Free Harvest Lunch
3M Harvest Lunch
Coming to Kemptville
September 17
House of Lazarus, in collaboration with the United Way of Leeds and Grenville, is hosting a 3M Harvest Lunch on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s United Church in Kemptville. This free event, sponsored by 3M Canada, aims to provide 200 lunches to community members.
Along with the 3M Harvest Lunch event, House of Lazarus will be delivering meals to members of the community who
are unable to attend in person and to the Kemptville Youth Centre. “We’re excited to be involved in this initiative and to bring attention to food insecurity in our region,” stated Cathy Ashby, executive director at House of Lazarus.
“The support from 3M Canada, its employees and volunteers, is wonderful and so meaningful at a time when so many people are in need in our community.”
United Way Leeds and Grenville facilitates the 3M sponsor-
ship of the Harvest Lunch.
“This year celebrates 5 years that 3M Canada has been supporting awareness of food security in Leeds and Grenville. We are thankful for them, and this give-back to our community. Breaking bread together during Harvest and Hunger Action Month, highlights the need and importance to ensure everyone is fed and nourished. A future where we thrive with all life has to offer, is possible when you support collective ac-
tion in the community,” stated Melissa Hindman, United Way Leeds and Grenville.
Though the 3M Harvest Lunch is free, registration is strongly encouraged. House of Lazarus is a nonprofit organization that works with the community to ensure that people have the basics of life.
To sign up for lunch, or for additional information, please reach out to Ashby and House of Lazarus at 613-989-3830.
Repair Café
by Tricia Habberjam
Once again the North Grenville 'Repair Cafe' will be open for business on Saturday, 27 September, from 11am-2pm in the North Grenville Library. We will have the usual repairers: sewing, electrical, wood working and mechanical.
As this is back to school season, we are also accepting anyone who wants to offer their services, occasionally, to help with repairs. We are also looking for help with a FB page.
We are a local organization, started by a member of the Bishop's Mills W.I. with enormous help from The North Grenville Public Library, the BMWI and The North Grenville Times, not to mention local volunteers who give their time each month. We are also aided by the International Organization, begun in Holland and spread worldwide in an effort to get manufacturers to make items repairable.
Find out more by looking up 'Repair Café' as well as the 'Right to Repair in Canada'.
We offer our services free while helping you repair items that might otherwise be discarded. Come along on the 27th and see how we may help you.
Seven Feathers reinstallation restores meaning to Indigenous Art in North Grenville
•
The Municipality of North Grenville is proud to support the reinstallation of the crosswalk depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings, represented through seven feathers, at the junction of Clothier and Prescott Streets in Kemptville, in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Municipality invites media and residents to join the dedication ceremony on Wednesday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Rotary Park, adjacent to the crosswalk.
The reinstallation fulfills the original vision for the crosswalk which was proposed in 2024 by North Grenville resident Carolyn Solomon to honour the Seven Grandfather Teachings which includes: Love; Respect;
Courage; Honesty; Humility; Truth and Wisdom. The seven feathers are a sacred symbol recognized by many Indigenous communities, offering guidance for how we all can walk together in respect and understanding.
The 2025 installation will be accompanied by a smudging ceremony led by Elder Albert Dumont, and local dignitaries who will share the meaning of the Seven Grandfather Teachings with the community. This important step ensures that the cultural protocols and intentions of the project are honoured and shared with the community.
About Carolyn Solomon: Carolyn is a child of the “Sixties Scoop”. Carolyn, along with her siblings were placed in Kemptville through the Children’s Aid So-
ciety after being separated from their Ojibwe community. Like many Scoop survivors, they were placed with non-Indigenous “adoptive” parents, who later returned them to the system.
During this time Carolyn’s little brother, Teddy Bellingham, went missing while still a ward of the Children’s Aid Society. In 1992, at just 16 years old, Teddy’s body was found brutally murdered in Smiths Falls.
Despite this, Carolyn Solomon continues to humbly dedicate herself to the North Grenville community. Beyond being a pioneer of women in trades as a licensed electrician, she also serves as the Second Vice President of the Kemptville Legion Branch 212, and Maintenance Coordinator.
The reinstallation
of the Seven Feathers Crosswalk honours the Seven Grandfather Teachings and reminds us that Truth and Reconciliation is not a distant concept.
In 2024, Carolyn Solomon was awarded grant support through the Municipality’s Arts and Culture Development Fund, after submitting a grant application for the original crosswalk installation. Regrettably, the Seven Feathers Crosswalk was installed incorrectly without adherence to the appropriate cultural protocols –which caused confusion and harm.
The Municipality voluntarily removed the crosswalk after publicly acknowledging its error - and committed to reinstallation in a manner that fully respects Indigenous tradition
Birds of prey return
by Lynne Tyler
The annual Birds of Prey Show, hosted by the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre, will once again entertain and delight local residents.
Last year the weather forced us to cancel the show. However, we are back this year, with the Canadian Raptor Conservancy who have promised us a chance to see some of these
magnificent birds soaring above the crowd and plunging back to their falconer's hand. The demonstration is expected to include five different raptors from around the world, including at least three free-flying performance, which are always provide exciting moments in the show!
The exact birds involved will depend on the decision of the Conservancy, but it may include bald eagle, golden eagle, Harris hawk, barn owl, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, American kestrel and turkey vulture. While the birds are in flight, the handlers will provide educational commentary about each one.
The Birds of Prey Show will take place in the arboretum of Ferguson Forest (entrance from County Road 43). Signage and volunteers will help direct visitors.
There will be three per-
Special Events
Speed Euchre Charity Tournament:
Food Banks everywhere are grappling with an unprecedented surge in demand, while available resources shrink. With geopolitical influences and the resulting impact on the Canadian economy, North Grenville is not immune to those experiencing food insecurities. Rising prices, a lack of affordable housing and many economic indicators are making it necessary for all of us to try and make a difference within our communities whenever possible.
With our community in mind, the Kemptville Legion Branch 212 will be hosting a 10-10-10 Speed Euchre Tournament on October 29, 2025. Registration commences at 12:30pm with play starting at 1pm. It will cost $10 per player, 10 minutes each game and there will be 10 games in total. Half of the entry fee will be donated to a local Food Bank and there will also be a 50/50 draw with 50% of the draw also donated to the Food Bank. Further, we will be accepting non-perishable food donations, so please bring what you can to help others - don't forget to check expiry dates.
