by Talia Hreljac, In January, the Downtown Kemptville BIA welcomed the community to its annual general meeting, held at the North Grenville Public Library. Attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by Salamanders, along with a delicious cake from Grahame's Bakery in honour of the BIA's 20th anniversary. This milestone is one the organization is proud to celebrate and will be marking throughout the year,
making 2026 a particularly special one.
The AGM also featured a special guest speaker, Tom Graham, a respected member of the community known for his vision and dedication to building North Grenville into an even stronger, more vibrant place. His reflections on what can be achieved when the community works together were both inspiring and energizing.
During the meeting, the BIA reflected on everything
accomplished throughout the year, from beautification projects to signature events, and much more. Taking time to look back made it clear just how much had been achieved, and how impactful the year was. A year in review video, available on the Downtown Kemptville BIA YouTube channel, highlights not only the BIA's work, but also the many accomplishments of local businesses throughout the downtown core.
The Downtown Kempt-
ville BIA is led by a volunteer board of directors and supported by an Executive Director. Guided by four key pillars, marketing, events, beautification, and advocacy, the organization remains deeply committed to ensuring the downtown core continues to thrive as the heart of the community.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Su Oulette
Su Ouellette, founder and owner of Sugold Jewellers & Giftware in Kemptville, will receive the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's International Women's Day celebration, taking place on March 5 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
Su has built Sugold for more than 35 years into a trusted community business and a destination for jewellery and giftware across Eastern Ontario and beyond. Established in 1988, the shop began in a small Prescott storefront before relocating to Downtown Kemptville, where it has
become a long-standing fixture in the heart of the town.
"Su's success and dedication is to be commended, with over 38 years in business, she has demonstrated the importance of female leadership in small business while supporting her community. Su's commitment and longevity have attributed to her accomplishments and gained her admiration and respect from many in the region," said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
"I am absolutely thrilled for Su. Sugold Jewellers has been a fixture in downtown
Kemptville since 2010. The Municipality of North Grenville thanks her for her dedication to leading local initiatives and supporting fellow businesses to help strengthen our local economy," acknowledged North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford.
Su is the 13th business leader to be selected for this coveted award, which recognizes decades of commitment, innovation, and leadership in empowering rural communities and championing women's roles in driving economic growth.
Carol Hardy, Development Officer for Leeds Grenville Small Business added, "International Women's Day is both a celebration and a call to continue building an inclusive and supportive business community. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a small business owner defined by leadership, generosity, and lasting impact, while the event itself reflects the power of collab-
oration, because meaningful progress happens when we rise together."
Leeds Grenville Small Business Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize a woman who has been in business for over 15 years and has demonstrated hard work, community contribution and resilience. The award, given annually by Leeds Grenville Small Business, will be presented at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Thursday, March 5th, 2026. This year's International Women's Day theme, "Together We Rise."
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, valuable insights will be shared by guest panellists Rhiannon V. Iles, P. Eng., President of HFI Pyrotechnics Inc., Katie Nolan, Executive Director of Community Futures Grenville and Cathy Maggio Howley from Pauline's Lingerie. New this year is an interactive ‘Knowledge Bar' session where local professionals will share their business wisdom. Enjoy a delicious buffet style dinner followed by gifts and door prizes. Registration is open, purchase your tickets today.
We are thrilled to announce the newest members of our travel agency family, who bring fresh energy, skills, and perspectives to our team. As a company dedicated to creating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients, we couldn’t be more excited to have these talented individuals join us on this journey. Their passion for exploration and commitment to exceptional service make them the perfect fit for
I don’t know how many readers will have heard of the LEAR process before seeing it discussed in this issue of the Times. Land designation is not something that is high on the radar of most people, and if the Province of Ontario had its way, that is how it would have remained. But, as two articles in this issue explain, it has taken some effort to convince the various levels of government that people affected by changes in the designation of their properties needed to be informed about what was happening. But you can read all about it for yourself.
It makes me wonder about how much the province has taken over from municipalities when it comes to imposing their will on residents. They changed the procedure governing development in municipalities, placing the main authority with the Planning Officer and their staff, rather than with elected Councillors, who only get to see details
of development projects after planning has held discussions with developers. Apparently, this move was designed to prevent backhanders going to councillors to get them to approve projects that may not meet regulations. That is the rationale, it seems. What this means, of course, is that the temptation to corrupt practice moves from councillors to staff, with little or no transparency to prevent abuse. This in no way implies wrongdoing in North Grenville, but it does take away an important oversight role for elected representatives of the citizenry. Now, the province is redesignating lands across Ontario without taking into account regional variations in soil quality or topography, and doing so without informing property owners. It completely ignores, or is ignorant of, the history of townships and counties, such as Leeds-Grenville. When this area was first surveyed back in 1791, the surveyor’s reports were full of references to the land be-
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I must admit that I was initially puzzled as to how Pierre Poilievre managed to survive a leadership vote at the latest Conservative convention, when he couldn't win his own riding, and had to resort to asking an MP in a safe riding, out of province, to step aside so that he wouldn't have to suffer that ignominy again.
I guess that when you have been used to privilege most of your adult life, being able to live in a mansion for free at the taxpayer expense, and already have an indexed pension, you get a misguided sense of entitlement.
As for the convention that "elected" him, it appears that it was stacked in his favour, as you needed to pony up almost $1,000 in order to attend. This amount assured that most of the workers that he purports to support likely couldn't afford the entry fee, and so it became a convention that was attended by the more well-heeled insiders in the Conserva-
ing “swamp”, or wetlands, as we might describe them. That should have told provincial staff that Eastern Ontario cannot be treated the same as Southern Ontario, for example. Placing an agricultural designation on Limerick Forest, as another example, forgets that settlers tried farming that tract of land, with disastrous consequences. Within a few years, removal of the tree cover and ploughing the thin soils, led to the complete loss of topsoil when it simply blew away in the wind, leaving sandhills and rock (and swamp).
