Issue 6 2022 February 16 NG Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 10 No. 6

February 16, 2022

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vaccination as one of the key Local Journalism Initiative Reporter strategies in place.

“At Bayfield, the health An outbreak at Bayfield and safety of our residents Manor last month could have and staff is our first priorbeen much worse if not for ity,” he said. “We follow all the long term care home’s Public Health and Ministry stringent pandemic protocols. directives, and evolve our The Manor was in outbreak infection prevention and constatus from January 18 to trol practices and policies as January 29. Remarkably, dur- guidance is updated. We are ing this period of nearly two proud to share that 100% of weeks, none of the residents residents at Bayfield have recontracted the COVID-19 vi- ceived the 4th booster dose of rus – only staff were affected. the COVID-19 vaccine, and The Times spoke with 100% of staff have received Gerry Miller, the Executive the 3rd booster dose. The high Director of Bayfield Manor, vaccination uptake results in about the protocols which the risk of infection or disease help to prevent the spread of being significantly reduced. infection. Gerry emphasized This, along with the many

by Brandon Mayer

other prevention practices we have implemented, helps reduce the risk of infection.”

Evidently, prevention is critical for controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and one way that Bayfield Manor stays ahead of the virus is by conducting regular COVID-19 surveillance testing, so that asymptomatically infected staff are quickly identified and excluded from work.

Of course, restrictions which keep residents safe can also take a mental toll, especially considering that the pandemic has been ongoing for nearly two years. Staff and residents are taking a posi-

tive outlook on the current situation, which is helping everyone get through it.

“Our team and residents are also happy with the recent announcement about loosening restrictions,” Gerry said.

“Being able to see more loved ones is welcome news, and having social outings expands options for safe socializing and entertainment, which strengthens everyone's overall wellbeing.”

Next month will mark two years since pandemic restrictions began being implemented.

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

T:5"

Upcoming Hospice events will have notable guests

by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coming up in October will be two significant events put on by the Beth Donovan Hospice, each featuring keynote speakers whose excellent reputations precede them. On Thursday, October 13, the Hospice will host an event called, “An Evening with BJ Miller, M.D.” B.J. Miller is a noted physician and the founder of Mettle Health, an American organization which provides online palliative and holistic care without a doctor’s referral. He is also the author of a book on palliative care called, “The Beginner’s Guide to the End”.

The October 13 event will take place at the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre in Ottawa, with a meet and greet from 6-7 pm, and a presentation and Q&A from 7-9 pm.

General admission tickets are $50, with a half-off price of $25 for Hospice Volunteers.

Admission to the event will be limited, so those interested are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

The following day, on October 14, the Hospice is organizing a Rural Community Hospice Day at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

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Ontario is getting stronger

The event will run from 8 am 4:30 pm, and tickets cost $25, with lunch and snacks included. Themes for the event will include improving palliative care, showcasing programs and services, and promoting community outreach. Trauma and Grief Counsellor, David Kennedy, will be the keynote speaker for Rural Community Hospice Day. As with the October 13 event, the event on October 14 has limited space available.

The Times spoke with Sue Walker, Mary Lou Anderson, Melissa Hill, and Megan Dillenbeck of the Beth Donovan Hospice to gain more insights about what inspired the planning of the upcoming events.

The women discussed how urban Hospices connect very easily with each other, but it is much more difficult for rural Hospices to do so. This was a main driving force behind planning October’s events.

The team spoke of being very excited to have secured BJ Miller as a speaker, as he is internationally recognized as a palliative physician, and has only spoken in Canada one other time. He is also a university professor, and has appeared on television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The team also expressed high regard for David Kennedy, who will be the keynote speaker on October 14. In the coming weeks, the Hospice will be putting out packages requesting abstracts for future presentations, as they would like others to have a chance to share their work and their experiences in the field. There has been a limited amount of educational experiences in the last two years, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the Hospice is eager to facilitate opportunities to learn.

The Beth Donovan team expressed much gratitude for their presenting sponsor, the OutCare Foundation.

OutCare has been very generous financially in helping the Hospice cover the cost of the upcoming events. Funds raised through ticket sales from October’s events will go directly toward covering the costs of the events, but if there is any excess, it would be applied toward future events. Tickets for both the October 13 and October 14 events can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3Ba60MR.

