Tri-Service Military Silhouette at the Kemptville Legion
The secret is simple... keep moving!
by Roy Brown
The west wall of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville now proudly features a permanent Tri-Service Military Silhouette, honouring the courageous men and women who have served - and those who continue in service - with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force.
This striking tribute to our Armed Forces was designed by well
known landscape artist Don Munz and was crafted and installed by Kevin White of Classic Graphics.
Funding for the project was made possible through a generous grant from the Municipality of North Grenville, resulting from an application made to the North Grenville Arts and Culture Development Fund (ACDF), in collaboration with Don Munz, Roy Brown, and the Executive and members of the Roy-
al Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville.
The official unveiling took place during the afternoon of August 7, and was attended by Don Munz, North Grenville Municipal Council members Deputy Mayor John Barclay, Councillors Doreen O'Sullivan, Kristin Strackerjan, and Deb Wilson, along with our new Director of Parks and Recreation, Tana Torch. Representing Branch 212 Kemptville at the
event was President Bryan MacRostie and Project Coordinator Roy Brown.
On behalf of Branch 212 Kemptville, Roy Brown invites community members, fellow Legionnaires and their families and friends to share their comments and/or feedback on the Tri-Service Military Silhouette display by forwarding an email to: military.silhouette@cogeco.ca.
Who knows where the Times goes?
24 World Class Women’s Teams will rock Kemptville
The North Grenville Curling Club (NGCC) in the heart of downtown Kemptville is the place to be from October 30 to November 2 if you want to see 24 World Class Women’s teams compete for $25,000 in the Jonsson’s Indepen-
dent Women’s Fall Classic. Since its humble beginnings in 2006, the Women’s Fall Classic has become a World Curling Tour event and is one of the biggest women’s only non-Grand Slam events in Canada.
This year’s event fea-
tures ten of the top 50 teams in the current World Curling Rankings, including Team Lawes (Winnipeg), Team Skrlik (Calgary), Team StGeorges (Montreal), Team Kitizawa (Japan), Team Huirlemann (Switzerland), and Team Strouse (USA). Team Lawes is skipped by Kaitlyn Lawes who is a two time Olympic Gold Medalist.
In addition, four Ottawa area teams skipped by Danielle Inglis, Jenny Madden, Erin Morrissey, and NGCC’s own Jaimee Gardner would love to claim the first prize cheque of $6,500
and hoist the Fall Classic Trophy come Sunday afternoon.
The North Grenville Curling Club is a converted hockey rink, so fans have the unique opportunity to offer their vocal support to their favourite teams by watching the games from the stands.
Visit the Classic website at https://fallclassic.ngcurling.org/ for all draw times and opening game matchups. Admission is $25 for an event pass or $10 per day. Persons aged 17 and under are admitted free.
Join North Grenville’s Overdose Awareness Memorial & Purple Chair Campaign
by Darlene Collin, Beth Donovan Hospice
This August, the community of North Grenville will come together to remember and honour lives lost to overdose, addiction, and drug poisoning. A memorial gathering will take place on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rotary Park, providing space for collective remembrance, reflection, and connection in advance of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
In 2024, North Grenville Council officially recognized International Overdose Awareness Day joining communities across the globe in raising aware-
ness, reducing stigma, and supporting those impacted by the overdose crisis.
This year’s event is hosted by Compassionate North Grenville, in collaboration with Beth Donovan Hospice, Kemptville Stress Relief Centre, and Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Mental Health and Addictions. The evening will include music, poetry, a reading of names, and an opportunity to take part in a community tribute.
That tribute includes the Empty Chair Campaign, a visual initiative encouraging residents to paint a chair purple and place it in a visible location—on a porch, lawn, or garden— during the last two weeks of August. These purple
chairs represent loved ones missing from our tables due to overdose, addiction, or drug poisoning. Community members are invited to bring their chairs to Rotary Park on August 27 to be included in a collective memorial display.
“Gathering publicly helps break the silence and stigma that still surrounds addiction and drug-related death,” says Darlene Collin, Outreach Coordinator at Beth Donovan Hospice. “When we share space, stories, and symbols like the purple chair, we affirm that these lives matter and that healing and awareness start with compassion.”
Naloxone kits will be available on site, along with
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.
information tables and resources from local organizations to support individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Talking openly about overdose saves lives. Grieving openly helps hearts heal. And showing up in community is a powerful act of compassion, advocacy, and solidarity.
Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve lost someone, are walking alongside someone, or want to show support. Together, let’s remember, connect, and move toward a more compassionate and stigma-free future.
Dale and Vicki Cameron continued their journey through Newfoundland and Labrador and shared the NG Times with two fascinating characters.
“On Signal Hill we met this wonderful Newfoundland friend who thought the Times was edible! Actor Gordon Pinsent was from Grand Falls -Windsor, Newfoundland. They put a statue of him in front of town hall.”
Team Lawes - Fort Rogue Curling Club
Giving back to the community
by Marguerite Boyer
RB Heating recently started a new monthly campaign to give back to the community, a community that has been supporting their business for so many years. They have launched the “We care gives back” program. Through their monthly maintenance program, they, in turn, donate a portion of the money to this new initiative. Last Thursday, their first donation was A Chance Animal Rescue in Oxford Mills. Zach Kilby, a service tech at RB, got to choose his favourite non-profit. Because of his love for animals, this animal rescue service came under his radar via Facebook.
A Chance Rescue receive their dogs from other shelters, or are rescues, from sympathetic police services, as well as those abandoned by their owners. They do not refuse any breed or age of dog. In cases where dogs do not learn to trust, they remain with them to live out their lives in peace. A Chance Rescue does not euthanize their animals, except those with a fatal injury or terminal illness with no quality of life. They welcome, and greatly appreciate, donations of cash, blankets, comforters, towels, leashes, collars crates, etc.. They were incorporated in 2003 and are able to issue receipts for cash donations. For more information please contactc achancerescue@gmail. com
OPP seeking help in North Grenville
The OPP is looking for your help in connection with the death of a dog in the Tompkins Road area in North Grenville. Stella, seen here, was last seen on the afternoon of Friday, August 1 near her home in the Tompkins Road area.
She was located deceased Saturday morning, and her death is believed to have been caused intentionally sometime Friday night.
Grenville OPP wants to hear from any witnesses. If you live in the area, please check doorbell or surveillance video, trail cams, etc. If you have any information or relevant video, call the OPP at 1-888-3101122 and refer to incident E251032340. If you can help but want to remain. Anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.
