Issue 42 October 21 2020 ngtimes

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We are OPEN by appointment only

please call or email us Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic to book your personalize VISIT US AT a food bank se Theappointment Knights of today Columbuswww.laurieropticalkemptville.com in Kemptville offers info@laurieropticalkemptville.com to those in need in the community of North Grenville

Food Bank

Malland dry good *see in store for details We provide a selectionKemptville of canned, packaged 613.258.2700 For more information please call Dave at 613 258 3683 Pick up at Holy Cross Church hall preferred – delivery can be arranged if required

Support Small Support L cal

This service is supported the community of North Grenvi Offersby a FOOD BANK

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford

service to those in need in the community of North Grenville Call Dave at 613 258 3683

The Voice of North Grenville

Vol 8, NO 42

Oct. 21, 2020

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North Grenville has escaped the worst effects of the coronavirus, so far, for which we’re all grateful. Residents and municipal staff and council have done a really great job of keeping each other safe and healthy. Even those recent outbreaks at WalMart and Holy Cross School were initially the result of someone coming in from outside the municipality. But there is a danger that the pandemic

could have other negative effects on our community, and one of those is making itself felt already.

Locally-owned businesses have been struggling with having to carry on with reduced staff, with a greater weight of responsibility in keeping their premises and customers free of infection through stringent hygiene regimes. At the same time, the volume of business they can enjoy has decreased significantly, as people are less inclined to go out to shop

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or dine; not to mention the reduced capacity most businesses, especially restaurants and coffee shops are allowed.

The main result of all of this is that most business owners and staff are becoming incredibly pressured, tired, almost burned out, by the effort to keep their life’s work alive. Survival is now the main goal, and that is far from assured. Many of these businesses are at the forefront of community support when it comes to fundraising and backing service clubs and the

voluntary sector. Again and again, these are the people who contribute, who open their hearts and wallets to make life better for their friends and neighbours in North Grenville.

It is now time for the community to help them.

There is nothing we can do to ease the restrictions and regulations under which they have to operate their business; but we can make a real and sustained effort to provide

Thank you to We're our front line OPEN workers

Tues . to Sat. 11:30am to 9pm Tuesday - Saturday

TAKE OUT ONLY

4:00 pm to 8:00 pm www.nakhonthai.ca to view take out menu

cont'd on page 2

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The North Grenville Times cont'd from front page

The solution to COVID-19 starts

them with our business. Small coffee shops, like Geronimo and Brewed Awakening, need customers to drop by and enjoy what they have to offer. Or take out a coffee and a muffin.

Go out for a meal at a local restaurant, and enjoy the fact that we can still do that, unlike our neighbours in Ottawa, Toronto, and other places. Or order take-out, even once a week. Spread your custom around the many eateries, make it a fun activity to explore the restaurants around the municipality and see how wide a choice, and how high the quality you can find. Food and drink to suit every palate. You’ll find wonderful daily menus in this paper from Dial-A-Chef and Catered Affairs. Allow yourself some down time and pick one of their great dishes some

with keeping your distance.

•Wear a face covering.

•Keep 2m apart from anyone outside of your household.

•Limit your close contact to your household only.

•Wash your hands often.

night this week.

And there are other locally-owned businesses that we should be keeping alive, because this pandemic will pass one day, and we’ll need these businesses to be there for us when that day comes.

Try To Be Continued, or Susie M’s Hidden Treasures.

Remind yourself of the great meat to be had at Albert’s Meat Shop, or one of our local supermarkets, like the B&H. We have always known that we live in a great community: one that cares and works for each other, and protects and supports the more vulnerable among us.

These businesses have been there when we needed something extra from them. They have supported, fed, clothed, and taken care of us for many years. Let’s return the favour now, when they need us.

Many of the people working

Meet Sue-Anne Nepssy

by Retired Navy Captain Peter Milsom, President, Kemptville Navy League Just your average, everyday, twelve-year-old girl. She likes music, having fun, and hanging out with her friends.

It just so happens that many of these things also involve cadets. That’s right; this young lady recently graduated from Kemptville’s Navy League Cadet Corps Assiniboine as a Petty Officer Second Class and is eager to begin the next phase of her cadet career with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Defiant.

She had heard a great deal about cadets from her father, who himself was a member of both Navy League and Sea Cadets in his youth, and decided on her own to “give it a try”. She quickly found herself swept up in the espritde-corps that came with being

Stopping the spread starts with you.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more Paid for by the Government of Ontario

October 21, 2020

The Voice of North Grenville

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a young cadet. When asked what she enjoyed most, she laughed and said it was the things she got to learn, and how they learned them. By using a variety of games, she said the lessons came alive and made it all the more interesting. Her favorite was semaphore – a way to communicate over long distances using flags – but she also enjoyed learning about boating, knot tying, and drill.

The fact the cadets played an active leadership role in the corps motivated her to always do her best and rise

in these businesses are very tired, very worried, very close to breaking because of this pandemic and the impact it’s had on their workplaces.

If we can be there for them now, they can be there for us when this nightmare is over. North Grenville needs us all now. Time to do our share.

in the ranks of the corps. She shared that one of her favourite memories was when the corps spent an evening helping stock shelves at the local food bank, as she felt that their efforts had a real impact on the community; and her proudest moment came when she was awarded both the Semaphore proficiency badge as well as the Navy league Cadet Merit badge.

Now that she is twelve, she has made the decision to apply her skills as a Sea Cadet, broadening her maritime and nautical knowledge.

She knows that the coming year will involve a great many new challenges, as her new corps learns to embrace virtual learning while we grapple with COVID-19, but she looks forward to it all the same. Having done her own research online about the Sea Cadet program, she keeps a weather-eye on the horizon, looking forward to a time when she may get to go to a two-, three-, or six-week summer camp, learning skills like sailing, or possibly scuba diving.

Times may be uncertain, but the self-confidence and determination she has gained as a Navy League cadet have prepared her to face things head-on; and as a new Sea Cadet, she remains Ready, Aye, Ready.

APOLOGY

We owe Tom Byrne a sincere apology for publishing an old advertisement of his in the past issue. It contained an incorrect email address and we trust no lasting damage was caused by our mistake.

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Wondering if you can still retire?

Are your investments performing as they should?

Can you pay for your child’s schooling?

Make your money work harder.

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

The Festive Season Gathering Kit

So, we all want to enjoy each other’s company during the Festive Season. How do we do this safely in our social “Bubbles”? Why don’t you try The Salamanders Festive Season Gathering Kit ?

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

The Kit includes:

Limerick Forest Pandemic Ride for the Food Bank a success

by Monica Treidlinger I’m still beaming with pride when I say we did it.

It certainly wasn’t easy, especially in this challenging year. However, despite the COVID-19 virus and the everchanging rules and restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety, we organized a successful outdoor event to help local food banks.

The 2020 Limerick Forest Pandemic Ride, held on September 20, 2020, a beautiful sunny day in Limerick Forest (Area 1 – the Pit), raised $2,000 and also brought in about 25 kilograms of nonperishable food items.

We could not have done it without the help of the

Johnstown ATV Club, whose members agreed whole­ heartedly not only to host, but to help out with equipment, food and volunteers. We also sincerely appreciate the generosity and support that came from these local businesses: 416 Mini Storage gave a generous cash donation Sabrina Tracey of Bytown Animal Chiropractic offered an equine chiropractic treatment Melissa Bayer offered an equine massage from Bayer Hug Equine Therapy Adrienne Schmitke from Fit to Compete donated three Bemer micro-circulation treatments Steve Morris in Oxford Mills

General Practice Corporate / Commercial Family Law Estates Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney tom@tmblaw.ca 613.258.1277 222 Prescott St., Kemptville

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

October 21, 2020

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people, things began to come together. Riders went out on horseback to trim branches from the trails to ensure the safety of our riders, members of the Bytown Motorcycle Association brought chainsaws out to cut some of the larger trees that fell across the trails. The route had to be signed, so that riders knew their way, and riders were given options for an easier route or a more challenging route.

Volunteers arrived early on the day of the event to set up the tables to check in the registered riders, display the prizes and silent auction items, as well as set up the food distribution area. The volunteers also welcomed everyone and helped to park horse trailers. Vegetarian chilis had been prepared to accompany the smoked ham on the BBQ. Volunteers were out on check points in the forest to make sure riders were on the signed trail route and ensure no one got lost. Then, when the event was over, all the equipment had to be packed up and taken away.

Geoff McVey, Forest Manager at Limerick Forest, and his staff have always been supportive of this event, and through the Friends of Limerick Forest, the groups that share the trails have come together to ensure that everyone had a safe ride.

Because of the kind and generous support of this community, this event was successful in the face of so many challenges, and we are so grateful. Here’s to hoping we can do this again next year.

made a beautiful door knocker Elite 3 Hemp Products donated several bags of equine nutritional supplements, including hemp hulls, hemp oil, and horse treats Brooks Performance Horse Feed offered two $25 gift certificates GT Enterprise donated equine probiotics and electrolytes Green Hawk gave a horse cooler, grooming tools and treats Elegant Equine offered a gift certificate for equine blanket cleaning or repair Rideau St. Lawrence Veterinary Services donated a grooming bag complete with grooming tools and treats TSC in Kemptville donated a $40 gift certificate Costco on Strandherd Drive in Ottawa donated two $50 gift cards which helped to cover the food costs for the event Terry Gibson and Pamela Norman of TP Quarterhorses donated two beautiful woodworking pieces Kayla Fong from Agnes Attic donated two custom trailer decals Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop in Merrickville donated two sets of mustards Christine Koch made a fleece throw, as well as 25 themed face masks Keelan O’Flarity of Celtic Creek Ranch donated a handmade rope halter Volunteers are important in the organization of such an event, and those who came to help did such a fabulous job.

