Nine Kemptville kids to represent Canada at World Karate Championships
by Sarah Simon
This past spring, nine young athletes and three Senseis from our smalltown dojo at Douvris Kemptville fought their way through the Provincial tournament in April, and then again at Nationals in May. Only the top four athletes in each age and weight division earned a spot on Team Canada, and, incredibly, nine of our local kids achieved that milestone in point sparring!
Now, they are proud members of Team Canada and will be representing both our country and their hometown of Kemptville at the upcom-
ing WKC World Championships in Niagara Falls, Buffalo this October.
The WKC World Championships take place every October, bringing together athletes from over 30 countries for a week-long competition. Competitors face off for a chance at gold and the prestigious title of World Champion.
Douvris Kemptville has been a proud part of the community since 1997. Sensei Earl, and Sensei Jayce lead and coach the Douvris Kemptville competitive team. Our dedicated karatekas train year-round. The competitive team is
growing steadily, now with over 22 youth members making their mark on the tournament circuit. These young athletes compete in a travelling tournament every month across cities like Montreal, Gatineau, Toronto, Brampton, London, and Mississauga. With the World Championships approaching, training has intensified. Our qualifying athletes are now training seven days a week, a massive commitment not just for them, but for the families who support them. From late nights to early mornings and even the occasional dinner in a parking lot, the dedica-
tion is real!.
With less than a month to go, these kids are training tirelessly to be at their absolute best for Worlds. Their journey shows the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of a strong community.
The local competitors who will be representing Team Canada are Leena Atila (age 8); Lexi Ouilette (age 9); Axtyn Simon (age 9); Mazin Atila (age 10); Matteo Mirabelli, also on team Canada 2024 (age 11); Zain Atila (age 11); Hudson Ouilette (age 11); Zack Desjardins (age 12); Jairdan Duffield, also on team Canada 2024 (age 15); and in the adult division, Fernando Braga (unfortunately won’t compete due to injury).
Our Amazing Senseis are also representing Team Canada: Sensei Jayce Vergette (7x WKC World Champion and defending point sparring and team sparring champion); Sensei Sierra Vergette (3x WKC World Champion); and Sensei Remy Collar (2x WKC World Champion and defending point sparring champion).
These are champions for our community and we wish them well in the WKC World Championships .
From left to right: Zack, Lexi, Leena, Matteo, Zain, Hudson, Mazin, Axtyn, Sensei Jayce (Missing: Jairdan)
Advance Tickets ONLY - $25.00 each
North Grenville Public Library news
NGPL Book Club - Evening Edition
Exciting News! The NGPL Book Club is expanding—now with two meeting times. Starting in October, you can choose the time that works best for you. Both sessions will feature the same book, so pick the one that fits your schedule: Evening Option: NEW! Join Linda on Thursday, October 23, at 6 PM
Afternoon Option: Join Linda on Tuesday, October 21, at 2 PM October’s book: Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin. Copies are available at the front desk. Everyone is welcome!
Music Trivia Night!
Rescheduled from August 27. Join us for a fun-filled evening of music trivia. We’re bringing back the favourite categories from last time (3 second clips, dramatic lyric readings, and more) and we will, of course, still have the incomparable Herb Cloutier and Caitlin Thorne behind the mic!
Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing operations and programs at the Musical Instrument Lending Library (MILL) and enable us to continue to provide free access to musical instruments to residents of North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford, and Edwardsburgh-Cardinal.
Advance tickets only. To ensure we have the right number of supplies, we will not be selling tickets at the door. Ticket sales will close 3:00pm, Tuesday, October 21.
Participants are encouraged to bring their friends in teams of up to six (6) people. Prizes will be available for the top scoring team, with additional smaller prizes throughout the evening. Snacks provided. Cash bar (alcoholic and nonalcoholic options).
Thank you to J.A.M. Productions and The Boathouse Cafe supporting this event.
Evening Schedule
6:45pm: Doors open, bar opens
7:00-7:15pm: Welcome & rules of play
7:45pm: End of first round
8:00pm: Second round begins
8:45pm: Final round begins
9:00pm: Final round ends
9:15pm: Trivia winner announced, prizes awarded In between rounds, we will have fun mini-games for prizes.
Beans, Turnip, Coleslaw, Roll and Pie
Editor of North Grenville Times wins national award
by Hilary Thomson
The editor of the North Grenville Times has been nationally recognized for two of the editorials he wrote last year.
News Media Canada recently published the winners of their Canadian Newsmedia Awards, which celebrates excellence in newsmedia publishing throughout the country. The 2025 winners were selected from 1020 entries for work
published in 2024. David Shanahan’s article “Homeward Bound”, about the housing crisis in North Grenville, was awarded third place in the best local editorial category. His article “Reconciliation: more than one day a year,” published last year surrounding Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, won second place in the best national editorial category.
David has written hundreds of articles over the years as the owner and editor of the North Grenville Times. Though he sometimes ruffles feathers, he clearly offers an educated and muchneeded perspective on issues, locally and beyond.
“I’m delighted to congratulate, Dr. David Shanahan, on this welldeserved national recognition,” Nancy Rockford said in a statement. “His frequent editorials in the
North Grenville Times always compel us to think more deeply about the issues that matter in our community and our country. And while politicians and the press may not always agree, David has a rare gift for guiding us along the path of reminding us that our community is stronger when grounded by the important work of thoughtful, independent journalism.”
Why Group Travel Might Be Your Best Vacation Yet
Planning a vacation can be exciting—but also overwhelming. From booking hotels and transportation to coordinating activities and navigating foreign languages, it’s easy to feel more stressed than relaxed before you even leave home. That’s where group travel comes in: an easy, enjoyable way to explore the world without the planning headaches.
Group travel offers convenience, value, and peace of mind. Everything from accommodations and guided tours to meals and local transportation is typically arranged in advance. You don’t have to worry about logistics or language barriers—just focus on enjoying the experience. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in Greece, cruising the Danube, or tasting your way through Tuscany, group travel lets you do more, see more, and stress less.
One of the biggest
benefits of modern group travel is flexibility and customization. Travel agents today can help design bespoke tours tailored to your interests, your pace, and your group—no matter how big or small. Whether you're part of a church group, quilting club, school alumni association, or just gathering friends or family for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, custom group tours can be created to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Custom tours aren’t limited to private charters, either. Many toprated tour companies now offer flexible itineraries and curated experiences that can be adapted or extended Globus Tours, for example, is well-known for its expertly planned trips across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With a blend of guided sightseeing and free time built in, Globus strikes a balance between structure and
spontaneity.
For travelers seeking more personalized luxury, Kensington offers private, tailor-made itineraries with local expert guides and premium accommodations. Whether it’s a cultural deep dive in Morocco, a culinary journey in Japan, or a wildlife safari in Kenya, Kensington’s attention to detail and local insight ensures a richer, more immersive experience.