This is a FREE event EVERY Thursday in July & August 5:30-7:00pm
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
SUPPORT THE NORTH GRENVILLE TIMES YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER HELP US WITH A VOLUNTEER SUBSCRIPTION! We’re locally owned, locally operated, and committed to our community. You can help us continue with our commitment to keep NG residents informed and entertained with community news and happenings. FOR ONLY $60.00 A YEAR. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 1. ONLINE: Visit ngtimes.ca to pay with PayPal
CHEQUE: Send a cheque to The North Grenville Times Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Include your name and address
BY PHONE : Pay with a credit card by phone cash, If email, we will call you back to process your order. 613-215-0735 or subscription@ngtimes.ca A community without a local newspaper is a community with a VOID
Lef to right: RB Heating owner Rick Buffman, Martha Russell, Zack Kilby. Quinn a rescue dog centre
Local Kemptville singer/songwriter blending bluesy roots and classic rock vibes, inspired by legends like Clapton, Petty, and the Beatles
Against the wind
by David Shanahan
Maybe it’s the recent hot weather that’s fried my brain, but I’m finding it harder and harder to get any clear idea of what’s happening in this mad world of ours. A few months ago, things seemed to be moving fast to some kind of confrontation, reassessment, or even a revolution, as we considered new ways of setting up international and interprovincial relationships. We were being challenged to think outside the box, to find new ways of dealing with the threats posed by Trump, Musk, Putin, etc..
But now, as we stumble further and further into what seems like a thick fog, (and not just from wildfires), there is less and less sense of direction and purpose. We, and I mean the world at large, seemed fired up with new purpose and strong principles. We weren’t going to let the autocrats have their way and ruin our civilisation, a society that had been carefully built on the ru-
ins of 1945 and our last catclysmic act of selfdestruction. This was our chance to remake the world and show those dictators that we didn’t need them, could stand strong together, and other declarations of defiance.
Meetings would be held, new arrangements made, strong leadership from the centre and left would balance the move to the right that threatened to unbalance everything we knew and valued. It is now August, 2025, and we’ve just marked (celebrated is the wrong word) the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs and the end of the war in the Pacific. And where are we at? Actually, we seem closer to another Hiroshima, another major war, another stupid act of self-destruction. Why? Because those principled politicians and leaders have failed to show up.
All around, world “leaders” are bowing the knee to Trump and the American economic juggernaut. Afraid of upsetting the most unbalanced
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I see that Doug Ford is advocating for retaliatory tariffs on the US. He seems to be almost alone now in advocating for this, as most seem now to be taking a wait and see approach. Not quite sure what Ford is up to, seeing as he was pleased that Trump won the presidency. In the last provincial election, just that admission alone should have given his followers pause, and I would have thought turn out the public against giving him another term, but, once again, apathy ruled, which is just what Ford was counting on.
It is evident that the American economy is not performing the way that Trump said that it would, and he did what all rightwing leaders would do, fire the messenger who produced the statistics that proved it. Things aren’t going so well south of the border, so playing a wait and see game might just be the
President the U.S. has ever had the foolishness to elect (twice!), national prime ministers and presidents have meekly come to terms with the reality that Trump holds the Trump Cards. He said it himself: he has the best cards. No-one, it seems, is ready to call his bluff, because they don’t think he’s bluffing. They think he’s out of his depth and more than a little mad, and could rain ruin on us all if he is upset. And he gets upset so easily. Look at his reaction to seeing homeless people in Washington as he drove past: he demanded that they be removed from the city. His response was not empathy and a desire to help house them: it was anger that they existed in his sight.
The rest of the world’s leaders are showing themselves up in a very bad light: allowing Netanyahu to continue his genocide against Palestinians in Gaza without doing more than mouthing meaningless platitudes. It reminds me of the people Yeats wrote about meeting on the
street. “I have passed with a nod of the head or polite meaningless words, or have lingered awhile and said polite meaningless words. Being certain that they and I but lived where motley is worn”. One despicable man invades another’s lands and is sanctioned, condemned, made a pariah. Another does the same thing, and no-one sanctions him, no-one interferes and shouts “NO!”. What a bunch of leaders we have.
But not just politicians are culpable here. What about those many corporations who have been keen to do a deal with Trump to save their profits? Or the universities happy to abandon their academic freedom for cash? Or the “leftwing” Labour Party in the U.K. whose police are arresting British citizens by the hundred for daring to protest against what’s happening in Gaza? And who outlawed and declare as a terrorist organisation a group who took steps to actively show their opposition to Britain arming the Israeli Defense
(?) Forces. Protesting that terrorist designation by the government, or even holding a sign in protest, can now bring you 14 years in prison. What is happening?
So, no, there is no clear idea where all of this is going. We’re in the middle of a story, not near the end, and it’s not altogether sure it’s gong to end well. As we’ve seen so often in the past, the views of the general population can often mean nothing when the interests of the economic and political leadership are at stake. The one bright spot in all of this is that we’ve been here before. There is, as the wise man said, nothing new under the sun, and the end is not yet. No, the end is not yet, but we’re walking against the wind, and the end may be closer than we think. I could end on a positive note: but nothing in the present climate (climate? Don’t talk to me about climate!) justifies a sunny summary. Have a nice day...
best strategy, because unless Trump can pull a rabbit out of a hat, the downward trend could become a distinct possibility. As for the tariff’s discussion, what gets lost in all this is that these tariff’s only affect 5% of the trade between the US and Canada, the other 95% are exempt, being covered by the CUSMA agreement between the two countries. Sure, people in those particular industries are having a hard time of it, and deserve our help, but let’s put this all into perspective.
So Ford’s hero is starting to slip in the polls. I wonder if Ford will still pursue his idea to buy 4 American Small Modular Reactors from the US, the science for which has yet to be proven, and the fuel for which can only be bought in America. So much for Captain America. Green energy is much quicker to be bought online, and quicker and much cheaper
than energy from fossil fuels. It also has the added advantage of using the steel and metals currently on Trumps tariff list, which will support those industries currently affected by said tariffs, and help those industries working.
There are many matches between Ford’s playbook and Trump’s. Both are against social and environmental programs, green energy, workers rights, poverty, and are for running a government the way that you run a business. With this sort of approach, it is the vulnerable amongst us that gets hurt the most. Governments are meant to be for all people, not just the richest amongst us, and governments cannot sack the sick, the poor, or the unprofitable. Government is supposed to serve all of us, not turn a profit. Not the way that the far-right does it, though, their strategy being the trickle-down theory,
that if you give the rich a tax break, then they will invest in the economy, and create jobs. That idea has been debunked so long ago, and so many times, yet they continue to promote it.