This is going to be a very fun tournament and the community support would be greatly appreciated. You can help the Kemptville Legion make a difference in the lives of those who truly need a helping hand. Join us on October 29th, let's make a difference together.
1st Annual Artisan Market:
In communities where a shopping mall is only a short drive away, we are fortunate to live in a community where local artisans are both appreciated and flourish. Supporting local artisans brings not only economic benefits but also provides all of us with the opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality items. With this in mind, the Kemptville Legion is hosting their 1st Annual Artisan Market on October 19th, from 10am until 3pm.
Twenty-seven tables were made available and were sold out in a very short period of time. The interest was so high that the waiting list for tables is equally amazing, which is solid proof that the interest in this Artisan Market is incredibly strong.
The Kemptville Legion is excited to offer this amazing opportunity to local and surrounding residents to access this event free of charge, with lots of free parking, and the ability to see just how incredibly talented our local vendors are; offering a wide variety of crafts available to purchase. It is hoped that the 1st Annual Kemptville Artisan Market will see lots of local residents attending to show their support for our local artisans.
The proceeds from the table rentals will be used to assist the Kemptville Legion in supporting our Veterans. We look forward to welcoming everyone.
formances, one at 10:00am, one at 12:00 noon and one at 2:00pm. Those attending are kindly asked to consider a donation – a $5 bill (or more) helps Friends put on events of this type and carry out our other programming. Many thanks also to local sponsors Pet Valu, North Grenville Tourism, and Jonsson's Your Independent Grocer.
The Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that exists to conserve and protect Ferguson Forest for the enjoyment of the public. (www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com)
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Bald Eagle
More pipelines make no sense
by Colin Creasey
There was a brochure in the mail recently entitled "Living and Working Near Pipelines". My initial reaction was, "Here we go again". It seems to fit with Carney's plan to build an East-West pipeline across Canada, to make Canada an "energy superpower". This reminds me somewhat of his predecessor, who declared a climate emergency one day, then purchased a pipeline the next for $10 billion, and proceeded to rack up a $34 billion bill of taxpayer money from massive delays and cost overruns. It seemed to me at the time that the pipeline was primarily to appease western voters, but it didn't work then, so it's unlikely to work now.
Just days after we received this brochure, the CEO of TMX was wondering why we are building more pipelines when the existing ones aren't at capacity. Good question. Many parts of the world are moving away from fossil fuels to renewables, so what is the point of try-
ing to become an energy superpower? If we want an east-west energy system, a transmission line to distribute renewable energy would be far quicker and cheaper than relying on fossil fuels, and it will help our metals industry that has been crippled by the Trump tariffs.
The last time that the federal government proposed a pipeline through our community, it was to go under the Rideau River, to be buried 70m into the highly vulnerable Oxford Aquifer, which, in turn, sits on top of the Nepean Aquifer. You have to wonder what sort of genius would think that there wouldn't potentially be a problem putting a pipeline carrying fossil fuel through a place where we get our drinking water.
Canada is way behind on its climate goals. A new pipeline will make matters worse. We have already seen the massive wildfires from a warmer and drier planet, and encouraging the development of large oil and gas projects will head us in
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I am writing about Kemptville Street Piano and how great it has been.
Lisa Poushinsky has done a wonderful job as far as I’m concerned. All the entertainers were great.
Emmi Winter and the Heroic Mad Peasants with Katie Nolan definitely stood out as one of the favourites. The terrace at the library is such a great place for this, looking across and down the river, the sloping lawns, the weeping willows, people in their boats and kayaks, gorgeous on a warm summer afternoon. The little park is l;ovelt, and also the Rotary Park across the water.
All great. Thanks again, Lisa. Kath Piché
Send in your letters to the editor to
the opposite direction of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has not demonstrated a true commitment to combatting climate change. Average temperatures in Canada have surpassed the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold, and the country is warming at about twice the global average rate.
Canada did not meet it's Kyoto Protocol target of a 6% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and so withdrew from the Protocol in 2011. As for the Paris Agreement, Canada is not on track to meet its 2030 goal of a 40-50% reduction in emissions below 2005 levels. In fact, there is an overall trend from 1990 to 2023 showing an increase in emissions, primarily from the oil and gas, agriculture, and transport sectors. As for renewables, they are not coming online quickly enough to counter the increase in demand for energy, so we are constantly slipping further behind. A major investment in renewables is now critical.
As for major resource development being a
Project of National Interest (PONI), I would be curious to know - what is the criteria for assessing national interest? Is it simply revenue generation for the banks and fossil fuel companies? When will Canadians be consulted on their vision for Canada, and what input have Canadians had to shape and determine national interest? The Liberal government is making determinations about what Canadians want. I want reduced emissions, and I want to protect species diversity and focus on soil regeneration. I also want my grandchildren to have a livable planet. There is much work to do to repair the harm we have caused.
As for Indigenous rights, that is a smoke and mirrors game. You must watch who the feds are dealing with. They have met with the Assembly of First Nations, a corporate body created by the Indian Act Band Councils, a coopted organization that the government of Canada provides funding to, and which the government wields huge
influence over. Until the Indigenous Peoples have been consulted directly, the government will have failed in its duty to consult and will face huge resistance to any projects that infringe on Indigenous rights. Any project that puts those rights at risk is a violation of treaty. The government has a duty to consult with the rights holders and, as of now, this simply has not happened.
In closing, I would like to thank Tom Graham of Sustainable North Grenville for his information regarding the previous pipeline proposal through our community, and to Lorraine Rekmans for her help on Indigenous issues. I did talk to a member of our Council, but, evidently, they hadn't heard anything about a pipeline. Maybe they could be proactive about this, get themselves informed, then let us know what is going on. That doesn't seem unreasonable, considering that they were elected to look after the interests of those who elected them.
Dear Editor,
Re: Op-ed CAPP says no. NG Times Aug. 28
Victor Lachance, You say no to the prison in Kemptville, but you offer no alternative to criminal incarceration. What is your solution to the bad apples, the rapists, murderers and God knows who else? Law abiding citizens have a right to be protected, but you say you are against any prison expansion in Ontario. Well crime is going up and people are being victimized, what is your answer? Being a "true Coalition Against Proposed Prisons”. It's fine to raise hell to things you don't like, but better to have ideas and some solutions.