Group travel also offers social benefits. Traveling with others fosters camaraderie, shared memories, and often leads to lifelong friendships. It’s perfect for those who want connection alongside adventure—and for solo travelers, it offers a safe and welcoming way to see the world without going it alone.
And with a knowledgeable guide handling the details, you’re free to fully engage with the experience—from discovering hidden gems to understanding the deeper stories behind each destination.
Whether you're planning a milestone trip, a family reunion abroad, or simply want to take the stress out of your next vacation, group travel is a smart, enjoyable option.
Let the adventure begin—without the
LIVE AUCTION SALE
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am, 10295 Shaw Rd, Mountain, ON South from Ottawa – 416 South to Kemptville East on County Rd 43 South on Boundary Rd to Shaw Rd East to civic 10295 on North side West from Cornwall- 401 West to Bank Street/ County Rd 31 North to County Rd 43 to Shaw Rd West to civic 10295
12 String Martin Guitar, 4- 4 foot tall wooden Bear Statues, Milk Can, Cream can (good condition), Old wooden Ironing Board, Old wooden skies, White Round Wood Table with 2 Chairs, 2 Wicker Chairs and one wicker Rocker, Antique Bucket Wash Tub, Little Red Wagon, large steel bucket , Bar Fridge, Wooden refinished boat shelves, Mahogany Dining set with two leaves and 6 chairs, 12 foot Harvest Table, White Standup Mirror, Hanging Tiffany Lamp, Queen Bed, metal toy truck, metal stars, numerous signs, Old Red Water Pump, oil lanterns, Electric portable stove, Electric Fireplace, Wooden Lamp, Dog Ramp, Girls 6 speed bike, Table Saw, Chop Saw, Misc Tools, Gas Weed Eater, Small Exercise Trampoline, Ab Doer Twist Exerciser, Christmas Decorations, Shop Vac, Elect Tree Trimmer, Leaf Blower, Bar Height Patio Set, Large Heavy Wooden Rocker, Musical Instruments, stereo equipment, Pro Duplicator, Dell Printer, HL3040CN Printer, Complete Stereo System, right hand Golf Clubs, 10 x 30” portable swim pool, Wedgewood Poppy 12 piece dinnerware, Large Pine Dry Sink, Floor Model Air Conditioner, Filter Queen Vacuum, Filing Cabinets, 2 large upholstered Arm Chairs, Secretariat Filing Cabinet desk, Dishes Many other misc. Items.
planning pressure. Ask your travel agent about custom group tours and discover how easy and rewarding your next trip can be.
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 the benefits of group travel.
TICO # 50026003 215 SANDERS STREET, UNIT 201A / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0
Property to be listed with Real Estate in the Spring TERMS OF SALE – Cash or cheque with ID on day of sale.
Owner and/or auctioneer not responsible for loss or accidents. All items are sold “As is”. All verbal announcements on day of sale take precedence over written ads. No item may be removed until payment has been made in full. www.theauctionfever.com
Blair Auction & Equipment Sales Ltd. Auctioneer Murray Blair Avonmore, Ontario 613-346-5568
Owner Bill & Anne Lyon 613-913-1584
Even better than the real thing
by David Shanahan
This is National Newspaper Week, and the theme for 2025 is: “Protect the Truth”, by Embracing Local Journalism for a Better Future. That may seem a bit pretentious, especially when dealing with small community newspapers like the Times; but it is becoming more and more difficult to discern truth from fiction these days. It has always been a troubling characteristic of humanity that we tend to use every positive technological advance for negative purposes. This has never been more true than in this dawning age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), when the potential of the application has been used to create fake images, videos, texts, and social media posts.
A quick trawl of YouTube videos will show how much AI is being used to create misleading, or even completely false, videos, making claims about events, individuals, political and economic developments. Many of these are pure click bait, designed
simply to get people to click and watch. But others are deliberately trying to spread false information and unfounded allegations and conspiracy theories. And it is getting easier to make this kind of post on social media. OpenAI has released its AI-powered video maker, Sora2, allowing people to share videos on social media platforms, and, almost immediately, videos were being placed, as the Guardian reported, “bomb and mass-shooting scares, with panicked people screaming and running across college campuses and in crowded places like New York’s Grand Central Station”. Other videos used images of copyrighted characters, such as SpongeBob Square Pants planning a war on the U.S.
That may be an obvious fake, but others are becoming more and more difficult to identify as AI-generated images and videos. What the use of AI and Sora2 shows is the willingness of parties to deliberately create misleading and dangerous content that could easily stir up fear, anger, even violence, among those
eager to accept what they see as real. What do we do when identifying false videos and photographs becomes impossible? How we decide what to believe and what to dismiss as fake? Will it come down to only what we want to believe is true, or will we reject true news and information because it goes against what we want to believe?
These are genuinely troubling issues, and we, as a society, desperately need to get ahead of this threat, because it really is a threat, to our cohesion and stability as communities and nations. The fact that politicians, for example, can be portrayed using AI saying whatever the maker wants to put in their mouths, or shown in compromising situations in order to discredit them or undermine their authority and position, should cause us grave concern indeed.
Such AI-generated material, in whatever format it comes, has been used to incite anger and violence against immigrants, minorities of all kinds, and whatever enemies the makers want to attack. As soon as
something happens, there will be those who will spread false information about it, and AI allows them to make that untrue and misleading “news” appear perfectly valid and reliable. This is not a potential danger, it is one that is already upon us.
Allegations are made, and false statistics provided, to stir up opposition to immigrants and refugees. The real contribution made to this country by temporary foreign workers, for example, is contradicted by fake data. The supposed misuse of social programs by others is spread across social media platforms to encourage protests and aggression towards minorities of all kinds. This only adds to the common tendency these days for public figures and people posting on-line to simply lie, openly and without hesitation, about whatever they wish to discredit or promote. How do we counter lies, fake images and texts, when the ability to create via AI has become so easy and convincing?
To be honest, I don’t think there is any easy an-
swer to this. We can be as vigilant as possible when viewing this material, but it may be beyond the capacity of average citizens to be able to discern the real from the false. The creators of Sora 2 have downplayed the ease with which it has already been misused, claiming it is simply a wonderfully creative app which will be used for the good of all. “OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman described the launch of Sora 2 as “really great”, saying in a blog post that “this feels to many of us like the ‘ChatGPT for creativity’ moment, and it feels fun and new”. And one of the biggest problems is that there are many who want to believe the lie, the fake, when it feeds into what they already believe, or what they have been conditioned to accept as fact. The real thing may not be what they want to acknowledge, whereas the fake justifies their prejudice and bias, and so it far more appealing. The fake is even better than the real thing.