If we want a more equitable society, then we need a wealth tax. As an example, we have all seen the profits made by the food chains during the pandemic. That these and other corporations are allowed to gouge us all is unconscionable. Government needs to step in and level the playing field. We could start with an increase in capital gains tax, which Trudeau was planning to bring in, but was one of the first things that Carney scrapped when he became PM. So now you know whose side he is on.
Colin Creasey, Kemptville
Dear Editor,
Your excellent article on the upcoming CIB visit reconfirmed to me that “appearance matters” and applies to both public and private spaces.
In Kemptville , we have a rather stark example of this, i.e. the Stewardship of the former Kemptville College lands since its closure a decade or so ago. The lands on the west side of hwy 44, under the control of North Grenville , annually grow excellent crops of corn, soybeans and wheat.
The area on the east side of the road consists of weed infested fields and deteriorating buildings reflecting the stewardship approach of the Provincial Government since the College closure.
Benign neglect would be a charitable moniker for the Provincial management approach.
Max Colwell
Contact 613-215-0735
ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca
Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735
Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca
Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics desinger 613-215-0735
Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca
Classifieds
classifieds @ngtimes.ca
SHOP SPACE NEEDED
The North Grenville Men’s Shed is searching for a year-round shop space of 1500-2000 square feet within approximately 5km of downtown Kemptville.
Essential needs are as follows:
• Heated
• Bathroom
• Kitchenette
• Wood floor
• Adequate lighting and sufficient electrical outlets for a shop
• Bone dry environment for expensive machinery
• Parking for at least ten vehicles
• Ground floor
Our group is mostly self-funded and has limited income. Our requirements include many community-oriented projects such as bike racks and signage for the Red Shoe Triathlon, child benches, raised garden beds, veggie trugs, wood turned items, upkeep to the Kemptville Youth Centre, the bat house project and a variety of other projects. NGMS serves the needs of retired men who enjoy camaraderie and service to the community. We currently have 32 registered members.
We would recognize any person or group that would provide free or low-cost space to us as we are a non-for profit organization.
Contact: peter.ivay@gmail.com or CALL 613-258-9664
Ron's Small Engine Repair
613.258.9720
(across from old Bingo Hall) ronssmallengines@outlook.com 1 Jayland Drive, Kemptville
Bicycle thefts increase by 138% during the Summer
(Newswire.com) - Across Canada, summer is the season for breaking out the bicycles and, unfortunately, also for stealing them. Based on theft report data from police services in several major Canadian cities, Square One found a 138% increase in bicycle thefts between June 1 and Sept. 30 compared to the rest of the year. There were several patterns in the times and places where bicycle theft is most common.
While theft increases in the summer, the combined data from all surveyed cities show a downward trend in reported thefts. The only city in which bicycle thefts were trending upward is Montreal, though data for 2023 and 2024 were not available at the time of writing. The decline is also evident when correcting for population growth.
Not every police service reported the locations from which bicycles were stolen. Square One categorized the reported theft locations from Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, and Winnipeg between 2016 and 2024, totalling over 68,000 thefts. The most common places for bicycles to be stolen from are:
Residential properties: 40%
Outdoors (parks, streets, etc.): 33%
Commercial properties: 15%
Educational facilities: 4%
Transit vehicles or facilities: 1%
Other: 7%
Thefts from residences were the most common in each city, aside from Vancouver, where thefts from public outdoor areas were more prevalent. Many residential property thefts were reported, even when the bicycles were stored inside garages or sheds.
Although bicycle thefts may be on the decline overall, cyclists are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their bikes. Only around 15% of stolen bicycles are ever recovered.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chance of successful recovery if the worst should happen:
Buy a quality bike lock (or locks). Even the best available locks won't stop a determined thief. However, a good lock may encourage a thief to move on to an easier target. A combination of multiple lock types (for example, a hardened-steel U-lock plus a chain lock) also helps, as it will require the thief to use multiple tools.
Register your bicycle. Many police services offer registry programs for bicycles that will make it easier to return your bike to you if it is stolen. Project 529 is a program that supports theft recovery with free registry and partnerships with law enforcement and other organizations. Keep current photos of your bike available on your phone.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Picton area
from the South East Health Unit
Recent surveillance conducted by the South East Health Unit (SEHU) has identified the presence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNv) in the Picton area. This is the first pool of mosquitoes that have tested positive for WNv in Prince Edward County this year, and is the second instance of the virus in the SEHU region after an American crow tested positive for the virus in Brockville in July.
As part of the surveillance program, mosquito monitoring traps are set at multiple locations across the SEHU region.
About West Nile virus
WNv is an infection found in birds, and carried by mosquitoes which feed on infected birds. WNv is spread to humans and animals through bites by infected mosquitoes.
Early symptoms of WNv can include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, sudden sensitivity to light, tremors, numbness, or vision loss. The majority of infected individuals have mild symptoms or none at all. In severe cases, WNv can cause inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis. If individuals believe they are experiencing early symptoms of WNv, they are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.
Mosquitoes that may be carrying WNV typically appear in the second week of July, peak in numbers by midAugust, and decline significantly by the end of August. During these times it is recommended that residents are diligent about protecting themselves and their family.
”The recent identification of local mosquitoes carrying WNV, and in the infection of an American crow serve as a reminder to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce breeding sites around your home,” says Bill Sherlock, Manager of Healthy Environments for SEHU. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If residents need to be outside during this time, they are encouraged to wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and a hat, and use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, removing any sources of standing water such as from small pools and birdbaths will help reduce the mosquito population. Also, ensuring that windows and doors are screened will help keep mosquitos outside.
If residents encounter a dead bird or other dead animal, they are advised not to handle it with bare hands, as it could be carrying WNv. Public Health recommends that dead birds or animals be buried using a shovel and gloves, at a depth of at least 50 cm (about one and a half feet), in an area that will not be disturbed. Also, Public Health should be notified if clusters of dead birds or animals are found.
For more information, visit www.hpepublichealth.ca, or call 613-966-5500 extension 677.
News for every generation
from News Media Canada
What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events
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 www.northgrenville.ca
Park your bike only in secure locations. If you must park in a publicly accessible area, lock the bike to a secure rack that's fastened to the ground or a building. You should be able to secure both the wheels and the frame to the rack. Look for parking areas with plenty of people around, and don't leave any accessories with your locked-up bike. Don't leave bicycles in public overnight.