W.Scott Paterson Kemptville , On
Dear Editor, The other day I contacted the post office, on Reuben St., to inquire why we are no longer having our flag raised on our, and neigbours, mailbox to be informed that we have mail and was told that it is
no longer a requirement of theirs. The sole purpose of the flag is to notify the mail person that mail is in the box to be picked up.
We thought this odd and that bit of information would have been nice to know before it just started happening. Maybe others have been curious about this as well. Thanks and have an e njoyable day!
Rhonda Lee Brady
Dear Editor, Re: Op-Ed CAPP says NOPE
Another CAPP, footstomping, breath holding, missive asking us readers to listen to their please… OMGG. (Oh my goodness gracious)
CAPP continues to demand recognition and a stage-presence platform. Month after month, year after year, and election after election! It is as if they are holding their breath until someone meets their demands. If CAPP represent-
ed a group of people opposing a prison proposal, their community activism would be appreciated. I did value their research on the pros and cons of building a new prison in our townships and the initial clarification on government accountability for decision-making.
However, CAPP's approach seems to have digressed. They appear to be more interested in emphasizing the flaws in each level of government while demanding that their voices be heard by each. Despite repeatedly stating their needs, they seem to believe that others haven't listened or understood their message. Their frustration stems perhaps, from a perceived lack of agreement with their views?
Last week, one of their representatives published an Op-Ed piece with a straightforward "NOPE." It's clear that the acronym apostles remain unhappy, and their strategy seems importantly to move from
opinion-influence to targeting blame onto various villains for their dissatisfaction. Perhaps they'll keep going after non-villains, like city council again or even run a slate of candidates again, in order to promote their hybrid agenda. Hey gals&guys, I will listen to your concerns again, but I doubt whether you will find satisfaction in being heard.
Graeme Waymark Retired politician - thankfully!
Dear Editor, Eating Humble Pie
I humbly and profusely apologize to Mayor Nancy Peckford and our Municipal Council for the scathing language I used in my letter to the editor Thursday, September 4 edition of The NG Times.
I found out, after my letter had been submitted, what I believe to be a crime against the town of Kemptville. If our Munici-
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pal Council does not agree that at least 5 apartment complexes should be constructed on Rueben St., the Construction Company(ies) can plead their case to the Ontario Land Tribunal and override the wishes of our Municipal Council and the people of North Grenville.
The Ying and Yang of life in a democracy.
Josephine M. Herman
Op-Ed Transparency is central
Many of your readers may have noticed a recent, subtle change to a regular column in the NG Times, Common Sense Health. Up until this summer, the column was ostensibly authored by Dr. Gifford-Jones who held an actual degree as a Medical Doctor (MD). His co-author was listed as his daughter Diana GiffordJones. The centenarian Dr. Gifford-Jones passed away earlier this summer. The advice column is now authored by Ms. GiffordJones alone.
What troubles me is the lack of transparency associated with this column. Ms. Gifford-Jones hands out the same sort of advice that her father did; she has kept the doctor's surname -- a pseudonym for him and for her; she has kept the website name of "www.docgiff. com" and email address of "diana@docgiff.com", both of which imply that a doctor is still behind this column.
The fact is that Ms. Gifford-Jones, unlike her father, does not have a medical degree. (It takes a bit of digging into her biography to ascertain this.) As Dr. Gifford-Jones himself wrote in his obituary published after his death, "She was too smart to become a doctor." (Sound like something Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would say.)
Where does this leave us? An advice column that many readers read, believing it to be authored by a qualified MD -- whether you were comfortable with his advice or not -- is now being authored by someone who not an MD, and who is not making that simple fact clear to readers via her by-line at the end of the col-
umn.
Readers are led to believe that the source qualifications of the advice being published have not changed. Well my dear, they have changed. A medical degree still means something, I hope. (Unless your name is Donald Trump.)
What to do? May I suggest that the NG Times add a brief note to each Common Sense Health column to inform readers that Ms. Gifford-Jones is not a medical doctor.
This newspaper is, after all, a champion of transparency. And transparency is needed here.
Sincerely; Maria Koller-Jones (actual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
Op-ed 2 Transparency: A Response
by Diana MacKay
In continuing a column authored by a medical doctor for 50 years, I am deeply aware of the imperative to ensure readers know I myself am not a medical doctor. That's why the column is now entitled, Common Sense Health. I write on matters of health policy, personal outlook, and general wellbeing, for which my graduate training at Harvard and a 35-year career working on healthrelated issues and in healthfocused organizations well qualify me. In the column, I have written that I am not a doctor, and I recognize this point needs to be underscored in the note at the end of each column."
I'd also like to respond to Maria Koller directly, if that is suitable. To her, I would offer:
Dear Maria, I appreciate your note, and it is something I have been thinking through for the past six years as I initially co-authored the column with my father, and now at the juncture of starting to write it on my own. To me, this has not been a time of subtle changes. As I write in the column, losing a father is a bundle of hurt, and I believe the milestone of the column passing from father to daughter has been announced boldly and repeatedly in the column over the course of the weeks since my father passed away on July 1.
I'm actually in full agreement with you. My credentials are different. I am not a medical doctor. Both my father and I have been making the differences between us aware to our readers over the past number of years. In my very first solo column, I stated very clearly that I am not a doctor and that I have very different credentials. Nonetheless, like many other health journalists, I am very much interested in com-
menting on a wide range of topics pertaining to health. I don't believe that a medical degree is a prerequisite for this — and I don't think that is what you are suggesting either.
It's about transparency. I will make an adjustment to the note following the column. And if my bio is not sufficiently clear, I will make an adjustment to it as well. I would add about my father's comment, humour has always been a feature of his writing, and I'm sure this was the intent with his remark about my career choices.
With regard to the website and my email, www. docgiff.com and diana@ docgiff.com, I agree with you, and I am underway with an IT firm to make adjustments. But this takes time. You will see some changes starting to occur already, and other changes will be coming in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you, Maria, for writing to the editor about this. I'm sure you are speaking for many others who are not speaking up. I share in the objective to make these issues perfectly clear.
