an inclusive, resilient, and supportive community. Forum organizers encourage local groups and residents to participate in upcoming meetings and initiatives.
Details and schedule will be announced in the near future.
by Lisa Poushinsky
Don’t be fooled by his deep inviting voice and barroom philosopher attitude – Wax Mannequin (AKA Chris Adeney), born in the artistic underbelly of Hamilton, always has something catchy, thought provoking, and weirdly relevant to say. His songs can be, by turns, dark and thoughtful or pounding and ridiculous, yet they always bear the stamp of careful craftsmanship. His latest album The Red Brain, a reference to neurodiversity, begins with “The Obelisk”. In its choruses, the song travels to a far-distant future, highlighting Wax Mannequin’s fantastical, sci-fi world building. And then there’s ”Wrong About You”, inspired by Adeney’s experiences as a student and elementary school teacher.
Wax Mannequin has toured his unique brand of absurdist folk pop across the country, Europe, and
elsewhere for decades, surprising the love out of audiences wherever he goes, and has developed something of a cult following.
Come to his Street Piano solo guitar and voice performance and you may become a devotee too! Entertainment guaranteed. What? The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents Who? Wax Mannequin When? Saturday August 9, 1pm, rain or shine
Where? North Grenville Public Library terrace (indoors in case of inclement weather)
How much? Free! Want to support the music? The Kemptville Street Piano is a non-profit concert series that relies on grants, and we will gladly accept donations and discuss sponsorship opportunities (contact us at kemptville.street.piano@gmail.com).
Learn more about Wax Mannequin here: https://
waxmannequin.bandcamp. com/
This year the concert series takes place rain or shine on Saturday afternoons at 1pm from July 5th to the end of August on the North Grenville Public Library terrace. The library is wheelchair accessible, with air-conditioned bathrooms and free parking. Need special accommodations to enjoy the show? Contact Lisa Poushinsky at kemptville. street.piano@gmail.com. Dogs on leashes welcome! The series is graciously
funded by the Municipality of North Grenville and the Government of Canada. Check the Kemptville Street Piano Facebook page for regular updates on all things Street Piano, including concert details and access to the Street Piano calendar. www.facebook. com/KemptvilleStreetPiano @ExploreNorthGrenville #LoveNG #RediscoverOntario #Kemptville #NorthGrenville @oldtownkemptville
Join us for a fun-filled evening of music trivia at the Boathouse Café, 646 River Road. We’re bringing back the favourite categories from last time (3 second clips, dramatic lyric readings, and more) and we will, of course, still have the incomparable Herb Cloutier and Caitlin Thorne behind the mic!
Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing operations and programs at the Musical Instrument Lending Library (MILL) and enable us to continue to provide free access to musical instruments to residents of North Grenville, Merrickville Wolford, and Edwardsburgh Cardinal.
Advance tickets only. To ensure we have the right number of supplies, we will not be selling tickets at the door, $25 per person. Ticket sales will close 3:00pm, Wednesday, August 27.
Participants are encouraged to bring their friends in teams of up to six (6) people. Prizes will be available for the top scoring team, with additional smaller prizes throughout the evening. Snacks provided. Cash bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). Thank you to J.A.M. Productions and The Boathouse Café supporting this event.
6:45pm: Doors open, bar opens
7:00-7:15pm: Welcome & rules of play
7:45pm: End of first round
8:00pm: Second round begins
8:45pm: Final round begins
9:00pm: Final round ends
9:15pm: Trivia winner announced, prizes awarded In between rounds, we will have fun mini-games for prizes. For more information: www.ngpl.ca/MILL.
by Joan Beauregard
So, here we are at the end of July. Defying record-breaking heat and a few rain challenges, each week brings an enthusiastic turnout, enjoyable golf, and lots of fun and laughter.
July for RGLL brought the Dickenson Tray Tournament. Thankfully the weather finally provided reasonable temperatures and held off the rain till we finished. With a format calling on everyone's pitching skills to gain the most points, it was a grant competition.
What an amazing day for everyone! Leslie Cheal got a hole in one. First place for the tournament went to Janice Rennick, who credits her victory to strategy. Second-place, a déjà vu from last year, was decided by a 3-way chipoff among Leslie, Mary Whyte, and Sue Ouellette. Sue with her skillful chipping and proper footwear took second place.
Our end-of-month fun-day theme was CowGirls Country. In spite of mid-thirties temperatures, players showed up strutting their best Country regalia. Best costume winners were Janice, Cat, Libby, and Jenny. The day’s special chal-
lenge was driving with randomly selected clubs. We were all impressed at how far you can drive with a Wedge. Play was followed by a Countrythemed lunch, awards, and prizes.
A highlight was recognising Leslie Cheal for her hole-in-one Albatross on the par-4 eleventh hole, on July 17. Hers is the first name on our Lois Forbes Memorial Trophy, donated to the league at the end of June.
Recognition for their first birdie this season goes to Judy deGrosbois, Lorraine DeJong-Ellard, Tammy Godwin, Pat Kealey, Yvonne Lane, Penny
Laschinger, Heather Pitt, Janice Rennick, and Jenny Thibert. For their first time breaking 100: Cheryl Banks, Laurie Howard, and Tanya Peters. For her first time breaking 70: Leslie Cheal.
Lots of action still to come this season. In August, in addition to regular play is the Lowball-Aggregate Depencier Tournament, as well as the qualifiers for our team in the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Senior Women’s Intersectionals.
Rideau Glen is the Host club, competing against Casselview, Roanoke, and Whitetail.
by David Shanahan
I’m thinking of a few lines from Yeats’ “The Circus Animals’ Desertion”: I sought a theme and sought for it in vain, I sought it daily for six weeks or so. Reminds me of the Editor’s job, having to find a theme. Of course, Yeats had the luxury of taking six weeks to find his theme: editors have to find one every six days! This explains why those lines keep coming to mind: what’s the theme for this week, as distinct from the other 50 weeks of the year when an Editorial is demanded by Production?
To be honest, I like finding those wonderful people who submit great articles that can be published as Guest Editorials. Wonderful people! In a pinch, I have sometimes republished editorials from years before, an advantage that comes from doing this paper for so long. But those reprints have to have some relevance to current situations (that’s my excuse).
Why is this my theme this week? It’s not because I couldn’t think of anything else, honestly. But I am very aware that this is a community newspaper, a forum for residents, friends and neighbours, to keep in touch with each other and with what’s going on in North Grenville and beyond. And as the municipality grows in population and density, it becomes more and more important that there is some form of communication between us in order to maintain some sense that we’re all part of the one place, citizens, and not simply residents.