There is so much work to be done - some of it had to be completed weeks prior to the event. With the enthusiastic help from several dedicated

services

Joe Gauthier Master Electrician

You choose your very own menu among our many offerings of appetizers, entrées and desserts; • You order by the person or for the group; • You can include wine or beer if you wish to; • You get packaging for immediate lay-out of on your favourite festive season dishes; • You can even organize a virtual Gathering, with one of you acting as the Convenor; • You can get your order delivered, if it’s a large group or you can pick it up at Salamanders curb-side if it’s a smaller group.

By the way, we can “bubble” you quite effectively at our down-town Kemptville location by turning over one side of the restaurant completely to your group. We will ensure that you are gathering in safety by checking over your arrangements “from soup to nuts”.

Call Liane at Salamanders at 613-258-2630 for further details on how to plan your special get-together.

The Salamanders Team will work within your budget to customize a meal for you and your group.

Best to all and stay well!

28 Clothier St E, Kemptville

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613-258-7878

Direct Insurance Billing Available

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joe@oldschool-electric.ca

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Not dark yet

by David Shanahan Over the past weeks, there have been a lot of rumours going around about the proposed prison to be built on the outskirts of Kemptville. Gossip, speculation, questions about what kind of facility it would be, where exactly it would be located, what level of security, what kind of inmates, etc. Feelings against the prison ran very high indeed, while those who favoured it, or else were prepared to wait for more information before deciding how they felt about it, seemed more willing to consider the pros and cons.

This issue of the Times may be a perfect example of what I mean. Articles and letters raising questions, once again, about whether council knew

about the project before they claimed to have been told. Speculation about its possible impact on the community’s crime rate, housing costs, and whether it would put people off settling in North Grenville.

There has been quite a lot of doubt cast on statements by Mayor Peckford and Deputy Mayor McManaman, which I found strange. Neither have ever given us reason to think they were the kind of people who would deliberately mislead residents on any issue. Their entire approach to governance has been to have maximum transparency and openness in discussing matters of concern in the municipality.

I know that I have been accused of being too favourable to this council, too biased in their favour.

But I question the “too” part of those claims. Those

of us who have known other, previous mayors and councils recognise the difference this one has brought to their style and content of governing. But, and it is a major “but”, if it was ever found that they had misled, or in other words, lied about what other journalists have described as “what did they know, and when did they know it”, then they would have lost all credibility and any hope of re-election. I don’t happen to think that is the case.

Perhaps it is just a symptom of what society has become in the last three or four years that people in political office are automatically suspect, assumed to have hidden agendas, natural liars and miscreants. Should we just assume that when someone says they have no authority to affect decisions of the provincial government, they are just deny-

ing responsibility? Maybe our past experiences, or what we see happening elsewhere, makes us more cynical than we should be.

But we also have a lengthy article by Mayor Peckford showing that she has not been sitting on her hands all this time.

Consultations were had with mayors of other communities with such facilities, and information was received about the effect such a place had on their towns over time. Residents will take what they want from her statements. It is really unfortunate that all of this is happening in a time of covid, when we are prevented from meeting together in person, and in large numbers, to question, raise issues and concerns, and hear from those in a position to enlighten us.

Instead, we are forced to talk among ourselves,

to me. I would not think that this municipality would even consider paying for any infrastructure improvements for this.

MPP Clark said the province is going to pay for construction? Did they think we would?

“We don’t want the taxpayers to pay a dime for this place”. Does he mean there is even a slight possibility that we will be paying taxes for this jail that most of us do not want, except for the business sector?

And they pay us peanuts he says. I might guess that Mr. McManaman is a Conservative. I know who I will not be voting for next time around in our municipal election.

Kath Piché, Angry taxpayer.

Dear Editor, Regarding the proposed prison for Kemptville, I have no objection in principle, but I do disagree with the location, so near schools. What bugs me is that in 2004 the province closed the correctional centre that was in Burrits Rapids. Why does the province not re-open, re-build, improve that facility. The land is there, and Ottawa’s second detention centre will be then back in their town. They have the proper zoning, etc... for that project.

It is important to have the prison put somewhere else, even if its in North Grenville.

We have lots of room away from the schools and daycare centre.

Erick Le Pors Kemptville

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Those who write articles, letters, and diaries are writing our history. Carry on, or pick up a pen!

And don’t leave it all in electronic/digital form, either.

No telling what may happen to the global computer networks that we call “the cloud” under massive cyberattack.

Much of our recent history may be lost.

Even our personal “backup” technologies are vulnerable. Can you read those floppy disks now? All those boxes of flat plastic squares in our attics and closets? And for how long will we be able to access what’s on CDs as their technology is being replaced

by USB microchips?

Some of the plastic and metal contrivances to which we’ve entrusted our history have already shown themselves to be vulnerable to oxidization and electromagnetic fields... but ink on paper persists if protected from fire and water. Ancient writings are still legible. Print out your backups, folks, and keep writing our history - these are unprecedented times!

REMINDER: North Grenville Historical Society holds 200 years of our local

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 October 21, 2020

history in its archives. It needs our support now and into the future. Become a member, volunteer, donate historical records, and donate funds!

NGHS provides tax receipts as a non-profit, charitable organization, so consider that when you’re doing your 2020 taxes.

And remind our Municipal government that keeping our historical records safe is an Essential Service! The old Court House requires upgrading to properly protect the archives. Without improvement, conditions can only deteriorate.

Aleta Karstad Dear Editor, In reference to your discussion with Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman, I have a difficult time believing that they knew nothing of this [the prison] before the news broke. There is still confusion about where ‘it’ will be located.

One person said that it will be at the south end of the Campus, where the soccer field is. Another person told me it would be over near the ‘horse arena’. Jim McManaman’s answer sounds wishy-washy, or suspicious

Support Small Support L cal The Times was late arriving in your mailboxes last week, owing to a problem with Canada Post. The lack of some paperwork meant that the newspapers were not delivered as usual.

the north grenville

ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

TIMES

Editor Marketing David Shanahan Shannon Lever shannon@ngtimes.ca david@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

Copy Editor editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

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and it is a breeding ground for those rumours and gossip that so easily leads to misunderstanding, misapprehensions, and anger.

The consultations Mayor Peckford announces in her statement, which will take place in a conference call on October 30, can only include a few voices. Likewise, the “ multi-phase consultation process” promised by the Solicitor General’s Office for later in the year will include a wider range of participants, but it is not known whether these meetings will be streamed or made available to the general public.

It has seemed clear from the beginning that the provincial government intends to go ahead with this prison, no matter what. It is a stain on the reputation of Steve Clark that this has happened the way it has, and that he has avoided answer-

ing some direct questions that have been put to him, including some from this newspaper. There may well be a reaction at the next election against the way in which a Conservative administration has handled the entire affair: that is the level of upset their actions have already caused.

But the fact remains: if this is coming, and if there really is little that we can do about it, then we must stand together and insist on whatever safeguards and concessions we believe, as a community, are necessary for peace of mind and general security. This must not require a penny of taxpayer money, and any infrastructure improvements that are required have to be paid for by the province, and not the municipality. That is the least we can expect in this rather unfortunate affair.

Next phase of Shop Local campaign discussed

As part of the Love NG Marketing Campaign, Alphabet Creative consultants presented the next phase of the campaign to Council, along with their plans for supporting local business. The goal of the marketing campaign is to engage local residents to support North Grenville businesses as they continue through, and recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the development of the Love NG website, aimed to support local businesses by driving traffic to loveng.ca.

Council approved the goals of the Love NG campaign and have directed municipal staff to continue to work with the consultants and Business Support Group (comprised of local business leaders and business support agencies) to further develop the concept and branding elements of the COVID-19 business support and shop local programs.

A new local currency is being distributed in the community. If you receive NG Green, see where you can spend it by clicking the “Accepts NG Green” filter. To learn more about the program, or register as a participating business, visit www.InvestNorthGrenville.ca/NGgreen.

The Municipality will be distributing NG Green in the community through contests and giveaways (see the Contest Terms and Conditions) Those with money can spend it at participating businesses, and the businesses submit the green to the Municipality for reimbursement. the north grenville

TIMES Shannon Lever

Marketing Consultant Phone 613.791.8317 Email: shannon@ngtimes.ca

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

Municipality Matters:

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Mayor Nancy Peckford on the proposed prison Over the past few weeks, I have heard from many residents and businesses regarding Premier Ford’s announcement in August of the establishment of a provincial correctional facility here in North Grenville. Of course, the location of provincial correctional facilities is solely at the discretion of the province and was a surprising development for Council and our community.

I recognize that, for some, the establishment of a correctional facility seems entirely out of character with North Grenville. For others, there is considerable enthusiasm for the opportunities that may emerge. Many more are indicating to Council that they are relatively neutral, and have adopted a wait and see approach.

Some have reminded me that there was a provincial facility in Burritt’s Rapids for over 50 years. The Rideau Correctional & Treatment Centre was opened in 1947 with an integrated farm.

It was decommissioned in 2004 and subsequently demolished in 2013.

As we confront the likely reality of a new correctional centre in North Grenville, my job is to respond effectively on behalf of the community. I recognize that this issue has become divisive for some who want Council to take a strong position against. At this stage, this would be premature, given how little we know and the diverse opinions out there.

The building of a provincial correctional facility is a lengthy, multi-faceted process that will take a number of years to complete. During this time, your Council will be tireless in its efforts to protect the community and its character. As Mayor, I will ensure that we maintain a strong voice at every step of the way. Should we conclude that the effects of this facility will be detrimental, we will absolutely confront that head on.

For clarity’s sake, the prospective correctional facility is slated to be located on a 182-acre parcel of land that is separate and apart from the current Kemptville Campus. In 2018, the Municipality purchased a 626-acre parcel that was part of the former Kemptville College, and the French Public Board purchased an additional 7-acre plot. Under the municipality’s control at October 21, 2020

Kemptville Campus is a variety of buildings, greenhouses, wetlands, trails, farm land, sugar bush, and more. Plans to fully utilize the wonderful facilities and natural assets at the Kemptville Campus continue. After extensive community consultation, a proposed ‘master plan’ for the Campus is now available at Kemptvillecampus.ca.