Contact 613-215-0735 ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics desinger 613-215-0735 Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca
Classifieds classifieds @ngtimes.ca Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca
Canadians need fact-based, fact-checked information
by
Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media Canada
In their 2018 book Truth Decay, Jennifer Kavanagh and Michael D. Rich of the RAND Corporation, wrote about the role news publishers and broadcasters play in mediating information – separating fact from fiction. They differentiate between these businesses and Big Tech platforms, arguing that because the former can be sued for defamation and hold themselves to journalistic standards, they remain accountable.
According to Kavanagh and Rich, “the filters and algorithms embedded in social media platforms and search engines, such as Google, contribute to Truth Decay, and particularly to increasing disagreement and the blurring of the distinction between opinion and fact, by inserting bias into the types of information a person is likely to encounter or engage with.”
In the seven years
since their book was published, generative artificial intelligence has compounded the problem. AI companies are flagrantly scraping and summarizing content directly from published news articles. This is theft on an industrial scale, plain and simple.
Publishers are being harmed because these artificial intelligence overviews are so detailed that the reader often stays within Big Tech’s walled garden, rather than being pointed electronically to news websites via links. No clicks mean no money for publishers to reinvest in fact-based, fact-checked journalism.
Readers are being harmed too. All too often, these artificial intelligence overviews serve up slop: inaccurate, irrelevant, out of date, and even harmful information. In today’s attention economy, these companies prioritize engagement. That leaves it up to the user to try to separate fact from fiction. In a world of misin-
formation and disinformation, we need fact-based, fact-checked journalism. Crowdsourcing is not journalism. There are no alternative facts: there are just facts. And Canadians need facts to live their lives and to make informed decisions that empower them to participate effectively in democratic processes.
“Buy Canadian” is part of the solution. According to a recent report from Canadian Media Means Business, 92% of digital ad dollars are now going to non-Canadian platforms, which puts the sustainability of Canadian media in jeopardy. Governments across Canada should not be spending their advertising dollars with foreign search and social media giants. They should walk the talk and “Buy Canadian”. They should follow the Government of Ontario’s lead and set aside a minimum of 25% of their advertising budgets for trusted news brands. And that should be one of the planks in the Government
of Canada’s new Buy Canadian Policy, which seeks to ensure our economy is resilient and self-reliant. Beyond ensuring federal advertising is placed in a brand safe manner and without any additional cost to the taxpayer, a federal set-aside would send an important signal to other orders of government and to the private sector about protecting Canada’s digital sovereignty and sustaining independent, commercially viable public interest journalism.
More than 85% of adults in Canada turn to newspaper content each week, and two-thirds trust that content – ahead of television, radio, magazines, social media, and online search.
This National Newspaper Week, as we face the rise of fake news amplified by algorithms that prioritize engagement, it is in everyone’s interest to protect the truth.
Budget Conscious Grocery Shopping
by Dana Douglas, MScFN, RD, Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Best Buys
Knowing what the "best buys" are in the grocery store can help with budget conscious shopping. To save money when purchasing produce, look for fruit and vegetables that are in-season which are typically less expensive. Reduce waste by buying fresh fruit at various stages of ripeness. Choose some fruit that is ripe and ready to eat and some that will ripen in a few days. Frozen and canned produce is just as nutritious as fresh, and less expensive. Look for canned options that are low in sodium and sugar.
Other tips include: check best before and expiry dates, choose store brands, and plan for meatless meals. Choose foods with a best before or expiry date that will give you enough time to eat it all and prevent waste. Store brands are nutritious and often cheaper than brand name products. Consider incorporating meatless meals once or twice a week. Meatless protein options such as beans, lentils, eggs, nuts and tofu are cheaper than meat options.
It's also helpful to check out the reduced section of the grocery store. This is where stores sell overripe produce and day old bakery items at substantial costs savings. Reduced vegetables are perfect for soups and stews. Ripe bananas are great for making muffins or banana bread. Day old bread is fine to eat and could be used for grilled cheese or French toast.
For more information, visit the Health Unit's website at healthunit.org, connect with us on Facebook or X @LGLHealthUnit, or call 1-800-660-5853.
Dash it all - it’s AI!
by David Shanahan
I’ve written elsewhere in this issue about the dangers of AI-generated material causing problems, but there’s another aspect of it that may be less troubling for many, but just gives me the shivers. Perhaps I get to see this more than most because, as a newspaper editor, I get to read a lot of stuff that is submitted to the Times as articles, or press releases, etc., and it had gradually dawned on me how much of it has been used using, at least in part, apps like ChatGPT.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with people wanting to improve their writing style, or to tidy up their otherwise iffy grammar and spelling. After all, that’s part of my job as an editor. I read through every submission and adjust those little spelling mistakes, punctuation issues, or run-on sentences. In that way, it may be said that ChatGPT makes my life easier and I should be grateful. And, to that extent, I am.
But there are other sides to the story, and these can be more controversial. As a writer and an historian, I am troubled by the thought that original and creative writing may be on the way to extinction because people are relying on AI to do their writing for them. In the same way, an artist may find it upsetting that people without any original artistic talent may be using AI tp pass themselves off as “genuine” artists, and selling their “creations” in competition to the real and starving artists who reply on their own creativity. When I had students in university, it was always an issue with some that they would plagiarise essays from published works, passing it off as their own. Culprits found doing so were liable to expulsion from the university, such as the seriousness with which such cheating was treated. But now, it may be impossible to identify an essay written primarily via an app like ChatGPT, and cheaters will get away with it. This is inherently unfair to law-abiding students,
but also threatens to lead to unqualified graduates getting jobs where they are unable to do the work assigned. No-one benefits.
But I have found an interesting fact which may help to identify material partly or largely produced using AI. It is the simple dash - you know, the thing that separates clauses like this - and which seem to be a favourite device used by AI. Instead of using semi-colons, colons, or
brackets and parentheses, there will be a general use of the dash or hyphen. It seems to indicate that the sources used to “train” apps like ChatGPT may not be as literate in terms of grammar and punctuation.
So, whenever you read a text where there are a lot of hyphens and dashes, it may well be an indication that someone is trying to tidy up their prose. It may also be a indication that “Dash it all - it’s AI!”.
Senior Times
Essential facts about stroke everyone should know
(NC) Every year, more than 108,000 strokes happen in Canada—yet many people don’t know the risk factors, or how to recognize if someone is having one and what to do.
“When I talk to Canadians, I realize that there's a lot they don’t know about stroke,” says Katie White, director of health systems for Heart & Stroke. “During Stroke Month—and really every month—we want people to understand it so they can manage their risk and be prepared to act quickly if it strikes.”