Land has always been a central issue in Ontario. The first settlers were often given land free of charge, with government eager to populate the country. It was not always good land, and the provincial government of the day didn’t know what kind of land they were giving in those cases. But, for the settlers, and all land owners since then, ownership of land was something to be cherished, something to be passed down to their children and grandchildren.
People whose families have farmed the same land for generations don’t want to be told what they can do with their own property; but that is what the Ontario government is doing now. Agricultural designation means restrictions on how to manage land, freedom to sever land for their children, freedom to build houses for them, freedom to decide how they want to live on what they assumed was their own property.
As I say, this is just one example of a loss of rights that has been taking place over years. Amalgamation in the late 1990's was another classic example. The Harris government simply told municipalities to arrange amalgamation with other jurisdictions, or else the government would do it for them! There is no doubt that municipalities, including North Grenville, find this frustrating. They want to be consulted before announcements are made, not afterwards. Think of the proposed jail as another example. Too often it’s been the case that governments
at all levels claim to be consulting the people, when all they’re doing is asking for a response to decisions already made, responses which they feel perfectly free to ignore so they can go ahead with what they had decided upon already.
It’s a creeping problem that has been niggling away for some time. Ironically, it is also an issue that has been raised against this municipality too. Council may object that they are not being consulted by the Province on matters of relevance to North Grenville; but how much consultation is there on matters like a sports dome, for example. And one meeting or session to ask residents their views on Official Plans or Strategic Plans is hardly an effective way of asking citizens for their opinions.
Oh well, government do what governments do; or, more accurately, bureaucrats do what bureaucrats do. This land is your land, this land is my land, unless the government say otherwise, I suppose.
tive Party.
It also wasn't a particularly large convention, there being only about 3,000 of them there, not exactly a ringing endorsement considering the size of the Party at large. A more democratic way would have been to have had an online vote, but then, rumour has it that Pierre is somewhat fragile, so he probably didn't want to risk it.
You can't help but wonder just how a leader who loses a seat that he had held onto for 20 years still doesn't appear to have figured out why he lost it.
I'm sure that many of your readers know, as I did, of more than a few people who loaned their vote to the Liberals in the last election because they didn't want Poilievre as Prime Minister, and that being mostly because all he seems to do is to complain, without offering any solutions.
I think that what annoys me most about Pierre is the way that he cherry picks his own facts, then puts his own spin on things, know-
ing full well that he is safe in the outrage that he stirs up, as most won't take the time to check that he was manipulating the truth. However, it has been gratifying to see on social media recently that there are a few more people who are starting to check all of the facts, and are calling him out.
His latest iteration is in trying to persuade us that his attack dog persona has now morphed into statesman, and that this is genuine, not just a pose, that a person with no experience outside of politics is worthy of the highest office in the land, and that he is not an ideologue who will lead the Canadian public to the Far Right.
Of course, it is harder for him now that the current government has adopted much of the Conservative agenda, but still, the real question that remains is, of course, can he be trusted?
Colin Creasey Kemptville.
Dear Editor,
The country seems to be at a crossroads, fighting, name calling, and finger pointing. It is doubtful that the Team Canada approach will become anything but, as usual, rhetoric and a failure. The political class beat their chests stirring up anti American rhetoric as thousands are being laid off and businesses are leaving. Clearly this approach is also a failure, America at this time is obviously the hunter we cannot fall prey to, we have to be smarter and not use this situation as a political tool by some to win elections while all else fails. How is this going to help this country that is bleeding jobs and foreign investment, has incurred terrible debt and ultimately create higher costs for everything?
The natural resources this country has in its lands are extraordinary, yet for the past eleven years the federal government has tried to demonize the greatest source of our wealth and prosperity. Some provinces do have legitimate con-
cerns and frustrations with how they are being treated, particularly Alberta which subsidizes the rest of the country with the wealth of the oil patch.
What has Canada done wrong that many of its citizens want to leave confederation, we can't just call them names. We can do much better at demonstrated by our history of
successes, in the battlefields of the world , in innovation and technology, small business success and the prosperity of our agricultural and energy industries. Our crossroads are a self inflicted mess, we can do much, much better. We have too much to lose if we don't.
W. Scott Paterson Kemptville, Ont
2026 Mayor’s Address
The Municipality of North Grenville, in partnership with the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Kemptville Business Improvement Area (BIA), is pleased to announce that the 2026 Mayor’s Address will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
Each year, the Mayor’s Address brings together community members and local business leaders for an engaging evening focused on progress, priorities, and the work underway to support a strong local economy.
“The success of North Grenville has always been rooted in community. The Mayor’s Address is an opportunity to bring residents, businesses, and partners together to discuss where we are, where we’re going, and how we get there - together. I encourage everyone to join the conversation as we continue shaping a strong and sustainable future.”
As part of the evening’s program, a selection of both long-standing and newly established businesses will be recognized for significant milestones and for their ongoing contributions to the social and economic vitality of North Grenville. This recognition highlights the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that continue to strengthen the local economy.
“The Downtown Kemptville BIA is proud to be part of the 2026 Mayor’s Address, an evening that celebrates collaboration, community, and the local businesses that help our downtown thrive,” said the Downtown Kemptville BIA. “As we mark 20 years of supporting Kemptville’s downtown core, this event is a meaningful opportunity to recognize business achievements, reflect on how far we’ve come, and look ahead to the continued growth and vitality of our community.
Chair of the North Grenville Chamber of
Letters to the Editor, cont'd
Dear Editor,
I’d like to take this opportunity to share a few words about the Kemptville Campus’ support for the proposed sports dome, and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Kemptville Campus is owned by the Municipality of North Grenville and governed by a non-profit, arm’s length organization. Since 2018, two parcels of the original campus land and buildings have been sold by the Municipality to regional education authorities for the establishment of French-language schools (Rivière Rideau and Académie catholique NotreDame), and two additional parcels have been severed for housing (Habitat for Humanity and Bell Hall).