If your bicycle is stolen and not quickly recovered, you may be able to claim the loss through your home insurance, provided you had adequate coverage.
Recent research confirms that different generations are accessing newspaper content in new and different ways.
Younger adults are driving readership through digital access, podcasts and even email newsletters from publishers.
46% of Millennial readers and 54% of Gen Z readers are engaging with digital e-editions (a pdf replica of the printed newspaper)
Three quarters (75%) of Gen Z readers listened to news podcasts in the last month
More than six out of ten Millennial and Gen Z readers are getting news from publisher email newsletters
And in a surprising turn of events, 60% of Gen Z readers are reading the printed version of their newspaper. This research data was collected in December 2024 and January 2025 through an online survey managed by Totum Research on behalf of News Media Canada. A total of 2418 online interviews were conducted with adults in Canada across all provinces.
Gaw, Bernard “Bernie” Allen
September 6, 1950 - August 2, 2025
Retired Staff Sgt., Prince Edward OPP; Past Master & 41 Year Member, Prince Edward Masonic Lodge, A.F. & A. M., No. 18, G.R.C.; Retired School Bus Driver, First Student, Picton; Retired Professional Driver, ITS/Titanium Trucking Services, Belleville
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bernard (Bernie) Gaw, who died peacefully at home on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Heather-Anne (nee Chivas). Loving father of Amy (Ryan) of Kenabeek, Ontario, Adam of Cold Lake, Alberta, Allison of Toronto, and step-father of Cassandra of Bath and grandfather of Zoe, David, Helen, Edith, Wyatt, Rhett, and Ryah. Survived by his sister Catherine (Elsie) of Woodpoint, New Brunswick, and by his brother Paul (Debbie) of Heckston, Ontario. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Bernie proudly served as an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police for 35 years, dedicating his life to keeping others safe. After retiring, he couldn’t sit still for long—he started by working as a school bus driver and enjoyed driving all of the little ones to school. After a couple of years, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a professional truck driver, embracing the open road with the same commitment and energy he brought to everything he did. Bernie was known for his determination, but even more so for his deeply caring nature. He was the one who showed up when we needed him - reliable, steady, and present for those he loved. His quiet strength and loyalty left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. As per Bernie’s wishes, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Prince Edward Masonic Lodge Hall, 13251 Loyalist Parkway, Picton, on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 1-4 pm with a Time of Sharing & Tributes at 2 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes - Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613476-2450). If desired, donations to a charity of your choice in memory of Bernie would be appreciated. Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com
The serenity prayer
by Hilary Thomson
I have struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. I have written about it in this paper before, but not in a very long time. My mental and physical health was at its worst when I was 19 years old. Fresh out of high school, I was so deep into the abyss of raging mental illness that I had to go to residential treatment to, essentially, save my life.
While I was there, my Dad gave me a family member's old AA coin. On the back it had the serenity prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
To be honest, those
words didn't really resonate with me back then, but for some reason I kept that coin in my wallet regardless, looking at it every so often, for the better part of 20 years.
Recently, when I was struggling a lot with the demands of motherhood I found the coin again. I read those words and really let them soak in.
I realized that, for me, the crux of that quote was the key to surviving the long and busy days at home with two young kids; because the reality is there aren't a lot of things you can control when it comes to caring for young children.
You can't make them eat the nutritious meal you spent the day planning and preparing.
You can't control whether they nap or sleep through the night.
Barring having them live in a bubble, you can't control if/when they get sick, and you certainly can't control how they feel and react to the world around them.
As someone who likes control and certainty in my life, that has been a tough pill to swallow. But channeling the serenity prayer in times of chaos has given me a lot of peace.
I can control the food I put on the table.
If my toddler won't nap, I can use it as an opportunity to get out of the house and do something we will all enjoy.
If everyone is tired from a sleepless night we can have a more restful day.
Parenthood has really taught me the inherent value of the serenity prayer when it comes to
life in general. There are so many lessons you learn as a result of raising children, and the art of letting go is a big one for me.
There are a lot of things we can't control in life. We can make ourselves worry about them, or get angry and frustrated, or we can accept what we cannot control and focus on what we can.
That, I believe, is one of the keys to a more peaceful life.
And in this era of raising young kids, I can use all the peace I can get.
How summer helps connect farmers and politicians
by Tracey Arts, Director, OFA
Summer is a time of long days, local fairs, barbecues, community celebrations; and for Ontario farmers, it’s also prime harvest season for everything from hay and grain crops to fruits and field vegetables. At the same time, summer is also a great opportunity for some informal advocacy about the importance of food and farming. After all, it’s when local MPPs and MPs are home in their ridings and on a break from their Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill commitments, but that doesn’t mean their work has stopped.
teresting conversations can happen outside of the pressures of more formal political settings.
My family and I farm in Oxford County between Woodstock and London and I’m also a director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). As an organization, our job is to build relationships on behalf of our members and or sector and to bring our needs and opportunities to the attention of policymakers. Although we regularly meet with politicians from all levels of government, it’s just as important that farmers from across Ontario also take the opportunity to get to know their local elected officials and share their perspectives with them.
culture adds more than $50 billion to Ontario’s economy every year. Our agrifood sector exports more than $26 billion worth of products annually and supports more than 871,000 jobs; that means we employ one in 11 people in Ontario. From field to fork, farming plays a big role in keeping Ontario strong.
Jennie Childs Owner, CEO
613.314.6866
Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas. @BrightShinySpaces
That presents a golden opportunity for Ontario farmers and agri-business leaders to engage with MPs, MPPs, and municipal councillors in a more relaxed, face-to-face setting at local community barbecue, open house, festival or other special event, one where in-
Summer time offers the perfect settings for those relationship-building moments. Whether it’s chatting over burgers at a local fundraiser, walking the midway at a rural fair, or attending a farm tour, these casual touchpoints allow politicians to connect with farmers as people, neighbours, business owners, parents, and let them learn about who we are and what we do.