How stroke happens, and who’s at risk
A stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to part of the brain, damaging brain cells. While the risk increases as people get older, stroke can happen to anyone at any age. Young adults, babies and even young children can experience one. For children, the
risk is greatest in the weeks surrounding their birth, and there are more than 10,000 kids under 19 living with stroke.
Conditions like heart failure, congenital heart disease and atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, sometimes dramatically, and stroke can increase the risk of heart conditions, including cardiac arrest. This is because the heart and brain are connected by the vascular system—a network of vessels that carry blood and oxygen throughout the body.
A stroke now occurs roughly every five minutes in Canada, with almost a million people living with stroke nationwide. Our aging population is one reason for the rise, along with increases in risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes in younger people. Fortunately, more people are sur-
viving thanks to research breakthroughs, awareness and better treatment and care.
What to do in an emergency
Recognizing the signs and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death, or between a better recovery and a lasting disability. If you suspect someone near you is having a stroke, remember FAST:
F - face, is it drooping?
A - arms, can you raise them?
S - speech, is it slurred or jumbled?
T - time to call 9-1-1 right away.
Find tips and more to help you take charge of your health at heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living. www.newscanada.com
Seniors, watch out for these digital frauds
(NC) Did you know that fraud is the top crime against seniors, according to the Government of Canada? Fraudsters often target older victims, assuming they may be more vulnerable, isolated or less knowledgeable about technology.
That’s a false assumption when it comes to many seniors, but we can all stand to learn more to be safer online. Here are a few of the most common scams to watch out for:
“The grandparent scam.” This all-too-common fraud works by manipulating grandparents’ emotions and putting them in a manufactured crisis. The victim gets a communication that their grandchild is in an emergency situation— stuck in a foreign country, been in an accident or even arrested—and needs money right away. Artificial intelligence has added an insidious twist to the scam, letting fraudsters change their voice on the phone to sound more like the person they’re impersonating, or even alter their appearance for a video call. One way to combat this scam is to create a private code word that can be used to confirm if it’s really who they say it is.
Retail scams. Also called telemarketing scams, this
is when criminals call their victims posing as a service or some legitimate-seeming company. They claim to offer a special deal, or a refund for something the victim never ordered. These fraudsters often target seniors and use pressuring tactics once they have their victim on the phone. Their actual goal is to obtain money or sensitive data, including banking information, from their victim.
Phishing. This is an older cyber attack, but it’s as effective as ever. The scammer sends their victim a message— usually an email or text message, but sometimes a phone call—that appears to be from someone the victim trusts, like the CRA or their bank. The message usually pressures the victim: for example, “Immedi-
ate action is required, or your account will be terminated.” When the victim clicks a link to log in through the message, it takes them to a fake version of that organization’s login page. The scammer gets their username and password when the victim enters it themselves into the fake login screen.
Staying aware is an essential step to avoiding being scammed. Cyber safety and good digital hygiene aren’t just for the younger generation, they’re for everybody. By getting informed and forming good habits, we can all stay safer in this digital world.
Learn more about ways to protect yourself from scams at getcybersafe.ca.
www.newscanada.com
New parking opportunities in Kemptville
Parking in downtown Kemptville has been a problem forever, it seems. When the old Town Hall was renovated a few years ago, even more parking spots were lost in the Public Library parking lot, and many people seem to feel that
the walk from Riverside Park to Prescott Street is too far to go.
The effect of this parking issue on the economy of the downtown is hard to gauge, but there can be no doubt that easier access to Prescott StreetClothier Street and con-
Downtown Kemptville: A Busy,
nected streets would be beneficial for the many businesses that depend on foot traffic.
Now, a new parking area has opened up on Clothier Street east, on the site between Hyde’s and Goldwyn’s. Until now, this was a paid parking lot, which dissuaded visitors from making use of it: paying for parking in Kemptville is not a traditional thing. However, through the efforts of the Municipality and the Kemptville BIA, the lot will not provide free parking for the next year. A contract has been entered into between
Beautiful October
As autumn settles over North Grenville, Downtown Kemptville is buzzing with activity and warmth. It's been a busy and wonderful month for our local businesses, community groups, and residents alike, and there’s still so much more to come.
We’d like to thank everyone who continues to show up and support local. Whether it’s grabbing a treat from a favourite bakery, shopping at one of our unique boutiques, using one of the
amazing services, or attending one of our many events, every purchase and every visit helps keep our downtown vibrant and thriving.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks are packed with exciting beautification projects that we can’t wait to share with the community. Two brand new murals will be coming to life in the downtown core, adding even more colour and character to our streets. In addition, a “sunflower garden” is
being planted; a cheerful and inviting touch as we transition into the colder months.
At the heart of it all is Rotary Park. It continues to be the beating heart of our community - a gathering place for live music, friendly faces, celebrations, and spontaneous moments of joy. Whether you're passing through or staying for a while, Rotary Park reflects the spirit of Downtown Kemptville: welcoming, dynamic, and full of life.
the two entities and the property owner, making this important and central space available to drivers in the downtown. This additional parking opportunity is welcome and it may provide the municipality with some interesting statistics on how much more the downtown will benefit from increased traffic as shoppers and visitors to restaurants, for example, are able to relax and enjoy their time in the urban core.
We’re proud of the progress, collaboration, and community spirit that keeps Kemptville moving forward. Be sure to follow the Downtown Kemptville BIA on social media to stay up to date with all the exciting developments; and remember, every time you support local, you’re helping build a stronger, more beautiful downtown.
See you at the core.
Building the next generation of farm leaders starts with saying yes
by Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Fed-
eration
of Agriculture
Every industry depends on its next generation of leaders. Agriculture is no different — in fact, it may be even more important for the farming sector than most others. With fewer farmers, consumers who are asking more questions about food production, and governments making decisions that shape how we grow crops and raise livestock, strong leadership is essential to ensure the voices of farmers are heard.
That’s why investing in young farmers isn’t just about their individual growth — it’s about the future of Ontario’s entire agri-food system. I’m a Vice President with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), and our organization is committed to giving young people opportunities to learn, connect, and lead, so they’re ready to take on that responsibility.
At this year’s Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, for example, OFA hosted a special networking event for young farmers. It gave participants the chance to meet people they wouldn’t otherwise know, share experiences, and build the kind of community that makes leadership possible. One of the key messages was simple but powerful: leadership starts with saying yes.
When you’re balancing work, family, and farm responsibilities, stepping into new opportunities can feel
overwhelming. But with the right support system — from family, neighbours, and friends — those doors become easier to walk through. Too often, people hold back because they don’t feel they have the help they need at home, and in doing so, they miss out on valuable growth. Creating networks and building community is how we change that.