The Campus is governed by an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of this important community asset. As stewards of the property, the Board’s role is to preserve and activate the historic, social, economic and environmental value of the Campus. While the Board does not have the authority to sell land or buildings, it
Commerce, William Pearl says that they are “looking forward to another opportunity to hear from our Mayor about upcoming initiatives, challenges and future plans that can benefit our business community. Supporting the Mayor’s Address reflects the Chamber’s commitment to connection, collaboration, and keeping local businesses informed and engaged. Advance registration is required as inperson seating is limited. A livestream of the event will be available on Facebook and YouTube for online participation.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Location (hybrid): North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Eventbrite Link: www.northgrenvillechamber.com
For questions or assistance, contact info@northgrenvillechamber.com
Municipality
of North Grenville Notice of a Statutory Open House for the Update to the Official Plan
Take notice that the Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville will hold a statutory public open house on Wednesday March 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (285 County Road 44) to consider the following item:
What is an Official Plan? An Official Plan provides direction and policy objectives for the growth and development of the community and establishes where land uses (e.g. residential, commercial and industrial) should be located. The Official Plan covers a broad range of topics, including housing and future development opportunities, transportation and economic development. The Official Plan works in conjunction with other Municipal Planning documents, such as the Zoning By-law, to guide development in the Municipality. All lands within the Municipality are addressed by the policies of the Official Plan.
Why are we reviewing our Official Plan? The purpose of the review of the Official Plan is to update the policies to conform to planning legislation and policies from the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, government agencies and members of the public. It is intended to reflect a vision for development out to 2051. The purpose of this open house is to provide members of the public with an opportunity to review the draft of the New Official Plan and provide comments prior to the final Official Plan being brought forward later in 2026. At the Public Open House, the Draft Official Plan Revisions and proposed revised Schedules (maps) will be available for review. Staff from the Municipality and from Dillon Consulting will be available to answer questions and receive feedback.
Any person may attend the public meeting and/or make written or oral submissions either in support of or in opposition to the above item. In the event that you are unable to attend the meeting but wish to submit written comments, please ensure that your comments are delivered to the Planning and Development Department (285 County Road 44) prior to the day of the meeting.
is expected that such decisions will be made in consultation with the Board.
Last year, the Municipality announced its intention to develop approximately 10 acres of Campus land along County Road 44 for a sports dome. The Board supported the project in principle as it believes the community would benefit from a municipal sports dome, and that the Campus would benefit from increased public exposure to our adjacent recreational trails, outdoor sports fields, community garden, and greenhouses. The Board nonetheless expects that as with any sizable building project in North Grenville, all necessary studies – including traffic and environmental – should be completed and respected prior to a dome being built.
Enhancing and protecting the forest and wetlands is a key strategic priority for the Board and staff of Kemptville Campus, who act as responsible stewards of the lands and buildings. The campus actively manages approximately 200 acres of FSC-certified forest under the guidance of a professional forester, and last year planted over 4,000 trees, in addition to host-
ing the International Model Forest Network’s Global Forum 2025, welcoming 180 delegates from 40 countries.
Kemptville Campus is also working with Ducks Unlimited to support wetlands restoration on campus and is exploring opportunities to build a wetlands boardwalk to add to the 6.5 km of forest trails already accessible year-round to the public. Additionally, the campus recently appointed a Naturalist in Residence and welcomed two independent Forest & Nature schools, who join a maple syrup producer offering educational events.
The Board is proud of the work underway at Kemptville Campus and deeply committed to balancing growth, community use, and environmental stewardship as this unique community resource continues to evolve.
Brian McKee Chair, Kemptville Campus Board of Directors
Additional information regarding the Official Plan Open House will be made available to members of the public when requested. For more information about this matter, contact the Planner in one of the following manners during regular business hours from Monday to Friday: by telephone (613-258-9659 x 116), e-mail (planning@northgrenville.on.ca), in writing (285 County Road 44, PO BOX 130, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0) or in person.
Dated at the Municipality of North Grenville this 12th day of February 2026.
Two people charged after cocaine seizure in North Grenville
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) began a drug trafficking investigation in late 2025 into the sale of cocaine in areas across Leeds and Grenville.
On Wednesday, February 4, members of the CSCU, assisted by the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, executed a search warrant at a motel on Highway 43. Two people were arrested without incident. Officers seized more than 167 grams of suspected cocaine and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine. They also seized over $5000 in cash, nearly 20 cannisters of bear spray, a spiked bat and items typically associated with drug trafficking.
Two individuals, one age 44 of Ottawa, and the second, age 21 of North Dundas Township, have each been charged with:
Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - two counts
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
The 44 year-old was also wanted on arrest warrants by two other police services.
Both of the accused have been remanded in custody. One of the individuals was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on Monday, February 9, 2026, while the other is scheduled to appear again on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
When you advertise with the North Grenville Times, you gain exposure for your business while helping us provide space for nonprofit stories, fundraising campaigns, and community posters. It’s a win for you
Council recognizes the passing of Johnny ‘Guy’ Turmelle
Statement by Mayor Nancy Peckford
On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville, it is with great sadness that Council and staff extend their condolences on the passing of Johnny “Guy” Turmelle, a cherished member of the North Grenville community whose life defined, in so many ways, the
character of this community – positivity, a welcoming nature, friendliness, and generosity of spirit.
In the hours and days since his passing, countless residents have shared stories with Council members that speak to Johnny’s remarkable ability to connect with people from many different walks of life.
Breau, George Joseph
Breau, George Joseph, age 93, died peacefully at May Court Hospice on January 10, 2026, with his daughter by his side. He was the devoted husband of Barbara Ann (Delaney) for 70 years; a loving father to Janet and Pat; a proud grandfather to Matt (Lexi); and a cherished uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several special caregivers who supported the family during his final years, especially Sarah.
Known as “the humming dentist,” George practised dentistry in Ottawa for 38 years. During that time, he spoiled his “girls,” maintained lifelong friendships from his St. FX and McGill days, and embraced life fully as an avid golfer, bridge player, ski enthusiast, cottage lover, and devoted food lover—especially when sweets were involved. The couple later moved to Kemptville after falling in love with the small town’s community feel. A special mass will be held at Holy Cross Church at a future date as well as a family gathering at the cottage on Lac Unique, New Brunswick—his true happy place.