Ontario’s farmers do more than grow food; they help power our economy. With nearly 50,000 farms across the province, agri-
Some of OFA’s county and regional federations, including in my own area, regularly organize local open houses, bus tours or other events where elected officials from all levels of government to experience firsthand what happens on local farms and in agribusinesses. There’s an adage that says a picture is worth a thousand words. I would suggest that so is a first-hand experience that shows just how modern and technology-driven agriculture is and highlights why Ontario needs investments into rural roads and bridges, reliable cellular service and highspeed internet, and affordable energy. It helps illustrate the importance of workforce supports, mental health resources for the farming community, and streamlining red tape that hinders farm business growth and development and builds not just relationships but also understanding that can carry over into
future decisions. Advocacy doesn’t have to mean organizing a large-scale event, though. Sometimes, it’s as simple as inviting your local councillor, MPP or MP out to your farm or business for a coffee and a quick tour. The key is finding common ground around food, community, sustainability, or economic impact. Agriculture contributes to every region in Ontario, and the more our decision-makers understand what we do, the better equipped they are to support policies that matter to our sector and by extension, to our entire economy. Ontario is uniquely positioned in the world. We can grow over 200 different food and farm products right here at home thanks to our diverse soils, climates and farm types. But that abundance depends on preserving our farmland, supporting our rural communities, and ensuring our food systems stay strong. It’s important for our leaders know that; not just in boardrooms and policy meetings, but also at local events and informal gatherings. Because when the time does come to make a formal ask, a relationship built on trust, shared experience, and mutual understanding can make a difference.
Clean up!
I have reached out four times this year to North Grenville Roads Dept. to have them sweep the road apron on Van Buren Street but to no avail. They do not even acknowledge my request! Almost every year I have to make a special request for them to sweep the entire road area. Shouldn't have to!
Op-ed
The art of being creative
John Brooks by Marguerite Boyer
I really believe that everyone has the potential of being creative, whether it is with painting, sculpting, writing, music, dancing, knitting, etc. There are just so many ways of being creative. I know I will never be a great artist, and I envy writers, I wish I had the capacity to express myself like writers do, with my art. I paint for the pure pleasure it gives me. I am content with that. I love listening to music, but I don’t have a singing voice, nor am I able to understand how to play an instrument. On my list of things I want to do, when I grow up, is learn to play the bodhran , an Irish drum.
One of the many bonuses of owning a newspaper is having the opportunity of meeting so many diverse and fascinating people in this community. I could give you a list, but that would take up too many pages. I recently went to an unveiling of a new graphic sign at the legion, created by a local artist, as seen on our front page. Don Munz has given so much to this community over the years
and, now into his 90’s, he is still giving. His murals can be viewed around the downtown, which he worked with NGDH students to create. Some of the many facades around the downtown core buildings were his designs. Serenade in the Park was his idea, and he approached me to see who he could contact to make this happen. It was his idea to have the murals put up by the library. But there is so much more he has done. One of the things he said to me has stuck in my mind for the past 20 years. He said, “Maggie, never get above yourself, because tomorrow you could die. You may be mourned for a few weeks, but life goes on and, quite quickly, you will not be missed.” He is such a wise man.
Over the past two years, I have taken up sculpting, thanks to an amazing teacher I stumbled across, Lorraine Delangis of LD Creations. Her sculptures are on display at Salamanders restaurant in Kemptville. I have taken several of her classes, and her enthusiasm
oozes out of her in each class. Sculpting is not for everyone, and sometimes I hear people say they don’t have an artistic bone in their body. Oh, how wrong they are. Sometimes, it is just a matter of finding the right teacher and the right fit for you, or the right creative path.
Recently, I was called the Connector by a close friend. That is another creative talent I have, but I never realised it until my friend called me that. I have an outgoing personality, much to my hermit husband's chagrin. The newspaper gave me this opportunity. So on days I regret ever starting this paper, I remind myself of the amazing opportunities it has given me.
With everything looking so bleak in the world, and we feel helpless about it, there is one thing we can do, and that is to do whatever we can to make this place a better community, to work together towards creating harmony, respect, and compassion for others.
That in itself is being creative.
Liane’s cheesecakes are legendary. So, why don’t you cook up something special for your summer party or just to enjoy? This Daiquiri Cheesecake recipe is very tasty and really spells hot August days spent by the pool, at the cottage or just sitting on your front veranda. Go for it; you’ll love it!
Daiquiri Cheesecake
Ingredients:
• ½ cup of white granulated sugar
• ½ cup of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon each of grated lemon and lime rind
• 1 envelope of unflavoured gelatin
• ⅓ cup of light rum 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 16 ounces of cream cheese
• ½ cup of icing sugar
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 basic crumb crust (you can pick up frozen)
Preparation:
• Combine the granulated sugar, gelatin, rum and lime juice in a saucepan
• Mix in the grated rinds and the egg yolks separated from the whites
• Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens (don’t boil it)
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool
• Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a separate bowl until it is light and smooth
• Blend the cooled mixture gelatin mixture into the cream cheese
• Beat the egg whites till they form peaks, then slowly add the icing sugar
• Continue beating until the peaks are stiff and fold into the cream cheese mixture
• Whip the cream until it is stiff and also fold it into the cream cheese mixture
• Pour mixture into your crumb crust and chill until the cheesecake is set
Take your time with this recipe so that everything is at the right temperature. The Daiquiri Cheesecake goes nicely with a vanilla ice cream or ice yogurt. An added feature might be a small glass of Limoncello to accompany. Yum!
As always, don’t hesitate to be in touch at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 14-17
South Mountain Fair
Take in the 133rd South Mountain Fair including Smash Up Derby, Truck & Tractor Pulls, truck show, unlimited midway rides and so many agricultural events. There is something for everyone and fun for the entire family. Check out all the details and the schedule of events on www.southmountainfair.ca
2967 Lough Rd, South Mountain, Ontario 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 2310am - 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-Optimist-Club/61558571758720/?_rdr. At The Cardinal Legion September 11
170th Spencerville Fair , September 11th-14th, 2025. Come Home to Your Fair!
Spencerville Fairgrounds 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville,
Just humming along
Wishing to get some clearer pictures of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, rather than those that I normally get through our front window, I went out to sit in my car, to use it as a “Bird-Hide”. The bright sunlight wasn’t necessarily a great boon to that venture, but at least there was no glass in the way, so pictures were quite clear. I managed to get a few of it in-flight before the sunlight got too intense and the Hummingbird figured that it wasn’t going to stay any longer and disappeared! Just my luck!
Not to worry though, there are plenty of other opportunities to get pictures later, and so I turned my visual search over my shoulder to the tall trees on the edge of our property to see what I might see.
There were a number of different birds way up near the top of them, although they weren’t too clearly distinguishable with the naked eye. A Kingbird gave itself away by flying out suddenly to catch some flying object. The squawk of a Grackle gave him away, but some of the others weren’t so obliging and more research was needed to identify them. This was so when it came to identifying the Cedar Waxwings, who didn’t give any secrets away at all as to their particular identity. That took pictures and consultation with the bird pundits to get those, which was very exciting to do.