This is why OFA’s partnerships with organizations like the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO) are so important. Current JFAO president Jordyn Domio joined OFA at an advocacy day at Queens Park several years ago, which she says was a valuable opportunity to see how meeting and engaging with government leaders helps drive policy changes needed to better support our farming communities. Jordyn emphasizes that young farmers need experiences that build advocacy skills, connect them with industry leaders, and give them a platform to share their perspectives – and partnerships like the one between OFA and JFAO are essential to giving the next generation of leaders a chance to build their skills.
Over the past year, OFA has made other investments in developing young farmer leadership too: Growing Ag events, hosted by OFA’s Proud 2 Lead committee with support from FCC, bring young farmers together across Ontario to
network and learn about advocacy and leadership.
Young farmer lunch with a guest speaker at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show that drew in more than 80 participants.
Supporting three young farmers — Tate Driscoll, Clairina Paquette, and Page Handsor — in attending Farm Management Canada’s national conference, thanks to a generous ticket donation from Senator Rob Black. Including four young Ontario farmers in OFA’s delegation to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual meeting in Ottawa to experience national advocacy and networking with federal leaders and farmers from across the country. Additionally, every year OFA supports five people in agricultural undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship programs with bursaries of $2,000, with one award specifically geared towards leadership development opportunities. We also support 4-H by speaking at their conferences.
OFA is a founding sponsor of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), investing in developing leaders who will find themselves in a variety of leadership roles from business and community to all levels of government. Since AALP’s inception 40 years ago, OFA has contributed $800,000 to the program. And finally, we support 4-H’s annual conferences for youth aged 14
Jonsson's Women's Fall Classic
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 Independent 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 features 10 of the top 50 teams in the current World Curling Rankings including Team Lawes (Winnipeg), Team Skrlik (Calgary), Team St-Georges (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, Ottawa area teams skipped by Daniel Inglis, Jenny Madden, Erin Morrissey and NGCC’s own Jaimee Gardner would love to claim the first prize cheque of $7,500 and hoist the Fall Classic Trophy come Sunday afternoon.
The Fall Classic would like to thank our local sponsors: Jonsson’s Independent (title Sponsor), Valley Productions (presenting sponsor), Jim Dolan, Equinelle, Sandy Row Golf Course, Grahams Bakery, Vipond, Kemptville Brewery, and numerous team sponsors.
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.
If you wish to become involved as a sponsor or volunteer, please email fallclassiccurling@gmail.com.
to 21 and have partnered with the organization to create a club focused on the OFA Six by Sixteen initiative – helping young people plan and prepare six nutritious, locally sourced meals by the time they are 16 years old.
Every one of these opportunities is about opening doors and helping young farmers see the bigger picture, build connections, and discover their own capacity to lead.
Leadership might start with a simple yes, but the impact lasts far longer. Saying yes can lead to new knowledge, mentors, and friendships that make a difference for years to come. For young farmers, it’s also about knowing they’re not alone — that their industry stands behind them and wants them to succeed.
At OFA, we’re proud to play that role. Ontario’s agri-food sector depends on the next generation of farmers, and we are committed to making sure they’re equipped to lead with confidence, vision, and a strong voice.
It’s an Upside Down World
The loud honking of the Canada geese at the end of my road, in the South Branch, is heralding the fact that yet another migration period is upon us. How quickly time seems to fly, and, for the second time this year, we get to see hundreds, if not thousands, of birds making their pilgrimage either south, or north, to pastures new! It never fails to amaze me that they do this and can travel such mind boggling distances, not just once in a lifetime, but maybe two or three times.
I have just looked up what the average life of a Canada Goose is and it really surprised me. It seems that the average life span is 10-25 years. There are even reports of geese living more than 30 plus years in the wild. That makes their lifetime twice yearly travels to and fro to be quite a fantastic number, which is amazing!
Coming back to our garden birds and their activities, I am at a bit of a loss at the moment on what to write about, but many of my regulars are still coming to visit, such as the Nuthatches, particularly the White Breasted variety, which always never fail to be very impressive once they do. The Chickadees are always a constant, as are the Mourning Doves, Crows, and Rock Pigeons, and the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers; but until the really cold weather comes back to be with us for the remaining months of this year and into early next year, I guess we won’t be seeing too much exciting happening. Maybe we shall be able to see a few more varieties once the leaves have really started to fall, but I don’t really want to dwell too much on that depressing thought! Stay safe and well Cheers, John Baldwin
In March of 2023, I brought you up to date on the disputed origin of one of the great staples of the world, the Hamburger. Since its humble beginnings, the Hamburger has evolved into gourmet versions that are just plain to die for. Today’s version is one of those but only if you are willing to substitute ground pork for beef and have a hankering for blue cheese. All hail: The Blue Burger for 4 BIG appetites!
The Blue Burger
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of lean ground pork (if you are grinding your own, try shoulder or tenderloin)
• 1 tablespoon each of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ cup of blue cheese (crumbled); see note below on blue cheeses)*
• ½ cup of cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (a grainy Octoberfest also works fine)
• 4 Grahame’s Kaiser buns sliced horizontally
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 ½ cup of sliced mushrooms
• 2 medium sized onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large ripe tomato
Preparation:
• In a largish bowl, mix the pork, egg, pepper and T and W sauce
• Form the meat into 8 round flat patties of equal size on a cutting board
• In a smaller bowl, mix the cheeses with the mustard
• Spread an equal amount of the cheese mixture on 4 of the patties
• Top with a second patty making sure you seal the edges
• Place your patties on an oiled cookie sheet and broil on low heat till cooked though
• Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a Kaiser bun
• While the meat was broiling, melt the butter in a skillet, sweat the onions and add the mushrooms
• Cut four slices from your tomato and place one slice each on top of your hamburgers
• Load your onion and mushroom mixture on top of the tomato and close with the top half of your bun
• Hold the assembled burg together with a long wooden spike (you’ll need it)
Serving:
You may have to serve this burger with a knife and fork. At Salamanders, we provide steak knives. You don’t need much else to enjoy the flavours, except, perhaps a dark beer. I sure hope you try the Blue Hamburger and if you do, please let me know at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
*Note on Blue Cheeses: There are many truly great blue cheeses from different countries. For this recipe, you might try Roquefort from Fance, Gorgonzola from Italy or Stilton from England, among many other possibilities. The ones mentioned are readily available locally but don’t hesitate to try something different.
Newspaper routes available
The North Grenville Times is looking for Delivery People!
Are you a young student (age 10 and up) looking to earn some extra money? (Or a retired senior that enjoys walking).We have newspaper delivery routes available, just an hour or two a week, or more if you’d like!
Good pay and flexible hours.