Welcomed first on to the Seguin family farm in Oxford Mills in the 1960s where the Seguin’s had raised 13 of their own children, he was subsequently invited to stay at the Guy family farm as a young man. It didn’t take him long to be embraced by the wider community as well.
From his decades of volunteer service with the Kemptville 73's, to the friendships he built simply by walking the streets and stopping to chat, he was well known and appreciated. In so many ways, he was an example of how the people of North Grenville always endeavor to help out when they are needed – quietly unassuming.
Beyond his numerous relationships, for more than five decades, Johnny was a familiar and beloved presence at the rink, proudly supporting the Kemptville 73's. He was rarely seen without a 73’s logo somewhere on his person, embodying the truest spirit of
volunteerism.
Through his presence, he reminded us that community is built through simple acts – showing up, having fun, lending a hand, and making new friends every day.
On behalf of Council and the Municipality of North Grenville, we extend our sincere condolences to the Guy family, the 73’s organization, his friends, caregivers, and the many residents who will remember Johnny with great affection, and our gratitude to all who took the time to get to know him and forge important bonds that endured for decades.
Johnny was not just part of North Grenville – he helped define it. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.
South Mountain United Church 62nd
Annual Pancake Supper
Tuesday February 17, 4:30 - 7 pm
Homemade from scratch, delicious pancakes, pure maple syrup, pork sausages, Willard's doughnuts, Timbits & St. Albert's cheese
Adults $12, 12 & under $8, 5 & Under Free Everyone Welcome, eat in or take-out!
Celebrating 20 Years – A heartfelt thank you to our community
This year marks the 20th anniversary of our dental office, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the community that has supported us since day one. What began as a small practice with a simple goal— to provide compassionate, high-quality dental care—has grown into something truly special because of you.
Over the past two decades, it has been our privilege to care for generations of families, to celebrate milestones with you, and to help create healthy, confident smiles. We are continually humbled by the trust you place in our team and by the friendships that have grown far beyond the dental chair.
To our patients, neighbors, and community partners: thank you for welcoming us into your lives and for allowing us to be part of this wonderful community. Your loyalty, kindness, and encouragement inspire us every day to be the best we can be.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to the same values we started with—treating every patient like family and providing care with honesty, comfort, and respect. We look forward to many more years of serving you and sharing smiles together.
With sincere appreciation, Dr. Helen Kontogiannis & Staff
Talia's Take From Motherhood to Donorhood
by @talia.hreljac25
I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a cause near and dear to my heart, and that's blood donation. Let's hop in a time machine and go back almost 10 years ago (where has the time gone), which honestly hurts the Mama heart.
I had a very terrible delivery where everything went wrong. My daughter came out blue and not breathing, and all these codes were called. It was the most terrifying minute of my life. When I finally heard her cry, I was instantly relieved, but only for about 30 seconds. Suddenly, more codes were being called, and I quickly realized something was
wrong with me when I saw my husband go completely white and nurses and doctors started rushing toward me. I was bleeding out. There are a few things I remember from that moment.
1. One woman in the room looked at me and told me to just "tell my body to stop bleeding," which immediately snapped me out of my panic because even in that moment I was like, mm don't think that's going to make a difference here chicky.
2. Looking at my baby before being wheeled away and hoping I would get to hold her.
3. Being wheeled
Grappling with AI
by Hilary Thomson
The other night I was reading my 2-year-old a poem out of the children's magazine Chirp before bed. It was a silly little poem about trains which my train-obsessed little boy really enjoyed - and to be honest I did too.
It got me thinking what a fun job it would be to write for one of these magazines. As a writer and Mom, I think it would be really fun to put pen to paper every day with little people in mind.
Suddenly, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach - what if this poem was generated by AI?
In this day and age, it is not out of the realm of possibility that this poem, and many of the stories in this widely distributed magazine, would be a product of AI - and, as a writer by trade, that made me really sad, and kind of scared.
through the hospital and hearing Chasing Cars from Grey's Anatomy. You know, the show where the Mom ALWAYS dies. I don't know if it was actually playing or if it was due to blood loss, but I swear I heard it.
4. The doctor telling me they might have to remove my uterus if they couldn't control the bleeding, and then, a painfully slow few minutes later, telling me it had stopped and that I was going to be ok.
That is a lot for a first time Mama and still causes anxiety just thinking about it.
Later, I read the hospital report, which stated, "After delivering a large baby (a little rude but considering my daughter was almost 10 pounds and had destroyed my lady bits, it was also fair), the mother lost 2 litres of blood." Because of the trauma, I went on to receive two blood transfusions, something that ultimately saved my life.
When I was done having babies, I decided I wanted to repay the strangers who saved my life by paying it forward and donating my blood in hopes that it helped other Mamas who may need it.
Was I nervous? Ya, of course. No one likes nee-
I have never considered myself a Luddite, but the way that AI seems to be taking over the world is extremely overwhelming and difficult for my millennial mind to comprehend.
When I was a kid there was no question about whether the children’s books I was reading and listening to were written by a human. Any idea to the contrary would have been considered absurd. But now, as we move into the age of AI, that is a question we all should be asking ourselves constantly. As I scroll through Facebook these days looking for updates on what is happening in my community, every second post seems like it is generated by AI.
This “fake news” is pretty clear to me, but, occasionally, even my critical eye does a double take, considering whether the latest photo of Taylor
dles. But I also remembered that, because of the kindness of strangers who donated, I was able to hold my baby. I never expected to need a blood transfusion, but sometimes life doesn't always go to plan.
And honestly, donating blood has its perks. You get the BEST snacks, especially when you donate at blood drives at the Municipality. Chips beforehand, and then Grahame's Bakery donuts afterwards, since they always donate donuts, which equals a good time in my books. Plus, donating blood is easy for those who can do it. There's an app to sign up, it doesn't take long, and I'm usually in and out within 45 minutes. Most importantly, it truly makes a difference. It made a difference in my life and in countless others.