The Correctional facility is intended to be a 200-plus bed facility that houses female and male offenders. The name, the Greater Ottawa Correctional Centre, is quite simply inaccurate, and will be changed, as inmates will come from across eastern Ontario. There are several provincial correctional facilities in this region that are being expanded or improved, including Ottawa, Brockville (their jail is not closing but is being rebuilt), and Napanee.

Shortly after the announcement, Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman and I began speaking with Mayors in Ontario who have a provincial or federal correctional facility in their back yards to better understand: 1/potential impact on crime rates; 2/ increased pressures on community and social services; 3/ proximity of these facilities to local schools and recreation facilities; 4/ impact on property values.

Remarkably, the Mayors of Kingston, Thunder Bay, Milton, and Brockville highlighted how much they value these facilities as community partners. More calls have been scheduled with the Mayors of Napanee and Windsor. Mayor of Kingston, Brian Paterson - who is an economics professor at the Royal Military College of Canada - stated unequivocally that, despite the presence of seven federal correctional facilities, he believes that crime rates are lower. University students put more pressures on the local policing services than Corrections.

There are several schools in close proximity to a couple of these federal facilities.

In Mayor Paterson’s mind, correctional facilities make for good neighbours, given the employment and related opportunities they provide for Kingston’s economy and well being.

The Mayor of Milton, Gord Krantz, who has been in politics for 40 plus years, said their provincial correctional facility was established in the early 1970s, when the area

had just 7,000 people. Over several decades, and with municipal amalgamation, Milton is now a bustling community of approximately 130,000 that has literally grown around the prison. House prices in Milton have sky rocketed.

Mayor Krantz said very few correctional inmates stay in Milton after release, because the province makes every effort to relocate them to where they have family and related support systems.

In Thunder Bay, there are two correctional facilities in the area. One of them is near a popular and well used recreational area, Boulevard Lake.

There is also a Catholic high school across the street which was built many decades after the prison. When asked about crime rates, the Mayor said that, in his view, the facilities had no real impact on criminal activity in their community.

Finally, I spoke with Mayor Jason Baker in Brockville.

Brockville is obviously the most comparable in terms of population. Mayor Baker was very clear that he believes that the two correctional facilities in their community have had a notably positive impact. He believes that crime rates are likely lower, and that there has been no impact on policing costs when it comes to activities in the correctional centres themselves.

Brockville does bear some costs for security related to their busy Courthouse. The Brocvkille jail in downtown Brockville is relatively close to two schools. The land across from one of their correctional facilities, the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional & Treatment Centre, is currently being re-developed into highly anticipated seniors’

housing.

In summary, Jim McManaman and I have learned that it’s not unusual for correctional facilities to be located close to schools and recreational amenities, and, according to the Mayors we spoke with, that crime rates, property values, and the character of these communities appear to have been in no way jeopardized. This doesn’t diminish the concerns and anxieties people have expressed, but it does put the impacts of these facilities in greater context.

Next steps: On October 30, the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s office is hosting an initial stakeholders’ meeting where representatives from all four Campus boards, and the local hospital, will have the chance to ask questions. Councillor Strackerjan and I will join this call, along with a downtown business leader, chair of the BIA, and a faith leader. In the interests of transparency, we have invited two representatives opposed to the jail, so they have all full benefit of that conversation.

The Ministry of the Solicitor General is also planning to launch its multi-phase consultation process later this Fall, which includes local indigenous groups, police forces, service providers like the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry societies, and members of the general public. Minister Clark will also participate in these consultations, so he has the full benefit of our community’s feedback.

During this entire process, your Council will be paying very careful attention. As we learn more and hear more, we will be adamant that the best interests of North Grenville are fully considered.

UPDATE UPDATE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Municipality has created a dedicated webpage for updates related to COVID-19 (www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus)

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETING November 3, 2020 at 6:30 pm This meeting will be attended in person by member of Council and staff. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, to maintain health and safety measures, public access to the Council Chambers will not be open to members of the public. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than 2 hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenvile.on.ca. these comments will be read aloud by the Clerk during the meeting, considered with the related item, and will form part of the public record.

This meeting will be live streamed at https://www. northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-andminutes.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Agriculture and Rural Affairs – Tuesday, October 27 at 4:15 pm Heritage Advisory Committee – Thursday, October 29 at 4:00 pm Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, November 2 at 3:00 pm **NOTE: Committee Meetings are being conducted electronically via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to participate in the meeting or have any questions, please contact the Committee Clerk (jworkman@northgrenville.on.ca) by 2:00 pm the day of the meeting for instructions to access the meeting. Any deputations can be e-mailed and will be read aloud to the Committee and will be made part of the public record.

POLICE SERVICES BOARD MEETINGS North Grenville Police Services Board Meeting – Wednesday, October 28, 2020

NORTH GRENVILLE MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal Office is open to the public between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Residents and businesses can continue to access Municipal services by phone, email and online. For more information visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Building Inspector (Plans Review) Contract (6-12 months) Funding & Grants Research Analyst (Contract) The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes for interested and qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector (Plans Review) Contract (6-12 months) and the position of a Funding & Grants Research Analyst (Contract).

The closing date to receive applications is 4:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2020. Additional information is available at www. northgrenville.ca/careers.

The Municipality of North Grenville

285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

www.NorthGrenville.ca

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The North Grenville Times

The Kemptville Jail

by Willem Van Dam As a voting citizen in the community of North Grenville, I wish to express my concerns regarding the placement of a corrections facility in our community.

In addition to the concerns regarding the presence of a detention centre, is the concern that the local leadership of North Grenville have not protested loudly and vociferously against the imposition of the detention facility by the Province, nor lifted a finger to provide effective channels for the community to raise its objections. Nor has our MPP Steve Clark.

Needless to say, it seems the citizens who would object to the “jail” are “on their own” to publicize their concerns and objections.

Historically, this provincial riding (Leeds Grenville Thousand Islands and Ride-

au Lakes) has been home to three prisons , Brockville Jail, St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre (Brockville), Rideau Correctional and Treatment Centre (Burritts Rapids).

Burritts was originally a minimum security “farm prison”, where inmates often just walked away from the facility. During its later years, Burritts was changed to a maximum security facility with 354 beds, as witnessed by the higher fences, razor wire and other security features that housed mostly sex offenders and drug addicts. Burritts closed in 2004, the inmates were moved to Lindsay Ontario (2016 population 20,713) into a new correctional facility built in 2002 with a capacity of 1,184 beds.

Lindsay now ranks in the top 12% of cities across

From the Ministry of the Solicitor General “Adult Correctional Institutions” report pg 18: “To deal with occupancy pressures, we found that the Ministry has increased the capacity of 16 of the 25 institutions by an average of 81% more than the original capacity when they were built, by adding beds in cells. For example, in 2018/19, Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre had a 518-bed capacity - 178% higher than its original 186bed capacity. In 12 of the 16 institutions, the increased capacities were not due to expansion of the institutions, but to placing more inmates in cells together”.

Ontario has 124 provincial ridings and 25 adult detention centres. This riding is the only riding with three adult prisons in the past, and is now being imposed with a

Canada for incidence of sexual assault (2018 data).

What should Kemptville residents deduce from this?

Once the Province builds a jail, it can change the class of jail and its inmates at any time, as well as increase the number of inmates. This has already occurred in Lindsay. With 180 acres at its disposal, Ontario Corrections can increase the size of the jail immensely, as the Kemptville location has the largest landholding of all the jails in this riding.

Brockville, with a population of 21,854 in 2016 will have a “penal bed” capacity of 191 under the new proposal. Kemptville, with a 2016 population of 4,000, is to house a 235-bed facility, at least for now. Napanee (2016 pop. 7440) is home to the Quinte Detention Centre, with a 228 bed facility.

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Campus Master Plan Draft Released

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third prison (again). Steve Clark could argue that this riding will actually have two prisons, for the two locations in Brockville will become amalgamated on one site with two buildings, under one name. This riding should not be imposed with a “third” prison while the majority of ridings have none. We do not care about the provincial “super plan”.

Build the prison someplace else!

Macleans magazine publishes “Canada’s Most Dangerous Places to Live” index with a list of 237 locations. Being number 1 is not a good thing! North Grenville was rated 230 out of 237. Stormont Dundas Glengarry rated 158/237.

But guess some other locations that placed up in the list: you guessed it! Small communities that are home to Ontario jails!

Some schools, daycares, etc. and their distance from the prison: École élémentaire publique Rivière-Rideau, 900 metres; Académie

catholique Notre Dame, 750 metres; North Grenville Co- Operative, 750 metres; Kemptville Family Resource Centre, 1.4 km; South Branch Elementary, 1.6 km.; North Grenville District High, 1.8 km.

The Kemptville hospital will also witness increased use of the hospital and emergency rooms as well as ambulatory services. The Lindsay area is under serviced for doctors and nurses, and the Central East Corrections Centre is as well, as with all corrections facilities in Ontario. The demand on Kemptville’s medical facilities will be increased, so don’t be surprised when you go to emerg. that there are prisoners and guards/ police waiting beside you.

It seems dealing with the Province is heavy handed, no consultation, and that they do not care about what they impose upon North Grenville. Just as North Grenville is growing occupancy at the Kemptville Campus, this jail location may well reverse that trend.

Council declares Waste Reduction Week A draft of the Kemptville Campus Master Plan has been released for public review. The draft was prepared following extensive public and stakeholder consultation earlier this year, and careful review over the summer by Campus staff, Board members and Campus Advisory Committee. The Plan is available on the Campus website at www.kemptvillecampus. ca/regen.

The document is the first Campus-wide master plan prepared for the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre (KCECC) and provides a vision, guidelines, and direction for the future October 21, 2020

development of the Campus.

The Master Plan will guide decision-making primarily related to buildings, land use, open space, natural areas, transportation, and infrastructure. It will also have a significant influence on the operations of the Campus and the experience of users and visitors.