One man's home is his castle

Across the province, more workers are joining the skilled trades as resources and industries in the north become part of the future of clean steel and electric vehicles.

More jobs are being created by building new bridges and highways, expanding public transit and constructing new homes— all for a growing province.

Home-grown businesses are manufacturing more of the things we rely on.

Ontario’s economy is getting stronger. See what’s happening at ontario.ca/stronger This snow castle on George Street, Kemptville, has been gaining a lot of attention over the past few weeks. It started off small, and seems to have grown to almost as tall as the bungalow behind it. The creator of this monument, who prefers to remain anonymous, has plans to start working on the inside, creating rooms, such as living space, a bedroom and, as you can see, he has already carved out a small alcove in the front. He has also built a ramp on the side to reach the top. Here's hoping the cold temperatures last long enough for his vision to be accomplished.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

February 16, 2022

2

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Canada’s only surviving quadruple amputee of the First World War and sharing all that they had learned.

Many members of The War Amps considered Christian an inspiration to all amputees and were quick to think, “If Curley can do it, I can!”

“When you are surrounded by others who are accomplishing things, it stimulates you to try,” said Christian.

“Today, there are young fellows coming back [from the war] with arms or legs gone.

They're diffident, bashful, frightened. You can never know the misery they suffer mentally as well as physically. At [The War Amps] that vanishes. We're all among our own kind. We boost each other mentally and we learn things physically.”

Today, The War Amps continues to serve veteran amputees, and all Canadian amputees, including children.

Rob Larman, a director with the Association and a leg amputee himself said, “Curley Christian continues to have a legendary status in The War Amps for how he overcame his amputations, particularly at a time when disability was very much a hidden and taboo subject.”

Christian returned to Vimy in 1936 with his fellow war amputees for the unveiling of the Vimy Ridge Memorial.

He passed away in 1954, and in Toronto reporter Gregory Clark’s eulogy of Christian, he said, “After the

Left: Ethelbert “Curley” Christian Right: War Amps Rob Larman and Tiffany Ross, a member of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program laid a rose at the grave of Ethelbert “Curley” Christian, at Toronto’s Prospect Cemetery.

As February marks Black History Month, The War Amps is paying tribute to Ethelbert “Curley” Christian (1883-1954), one of the Association’s founding members who was believed to have been the only surviving quadruple amputee of the First World War. Christian lived in Manitoba and served with the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers). During the Battle of Vimy Ridge, he was wounded when heavy shelling buried him in a trench. With debris crushing all four of his limbs, he lay on the battlefield for two days before being found close to death. Two stretcher bearers were struck and

killed by shells while carrying Christian off the battlefield, but he again survived.

Later, in a French hospital, gangrene set in and both of his arms and legs had to be amputated.

While Christian was recovering at Christie Street Veterans Hospital in Toronto, he met his future wife, Cleo MacPherson, who was a volunteer aid. MacPherson noted that it was costly for the government to keep Christian at the hospital and felt that she could take care of him at home. However, it would be a full-time job which meant she would be unable to work.

The hospital director appealed to the Canadian gov-

ernment on the Christians’ behalf, which led to the creation of the Attendance Allowance, a supplement to full time caregivers of wounded veterans. This benefit still exists today.

Christian was also one of the founding members of The War Amps, an organization started more than 100 years ago by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to bring together, support and fight the battles for amputee veterans.

It was these First World War veterans who welcomed the new contingent of amputees following the Second World War, helping them adapt to their new reality

Vimy battle, Curley Christian lived 37 years a happy man, going to the races, playing gin rummy, attending meetings, speaking and standing forth for his Comrades, an inspiration to all those with lesser fates who might grieve for themselves. Curley never grieved. There was enough of him left to be a man among men.”