So, if you're able, please consider donating. I've donated nine times so far and am excited for my 10th donation on May the 4th - yes, Star Wars Day (you know you've been with a Star Wars nerd for too long when you just know these things). It feels amazing to know that my force will be with someone else when they need it.
Oh no… did I really just make a Star Wars pun? UGH.
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville
When its -20C with a bit of wind-chill, comfort food works great to warm you up. Corned Beef Hash certainly qualifies as comfort food and sure hits the spot for a weekend breakfast or brunch. By the way, the word “hash” comes from the French “hacher”, meaning to chop. A wartime recipe, it was used in European countries when fresh meat wasn’t all that available. So, give Corn Beef Hash a whirl. This is a simplified recipe that will serve 4 or more, depending on appetites.
Corn Beef Hash
Ingredients:
• 3 tablespoons of butter, preferably unsalted (the corned beef is very salty)
• 2 cups of onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of white granulated sugar
• 1 bag of frozen hash brown potatoes
• 2 cans of corned beef, finely chopped
• Some black pepper to taste
Preparation
• Melt your butter in a large skillet; we use a cast iron skillet, which works very well
• Sweat your onions till translucent and sprinkle with the sugar, to caramelize them
• Add the hash brown potatoes directly from the bag and cook at low temperature
• Stir frequently and add a bit of water if the potatoes start to stick to the pan
• Once the potatoes have browned and are soft, add the corned beef
• Cook long enough to heat the meat through and blend the meat into the onion/potato mixture
• Sprinkle with black pepper to taste
Bring your Corned Beef Hash in the pan directly to the table. This dish begs for a pile of buttered toast to go with it. Some folks like sour cream with their serving, others like HP or catsup. For a complete breakfast/brunch offering, fry up some eggs: you can place the cooked eggs on top of the Hash for serving, if you wish.
So, enjoy! All the best from pcormier@ranaprocess. com.
Swift might be real. AI is improving every day, and it is at the point now that one should really question everything they see online. Even things that look like they are from reputable sources.
I am really grappling with what this means for me as I try to raise children in this ultra modern world. Part of me wants to move my family to the interior of BC, buy physical copies of Encyclopedia Britannica to replace Google, and live out life completely offgrid. I’m already making my own sourdough bread, so I'm halfway to homestead life, right?
I know this is unrealistic. I know that if I want my children to thrive in this world, I need to help them find balance. I can’t hide away from AI and other technological advancements. I have to embrace it myself so I can confidently
teach my kids how to use it safely and for good instead of harm.
Because, let's face it, AI has immense capabilities to do harm. An op-ed published recently in the Globe and Mail compared what is going on in the United States to Nazi Germany. Imagine if Hitler wielded the power of AI? Personally, I would rather not.
My hope is that, as we do figure out a way to live with a balance between useful AI technology and real life, I hope we preserve the creativity and thought that comes with being a living, breathing and thinking human.
We became the dominant beings on this planet due to our larger than average brains. We evolved and survived because of our ability to think. If we lose that, then what do we have?
17 4pm to 7pm
Tea and Crumpets by Nick Brooks
73’s crack top CCHL 20 and split the weekly meetings
Rowdy on a tear...Owen Redmond gives a leg up with the opening marker on Friday night's blank with Renfrew Wolves rematch, as Brody Clookey and Nick Voisey look on.
by G.J. the sportsguy
Brockville Braves came out victorious on Wednesday evening as Kemptville faced a hot goal tender to fall 2-zip. The first frame, Kemptville failed to capitalize with 8 minutes of Brockville riding the slab to put it behind Austen Caley and blank the twenty.
Brockville continued to trap Kemptville’s north south zip and stellar stopping power from both ends
to remain scoreless in the second. Game winner to beat Keegan Carswell with a rubbish goal from a combination with McNally to Aidan Carolan put Brockville on the board in the last twenty at 6:58. Lumsden with Ryan McNally for the Braves insurance at 19:07 and the 73’s pulled their stopper at 19:23 for a final push with extra attacker without success. Buzzer sounded with Kemptville in the sin bin to award Brock-
ville 2 to 0 redemption winner. Kemptville outshot Brockville 48 to 30 with 0/5 PP to 0/6 PP.
Rematch with Renfrew Wolves on Friday night gave Rylan Donovan his fifth SO and Kemptville 3-zip victory. William St. James stretched out to Brody Clookey crashing the cage and Owen Redmond flipped the rebound over Reece Herman’s shoulder for the game winner at 1:18 to open the initial twenty.
Lucas Achim held the wall until William St. James scooted the rubber to Jacob Kulas in the middle for the insurance at 19:39. Anthony D’Arienzo dipsy doodle with Eric Sweetapple for Darius Nichols to launch a howitzer in the second stanza at 8:41.
The final frame opened and closed scoreless for the 73’s well deserved win. Kemptville outgunned their opponents with 37 to 24 with 0/3 PP to 0/2.
Kemptville rides out to the Cornwall Corral for a Thursday night rodeo with the Colts after some players head off to Hawkesbury for the CCHL Prospect & All Star Game on February 9. Back home Monday to meet the Navan Grads for a special Johnny (Guy) Trumelle tribute game on Family Day.
See you around the wall…Hockey with EDGE
Big Smiles and Bigger Spins at the Kemptville Skating Club Super Showcase
by Talia Hreljac
Sequins sparkled and blades glided as the Kemptville Skating Club took to the ice for its Super Showcase on Sunday, February 8. The event featured 29 skaters from the club’s Future Stars and StarSkaters programs, delivering a mix
of solo performances and lively group numbers. Ages ranged from three to, let’s just say, comfortably beyond three, with adult skaters proving that fun on the ice has no age limit.
Several group routines were set to music from past Super Bowl
halftime shows, a fun wink to the big game happening later that day. Organizers even made sure the show wrapped up in time for everyone to get home before the first wings and nachos were served. Held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, the showcase also included a raffle and bake sale, rounding out a fun filled, family friendly day in the community.