Routes currently available include: eQuinelle
Oxford Mills (Town)
Bishops Mills
Tempo Drive
Oxford Village
Subdivision
Victoria Park, Kemptville
Dr. Gordon Crescent
If interested, please contact
The North Grenville Times for more details at info@ngtimes.ca or call 612 215 0735 and leave a message
White Breasted Nuthatch
Op-ed
Clothing has no gender: it is we who assign it
by Spencer Wessell for NG Pride
If you walk into a clothing store, you will see it: the women’s section on one side, and the men’s on the other. Mainly blues on one side and pinks on the other – you can guess which because we have also assigned gender to colours. This is a tale as old as time — and yet, our sorting of clothes is ever changing. History shows us repeatedly how the very items, or colours, we consider “feminine” now were once worn by men. Ironically, some pieces were even celebrated by men to show their status and masculinity. Societies just love to shove everything into boxes and attach labels. Let’s discuss some fashion items once deemed “masculine” that are now considered only “feminine.”
Heels: Those heels that you see on the models at the New York fashion runaway, at a drag show, or on women going out?
Yes, those gorgeous stilettos were once a symbol of power for men. In the 10th century, Persian cavalrymen wore heels to steady their feet in stirrups while riding their horses. Later,
European kings wore heels as a sign of status, and as a display of their masculinity. Louis XIV sported iconic red heels and famously outlawed them for anyone beneath his rank. Heels at one point were worn by every gender, whether it was men in history, women the last few decades, and queer people now as a way to reclaim them as art and defiance.
Handbags: It’s impossible to go through life without carrying your important items on you. Impossible, I say! For centuries, men wore some sort of handbag or pouch for tools, coins and even weapons. This only changed when men’s fashion adopted deep pockets – this pushed bags into women’s fashion. Yes, I am still salty that a lot of “feminine” clothing doesn’t have pockets! When you see a person of any gender strutting around with a bag on their shoulder, they’re not just crossing current gender norms; they are carrying history.
Skirts, Wigs, and Colours: From Scottish kilts to Roman togas, skirts have always belonged to all genders. Wigs once symbolized wealth and authority for
men. I often hear “pink is for girls,” and yet, it wasn’t always. Pink was known for its connection to red –known for boldness as well as the colour of war, battle, and blood.
Conclusion: The truth is that fashion is, and has always been, queer. It pushed boundaries, broke rules, and shifted sides through the years as culture changed. The queer community hasn’t invented gender nonconforming style and clothing; it has always been here throughout history.
Clothes are just fabric sewn into body coverings. Using them for expression is human. Dividing clothes into gendered stereotypes is caging ourselves, and cages are meant to be broken. We are meant to be free to be who we are. Wear the skirt, pose in those heels, and throw that bag over your shoulder. Be YOU, be happy, and forget the rules that we have made up for ourselves. Clothes, like jobs, colours, and toys, have no gender. Wear what makes you happy, comfortable and powerful. Dress yourself without the fear of what others might think – history has your back.
Talia’s Take Think Before You Comment
by Talia Hreljac
This may be one of my most controversial Talia’s Take articles, but it’s hard to stand by any longer. You may have noticed by now that I wear many hats in the community, and because of that, I tend to post quite a bit on Facebook about different events or stories, either through my personal page or through official channels. I’m completely aware that doing so opens me up to comments from the public. Comments that I welcome. I’m happy with feedback. I’m happy to see open discussions. I’m a big believer in free speech and that by coming together with different opinions, great things can be created.
However, if you’ve been on Facebook lately, you may have noticed that people are becoming more aggressive and
ruder when they come across posts they don’t agree with. Many sit behind their computers and harshly comment their thoughts without any regard for who it might impact. Sometimes, those words can have a lasting effect on the people they’re aimed at. We’re all human, with feelings - even those of us with thicker skin.
And it’s not just my posts. I see it directed at the Municipality, I see it aimed at other groups, and I see it targeting individuals, and it’s infuriating.
I’m not saying we need to go back to the kindergarten lesson of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” but I am saying there’s a respectful way to voice your opinion. You can say it with grace. You can say it with respect. You have
ACROSS
1. Get together
6. Acid related to gout
10. Coarse file
14. Fruit of the oak tree
15. Adopted son of Claudius
16. Always 17. Yell
18. Assert
19. Minute opening
20. Gloominess
22. Equips
23. Harness part
24. Wears away
26. Assist
30. Large flightless bird
31. Darjeeling or oolong
32. District
33. Scene
35. Anamgram of "Scare"
39. Curl of hair
every right to your feelings, but you don’t have the right to act on those feelings in cruel or harmful ways.
And before you post hurtful comments on official pages, remember, it might be a mom posting. A mom who just wants to see her community thrive. A mom who does a happy dance when a local business succeeds. A mom who cheers for her neighbours when they have a big win.
So, say what you need to say if you must, but say it with compassion. If you couldn’t say it to the person’s face, don’t be a keyboard warrior and say it online. Just move on and put your energy into making the community a better place.
41. Paving material
43. Mass communication industry
44. English royal house
46. Celtic language
47. North-northwest
49. Fraternity letter
50. Regard
51. Wear away
54. Legal wrong
56. Caprine animal
57. In an unfruitful manner
63. Hindu princess
64. Places for experiments
65. Cowboy sport
66. Therefore
67. Tall woody plant
68. Not younger
69. Anagram of "Need"
70. Not his
71. Cache
DOWN
1. A body of matter
2. Reflected sound
3. Chamber
4. Food
5. Go inside
6. Consensus
7. Income
8. Angers
9. Body-shaping garment
10. Expressed criticism
11. Evade
12. Durable fabric
13. Newspapers
21. Female ruff
25. Harvest
26. Do damage to
27. A Great Lake
28. Extend credit
29. System of numbering pages
34. Veterans
36. Scarce
37. Otherwise
38. Flower stalk
40. Territory
42. Bypass
45. Month after September
48. Fortune
51. Concur
52. Plank
53. Scope
55. Novices
58. Naked
59. Electrical unit
60. Poi source
61. Lascivious look
62. Bygone era
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
Common Sense Health
How to Protect Against Uterine Cancer
by Diana Gifford-Jones
Why do so many women ignore one of the most obvious warning signs of uterine cancer? It’s a cancer that usually announces itself early. But women wait, or brush off the warning signs, and that allows the disease to take hold.
Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is not rare. And it can strike anyone. Anne Bancroft, the Oscar-winning actress best known as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, died of this disease. She never spoke publicly about her illness, a missed opportunity to build greater awareness. And where are the public health campaigns to prevent it? Uterine cancer needs a champion to yell the warning signs from the rooftops.
Each year, thousands of women in Canada and tens of thousands in the U.S. are diagnosed. And the numbers are climbing. Yes, we’re living longer. But there’s another culprit: obesity. You may not know this, but in addition to the ovaries, fat tissues actively produce estrogen. Too much estrogen is like fertilizer that
keeps making the lining of the uterus grow. Research shows obesity can triple the risk.