“We are so appreciative for our current education and Campus partners, as well as stakeholders who care deeply about the fate of Kemptville Campus,” stated Mayor and Board Chair Nancy Peckford. “We now look forward to hearing from the community on their response to the draft Master plan.”

“The Draft Plan was developed through an extensive engagement program between February and May of 2020, and included the participation of over 300 stakeholders and members of the public,” said Project Lead Paul Hicks, of Re:Public Urbanism. “Before we incorporate the feedback received to-date, the Draft Plan is being provided to the public for review and comment before being finalized.”

The plan will be a primary tool for fulfilling the mandate of the Campus organization and is intended to provide a 10-year planning horizon, with some longerterm considerations.

“There is no doubt that the Master Plan will act as a blueprint for Campus’ future going forward,” added Deputy Mayor and Board member Jim McManaman.

“We thank the members of the Kemptville Campus Advisory Committee who also stepped up to provide focused input and feedback.”

Copies of the Draft Master Plan are available at the North Grenville Municipal office. As well, the Plan may be downloaded from the Campus website until November 16, 2020. The public is encouraged to provide feedback via the online comment form. https://www. kemptvillecampus.ca/regen

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The North Grenville Municipal Council has declared Waste Reduction Week in the Municipality of North Grenville, which runs October 19 – 25, 2020. Waste Reduction Week in Canada is held annually in October to build awareness on the benefits of sustainable practices and green approaches to waste reduction.

This will be the second year North Grenville proclaimed this event.

“We recognize how many residents in North Grenville care about reducing waste, conserving resources and promoting sustainable living,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “In fact, North Grenville hosts one of the largest and most successful sustainability fairs in the entire region.”

“With changes to residential waste collection service coming to North Grenville, this is a good opportunity for residents to learn more about the benefits of waste reduction,” added Councillor Kristin Strackerjan.

Throughout the week, the Municipality will convey tips and messages through its social media channels on ways to reduce the amount of waste as well as ways to reuse items. A variety of themes will be addressed including circular economy, textiles, e-waste, plastics, food waste and swap and repair.

For more information visit https://wrwcanada.com, and follow the Municipality’s social media channels for daily tips to reduce, reuse and recycle.

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Creasy, Nigel

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Hurman, Colin James December 27, 1936 – October 8, 2020

Nigel passed away peacefully at Bayfield Manor, Kemptville, on Thursday October 15, 2020, in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of Joan for 53 years. Proud father of Timothy (Sondra) and Simon (Donata). Loving Grandpa of Emma, Heather and Rupert. Cherished uncle of Caroline, Victoria and Rupert in England, he will also be fondly remembered by many family members overseas. Nigel is predeceased by his only sister, Pauline. A special thank you to the staff of Bayfield Manor for their care and compassion. A private family service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, Kemptville. Donations may be made to the Bayfield Manor Long-term Care Residents’ Council Fund.

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

Ontario seeking immediate federal action to help farmers Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs issued the following statement in advance of the upcoming Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting: "As the annual meeting with my Federal-ProvincialTerritorial colleague Ministers of Agriculture is fast approaching, yesterday I met with Ontario's agriculture and agri-food sector leaders to discuss what more we can do to support Ontario farmers and food processors in ensuring our food supply chain remains strong and that people continue to have access to safe, local food.

Farmers are continuously impacted by market volatility and disruptions which worsened due to COVID-19. In July, the Ontario government committed to expanding the provincial Risk Management Program by $50 million, a year earlier than planned, but we need the federal government to agree to meaningful enhancements to the suite of national business risk management tools that farmers can access.

The provincial government and the Ontario agrifood sector stand united in calling for federal action to assist farmers. The problems our agriculture sector face are national in scope and therefore require a national solution.

We are requesting the federal government provide additional federal government support through immediate enhancement of the federal-provincial-territorial AgriStability program to ensure our farmers get the support they need. We are also asking the federal government to remove the feature of AgriStability, called the Reference Margin Limit, and to lower the marginloss threshold required to trigger program payments to provide more coverage against income declines.

These improvements are important to support our farmers in confidently continuing to operate at a time of uncertainty related to trade, markets, supply chain disruptions and COVID-19.

I will continue to advocate for the sector and urge federal government action and leadership at the upcoming Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meeting. We will keep pressing for immediate enhancements to AgriStability to ensure farmers can better manage risks and to ensure Ontario and Canada's food supply stays strong."

October 21, 2020

After a protracted and courageous fight, Colin Hurman chose to leave this world in his 84th year at the Ottawa General Hospital ICU with his immediate family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Judy (nee Hooper) and his children Sarah, Rebecca (Kevin Duffy), Kate, Stephanie (Owen Sparey) and William, and his faithful canine companion Jackson. Dearest grandpa to Nicholas and Matthew Nunns, Laura Glowacki, Samuel Wilkinson, Gwyneth Orr and Matilda Sparey. Born in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, the youngest child of William and Florence (nee Risdon), he is also predeceased by his siblings Roland, Thomas, Edward, Joan (Dunston), Brian and Olive. He leaves behind many members of his extended family in the UK including his beloved niece Diana Hockey.

Colin was not one to shy away from throwing caution to the wind. After serving for ten years as Corporal Technician, Air Radar Mechanic in the Royal Air Force that included deployments to Cyprus and Aden (where he hosted a radio jazz show on the RAF base), he worked as an air radar technician at the Lagos International Airport.

Then in 1966, Colin took his chances on Canada. With Judy and his three little girls, he started a new life with next to nothing other than what he wanted most—the freedom to pursue unlimited possibility for himself and his family.

Ten years later, he proudly joined his fourth daughter and only son becoming a Canadian citizen.

With the soul of an adventurer and a keen engineering mind, in the 1970s Colin foresaw the coming personal computing revolution. He seized on the rise of the semiconductor and built an electronics business in the earliest days of Canada’s digital economy. He thrived as a “go to” problem solver for his customers and countless industry colleagues and friends. Colin was generous and open hearted, devoting energy and time in his retirement years to community service. He was intensely loyal and fiercely proud of his children whose friends he made feel like family. Larger than life, he leaves behind a legacy of uncompromising honesty; trial and accomplishment, and bravery in the face of adversity that those of us who knew him best will always treasure.

The family extends its thanks to the many nurses and doctors at the Ottawa General Hospital for struggling mightily to keep him with us and for their kindness and compassion at the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A celebration of life ceremony is being planned to be held at a future date. Details will be available through the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry.

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

Darren Dwyer

Certified utility arborist

In Loving Memory of

Martin Herbert Brayman

Martin Herbert Brayman passed away peacefully in Kemptville, Ontario on Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 at the age of 92 with his family at his side. Martin is survived by Hazel Ruth Brayman, his wife and partner in a 64-year love story. He is loved and will be sorely missed by his children and their spouses, Shawn & Nancy Brayman, Joel & Colleen Brayman, Christopher & Colleen Brayman, Kimberly Brayman, Katheryn & Saleem Shadeed-Brayman and Todd & Michele Brayman; 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Martin is pre-deceased by his brother George Brayman and grandson Martin-Liam and survived by his sister Elaine Lewis and brothers Millard and Arlie Brayman.

Martin was a graduate of North Grenville District High School and left Kemptville to join the Royal Canadian Navy in the 1950s, becoming a Naval Aviator. He flew from HMCS Magnificent (Pearl to those who flew from her), several Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force airfields, Royal Naval Air Stations Lossiemouth in Scotland, and Culdrose in England. He continued to fly in various private-sector capacities finishing his career as an air-carrier inspector for the Department of Transport.

Retiring at age 60, Martin and Hazel sailed Mists of Avalon from Whitby Yacht Club to the Bahamas, spending over a year exploring the Caribbean. Their retirement journey continued in Orlando FL, Perth, ON and Kemptville ON - often surrounded by their grandchildren for whom they made each summer an adventure. Martin was an avid golfer, sailor, hockey enthusiast (a Montreal Canadiens fan), wood carver and writer, having published three books on Amazon in his later years.

A service to pay honour to his long and distinguished life will be held in the Spring of 2021 in the hopes that his family, who are dispersed around the world, will be able to gather in his memory.

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New pharmacy has a Grand Opening

L-R: Debbie Moore, Lorraine Snider , Dr. Mira Abdel Malek, Brenda Forbes, Staci Dorma, Gigi (Pharmacist), Adele Hilts, Natalie Clouthier, Dr. Patrick Leahy, Mayor Nancy Peckford, Councillor Maureen O'Sullivan, Samir (Pharmacist), Councillor John Barclay, Councillor Jim Macmanaman, Dr. Maha Wanes The new Kemptville Medical Pharmacy, located in the Kemptville Medical Centre on County Road 43, had a Grand Opening last week. Mayor Peckford and Council turned out to wish Gigi and Samir all the best, along with the doctors and staff from the Medical Centre.

A parking problem

handing out tickets for illegal parking, should know where those parking spaces are. In this case, he obviously didn’t, and refused to accept the evidence provided that the parked truck was in the legal space. Then, while insisting that the driver pay the fine, or spend a day going to Brockville and back to argue his case, he also insisted that there was no way for the ticket to be cancelled once it was issued. Why cannot a local official cancel a locallyissued ticket?

I believe the driver is simply looking for an apology and a statement acknowledging that he was in the right in this case. He is not looking for compensation, or to get

The empty parking space: clearly marked and valid. Note the No Parking sign to the left.

by David Shanahan Parking in downtown Kemptville has always been a problem; but even when someone finds a space, things don’t go smoothly. Recently, a business person in the downtown needed to find parking on Reuben Street, a notoriously hard place to find a spot. But there one was, right at the angle past the Post Office where the street takes a right angle turn to head towards the Legion. His luck was in, and he parked a pickup truck in the vacant space.

Imagine his surprise when he came back later to find a ticket on his windscreen. Illegal parking in a signed parking space? He knew this was a mistake by the by-law officer, and he went to the office to explain.