The Kemptville Skating Club has been nurturing a love of skating since 1970. A registered Skate Canada club, it offers recreational and competitive programs for skaters of all ages and abilities, led by certified coaches and based out of the Municipal Centre.
Club president Melissa Baczek praised everyone involved, saying, “Huge shoutout to our incredible coaches, skaters, and executive team for all the hard work that went into planning, organizing, and delivering such an amazing show. The day went beautifully, the skaters had an absolute blast, and that joy made every bit of behind the scenes work so worth it.”
Between this showcase and the excitement of the Olympics, it’s clear that the love of figure skating is shining bright in the North Grenville community right now.
PLAYER PROFILE
The Canadian Library of Drifted Material
by Fred Schueler –Fragile Inheritance Natural History
Like many pretentious-sounding names, this tries to express what it really is. It originates in our collections of drifted material from shores all across Canada (and the adjacent USA), and its purpose is to serve as a library from which information about conditions along streams and lakes can be extracted.
The shells of land snails and aquatic Molluscs are the obvious content of these samples, but we anticipate that in time they and the bits of plants, insects, and even feathers and bones, will serve as references for the occurrence or absence of species, habitat features, and climate changes. Through the 1970s and 1980s we collected drifted samples from the shores of lakes and streams and deposited them in the national museum, but it wasn't until 1993, when we undertook a local survey of aquatic animals, and a sudden spring snowmelt provided us with a freshet, that we started to systematically look for drifted shells as a way of quickly summarizing the snail fauna of a drainage basin.
Then in 1997 we
collected a sample of drifted snail shells from the shore of the the South Nation River at High Falls, and three years later, when Zebra Mussels made up most of a subsequent sample, we realized that repeated samples from the same site could help to trace the ecological history of the watershed (in 2019 the shores here were 10 cm deep in Zebra shells, and by 2025 there were many fewer Zebras and some native mussels).
Fragile Inheritance now has 1515 collections of drift, identified out into 4575 records of species. Robert Forsyth had identified many land snails, including the first record of a European species in Canada, and this past summer our intern, Luna Lopez-Andrews, provided me with a whole February of work in entering the species she sorted from many samples. Once the snail shells are removed from the sample, the residue is preserved so it can be examined for plant seeds & parts, microplastics, or other indications of conditions when & where it was collected.
The most diverse drift is found at the highest level of flooding, hung up among sticks and leaves or skimmed off through natural filters of grass from the current
or eddies. Collecting is best after the water level has fallen about 30 cm from the crest, but before subsequent rain or trampling has dispersed the concentrations of water-sorted shells. We now have three decades of samples from numerous local sites, including the tailrace of the old Bishops’ mills at Mill Street, the overflow between the branches of the creek NE of Bishops Mills, the rocks near the dock below the Prescott Street bridge in Kemptville, and the main stream of the Rideau at Andrewsville – many of these samples document substantial changes in the streams’ molluscan fauna.
This year we’re going to be getting the Canadian of Drifted Material organized for a transition – to the Canadian Museum of Nature, or to a municipal museum. We can provide samples for students or volunteers to sort through, who would want to learn about the many species of a littleknown Class of animals, and for study of the history of a site, here or as far away as Alberta.
Painting of shells sorted from a collection of drift, by Luna Lopez-Andrews.
COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca
SILENT AUCTION - ST ANN RECTORY
The contents of the Rectory of St. Ann Church, Merrickville will be sold through a silent auction on Saturday February 28 from 10am to 4pm. items include furniture, china and linen. A feature are prints by Robert Bateman, Brenda Carter and Nell Lamarsh as well as original oils by local artists. Items for sale will be tagged and purchasers are invited to write down their bid and contact information. Usual auction terms and conditions apply,
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONTHLY SUPPER at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
YOUNGSTERS OF YORE
Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street. Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair. Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack after Ashley speaks and answers your questions.
March 5th, 2026 - Meredith Luce, Local Author
March 12th, 2026 - David Shanahan - songs and stories
March 19th, 2026 - Victor Desroches- EV Cars
March 26th, 2026 - Liz Angus, Local Author, Her Book " The Other Family" We welcome All Ages!
FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.
NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION
Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm)
Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres.Everyone is welcome, young and not so young\ Bring clean indoor shoes
For more information or to volunteer, please contact the North Grenville Community Meals Association at NGCMAssociation@gmail.com
FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. TUESDAY COMMUNITY HUB hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. MODERN SQUARE DANCING in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.
NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED
The NGMS provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coffee and conversation, and do projects that benefit the community. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30 to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West (the former Salvation Army church and Thrift Store location). Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) or our website: ngmensshed.com for more information.
KEMPTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.
NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans.
Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?
JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE — a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com
CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers.
ACROSS
1. Old Jewish scholars
6. Cut back 10. Taxis
14. Hush
15. Ardent
16. Double-reed woodwind
17. Extreme 18. Sexual assault
19. Nothing more than 20. Soaking up 22. Implored
23. Dogs wag these 24. Sleighs
25. Grave
29. Say again
31. Talismans
33. Arousing intense feeling
37. Come back
38. Kind of gown
39. Smiled scornfully
41. Lack of light
42. Nearest orbital point
44. Moveable fence barrier
45. Discovered
48. Jargon
50. Dugout shelter
51. Coquetry
56. Erotica
57. Fair attraction
58. Push
59. Surveyor's map
60. Anagram of "Seek"
61. Diner
62. Cheers
63. Exam
64. Be upright DOWN
1. Blue shade
2. Onion or tulip or light
3. Morsels
4. Pertaining to flight
5. Begin
6. Social gatherings
7. Services
8. Comeback
9. Biblical garden
10. Finishing
11. White poplar
12. Uninterested
13. Sows
21. Associate 24. Tempest
25. Seafarers
26. Portent 27. Silence
28. Architectural plans
30. Of the surrounding area
32. Made a mistake
34. Bright thought
35. Huge
36. Apart from this 40. Aversion
41. Honey
43. Moves effortlessly
45. Joyful
46. Deadly virus
47. Impressive display
49. Not solids nor liquids 51. Worry 52. Not this 53. Infinitesimal amount
You bake with it 55. Geek
Agricultural area review process flawed
by Tom Graham
The Province requires all municipalities to protect prime agricultural lands for now and for the future. This is a good thing; how else are we going to feed ourselves? (Keep in mind, this is the same government that has been carving up the Greenbelt, reducing set-backs around wetlands and gutting Conservation Areas' abilities.)