And that’s one role of the community newspaper, a part of society that is not as common as it once was, as more and more local publications are closing down or being taken over by large corporations who see newspapers as vehicles for generating revenue. Not that there’s anything wrong with revenue! The Times depends on our advertisers for getting out the paper
every week. In fact, it’s the level of advertising that dictates how many pages we get to print each issue. That is the basic fact of life for community newspapers.
Another aspect of the Times, and papers like it, is that it covers a multitude of topics and interests. North Grenville is an increasingly diverse community, and not everyone finds the same articles or op-eds relevant to where they’re at. So, some, I think most, readers can read the paper coverto-cover, while others will skip the articles that are of little or no interest to them. Others just don’t read it at all, for some unfathomable reason!
If you don’t like what one article or column says, you can skip it, or, better still, write a Letter to the Editor complaining about it and demanding that we stop printing things that are of no interest to you. Then we can print your letter and fill up more space: an excellent solution! But there is one thing I have learned in pub-
lishing the North Grenville Times, and it’s monthly predecessor, over the past twenty years (only one?): the people of this community, urban and rural, have a real commitment to their friends and neighbours, even if they can’t always get personally involved in events and controversies that take place here.
Local history is popular, especially when people don’t expect to find it interesting. But it engages them to realise that we are all living on the foundations laid by previous residents, previous generations who lived here before us, who left a legacy of sorts, from buildings to service clubs, roads, bridges, political infrastructure, and events like Canada Day or the Santa Claus Parade. Of course, things change, and green fields get covered with houses and stores and roads and other things. But people from the 1890's or the 1920's would still recognise much of what is here today.
In 2007, a Time Cap-
sule was filled, in part, with photographs of streetscapes in Kemptville of that year. Clothier Street, Prescott Street, County Road 43 from the 416 to Somerville Road: all captured in 8x10 colour pictures. It was a time before Colonnade, eQuinelle, and so much more. It will make fascinating viewing when it’s opened in 2057. I wonder what the people of North Grenville will think of them. I wonder how much they will recognise of the place in which they will be living. Hopefully, CR 43 and the roundabouts will be finished by then.
How will they know about us? Through what we leave behind in terms of buildings, roads, etc., just like our predecessors did. And they’ll read the NG Times, on paper or online. And that’s where we all come in: what we write in articles, letters, reviews, columns, op-eds, or whatever, will tell them who we were, what we thought about things, how we car-
Greeting North Gremlins. As we continue in the 'Hot as Hades' days of summer, I have an observation about our situation here in 'Smallville' Ontario.
It is hard to pick up a newspaper these days and find anything newsrelated that doesn't give you an, 'Oh good grief!' type of response. So here's my attempt at some potentially positive non-pretentious possibilities (yep, that's alliteration alert #1)
Have you noticed the excellence of Dr. Shanahan's editorials and articles? As a writer and a teacher of writing for over 30+ years, I appreciate these things. It is a skill. It is a difficult one that improves with use. For those who don't agree with me, pick one of the good doctor's articles/editorials, and try to put his words into your words and do a better job of it...go ahead...I'll wait. Dr. Shanahan is a great contributor to the wellbeing of our community. Find someone who does more...go ahead, I'll wait.
There's another able and altruistic (#2) individual in our community who is very good at what he does: the fella behind 'Jammin' Around Man Productions'.
Herb Cloutier has been a fixture in this town for at least 60 years. At 6 foot and a lot of inches, he is quite an imposing fixture; but more than that, he is a 'giver'. He keeps coming up with ideas that will be benefit his community. It's an impressive list: Winter Carnival, Buskerfest, Canada Day, Meet Me On Main Street, The Music Lending Library, and the South Branch Serenade, to name a few. He believes that Kemptville should have a Fall Fair. He also thinks that parades to mark the Christmas season and Canada Day should be a yearly event. But, all of these events take time, effort and tons of volunteers. Where does he find the time? Recently, his efforts to organize Canada Day in North Grenville 2025 were impressive
and nearly endless. The musical lineup was incredible. The thousands who turned out for the day in Riverside Park were a testament to how much the community approved. He didn't wrap up his day until well after midnight. But most of his efforts were expended in the weeks and months leading up to July 1. It would not surprise me if there are some changes coming.
There are drawbacks to holding events of any size on municipal property: mountains of documentation and red tape that has to be completed in order to satisfy the never-ending legal/insurance requirements. For example, if you wanted to have a barbecue on the College campus, and you only wanted to cook
one hot dog, you would need, at the very least: a fire permit as well as an inspection from the local fire department, plus fire extinguishers, gray water stations, food in pections, and engineer's report on the structure of your wee BBQ , plus pages and pages more of endless requirements.
But, if we moved our operation across the street to the vacant lot where Bob's Big Scoop used to be, we'd need none of that. Why? It's private property. None of the mountains of mundane, mind-numbing municipal (#3) requirements would be necessary.
I am sure Her Worship has been made aware of this problem. I am also pretty sure she'd
ried on the life of this community of ours; a community that has been going on for a couple of centuries already. So, as the song says: “Say you, say me. Say it for always, that's the way it should be. Say you, say me. Say it together, naturally.”
like to snap her fingers and make it all go away. But...There surely must be a reasonable and happy middle point here. We are Canadians. Name a nation that is better at crafting clever compromises than we compassionate Canadians? (#4) Go ahead, I'll wait.
Peter Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills ON
Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735
Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca
Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735
Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics desinger 613-215-0735
Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca Contact 613-215-0735 ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca
Classifieds classifieds @ngtimes.ca
www.northgrenville.ca
Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is investigating an unusual number of cases of salmonella infection. As part of this investigation, we are requesting that members of the public who ate at the Rocky River Café on Wilson St in Perth Ont., on or around July 15, 2025, and have experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, contact SEHU.
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and infection of the digestive tract as well as more serious illness such as sepsis. Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 hours to 7 days, and usually 12 to 36 hours after exposure. Salmonella can be spread from person to person, most often from contaminated hands or objects. Infections can also be caused by food that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating at Rocky River Café on or around July 15, 2025, contact the SEHU by calling the toll free line at 1-800660-5853 ext.2222 or click on this link to provide information for our investigation. If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you seek medical attention by contacting your health care provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call Health Care Connect at 811 or visit www.virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888684-1999.
Although the initial exposure to salmonella is likely linked to contaminated food, there is risk that infection may continue because salmonella can be spread from person to person. Prevent person-to-person spread of salmonella by:
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing and eating meals.