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Tensions rising with trucker convoy inconveniences caused to Local Journalism Initiative Reporter locals and businesses in the downtown core, with many Since its inception, the politicians and members of so-called Freedom Convoy the public calling the protest has evolved into a movement an “illegal occupation”. There that is intended to be the voice were talks of military and for all who are against govern- RCMP intervention after the ment instituted COVID-19 first week of the protestors’ pandemic mandates and re- presence, but it is not clear strictions, including mask- if this option is still being wearing, vaccine passports, considered. and gathering limits. Now, Politicians are staunchly more than two weeks into the divided when it comes to protest, tensions are rising the protest. Prime Minister significantly at the epicentre Trudeau has consistently deof the protest, with many nounced the movement, callpredicting that a peaceful end ing the views of the protestors is no longer possible. “unacceptable” and demandPrime Minister Justin ing that they leave. Carleton Trudeau’s government has MP Pierre Poilievre – who not budged regarding CO- is now a candidate for the VID-19 mandates, but the leadership of the Conservaconvoy organizers and par- tive Party after the ousting of ticipants certainly achieved Erin O’Toole – has become a the gridlock they were hop- fierce supporter of the moveing for. Within the first few ment, even posting on social days, reports surfaced of the media about the “triumphs” February 16, 2022

by Brandon Mayer

the licenses required for their careers. Despite this step, unconfirmed reports surfaced on February 11 that the Ford government had plans to announce a lifting of restrictions in the coming weeks or months. Last week, a judge ordered an injunction to stop protestors from honking their horns downtown, responding to complaints from downtown residents that the noise levels were negatively impacting their well-being. Locally, reactions to the convoy have been mixed, with strong and likely unchangeable views on both sides.

Who can tell where the situation will be by the time you read this.

of several provinces who have made plans to end all pandemic mandates in the wake of the protest. Criticisms from Poilievre have focused on Trudeau’s unwillingness to meet with the protestors, which he argues is wrong, since the Prime Minister should hear and represent all Canadians, not just those he agrees with.

Ottawa Mayor, Jim Watson, has been a sharp critic of the protest since it began, even going so far as to demand apologies from the Conservative MPs who have supported it. Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, has perhaps come down the hardest on the protesters, announcing late last week that a state of emergency was being declared, and that protestors who refused to leave would be subject to fines of up to $100,000, a year in jail, and the loss of 3

Tara McRae MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker,

Psychotherapist

CMAP Health

https://cmaphealth.com/ therapists/tara-mcrae/ tmcrae@cmaphealth.com

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Dazed and confused

by David Shanahan I wonder: has the world just gone mad, or was it always like this, but we didn’t notice? Whatever you think of the trucker protest, and the many and varied groups that had jumped on to that particular bandwagon, there are many in this country dazed and confused about what’s happening to their world. The actions of the truckers and their allies in happily declaring that they intend to “shut down Canada” seems out of character with how Canadians have always seen themselves.

This kind of activity, some feel, is not at all in keeping with the way we do things here: far more in keeping with the Excited States of America and their gun-crazy, “give-me-liberty-or-give-medeath” style. Hearing protestors shout out “Freedom!”, in the style of Mel Gibson as William Wallace on the scaffold in Braveheart, is also strange on the ears. Here we thought Canada was already a very free society, especially compared to... well, anywhere

else, actually.

What is happening here?

Are we witnessing a revolution in Canadian politics and society in general? Have we gone from a country of Two Solitudes, as Hugh MacLennan called it in his novel, to one of multiple sub-groups, all at odds with each other over the basic fabric of society? This entire episode has raised serious questions about issues in our society. What is freedom, anyway? When does your freedom interfere with mine to such an extent that I am damaged by it? Who decides what the balance is?

In the past, that is, before Covid, it was accepted that we elected people to maintain that balance. We had a press, the media generally, that monitored how governments behaved, and watched out for any unfair infringement on our rights and freedoms.

But all that is being questioned these days, as government itself is accused of denying freedom to those it disagrees with. Worst of all, political parties are taking sides against themselves, in

effect, by demanding that the current government give in to the demands of what is, in effect, a mob. Over and over again, I find myself asking what individuals like Pierre Poilievre and Candice Bergen would do if they were in power right now. Would they be out talking to the protestors, or would the police and army have already been called in to disperse them?

But it isn’t just governments that have been brought into question. We in the media are also under suspicion, at the very least. Here’s a local example. Last week, we prepared an article about a woman who had made serious complaints against the United Counties and Steve Clark.

The issue is not germane here.

We held up publication until we got comments from all sides, which seemed like the right thing to do.

But the woman in question was furious that we delayed the article, and decided that I was trying to kill the story. Why? Because she noticed that there is a logo on our Editorial page, where

staff are listed, saying that the Times receives funding from Canada. This is a grant from Canada Heritage (not the government, or the Liberal Party) which helps pay for a Local Journalism Reporter.

