December 4th, 2013 #53

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TIMES

Vol. 1, No. 53

The Voice of North Grenville

Dec 4, 2013

Old Town Kemptville Christmas a flurry of activity

Oxford Mills Tree Lighting Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30 pm

by Pat & Maggie I began my walk through the old downtown by stopping in at Geronimo’s for coffee and a sandwich.

Great start to my tour of the downtown Christmas. The place was empty as I am an early bird, but soon began filling up. By the time I left it was full, with everyone in good spirits enjoying each others company and the welcoming warmth of the place. While there, the

Grenville Militia, a regular presence at all the downtown activities, stopped in to sing some Christmas carols. They were later spotted on the hay wagon and at the burn barrels caroling and entertaining the crowds and passer-bys.

From there, Pat joined me and we slowly made our way up to the United Church Bazaar as there were lots of people I had to stop and talk to. Just before entering the church, we encountered David Finnie of

the Kinsmen driving the hay wagon and made arrangements for him to meet up with us in 20 minutes or so, wanting to hitch a ride back down to the North Pole.

Upon entering the United Church, we were warmly greeted by volunteers and encouraged to enter the door prize draw. (I guess I didn’t win as I haven’t received a call.) The place was packed with people enjoying a wonderful meal, socializing and purchasing gifts from the bazaar tables.

So off to the North Pole to visit Santa and there was our ride, as promised, with the Kinsmen sponsored hay ride. The place was packed with families and children all wanting to stop in and visit with Santa. While I squeezed in to get a few pictures, Pat wandered to the back where elves were helping children select Christmas gifts for their parents and siblings.

The shopping area for the children was very well orcontinued on page 2

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Shoeboxes for Chernobyl destined for seniors

continued from front page ganized. Each child was registered with a volunteer, met by an elf who helped them with their shopping list and gift wrapping. The parents, in the meantime, were close by in a separate room so the gifts would be a surprise.

From there we walked up to the Rotary Park, enjoying some bantering with Mayor Gordon and Joe Morin from the EMC. This time, we encountered a group enjoying a wagon ride pulled by magnificent horses, courtesy of Precious Moments. Stopped for pictures, then to the Park where Elizabeth Greenberg and her fire crew were busy keeping the fire barrel going for people wishing to roast hot dogs and enjoy wonderful smores! While there, two cheques were presented to Claire Larabie of NG Community Services Council and Erin and Calvin Wong of the Salvation Army, each for $750, money raised by the Kinsmen and the Fire Department at the Christmas parade last month. It was a cold day but everyone was dressed for it and the heat of the fire was just the thing needed to warm us up and send us to our next destination.

Next stop was to visit some of the craft booths at the old Family World Video store and then up above the branch restaurant to watch Micheal Paccitto taking pictures of families and their kids. He sure had his hands full with the younger ones, they are non stop activity.

To top off the afternoon, we stopped in at the St. James Anglican Bazaar and had a nice hot meal of lasagna, once again visiting the selection of items for sale. Because things were winding down by then, we had the chance to visit with old friends and many of the volunteers at St. James. A wonderful crew of dedicated people. I have to wonder what will happen to the Church Bazaars and wonderful lunches, teas and gatherings in the future, as there didn’t seem to be very many young people involved in the Church activities.

It was a great way to spend the day, visiting with many people along the way.

I’m sure we missed some of the activities but we’d like to thank all the volunteers who made this day such a success.

submitted by Susan Smith Bev Nye and Terry Ozga from Kemptville District Home Support Inc with some of the donations to the Shoeboxes for Chernobyl campaign donated by staff, clients and community members. These will be sent to Chernobyl and distributed to seniors in need of the minimal basics such as soap, washcloths, toothpaste and brushes. The packages also include cheerful items such as bright scarves, hard candy and playing cards.

Habitat for Humanity plan dedication ceremony Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands is pleased to announce that it is holding the dedication ceremony for its Kemptville build project on December 14, at 1:30 pm in Leslie Hall, St James Anglican Church, 35 Clothier St., Kemptville.

The dedication ceremony is Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands’ way of symbolically handing over the keys to the recipient family and thanking the many local trades’ people, businesses, and volunteers who have helped on the build at 300 Dumbrille Street. The build, begun at the end of summer, is on land donated

by Mr. David Simpson as part of an agreement with St. James Anglican Church which formerly owned the property.

As well as the new home owner, Christina Horning and her three children, MP Gord Brown, North Grenville Mayor David Gordon, the HFHTI board, members of the build and steering committees, church representatives and the many area people who worked on the build will be on hand.

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for people who would not ordinarily qualify for a traditional mortgage.

Families go through a rigorous application process and are required to contribute 500 hours of sweat equity to the building of their home.

Families then buy the home at fair market value while Habitat for Humanity carries the mortgage at zero percent interest. This is in keeping with Habitat’s philosophy

of offering a hand up, not a hand out.

The future owner of the Kemptville home, Christina Horning, has been working with a team of family and friends along with about 60 other volunteers on a host of jobs around the home. While professional trades’ people do the technical work, volunteers pitch in to do the other tasks. As the move in date approaches, Christina and her three children are already packing and are anticipating their first Christmas in their new home.

Members of the public who would like to attend the dedication ceremony are welcome and can indicate their interest by emailing ldillon@habitat1000islands.org

Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Bursary Program Applications for the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Bursary Program are now being accepted. If you are a student who is currently attending college, university or any other postsecondary institution, you may qualify for a bursary of up to $500 per each academic year. Applications must be received by Provincial Command before Friday March 28,2014 Eligibility • Canadian and Commonwealth War Veterans and their children and grandchildren.

• Ordinary and Life members of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children and grandchildren.

• Associate members of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children.

• Ladies’ Auxiliary members and their children and grandchildren.

Application forms may be picked up at high school guidance departments or at branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. For further information contact the Legion Branch nearest you or Douglas Brunton Zone G-3 Bursary Chairman at 613-258-5111 E mail d.c.brunton@sympatico.ca Dec. 4, 2013

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Kemptville Insurance opens local office Erick Le Pors

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Saturday, December 7, 2013 2 - 4 pm Chamber Director Gerald Tallman, Tallman Truck Centre, Councillor Tim Sutton, Chamber Board Chair Mark Thornton, Bell Aliant, Mayor Dave Gordon, Sandy Carre, Account Executive, Kemptville Insurance Brokers Ltd., Trish Nesrallah, VP of Operations, Kristen Ha, Customer Service Representative, Joseph Ha, President Ottawa-Kemptville offices and Councillor Barb Tobin Kemptville Insurance had their grand opening on Saturday, November 30. After serving the Ottawa and surrounding area for 28 years, they are proud to now be part of the Municipality of North Grenville and look forward to

being the Independent Insurance broker of choice for area residents and businesses.

Local resident Sandy Carre has been working for the company for several years and was thrilled to be able to help in this venture. Not only

that, but it's close to home.

Sandy's husband, Brian Carre ,is North Grenville's CEO and her daughter Michelle has been volunteering with the NG Historical Society for the past several months. Son Greg, a second year public

relations student at Algonquin College, is helping Kemptville Insurance Brokers with their social media...facebook You can reach Sandy at 613 258 8898 or email at scarre@kemptvilleins.com.

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Crain & Schooley donate $25,000 to KDH Foundation

Photo: Janice Casselman, Megan Schooley and Richard Schooley along with Hugh O’Neill, Chair of the KDH Foundation Board submitted by Mary Boucher, Kemptville District Hospital Foundation In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Kemptville office of Crain & Schooley, Richard Schooley presented a cheque for $25,000 to the KDH Foundation at their annual Corporate Golf Classic in September, 2013.

Crain & Schooley Insurance is celebrating several milestones this year. It’s the 60th anniversary of Crain & Schooley and the 25th anniversary of a Crain & Schooley presence in Kemptville. That came about with their merger with the Van Allen insurance operations here in Kemptville which similarly date back to the 1950s. There are four other C&S offices, Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls, and Ottawa. 2013 also marks the year that Crain & Schooley joined 25 other Johnson Insurance Inc offices across Ontario of which 10 are now located in Eastern Ontario. They remain committed to providing complete personal, commercial, institutional and municipal insurance and risk management services and to maintaining local offices employing local staff.

Dec 4, 2013

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Old Town Christmas Reflections

The Voice of North Grenville

By John Barclay, BIA Coordinator

- Michele calls me in response to the online request for volunteers and when asked which of the many tasks she’d like take on, she says it doesn’t matter, she’s looking for “a way to connect with the community”. After helping to serve 190 hotdogs with the volunteer firefighters at the corner of Asa and Prescott, she’s a bit chilled and anxious to get back to her kids but the big smile on her face tells me she’s had a great day downtown.

- There’s always something you forget and so I find myself hurrying to B & H Grocers to purchase paper napkins for the two fire barrel stations. Jim Beveridge (owner) intercepts me at the cash, takes the bill from me and re-enters it in the register to apply the same healthy discount as the bulk order purchased a day earlier.

- The North Pole is happening exactly as anticipated – organized pandemonium in the shopping and wrapping areas and exciting encounters with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the front room.

- At the Artisans Market, Pat Maloney and his band are working their way through their repertoire when they get to “Christmas in the Valley” by Wayne Rostad. The Old Fire Hall fills with the many voices that are familiar with the song. It suddenly seems much warmer inside.

- With each circuit of O’Farrell’s hay wagon, the Kinsmen’s cheeks get redder and the tractor drives faster down the Rueben Street back stretch. The Precious Moments horse drawn wagon keeps a steady pace downtown but the passengers seem to bundle up more and more as the day goes on.

- One of the last stops the carolers make on the tour of Old Town is the Library. Stepping inside, they realize that they can’t belt it out like they did on the street so they gather in a circle and quietly sing Silent Night.

- A passport is drawn at the end of the day and Su Sally of Sugold Jewelers places a call to the winner. You can tell from the smile on Su’s face the reaction of winner at the other end of the line. A perfect ending to a day full of lots of smiles and good feelings.

The Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area is very grateful for its community support. This year’s Old Town Christmas would not have been possible without volunteers like Michelle Szerve and the generous contributions from businesses downtown and from the rest of North Grenville. In no particular order they are: Carolyn Wellstein, Rob Thompson, David Render, Chris Drozda, Ryan Hartman, Jeffrey Sheehan, Doug LaHaise, Taylor and Gerry van Gurp, Michael Pacitto, Paul Hutt, Elizabeth Greenberg, John Zaluska, Cam Stevenson, Ken Pickard, Carol Pillar, Carol Goddard, Diana Saunders, Sue Irving, Ian McLaughlin, Pat Maloney and friends, Sue Higgins, Sue Bergeron, the Volunteer Firefighters of North Grenville, our volunteer Elves, Kemptville Meadows, the LA Group, Kemptville Keller Williams - Solid Rock Realty, McGahey Insurance, Grenville Mutual Insurance, O’Farrell Financial, and finally, SuGold Jewelers and the rest of the Old Town merchants.

Please join other Friends of Downtown online by liking our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/OldTownKemptville) or following us on Twitter (@OldTownKemptvil).

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University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, hosts workshops to encourage girls to enter the trades He shared with them that 75 to 80 percent of the introductory level welding students at Kemptville Campus are hired straight out of the program, and discussed various career options, from jobs in the aerospace and automotive industries to pipelines, power generation, mining, forestry and agriculture.

In the diesel mechanic rotation, taught by Andy Sleeth, Senior College Professor in Power and Equipment programs, students got to explore the Campus’ main power and equipment shop, the engine

by Jenny Read During the week of November 18 to 22, 2013, the University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, hosted a series of workshops designed to encourage female high school students to consider a career in the skilled trades.

One hundred and fifty grade 10 girls from high schools across Eastern Ontario took part in the “Living the Skilled Life” workshops, organized by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs of both the Upper Canada

District School Board and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario to address the shortage of skilled trades people in the province.

The workshops provided the students with hands-on experience in three skilled trades: horticulture, welding, and diesel mechanic, with instruction provided by senior lecturers from Kemptville Campus.

In the horticulture rotation, taught by horticulturist Bill Langenberg, the girls toured the Campus’ green-

lab and the electrical lab.

Kemptville Campus offers a Diesel Equipment Mechanic Certificate and Diesel Equipment Technician Apprenticeships, preparing students for careers in diagnosing and repairing equipment on the farm and in the construction, highway truck and heavyduty equipment industries.

Feedback from the students has been very positive.

The vast majority indicated that they would be interested in further learning related to the trades – a measure of the success of the event.

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house and planted an English Ivy to take back to their classrooms. They learned about the many careers in the landscape horticulture industry, including arborist, horticultural technician, landscape designer, and parks and recreation technician.

Norm Burns, Kemptville Campus’ Senior Lecturer, Welding Programs, introduced the girls to Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. After some one-on-one instruction, he gave each student a simple welding project to complete.

Leeds and Grenville Remembers!

Thursday, December 5 2013 Where were you on December 6, 1989? Many of us may not remember where we were or what we were doing on that date.

Sadly, though…there are hundreds, and probably thousands of people in our country who do….who will remember that very day, every day, for the rest of their lives; particularly, the students and the families of the students who were attending Ècole Polytechnique, an Engineering school at the University of Montreal.

December 6 marks the 24th anniversary of what has been called the worst single day massacre in Canadian history. Fourteen women were killed by a lone gunman walking through the halls, carrying a semi-automatic rifle, identifying the reason for his crimes as simply that these women were feminists and they enraged him because they dared to pursue an education and training in a career traditionally held Dec 4, 2013

by men.

Each year, Leeds and Grenville hosts a memorial event to honour not only the women who lost their lives in Montreal but also for the women and children in our own communities who live with violence in their homes or who have been victims of violence in the past. This year’s event is being hosted by the Victim Issues Coordinating Committee of Leeds and Grenville at the Brockville Rowing Club on Thursday, December 5 at 7pm.

All are welcome to join us for a candle-lit vigil to commemorate the 14 women, as well as to acknowledge local victims of violence against women.

Musical entertainment will be provided by local artists. There will also be light refreshments and local agencies will have resource tables that people can visit and learn about the services they provide. Attendees will be invited to take a

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walk down to the Women’s Memorial Statue located on Blockhouse Island for a time of reflection. Everyone is welcome to join us for this as well!

This is an inclusive event, all women, children and men are welcome to attend free of charge.

If you cannot attend the event but you wish to partake in the time of reflection at the Women’s Memorial Statue, all are welcome to do so in private or with the group who will be there at approximately 8:30 pm.

For more information, please contact: Kimberley Wright, Leeds and Grenville Interval House at kimlgih@ripnet.com or 613342-4724 ext. 104.

This year’s event is being hosted by the Victim Issues Coordinating Committee of Leeds and Grenville which consists of a collaboration of agencies that deal with girl’s and women’s issues.

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The United Counties vs a United Council (almost)

by David Shanahan It is not often I can say this: you should have been at Council on Monday night.

No, really, I am being serious. Like everyone else (except Council and staff, I suppose), I wasn’t expecting too much in the way of fireworks at a Council meeting.

Those happy days are long gone when you could expect anti-democratic rants from the Mayor, or carefully scripted attacks on the media, the public, the price of eggs in China, whatever came to mind that night. No, these days, Council have become quite tamed by repetition.

It’s just another bylaw to pass, another Public Meeting to snooze through, as the day to day business of running a Municipality fades into habit. It is not that familiarity breeds contempt; but it is hard to do anything repeatedly without losing that initial sense of excitement, that frisson that comes from voting to allow someone to build a shed in his back garden, or

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: In a recent article in The National Post (Nov. 28/13) Andrew Coyne reflected on the results of the four November by elections: "If you were determined to be obtuse about it, you could look at the results of Monday’s by elections and say: nothing changed.

The Tories held onto their two seats in the West, the Liberals held onto theirs in Ontario and Quebec. Move along folks, no story here."

But he goes on to say, "But there’s just no spinning this one. The trends are too pronounced. Across all four ridings, the Tory vote was down 11 points versus the 2011 election, from 39% to 28%, almost exactly mirroring the national polls...Only in the most literal sense is the Tories’ 391-vote margin in Brandon-Souris, one of the safest Conservative seats in the country, a “win.” Even the partisans found this hard to say with a straight face."

Brandon-Souris is a safe

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something. Aside from the mayor, this Council have sat for seven years (occasionally they stand, but only when it’s time to go home). Who can keep enthusiastic after seven years?

Well, Monday night’s meeting goes to show that there is life in the old dogs yet. All they need is the right topic, and just stand back, because they have something to say. This week, that subject was one that all of North Grenville can get worked up about, most especially the downtown Kemptville businesses, who have been long-suffering in the face of almost a year of construction, dust, barriers and fighting to keep cheerful in the face of on-going turmoil on (and under) the street.

Two representatives of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville attended Council to talk about the railway overpass at CR 44. One of them was Andy Brown, once CAO of this municipality, now doing the same damage at the Counties. The other rep

was Les Sheppard, County Engineer, and they were in town to announce somewhat blithely, if not airily, that the new bridge over the railway line would not now be open for business until about the middle of January...or maybe later, it depends. Andy and Les explained that the delay was unfortunate, and would add a little to the cost of the project. They would have to put in insulation and protect the concrete and the workers from the cold.

And that is where the Council showed fight. Councillor Butler started the ball rolling by detailing how much the downtown businesses in Kemptville have had to put up with from County over the last year: Prescott Street, the clean-up of the Scotiabank site, the closure of Clothier Street, of George Street, and, to top it all off, the removal of the railway bridge.

How much more could we be expected to take, he wondered, and let it be known in a very definite manner that the Counties will be approached

conservative riding! How long has it voted Conservative? Forever?

How do voters do this? It is utterly unfathomable how a political party, any political party, could be assured of a win in EVERY single election the country has ever held-regardless of who the leader is, regardless of who the candidate is--regardless of shifting economic circumstances or scandals (like ramming a pipeline down the throats of local residents opposed to such a thing).

But, here we are today, in beautiful Grenville County, with a proud history of doing exactly that. With an election in the not-too-distant future, the electorate in The Rest Of The Country have the perception that... "we are being governed by a gang of thugs — secretive, high-handed, unprincipled gusting to unethical, and openly contemptuous of such quaint notions as democratic accountability — an impression that grows more baked in each time the Prime Minister dodges a question in

Parliament, or worse, sends in the clownish Paul Calandra to answer in his place." (A. Coyne Nat. Post) If a good predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, then the Honourable Member from LeedsGrenville need not worry.

He will be unopposed at the Conservative selection meetings, and virtually unopposed at the polls.

And Leeds & Grenville will be able to proudly proclaim, that since the country's first election, when Sir John A. rode, somewhat tipsy, to victory, the United Counties have never elected anyone from any party, other than the Conservatives.

How do voters do this? It is utterly unfathomable.

Peter Johnson, Oxford Mills, ON Dear Editor: My first thought saddened my heart that the community has not assisted to help this elderly gentleman with a problem that is easily fixed.

Call me old fashioned, but

in the spring to chip into the marketing budget of the BIA. There are times when Terry Butler can hit heights of eloquence that can surprise people, especially when he speaks about issues for which he has a passion. And, boy, he was passionate about this. One of his best nights at Council. He was followed in every sense by Mayor Gord, who, in turn, took Andy and Les to task for the utter fiasco that has been the bridge project. He pointed out that he and CAO Brian Carré had spent time at the site, noting the presence of two workers, not working, and some heavy machinery, also not working.

Why was this?

Terry Butler, David Gordon and Ken Finnerty all pointed out that Bedell and Town Line roads have been badly affected because of the bridge works, and will cost a lot to restore to the proper standard. David Gordon doubted very much if the bridge would be open by the end of January. Tim Sutton wanted to know what lessons County had learned to prevent equally disruptive times when

CR 43 is being four-laned.

He wondered who would pay for these delays. Andy and Les could only mumble some pointless phrases about the County having no control over the contractor or how they did the work. Amazing, they must have felt quite shell-shocked by this united front by Council.

Well, an almost United front. Instead of showing solidarity and championing the cause of North Grenville, Barb Tobin was in real campaign mode: she attacked David Gordon! Yes, according to Barb, who we believe wants David’s job next year, it was all the Mayor’s fault for, apparently, not speaking with a loud enough voice at County. Her contribution seemed so out of sympathy with her fellow Councillors that it seemed to echo around the room for a minute. Of course, why not give the United Counties a way off the hook? After all, they are nice people who have no control over the contracts they sign.