Diana
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Grenville OPP investigate voyeurism
Additional Charges
Laid, Name of Accused Released, Child Pornography Seized
Additional charges have now been laid against an individual arrested in connection with an act of voyeurism at a North Grenville daycare. On August 20, 2025, Grenville County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report that a recording device had been located at a daycare. An arrest was made on Friday, August 29, 2025.
As a result of the ongoing investigation by the Grenville OPP Crime Unit, a search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of hundreds of inappropriate video clips of adults, as well as children.
A male, age 27 of Embrun, has now been charged with: Possession of child pornography
Access child pornography Mischief - obstructs, interrupts or interferes in the use of property
These are in addition to the earlier charge of voyeurism.
The accused was released from custody on strict conditions following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on October 3, 2025.
As part of the investigation, officers are working to identify victims seen in the video clips.
Anyone with information should contact the Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident E25112666. If you have information, but want to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
in
Beautification
Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas. @BrightShinySpaces
What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events
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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
Keeping farmers’ voices heard in tariff and trade challenges
by Drew Spoelstra, President, OFA
To say that there’s been a lot going on in the world over the last eight months would be an understatement. We’ve come through both a provincial and a federal election here at home. Drought and wildfires have made headlines and caused stress and challenges for those affected. The biggest development, however, has been the arrival of a new administration south of the border, which, in short order, has turned long-standing world relationships upside down, upended supply chains and created an unpredictable global tariff and trade situation that continues to remain fluid.
Since March, Canada has been dealing with a variety of tariffs at various levels on our exports to the United States, including steel, aluminum, automotive, energy and products not covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico
Agreement (CUSMA). In response, Canada placed reciprocal duties on approximately $60 billion worth of U.S. goods in March. On September 1, Canada exempted CUSMA-compliant U.S. products from its retaliatory tariffs, covering $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, but tariffs remain in place on imports of U.S. steel, aluminum, and autos.
An August 1 deadline for our two countries to reach a new deal on tariffs has come and gone with no new announcements –except executive orders upping U.S. tariffs on nonCUSMA-compliant Canadian goods to 35% and adding a 50% tariff on some copper imports.
In many ways, the agriculture and agri-food sector has been spared, so far, the direct hit that some other industries have taken in this trade war, but as with everything else in dealing with the new reality south of the border, that could
change in a heartbeat. And that doesn’t mean there haven’t been impacts felt right across our sector, from high prices for equipment parts to tariffs on cans for processing tomatoes and floral packaging.
Additionally, Canadian pork and canola producers are dealing with steep tariffs from China on their exports. China is one of the biggest buyers of both commodities, and canola growers in particular are calling on the federal government for immediate supports as well as expanding our domestic processing capacity and diversifying export markets. And with CUSMA renegotiation yet to come as the current agreement expires next year, the future is far from clear.
I’m the President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), and we’ve heard first-hand from local farm leaders at two roundtables we hosted this summer as well as at
our regional meetings currently underway across the province that tariffs and trade continue to be a top concern. In addition to meeting with our members, we also work closely with leaders of other agricultural organizations and stay in regular contact with our national counterparts at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
We’re advocating with government to make sure they’re aware of the needs of a sector that contributes more than $50 billion to the Ontario economy every year, employs over 870,000 people, and exports more than $26 billion in goods annually. Removing or reducing interprovincial trade barriers also continues to be a significant topic and some meaningful progress has been made over the last several months. Ontario passed the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act in June and OFA
What
Another super-full moon has come and gone? Where do they go? This one was illustrious...as in really bright. Named 'The Harvest Moon', it reached its peak brilliance on the night of the 7th day of this 9th month. It will also have endured a lunar eclipse, which will have made it less illustrious. But, if you were not in Western Australia or parts of Asia, on that night, you wouldn't have been exposed to much of the event. Don't despair, we have other rare happenings occurring. And with that, greetings North Grenvillans.
Locally, the construction and realignment of highway 43 continues. Those drivers who used to revel in being able to run the red and orange lights at the intersection of 44 and 43 must be longing for the 'good ol' days'. Now, with a minimal slowdown, they are able to proceed merrily on their way; once they've learned how to navigate a roundabout. And for those nervous Nellies and Nelsons, who sit outside the roundabout, waiting until there are no cars in sight, 'Get On With It'! No one's going to try to crash into you. Those 'light jumpers'? They can still be seen ignoring stop signs, or using them as a suggestion.
has provided comments to the regulation development process under this act, which is now underway.
The legislation now permits direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from any province that provides reciprocal treatment to Ontario products, which is a significant shift from previous law restricting alcohol shipments across provincial borders. The legislation also enhances labour mobility by recognizing skilled trades and medical professionals certified elsewhere in Canada.
Agriculture is an incredibly diverse sector: more than 200 different products are grown, raised and produced in Ontario alone – which often also makes solutions complex. As governments of all levels nation-wide tackle this important file, we continue to work to make sure agriculture is at the table when discussions and consulta-
tions are taking place. At the end of the day, Ontario’s farmers are resilient and adaptable, but we can’t face these challenges alone. Strong partnerships with government, industry, and consumers are essential to ensure our sector remains competitive, sustainable, and positioned for growth. As trade realities continue to shift, OFA will keep pushing for policies that protect farm businesses, open new market opportunities, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports our entire food system. Agriculture is more than an economic driver: it’s the foundation of our communities and our way of life, and we’re committed to making sure it remains strong for generations to come.
Can someone tell them how to use their signal lights? That too would be a constructive and considerable consideration.
A few missives back I told you I'd get back to the Scots and their inventions. If you have any Gallic heritage, read this book: 'How the Scots Invented the Modern World', by Arthur Herman. My mother, herself a proud Graham, descended from highlanders of the Inverness region of Scotland, gifted me a copy several decades ago. Dr. Herman relates how Scotland, one of the poorest bits of real estate in the annals of mankind, had surprising literacy rates of nearly 100%. Why? The Church of Scotland required all of its followers to be able to read their Bibles.
Space prohibits me from listing the more than 100 inventions and innovations credited to the Scots, but the more note-worthy are: the navies of Chile and the United States, the writers of the Declaration of Independence as well as the American Constitution, anaesthesia, typhoid vaccine, the syringe, genetic cloning, telephones, tarmac, beta blockers, pin numbers, penicillin, incandescent light bulbs, colour photography, oil refining, the formation
of the banks of France and England were sponsored by Scots, encyclopedia Britannica, RADAR, Universal Time and on and on. That's a partial yet very impressive list. France, on the other hand, is credited with inventing the ball point pen. (surely/Shirley there are more?).