Most Canadian newspapers get similar funding.

But to this lady, it proved that we are a government mouthpiece, out to subvert freedom and deny her the right to have her story told.

According to her, we are controlled by the government and therefore cannot be trusted - we are fake news.

The government controls everyone. First of all, let me respond to the idea that we are government controlled: no, I realise that nothing I say to that will change some people’s minds, no matter how totally ridiculous that claim is. I think we have proved our independence of any political faction by how we publish every point of view. But enough of that.

What the point is here is the manner in which every institution of Canadian society is being undermined by

the far right and other groups and individuals with a grudge.

It used to be the big bad wolf was the Left, the communists and their ilk. Now we are faced with the same kind of nonsense on the right too. But this happens now and then in Canadian history. Remember this: in the 1920's and 1930's, the Ku Klux Klan held annual rallies in Smith’s Falls, burning up to sixty crosses at their event, some of them sixty feet high. This was Eastern Ontario, not the Deep South of the US. It does seem that, for whatever reason, Canadians like to copy their American neighbours. It seems more exciting, more daring, more (dare I say?) “Free”. They had their January 6, we have to have our version on Parliament Hill. I hate the idea of squelching any form of protest, and I would be against any attempt to stop people protesting their grievances.

Even breaking the law can be understood in the right circumstances. But, as an Irish-born Canadian, I relish the free society we have here.

I admire the Canadian spirit of fair play and good manners, even in the most drastic circumstances. Are we really at a point where illegality is justified?

After the multiple examples of Canadian generosity, co-operation, self-sacrifice and mutual encouragement that we’ve experienced over the past two years, I find protestors demanding “freedom”, and complaining that their rights are being denied, more than a little ridiculous. The restrictions they complain about (among so many other things) are being lifted anyway. If anything, their actions are delaying that. No government wants to be seen to give in to mob demands, no matter how much they may be justified.

So, all right: you made your point. It was made in a manner I think was unnecessary and unfortunate. But you made it, so you can stop hurting your own country: its economy and its reputation have been damaged.

Enough. Go home. You are free to do so.

emergency calls and checking hazards within their districts provided crews the opportunity to address fire safety concerns in homes they visited.

Old or missing smoke detectors were replaced, and installed free of charge (and without a fine).

We often think of old, run-down structures as fire hazards. However, new, lightweight, wood frame construction can have unprotected, structural components fail early under fire conditions.

Check your smoke detectors and install new batteries (spring and fall). Check the expiration date of the detector. Functioning detectors have saved countless lives.

Regards, John Gagnon Kemptville

Dear Editor, I was saddened to read about the recent passing of Terry Meagher, a true gentleman and community minded person, a “mensch”, as our Jewish friends would say….. and to show the respect with which he was held, he would often be called upon by them to make up the “minion” so that a service could be held in the synagogue just off Saunders Street. One had to have ten men for a service to proceed. I would also like to mention an additional project which Terry organized and promoted in the early 2010’s.

Our family arrived in Kemptville in 2009, and in the Fall of that year I received a phone call from Terry, a complete stranger at the time.

I answered the phone and he asked if someone, whose name I can’t remember, was there, because he wanted him to sing in a choir. I replied that the person was not here, but that I had sung in choirs for many years (true). He replied that if I was interested, I could join a group he was

forming - a four piece band, two or three soloists, and a group of about ten singers to record some Korean War songs. Of course, I jumped at the chance, and that was how I ended up as part of Terry’s project to record “Songs of The Combat Soldier”. Some of you may remember the performances in the Kemptville and other Legions in the area, or you may still have copies of the CD. After the project was over, I asked him why he was doing it, because I don’t think he made a great deal of money on the Project, and he replied that it was to keep a promise to a friend, and I noticed that nowhere on the CD’s jacket does he list his name as being the force behind the project.

Terry was a modest and caring person who will be missed in our community.

Regards, Robert Angi

Dear Editor, If readers of the NG Times Face Book page were to take at face value the post opening with “Sadly the reality is that it is no longer a surprise to see some council members aiding developers, but residents should never have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to stop development that will put them under water,” they may believe the attached report reference members of the North Grenville council.