Some Grackles were fairly easy to identify, being some of the larger birds perching up there, but a scruffy looking bird with some patchy colouring on its chest fooled me for a little while, until I realized that it was a young Robin. Not being very old, it was still slender and sat quite tall on the branch, giving me a confusing view from the ground as I looked up at it. You’ve probably had the same things happen to you when you have been trying to watch some of your own birds, and you have probably been quite pleased with yourself when you have reached a good conclusion as to what it is, which is very satisfying and well worth the effort too!
Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin
September 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
Gravitate Travel: TRAVEL TALK
September 27
In partnership with Celebrity Cruises and Transat All-Inclusive Vacations, at 11:15 am for an exclusive insider look.
Visit https://gravitate.travel/events-list/ for more details and tickets!
RECURRING EVENTS
Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes. NG Duplicate Bridge Club Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren 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
CLASSIFIEDS
SPACE NEEDED
Looking to rent classroom space that would accommodate 10 to 20 students at a time in the North Grenville area on a semi frequent basis, preferably with chairs and tables, however this is not an absolute requirement. Also, would require use of washroom facilities.
Please contact Kevin at Hrtandd@gmail.com
OASIS PAINTING
Free Quotes! INTERIOR / EXTERIOR 613-408-4432 - William
VOLUNTEERING IS THE
FOR SALE
Heavy-duty disposable incontinence pads; heavy duty washable incontinence pads; nightgowns open back with ties for men; uri-
eartbeat OF OUR COMMUNITY
nal never used/O-ring /doughnut pad. Call #613 258 0445
Firewood for camping @ $60.00/cord. Call Reg 613 258 7606
By Peter Johnson
I came across an interesting book recently. It was left behind by my daughter on her last visit from Scotland. Ever mindful of the weight of her luggage, things like books were not packed for the return flight to Scotland. The book's title is: 'The BOOK of GENERAL IGNORANCE', by two Johns...Lloyd and Mitchison.
Inside the sleeve it states: 'A comprehensive and humiliating catalogue of the misconceptions, mistakes and misunderstandings in common knowledge, which will make you wonder why anyone ever bothers to go to school.'
It cites 'experts': 'Thomas Edison stated that we know less than one millionth of 1 percent about anything; Mark Twain thought it would take eight million years to master mathematics alone; Woody Allen said that some drink deeply from the river of knowledge, but others only gargle.' And so I thought, 'A book of trivia with a touch of dry British humour...I like it already!' The answers are quite lengthy and very interesting, but space does not permit me to elaborate. There are 280 topics examined. Here are but a few:
How many wives did Henry VII have? It turns out, only 2.
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
TO RENT
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
ACROSS
1. Indian music
5. Poi source
9. Mesa
14. Component of steel
15. Noxious plant
16. Labor organization
17. Here and there
19. Weary
20. Aromatic compound
21. Simulated
23. Permanent magnet
25. Pardon
28. Anger
39. Large northern deer
40. Dog command
41. Delicately charming
43. South southeast
44. Mister
45. Own
46. Spinal curvature
48. Student of human nature
50. Evade
54. Not a winner
55. Aimless behaviors
57. White poplar
58. French for "Head"
4. Gazelles or hartebeests
5. Female sheep
6. Mock
7. Regards
8. Curiosities
9. Lighter fuel
10. Come together
11. Become weary
12. Pigeon-___
13. Finish
18. Fairy tale character
22. Underwater missiles
24. Distaste
25. Donkeys
26. Invoices to pay
27. Product of combustion
29. Companionless
30. Lightning units
31. Doesn't go
33. Depression
34. Cut
37. Transports by plane
42. Parenthetical comment
44. Be afraid
45. A spud
46. Odor
47. A small island
48. Vagabond
49. Utiliser
can see; two you can't.'
What's the most dangerous animal that has ever lived?
'Half of the human beings who have ever died, perhaps as many as 45 billion people, have been killed by female mosquitoes.'
How many senses does a human being have?
At least 9.
What's the commonest material in the world?
Oxygen? Carbon? Nitrogen? Water? Nope, Perovskite. That's right: it makes up almost half the total mass of the planet. It is what the mantle is made of...mostly.
Where do most tigers live? The good ol' U.S. of A.
What is a bigger killer than drink, Drugs, War? Work, it turns out.
What is the number of the beast? Not 666. Due to a miscalculation, it is 616.
What did feminists do with their bras? Nope, not that. 'they produced a live sheep, which they crowned 'Miss America' and then proceeded to toss their high-healed shoes, bras, curlers and tweezers into a Freedom Trash Can.'
We're just have way through to my word allotment, so let's continue...
What colour is the universe? 'It's officially beige.' Mars is butterscotch.
How many nostrils do you have? 'Four. Two you
What do camels store in their humps? Water?
Nope, fat. Speaking of which, where do camels come from? North America. And speaking of the land that was NOT named after Amerigo Vespucci, but Richard Ameryk from Wales, how many American states are there? Technically 46---Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are commonwealths.(We all know about #51)
And that all-American pastime, baseball? It was invented in England.
This next one I reread a few times: What is the single largest man-made structure on Earth? Not the pyramids, nor the Great Wall of China. The answer is 'Fresh Kills'. (Kills is from 'Kils' which is dutch for 'small river') It can be found on Staten Island. I'll leave that one for you to look up - or 'google' as the noun-turnedverb goes.
When did the most recent Ice Age take place? We're still in it, apparently. What Edison invention do we use every day? The word 'Hello'.
And finally, how many prisoners were freed by the storming of the Bastille? 7
Well, that's it for this instalment of: 'Betcha Thought You Were Pretty Smart'. Tune in next time for: 'What is quite interesting about Scotland'. It'll be fascinating, I'm sure. (But what do I know - I got all of the above wrong). Who's telling you now?
29. Stomach muscles, for short
32. Easy
33. Vigor
34. Coin opening
35. Blackthorn
36. Lift
38. Soft drink
59. Nights before
60. Planet
61. Put away
62. Stupor DOWN
1. Ascend
2. Circle fragments
3. Caprine animal
51. Opera star
52. "Good grief!"
53. Anagram of "Sees"
54. The collection of rules
56. Without precedent
HISTORY Causes worth carrying on
Robert Bell: Politics, Railways and Newspapers
by David Shanahan
Robert Bell had a huge influence on the development of North Grenville in the nineteenth century. Born in Strabane, Ireland, in 1821, his family emigrated when he was very young, first settling in New York and then, in 1832, moving to Oxfordon-Rideau Township. His father, also called Robert, farmed 100 acres on lot 22, concession 6, off what is now Beach Road.