Locally, the Leeds Grenville Agricultural Area Review is nearly complete, but not without its problems. The goal of the review is "to identify and assess prime agricultural lands". The process they used, called a LEAR, was developed in southern Ontario, and uses satellite imagery, 75-year-old studies on soil quality, and a scoring system. Across Leeds Grenville, over 2,000 landowners were affected – with the result that many landowners whose land was previously designated as ‘Rural', would
now find their land designated ‘Agricultural', with all its inherent restrictions.
When the Ag Review process started in 2022, our property was among the thousands that were identified to become ‘Ag'. We provided evidence showing that our land was not suitable: "Poor drainage, shallow soil over bedrock, wet conditions, etc.", and the consultant agreed to remove our land from the Ag designation.
Of the over 2,000 properties affected who were notified after Counties Council, including Mayor Peckford, insisted that they be advised of the change prior to the decision, the consultants only talked to a little over 400 stakeholders – barely 20% of those affected. And the consultants visited fewer than 40 properties. If they had actually done site visits, as suggested by the Province's own website, it would have been clear that not all lands should be identified as Ag.
My experience with this process has allowed me to speak with no fewer than six professional planners, all of whom are highly trained. I can see why planners like LEAR: it appears to be an objective, formulabased process that produces a product that meets Provincial requirements. Yet, what I've observed through this process is that by applying a Golden Horseshoe approach, it overlooks the reality of land – and agriculture – in Leeds Grenville.
While it is the planners' and consultants' task to provide advice and reports to Council, it is Council who must apply common sense to decide what's in the best interest of the public, protecting ‘Rural'-designated landowners' rights while still meeting the Province's mandate of protecting real Agricultural land for the future.
One bit of common sense brought forward by Mayor Peckford (unani-
mously endorsed by NG Council) was to suggest a 300-metre exemption to rural landowners affected by the seemingly arbitrary change to Ag. This buffer would maintain North Grenville landowners' current options (rather than penalize them), plus legitimately provide some potential to accommodate future growth. And farmers can still farm and create lots for family or additional income to continue or expand their farming operations. A winwin solution.
At the Counties' Planning Advisory Committee meeting last July, Adrian Wynands, Deputy Mayor of Augusta Township and president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture said, "I speak on behalf farmers." Wynands stated that he felt the 300-metre buffer was, "the commonsense approach, and most of the farmers are in favour of that." At that meeting, every mayor in Leeds Grenville voted in favour of this ap-
Community Dinner Update
The Community Dinner is now well into its second month, and thanks to the many volunteers and the generosity of local businesses, it’s becoming a well-established weekly gathering. The meals have been fresh, delicious, and prepared with care. At our most recent dinner, 123 people came through the doors, from young families to seniors, and many who simply enjoy sharing a meal with others rather than eating alone. The sense of goodwill has been incredible, and the occasional drop-in from local musicians adds a lovely touch to the atmosphere.
The dinners are served every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Armoury downtown and are offered free of charge or by donation. The address for the Armoury is 25 Reuben Crescent.
As the program continues to grow, the organizers are hoping to find a more suitable long-term space. Currently, the food is prepared off-site and transported to the Armoury, which presents logistical challenges. The most recent dinner was so well attended that a larger venue may soon be required.
Volunteers are always welcome. Businesses are encouraged to come as a group, and those wishing to donate, either individually or as an organization can contact the North Grenville Community Meals Association at: NGCMAssociation@gmail.com
We hope to see you at dinner soon!
proach.
In the end, it's not about how much Ag land is shown on the map. The goal was never to add more land, only to accurately identify that land which really is
What’s happening to land in North Grenville
by Mayor Nancy Peckford
Over the past two years, residents may have heard about the LEAR/AAR (Land Evaluation Agricultural Review/Agricultural Area Review) process. It's a comprehensive technical review intended to evaluate existing and potential agricultural lands to determine what level of protection they need.
This exercise was mandated by the Government of Ontario and undertaken by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. It has resulted in the designation of hundreds of properties to agricultural in North Grenville, with one caveat. While the objective of this exercise is to preserve natural assets, and ensure that agriculture remains not only viable, but thriving for generations to come, there is an unintended consequence, as myself and my Counties colleagues discovered.
And that is that many rural property owners whose properties have been exclusively for residential use, and despite small lot sizes, poor quality soil, or simply a lack of interest to actively farm their own land, will
now have a land designation of “agriculture”. Under LEAR, the objective is less focused on individual parcels and property owners, and more to protect existing or future active agricultural operations down the road by minimizing potential land uses conflict by designating large "areas", if you will, as agricultural, even if your individual property is not sized or suited for agriculture.
This new agricultural designation, however, no matter how long you have resided on your property, can limit your capacity to sever land, and potentially imposes agricultural considerations on things such as financing, the placement of an additional dwelling units, and other matters.
When it became apparent at the Counties table that hundreds of property owners in North Grenville and beyond would not be informed of the Counties’ proposal to re-designate their lands from rural to agriculture, as per the Counties LEAR process, I worked closely with my mayoral colleagues to move a resolution insisting on notification by mail to all property owners. Following that direction, Counties staff
and the consultant met with property owners - on request - in affected communities such as North Grenville. In a few cases, the Counties’ external consultant agreed to remove the proposed agricultural land designation from an individual property, while in many other cases, the Counties’ consultant rejected these requests.