And what fostered this creativity? It began with the simple idea that the population of the country must be able to read. When we look around today, wondering what has happened, it is not surprising to see that the literacy scores in that country to our south are at an all time low. Attacking universities, under-funding public school systems, denying science: all of this and more does not lead to progress; all of that takes a nation backwards.
Now there's a message that I'd like to see sink into Mr. Ford's head. Our provincially funded public schools have been underfunded since the days of that dynamo of 'Fudge the Numbers Accounting', Mike (creative Accounting) Harris. If we could reverse the trend Mr. Harris started, 'What a wonderful world 't would be'.
Peter Johnson
Very Awful Dirt 'Road' Upper Oxford Mills
73’s three exhibition excursions show positivity
Photo: wind it out and make it count...Brody Clookey finds the back of the net during the Ottawa Junior Senators matinee loss in front of 73's fans to take three exhibition victories.
by the sportsguy
Wednesday evening into Nepean to combat the Raiders for the 73’s second pre-season exhibition round put their best foot forward as they doubled down with 10 to 4 win. The initial frame was a see-saw affair with Kemptville, finding their target behind Brant Otsirakataste from a combo of Matthew Montoni with Alexis Beaulieu and Lucas Achim at 2:30. Nepean countered when Mikayil Kahriman from Barbeau beat Rylan Donovan to knot it up at 3:23. Luka Benoit with helpers from Kinghan and Kemp to chase the 73’s stopper to the bench for the Ranger tie breaker at 3:42. The 73’s man advantage to even it up as a tic-tac-toe from Lucas Achim with Matthew Montoni to Alexis Beaulieu in the slot for PPG at 5:35. Cooper Grant on attack with Darius Nichols
reversed to Boston Bourque on the point to inflict more damage for a Kemptville two goal lead at 6:38.
The 73’s faced a new stopper when Nepean exchanged Otsirakste for Tristen Hodgson to open the second stanza. Nepean moved within one when Karsten Barbeau assisted from Benoit with Thompson finding the mark past Keegan Carswell at 1:12. Case Hennesey transitioned from the line on a PP to Carter Graves who caught Zachary Venance buzzing the blue paint for a PPG at 5:41. Anthony D’Arienzo give n’ go game winner to Zachary Venance for his second of the game at 9:46. Kemptville retired Keegan Carswell to give Rylan Donaovan another shot at 9:46. Nepean capitalized when Julien Kemp with helpers from Kinghan and Konobelj found the back
of the net at 18:13. Alexis Beauleau finesse with Lucas Achim to garner Kemptville insurance for the lead at 19:20.
Last twenty Kemptville smothered their opponents with blitzes from Alex Beaulieu at 1:08 and Will Mullins again at 1:19 to employ a four point romp . The wheels came off for Nepean when they were plagued with sin bin visits and the 73’s made them pay when a tape-to-tape from Will Mullins to Cooper Grant for first PPG at 14:04. Another PPG initiated from Lucas Achim to Zackael Mongeon in the pocket at 15:11 to make it a six goal runaway to end the blood bath at 10 to 4. Kemptville outshot Nepean 31 to 24 with 4/7 PP to 0/6 PP.
Ottawa Junior Senators were in the house for a Sunday matinee was a rock’msock’m two hundred footer physical confrontation. Ottawa counted first with Liam Kelly from Gardner after stripping the rubber off a defensive clearing failure to bang it home past Jacob Turpin at 1:51. Aggressive combination from Guillemette and Kozyra to Wynston Iserhoff in the lane to drive it home at 9:05. Kemptville spoiled Maxime Lavoie's shut-out when Lucas Achim held the line to Tyson MacCoubrey who threw it top shelf at 15:12.
Sydney Loreto with Ju-
lien Davis to PPG Brody Clookey on power play closing in on the doorstep to rifle it five hole to even it up at two at 2:00 of the second. twenty Alex Guillemette notched his second marker at 9:56 for the tie breaker. Kemptville exchanged Jacob Turpin for Keegan Carswell at 9:56. Nolan Tym from behind the net chipped a shot out that deflected off Junior Senators stopper’s right pillow into the net at 16.37 to knot it up at three.
The 73’s came out strong in the final frame when Brody Clookey with Sydney Loreto cycling low to find Alexis Beaulieu on the edge to punch in the winning goal and another tie breaker at 9:53. Ottawa retired their stopper Lavoie for Grieg Marshall at 10:12. Junior Senators pulled their new stopper for extra attacker at 18:37 for the final push to make this encounter relevant. Insurance for Kemptville when Max Shewfelt above the line snapped it into the open area for ENG at 19:27 and secured 5 to 3 victory. Kemptville were outgunned 30 to 25 with ? PP to Ottawa 0/3 PP.
On the road for rematch with Ottawa for Saturday evening contest and then back home to face the Raiders of Nepean for a Sunday matinee.
Hockey with EDGE… see you around the boards.
Imaginary and Real Birds
Silence greeted me this morning after an initial influx of returning birds since my return from my holidays abroad. No longer the singing of the House Wren, or the continual movement from a nesting box of the Bluebirds as they fed their young. Not even the Hum-
mingbird was in evidence, flitting rapidly about giving me only fleeting glimpses of it, or sometimes them. Looking at the hummingbird feeder, I could see why! An unwelcome swarm of wasps (yellow jackets) was obstructing the feeder’s access points for the Hummingbird, even though the sugar solution was relatively inaccessible to the wasps.
I could sympathize with the birds on that score, I wouldn’t want to be sticking out my tongue into that little lot either! Many of the other birds seemed to be absent too, maybe because of the continuing hot weather, so when it came to writing this article I was in a bit of a quandary, as to what I was
going to say that might be of interest to you. Well, I hope you like what I have come up with!
Whilst in the UK, my brother took us to a very interesting place, near his home, called Nature in Art, where all sorts of animals and birds are made out of all sorts of metal components, ranging from car engines and many other things, such as horse shoes, mill wheels, cogs, gears and whatever metal other things could be welded into the most fantastic creatures and insects. I must have over 70 pictures of them all and, as can be seen by the two samples I have provided, they are marvelous! The names under each one are of my own choosing, since many of them could not be identified as being related to any living species. Those that could be have been tagged accordingly.