He attended local schools and then apprenticed with Francis Jones, a Provincial Land Surveyor who had been a school teacher in Oxford for many years. On 16 June 1843, Robert himself qualified as a Provincial Land Surveyor, and moved to Ottawa (then Bytown) to pursue a career in surveying. After making surveys in Nepean Township, and along the Chalk River, Robert undertook a mammoth project that proved
difficult and dangerous, and almost led to his death, along with the rest of his survey team. The line ran from the Madawaska River to near Bracebridge, and took from August, 1847 to March of 1848 to complete.
Considered by the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors as “one of the most remarkable in the history of land surveying in Ontario”, Bell began the work in August, 1847, at Bark Lake on the Madawaska River. Heading west on the 130km trek, he had surveyed 52 kms by October. Then the weather changed, with heavy rain turning to snow. Bell became ill and the canoes bringing him supplies filed to get through. Gradually, with diminishing supplies and labourers having to return to Bytown, live oxen had to be brought to the work site and driven from camp to camp as the work slowed down. In
January, Bell fell ill again and couldn’t work for ten days. All but one of the workers had to leave Bell to try and bring in more food. Supplies remained scarce for the rest of project, although more workers were found after the lumber camps closed. The survey line was completed finally near Bracebridge on February 15, 1848. It is still known to this day as Bell’s Line.
But Bell’s work wasn’t finished. He had to work his way back the way he had come, laying down boundary markers and surveying township lines for a mile back from the line. It was an amazing feat of surveying, and opened the way for a long career in the field for Robert Bell. But, instead, he quit surveying in 1849 in order to pursue a completely different path. In 1849 he purchased the Bytown Packet, a popular local newspaper. In February 1851 he changed its name and the newspaper became known as the Ottawa Citizen.
Around this time, Robert became involved in railway construction projects, promoting the building of a railway from Bytown to Prescott, where it would connect with the railway at Ogdensburg, New York. Ottawa valley lumbermen would thus be provided with easier means of transport to the increasingly important American market. Robert become secretary of the provisional committee of the Bytown and Prescott Railway (later the Ottawa and Prescott Railway) in 1850, with funds raised, in part, from businessmen in the Kemptville area. It is said that Robert Bell, more
than anyone else, was responsible for overseeing the completion of the line and he was president of the company for many years.
The railway reached Bedell Station (for Kemptville) from Prescott in August, 1854, bringing with it the first printing press to be established in North Grenville. The Progressionist newspaper began in 1854 and last until 1860. There was some dispute with the shareholders and the business community in Kemptville, and, as a result, the railway station was not built in the town itself, but outside at Bedell. With the additional wealth coming into the village because of the railway, a movement to separate from Oxfordon-Rideau Township grew up, and Kemptville officially seceded from the Township in 1857. Robert Bell had a marked, though mixed, effect on the wider community.
Robert ran for an Assembly seat for Ottawa and had a somewhat controversial career, as he supported equal educational rights for Catholics, in spite of being a Presbyterian. He also supported the choice of Ottawa as the new capital of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Confederation marked the turning point in Robert’s fortunes. He was defeated in an attempt to win a seat in Parliament in 1867. He had sold the Ottawa Citizen in 1865, and the Bytown and Prescott Railway Company went into receivership that same year. In 1868, his wife died, and he withdrew completely from public life, going to live with his daughter in Hull, where he died in 1873 at the early age of 52.
There was an ironic aspect to his life in North Grenville. His sister, Elizabeth, married Charles Ferguson, M.D., who, in 1874, won the Assembly seat for North Leeds and Grenville away from Robert’s former teacher, Francis Jones. Robert’s nephew, Howard, would grow up to be G. Howard Ferguson, Premier of Ontario.
One should never use the word “crusade” lightly. But if you’ve ever watched someone battle against deeply entrenched systems, close-mindedness, or worst of all, indifference, then there’s no better word for what needs doing. There is unfinished business that I must pick up. And sure as night follows day, there will be fresh challenges too. In the months ahead, I’ll be taking up the crusades that still call out and the ones just beginning to stir.
One of the campaigns I am positioned to champion is around vitamin C. It’s close to my heart, and readers may know why that has two meanings. For one, I’m a secondgeneration advocate for higher doses of supplementation with C. In this sense, it’s a heartfelt calling. For another, I feel compelled to draw linkages between vitamin C and heart health, a pairing that too few understand.
I’m not interested in the minimal doses of C found in most multivitamins, or recommended by outdated public guidelines. My focus will be higher therapeutic use that can support immunity, cardiovascular health, and recovery from serious illness. There’s good science here. And there’s plenty of lived experience. What’s missing is a willingness on the part of regulators and policymakers to acknowledge that the current monograph is out of step with both. I intend to work diligently to change that. It won’t be easy. But it’s time to bring clarity, credibility, and a little pressure to a conversation that has stalled for far too long.
Another continuing campaign will be palliative pain management. Too many people, especially older adults, are still dying in unnecessary pain. Our healthcare system is structured to treat and intervene, but it often fails when comfort becomes the goal. We need a wider public conversation about the right to effective, compassionate pain care in life’s final chapter. And not just in theory, but in practice, policy, and training. The Gifford-Jones professorship and supporting funds at the University of Toronto are helping shift how we think about dignity, choice, and the quality of a person’s last days.
Then there’s the battle against “selective skepticism.” We are right to question miracle cures and misleading marketing. But we must also apply that same scrutiny to the slow-moving machinery of official advice, especially when it fails to keep pace with new evidence or refuses to acknowledge natural therapies as legitimate options. This is where I hope to be helpful. I hope to cut through the noise with a clear-eyed view of what’s actually working for people, and why it matters.
A healthy amount of my future focus will be on prevention. How can we create better habits and supports that keep people healthy longer? Nutritional supplementation. Movement. Sleep. Stress reduction. These may sound basic, but they are anything but. Preventive health isn’t glamorous, and it’s rarely incentivized. But I believe it’s the foundation of sustainable healthcare. The more people understand it, the more empowered they’ll be to act. I truly worry, for us all, about the people who could be healthy, but through their own folly are falling ill. That’s the societal disease we don’t want the healthcare system chasing. Finally, I’ll be advocating for respect for the individual in every healthcare decision. That means better access to information, more open conversations between patients and practitioners, and a culture that values curiosity over compliance. Let’s reduce the occasions when it is said, “I just wish someone had told me this earlier.”