If you are experiencing diarrhea and or vomiting, avoid preparing or serving food.
Do not attend work while ill with vomiting or diarrhea if you are a food handler, child care worker, or health care worker.
Children who are experiencing vomiting and or diarrhea should not attend daycare/summer camp/school until they are 48 hours symptom-free
As part of the investigation, SEHU has issued a closure order to the Rocky River Cafe under Section 13 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. We are working closely with the restaurant operators to ensure that any risk is eliminated, and the restaurant will remain closed until a full inspection determines the premises is safe to reopen.
Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and its regulations, health units are required to inspect food service premises. Health Units also respond to complaints from members of the public regarding food safety practices in food premises, as well as any other establishments that the Health Unit inspects.
Health Unit inspection reports are publicly reported, and can be found on the Health Unit’s website in the section entitled INSIGHT. SEHU remains committed to protecting the health of our community through rigorous inspection, enforcement, and education.
Please visit www.healthunit.org and click on the Salmonella Outbreak tab on the front page for more information or contact the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext.2222.
by Steve Gabell
"Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds", said Robert Oppenheimer in July, 1945, after the successful testing of the world's first nuclear weapon. A few weeks later, on August 6 and August 9, nuclear bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Tens of thousands of buildings destroyed in an instant, an estimated 150,000 to 250,000 dead by the end of 1945. On that day the world changed forever, the sheer power of nuclear weapons clear for all to see.
Eighty years on and the bombings on Japan remain the only use of
nuclear weapons in history. After WWII ended a number of countries developed nuclear weapons with arsenals that could destroy humanity many times over. There were some very close calls during the Cold War, and some courageous individuals showed extraordinary judgement in defying orders and preventing nuclear catastrophe.
The end of the Cold War reduced tensions around nuclear weapons and led to non-proliferation treaties to prevent the technology from spreading to countries which did not have it and to reduce the number of nuclear warheads. One
malign consequence of Trump's presidency is to bring the world closer to nuclear Armageddon. Nine countries are currently officially recognised as having nuclear weapons, but increased American isolationism has led to increased interest in developing nuclear arsenals by a number of countriessome in Europe which are threatened by Putin's expansionism, some in the Middle East which are threatened by Iran's nuclear program, as well as Japan and South Korea which are threatened by Kim's North Korea.
Some have proposed that Canada develop its own nuclear weapons
Five people face drug trafficking charges after the seizure of illegal drugs and vehicles in several communities along the St. Lawrence River. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) began an investigation this spring into the trafficking of cocaine to drug dealers in the region.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, members of the Community Street Crime Unit executed search warrants at locations on Prince Street in Prescott, County Road 26 in Augusta Township, Cartier Court in Brockville and a campsite on the Long Sault Parkway in Long Sault. Eleven people were initially taken into custody, but five were charged.
Community Street Crime Unit members were assisted by the OPP East Region Tactics and Rescue Unit, an OPP Canine Unit, members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, Forensic Identification Services, members of the Brockville Police Emergency Response Team, the Gananoque Police Services and officers from the Leeds, Grenville and SD&G OPP Detachments.
Investigators seized over 240 grams of suspected cocaine, more than a dozen hydromorphone pills and a quantity of ecstasy pills. They also seized items typically associated with drug trafficking, as well as approximately $30,000 in cash.
In addition to this, officers recovered a stolen 2022 dirt bike and seized two other vehicles. They also seized a bullet proof vest, a 22-calibre rifle, a variety of ammunition and a set of brass knuckles.
A male, age 28, of Prescott has been charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - two counts
Possession of Schedule 1 substance
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000
This accused has been remanded in custody with a bail hearing scheduled to continue before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on August 7, 2025.
A female, age 27, of Prescott has been charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of Schedule 1 Substance
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
This accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on August 29, 2025.
A male, age 31, of Prescott has been charged with:
Breach of order prohibiting keeping of animals
Breach of a probation order - two counts
This accused has been remanded in custody with a bail hearing scheduled to continue before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on August 6, 2025.
A male, age 27, of Augusta Township, has been charged with:
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Careless Storage of Firearm
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
This accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on August 29, 2025.
A male, age 28 of Brockville, has been charged with:
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - two counts
Possession of prohibited device or ammunition for a dangerous purpose
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
This accused has been remanded in custody with a bail hearing scheduled to continue before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on August 5, 2025.
program in response to Trump's threat to annex us. The more countries that have nuclear weapons, the larger the risks are that they will be used, either intentionally to advance military goals, or inadvertently as a result of catastrophic misjudgment.
There are currently around 12,000 nuclear warheads globally, many of which are at least 30 times more powerful than the ones used at Hiroshima and Nagasaki: instead of a city or part of it being destroyed by a single bomb, entire metropolitan areas could be wiped from the map.
Efforts are ongoing to prevent the use of nuclear weapons, to prevent new countries from acquiring nuclear weapons, and to reduce the number of nuclear warheads. The Non-Proliferation Treaty came into force in 1970, and the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty came into force in 2021, although only 73 countries have thus far ratified the treaty. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, with its instantly recognisable logo, is one of the most prominent NGOs campaigning for a world free of nuclear weapons.
by Katelyn Stojadinov, Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre
In this hot weather, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet parents to plan ahead and keep animals safe, whether you’re heading to the cottage, hosting a backyard barbecue, or hitting the road.
Hot temperatures and busy holiday activities can be overwhelming, or even dangerous, for our furry friends. As part of its annual No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA is urging everyone to take precautions and visit nohotpets.ca to pledge to keep animals safe in hot weather.
“Long weekends are a time to unwind, but we can’t forget about the needs of our animals,” says Katelyn Stojadinov, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “With a bit of planning, you can help your furry companions stay safe, cool and comfortable all weekend long.”
The Ontario SPCA shares its top tips for keeping pets safe:
Traveling – Never leave animals unattended in a vehicle, even for a quick stop. Cars can be-
come dangerously hot in minutes, even if they are parked in the shade with the windows down. Plan petfriendly stops if you must bring your animal, or leave them at home where they are safe and comfortable. Pet-friendly businesses can download a sign welcoming pets at nohotpets.ca
Camping – Keep your furry friends leashed at your campsite. Provide constant access to water and shade, and never leave your animal alone in a tent, camper, or vehicle.
Boating – Fit your animal with a lifejacket and ensure they stay hydrated and cool. Watch for signs of overheating, like excessive panting or drooling. If your boat doesn’t have a top or cabin where an animal can seek shade, leave them at home.