Whilst walking around the extensive garden ex-
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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 at the Kemptville Legion every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from Sept-June. Doors open at noon, Bingo starts at 1pm..
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"
hibition, movement was spotted in a small bush, which revealed a very real beautiful baby Robin Redbreast, the English variety. Being very young, it didn’t manage to move away very quickly, and myself and those with me were able to watch it at very close quarters for a while. At no time, during our observation of it, did the parents appear, so I guess this little guy was now on its own for the duration! It was great to get to see one so close, and the fact that it was actually a real bird, compared with all the others surrounding it, was a bonus too. I hope that you, too, have also got to see some of the new offspring that ae undoubtedly in this neighbourhood, and you were able to enjoy them too.
Stay safe and well, Cheers,
John Baldwin
Jeanne Dams, my faithful correspondent from the US, has sent me another one of her own recipes. She is the mystery writer who is still going strong in her eighties and is currently working on a new novel set in Paris. I love all of her stuff, including the following recipe for CinnamonRaisin Bread pudding.
Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
1 X 16-oz loaf of fresh cinnamon-raisin bread
1 litre of whole (3%) milk
3 eggs
2 cups of white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 F
Tear the bread into 2" pieces.
In large bowl, cover the bread with milk, stir, and let it sit for about 15 minutes
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light yellow, smooth and thick
Stir in the vanilla and pour over the milk-soaked bread and stir well
Pour into a buttered 9x13" dish (Jeanne uses a glass dish and so do I)
Put the dish, uncovered, into a bain-marie (a larger pan with an inch or two of water)
Bake until set, about 1 hour; test with a knife in center; it should come out clean
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, September 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, September 16 and 30. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.
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.
NG Pride: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans.
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
The bain-marie is very important. It allows the custard to cook well without curdling, while the top becomes crusty. If you don't like it crusty, dot the top with butter before baking. Serve warm with stiff whipped cream, ice cream or ice yoghurt (all with vanilla, of course). You can also make a rum and raisin sauce by melting a half a cup of butter, adding an ounce of dark rum, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and a quarter of a cup of raisins. Mix well in a sauce pan and spoon over the pudding. This recipe makes about 12 servings.
All the best to you all and thanks for your continuing kind feedback. From Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 11-14
170th Spencerville Fair. Come Home to Your Fair! Spencerville Fairgrounds 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville, Ontario
AT ST JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH, 400 PRESCOTT ST. KEMPTVILLE.
September 11
100 Women Who Care
Q3 Meeting Registration and social 6:00 pm Light menu and cash bar available.
Pre-order your dinner here: Catered Affairs online linkhttps://cateredaffairs.square.site/ at Catered Affairs, Kemptville Campus
September 13
Annual Merrickville’s Makers Fall Market Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The event will feature over 60 local and regional vendors selling handmade goods ranging from home décor and woodwork to artisanal soaps, jewelry, candles, and autumnthemed treats. Held at the Merrickville Fairgrounds
September 14
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. At Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road
September 15
KDHA Meeting Notice Time: 7:00 pm
Annual memberships are now up for renewal. The fee remains just $5. If you’re unable to attend in person but would still like to renew, please send an e-transfer to kdhatreas@ gmail.com and be sure to include your name and “membership” in the message.
Held ar Grenville Mutual Insurance Building (380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville, ON).
An English baby Robin
CLASSIFIEDS
OASIS PAINTING
FOR SALE
Invacare Pegasus
Pro Scooter for sale; Low Hours, like new condition; $2500.00, will deliver within Ottawa/Kemptville area. Dave 613-2587007
Garage sale set up, signs, tables etc.$150 casselmansj@gmail. com
Drill press on table $100 casselmansj@ gmail.com
Catherine A. (Cathy) Turner
Feb 13, 1953 - Aug 17, 2025
Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Cathy Turner on Aug 17, 2025 at North Island Hospital, Comox Valley, B.C.
Loving wife of 51 years to Don Turner. Cherished mother of daughter Megan Turner. Beloved sister of Heather Burns (David) and Jeff Craig (Sherry). Loving aunt to Katie Craig. Predeceased by parents Lowell and Beatrice Craig and daughter Laura Turner. Cathy will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her .
Ger ude Maria Thibert
Gertrude “Terry” Thibert (Glaser) died Aug 27 at the age of 86, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was able to complete her life’s journey at home (her ‘happy place’), with her family.
She was born June 19, 1939, to Alfred and Gertrude Glaser in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and was the oldest of nine children. They emigrated to Canada in 1953.
She received her high school diploma and qualified for a university scholarship in Montreal. However, she met a very charming fellow named John Thibert and they married in August 1961. They had 2 children, Jackie and Michael. When John retired from the military, she later concluded her career at the RCMP College Library.
Terry is survived by her loving husband, John and daughter, Jackie. Dear sister to Tom (Sue), Elsie Rest (Art), Paul, and Monica Cleland (Ken), and many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her precious son, Michael, her parents, sisters Lucy and Marion and brothers Alfred (Gail) and Frank. Funeral services (live streamed) will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 1000 AM at the Beechwood Cemetery’s Sacred Space, in Ottawa, with Father Kelly officiating. Interment will follow the service. All are invited to a reception in the Beechwood Visitation Suite from noon until 2 PM.
Special thanks to Aunt Elsie, Dr. Nicholas at the Queensway Carleton Cancer Center, Nurses: Tamara, Kate and Mathew, the Rideau Palliative Care Group and Beth Donovan Hospice, Kemptville.
In Terry’s memory, a donation to a charity of your choosing, would be appreciated.
Office desk free if removed casselmansj@gmail.com
Rocking elephant solid oak $30 casselmansj@gmail.com
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
FOR RENT
Winchester: Room available downtown in beautiful manor. $700/ month. Available Sept 8 ’25. christinefripp@ gmail.com
LAND FOR RENT to farm. High producing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
artisanbranch212@ outlook.com
WANTED
Clean, dry garage for senior, transitioning to a smaller living. Need a safe place to store clean furniture for a reasonable rate.Rental short term 3mths approx. Kemptville .Call 613-258-0445.Leave a message.