These are just the first few campaigns. I’m sure others will emerge along the way. But for now, such are the hills I’m planning to climb.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive my weekly enewsletter. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
Photo: Courtesy of The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors Archives
Reap the Many Benefits of Starter Company Plus
from the United Counties of Leeds&Grenville
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts in October. This highly sought-after and exclusive program is designed to address critical business areas and empower small business owners for long-term success. Best of all, it’s completely free for participants.
The program offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help you confidently launch and grow your small business. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance in financial management, strategic planning, market research, and more. Through interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build the skills needed to propel your business forward. Eligibility:
Be over 18 years of age, Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Leeds Grenville.
Have started a new company in the last 5 years, are expanding an existing company (may be over 5 years old) or buying a business.
Work full time in the business: 30+ hours/week or part time with a proven plan to be full time in the business in next 6 months.
Be working with clients and/or generating an income.
Reside in one of the following townships: Athens, Augusta, Brockville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, ElizabethtownKitley (south), Front of Yonge, Gananoque, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Prescott or North Grenville. How to apply:
To receive a Starter Company Plus application you must first attend an entire information session on either September 4th or 9th via the Zoom platform. Here, you will learn the full eligibility criteria, and any other requirements so you can determine whether the program is right for you and your business at this time. At the end of the information session, you will be able to request the application. Email Brennan Eland at brennan.eland@uclg.on.ca for more information, or call 613-342-3840 x 5363.
Local Poet performs with the Heroic Mad Peasants
by Lisa Poushansky
Local poet, singer, and songwriter Katie Nolan appears at the Street Piano on Saturday, August 16, as her alter ego Emmi Winter for an afternoon of original songs about climate change, backed by folk heavyweights The Heroic Mad Peasants. You may recall Nolan’s trilogy of COVID Pandemic haiku diaries ending in 2022? Lovingly illustrated with linocut prints by Meredith Luce, released to local acclaim, and providing North Grenville with a poetic archive of moments lived during an irrefutably significant and historic time? Well, she’s done it again, but for this body of work you
can sing along. About Nolan’s new original album Anthropocene, a listener said: “this …makes me feel like someone has finally given voice to what climate anxiety is. The miracle is, I don't feel dragged down by the topic... I feel the opposite of alone. Alive with purpose. Boosted by mad peasant kindred spirits."
Join Emmi Winter and The Heroic Mad Peasants on August 16 at the Kemptville Street Piano and experience a sense of connection through music that “reflects our shared world and inspires collective hope, action, and community.” With excellent local musicians Doug Hendry, Jeff Schiissler,
Shawn Yakimovich, Glenna Hunter, Mairéad Frizell, Beverly McArthur, Elizabeth McNally, and Bruce Enloe on board, you too will feel surrounded by friends, and entertained too. It’s a boost by kindred spirits you don’t want to miss! What? The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents Who? Emmi Winter and The Heroic Mad Peasants
When? Saturday August 16, 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 Emmi Winter here: https://emmiwinter. bandcamp.com/album/ anthropocene
You Name It, We Do It!
Talia’s Take: When Kindness Slips
- Helping Kids Navigate Bullying
by Talia Hreljac
It’s not something any of us want to think about, that our precious cherub could be the bully and hurting someone’s feelings, but the fact of the matter is that, sometimes, our kids aren’t as kind as we hope they’re being. And honestly, it happens. These tiny humans are just trying to find their way in the world, and sometimes they’re going to misstep; but it’s our job to help them find their way.
I’m not preaching, and I’m most certainly not throwing rocks in a glass house. My kids have been the bullies, and they’ve been the bullied. Both situations suck. Both situations have you questioning your parenting and thinking about every single thing you’ve done. But, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that it can’t be ignored.
For this article, I’ve come up with a few things that can help parents deal with this situation, whether you’re the one heading to the principal’s office over your kid’s behaviour, or the one comforting your child after a rough day.
If Your Kid Is the Bully:
1. Talk to your child.
Let them know that it’s absolutely not okay. Keep repeating the age-old mantra that’s still around for a reason: Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you don’t want to be excluded, don’t exclude others. If you don’t want people saying mean things about you, don’t say mean
things about others.
2. Make them own up to it.
Too often, I see parents blame others when their kids are being little jerks. And sometimes there’s a reason; but sometimes, the fact is, your kid is being a jerk. Don’t let them get away with it. One time, I found out one of my kids made fun of someone’s name, and you better believe they were writing an apology letter that night and lost some privileges that week. We don’t tolerate unkindness in our house, and we stand by that.
3. Find out if something deeper is going on.
Sometimes our kids are hurting, jealous, or scared, and they act out. If there’s something else behind the behaviour, that needs to be dealt with too.
4. Remind them that making a mistake doesn’t make them a bad kid.
We all have moments where we’re not at our best, and that’s okay. We’re not perfect, but we can do better next time.
If Your Kid Is Being Bullied:
To the parents of the kids being bullied: I’m sending you a hug, because this part is heartbreaking. Holding your kiddo as they cry is a kind of pain you only understand when you’ve been there. Here are a few things that might help:
1. Be a louder voice than the bullies.
If someone called your
child a name, shout from the rooftops how smart they are. How wonderful they are. How kind and special they are. Make sure your words are the ones they hear and hold on to.
2. Don’t be a bulldozer parent.
Don’t rush in to fix everything. There will always be cruel people in the world, and you won’t always be there. Let them try. Let them figure it out. Let them even fail, if it comes to that, but be there in the background, supporting them. And if nothing gets better, calmly talk to the people who can help.
3. Use it as a teaching moment.
When my kid is hurting, I say: Remember how you’re feeling right now. Don’t ever be the reason someone else feels this way. If you see something wrong happening, speak up. Be the person who makes someone else’s day better.
4. Remind them it’s not always about them
Just because someone’s being unkind doesn’t mean it’s about who they are. Sometimes people lash out because they’re hurting. It’s not right, but there’s often more going on than we can see. So to all the parents out there: Please, please, please — teach your kids kindness.
There’s enough darkness in this world. Let’s help our kids be the light.
Services and Essentials on 43
The businesses along County Road 43 are OPEN Open and here to provide the everyday essentials and reliable services you count on. Roadwork is a temporary step toward lasting improvements. Your support today helps create a stronger, more connected community for the future. Visit: www.northgrenville.ca/discover43
County Road 44/43 roundabout construction is underway! The base is nearly completed, and it will begin to look like an actual roundabout with installation of concrete curbs in the next few weeks.