Backyard barbecues – Keep animals away from the grill and human food, especially foods that are toxic to animals, like onions, grapes, and alcohol. Set up a shady, quiet space for them to retreat from noise and crowds.
Cottage time – Ensure your furry family members have up-to-date ID tags or a microchip in case they wander off. Keep an eye on
The key to raising multiple children
by Hilary Thomson
There are a lot of things I have been struggling with in parenthood lately. Having two kids at home full time is BUSY to put it lightly. I find myself thinking about how people who have three, four, five or more kids at home do it. I do not understand how one person can have eyes on two or more roaming children while still keeping up with daily tasks around the house.
It’s impossible, at least for me.
Then today, as I was loading what felt like my millionth load of laundry
them around the water, and provide a cool, shaded area where they can relax.
Take the No Hot Pets pledge today at nohotpets. ca for a chance to win a YETI summer prize pack! You’ll also get access to hot weather safety resources, a downloadable toolkit, and tips to help spread the message in your community.
If you see an animal in distress, take action. Call the government’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In an emergency, call 911.
Let’s make this summer safe and enjoyable for everyone – including our furry family members.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. The Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Find closure information, newsletter, schedule, photos, live camera, and more on the County Road 43 Widening Project website.
into the washer, it struck me. The key is independence.
I remember reading an excerpt from Michelle Obama's book "Becoming" before I had my daughter. In it, she details how as soon as she started kindergarten, her mother handed her an alarm clock and told her it was her own responsibility to get herself out of bed and ready for school in the morning. "Yes," I thought to myself. "That is the kind of mom I want to be."
Then I had kids. It is so hard not to do everything for them. They
are so helpless at first and they grow so fast that it feels like they are walking, talking humans in the blink of an eye. As a mom, my instinct is to help them as much as possible. When my children are struggling with something, like buttoning their shirt or doing up a buckle, it is difficult for me not to jump in and save the day.
I probably did a bit too much of that for my daughter early on. I definitely had a hard time with her transitioning from baby into little girl. But then my son came along and I entered my frazzled-
mom-of-two era.
So, out of necessity, I started encouraging my daughter to do things on her own. That meant not having my eyes on her every second of the day. I let her get dressed by herself, get a snack, and play alone upstairs. I sent her off to preschool three mornings a week, which honestly felt a little like pushing a baby bird out of the nest and hoping it would fly. So now I am trying to find the balance between maintaining my important role as a caretaker and support for my still very young little girl, but also
letting her build her confidence by letting her do things on her own. That means sometimes leaving her downstairs alone while I am upstairs changing my son's diaper or doing laundry. Most of the time it goes great and I find her quietly reading a book or playing a game, but sometimes (like the other day) I come down to a giant pool of water on the kitchen floor.
She is only 4 after all. But even with the risk of a flood in my kitchen, I will continue to leave her on her own, for short periods of time. Because, hon-
estly, it is a necessity for me right now as I manage to keep two kids alive and the household somewhat afloat.
But also because I know it is giving her the skills she needs to eventually leave the nest and soar.
And in my opinion a bit (or a lot) of water on the floor is worth it.
Thursday, August 14
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Special Friends Feature
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Gates Closed
4:00 pm
Gates Open to Public
5:00 - 10:00 pm
Midway Open
6:00 - 10:00 pm
Trackside Beer Garden 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Derby Registration
7:00 pm
Ontario Demolition Derby 10:00 pm
Gates Close
Friday, August 15
8:00 - 11:00 am
Exhibits Entered at Exhibit Hall (Lila Fawcett Building) 10:00 am
Poultry Judging Begins 4:00 pm
Gate Open to Public
5:00 - 10:00 pm
Midway Open
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open (Lila Fawcett Building)
6:00 - 11:00 pm
Trackside Beer Garden
6:00 pm - 1:00 am
Beer Garden Open (Entertainment Tent) 5:30 pm
Truck Pull Registration 7:00 pm Truck Pull
9:00 - 10:30 pm
Epic Eagles – The Definitive Eagles Tribute (Entertainment Tent) (Age of Majority)
11:00 pm - 1:00 am
Braden Simon (Entertainment Tent) (Age of Majority)
11:30 pm
Gates close
Saturday, August 16
6:00 am
Exhibitor Gate Open
8:00 am
Gates Open to Public 9:00 am
Beginner Horse Show
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Grain Discovery Zone
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open (Lila Fawcett Buliding)
9:00 am
Children's Pet Show
(Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Face Painters (Children's Entertainment Tent) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Balloon Twisters (Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
MTK Racing (remote control racetrack) (Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Toddler Bouncy Castles (Beside Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:30 am
Saddle and Harness and Miniature Horse Show
10:00 am Baby Show (Agricultural Hall)
10:00 am
Pee Wee Dairy Showmanship 10:00 am
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation (Children's Entertainment Tent) 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Poultry Show Open 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Midway Open
11:00 am
Dundas County 4-H Dairy Achievement Day
11:00 am
Magic Show (Children's Entertainment Tent) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Touch a Truck / Show and Shine 12:00 pm
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation (Children's Entertainment Tent) 1:00 pm Magic Show 2:00 pm
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation (Children's Entertainment Tent) 4:00 - 8:30 pm Rodeo Bar Open 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Black Creek Rodeo presents the Kioti South Mountain Rodeo (Western Horse Ring) 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
Beer Garden Open (Entertainment Tent) 9:00 - 10:30 pm
Aaron Goodvin (Entertainment Tent) (Age of Majority) 11:00 pm - 1:00 am
Nayana (Entertainment Tent) (Age of Majority) 11:30 pm
Gates close
Sunday, August 17
6:00 am
Exhibitor Gate Open
8:00 am
Gates Open to Public
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open
(Lila Fawcett Building)
9:00 am
Tractor Pull Registration
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Grain Discovery Zone
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Face Painters
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Balloon Twisters (
Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Toddler Bouncy Castles