Of course, it must be David Gordon’s fault for not...well, doing something! You get the

feeling that, if Barb Tobin became mayor, it would not just be microphones that would be cut off. Back to the good old days.

With that one glaring exception, Council stood together and spoke out strong and clear on behalf of the people of North Grenville. It was not, on their part at least, political posturing, it was a definite sense of outrage on our behalf that we had been put through so much disruption by thoughtless, possibly incompetent County officials.

Now, I have to admit that, later on in the meeting, I did have a bit of a run-in with Council on another issue.

But that’s democracy. And as Barb Tobin said to me, “You have a right to your opinion”.

(Her tone, however, seemed to imply that this was not a good thing, for some reason).

And since I was raised proper, I thanked her for allowing me to have an opinion of my own, and bade her goodnight.

It was a good night for an (almost) united Council.

is this not what a community does for its neighbours when someone is in need; they help?

There are many capable neighbours around this farmland that could put up a secure fence in a day and the problem would have been solved. Doug Shirley could have placed an electric fence on his side to keep them out of his garden and to keep his grandchildren safe. (Just a suggestion, not knocking this gentleman either.)

It is like a community having a barn raising day but it is fencing to be done.

I am sure that if asked we could find someone in Agriculture Canada that could also assist since these animals are classed as “Vulnerable”.

They are magnificent animals and it would be a shame to lose them in our community.

If the gentleman needs assistance, unfortunately, he must ask for it and that is a hard thing for many of our elders to do. One doesn’t realize how difficult this is until one has to deal with it.

I know it is for me and I

have just made it to the senior level at 60 and just beginning to realize that I can’t do all the things that I did in the past. It is difficult to ask my sons to come over in their spare time to put a new roof on the house and barn, help with fencing for the horses to make sure they are safe and to assist in getting the 300 or 400 bales of hay into the barn in August .

I still work, so getting out of the laneway in the winter has been most difficult at times. I have shovelled it many a time over the past 11 years without a neighbour stopping round to see if I needed assistance. One year I had a phenomena in January and I couldn’t get out to the hospital and the ambulance couldn’t get to me as the long laneway wasn’t cleared.

I paid a neighbour (I won’t mention who it was) $75 to have him come around the corner and do two passes with his tractor and blower so that I could get to the hospital and had to promise that I would be around once I got back with his cash money.

Can the neighbours and community not assist again?

If you know he needs meals, we can arrange to have them dropped off, house can be cleaned by many of the at home neighbours or even the ones that work full-time.

Did this gentleman contribute to the community in his younger day, now it is time for the community to give.

I am new to this community, only been in this current house 11 years but my faith and heart feel that we can assist if we can find it in our hearts. I don’t know this gentleman but I feel I will make the first step and maybe drop in and see what I can do.

I would like to find his family and see what they can do.

I don’t know what can be done, but we the community must do something to help.

Deborah Cook PS: Sorry I just had to get that off my mind. I know during “the ice storm”, it was amazing how the communities pulled together to assist. That was a huge event for many and this is just assistance.

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Municipality Matters

The North Grenville Times

Clark calls for end to MPAC attacks on local food producers: “Stop treating local food like cash cow”, MPP tells finance minister But if MPAC continues its ridiculous policy of treating these farm-based operations like big business, it will jeopardize what we’re trying to build here.”

Clark told Sousa that MPAC has already shut down the pancake house at Edgewood Farms in ElizabethOn November 28, MPP town-Kitley Township by Steve Clark stood up for forcing owners David and local food producers in Terry McGurrin to pay yearLeeds-Grenville whose en- round commercial property trepreneurial efforts are being taxes despite the fact it's open plowed under by the Mu- for just six weeks. nicipal Property Assessment “Shutting them down Corporation (MPAC). wasn’t enough. MPAC is During Question Period, hassling them about changing Clark called on Finance Min- the commercial designation ister Charles Sousa to take – interrogating Terry about action immediately to end displaying maple syrup and MPAC’s practice of slapping owning a cash register or local food producers with pu- pancake griddles,” said Clark nitive industrial and commer- during Question Period. cial property tax designations.

The MPP also raised the “So much effort is being experience of artisanal cheeput into growing the local semaker Nigel Smith of Bush food initiatives in Leeds- Garden Farmstead Cheese Grenville,” said Clark. “We in Rideau Lakes Township, have some of the best pro- who faces a major increase ducers anywhere in Ontario in his property taxes because and promoting them is an im- MPAC has designated part of portant part of our economic the farm industrial. development as a region.

“Industrial is the opposite

Gord Brown supports economic growth in Leeds-Grenville

of what happens there,” Clark told Minister Sousa, adding later in his supplementary question, “Nigel Smith spent 3½ years cutting through your red tape to make world-class cheese and MPAC jeopardized his future in one visit.”

While Minister Sousa stated in his response that the issue would be studied as part of an MPAC review, Clark stressed Ontario’s local food producers don’t need more study.

“What they need is a government to understand that you can’t claim to be supporting local food if you allow MPAC’s taxmen to penalize farm owners for producing it,” said Clark. “We don’t need another study, we need the minister to do his job and order MPAC to stop treating local food producers like a cash cow.”

Disappointed with the response, Clark has requested a further debate on the issue, which is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 3.

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for LeedsGrenville said he is pleased the government is moving forward with a budget commitment that will benefit Eastern Ontario businesses and communities.

Effective April 1, 2014, a Government of Canada investment of $48 million over the next five years, will support the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), resulting in a greater number of economic development initiatives and improved partnerships throughout Leeds-Grenville.

“I am pleased that we have made this commitment to the economies of Leeds-Grenville and all of eastern Ontario,” Brown said. “This program brings

MPP Clark hosts annual Christmas reception on December 8

substantial investment and benefit to our communities.”

“I am proud to announce that our Government will continue to promote business development, job creation and strengthening communities in rural eastern Ontario with the renewal of EODP,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“Through EODP, the Agency will continue its role as a champion within this region, encouraging new partnerships and project development for the expansion of community economic assets, business growth and business infrastructure/services that help create jobs, growth and economic prosperity,” added Goodyear.

The program is managed by FedDev Ontario and funding will be delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout rural eastern Ontario

including the three that service Leeds-Grenville as well as the Eastern Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Network Inc. “The Eastern Ontario Development Program has been a catalyst for business and community development across eastern Ontario for a number of years,” said Christine Dukelow, Chair, Eastern Ontario Network Inc. Board of Directors. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Government of Canada so that Community Futures Development Corporations can support projects that will grow and diversify the regional economy.”

To find out more about the Eastern Ontario Development Program and how to access program funding, please refer to the backgrounder or visit the FedDev Ontario website at www.FedDevOntario. gc.ca. You may also contact FedDev by toll-free telephone at 1-866-5935505, or via email at info@ FedDevOntario.gc.ca.

OUR APOLOGIES A letter to the editor in our August 29, 2013 issue of the North Grenville Times, in response to the story of the woman left in a car at Shopper’s Drug Mart in Kemptville, was attributed mistakenly to Murray Peacock.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused him.

Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark is inviting residents from the riding to take a break during this busy time of year and join him at his annual Community Christmas Reception.

This year’s event is being held on Sunday, December 8 from 3-5 pm at the Quality Hotel Royal Brock, 100 Stewart Boulevard in Brockville.

“I look forward to my Christmas Reception because it’s a chance to get together with people from every corner of Leeds-Grenville to celebrate this special time of the year,” said Clark. “I know how busy everyone gets during the Christmas season, so it’s great to take a break from the hustle and bustle for at least a couple of hours.”

This year’s event features entertainment by the Sandy Wilson Duo, some delicious food and refreshments as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

It’s open to everyone and there is no charge to attend, however, MPP Clark is asking everyone to bring along a non-perishable food item or two for the local food bank representatives who will be in attendance.

Old Town Kemptville Christmas festivities

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The North Grenville Times

Fundamentals 5:

Time and Treasures for the highest bidder

One Foundation

by David Shanahan We have seen that there is a wide chasm between ourselves and God that was only crossed by the death of Jesus. The rebellion that began with the Fall has ended for those who have become Children of God. This is not automatic: it requires acceptance on our part that what Jesus has done is enough to bridge the gap, to bring forgiveness of sin and our adoption into God’s family.

But, this time, we need to accept his way, no more trying to be our own god. We can become Children of God, or remain his enemies: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” [John 3.19-21] Such a step is hard on our pride: we want to believe that we can do something, become better or more worthy in order to deserve this great salvation. But that is the thing, you see. There is nothing you can do, no Brownie points to earn, just a coming to the light and resting there. There is no further sacrifice for sin, no further act to perform in order to become a Christian.

Just an acceptance that he is Lord, that what he has done on the cross was enough to restore us.

Of course, that’s not the end. It is not as though we don’t have a life to live still, a life that is now lived under

different circumstances, in a different Kingdom. As Paul says so directly: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price”.

[1 Corinthians 6.19-20] And that new life is a gift, it is all by the grace of God, that is, his gift of love, unearned and undeserved, so no-one can claim to have worked their way into the Kingdom. That is why it is called Gospel: “Good News”.

Does it seem too easy?

Think of Jesus on the cross, and the extreme violence of that method of execution.

Think ever more of his cry: “My God, why have you forsaken me?”, that moment when he took on the burden of saving us, of restoring our relationship with God. The Son who had never known anything but deep and real union with the Father took our place of separation and loss. That is what our salvation cost. That is what he thinks you are worth. Amazing grace!

This is much more than a mental theory, an intellectual agreement with an idea.

This is real life and it has a real effect on every single aspect of your life. Because the Christian has something that no-one else does: the Holy Spirit, God within you, changing how you think, act, feel and live. Just before the cross, Jesus promised his people that he would send the Spirit: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you...the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you

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of everything I have said to you... But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. [John 14.16-17, 26;16.13] This is not pie-in-the-sky stuff: this is an experience of God that his people can expect as a natural part of their new life. They are people who know they are sinners saved by grace. They don’t just know about Jesus: they know Jesus. This world we live in prefers to believe that spirituality is a personal, inner thing, divorced from “real life”. But That is not the witness of Christians. Read what John says and notice the conviction, the down to earth reality of his testimony: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. [1 John 1.1-3] That is what every Christian can say: we know - not believe hopefully - we have seen, we testify to it. For forty years I have learned more and more of the Spirit teaching, reprimanding, challenging, and the testimony is this: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.