A recent study points to another concern. Researchers found that women who frequently use chemical hair straighteners have more than double the risk of developing uterine cancer. Why? Possibly because of hormone-disrupting chemicals absorb through the scalp. Are Black women, who use these products most frequently, advised by their salons of this danger?
Other risks are harder to avoid. Women who start menstruating early, or reach menopause late, spend more years with estrogen acting on the uterus. Estrogen itself isn’t the enemy. It’s essential for reproduction. Each month it makes the uterine lining thicken for a possible pregnancy. Progesterone usually balances this growth, but when it’s absent or insufficient, the lining can grow too thick or irregularly. Over time, this increases the chance that abnormal cells will form, and some can become cancerous.
That’s why women who
never have children, or who don’t breastfeed, are at higher risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding both give the uterus a long holiday from estrogen. It’s also why hormone therapy after menopause must be handled carefully. Estrogen on its own increases risk, but combined with progesterone, it can be safe. Other risks, like taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, or inheriting genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome, can’t be avoided, but they do mean vigilance is even more important.
Uterine cancer is one of the cancers that almost always sends a signal. The red flag is bleeding. Before menopause, if periods suddenly change, get heavier, or if bleeding happens between cycles, don’t let anyone brush off the incident. After menopause, even a single spot of blood is abnormal. Diagnosis isn’t complicated. An ultrasound can measure the thickness of the uterine lining. But the most reliable test is a biopsy, done in a quick office procedure. If the results aren’t clear and bleeding continues, more investigation is
73’s grind it out to gain three
toine Riopel PPG to move them within one. Calamity of errors on a poor line change and 73’s stopper thought he was performing in swan lake instead of challenging the shooter which allowed Veltkamp to find Travis Oulette for a shortie at 18:46 to even it at four.
needed. This is where women must be their own advocates. Too many walk away reassured when they shouldn’t.
Caught early, uterine cancer is highly curable. Surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries, is often enough. If the cancer is more advanced, radiation or chemotherapy may follow. For younger women who want children, hormone therapy can sometimes delay surgery. But the key is catching the cancer before it spreads.
Don’t wait for someone to make uterine cancer their cause célèbre before getting active with prevention and early detection. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t let strong chemicals seep into your scalp. And above all, never ignore abnormal bleeding, before or after menopause, not even one drop.
This column offers general health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@ docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
points
as the game flowed back and forth, with the team executing the things that they were asked to do, securing two points. Kemptville outshot Smiths Falls by 30 to 26 with 2/6 PP to 1/6 PP for the Bears.
Leading Economic Developer to present keynote address
Brock Dickinson, a leader in economic development with global experience in community growth, investment attraction and innovation.
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the 1000 Islands CDC, CF Grenville, Valley Heartland CFDC, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board invites you to the region’s top annual economic development event.
Brock Dickinson will be one of this year’s keynote speakers, sharing his economic expertise as the founder of MDB Insight (now part of Deloitte), a firm that has provided consulting and market research to more than 300 communities across North America. He will offer insights on Canada–United States trade relations and the impact of tariffs. Brock currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at Invest Ontario.
Join us as the Counties celebrates its 175th anniversary. Additional speakers will be announced in the next eNewsletter edition.
Registration is now open, with limited tickets available. Learn more and register by visiting the Counties Invest Summit webpage.
WHEN: Friday, November 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
COST: $58 (Advance Registration Required)
by G.J. the sportsguy
Wednesday evening was a 7 to 5 barn burner with the 73’s getting redemption after the loss in the Bears Den on Friday night. The first frame was fast, furious pace with end-to- end action, with punishing body blows to slow the 73’s progress. Kemptville, with extra attacker, lit the lamp when Will Mullins get up n’go reversed to William St. John found Alexis Beaulieu PPG on the doorstep to bury it top shelf. Owen Redmond on his horse with Lucas Achim and Case Hennesy cycling put it home at 5:20 for Kemptville. Another 73’s man advantage at 16:22 when Jay Zeus Mbarushimana ignited the afterburners with Will Mullins across to Alexis Beaulieu PPG in the slot to punch it in to make it 3 to zip. Maxwell Richler caught a break through traffic with Parker to spoil Rylan Donovan SO at 17:30.
Kemptville came out hot for the second, with Sydney Loreto on fire, to William St. John holding the line found Darius Nichols in the cat bird seat and six hole blocker side at :28. Unfortunately, Kemptville reverted to their old habits when they took their foot off the Bears throat and allowed them to get back in the game. Assisted by Heron with Parker, Carter Beauchesne swarmed the crease to open the flood gates for Smiths Falls at 9:14. The Bears with five on three when Marc An-
Kemptville came out with a jump to gain control in the final twenty with a Matthew Montoni spotlight as he with Anthony D’Arienzo and Case Hennesy for tie breaker at 10:31. Montoni on the prowl with Lucas Achim and Morgan Henderson launched the game winner and his second of the game at 11:00. Travis Oulette for his second with helpers from Rabe and Veltkamp at 12:28 for Smiths Falls. Kemptville closed the door with the insurance from Will Mullins when Zachary Venance caught Alexis Beaulieu who pried the rubber off the stopper's twig to flip it sky high to pull a well deserved hattie. The 73’s rode the slab as Smiths Falls pulled their stopper at 19:32 and Kemptville PK prevailed to take 7 to 5 win.
The coach felt that they came out with a good start
Friday night, 73’s fans witnessed a frustrating, grinding challenge with the Navan Grads to hand the home town team a 2 to 1. Kemptville were not on their game with a stuttering start that the Grads moved on when Christopher Barlas with helpers from Kaufman and Paris threw it into traffic to beat Keegan Carswell at 13:40. Navan’s Simons with Paris awarded Christopher Barlas his second for a two goal lead at 6:04 in the second twenty. Kemptville destroyed Edouard Blais SO at 19:35 when a tic-tac-toe attack from Jay Zeus Mbarushimana reversed to Morgan Henderson on the line to Sydney Loreto in the rocking chair to launch a howitzer.
The final frame was a teeter totter trek as both teams were held at bay with their stellar stopper performance. Kemptville made a final unsuccessful push when they pulled Keegan Carswell for the extra attacker at 19:06.
Navan tried numerous times to find the open net without results to squeeze a 2 to 1 win. Kemptville only outshot Navan by 28 to 27 with 0/1 PP and 0/0 PP for their opponent.