(Beside Children's Entertainment Tent)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
MKT Racing
(Remote control racetrack)
(Children's Entertainment Tent)
10:00 - 11:00 am
Ecumenical Church Service
(Agricultural Hall)
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Midway Open
10:00 am
Heavy Horse and Miniature Horse Shows
10:00 am
Tractor Pull
10:00 am
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation
(Children's Entertainment Tent)
10:00 am
Dundas County 4-H Beef Achievement Day
11:00 am
Magic Show
(Children's Entertainment Tent)
12:00 pm
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation
(Children's Entertainment Tent)
12:00 - 6:00 pm
Beer Garden Open (Entertainment Tent) 1:00 pm
Magic Show
(Children's Entertainment Tent) 1:00 pm
Beef Cattle Show
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Mark Mulligan
(Entertainment Tent)
(All Ages Welcome) 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Black Creek Rodeo Presents the Kioti South Mountain Rodeo (Western Horse Ring) 2:00 pm
Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation
Children's Entertainment Tent)
2:30 - 3:30 pm
SNOWBIRD
(Entertainment Tent)
(All Ages Welcome) 3:30 pm
Grand Prize Draw (Entertainment Tent) 3:30 pm
Gates close 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Alan Jackson Experience (Entertainment Tent) (All Ages Welcome) 6:00 pm Fair Closes
On-Site Live Estate Auction Sale
Saturday August 16th at 9:30AM
To be held on site at #5 Water Street in the Village of Oxford Mills ANTIQUES – COLLECTIBLES – STERLING SILVER – HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS – TOOLS – OUTDOOR ITEMS & MORE
Antique Furnishings: Outstanding Oak High Back Bed & Matching Box Dresser; Victorian High Back Bed & 2 Matching Dressers; Washstands; Bonnet Chest; Blanket Box Vanity; Oak Church Pew; Several Parlor Tables; Treadle Sewing Machine; Drop Leaf Duncan Phife Table; Drop Leaf Gate Leg Table; Gramophone; Corner Whatnot; Lrg. Oak Cupboard; Illuminated Glass Front China Cabinet; Plant Stand
Antiques & Collectibles: Sterling Silver Flatware Including: 12 Knives; 12 Full Size Forks; 12 Small Forks; 12 Soup Spoons; 12 Tea Spoons; 10 Smaller Spoons (70 Pcs Total); 3 Canada Post Signs Including 1 Porcelain, 2 Steel; Wooden Kitchenware Including Butter Bowl; Lamb Chocolate Mold; Barn Lanterns; Oil Lamps; Quilts; Wool Blankets; Wooden View Master; Crocs & Jugs; Wooden Skis; Cast Iron Floor Grates; Pure Spring Tin Sign; 8Gal & 30Gal Milk Cans; Wooden Barrel Churn; Cross Cut Saws; Yard Light & Bracket; Copper Jelly Pot; Insulators; Coal Skuttle; Grain Cradle; Cast Iron Implement Seat; Advertising Tins & Boxes; Cast Iron Kettle; Glass & Dinnerware; Pictures & Prints; Cheese & Butter Boxes; Sm. Cookstove; Lrg. Button Collection; Vintage Clothing & Hats; Child’s Rocker; 2 Good Wooden Wagon Wheels.
Misc. Items: 55” Flatscreen TV; Wringer Washer; 2 Refrigerators; 5 Deepfreezes; Upright Vacuum Cleaner; Christmas Décor; Ariens Rototiller; Johnsered Chainsaw; Homelite Chainsaw; Stihl SH56/86 Leaf blower; Stihl FS53 Weed Trimmer; Double Door Glass Front Drink Cooler; Litter Carrier Bucket, Car & Hanger; Many other articles too numerous to mention.
Owner & Auctioneer Not Responsible for Loss or Accident
Terms: Cash or Good Cheque With Proper I.D. No Buyer’s Premium Prop: To Settle the Estate of the late Joyce & Maurice Seguin Auction Conducted By: Peter Ross Auction Services Ltd. Ingleside, ON 613-537-8862 www.peterrossauction.ca
Lifelong resident and affectionately known as the “Mayor” of Bishops Mills, Mervin Thomas Robinson, at the age of 86 passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Mervin is survived by his wife, Joan, of 56 years, his children, Glenda (Chris) and Mark (Mairi), his 3 cherished grandchildren, Madeline, Ella and Gareth and his fur baby, Dexter. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Sandra Hutchins and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Mary Ella and Thomas Robinson, siblings, Willie, Florence and Evelyn (Acil) Millar, sister- in-law, Donna (Carl) McLellan and brother-in-law, Glen Hutchins. Mervin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbour and friend, always there to lend a hand or offer advice. He will be greatly missed by many. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff of the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bishops Mills Cemetery with a reception to follow at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bishops Oxford United Church would be greatly appreciated.
OFA encourages students to apply for bursary program:
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is proudly offering six post-secondary bursaries this year:
Three bursaries of $2,000 each to students in an undergraduate program
One $2,000 bursary to a person completing an apprenticeship
One $2,000 bursary for a person completing a postgraduate or leadership development program
New this year: a bursary for someone participating in a veterinary program
The bursary program is open to applicants who live in Ontario, are OFA members, or the child or employee of an OFA member. Applications are judged based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.
The deadline to apply is August 31, 2025. Application forms and information can be found at:
https://ofa.on.ca/community/bursary-program
Unwanted pesticide, old livestock/equine medication collection events coming to Ontario:
Farmers in Ontario will soon be able to safely dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock and equine medications through Cleanfarms’ free collection program, with the next round of collection events not coming until 2028.
Accepted materials at collection events include unwanted agricultural pesticides (with Pest Control Product number), commercial pest control products used on golf courses or industrial sites, and Livestock/equine medications (with DIN, serial, notification, or Pest Control Product number).
The program does NOT accept treated seed, domestic pesticides, other household waste, and more.
TIARA has been here for half a century! The Thousand Islands Alliance of River Advocates has evolved into a nimble organization. It pays attention to how local, provincial and federal governments protect or fail to protect the astonishing features and beauty of the great river’s unique ecosystem. They are hosting a festive celebration on August 9, open to interested members of the public.
TIARA supports other organizations along the river, including the cutting-edge research centre – the River Institute – located in Cornwall. One of TIARA’s current projects is seeking to have the mighty St. Lawrence, the Kaniatarowanenneh, “the majestic and magnificent river”, finally acquire its rightful place as one of Canada’s Heritage Rivers. The Mohawk people of Awkwesasne graciously support to this quest.
TIARA’s board is comprised of locals who are passionate about the St. Lawrence and they are always looking for new members. The public is invited to their 50th anniversary and AGM which will feature a performance by the Kemptville Male Choir. This renowned choir traces its roots to the early 2000s, to the former Osgoode Male Choir and Ottawa Valley Male Choir. Today the choir boasts approximately 20 members from across Eastern Ontario, singing everything from Broadway and folk tunes to sacred selections. Come one, come all!