ACROSS
1. Male offspring
5. Combines
9. Baby's first word
13. Backside
14. Desire
16. Not odd
17. Unit of land
18. Fables
19. Castle defense
20. Colorful parrot
22. Crying fits
24. Margarine
26. Brown ermine
27. Natural abilities
30. Irritating skin condition
33. Sweat
35. Ancient Roman magistrate
37. Gratuity
38. Insolence
41. Mister
42. Artist's stand
45. Ancient vessels
48. Words to a song
51. Unyielding
52. Domain
54. Twirled
55. Diplomatic buildings
59. Not tense or taut
62. Caprine animal
63. Empower
65. Chills and fever
66. Expert
67. Hides
68. Anagram of "Rent"
69. Appear to be
70. Long-haired wild oxen
71. Poi source
DOWN
1. Junk E-mail
2. Whale
3. Hypersomnia
4. Robber
5. Play a role
6. Small amount
7. Valleys 8. Slender
9. Lowered in rank
10. Affirm
11. College bigwig
12. Picnic insects
15. Medieval sword
21. Departed
23. Stupor
25. Ear-related
27. French for "Head"
28. Lengthwise
29. Between FAH and LAH
31. Mishandled
32. Extraterrestrial
34. Mesh
36. Once, long ago
39. Chapter in history
40. Children
43. Printed mistake
44. Prevaricates
46. Blows
47. Be like
49. Instances
50. Spring-like toy
53. Mass communication industry
55. They come from hens
56. Pout
57. Naked
58. Doomed 60. Congeal 61. Bingo relative 64. S
Common Sense Health
Health is the good fortune you make
by Diana Gifford-Jones
When it comes to health, my father always told me that good luck is as important, if not more so, than good genes. Like genes, luck is allocated at life’s outset. Watching nightly news on wars, famine, and other disasters has always made me grateful to have been born in Canada. Yet, there’s something to be said for manufacturing your luck too. Sometimes the greatest good fortune comes not from happenstance, but from the choices you make. And among the most consequential of choices is the selection of a life partner.
People commonly equate getting married with happiness. But it is every bit as important to health.
Research shows that being teamed up doesn’t only add years to life, which on average it does. It also means quicker recognition of symptoms of a health problem, a supportive push to see the doctor and assistance in getting there, and caring advocacy for best interests.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who lived to 100, credited his 77-year union with Rosalynn as “the best thing I ever did”. Comedian Rita Rudner said: “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Herein, two commonly unrecognized elements of how marriage generates health: love and laughter. If
you are lucky, you get both.
In addition to the benefit of living longer, people in committed partnerships recover more quickly from illness, and face lower risks of depression, dementia, heart disease, and even cancer. But the quality of the union matters. Stress-filled, resentful partnerships are like slow-acting poisons, raising blood pressure and weakening the immune system.
The healthiest marriages, in fact, are not fairy tales. They are long experiments in teamwork, patience, forgiveness, and stamina. Healthy unions generate happiness. But they also test the ability to recover after inevitable ruptures – little ones or
big ones. In finding good health, resilience is more important than avoiding every risk. The healthiest people are not those who never fall ill, but those who rebound well. The same is true in relationships. A marriage that can heal after conflict, adapt through change, and find laughter in the middle of the mess is often the strongest of all.
Think of it like inflammation. In the body, chronic inflammation erodes health, quietly damaging arteries, joints, even the brain. In a marriage, unresolved resentment does the same. Forgiveness, like an antiinflammatory, doesn’t erase the injury, but it allows healing to begin.
How do shared strug-
Who knows where the Times goes?
gles strengthen your bond and lead to better health?
Couples who weather illness, financial strain, or any kind of trouble with children often emerge closer than before. A new kind of bond develops from hardships. Much like bones that sometimes heal stronger at the fracture site, marriages can become most resilient at their breaking points. Unfortunately, too few people know this. It’s not taught. People give up, and therein lose a great deal.
It seems wrong to be overly calculating about marriage. Falling in love is so much more romantic than arranged marriages. But there does come a time in any partnership when it’s useful to develop skills
of appreciation. Both individuals in a couple need to know that arguing about the thermostat can be an opportunity for expressing care for each other. Whatever the issue, when tempers flare, you’ll be wise to remember how much stronger the team is than the sole player. Years on, you won’t recall who ‘won’ the thermostat battle, only that you fought it together.
Don’t aim for a perfect partnership. Aim for a resilient one. Done well together, this is its own form of health.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive my weekly e-newsletter. For comments, diana@docgiff. com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
Here we are at the final collection of photographs. Many thanks to all readers of the Times who thought about us while they were on vacation.
1. Carol Snook sent us a picture of herself with a copy of the paper standing in front of the Cologne (Köln) cathedral in Germany. Construction was begun in 1248, completed in 1880 and it is the tallest twin-spired church in the world.
2. Here’s Janet Stark in Cardiff Castle, Wales reading the North Grenville Times.
3. Maureen and Douglas Stanfield were
in Scotland and sent this picture from Loch Ness. Douglas says “Photoshop may have occurred!”
4. Helen Pethick and Denis Paquin took the North Grenville Times to Vancouver Island. Shown is Denis in front of the Knowledge Totem pole at the BC Legislative Buildings in Victoria.
5. Fred Schueler has a unique way of passing the Times around. “One of the great virtues of the Times is that the pages are the same size as herbarium sheets, which means we can use them both as the folders that hold plant specimens, and as the blotters that absorb moisture from the specimens as they dry. Here we have a few collected to demonstrate Central Canadian phenomena for the New Brunswick Museum. Many botanical curators & technicians get a lot of their out-of-date out-ofprovince news by reading the papers in which they receive specimens, and a bundle of these will be going to Saint John in that role.”
6. The North Grenville Times in the hand of the Engine driver/ fireman on Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Yorkshire UK, delivered by Baldwin's Birds.
Carol Snook in front of the Cologne (Köln) cathedral in Germany.
Janet Stark in Cardiff Castle
Maureen and Douglas Stanfield in Scotland
Denis Paquin on Vancouver Island.
Fred Schueler has a unique way of passing the Times around
Engine driver/ fireman on Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Yorkshire UK
Gravitate Travel
Why booking a non all-inclusive resort might be the best travel decision you make
When planning a getaway, many travelers gravitate toward all-inclusive resorts for the promise of unlimited meals, drinks, and convenience wrapped into one upfront price. While this type of vacation certainly has its appeal, non all-inclusive resorts are increasingly becoming a preferred option for travelers seeking a more personalized, flexible, and culturally rich experience.