But the bylaw officer denied there was a parking space there: an obvious error. As the photograph shows, the space exists right up in the corner, October 21, 2020

and the No Parking sign near it clearly shows that the no parking area begins to the left of the space. But the bylaw officer refused to admit this, and became quite aggressive when pressed. Instead, he told the unfortunate vehicle owner, he would have to go to the court in Brockville to plead his case, or else pay the $25 fine there and then.

The argument was that, once a ticket is issued, even in such a blatantly mistaken situation, it could not be cancelled in North Grenville, and a trip to Brockville was required. Given the choice of missing a day’s work, paying for gas and parking in Brockville, the driver decided to just pay the $25 and get it over with. But he was far from pleased at having to pay a fine for parking where a parking space was clearly marked and available. He had not stayed parked for longer than the allowed period, so he felt quite aggrieved at his

situation.

There are a number of worrying features about this story. The first is simply that a bylaw officer, tasked with

613-258-7800 www.kvrl.ca

his $25 back. It seems the least the municipality can do. A local business person, trying to survive in business during a pandemic, hardly ex-

pects his own municipality to add to his woes and expenses, especially when he had done nothing wrong.

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Pickle & Myrrh offers artisan handmade caramels and farmgirl charm

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new confectionary store and boutique has opened in Merrickville, in preparation for the beginning of the holiday season. Pickle & Myrrh was started four years ago by owner Erin Kergen, back when she lived in the small town of Water Valley in Alberta. At first, it was an artisan market, located in the town’s old general store and selling things like homemade

baked goods, pottery and jewelry. One day, she brought in a batch of her homemade caramels to hand out to customers.

“People started asking for more and more, so I started making them and having them in this little shop,” Erin says.

“People were driving up from Calgary to go get them.”

CTV news picked up the story about the little shop in Water Valley with artisan caramels, and Erin was even invited to William Sonoma in Calgary to do in-store

demic shut down all commercial kitchens, so Erin has been unable to produce the volume of caramels needed for wholesale since March.

However, this didn’t stop her from creating a unique “virtual farm stand” to sell her caramels, as well as many other local handmade goods.

“I teamed up with a couple of my friends that are incredible makers themselves and just started offering these cute little packages that you could buy on the website.”

The response to the virtual farm stand was amazing.

Run every Saturday starting at 9:00am, they would often run out of product within minutes. Then, people who purchased items would pick them up between 10:00am and 2:00pm at Erin’s house in Merrickville. “People would show up, give me their order number, and their bags would be at a pickup table. It was wild how successful it was.”

Erin had been playing around with the idea of a store front for a while, and when the space in the Baldachin building at 110 Main St. E became available, she jumped on it. “I just thought why not take a little chance?”

Pickle and Myrrh officially opened last week, and Erin is already in love with

demos. “It was just crazy,” she remembers.

When she moved to Merrickville three years ago, Erin started producing her caramels for wholesale, supplying them to boutique cafes and businesses in the area.

“The Village Bean saw my Instagram even before we moved here, and they were like – we want to sell your caramels. So, I always had a relationship with them, even before we bought a place.”

Unfortunately, the pan-

having a store front. She has been able to partner with many of the local makers that she worked with through her virtual farm stand, selling artisanal jams and spreads, honey, peanut butter and, of course, all different flavours of hand made caramels. She is also showcasing lots of locally-made gifts, like cozy sweaters, cute t-shirts, candles, and beautifully crafted dried flower wreathes. “I kind of term it as a caramel shop and gourmet pantry, that also features farmgirl items. You would never walk in and be like: oh, this isn’t for me, it’s too fancy. It can be for everybody.”

President of the Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce, Yves Grandmaitre, says that Erin is a great example of how effective on-

Council adopts tree care and maintenance policy

by Hilary Thomson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Merrickville-Wolford Council adopted a new tree care and maintenance policy at the last council meeting, to streamline the municipality’s processes for maintaining, removing and planting trees in the Village.

According to Manager of Operations, Brad Cole, one of the reasons for the creation of the policy was to set out some clear guidelines about the ownership of trees located on both private and municipally-owned property.

“There is always a conflict October 21, 2020

there as to who looks after the tree, whether its us, or whether it’s the homeowner.

So we just thought this would bring some clarity to it,” he told council.

According to the policy, if more than half of the trunk of the tree is on municipal property, it is the municipality’s responsibility for its care and maintenance.

If more than half the truck is on private property, the municipality will pay for its care and maintenance based on the percentage of the tree that is on municipally owned land. So, for example, if the tree is deemed to be 75% on private property and 25% on municipal land, then the Village will pay for a quarter of the costs associated with the tree, with the rest falling to the individual landowner.

Director Cole also clarified that property lines will be defined by the location of the right of ways, or through a legal survey if available.

The policy also outlines possible reasons for the removal of a tree from municipal property, and guidelines for replacing it, including location, size, and type of tree.

Councillor Timothy Molloy, who has been involved in planting between 250 and 400 trees in the Village, expressed some concern that the minimum height of the tree outlined in the policy (6-8 inches) was too small to guarantee its survival.

“We have, in the past, when we’ve planted trees, gotten trees with an arbour of about an inch and a half to two inches, and a substantial root development,” he said

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at the meeting. Director Cole assured him that they put this minimum in the policy to allow them the opportunity to plant seedlings, if they want to create a denser stand of trees somewhere in the municipality. “We do always strive to go with something about an inch and a half to two inches, and generally about five to six feet in height, so they can withstand the fall and winter weather,” he said.

The policy also outlines that, if a resident wants a tree removed that is on municipal property, their request must be submitted to council. If council approves, then the tree would be removed at the resident’s expense.

Currently, there is no policy for the removal of trees on private property. Councillor Molloy believes that this is

something they should be looking into, as they have many old and heritage trees in the Village. He made the point that, if they are following the Village’s Official Plan, which indicates protecting heritage, rural, and natural environments as a priority, they should consider putting some rules in place about cutting down any tree in the Village, even if it is not municipally owned.

“I believe we should at least look at having a tree cutting policy, so that, if someone on their property wants to cut a tree, then they should have some sort of reason for wanting to cut the tree that is substantial, and not just a whim,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Michael Cameron agreed with Councillor Molloy’s comments,

line marketing can be. “Erin has joined the group of power women in Merrickville,” he says.

Pickle and Myrrh is now open from Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am-3:00pm, but Erin is planning to extend those hours as the holiday season approaches. As of right now, the store will only be open until December 31; however, Erin is already in love with the space, with its high ceilings and original 1860 tin walls. “I think, long-term, I would love to add to the vibrancy of this community, which I think is so rich in artisans and in architecture. My goal would just be to be part of that fibre and continue to bring people to the place that I love and now call home.”

but added that any potential policy should not be a blanket statement for the entire municipality, seeing as the majority consists of rural farmland. He didn’t want farmers to have to go through a process just to clear trees on their property. “I was thinking more in the urban area and hamlets,” Councillor Molloy clarified.

Council agreed, at Mayor Struther’s suggestion, that they direct staff to bring a potential tree removal policy for the Village back to council for consideration at a future meeting. “It would be a worthwhile conversation as to: Do we formally want to pursue it and, if so, how would we go about doing that?”, he said.

The North Grenville Times

Remembrance Day plans for the Village

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Remembrance Day will look a bit different this year; but the Merrickville Legion is still focused on making sure the community has the chance to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The poppy campaign will still be running, and poppies will be available at many of the local businesses, by donation, from October 30 to November 11. Legion member, Rose Lamingman, says that, even if someone can’t afford to make a donation, they are still welcome to take a poppy.

“People can leave a donation in the poppy box; but if they don’t have the money, they don’t need to do that.

They are totally entitled to wear a poppy, because that shows they are supporting our veterans.”

While there will be no community wreath-laying this year, businesses and individuals can still purchase wreaths that will be pre-laid at the cenotaph by Legion members on November 11.

There will be no parade; but members of the Legion will

be at the cenotaph for a short, intimate ceremony at 11 am on Wednesday, November 11. The public is welcome to attend, although they are asked to maintain physical distancing and wear a mask.

As usual, there will be a wreath at the cenotaph where people can lay their poppies at the end of the ceremony.

This year, the Legion is planning to recognize all the veterans who fought in World War 2, which ended 75 years ago. As of Sunday, November 8, there will be an installation at the Cenotaph which the Legion is calling the Walk of Honour. The installation will be up for the entire week, and Rose says they encourage people to visit the Cenotaph and take a walk through the park to pay respect to WW2 veterans.

“I know we’re making a lot of sacrifices right now; but those men and women who went to war made a whole lot more sacrifices than we will ever make,” she says. “They gave their lives.”

To purchase a wreath in memory of a veteran to be laid at the cenotaph, contact Rose at rlamingman@hotmail. com, or 613-269-4402.

Rideau Bridge to Canada welcomes second refugee family

Odae, Haifa and Zain getting off the bus from the Ottawa airport in Merrickville Photos provided by Audrey Bridge

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Rideau Bridge to Canada welcomed their second Syrian refugee family to Merrickville a couple of weeks ago, despite heavy delays due to COVID-19. Odae Alaboud, his wife Haifa, and their four-year-old daughter, Sham and one-year-old son, Zain, arrived in Merrickville on October 7, after a long 2-day journey from Kuwait.

Odae is the brother of Ataa Erhayel, whose family were

School Immunization Clinics for Grade 7 and 8 Students Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Immunizations remain an important part of a healthy lifestyle, even during COVID-19. For the 2020/21 school year, the Health Unit will be offering the Meningitis, Hepatitis B and HPV9 vaccines for Grade 7 students, and those Grade 8 students that did not complete their series last year at school based clinics. The school based clinics will be held at host schools throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark on weekends beginning Saturday, October 24.

These weekend clinics will be by appointment only. This new model of service will help to minimize traffic in the schools during regular school hours, which is one of the COVID-19 prevention methods that schools currently have in place.

Schools will provide parents/caregivers of Grade 7 and 8 students with clinic dates and information on completing consent forms and booking appointments.