AGM begins around 9:30 am on Saturday, August 9 at the Rockport Recreation Hall, 115 Escott Rd. (Rockport), ON.
Everyone is invited, including friends and guests.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided in the morning.
Don Ross from the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust will speak at 10:30 am. Members of the ‘Kemptville Male Choir’ will perform at 11:00 am.
The event will end with a light lunch and social around noon. Donations are welcome.
Collection events in this area this year run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, in Winchester at the AgriPartners Crop Centre Ltd., 667 St. Lawrence Street. SUPPORT THE NORTH GRENVILLE TIMES YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
office is located at 215 Sanders St, Suite 106,
. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9AM to 3PM. If you leave us a phone message or send us an email, we will call you back to process your order. 613-215-0735 or subscription@ngtimes.ca
by Jill Woodley
Seniors Community Services is actively seeking volunteer transportation drivers and Board of Directors members to support its growing programs that help older adults stay safe, independent, and connected to their community.
For many seniors in our area, a ride to a medical appointment or the grocery store isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline. Volunteer drivers play a critical role in helping clients
maintain their health and independence. Volunteers use their own vehicles, are offered flexibility and choice, and are joining a dynamic team that is the heart of SCS.
Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults, including improvement to physical and mental health, providing a sense of purpose, and introducing you to new friends and experiences. It is a win for the cli-
ent and win for SCS and a win for you!
“After retiring together, we talked about what we could do to support the community now that we had the time. I found Senior Community Services and knew we found a great fit for both of us. We support clients in ways that fit our individual skills and interests, as well as our shared views of community and dignity.” Volunteers Carol and Rick Murphy
In addition to driv-
ers, the organization is also looking for engaged, community-minded individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members help guide the organization’s mission, provide oversight, and support fundraising and outreach efforts. It’s an excellent opportunity for professionals or retirees who want to give back in a leadership role.
While volunteers are needed in several areas, these two positions are critical to ensuring Seniors Community Services can meet the growing needs of the aging population in our region.
Give your time. Share your skills. Be a part in a vibrant and healthy community.
If you're interested in becoming a driver or a board member, please contact Seniors Community Services at 613.258.3203 or email jill.woodley@seniorsc.ca.
7am
Fireman’s
8am
10 am – 4pm
• Vendor Market
• Classic Car Show
• Lego Car Races
• Mario Cart
• Beer Gardens
10 am – 4pm
Saturday August 9th, 2025
Saturday August 9th, 2025
Tribeck Bouncy Castles
Dreaming hearts Arts
The Wild Rooster Facepainting
10 -10:45
Mini Maestros 11 – 11:45
Hey Buster! Puppet Show 12 pm
Walk on Watters Biggest Splash Contest
12 – 3
Live Music by John Allaire
Baseball Tournament Starting Thursday Night going straight through to Sunday! Winchester
Having referred on previous writing occasions to the pair of Eastern Kingbirds that we get to see quite regularly in and around our garden, I thought that it was time to give you a picture, or two, of them as I get to see them. Most of the time, it is only from a distance, as they prefer to perch very high up in the tallest of the trees, more often than not swaying in the breeze on the tip of a flimsy twig! From this vantage point they survey the surrounding area, waiting for some flying insect prey to happen by! If it does, then the bird launches itself downwards, or upwards, as the case may be, and catches it “on the wing”. It then returns to its perch to repeat the exercise. These brief flurries of action take place so quickly it is nearly impossible to capture with my camera without recording it as a movie. The same problem exists when trying to photograph Hummingbirds; but at least they do stop to hover sometimes, and then I get my chance. They, unwittingly in that respect, play fair!
By the time that you read this, many of the nesting birds in our garden will have seen the first of their young broods seek their own independence, having taken flight and left the nest. It must be a great relief for the parent birds to see them go, after all the hard work that they have just put in to achieve this end result.
It is then really quite amazing that they will, very soon afterwards, start thinking about doing it all over again! It’s amazing what lengths a species will go to try to ensure the continuation of its own species, and the hardships and work that it all takes to do it. It is also strange that not all the birds do it either, which brings to mind all sorts of other questions that could be asked. But, not having any of the answers, I’m not going there!
Maybe you can, and will, and I hope that it gives you much enjoyment should you happen to do so!
Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin
Back when relations were more cordial with our American friends, our family would stop in at Hilton Head, South Carolina on our way to Florida. We would stay at the Disney Resort there, a very restful place on the water. As you can imagine, the kids had a ball. Hilton Head Corn Bread is a staple of the area and is a great addition to any BBQ and particularly if you are cooking fish or seafood. It’s also great with a stir-fry.
Hilton Head Corn Bread
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 to 2 tablespoons seeded chopped jalapeno peppers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup of whole milk
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 can (16½ ounces) or creamed corn
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• A bit more cornmeal for coating the skillet
Directions:
• In a large bowl, combine the rice, cornmeal, onion, peppers, salt and baking soda
• In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk and oil together; add the corn and mix well
• Stir into the rice mixture until blended
• Fold in the shredded cheese
• Sprinkle a well-greased 10-in. ovenproof skillet with cornmeal
• Pour the batter into skillet
• Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a probe comes out clean
• Cut into wedges and serve warm with your BBQ
There are plenty of Cornmeal Cornbread recipes kicking around. Please share yours with me at: pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.
On July 13, the 2025 North American Wizard Tournament took place at Pierce’s Corners, a.k.a. the Marlborough Community Centre. Wizard is a trick-taking card game designed by Ken Fisher, of Toronto, in 1984. It is based on "Oh Hell", but with four powerful Wizards and four lowly Jesters.
Of the 43 players who competed, about 25% were from North Grenville, 25% from Ottawa, and the other 50% travelled from Brockville, Montreal, Toronto and its nearby cities, New York, Texas, and even England and Spain. Many met through Ken Fisher's website at wizardcards.com; others knew each other from playing Wizard at Pierce's Corners.
The winner was our own Doug Sloan, from Kemptville. Second prize went to David Nolan, formerly of Kemptville now in Brockville, and third prize went to Marko Sapiano of Whitby.
To join the fun playing in future Wizard tournaments, arrive at Pierce's Corners between 12:30 and 12:55 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Play starts at 1 p.m.
The 2026 North American Wizard Tournament will be on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Pierce's Corners.
For more information, contact Debi at debiar@ymail. com
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 Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613795-7155
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, August 12 and 26, September 9 and 23. 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, August 19, September 2, 16 and 30. 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
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.