And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete”.

[1 John 1.4]

You’ll be able o give a boost to the kids in town when the Kemptville Youth Centre (KYC) kicks of its first Time and Treasure online fund-raising auction December 7 to raise $1,000 for KYC programs and operating costs with bidding ending December 12.

Mayor David Gordon’s special offer is a two-hour summer convertible ride with him, including a stop where he will treat the highest bidder to an ice cream.

Other donations to the sixday online auction include the donation of Senators vs.

Nashville tickets donated by O’Farrell Financial, a Lego set and Disney Planes set donated by Gale Real Estate, a cordless drill and rotary tool kit donated by Rona, lamps and a fireplace tool set donated by Dr. Michael Goss, a wooden train set made by Robert Pincott, lamps, beautiful Christmas decorative lights created by KYC volunteer Shayla Johnson and prints by local photographer and KYC volunteer, Wendy Stephenson.

“Having a safe, super-

vised home away from home, where youth can hang out and have fun with old friends and new friends, is our gift to youth. Our numbers are rising and we need your help to serve more youth every day. Take some time to log on to www.kyc.myevent. com to show your support and do your Christmas shopping at the same time,” stated Robin Heald, KYC Executive Director.

If you have time, a special talent, or a special craft or products to share, call Robin at KYC (613-258-5212).

The online auction will be pulled offline on December 12 at noon and put on paper with the silent auction wrapping up at 7 pm at an appreciation dinner for the 2013 KYC donors. Donors will enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the festive fixings.

Please consider bidding on the offering which opens on December 7. See this site to bid on the many wonderful donations: www.kyc.myevent.com.

The Kemptville Youth Centre is a non-profit organization with a mission to

engage youth in making positive life choices in a socially accepting environment to reach their full potential as responsible productive citizens.

Money raised by the auction will help KYC continue their work in our community. It takes a village to raise a child, join the KYC village and make the difference in the lives of Kemptville youth.

Contact:Robin Heald, Executive Director 613-258-5212 director@kemptvilleyc.com Drive for the highest bidder – Pictured here is North Grenville Mayor, Dave Gordon, giving a preview of the service that will be going to the highest bidder in the Kemptville Youth Centre Time and Treasures Auction.

Not many get to bend the ear of our Mayor in a comfortable setting. This will be the prize for the highest bidder.

To bid on a two hour summer drive and ice cream cone with the Mayor in his convertible log on to www. kyc.myevent.com or come

by KYC before the auction closes December 12th at 7pm.

KDH Foundation raffle ticket makes a fantastic Christmas gift!

One lucky couple will win a wonderful romantic ‘Springtime in Paris’ vacation! The winning ticket for this exciting adventure will be drawn at the KDH Foundation Spring Gala on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2014. The Foundation worked with local travel specialist, Far Horizons to create this exciting prize package.

The Grand Prize is a trip for two fto Paris, France!

What’s exciting about this prize is that the winner will Dec. 4, 2013

receive a “travel bank” at Far Horizons worth $5500 CAD that can be redeemed for the trip of your choice by combining a romantic city tour with visits to some of the best modern and contemporary art museums in Paris like the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and the Musée Rodin and an opportunity to experience some of the quaint local cafes for lunch along the way.

Or you could choose to visit some of the best wine regions in the country or experience the French Waterways, en-

out your weekend, this prize package for two includes romantic dinners at Vittoria Trattoria and the Courtyard Restaurant, along with NAC theatre tickets and Museum of Nature passes. This early bird package is generously sponsored by Far Horizons travel specialists and the Arc Hotel.

Raffle tickets are only $50 or three for $100. With our early bird draw being held on December 31, 2013, these tickets will make perfect Christmas presents. And,

joying a luxury European river cruise in France, including gourmet cuisine and fine wines.

For those who get their ticket before December 30, there is an exciting earlybird prize: a getaway weekend for two in Ottawa! The weekend will include a two-night stay at the fabulous Arc Hotel, located on Slater Street in downtown Ottawa. This four-star, boutique-style hotel is just minutes from the Parliament buildings and the Byward Market. To fill

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if you win, you will still be eligible for our grand prize of a trip for two to Paris!

Tickets can be purchased at the KDH Foundation office or at the Kemptville offices of O’Farrell Financial Services (Hwy 44) and Far Horizons (Hwy 43).

Some restrictions apply, please check all of the raffle prize details at www.kdhgala. ca and go to the ‘Springtime in Paris’ link or contact the Foundation office at 613258-6133 ext 157 for more details.

For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca

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Buy local this Christmas and impact your community by Pat Jessop When you spend money at an independently run locally owned business, 68% of the money stays in the local economy through taxes for our kids schools, payroll to keep our friends and neighbors doing well and through other local expenditures.

Buying online or travelling to the city may save a few cents, but please remember that nothing at all will come back to your community to help pay for your child's education or the roads you drive on. So the few dollars you save are costing you in the cut backs at your local schools, and more.

I want to encourage you to buy some of your presents locally! It’s time to think outside the box. It doesn’t have to be wrapped up in fancy, mass produced Christmas paper. Try newsprint, the comic pages, or fabric with some twigs and seeds or pine cones, instead of bows.

Your gift doesn’t have to come in a box. Here are a few suggestions: How about a gift certificate to a local nursery for spring plants, gardening tools or seeds for the vegetable

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garden.

Locally owner-run restaurants offer gift certificates. How nice to spend an evening out and not worry about whether they can afford the meal and the babysitter. Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about somehealth improvement!

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed, an oil change or tires for spring. Check out your local small businesses around town.

Perhaps someone on your list would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter.

Someone may need their furnace, chimney or fireplace cleaned or serviced. We have local businesses here to serve you.

There is no need to always buy brand new toys, books or clothes for the toddlers. For many years, I bought clean, well maintained second hand toys for my children at a fraction of the

price. Our local consignment stores also have a great selection of gently used clothing for your special events.

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Looking to get out of the kitchen.

Check out the local bakeries, with their wonderful selections including healthy and specialty products for your dietary needs.

Don’t forget your pets and outdoor friends. Local kennels, pet supply and feed stores are a great place to shop.

There is something for animals big or small.

Are you looking for something more personal? Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.

They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful leather goods. They transform the wool from their animals into beautifully crafted sweaters, coats, mitts and much more. I know most of the Christmas shows are over, but we also have some

locally owned artisan stores here.

I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture.

Plan your holiday around your community this year and see how good it feels to avoid the mad rush, traffic and parking nightmares in the big city or big stores. Plan your outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

Go out with your family and enjoy the Christmas concerts showcasing local musicians and actors.

Our community is very giving and, as can be seen by the various fundraisers all year round, the merchants and small business owners are always contributing in one way or another. Lets support them in our own way. Let’s shop locally! Let’s care about each other and our community; isn’t that what Christmas is about?

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Home Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays The Christmas tree

• Get a freshly cut tree. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Try to pick a tree with a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance.

• Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors or windows.

• Never use lighted candles on the tree.

• Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days. After that amount of time in a heated building, even the freshest tree can start to dry out.

Decorations

• Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.

If there are young children or pets in your home, avoid very small decorations.

• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.

• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.

Lights

• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets.

• Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.

• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.

• Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with colored floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach.

• Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or before leaving the house.

Candles

• Place candles away from absolutely anything that could catch fire.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Burn them only when a responsible adult is overseeing the flame.

• Put candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.

• Snuff them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.

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The Fireplace

• Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.

• Don't hang Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.

• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.

• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.

• Use only seasoned and dried wood.

• Never leave the fire unattended or let it smoulder.

• Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.

• Don't use Christmas trees for firewood.

Electrical Outlets

• There is often a tendency to overload wall outlets during the holiday season. This is an unsafe practice and should be avoided even for short durations.

• Inspect all cords before using. Make sure they are CSA certified. Look for loose connections or frayed or exposed wire. Discard any defective cords. Read the labels and manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper use.

• Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or shock.

• To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord which is in use and do not run it under carpets or rugs.

The Kitchen

Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of home fires in Canada, so be extra careful when doing this kind of cooking. Here's what to do if grease in a pot or pan catches fire: • Smother the flames by covering the pan with a lid.

• Turn off the heat immediately.

• Use baking soda (flour can be explosive) on shallow grease fires.

• Never turn on the overhead fan, as this could spread the fire.

• Never throw water on a grease fire.

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Fire Chief, Paul Hutt lends a hand with downtown Christmas tree lights

How to Care for a fresh, cut Christmas Tree Real, cut Christmas trees are easy to care for, but freshness is key. Knowing how to buy and care for a real Christmas tree ensures maximum enjoyment throughout the holiday. These tips from the National Christmas Tree Association will help you buy and care for your cut Christmas tree: When you find a tree that you like, do a freshness test to make sure that it’s worthy to come home with you. Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. Very few needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh.

Shake or bounce the tree on its stump. You shouldn’t see an excessive amount of green needles fall to the ground. Some loss of interior brown needles is normal and will occur over the lifetime of the tree.

After you've chosen your tree, keep it in a sheltered, unheated area, such as a porch or garage, to protect it from the wind and sun until you are ready to decorate it. If you won't be decorating it right away, place the tree in a bucket full of water that you refill as needed.

Just before you set up your tree, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (about 1/2 inch up from the original cut) and place the tree in a tree stand that holds a gallon of water or more. If you don’t cut off some of the trunk, the tree won’t be able to absorb water, and it will dry out and become a fire hazard.

Make sure your tree stand will hold enough water for the size of your tree. Measure the diameter of your tree trunk inches — that's how many quarts of water your tree stand should be able to hold. (For example, if it measures 6 inches across, then you need 6 quarts of water.)

Keep the tree stand filled with water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree. If a seal does form, you’ll have to make another fresh cut, which is much harder to do when the tree’s decorated.

A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant.

For safety, keep your tree away from all heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, baseboard heat, portable heaters, television sets, and heat vents. Not only can all of these make the tree dry out faster, but it can also contribute to setting a tree on fire.

If you purchase a real Christmas tree, locate a recycling program in your area for when you need to get rid of it.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Christmas Tree Legend The practice of tree worship has been found in many ancient cultures. Often, trees were brought indoors and decorated to ensure a good crop for the coming year. Trees have also been linked to divinity. Egyptians associated a palm tree with the god Baal-Tamar, while the Greeks and Romans believed that the mother of Adonis was changed into a fir tree. Adonis was one of her branches brought to life.