Smiths Falls Bears ventured into the Kemptville 73’s barn for a Sunday matinee that was run into OT to determine the 4 to 3 outcome for the visitors. The opening stanza was two hundred feet of excitement with Smiths Falls on the sheet first when Caeden Heins with assists from Richler and Sasseville snuck one across the line past Rylan Donovan at 9:36. Kemptville countered with extra man as Darius Nichols PPG lone snipe top shelf over Ayo Ogini at 14:12 to even it up. Kemptville’s man advantage with Lucas Achim and Zachary Venance cycling high to Alexis Beaulieu PPG driving to the net peanut butter glove side at 4:33. Alex Beaulieu dancing over the line with Eric Sweetapple to Zachary Venance outside the circle to find his target at 9:05. Carter Beauchesne with helpers from Heron and Richler to put the Bears within one at 13:24. Kemptville took their foot off the gas to allow Smiths Falls back in the game when Tyson Parker from Swain and Cameron knotted it up at 3 to force OT at 3:24. OT was short and sweet for Bears at 1:24 when Andrea Blais put the game winner through the blue paint for the 4 to 3 win. SOG evened out with 28 and Kemptville 2/4 PP to Smiths Falls 0/4 PP. Next Wednesday evening Smiths Falls Bears will be in 73’s barn and then on the road to meet the Hawkesbury Hawks. Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall at 7:pm.
On a roll with Beaulieu...Alexis Beaulieu does his in Wednesday evening's brutal contest with the Smiths Falls Bears.
In memory of Terry Thompson Rideau Hill Camp hosts first Annual Women's Retreat
from the Municipality of North Grenville
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Terry Thompson. Terry was a long-time Skate Patrol employee with the Municipality of North Grenville, where he brought joy, warmth, and a sense of community to everyone who crossed his path. Terry will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the positive impact he had on so many lives. His contributions to local sports and recreation have left a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt
for years to come.
In a statement, Mayor Nancy Peckford shared the following tribute:
“Terry was one of the most recognized faces of public skating in North Grenville for over a decade as a skate patroller. He was also a long standing, highly motivated volunteer for the Kemptville 73s. His ever-present smile, kindness, enthusiasm, and steady presence at the rink touched countless families and residents. On behalf of Council and the Municipality, I extend our deepest condolences to Terry’s family, his beloved wife Brenda who has worked alongside him as a ticket sales attendant since their arrival in North Grenville, as well as friends, and colleagues. He will be dearly missed, but his remarkable legacy of warmth and community spirit will live on.”
Terry’s presence on and off the ice made North Grenville a better place. He will be dearly missed.
eQuinelle Ladies Golf League Donates to Salvation Army
by Debbie Banks & Karen Milne
After a busy summer filled with long days, packed schedules, and endless to-do lists, a group of dedicated women gathered at Rideau Hill Camp (RHC) on Friday, September 12, 2025, for what became a truly transformational weekend retreat.
The first annual Women's Retreat at RHC was themed around the calming scripture: "Be still and know" (Psalm 46:10). As participants arrived Friday afternoon after work, they received thoughtfully curated welcome packages that included:
· A schedule of available activities
· A signature RHC pillowcase to take home as a reminder of the weekend
· A mini journal and pen for reflections, stories, or inspiration
· Small treats to keep spirits and energy high
As cabins filled and conversations flowed, old friends reconnected and new friendships began to form. The weekend was off to a beautiful start.
Throughout the weekend, women were invited to participate as much, or as little, as they liked. Whether attending for the full weekend or dropping in for a day, each participant had the freedom to choose what they needed most: rest, reflection, connection, or creativity.
Some relaxed lakeside with a good book, while others dove into art projects or group discussions. The beautiful fall weather provided the perfect backdrop for canoeing, swimming, and mindful outdoor exploration. Meals were shared family-style in the Dining Hall, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
RHC organizers ensured a complete camp experience: from unique crafts and author workshops to peaceful nature walks and heartfelt campfires. The weekend struck a balance between personal solitude and communal bonding, reminding everyone to pause and "be still and know."
Loaves & Fishes to carry forward Weekender Program for students
from United Way Leeds & Grenville
The future of the Weekender Program for Students (WP4S), a vital 10-year initiative, providing food baggies each weekend throughout the school year to local students who live with food insecurity, has been secured through a new partnership with Loaves & Fishes.
Loaves & Fishes is a trusted local registered charity dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our community. Through the feeding of people, community is built.
The WP4S was looking for a new home, a Canada Revenue Agency Registered charity for the 2025/26 school year. Recognizing its importance, Loaves & Fishes has stepped forward to “adopt” the WP4S, providing financial oversight, operational support, and governance to ensure its stability and long-term success.
During the 24/25 school year the WP4S provided 378 weekend food baggies, every weekend, to local students (JK-G12) who live with food insecurity, across 22 schools in Leeds & Grenville. The WP4S team delivers 2 weeks of baggies to each Partner School, every other Wednesday, throughout the school year. The schools then discretely hand out the baggies on Fridays for the students to take home with them. The WP4S baggies help bridge the nutritional gap these students experience when school food programs are not available to them on the weekends.
Donations for the Weekender Program for Students will now be accepted and receipted by Loaves & Fishes. Both Loaves & Fishes and the Weekender Program for Students will operate with their own budgets, and both rely on the continued support of the community to thrive.
Laura Roobol, the 10-year volunteer Coordinator of the WP4S, will continue to provide day to day program management, and will execute the program with the assistance of the 23 dedicated WP4S volunteers, all supported by Loaves & Fishes’ Board of Directors and team.
by Susan Legault
At the closing banquet of the eQuinelle Ladies Golf League on Wednesday, September 24, members were proud to collect and donate more than two overflowing barrels of much-needed items to the Kemptville Salvation Army.
This endeavour included the collection of condiments, cleaning supplies, body care products, school snacks, cereal, tea/coffee, and cash. The staff of KSA were thrilled to receive all the donations. A heartfelt thank you to all who supported this effort and helped make a difference!
As attendees packed up on Sunday and returned to their daily lives, they left with more than just souvenirs. They carried home new friendships, inner peace, and tools to stay grounded throughout the year.
Plans are already underway for the second annual Women's Retreat, to be held in mid-September 2026. About Rideau Hill Camp:
Located on the picturesque Rideau River between Manotick and Osgoode, RHC offers summer camps for children and youth during July and August. The camp is available for rent year-round for weddings, school groups, and retreats. For more information, email rideauhillcamp@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.
This partnership was facilitated with the support of United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG), which played a connector role to ensure the program could continue under the stewardship of an experienced community organization.
“We are so grateful to Laurie and the Board of Directors at Loaves & Fishes for taking on this program, and to Laura for embracing this new partnership,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director of UWLG. “The continuation of the WP4S shows the power of collaboration and how, together, we can make sure children/teens in our community have what they need to thrive.”
Hailie Jack (UWLG), Laurie Prichard (Loaves & Fishes), and Laura Roobol (WP4S Coordinator)
Pictured from Left to Right: Michelle Ansell from Salvation Army, Nancy Turner, Linda Stapledon, Susan Legault (Ladies League coordinator), Brenda Lawson, and Chaucey Curry from Salvation Army