South Branch Serenade FREE Event Every Thursday Night Throughout July and August. 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Rotary Park in Downtown Kemptville Kemptville Street Piano Join us on Saturdays for FREE musical adventures. 1:00 pm
North Grenville Public Library terrace
Heavy-duty disposable incontinence pads; heavy duty washable incontinence pads; nightgowns open back with ties for men; urinal never used/O-ring /doughnut pad. Call #613 258 0445
Firewood for camping @ $60.00/cord. Call Reg 613 258 7606
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
Free Quotes! INTERIOR / EXTERIOR 613-408-4432 - William
August 9
Ferguson Forest for Beginners Time: 10:00 am
Winchester For RENT, suite, private bath, private entrance, all inclusive. For accommodation or small business. Luxury setting. $1200/ month. christinefripp@ gmail.com
LAND FOR RENT to farm. High producing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
Sale at 755 Cty. Rd. 44 Aug.9 and 10 from 8 to 3. Moving sale. Tons of goodies.
Not familiar with Ferguson Forest? Prefer not to walk alone? Come join one of our volunteers for a guided walk. FREE MAPS! Meet in parking lot near dog park.
August 10
WIZARD CARD TOURNAMENT Time: 12:30 pm
Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.
Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road.
August 11
Spencerville Agricultural Society Time: 7:00 pm
August Meeting If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@ spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details.
Phone: 613-658-3333| www.spencervillefair.ca Cost: Free Drummond Building 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
August 13
Craft Night Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
FREE for all kids - Preschool to Grade 6!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Spencerville Fair Craft Night! A totally FREE evening of hands-on fun for kids in Preschool through Grade 6. All supplies are provided, and the only thing you need to bring is your kid’s creativity!Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville
August 23
Harvest Days Demonstrations Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Admission: $5 per person Children: 12 & under FREE Silent Auction Sat. and Sun. Working Demonstrations 10am-4pm BOTH DAYS
BBQ Chicken Dinner, Saturday August 23 Pickup starting at 4:00 pm $23 - advance sales only Contact Brent Christie - 613-802-0369
Entertainment - Hillbilly Highway Saturday August 23 - 10am - 3pm Old Time Farmer's Breakfast Sunday August 24 - 8am - 11am Adult: $12.50 Children: 12 & under $6 CASH ONLY 5877 County Road 18 Roebuck ON Kids Fishing Derby Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Hosted by the Seaway Optimist Club
Free event - Kids ages 15 years & younger
For more information call Larry at 613-340-3833 https://www.facebook.com/people/The-New-Seaway-OptimistClub/61558571758720/?_rdr. At The Cardinal Legion
August 28
Birds of Prey Time: 10:00 am
The big show returns! Always a thrilling event with several different raptors from eagles to owls to who knows what else.
Three shows at 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00 in the Arboretum. Additional informationwebsite: www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com At The Ferguson Forest Centre Arboretum, 241 Honour Way, Kemptville, ON September 11
170th Spencerville Fair , September 11th-14th, 2025. Come Home to Your Fair! Spencerville Fairgrounds 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville, Ontario
ACROSS
1. Fraud
5. Nile bird 9. Take exception to 14. Not stereo
15. Three times three 16. Delete 17. Took precedence 19. Pondered
20. Southern breakfast dish
21. Headstone inscriptions
23. Place to live 25. Futile
28. Finish
29. Sheep sound
32. Run very fast
33. Additionally 34. Coffee dispensers
35. Parental sister
36. Gentry
38. Badgers
39. Between black and white
40. Staff
41. Faze
43. N N N
44. Not bottom
45. Passes down by bequest
46. Bearded
48. Walking with long steps
50. Daughter of a sibling 54. Pizazz
55. Presumptuously daring
57. Parental sisters
58. Nights before 59. Adjusts
60. Adjust again
61. D D D
62. Tall woody plant
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Dirty air 2. 60 minutes
3. Against 4. Death rate 5. Hotel
6. Motorcyclists
7. Bungling
8. Alluvium
9. Request
10. Blow up
11. Pulp
12. Applications
13. Crimson
18. Poplar variety
22. More affectionate
24. Orbiting rock
25. Utilization
26. Reject
27. Sea eagles
29. Troublesome children
30. Tilt
31. Donkeys
33. Assist
34. Most messy
37. Askew 42. Alter
44. The need to drink
45. Extent
46. Compose 47. Scoundrel
48. Turn on a pivot
49. Sunbathes
51. Always 52. Give as an example 53. Otherwise 54. Distant 56. S
August 14th
This is a FREE event EVERY Thursday in July & August 5:30-7:00pm
Influenced by country, bluegrass, rock, blues, gospel and folk, Wyld Hunny is a unique grass roots blend The harmonious vocals of Lissa, Laurie and Nanda, acoustic guitar and mandolin deliver pleasing and often unexpected renditions
Paddle up to the Basin by the Library or Come Down By Foot with your Blanket or Lawn Chair to Rotary Park and Enjoy the Sounds from Local Musicians
Alicia Fogerty and daughters Sydney and Ryann Lefebvre are visiting Australia, and took along a copy of the NG Times, of course. Here they area sharing a couple of photos of the NG Times in Sydney, with iconic the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as backdrops.
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.
This is the 75th Anniversary of the Games, and it is reckoned that about 20,000 people attend the annual event celebrating Scottish history and heritage.
by Diana Gifford-Jones
Don’t Skip Screening Tests That May Save Your Life
In these final dog days of summer, take a moment to reaffirm the simplest and most powerful tools for staying healthy: timely, evidence-based screening tests. Forget the full-body MRI and the blood test that promises to predict your future. But remember, as if your life depended on it, the screening tests that are proven protectors of your health.
Here is a list that could be brought in your pocket to your next medical appointment. Agree on a schedule for when and why you might have any of these tests. And get on waiting lists if necessary.
1. Blood Pressure Check
You can do it at your local pharmacy or at your doctor’s office. High blood pressure is among the easiest risk factors to identify – and to correct through lifestyle changes. Don’t let it quietly damage your arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke.
2. Colorectal Cancer Screening
It’s not anyone’s idea of a good time, but a colonoscopy – or a less invasive stool test – can catch cancer in its early, curable stages. If you’re 50 or over, or have a family history, don’t delay. A little discomfort now beats a devastating diagnosis later.
3. Blood Sugar / HbA1c
Diabetes can creep into your life slowly and unannounced. A simple blood test can show whether your body is quietly losing its grip on glucose control. This is a test where early intervention can change everything.
4. Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap + HPV Test)
Today’s guidelines now space these tests further apart, but they still matter. If you’ve ever doubted whether preventive medicine saves lives, look at the decline in cervical cancer deaths since the Pap test was introduced.
5. Mammogram
There’s debate around when to start – some say 40, others say 50. Mammograms don’t predict or prevent cancer, but they do help catch breast cancer early. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk. The key is not just having the test but knowing when and why.
6. Bone Density Test (DEXA scan)
For women over 65, or anyone with risk factors, a bone density scan can uncover osteoporosis or osteopenia, long before a slip on the sidewalk becomes life-altering. Good prevention also means exercise, calcium, and vitamin D.
7. Skin Cancer Check
Especially if you’re fair-skinned, mole-prone, or once thought baby oil at the beach was a great pairing, get checked. Trained eyes can spot trouble that yours may miss.
8. Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA + DRE)
This one’s controversial, and rightly so. But for men over 50, and those with risk factors, it’s a conversation worth having. A PSA test shouldn’t automatically lead to treatment, but it can start a dialogue that leads to wise choices.
9. Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)
Another controversial one. You don’t need to chase a perfect number. But knowing your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels gives you a window into your cardiovascular future. Know that there is a natural alternative to the statins. Visit our website to learn more.
10. Mental Health Screening
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit, and your best friend may diagnose you better than your doctor. An open conversation can be the starting point to acknowledging the early signs of depression or anxiety, both of which affect physical health, relationships, and longevity. Everyone needs help now and again. Reach out if you need it.
Honourable Mentions:
Hearing tests (your spouse will confirm if you need one!), vision checks, and dental exams deserve their place. Not just for comfort, but for quality of life and even cognitive protection. Get checked and be well.
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by David Shanahan and Doug Hendry
Let’s take a look at what was in the local news 160 years ago. In 1865, the only newspaper in all of North Grenville ceased printing and it was left to the Merrickville Chronicle to cover the stories in their neighbouring community. Here’s a selection of what was happening around what would become North Grenville 160 years ago.
May 16 1865: Extensive Burglary in Kemptville
One of the most daring and successful burglaries ever perpetrated in this section of the country was effected last Thursday night, on the premises of Messrs Bower, Porter and Blackburn, Merchants of Kemptville. An entrance was effected through a back window, the safe blown open and the sum of about $1,100 abstracted. This is evidently the work of professional hands and we believe no suspicions whatever rest on any person or persons in the neighbourhood.
From statements made by a livery stable keeper in Prescott, it appears that a person, who we regret to say is very respectfully con-
Baxter offers one-day camps this August
Drop in for a day in the forest at Baxter Conservation Area! Singleday camps will run August 25 to 29 with a mix of activities like forest games, pond study and outdoor play. Campers must register in advance. Reserve your spot at rvca.ca/outdoor-education/baxter-day-camps.
Beach Status
Heading to the beach? Check out our new Beach Status page at rvca.ca/beach for any active swim advisories. E. coli levels are sampled weekly at Bax-
nected, engaged a team on the evening previous to the robbery to drive to Spencerville and returned with it, in a very jaded condition, early next morning in company with three other suspicious looking characters who appeared to be in possession of a large amount of silver. They all made haste to cross the river in a row boat, since when they have not been heard from.
June 13 1865: Marvelous Escape From Drowning
On Thursday last as Mr Fulker of Burritt’s Rapids was engaged in making some repairs on the dam of Mr Andrews, he was precipitated into the bywash and remained under water for a period of ten or fifteen minutes. His restoration after this lengthy submersion is most extraordinary.
August 22 1865: Fatal Accident Near Kemptville
On Friday last a sad accident occurred close by the village of Kemptville by which a woman named McCafferty, belonging to the township of Oxford, lost her life. It seems that she and her husband were driving in a sulky to the village when the horse took fright and commenced to run. Mrs McCafferty, with the inten-
ter, Foley Mountain and Rideau Ferry Yacht Club beaches, with advisories posted if levels exceed the provincial standard. Beaches may also fall under a swim advisory if a harmful algae bloom is reported or suspected.
Reduce your risks
Before you swim, consider recent weather such as rainstorms or extreme heat, which can increase bacteria growth
Check for excessive wildlife poop on the beach, murky or stagnant water or a blue or green “paint” on the water’s surface
If in contact with sand
tion of aiding her husband to hold the horse, caught at the lines, but only caught one, thereby drawing the horse into the ditch, upsetting the sulky and throwing out the occupants. Both were taken to the residence of Rev Mr. Harty and medical assistance promptly procured. McCafferty was found badly injured, her wife fatally and two hours after the accident, she breathed her last.
[Archibald and Margaret McCafferty lived on lot 24, concession 6 according to the 1861 census. Both were born in Ireland and arrived in Canada by 1837, possibly as early as 1831. Archibald makes an appearance on the 1841 census of Oxford. They had at least six children. Archibald lived will into his 80’s. Margaret was around 60 when she died.]
November 12 1865: Sudden Death An inquest was being held yesterday in Kemptville on the body of D. W. Bower, barber, some time resident of this village. He was found on the floor of his own room, having apparently rolled out of bed. We have not yet been advised of the verdict.
Attempted Murder
As Captain Sheppard of the Burritt’s Rapids Infantry Company was passing along, on Monday evening last, between Col Burritt’s and Mr Adams’ on his way home from the post office, he was fired at by some wretch, who lay concealed behind the fence, but fortunately the shot did not take effect. The individual must possess but little skill with fire-arms or he would have been more successful, as the manly proportions of the Captain present rather a broad surface for a marksman. We are informed a high state of excitement exists in the ‘Rapids’ and we trust no pains will be spared to bring the miscreant to justice.
[George Shepard/ Shepherd lived with his wife Mary or Maryann in Burritt’s Rapids for many years. Both were born in England and were in Burritt’s by 1851. At the time of this murder attempt, he was around 60 and his wife around 39. They had two daughters, Catherine (around 5) and Caroline who was an infant.]
or water, always wash hands before handling food, shower as soon as possible after visiting the beach and don’t let pets drink the beach water.
Grants support new accessible boardwalks on Baxter trails
Two new stretches of accessible boardwalk have opened along Baxter’s Fiddlehead Trail thanks to generous support from the City of Ottawa’s Rural Community Building Grant and the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund. The work is part of Phase 2 of Baxter’s Nature For
All accessibility project spearheaded by the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. Staff plan to build 500 metres of accessible boardwalk as part of Phase 2. To learn more or to get involved as a sponsor, contact DIANE at diane. downey@rvcf.ca.