October 21, 2020

Parents or caregivers are asked to: 1. Review immunization information at healthunit. org/health-information/ immunization/grade-7-immunizations 2. Print off a consent form to send with their child.

There will be consent forms available at the clinics if parents/caregivers are not able to print off a copy. healthunit.org/wp-content/ uploads/Vaccine_Consent_ Form.pdf 3. Schedule an appointment for their child’s scheduled school clinic by visiting the ‘Calendar for 2020/21 School Immunization Clinics’ at healthunit.org/healthinformation/immunization/ grade-7-immunizations, and registering through the Host School Eventbrite links. Alternatively, parents or caregivers can call 1-800-660-5853 and ask to speak with a Vaccine Preventable Disease team member to register.

The Health Unit is planning additional immunization clinics for Grade 7 and 8 students who may

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need extra support or who are unable to attend their scheduled school clinics.

Information about these additional clinics will be posted on our website at a later date.

Parents and caregivers are reminded about the following day of clinic COVID-19 precautions: 1. Complete the school screening online https:// covid-19.ontario.ca/schoolscreening/ and follow the instructions given. DO NOT ATTEND if student screens positive.

2. Please notify screeners when you arrive and follow the directions given.

Parents/caregivers are not allowed to accompany the student into the school.

Students must wear a face covering.

Please be prepared to wait 30 minutes from the time the student is allowed into school.

More information can be found at healthunit. org/health-information/ immunization/grade-7-immunizations.

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the first Syrian refugees to be sponsored by Rideau Bridge to Canada, almost 3.5 years ago.

Audrey Bridge, of Rideau Bridge to Canada, says the group is very happy to finally have the Alabouds in Merrickville. They were supposed to arrive in Canada in June; but, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their arrival date was delayed. Audrey says that, at one point, they thought they wouldn’t be able to welcome the Alabouds to Merrickville until next year. “The private refugee program got shut down, and we were originally told that they weren’t going to get things going again until 2021,” she says. “We’re very excited that it did happen this year.”

When the Alabouds arrived in Ottawa, they were picked up from the airport in a bus by volunteer driver John Brauneisen. Odea will always remember the smile on his wife’s face, as they drove with their two children to Merrickville. “She told me: This is the country where I want to raise my kids,” Odae says. “It was one of the most amazing moments in her life and my life. It’s everything I’ve dreamed about.”

When the Alabouds arrived in Merrickville, they were greeted, from a distance, by a few of the members of Rideau Bridge to Canada and the Erhayels. It was the first time Odae had seen his sister in 9 years. “I can’t explain my emotion,” he says, remembering the moment. “Ataa is one of the closest people in my family.”

Because of the strict quarantine rule for international travellers, the Alabouds had to spend two weeks isolated in Audrey’s apartment in Merrickville. Although they

were very thankful for a comfortable space to stay while in quarantine, they couldn’t wait until they could share a meal with their family again.

“We’re counting the hour by hour.”

The past few years have not been easy for Odae and Haifa, and their relationship, as Odae calls it, is a “war love story.” They come from the same village in Syria, but both had to flee the country because of the civil war. With a PhD from the University of Damascus, Odae left first to teach math at the University in Kuwait. He kept in touch with Haifa but, when the lines of communication started to get cut in Syria, he told her to leave the country.

She was able to make it to Turkey, and, when he could, Odae travelled to meet her.

They were married in Turkey in 2015, without any of their family, which Odae says is unusual in the Arabic culture.

Odae and Haifa maintained their marriage long distance until 2019, when Haifa was permitted to come to Kuwait because they had been sponsored to come to Canada. “It was the best five years of my life, even though we were separate,” he says, adding that he hopes they will never have to be apart again.

Once the Alabouds are out of quarantine, Odae says their focus will be starting their new life in Canada. He will be looking for a job, hopefully in academia, where he feels the most comfortable. They are hoping that Sham will start school in Merrickville in November, while Haifa will be staying home with their baby and focusing on improving her English. Long term, Odae says he would love to see her finish her post secondary ed-

ucation, which was disrupted because of the unrest in their home country. “We hope to build a life for ourselves and our children. Our priority before was safety, and now we can open all the doors for our future.”

Audrey says that COVID-19 not only threw a wrench into the Alaboud’s travel plans, they also haven’t been able to do as much fundraising as they would have liked before they arrived.

“We had a horseshoe tournament scheduled, we had another dinner scheduled, we had a golf tournament scheduled, which, between the three of them, judging from the past, would have brought us to our target. So, we’re going to have to come at fundraising from a different way.” As with any refugee sponsorship, Rideau Bridge to Canada will be responsible for supporting the Alabouds for up to one year, while they settle and get on their feet. To help support the family, you can go to the Ottawa Community Foundation website and search for Rideau Bridge to Canada under the donate tab to make a donation and get a tax receipt.

The group is also looking for long term housing for the family, which is proving to be difficult, with the lack of rental properties in the area.

Audrey encourages anyone with leads on a two bedroom home or apartment in the Merrickville or Kemptville area to contact her at ajkbridge@aol.com.

The experience of bringing a second Syrian family to Merrickville, and witnessing the reunification of a family, has been wonderful for Audrey. “A beautiful thing to happen in these awful times.”

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Snow tires on rims, Altimax FREE Paver Stones - Beige. 55 VILLE. Good communicator, hard Arctic 225/70 R 16. 5 bolt [ 5x5x2.5]; 38 { 5x2.5x2.5}; 32 worker. Call CONSENSUS ONTARIO FOR SALE 45 original $500.00 613-258-0589 {7x5x2.5]. Call 613-269-3301 and CONSENSUS CANADA at 519Bosson Heads, mint con851-2041 for more information. dition, asking $600. for 60 Carpet tiles, brand new. 4 Snow tires 195/65P15 all, call 613-215-0884 Each 18x18inches, blue/grey no rims. good condition Help Support $45. Call Bill @ 613 258 6544 $50 . Call 613-713-3347. greenhouses,Large quanYour Local ity of bedding plant contain- Mixed seasoned firewood for Businesses ers and pots. 613-258 3053 sale, $110 per cord delivered, WANTED minimum 3 cord order for Blue Lazy-boy $45. Tan delivery, Jon 613-227-3650 Upstanding Citizen to run for MP/ SHOP LOCAL sofa bed $65. 613-258-3761 MPP in the riding of LEEDS-GRENFOR SALE

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UCDSB Board of Trustees Meeting Trustees with the Upper was not administered last year Canada District School Board due the provincial mandate (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, to close schools in the spring October 14, for a regularly and the transition to remote scheduled board meeting. learning for staff and students.

Trustees conducted the meet- The test has been reinstated ing in person at the Brockville this school year and will be Board Office, with the option administered in the Spring for staff and trustees to call in, of 2021. as per regular practice.

Update on 2020 Summer Changes to Secondary Learning Program and SumEvaluation Processes for mer Semester: 2020-20201: UCDSB staff updated The Director of Education the board regarding the 2020 provided an update to the Summer Learning Program Board about adjustments to and Secondary Summer Sethe secondary school diploma mester. program and graduation reThe Elementary Sumwww.ericscarpentryservice.com quirements. mer Learning Program is The Ministry of Educa- intended to support students tion recently provided school who would benefit from an districts the ability to adjust engaging and interactive secondary evaluation pro- learning opportunity in the cesses to reflect the realities summer that builds upon and that come with learning and furthers their learning. Sumattending school during the mer Semester allows seconduncertainties of a pandemic. ary students and students in The Upper Canada District Grade 7 & 8 to reach ahead School Board has decided to earn credits via eLearning that for the 2020-2021 school and Co-operative Education. year, there will be no final In 2020, two new learning exams for secondary students opportunities were added to (Grades 9-12) at the end of Summer Semester: creditany quadmester. Instead, recovery and credit upgrade. student grades will be solely This summer, 585 elbased on the specific learning ementary school children enactivities and assignments rolled in the Summer Learndelivered in each course. ing Program. Overall, 98% There have also been ad- of students and parents rated justments made to the 40- their engagement with the hour community involvement Summer Learning Program graduation requirement for as very high. For the Summer the 2020-2021 school year. Semester, 2,200 students enThe Ministry of Education rolled in with 1752.5 credits has reduced the required earned. number of community inStaff Provides Financial volvement hours to 20 hours Budget updates for 2020-21 for this school year and has School Year: provided more flexibility in UCDSB Staff provided the types of activities that can a financial budget projection count toward these hours. to the Board of Trustees.

However, students ex- Reviewing the discretionary pecting to graduate in the and non-discretionary fund2020-2021 school year will ing options available to the need to complete the Grade school board, staff outlined 10 Literacy Test. This test low, medium and high pos-

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gain great visibility to the actual financial risks while also managing those risks to ensure the Board remains on a sound financial footing.

Trustee Lisa Swan put forward a motion “that the Upper Canada District School Board request the Province of Ontario support public education by increasing the funding to School Boards in the Province to support the delivery models they have mandated and increase Board funding to do such as we deal with this pandemic, and to show they support public education.”

The Board carried the motion in a vote of 9-2.

sible budget line items when it comes to discretionary as well as non-discretionary budgeting including sick leave, lower enrolment and PPE costs that can’t be covered by the province.

The estimated deficits range from $4 to $17 million, even after utilizing COVIDrelated funding sources. As such, staff recommended adopting a conservative approach to discretionary expenditures while monitoring data to determine scale and impact of non-discretionary financial risks. Staff continue to review all mitigating factors and strategies to

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Ontario invests in Greenfield Global Johnstown plant The Ontario government is providing $2.5 million through the Ontario Together Fund to support Greenfield Global’s $75-million investment in their Johnstown plant to produce medicalgrade alcohol critical to making hand sanitizers for Ontario individuals, families and front-line workers.