In delegations by property owners to the Counties during this process, Mayors heard from several farmers who noted that, in Eastern Ontario, fertile farm land is a haphazard patchwork across the region, not contiguous as in other parts of the province. Further, arable farmland in our part of the province doesn’t always come easily, and many farmers have worked exceedingly hard to render their properties into productive agricultural land. Several farmers who spoke at the Counties meetings against LEAR said they didn’t want their land to be redesignated from rural to agriculture because it would limit their opportunity to diversify uses on their lands, particularly if farming became too difficult because of weather events like droughts or the cost of fertilizer. They pro-
vided passionate pleas for why an agricultural designation could actually create the conditions for them to no longer be able to farm their land in the long term.
All of this revealed to me that the LEAR approach, as guided by a methodology rooted in southwestern Ontario, where extremely large tracks of highly fertile agricultural land are in abundance, was quite out of sync with the realities of farming in eastern Ontario. Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatke, born and raised in a farming family, reinforced the idea that the approach to agricultural land designation in Leeds and Grenville was not aligned with the disjointed patchwork of farmlands in this part of the world. Even the President of the local Grenville Federation of Agriculture, Adrian Wynands, the Deputy Mayor of Augusta, concurred that a different approach was required, and he supported Counties Council's efforts to take a pause and find a different way forward.
Consequently, Counties Council began to consider other approaches. Ultimately, both my municipal Council and United Counties Council colleagues
proposed the adoption of a 300-metre ‘exclusion’ buffer for rural lands in North Grenville proposed to be re-designated agricultural.
This represents a compromise which, in effect, gives property owners some relief from limitations imposed by an agricultural designation. We also sought to remove the proposed agrictural designation from a small number of farming properties which had appealed to Counties to do so.
Nonetheless, an additional 23,944 acres, representing 723 parcels of land, have now been designated agriculture, in addition to many existing parcels! At the same time, the LEAR consultant recommended removing an agricultural designation from the Kemptville Campus. In the case of the Campus, because there is already an Institutional zoning in place that recognizes diversified uses of the Campus property beyond agriculture, Counties staff and the Consultant noted that the Kemptville Campus property didn't appear to fit with the objectives of the LEAR process.
Throughout this process, I have learned that the stewardship of lands in any mu-
suitable for growing food. And creating a solution that is in the best interest of the public, using common sense. That is worth protecting.
nicipality is very complex, and there are several layers of governance, whether your land is public or private. Provincial mandates play a big role, as does the jurisdiction that the Counties has over how lands are used in Notlrth Grenville. In the case of the application of a new policy, however, like LEAR, it's how directives are implemented locally that at times can make the biggest difference.
As Mayor sitting at the Counties table, my job has been do to my absolute best to represent the interests of property owners, and the broader objectives of ensuring a balance of agricultural, rural, urban and heritage considerations. There is often no perfect solution, and elected officials play a small, but incredibly important, role as they carefully consider professioanl expertise and staff advice. In the case of LEAR, I was fortunate to have the unanimous support of my municipal and Counties colleagues to forge a path that, under the circumstances, we believe makes the most sense for rural eastern Ontario.
Nuclear energy is powering new jobs
We’re
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Downy Woodpeckers
Up-close
With the sunny, cold weather still with us, I am just thinking back to an event that occurred in our garden on a similar day at the end of 2025. It was, in fact, Christmas Day and I had just opened our blinds to see what was going on outside, when, suddenly, I caught a rapid movement from above to my left! Whoosh, whoomp, and it was all over as a Hawk, probably a Coopers Hawk, made a kill behind one of my feeders at the foot of a tree! Of course, I made a grab for my camera, but, by the time I was back in place, it took off with its prey, a Rock Pigeon or Mourning Dove, clutched in its talons. Quite the shock to occur on
a special day of peace, but life has to go on, which it certainly did!
Since then, I have had a conversation with a friend of many years, who told me a lovely story about one of hers and her husband's most favourite birds, which they both really adore. Wait for it! It's not one you would expect, it's the Parsimonious Crow! Apparently, as we ourselves do, they get a couple of them visiting them. They have formed a close relationship with them, to the extent that the birds actually bring various gift items, such as twigs, to their door - super!
I use the term “parsimonious” to describe the crow, because when they stride about in their own distinct upright, authoritive man-
ner in their black suits, they remind me of a priest, or vicar, dressed in their robes with their commanding demeanor.
I come now to the subject of my article, that of the Downy Woodpeckers, which, as well as the Hairy Woodpecker variety, frequent our feeders all the time. They are a constant joy to behold, and in this beautiful sunny weather make lovely close-up subjects. My hanging feeders right in front of our livingroom window allow me the opportunity to get really close to the birds as they feed. I am also able to get some lovely camera shots of them, as you can see. The one without the red head feathers is the female, and the one with red head feathers is the male. Looking very carefully at the male's picture, you can see the open beak and the reflection of it too! I hope that you, too, are able to see and enjoy your own birds. Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin
Seeing the Macro World Clearly with Focus Stacking
Have you ever wondered how nature photographers achieve crisp detailed images of insects and plants? At February’s NGPC meet-
ing, member Ian Maynard presented a digital technique called focus stacking. Focus stacking maximizes results for genres suffer-
ing from shallow depths of field. By taking several photos and blending them, focus stacking helps keep the entire subject perfectly in focus, solving the 'blurry background/foreground' problem. Ian states, "It has significantly benefited my passion for photography and interest into the macro world, bringing many things that often go unnoticed into clear view.” Ian’s skimmer dragonfly photo is a beautiful example where this technique was used.
Mosaic Tile Legacy next Workshop scheduled for Monday, February 16, Family day
Location:
Painted Key Art Therapy Studio, courtesy of Patricia Cameron Room 108, Parish Hall, 40 Campus Drive, Kemptville 2 SESSIONS 10 am to Noon Noon to 2pm Free event or by donation
Space is limited please contact Sharon Dean at info@ngtiles.ca to register beforehand. For more information on this project please go to our facebook page ngtiles