Freedom to Explore Local Culture
One of the biggest advantages of staying at a non all-inclusive resort is the freedom it offers. When meals and activities aren't confined to a single property, travelers are more likely to step out and explore the local culture. This means enjoying authentic local cuisine at neighborhood restaurants, shopping at local markets, and participating in regional tours or excursions that reflect the true spirit of the desti-
nation. Rather than experiencing a curated version of a place, guests get a more immersive, memorable, and unique adventure.
Better Value for the Money (For the Right Traveler)
While all-inclusive resorts appear to offer cost savings, travelers who aren’t heavy drinkers or big eaters often end up paying for amenities they don’t fully use. Non all-inclusive resorts let you pay only for what you actually consume, offering a more customized and potentially costeffective vacation. If you're the type who wants to dine at a new café every day or prefers quiet evenings over poolside parties, a non allinclusive setup ensures you’re not overpaying for extras you won’t enjoy.
Authentic Dining Experiences
Dining at a non allinclusive resort opens up a world of culinary opportunities. Instead of buffetstyle meals and resort-standard fare, you can explore local food scenes, street
vendors, and family-run establishments that deliver rich flavors and unforgettable meals. This is particularly appealing to foodies and those who view travel as an opportunity to taste the world.
More Peace and Quiet
Many all-inclusive resorts cater to large crowds, which can lead to a busier, louder, and less intimate environment. Non all-inclusive resorts often attract a more independent traveler, leading to a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape or simply a tranquil setting, this can make all the difference.
Flexibility is Key Ultimately, choosing a non all-inclusive resort gives you the freedom to tailor your trip exactly how you want it. Without the constraints of resort packages, you're free to build a vacation that reflects your interests, pace, and budget.
Before booking your next trip, consider what kind of experience you truly want. For many travelers, the flexibility and authenticity of a non all-inclusive resort turn out to be the most rewarding choice.
Visit www.gravitate. travel and click on the “Let’s Talk” icon to schedule a time to talk or drop by our offices to chat about non all-inclusive resorts and why this might be what works best for you.
History Page
The Bridges at Oxford Mills
by David Shanahan
When the signs went up a while back announcing that Factory Bridge in Oxford Mills would be closed for a couple of months, the big question on many people’s lips was: “Where’s Factory Bridge - never heard of it!”. Well, as all residents of the village now know for certain, Factory Bridge is the one on Bridge street crossing the South Branch between the Brigadoon and Maplewood. Presumably, the name derived from the cheese factory which once stood at one end of the bridge on the north-east bank of the river.
The very first bridge on that spot was a simple plank affair, allowing people to cross between the grist and saw mills which had been built on either bank. Asa Clothier built the first mill and dam here in 1845, leading to the development of Oxford Mills. Rickey Waugh bought the land in 1850, completing the dam as well as a grist mill and saw mill, and the rough plank bridge was erected at that time. Waugh also built the
large stone building on the corner of Bridge and Water Street, both store and residence, now the Brigadoon Restaurant. He later erected the stone building across the road from his store which became his family home. These two buildings are now all that is left of Waugh’s extensive developments. His original dam was replaced by the present structure in 1959. The mill was demolished in 1961. In 1861, Waugh drew a sketch of the bridge area for his insurance company, and it shows the mills and dam, as well as dwelling houses on the north-east and northwest banks of the river downstream from the bridge. Maps from the 1860's show that Bridge Street had been laid out, but the bridge itself was still a narrow plank one. Waugh’s bridge was replaced in 1892, and again in 1910. This bridge was more impressive structure and lasted until 1982. In 1909, the Province of Ontario agreed to cover one-third of the cost of new roads and bridges to County Councils in the province. The subsidy the County then provided to Oxford-On-Rideau Town-
ship was used by them to raise debentures of $200,000 and, in 1910, six new bridges were built across the Township. Two of these were in Oxford Mills, one linking Water Street with County Road 18, called the Hanlon bridge, and the other replacing the one on Bridge Street. It was officially known as the Oxford Mills Bridge.
Each bridge was 60 feet in width, with a roadway 16 feet wide. The Oxford Mills Bridge had a roadway of just 15 feet in width, and sidewalks on either side, each three feet wide. The sidewalk had to be removed in 1970 in order to widen the road for traffic. The bridge connected the commercial and residential side of the village with the administrative centre at Maplewood Park, site of the Town Hall and School from 1875. The concrete for the bridges came from Dominion Concrete in Kemptville, and the structural steel came all the way from Sarnia. It is interesting to note that the 1910 bridge cost a total of $2,362.75.
The name “Factory Bridge”, by which the bridge was known in the 1980's at least, probably
referred to the cheese factory. “The Mill Bridge” would seem to be a more appropriate name, although the saw mill had burned down in 1900, and the grist mill was demolished in 1961. A cheese factory operated on the north east side of the bridge between 1870 and 1947. It was built by Murdoch Gair, a businessman who had come to Oxford Mills from Scotland in the 1860's and later went bankrupt, having embezzled funds in his role as Treasurer of Oxford-on-Rideau Township. The factory was taken over and continued operations, ultimately under the ownership of J. W. Fretwell, until 1947 when the roof collapsed under the weight of snow that winter. The concrete floor and stone foundations are the only remaining parts of this building, and can still be seen from the bridge.
Much has changed from the time Rickey Waugh sketched the bridge and dam area in 1861. The mills are gone, as are the homes that stood below the plank bridge. The dam he built in 1850 was replaced by the present concrete one in 1959, a testament to the strength of Waugh’s work. The cheese factory no longer stands there,
and the current bridge is a far cry from the original wooden beams that once crossed the South Branch. But Waugh’s old store and his family home still stand, the last remains of a thriving and bustling industrial development that led to the rise of Oxford Mills, As late as 1959, a local writer could describe the village in these terms: “Oxford Mills contains 44 houses, 2 general stores, one garage, a post office, one electrical shop, 2 halls, vacant grist mill, school, three churches, park, two bridges, a dam, a rest home for aged people, and a cemetery”.
Waugh’s sketch of the bridge area in 1861.
The Factory Bridge in May, 1951.