The modern Christmas tree was likely born in the 8th century, when St. Boniface was converting the Germanic tribes. The tribes worshipped oak trees, decorating them for the winter solstice. St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree, that was central to the worship of a particular tribe, but a fir tree grew in its place. The evergreen was offered as a symbol of Christianity, which the newly converted Germans began decorating for Christmas.

Prince Albert, who was German, introduced the Christmas tree to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1840. German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought Christmas trees to America.

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Regular Store Hours Mon. - Fri. 8 to 8 Sat. - 8 to 6 Sun. 9 to 6

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

Prices effective: Friday, December 6 to Thursday, December 12, 2013 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

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Make ahead Christmas Morning Casserole Ingredients 1-2 pounds hot bulk sausage (mild can be used) 8 slices bread, crusts removed 3/4 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese 8 large eggs, beaten 3 cups milk 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard Directions 1. In a large skillet, brown sausage, crumble and drain.

2. Butter a 9x13 inch casserole dish.

3. Place bread (torn into bite-sized pieces) in bottom of dish.

4. Place sausage on top of bread. Sprinkle cheese over top.

5. In a large bowl, mix beaten eggs, milk, salt and dry mustard.

Blend well.

6. Pour over other ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

7. The next morning, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes uncovered.

8. Slice into squares.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients 1. 1/2 cup margarine or butter 1 cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 box Jell-O brand vanilla instant pudding mix (dry) 2 eggs 1 cup white rice flour 1/2 cup potato starch flour 12 ounce bag chocolate chips Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix softened margarine or butter, sugar, vanilla and pudding mix in bowl with electric mixer. Add eggs.

Mix in flours with eclectic mixer still.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet.

Bake for 9-10 minutes.

Let sit a few minutes to "set" before moving them to a cooling rack. They are fragile when warm.

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Start a new holiday tradition Holiday food traditions

Around the home holiday traditions

Make traditional dishes for your holiday meals and include foods from your culture or foods you ate growing up. Ask for recipes from relatives to keep your family food traditions alive.

Organize a cookie-baking party. Invite friends and family, or a group of your kids' friends. Ask everyone to bring their favourite holiday cookie recipe.

Make the same entree for Christmas Eve (such as stew) and Christmas Day (ham or turkey) every year. Or, choose a side-dish that becomes the yearly tradition, even if it's just for laughs.

Make a gingerbread house with your family. Those pre-made sets make it easy and provide you with everything you’ll need! Another option is to use graham crackers, some royal icing and candy you've saved for this purpose.

Start the ‘Elf on a Shelf’ tradition. Your kids will love it and it will keep them on their best behavior!

Read holiday books before bed each night. The Polar Express, Santa Mouse, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are all excellent tales to boost your family’s holiday spirit.

Go to a tree farm to locate the perfect Christmas tree. At home, decorate it as a family or let the kids do their thing. Have some treats and hot cider or cocoa on hand to keep energy levels up!

Create a holiday playlist that your family listens to in the car or at home. Don’t forget classics like ‘White Christmas,’ ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas,’ and ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’

Use an advent calendar to count down to Christmas. There are many varieties of advent calendars, from candles that are burned daily to boxes you open daily.

Set aside one night each week to watch a holiday movie or television special, such “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Have your child start an ‘I Am Thankful’ list. Have him add one thing he is thankful for each day. You can turn this into a decoration by having him write it on a paper Christmas tree or snowflake that you then hang across the fireplace or some other area.

Purchase or make a holiday ornament for each child every year. This is a great reason to reminisce during holiday decorating.

Sit down with your child and write a letter to Santa.

As a family, write your holiday letter. Have each member contribute one memorable moment from the year to be recorded to share with friends and family.

Make holiday decorations yourself! Decorate windows with paper snowflakes, glue glitter onto pine cones and arrange in a bowl, and visit kid-friendly crafts sites to get creative and fun ideas that will involve your children.

Camp out in front of your Christmas tree one night. Keep the tree lights on, read holiday stories, and snack on holiday treats.

Neighborhood and community traditions

Get a handful of friends together and go caroling. You’ll be surprised by how well-received your singing group is, even if you’re out of tune!

See a local production of ‘The Nutcracker,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ or another holiday-themed show.

Check out holiday lights in your area. Get in the car, turn on your holiday playlist, and find brightly lit houses.

Record local holiday events on your calendar: concerts, festivals, plays, and more to celebrate the season.

Walk door to door delivering Christmas cookies after you've made a batch.

Go sledding, ice skating, or other outdoor winter activity with your family. A great time to schedule this is on Christmas day, after the gifts are opened, the meal is eaten or prepared, and everyone is getting antsy from being inside.

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Giving back holiday traditions

Volunteer your time as a family at a soup kitchen or a food bank that hands out food to families in need.

Find a giving tree that allows you to sponsor a family in need or purchase toys for children in need. Go shopping for the items together and donate them.

Participate in the canned food drive in your neighbourhood or at your child's school. Ask neighbours to donate canned and non-perishable foods, then donate them to a food bank.

Go through closets and donate gently used clothing (coats are particularly useful this time of year) to a local shelter.

Deliver cookies and treats to your local fire station, police department, and even the staff at your local hospital. After all, they’ll be working through the holiday.

Don’t forget senior citizens! Volunteer time at your local senior citizens centre or see if there is a giving tree specifically for the residents.

A great holiday simplifier is to get outdoors. A recent Ipsos Reid poll found that more than 97 percent of Canadians feel that getting outdoors is important to their family’s well-being. Recent studies have also shown that spending time outside can help decrease stress and increase feelings of happiness. Organize a scenic stroll around town or visit your local park for some fresh air. These active outings can help lessen holiday stress and strengthen your connection to family and to nature.

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Christmas Trivia

submitted by Pat Babin • What carol contains the line, “Star with royal beauty bright”?

• We all know that Santa has a long, white beard. But, does he also have a moustache?

• Who wrote A Christmas Carol?

• Name the three reindeer whose names being with “D”.

• On what street did a Santa Claus miracle occur?

• Why did Joseph and Mary go from Nazareth to Bethlehem?

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• • • • • • •

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What was Rudolph’s punishment for his red nose?

Where did there arise such a clatter?

The most popular toy of 1984 was a doll named after a vegetable. Name the vegetable.

Scrooge’s first name?

Who is rumoured to have stolen Christmas?

Does Rudolph have antlers?

Who said, “God Bless Us, Every One!”?

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The Artsy FM Sister Chicks sharing their love

Christmas music fills the air

St. Michael’s music program has its annual Christmas Concert

by Nathalie Morais T h i s y e a r, t h e m u sic program at St. Michael Catholic High School hosts their Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 12 at 7 o’clock. It is one of the two concerts that they will be hosting during the course of the school year. All proceeds from the concert (the sales from the bake sale and donations at the door) will be going towards buying new instruments, band vests and purchasing other essential goods.

The Christmas Concert is a night where the Chamber Choir, Junior, Jazz, and Senior bands perform Christmas music for their friends, family and community members.

The Chamber Choir, Jazz Band and Senior Band are made up of grade 9 to 12 students. While the Junior Band

is made up of students from grade 7 to 12, it is a group that is based on teamwork and learning because the grade 7’s and 8’s (most of the time) are on a new instrument and need a little help from their senior mentors. However, it happens sometimes that the seniors are the ones looking for help because they have picked up a new instrument and are asking the younger ones for advice.

“I like how everyone is equal”, Delaney Dunne, a grade 10 student answered when asked about what she liked the most about the program. “...on the band trip last year it was grade 9’s and grade 12’s and girls and guys all together and no one really cared about the age differences, which was pretty awesome!” Equality has definitely been an important part of the music program to make

everyone feel like they belong and that they should enjoy what they are doing. More importantly, it also has it so that the students enjoy their high school experience and that they have actually done something in the time that they were there.

Thanks to Ms. Kowlessar Dawber for organizing this concert as well as being the director of the music program at St. Michael’s. “She has done everything”, Delaney Dunne expressed with a smile as she talked about her music teacher. “With what she has taught us, she has made us better [musicians] than other students at other schools that have way more funding than we do.”

So come out for a concert filled with Christmas cheer and Christmas baked goods!

Merry Christmas and hope to see you there.

Interest in the arts is all encompassing for Linda Moore (left) and Audrey Moden. Although the group activities featured vary from month to month, the focus as of late, has been the preparation for the upcoming Artisan Showcase and Sale to be held at the North Grenville Community Church on Saturday December 14.

by Beth Nicol It began with a flooded basement. The North Grenville Free Methodist Community Church was in need of financial support for the required renovations and repairs; a group of parishioners decided to undertake a Christmas sale as a fundraiser. And so the Artsy FM Sister Chicks began. A church based group, the Chicks saw this as an opportunity for Community Outreach through fellowship and shared talents.

Two of the original members, Team Leader Linda Moore and Administrator Audrey Moden, are multi talented. It doesn’t take long to recognize their passion for the Arts. Visual and Fibre Arts, Music, Wood Crafting, Pottery and Jewelry Making; a conversation over a cup of coffee touches on them all.

There is a loose structure to the group, just enough to pursue common interests and to host an annual Artisan Showcase.

Over the years, the Sister Chicks have ventured along many avenues of artistic expression. They have held or attended workshops on: moccasin making, calligraphy and pasta making, painting, card designing and making

Dec 4, 2013

The Voice of North Grenville

17

pottery. They have foraged and they have spelunked.

The opportunity for fellowship and new experiences proved to be a successful combination. There is no formal membership involved; those with an interest can pick and choose which event to attend. Usually, the organizers promote workshops on the website and by word of mouth. This spring a trip is planned to learn about, “Cheese Making.”

The New Year will bring changes to the Artsy FM Sister Chicks. A monthly gathering for those interested in Crafting and Conversation will begin. Bring a new craft or use the time to finish up old ones. If you gain comfort by being with someone who is working on a craft, you are also welcome. Enjoy a cup of coffee. In spite of the name, men have joined in group activities in the past and doubtless they will in the future. There will be a low level of commitment; there will not be a membership fee. If you are interested, you can join in on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 12:30 pm at the North Grenville Community Church.