The announcement was made today by Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark on behalf of the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“I am pleased to announce our government’s support for Greenfield Global as they upgrade their facilities to provide critical PPE for Ontarians. This is a great investment in producing

made-in-Ontario solutions in the Johnstown community as we work together to get Ontario back on track,” said MPP Clark.

“Ontario is supporting companies like Greenfield Global so they can continue to provide madein-Ontario solutions to reduce our dependence on foreign supply chains and strengthen our domestic capacity,” said Minister Fedeli. “By working together with these innovative businesses, we are ensuring we are well-prepared for the future as we continue our fight against COVID-19.”

With Ontario’s support, Greenfield will undertake a major upgrade of the Johnstown facility’s distillation technology to produce over 114 million litres of specialty medical-grade alcohol annually, which will be used in hand sanitizers and other applications that 12

rely on high purity alcohol.

This amount would make over 150 million one litre bottles of hand sanitizers if all of the output was used for the product. The project will help reduce Ontario’s dependency on other jurisdictions as a source of high-grade alcohols and will strengthen the province’s position as a leader in PPE production, while creating eight new jobs.

“Expansion of our Johnstown facility is an exciting considerable step forward in our domestic supply capacity. This will greatly enhance our capabilities to serve our customers, including life science and pharmaceutical companies, that are experiencing unprecedented demand for their products needed to protect citizens and help keep us safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said

Greenfield President and CEO, Howard Field.

Steve Clark noted that it’s the second major investment by the government in the riding for PPE production, after the federal and provincial governments each committed $23.3 million for 3M Canada’s new N-95 respirator mask plant.

“Residents of LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes can take pride in the fact that we’re playing a leading role in ensuring we have a made-in-Ontario source to strengthen our PPE supply,” he said.

The government launched the $50 million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses retool their operations to produce PPE and develop technology-driven solutions and services for businesses to reopen safely.

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The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

FOOD CORNER

By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Speaking of keeping warm: we are now down to highs of 10 to 12 Celsius and lows where there is frost on the pumpkin. So, soup is in order. I recommend you try Tomato Orange Basil soup. If you care, it’s vegan; if you don’t, then it’s just darn good. Mix up a batch and try it with last week’s corn bread. Yummy on your tummy!

Tomato Orange Basil Soup Ingredients • 2 pounds of French ripe tomatoes, cored • 1 large onion, diced • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced • 2 tablespoons of Basil (fresh, if possible) (if not, 1 teaspoon dried Basil) • Vegetable stock (available at your favourite grocery store) • 1 orange • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil • Salt and pepper to taste

ACROSS 1. Break 5. Hindu Mr. 9. Small drum 14. Easy gait 15. Black, in poetry 16. Ease 17. Switchboard workers 19. Not tight 20. Moisten 21. Loosen one's grip 23. Earning 25. Celebrated 28. Eastern newt 29. Bovine 32. Large North American deer 33. Female sheep 34. Lake (Scottish) 35. Ends a prayer

Preparation • Drop the tomatoes in boiling water to get the peel off; then dice them • Sauté onions and carrots in a soup pot till soft • Add the peeled and diced tomatoes and cover with vegetable broth • Simmer for 10 minutes • Then, blend with a submersible blender (or in a blender) till smooth • Finely grate orange peel in and squeeze the orange to add its juice • Finely chop the Basil and stir it into the soup • Reheat if necessary and serve Keep those emails coming folks at pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Many thanks!

36. Specter 38. Savvy about 39. No more than 40. Indian bread 41. Pictures 43. Actress Lupino 44. Martini ingredient 45. Give forth 46. Loiterers 48. Six-sided polygons 50. Tint 54. Lustrous fabric 55. Brazen 57. Braid of hair 58. Sounds of reproof 59. Peel 60. Abominable snowmen 61. Small, medium or large 62. Knockout

DOWN 1. Messy dresser 2. No 3. Acted like 4. Swift falcon 5. Wager 6. Teem 7. Carried 8. Loosens 9. Ability 10. Lengthwise 11. Coalition 12. Whip 13. Yes to a sailor 18. Expect 22. A long period of time 24. Ruling 25. Mystic 26. Domesticated 27. A drama set to music 29. Line dance 30. Group of 8 31. Of which person 33. Many millennia 34. Usurer 37. Frequently visited places 42. Fen 44. Goliaths 45. Imitation 46. 63 in Roman numerals 47. Boredom 48. Fit 49. French for "State" 51. Dogfish 52. Declare untrue 53. Cocoyam 54. Secret agent 56. South southeast

Food Bank The Knights of Columbus in Kemptville offers a food bank service to those in need in the community of North Grenville We provide a selection of canned, packaged and dry goods For more information please call Dave at 613 258 3683 Pick up at Holy Cross Church hall preferred – delivery can be arranged if required

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October 21, 2020

13

Answer to last weeks crossword

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The North Grenville Times Common

History

Electoral confusion in Grenville County

by David Shanahan Elections are in the news these days, along with matters of voter suppression, a lack of voting places, and fears of tampering. This is not at all a new topic, nor is it one confined to our southern neighbours. Grenville County has quite a checkered history of its own when it comes to elections.

On January 15, 1845, the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada heard a petition from William Harris and others complaining about the recent election of Dr Hamilton Dribble Jessup, a veteran Conservative, as Member of the County of Grenville. They had two main grievances. The first was that the Returning Officer had set up a polling station in North Gower and Marlborough, where residents had voted, in spite of the fact that neither township was within the boundaries of Grenville County.

Although both had been part of the County before an Act of 1842 had reassigned them to Carleton, there was still, obviously, some uncertainty about the new boundaries. To add to the complexity of the election, the voters in these same two townships has been allowed to vote for a Member for Carleton County in the election.

The second grievance of Harris and friends was that the Returning Officer had placed the polling station for Grenville County in Kemptville, with none located in Prescott.

The petition objected that Kemptville was “in the extreme rear of the said County of Grenville, a place incon-

venient and improper for obtaining the true expression of opinion of the Electors of said County of Grenville”, leading to “great injury, wrong and inconvenience” to the Electors.

The petitioners asked that the election of Jessup be declared void and a new vote arranged.

The Assembly received a second, and similar, petition on December 9, 1845 from R. Burritt and others, protesting about the same election and for the same reasons. Burrit referred to the “last Election, or pretended Election”, and was particularly upset that no polling station had been located in Prescott, which there should have been, by law. “For these an many other good and valid reasons”, Burritt and friends also demanded that the election be voided and a new one held.

The background to all of this seems to have been that the Conservatives had a majority support in the north of Grenville County, while the Reformers, later to be known as Liberals, held the south and the town of Prescott. The Returning Officer, it may be assumed, was a Conservative. Under the regulations governing this kind of appeal, it was required that petitioners commit to appear before the Assembly within a set period of time. For both Harris and Burritt, this period would expire on December 23, and this would be a serious difficulty, given the obstacles to travel in Winter in the conditions of 1845. The Reformers therefore asked that the period be extended to January 10.

The vote on this was taken on strictly party lines, and the Conservatives prevailed.

That party included John A.

Baldwin’s Birds

Sense Health

The Voice of North Grenville

Did Radiation Protect President Carter from Pancreatic Cancer?

Macdonald, then a young man by W. Gifford-Jones, MD and Diana Gifford-Jones on the fringes of the party.

Marie Curie know her reTaking advantage, perhaps, search on radium contributed of a temporary majority in to her death at age 66. But is the Assembly, the Reformers exposure to radiation always had that decision reversed on dangerous?

December 18, and Harris was One fact is certain. Jimmy given until January 10, 1846 Carter is still alive, his now 30 to appear instead. post-presidential years taken However, Burritt was not up in humanitarian projects. included in this decision, and So, Adams asks, “Is it posso, on December 20, his petiWhat do former U.S. sible that President Carter’s tion was rejected, as he had President Jimmy Carter and lifetime exposure to radiation not committed to attending Gifford-Jones have in com- was the kind of moderate dose the Assembly in the time al- mon? They were both born that has been shown to stimulowed. There is no record of the same year and have re- late his human defensive and why he was treated differently markable staying power! But repair mechanisms?” than Harris, nor why Harris Carter has lived under the Why does this idea interwas granted this reprieve. shadow of pancreatic cancer est us? It goes against everyBut he turned up on January all his life. His father, brother, thing that been said about 10, as required, and he was and two sisters died of this radiation for years. examined by a committee of disease and his mother also This column has stressed members, as was Hamilton suffered from it. Carter has that radiation is like an elJessup. It was quite a formal also lived through metastatic ephant. It never forgets the procedure, with W. B. Rich- melanoma, a skin cancer that total amount received during ards appearing on behalf of had spread to his liver and a lifetime. That’s why readers Harris, and Jessup repre- brain. How did he do it? are advised not to ask the docsenting himself before the Rod Adams, an atomic tor, “Can I have an X-ray to Committee. The poll books, energy expert, has said that help find the reason for unexrecording the votes cast at the moderate radiation exposure plained abdominal pain?” Or, election, were presented in may have helped to protect “Could an X-ray be ordered evidence. Jessup had an inter- the former president from to make sure a sprained ankle esting collection of witnesses developing pancreatic cancer. is not broken?” It’s good to on his side, including familiar During the nuclear melt- avoid even low-dose dental names from the area, such down at Chalk River in 1952, X-rays that aren’t needed. as Truman Hurd, William Carter was a naval officer CT scans of the pancreas “Squire” Bottom, Francis working on the secret nuclear every six months seem outraJones, all of whom lived on program. He was among those geous. A CT scan of the abdoClothier Street, as well as Asa dispatched to help dismantle men delivers 500 times more Clothier and Henry Burritt. the reactor. This required radiation than a routine X-ray It was the decision of the working in a high radiation of the lungs and 1,000 times Committee on January 15, field for 90 seconds at a time. that of dental X-rays.

1846, that Hamilton Jessup The President claimed his It makes no sense to have had received enough valid urine was radioactive for six an MRI, if an ultrasound, votes in the election to war- months afterwards. which is radiation free, prorant his remaining the sitThen in 2011, the New vides the same information. ting Member for Grenville York Times reported that But is Rod Adams right, County. It was also decided Carter had been exposed to that a small to moderate that the petition of Harris and CT scans every six months. friends had not been frivo- The purpose was to see if TIME FOR YOUR lous. Jessup was defeated in any cancer lesions had apthe 1854 election by William peared in his pancreas. DocPatrick, one-time store owner tors decided to stop these in Kemptville. examinations, concerned that radiation was increasing the risk of cancer.

It’s commonly understood that radiation causes cancer.

Even school children studying two-time Nobel laureate

amount of radiation could be beneficial? It’s always worth pausing and opening the mind to listen to experts who have researched the subject.

Rod Adam’s article triggered interesting responses.

One reader wrote, so long as “the assumption remains that the lowest radiation is hazardous, we will continue spending billions to protect the public against less radiation that it is receiving from nature.”

Another reader noted, “About 150 United States military personnel, about 170 Canadian military personnel and about 20 construction company employees joined the 862 staff members at Chalk River to implement the clean-up.” But little was done to study the long-term health of these individuals.

Jimmy Carter believes his longevity is due to never having smoked. This was a good decision. But more studies are needed to learn if radiation exposure may have protected him from pancreatic cancer.

In 2015, he won the melanoma battle, adding to his good fortune. But the question remains, what’s the right approach to radiation exposure? And the answer seems to be consistent with GiffordJones’ common sense advice, “all things in moderation.”

Sign-up at www.docgiff. com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com.

Book your SummerFALL tune-up TODAY TUNE UP!

Our Own Bluebirds Pop In To Say Goodbye

by John Baldwin Just to prove me wrong in my statement about the summer birds having all gone, we had this unexpected flurry (no, not the cat!) of activity, a couple of days ago.

We had a return visit of a October 21, 2020

flock of Bluebirds, probably the ones that were born here during the summer. They flitted about the garden for half an hour or so, visiting us, to inspect their old homes and take a brief bath. Presumably they are on their migration

Our own, we like to think, Bluebirds returned the other day, to wish us a fond farewell, As, on their own migratory flight south, they just “popped in”, certainly not for to dwell!

First, just one, then another and another, Were they mother, father, sister, brother?

We like to think that they were the ones born and raised here, in the just passed, blazing summer, Which might of explained their reasonably family sized number.

They flitted from tree to tree and even gave us cause to laugh, When, at least two of them had a splash, in our own bird bath!

All of them inspected our nesting boxes, as if they were their own, And, why shouldn’t they, it was probably their first home!?

We have never seen that many Bluebirds together in a group, And, luckily, on a photograph, got four together, as a troupe.

They never settled down long enough, to ponder very long, When, as quickly as they appeared, -- suddenly, --they were all gone!

John Baldwin, 12 October 2020

flight back to warmer climes, down south. I counted at least four or five of them, and it was all quite exciting!

Cheers, John

14

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The Voice of North Grenville

A Moveable Feast:

community support in a time of Covid . Now more than ever!

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Pulled Beef Tacos

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2- Chili spices beans and vegetable pot pie.

Chicken parmigiana, linguine in tomato sauce, Cesar salad.

Eggplant parmigiana, linguine in tomato sauce, Cesar salad.

Thursday October 29

1- Pork chop, honey garlic sauce, bean purée with cilantro.

2- South western black bean casserole, brown rice.

Friday October 30

1- Red curry & coconut tilapia fillet, vegetable rice pilaff.

2- Red curry & coconut tofu, vegetable rice pilaff.

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(we are offering soup instead of salad) Sweet n sour chicken balls, Beef & Vegetable Stir Fry, Vegetable Fried Rice & Crispy Pork Egg Rolls w/ Plum Sauce, Wonton Soup (Chicken wontons)

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October 21, 2020

15

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Myth understandings: an irregular column by David Shanahan

Source documents: 2 the Letters The New Testament contains 27 different books written by nine different authors.

Every author of the New Testament was Jewish except for Luke. The Gospels record the teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the Acts of the Apostles, the sequel, as it were, to Luke’s Gospel, records the activities of the early Christians, particularly Peter and Paul. But most of the books of the New Testament, and the earliest to be written, were the Letters, twenty-one letters written to individuals, Christian house churches, and a general Letter to the Hebrews, which is a wonderful analysis of how Old and New Testaments agree and explain each other.

Paul wrote sixteen of these letters, though they are not published in chronological order in the Bible, but according to length.

There is general agreement on the order in which they were written and, to a large extent, on the dates of each one. These would be:

Galatians - 48; James, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians - 50; First and Second Corinthians - 54-56; Romans - 57; Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians - 60; First Timothy - 63-55; Titus - 65; Second Timothy - 66; Hebrews - 67; Peter’s two letters - c. 64.; Jude - 68; Epistles of John - c. 70.

All of these letters, therefore, were written within 3040 years after the crucifixion of Jesus, with Galatians dating from only fifteen years after that event. The historicity of the documents is guaranteed by the sheer number of references to, and quotes from, them over the first 100150 years A.D. There was no time for any unhistorical myth to develop, as many eye witnesses to Jesus were still alive and active throughout the period in which the letters were written.

Nor were they the only letters to be written by early Christians; there is a substantial number of others, but it is these twenty-one documents that Christians recognised as

having a special authority, to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and were, as Paul put it: “All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [2 Timothy 3.16-17] Peter even referred to Paul’s writing as “Scripture”, and he recognised that Paul’s teaching was often a source of controversy: “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” [2 Peter 3.16] Peter’s recommendation of Paul is especially impressive, as the two men did not always get on. In fact, on one occasion, Paul publicly rebuked Peter for compromising the freedom of Christians from the old laws and regulations governing food and drink. But that is the fascinating thing about the New Testament: it doesn’t

gloss over the less favourable aspects of the first Christians, no matter how their reputation has been enhanced since. That is one piece of supporting evidence for their dependability: a more fictionalised story, a mythological account, would be careful to make everything respectable, with clearly identified good guys and bad guys. If sometimes the individuals, like Peter, Paul, John, and others seem more than fallible in their behaviour or comprehension, that only makes them more fully -rounded human beings.

Real people who experienced real events.

Paul, in particular, has come in for criticism. Some have pointed to things he wrote about women, for example, often taken out of

OFA urges support during Small Business Month

by Steve Brackenridge, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture October is Small Business Month in Canada. It is a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions that entrepreneurs and small businesses have to our communities and their passion which drives our economy forward.

We know that many small businesses in our rural communities were affected by COVID-19. Whether they are local restaurants, abattoirs, grain elevators, farm markets, downtown retail shops, or rural agritourism operators – our agri-food community is made up of small businesses.

Many small businesses continue to suffer with challenges around marketing their products during the pandemic. Ongoing broadband reliability issues pose challenges for many farm businesses to create an online presence for their products and encourage visitors to purchase their October 21, 2020

goods. This has the potential to result in revenue loss and declining sales, affecting many small businesses across Ontario.

From personal experience, we operate a maple syrup business and a large portion of marketing and sales stems directly from local festivals and agri-tourism.

With increasing COVID-19 restrictions and seasonal event cancellations, our customer base has declined.

The lack of agri-tourism is problematic for farmers who rely on local festivals and seasonal events to bring consumers to their business.

In an effort to stimulate regional economic growth, the Ontario government announced Ontario's Main Street Recovery Plan on October 7 to help businesses reopen safer, rehire faster and recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19.

If passed, the Main Street Recovery Act would see $60

million contributed to the program and would result in a number of benefits for rural communities. The proposed act includes: a one-time grant up to $1,000 for eligible main street small businesses, a Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network for access to tailored advice and information, Digital Main Street Squads to help small businesses grow online, mental health supports for families, employees and communities, and a Small Business Recovery Webpage to provide single-window access to small business supports.

Main streets of rural communities are social and economic community hubs.

Ontario farmers rely on these businesses to ensure that their agri-food products get to market and they can access the tools and services to continue to produce high-quality, affordable food.

In addition to the agrifood supply chain, 96% of

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Ontario farm families are operating their farm businesses with under 10 employees.

Most farmers are small business owners too, and need support to keep their workers and families safe during COVID-19.

As a small business owner with five employees, we have directly felt the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. It has required our business to be flexible and make alternative arrangements in order to allow our employees to be able to care for their families and children.

Agriculture and AgriFood Canada announced on October 13, that they will invest an additional $11.6 million to help support efforts by Ontario producers to protect against the spread of COVID-19 on their farms.

This investment will topup the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program to $26.6 million, a

context, as proof that he was misogynist in attitude. He certainly had something of a temper at times, when it came to those he called “super apostles”, individuals who used the Gospel as a means to enrich themselves or gain status and authority over others. He strongly rejected those “who think that godliness is a means to financial gain”. No Prosperity Gospel for him!

When you think about his crusade against Christianity before he met Jesus outside Damascus, it is clear that he was a man of strong natural passions and commitments.

What is remarkable is the way he changed after that encounter. There is a wonderful cross-referencing between the account of his travels through Asia and Greece which Luke

records in the Acts, and the content of Paul’s letters to the churches he founded during those journeys.

Much should be said about the letters that were written by James and Jude, the brothers of Jesus, or by John, ‘the Beloved Disciple”.

The Hebrews letter is powerful and intelligent and makes you think. But Paul, especially his letter to the Romans, remains the towering figure of the Letters. So much there, so much truth and beauty, wit and wisdom; useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

program delivered through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Protecting our farm families' health and well-being ensures we can keep producing safe, highquality food while protecting our vital agri-food workers and farm families. The Ontario agri-food community supports each other – now more than ever. These financial investments in small businesses and rural commu-

nities enable our agri-food sector to drive the economy forward and rebound as we navigate our road to recovery in the wake of a pandemic.

OFA would like to encourage everyone to buy local, visit local and support local. Small businesses are at the heart of our strong and vibrant communities. We need to ensure these vital operations are still standing long after this pandemic is over.

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