The next item on the calendar for the Sister Chicks is

the Christmas Artisan Showcase Sale and Christmas Café. There are many bazaars held throughout the year and in particular, in those weeks preceding Christmas. With this in mind, the leadership team established parameters to set their event apart from most other sales. With a limit of twelve vendors, it is smaller than most; it is juried and accepts only two vendors per genre; over the course of the day, workshops given by vendors send visitors home with fresh ideas and perhaps the inspiration to try something new.

This year’s Christmas Artisan Showcase will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm at the North Grenville FM Community Church.

There is no entry fee and a door prize, supplied by one of the vendors, will be awarded.

The Christmas Café will offer home-made lunches. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Website: www.artsysisterchicks.ca Artisan Showcase Sale and Café Saturday December 14 from 9:30 am. – 12:30 pm.

At the North Grenville Community Church Concession Road, Kemptville (next to the Hospital)

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES Yoga for everyone. Wednesday starting Oct. 23, 5:306:30 pm: Thursday, Oct. 24, 12 - 1 at Independent Grocer.

Call Maureen 258-9902 Boat & car storage available at Osgoode Storage. Dry concrete floor and steel walls.

Book your spot now. Call 613-826-2511

First 15 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word

Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, FOR SALE Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 Corner TV entertainment unit. Expresso color. ExcelHouse Cleaning - Kemptville area. lent condition, $200. Call For quote call 613-294-0385 or 258-5103 dhlacombe@gmail.com Barely used Yardman snow Property Clean up, yards, ga- blower, 277 cc, OHV S.E.T., rages, basements, loads to electric starter, 26”, lazy dump,anything removed. 613- owner, $550. Call 613-258258-7955 7563

Sienna Fine Arts Art Classes and Osgoode Mini Storage avail- Supplies www.siennafinearts. able. Short and long term com 613-878-9706 units available in various sizes. Clean and secure, com- Commercial/Residential cleanparative rates. Call 613-826- ing- Kemptville area. For quote email Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.

2511 com or call 613-867-2184 House Cleaning-Every working Mother and Father needs FOR RENT a House Wife. Each home is custom priced to ensure my cleaning will meet your Brand new! Contemporary needs & budget. Sandi 613- two bedroom condo terrace home with 1.5 bathrooms in 219-7277 a desirable neighborhood.

Grade 9-11 MATH TUTORING: 1138 sq. ft. of beautiful living Local math teacher, 4 years space with many upgrades. experience. Old Town Kemp- Great location close to hospital, schools, hiking trails tville, $30/hr 613-863-5639 and shopping. $1300.00 per Stonehouse Studio Sewing month - Condo fees, water - new in Kemptville! Altera- and one parking spot are tions or new; formal or ca- included. Natural Gas and Hydro extra. Call Mike at 613sual. Sharon 224-3182 325-0754.

HANDYMAN, no job too big or too small. I can do it all.Free Farmhouse for rent Decemestimates and references ber 1st. Osgoode Area. Large available. Paul 613-791-8597 4 bedroom, 2 bath home for rent. $1300. + utilities. DouDRUM LESSONS - Professional ble attached garage, large drummer/teacher accepting mudroom, 3 season porch, students. All levels welcome! fridge and stove available if Bryan Valeriani 613 298 5913 required. For more information please call 613-826-2511 www.drumhead.ca Helen’s Sewing Room All kinds of sewing 613 258 5584

2 bedroom unit for rent, $950, Gas and Electricity extra Downtown KemptvilleContact Justin 613-296-5906

Rock My House Music Centre offers lessons in Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drums, Bass and Vocals. Kemptville Two Bedroom, Two Bath Bungalow. Finished basePiano and Music Theory Lessons: ment, backyard and garage.

Elisa Lane www.kemptvillemusic. Quiet Neighborhood $1200 + utilities. No Smoking. No Pets. com 613-215-0549 References. 613-258-5510 Kemptville - Shop AVON at home Personal service and 100% guar- Spacious, quiet 2 bedroom antee. Anne Hunt 613-258-3806 apt. Excellent for retirees.

Stove & fridge incl. No smokbaashunt@sympatico.ca ing, no pets. 512 Clother, call Bowen Therapy Restore your 258-3010 health. Pain, Respiratory, Digestive & more. 613-799-3315. www. Modern Kemptville 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse.

BowenKemptville.ca $1500+utilities. 613-852One Tear Studio, Paintings/ 4246 Soapstone Sculptures/Butterfly Hearts. Visit by appointment One bedroom apt. in country; or chance www.HannaMac- new appliances; 10 minutes to Kemptville. $750 all incl.

Naughtan.ca (613) 258-7297 I Can Sew It: Rhonda Cybulskie-613-258-5248 Rhonda@ ICanSewIt.ca Dec. 4, 2013

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Moving Sale: Mechanical and power tools. Some home furnishings, snowblowers, STIHL chain saws, lumber and more. Call 258-3098 FREE: Two white bird cages in reasonable shape (one round, one rectangular with a stand). Were used for lovebirds. 613-258-0302.

1954 Heintzman Upright Grand Piano, very good condition. Asking $1350 obo.

Contact Kathy 613-215-0657

Wanted TRACTOR OPERATOR REQUIRED part time for snow removal Experienced a must ! Call Eric 613 850 3742

CLASSIFIEDS: First 15 words free if submitted by email.

Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5.

Submit to classifieds@ngtimes. ca.

Email must include name, address and phone #.

Must be related to North Grenville and be paid in advance by paypal!

ROTARY CASH CALENDAR

10th Anniversary Edition NOW AVAILABLE OVER $20,000 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE WON! Bonus draws of $1000 A WINNER EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR Only 5,000 CALENDARS PRINTED. Support Rotary Projects Order today by phone Claire: 613-258-6470 Email askmeone@sympatico.ca Or pick up at Hudson Autobody Prescott St Kemptville PATTERSON HADDEN & BROWN INS B&H Mall Rideau St. M5 Digital Creekside Mall County RD 43 Kemptville Members selling at B&H Grocer & Jonsson’s Independent grocer Great gift for Family, Friends, Teachers, Staff $20.00 Each Rotary calendars can be picked up at Monday to Friday until 5 pm at B&H Grocer as well as Rhonda’s Hair Salon, Hudson Auto Body, Patterson Hadden Insurance, M5 Digital, Kemptville Animal Hospital Industrial Drive and Hexton General Store

Firewood, cut, split and delivered $90/cord. Call Peter at 258-5504 Restored Antiques grandmother and grandfather Platform Rockers $250 each 613 258 1712 Storage trunk with brasslike fittings, 31Wx17Dx15H, can be padlocked, leather handles, lightweight, $40 613-258-5558WANTED Snowblower, Yardman, 9.5 hp/27”, like new, $700, call 613 258-9320 Good quality winter tires size 205/55R16 M+S Price negotiable, call 613-258-0935 Oak rocking chair, kitchen table 6 chairs, Lazyboy rocker recliner, 6 piece wall unit.

613-258-5475 Faux fur coat, black, worn only twice, size 20-22 $125: pillows-small, decorative, handmade, hand-stitched, 8@$15 ea or all $100; baby layette, 7-pc, brand new in matching drawstring bag $175. Call 613-258-5558

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For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

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Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Unwanted email 5. Country estate 10. Fabricated 14. A city in western Russia 15. Run away to wed 16. Biblical kingdom 17. Historical periods 18. Compensate 20. A communication 22. Stumble 23. Card with one symbol 24. Squalid 25. Happen at the same time 32. Ancient 33. Hackneyed 34. Caviar 37. Monster 38. Coming and _____

39. Gangly 40. 24 hours 41. Annoy 42. Craze 43. Booking 45. Overact 49. Eastern Standard Time 50. Withdraw 53. Aerial 57. Number of people present 59. Genuine 60. Views 61. Pilotless plane 62. Therefore 63. Makes a mistake 64. Not drunk 65. An amount of medicine

The Voice of North Grenville

COMMUNITY EVENTS

DOWN 1. Flower stalk 2. Unadulterated 3. "Oh my!"

4. Mass murder 5. Amalgamation 6. Away from the wind 7. French for "Name" 8. Creative work 9. Lease 10. Mix together 11. Maxim 12. Showered with love 13. Manicurist's board 19. Artist's workstand 21. Sore 25. Not barefoot 26. Eastern discipline 27. Not 28. Double-reed instruments 29. Unsophisticated 30. Not outer 31. Zig-___ 34. Hindu princess 35. Hodgepodge 36. Distinctive flair 38. G 39. Worn to shreds 41. Primp 42. Spar 44. Superficiality 45. Delete 46. Gauge 47. Aquatic mammal 48. Amount of hair 51. Contributes 52. Tropical tuber 53. Skin disease 54. Roman emperor 55. Badgers 56. Found in some lotions 58. Wealthy person (British slang)

Dec 5

Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guest speaker Linda Carnegie-Christmas Entertaining Dec 6 Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Oxford M ills by gathering at the old Township Hall to sing traditional songs of the season, light the tree in a brief ceremony, then return to Maplewood Hall for cookies and warm drinks. The celebrations begin at 6:30 pm Dec 6 73's upcoming games will see the Carleton Place Canadians visit North Grenville.

Puck drop is at 7:30 pm. The “M ountain of Toys” toy drive, sponsored by Royal Lepage and the K insmen, will also be held at this game during the first intermission. Bring a new and unwrapped toy and receive a reduced admission.

Dec 6,7 The North Grenville Concert Choir proudly presents Handel's "Messiah",7:30 pm at St. James Anglican Church accompanied by Ottawa's Divertimento Orchestra! Tickets $20 at Brewed Awakenings, at the door or cal613-258-9978.

Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas!

Dec 6 A Country Christmas Remembered. The heritage village of Spencerville invites you to an old-time Christmas experience celebrating family entertainment, 'Breakfast with Santa', hearty country food and a community sense of fun. Travel by horse-drawn wagon as you enjoy the charming village, historic Mill, and special shopping for the whole family (including a childrens' shopping emporium!). For full details check the website www.acountrychristmas.ca A FAMILY Passport of $15. or a SINGLE Passport of $5. is your ticket to all events in the village, with the exception of the Turkey Dinner.

Dec 8 The 7th Annual Breakfast with Santa takes place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. There will be two sittings, one at 9 am and the other at 11 am.

Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children. Children under 2 get in free. All proceeds go to the North Grenville Cooperative Preschool and Learning Centre.

Dec 9 Sustainable North Grenville’s “Give North Grenville” Silent Auction. Join us at the Branch Restaurant & Texas Grill at 6:30 pm. Enjoy some friendly bidding, get some great ideas for spending your gift-giving dollars locally and support North Grenville’s entrepreneurs. 6:30 pm.

Dec 14 3rd Annual Christmas Showcase, Sale & Cafe, 9.30-4.30 pm. Presented by The Artsy FM Sister Chicks at the North Grenville Community Church, next to Kemptville Hospital. Amazing Door Prize. Free Admission.

Dec 15 Candlelight Carol Service at St. Andrew's United Church, Bishop's Mills at 7 pm. Refreshments to follow in the Church Hall.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

SUDOKU Easy

Medium

Weekly and recurring events W ed

Hard

Dec 4, 2013

The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first W ednesday of every month at the Old Fire Hall, 25 Reuben Crescent. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca.

Bingo- First and third W ednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

Klub 67 Euchre every 2 nd & 4 th W ednesday of the month starting at 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome - $5. Vivian Howe 613258-2540.

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church (downstairs), 2659 Concession Street every 3 rd Tues. 7 pm. New members welcomed!

Thurs Bridge -St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

North Grenville Toastmasters - M eeting 1 st & 3 rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665.

Sat Games night, 6:30 pm, St. John's United Church. Fully accessible. Please call Barbara at 613-258-4526 for further details.

Tues BNI Networking Group Breakfast- Alumni Building, University of Guelph, 78:30am. Call 613-258-0553 for more information.

Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $3, partner preferred but not necessary. Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

M others of Preschoolers Support Group-St.John’s United Church, 6:30-8 pm.

W hether you’re a townie, rural, stay-at-home, working, teen, adoptive, specialneeds, single or married, MOPS is for you! For more information, call Angie Brown at 613-223-3979.

M ,W ,F Kemptville and Area W alking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am Contact: Eva 258-4487.

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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The North Grenville Times

The Fill-A-Bag Pick Up event a great success thanks to your generosity!

by Erin Wong There were 1400 bags and an estimated 16 tonnes of food collected from local residents. There was a wonderful show of community support with 125 people picking up filled bags and over 30 more volunteers assisting with the logistical operations of the event. These included car marshals, those operating

the registration tables, pizza bar, bouncy castles and sorting food.

The Salvation Army wishes to thank Jim Beverage for the use of his facility, Elizabeth Greenburg for giving oversight to the sorting process, community partners like Milano's Pizza, Capilano's Pizza and Party-Time for helping us take care of our volunteers. Our deepest thanks goes out to Rev. Dan

The Voice of North Grenville

light and love of Christmas with those who need it most!

The Salvation Army is still seeking volunteers to assist with sorting and packing Christmas baskets. If you have some time to help out, please call our office at 613258-3583 to sign up. Sorting and packing will take place at the Christmas Distribution Centre (200 Sanders St.) Tuesday to Friday, 10 am - 3 pm for the next three weeks.

Massey of the North Grenville Community Church and specifically Charly Stewart who gave oversight and direction to the entire campaign, a job well done! The non-perishable food items collected will serve those most vulnerable within our community, at Christmas and all through the cold winter months. It is truly the season of giving - thank you, Kemptville, for your generosity, for sharing the

Christmas comes early for girl Guides

Surviving the Holidays

The Beth Donovan Hospice is pleased to offer a free workshop this December for anyone who has been bereaved and is looking for ways to cope with the upcoming holiday season.

The seminar will be led by Suzanne Duc, M.A., Hospice Counsellor and Rev. Dan Massey, Hospice Chaplain.

The focus will be on: 路 How to prepare for the upcoming holiday season 路 Learning to deal with some of the pressures and expectations the holidays can bring 路 Identifying family traditions and how they may change with the loss of a loved one 路 Giving participants the option to express how they are coping with their grief at this time of year

Frank Hoffman Owner of the local Canadian Tire store was happy to Donate $1,690 to the Oxford Mills Guides to help purchase equipment they needed for a winter program.

The names for the pictures are as follows: 1st row: Emma Code, Sierra McKenzie, Cheyenne Morris, Millie Cathcart, Rachel Grant, Ruby-Ann Robinson, Alexa Gawthrop, Guider Sarah Robinson, Frank Hoffman 2nd row: Guider Jocelyn Grant, Macknzie Kealey, Shannon Badgley, Jaelyn Cox, Emma Bonneau, Samantha Kimball 3rd row: Guider Kristina Piette, Gabby Blakey, Trinity Piette Dec. 4, 2013

20

Workshop details are as follows: Wednesday, December 4th from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 11th from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Grenville Community Church (2659 Concession Road, Kemptville, ON).

If interested, kindly RSVP to Suzanne Duc by Monday, December 2nd at (613) 258-9611 X 3 or suzanne.duc@ bethdonovanhospice.ca.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Kemptville Fabric Shoppe to close at year’s end

by Beth Nicol The Kemptville Fabric Shoppe, long a source of inspiration, supplies and education for local sewers and quilters, will be closing at the end of December. From its inception, the Shoppe has been a family affair; its patrons, an extension of that family. Staff expertise, patience, humour and a commitment to meet customer needs have made it a shopping destination.

After Raina’s Department Store closed and its basement treasures of bolts of material and bins of patterns disappeared, sewers and stitchers found themselves without a local supplier. A trip to Brockville, the ‘Burg or Ottawa was required for any and all materials. Then in 1980, Joe and Doreen Sparling arrived from Montreal. Joe was a teacher for the Leeds and Grenville Separate School Board; Doreen, the owner and operator of a new shop at the corner of Prescott Street and Water Street. A fabric shop, situated right next door to the wool shop. It seemed just right.

After 33 years of doing business in North Grenville, Jo and Doreen Sparling are closing the doors of the Kemptville Fabric Shoppe at the year’s end. Jo, Doreen and their daughter, Diane Bartlett, wish to thank the Fabric Shoppe’s customers for their support and many kindnesses.

Women’s Institute News Submitted by Jeanne Lambert, PRO Bishop‘s Mills Women’s Institute The Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute November meeting was attended by ten members and included a cookie exchange that was organized

by Wanda Tensen. For the Roll Call question, each attending member described the cookies they brought and where they found the recipe.

There was a great variety of cookies represented in the exchange, from traditional ginger and sugar cookies to Almond Crisps and Chocolate Crinkles. Ten members were present in the community hall.

The Membership Committee reported their progress on the new WI signage

Dec 4, 2013

design and has confirmed the colours and design. The sign will be completed soon. The new website for the Community Association will include pages for the WI and will link to the other media.

The Christmas Auction date was changed to Wednesday, Dec 11. Members from other branches in the LeedsGrenville District have been invited and guests are welcome. Please contact a member if you are interested in attending, see contacts below.

Donations of auction items are also welcome.

T h e B i s h o p ’s M i l l s Women’s Institute has been involved in the community

since 1985, including documenting the history of the village and encouraging positive change. The Bishop’s Mills Women’s Institute holds monthly meetings and welcomes new members interested in meeting their neighbours and getting involved in their community.

The next meeting will be our annual Christmas Fundraising Auction on Wednesday, Dec 11 in the Community Hall.

If you are interested in finding out more about WI, see the Provincial organization’s website: www. fwio.on.ca and check out the BMWI page on Facebook . For information about attending local meetings, please contact President Sheryl McKim 613-926-2472 or Jeanne Lambert at jmlambert@tdgraham.com .

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Over the next 33 years, the store enlarged its footprint as demands for its stock grew.

Three locations on Prescott Street were followed by five years at the mall on County Road 43. Its final move put the Shoppe right back downtown.

By hosting quilting lessons in the evenings, the Shoppe developed a growing pool of customers. As their expertise grew, so did the selection of materials and thread, patterns and notions from which to choose. It presently offers over one thousand bolts of material; a quilter’s dream.

As they grew up, each of the three Sparling children took his or her turn helping at the store. It was Diane (Bartlett) who developed an interest in the business and set about acquiring the skills she would need to be a knowledgeable resource for their customers.

Community service and awareness have always played an important role in the Sparlings’ lives. Helping Hands (Alzheimer’s Quilts) and Cancer Caps and Booties have benefitted from the support of the Shoppe and its patrons; Joe has given countless

hours to assist The Knights of Columbus and the Food Bank. Hoping to offer shelter, comfort and care to those in need, Joe opened a store front drop in centre, “His Mercies,” for a short time.

The end of December marks the end of the lease of the store on Clothier Street. For the past year, Joe has suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). The daily stresses of balancing work time with care time have gradually taken their toll. Joe and Doreen feel that it is now time to step back.

Should an offer be made to purchase the business, it would of course be considered. Presently, that is not the case. Between now and the end of December there will be ongoing sales to help reduce the stock that is on hand. Wool, notions, threads and needles, patterns for knitting, sewing and quilting, bolts of material, lace, batting, upholstery and curtain materials, cording and more.

When you stop in, be sure to leave yourself lots of time: time to shop and time for best wishes and thanks.

Christmas gathering in Oxford Mills Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Oxford Mills by gathering at the old Township Hall on Friday, December 6 to sing traditional songs of the season, light the tree in a brief ceremony, then return to Maplewood Hall for cookies and warm drinks.

The celebrations begin at 6:30 pm with carol singing outside the Old Township Hall (former Library) - enjoy both the old classics and contemporary tunes led my the local Guides and Brownies. The official Christmas tree lighting is at 7 pm. Afterwards, Christmas revellers are invited to decorate the tree, followed by a reception back at the Hall, where hot chocolate and cookies will be served by local elves. Santa's sure not to miss that kind of offering and he's guaranteed to put in an appearance.

Hope you and your family can join us!

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The Voice of North Grenville

St. Michael CHS captures Bronze Medal at OFSAA “AA” Volleyball

Submitted by Angus MadDonald

ing of 7 out of the top 20 AA programs in Ontario. The goal was to live up to their ranking and finish as one of the top 8 teams in the province.

As the tournament started on Thursday, the OFSAA nerves paid a visit to the Mustangs as they dropped their first match to the host squad and number 13 seeded Sir Winston Churchill. The Senior boys did not have much time to wallow as they had to get set to take on the number 10 seeded Franco Cite from Ottawa. The familiar foe pushed the match to a third and deciding set where the Mustangs fought to win 15-12 to even their round robin record at 1-1. To finish Day 1 of play, the Mustangs faced the 4th seeded team from Windsor, Essex District High. Energy was high as the match started and the Mustangs rolled over the number 4 seed winning 25-16 and 25-18. With a win Day 2 over

The historic season for the St. Michael senior boys volleyball team has come to an end but this group of young men has left an imprint on Mustang athletics which will be remembered for a life time. After completing an impressive regular season that

included winning Gold at the RMC tournament in Kingston, Gold at the St. Mary tournament in Brockville and Silver at the Dalhousie tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Mustangs knew they had a special team. Following their victory at EOS-

SAA last week, the boys had high hopes heading into the OFSAA tournament in Thunder Bay. Since this was the first time a team from St. Michael has attended “AA” OFSAA for men’s volleyball, the Mustangs were surprised to receive a favorable rank-

the 16 seeded Timiskaming DHS on Friday afternoon, the Mustangs finished first in their pool and attained their goal of top 8 in the province.

In the best of five championship quarter finals, the boys from Kemptville faced off against a very strong number 5 seed Sir Allen McNab High School from Hamilton. The Mustangs had their backs to the wall down 2 games to 1 heading into the 4th set.

Through sheer determination, St. Michael pulled out an impressive 25-16 victory to force a 5th and deciding set.

After falling behind 5-1 and clawing back to make it 8-7 at the halfway point, the Mustangs soon found themselves down 12-8 with little room for error. Again the leadership and maturity of the Mustangs shone through as they rallied to win 15-13 to secure a spot as one of the top 4 AA teams in Ontario.

On Saturday morning the

Mustangs found themselves in a David versus Goliath situation as they faced off against the number 1 seed and 7 time defending champions from Eden. Unfortunately, David’s slingshot and pouch full of stones was not enough to defeat the Eden giant on this day and the Mustangs lost the match and got set to battle for Bronze that afternoon.

In the Bronze medal match, the Mustangs engaged in a see-saw battle against an equal adversary from Dryden. Their will was strong and the Mustangs found the strength to win the 3rd set 30-28 to take home the first OFSAA volleyball medal in school history. A special congratulations goes out to the following graduating players: Kade Bloskie, Lucais MacKay-Ronnacher, Liam Glenn, Auzzy Jones, James Murray and captains Cole Brookson and Shawn Kingsbury.

Kemptville 73’s this week @rinkrat The 73's traveled to Ottawa to play the Ottawa Junior Senators on Wednesday night. Just over halfway through the first, Erik Brown got his eighth of the year.

Jesse Blais picked off an errant pass and sent it to Dean Galasso deep in the Ottawa end. Galasso found Brown in the slot and he buried it for the goal. With Kemptville holding a 1-0 lead after one, they didn't waste any time adding to it. At 4:13 of the second, Dean Galasso made it 2-0. Again, Brown and Blais combined with some tic-tac-toe passing and Galasso had his thirteenth of the campaign. Before the period ended, Brown scored his second of the game on the power play. This time, Galasso captured a loose puck and sent Brown streaking in and launched a missile that the Senators goalie never saw. With Kemptville leading 3-0 after two, Ottawa came alive. They scored at 3:45 of the third to get on the board. The 73's were then assessed two penalties on the play and the Senators scored on the ensuing 5 on 3 power play to draw within one. Aaron Hickie registered his third of season to make it 4-2 appearing to put it out of reach for the Senators. Using their speed, Dylan Giberson and Matt Tugnutt roared up the ice with Hickie. He found Dec. 4, 2013

the puck on his stick and slid it through the five hole.

But, Ottawa was able to add one more on the power play with only 13 seconds left in the game to make it close.

Kemptville earned the 4-3 win.

Brown and Galasso were named first and second stars respectively for the 73's.

On Friday, it was on to Hawkesbury to battle the Hawks. This time, the opponent drew first blood.

Hawkesbury scored five minutes into the game to take a 1-0 lead. But Kemptville was not going to let up. The 73's roared back with three straight goals. Quinn Carroll picked up his seventh of the year. Brandon Seatter broke out of his own end and lugged the puck down the ice. Seatter fed Justin Haasbeek for the one timer but the Hawks goalie couldn't control the rebound and Carroll banged it home. Next up was Erik Brown with his ninth of the year. David Higgs carried the puck out of his own end and dumped it into the corner. Dean Galasso went in hard to the corner and beat the Hawks defence to the puck. Brown was waiting in front of the net and made no mistake as he had the whole open side. The third one was scored by Dylan Giberson with his sixteenth of the season. Matt Tugnutt had control of the puck in the Hawkesbury end and

In hot pursuit: Ottawa's Joey Champigny (17) chases Kemptville's Matt Tugnutt (19) while Brandon Cole (22) looks on fed it to the point to Hayden Hanson. Hanson drilled a hard shot at the net which Dylan Giberson was able to deflect into the back of the net. With the 73's leading 3-1 after the first, the Hawks came back in the second to score twice, one on the power play. Kemptville was badly out shot by Hawkesbury by a 16-7 margin. With the game tied at 3, there was no scoring in the third. Neither team was able to beat the goal tenders in overtime, forcing a shootout. Hawkesbury came out with the 4-3 victory. Matt Martin was named the game's third star.

On Sunday afternoon, the Junior Senators made the trip from Ottawa to play Kemptville in the rematch

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of Wednesday's game. The Senators apparently had revenge on their mind, having lost to the 73's on Wednesday. And it didn't take long to see it. Before the game was sixteen minutes old, Ottawa was leading 4-0. Kemptville replaced Matt Couvrette with newly acquired Nicholas Hodgins between the pipes.

Before the end of the period, Brandon Seatter and Dylan Giberson battled the Ottawa defence in the corner.

The puck squirted out to the point, where David Higgs, with time running out, blasted a shot at the net which found the top corner with 2 seconds left on the clock. The 73's came out determined in the second now down only 4-1. They outshot Ottawa

20-9 in the period and were rewarded when five seconds after a Kemptville power play expired, they caught Ottawa sleeping. Goaltender, Nicholas Hodgins, scooped up the puck in his own end and sent it all the way to the other blue line. Matt Tugnutt was on the receiving end of the pass and as the Senators were scrambling to get into position, he sent it across the ice to Brandon Seatter who beat the Ottawa goalie cleanly. However 4-2 was as close as they got. Ottawa added two more in the second and one in the third to coast to a 7-2 win. Seatter was named third star of the game.

Upcoming games will see the Carleton Place Canadians visit North Grenville on

December 6. Puck drop is at 7:30. The “Mountain of Toys” toy drive, sponsored

by Royal Lepage and the Kinsmen, will also be held at this game during the first intermission. Bring a new and unwrapped toy and receive a reduced admission. The fund raising draws in support of injured junior B player, Brett Nugent, were made. The winners were Mark Gaudet, Marion Hogan, Dick Blais, Cindi Carroll, Sam Gaw, Kyle Brogan, Erica Brown and Tony Stockwood. The 73's wish to thank everyone who supported their efforts.

On Sunday, the 73's head into Ottawa to face the Gloucester Rangers. Game time is 3:30.

Catch the Junior A fever!

Hockey with edge! www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Tips for dealing with cold weather

École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys aide le comité NG Community Splash Pad

Submitted by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Another Canadian winter is here! Frostbite and hypothermia are real potential dangers especially for individuals who are out in the elements for long periods of time; those who have a decreased sensation in their extremities and children.

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the layers of tissue underneath the skin. It usually occurs when temperatures drop below -4oC. Frostbite is hard to feel, so when enjoying the outdoors make sure to check for white or grey spots on skin or areas that have lost feeling. Sometimes

tingling or pain can be a warning sign of frostbite.

Frostbite usually occurs in hands, feet, nose and ears.

Hypothermia takes place when heat is lost from your body faster than your body can create it. This can be very dangerous because once body temperature goes too low, an individual is not able to think clearly.

Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention. Signs of hypothermia include: shivering, loss of memory, lethargy, slurred speech or loss of consciousness. If you see any of these symptoms, get medical attention right away.

During cold weather everyone should take the following precautions: Wear layers of warm dry clothing including a hat, mitts, and a layer to block the wind Drink warm non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages such as herbal tea, apple cider or soup Cover exposed skin surfaces when outdoors Stay indoors whenever possible Maintain a heated environment of around 20oC/ 68oF Be aware of how your medications or health conditions may increase your risk of injury from cold weather

Be aware of the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia Be aware of the dangers of using an oven or space heater as a heating device.

Check out tips for safe snow shoveling and safe winter driving on our website http://www.healthunit. org/hazards/weather.html For more information on protecting yourself during extreme, cold visit the Health Unit website at: www.healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also like the LGLHealthUnit Facebook page for important public health updates.

Le 24 novembre dernier, les gens de la communauté ont eu l’occasion de visionner Épique au théâtre du centre municipal de North Grenville. Les enfants ont adoré l’activité en français.

Le conseil d’école de Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys se fait un plaisir d’offrir un don de 150$ au North Grenville Family Recreation and Leisure Fund afin d’aider à défrayer les coûts d’un aire de jeux d’eau. Rendez-vous sur le site web : www. togetherwecanmakeasplash.com afin d’en connaître davantage sur le projet.

École Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys helps Community Splash Pad Committee On November 24, the francophone community of North Grenville had the opportunity to watch the film « Epique » at the municipal center theatre. The kids loved the activity in French. The Ecole Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys council is pleased to offer a donation of $ 150 raised that evening to the North Grenville Family Recreation and Leisure Fund to help defray the costs of a Splash Pad. Visit the website: www.togetherwecanmakeasplash.com to learn more about the project.

Elizabeth Greenberg toasting Pat’s hotdog bun while volunteer fire fighters look on

North Grenville Militia entertained with Christmas carols throughout the day

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www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

photo submitted by Brenda Morrotti Children love chatting with Santa as Mrs. Claus looks on

The Voice of North Grenville

Members of local charities receive cheque from proceeds of donations collected during Christmas parade

The Saint James Saints

St. John’s United Church was overflowing with people enjoying lunch and browsing for gifts

St. James Anglican Church’s“Women in Red”, organizers of the Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon Dec. 4, 2013

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