Sadly the Feb. 9 article Rideau Action Group uncover disturbing information concerns the Rideau Action Group in North Gower, and the organization’s battle with Ottawa and some of the city’s councillors over rezoning, and related environmental issues regarding a proposed warehouse in the Stevens Creek floodplain.

I don’t attribute an ulterior motive to the author of the post. Simply, this is sloppy, unprofessional journalism.

Michael Whittaker

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I would like to make a few comments about people interviewed at the Protest on Wellington Street. One young lady commented that she couldn't go to college because she was unvaccinated. Back in the early 70's, when I was going into college, everyone had to have a chest x-ray to see if any of us had tuberculosis.

With the advances in our Health Sciences these days, I think I prefer to take my chances with the vaccine for COVID, than the exposure I had to radiation from the 70's portable x-ray machines.

Also, there was a gentleman, probably a little older than myself, who said he wanted the same freedoms for his grandchildren as he had. He was a white male; so, yes, he would have had his freedom. When I was young and looking for work, I was denied an interview for one job, because the man (interviewer) would not grant me one. When he saw me, he said I was young and married and he did not want to replace

me when I started a family.

I'm sure the gentleman at the protest would have been given an interview. By the way, maternity leave was only three months back then.

Other people were saying that they want everything to go back to normal. Life will never be the same normal as before the pandemic. Our Health Care system has been overwhelmed and it may take years, or never be the same.

Lynn Paibomesai Dear Editor, G.D. Bungay raised some important issues concerning fire inspections and the use of smoke detectors.

The Ottawa Fire Services conducted home inspections until the early 1980’s. The inspections were carried out by firefighting crews within their own fire districts.

The inspections focused on furnaces, combustible fire loads, electrical hazards, and smoke detectors.

For a variety of reasons, firefighter home inspections came to an end. However,

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

Marketing/Sales Hayley Bedford hayley@ndtimes.ca 343 777 2702

February 16, 2022

Dear Editor, Maybe your readers can help me to understand the difference. Isn’t taking the GiveSendGo money like stealing from the church offering plate?

Pamela Gordon

the north grenville

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TIMES Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

OFFICE 613-215-0735

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The North Grenville Times

North Grenville 2022 draft budget released

by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Municipality of North Grenville held its budget presentation to the media on February 11 to field questions over the draft 2022 budget.

One key theme of the budget is to maintain the level of Municipal services which residents expect in a growing Municipality, while also continuing to work toward modernization of such areas as planning and software, in order to find efficiencies that save taxpayers’ money.

The budget presentation commended the achievements of some of the Municipality’s departments last year. Something that many residents were likely waiting to find out about, was whether property taxes would increase this year.

The answer is “yes” – the draft budget proposes a Municipal rate increase of 1.9%, and an estimated increase of 2.5% on the Counties side.

For an average household, this will mean an increase of about $83 for 2022’s tax bill, although this number is dependent on the assessed

value of the property.

The proposed increase would support the rising cost of several 2022 operating expenses for the Municipality, including salaries, contracted professional services, and more. These increased costs would also be offset by a few expenses which are expected to decrease, such as policing costs, and fees and interest charges. The Municipality is also proposing to transfer significantly less (just over $462,000 less) to the reserve fund this year – a 22.1% decrease from last year.

Many residents will be happy to learn that there is no proposed change in the water and sewer rate for the year. Of course, the fee paid for these services depends on water consumption rates, so individual households may still see changes in what they pay this year, depending on water usage.

On the subject of the budget, Mayor Nancy Peckford told the Times, “Given North Grenville's strong rate of growth, and commitment to fostering a high quality of life, Council recognizes

••

the need to continue to focus on infrastructure (roads and facilities), promoting a wide range of housing options, updating our parks and recreation amenities for the benefit of all residents at all life stages, as well as modernizing our Municipality's capacity to serve its residents and businesses well.”

Two public consultation sessions were planned to seek feedback from residents on the proposed budget.

One took place on February 14, and the other is planned for February 16 at 6:30 pm.

These sessions are virtual, via the Zoom platform, and those wishing to attend must RSVP to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca for the Zoom link.

The draft budget will be presented and deliberated at the February 22 Council meeting, with the final budget presented on March 2.

The current draft budget is available for public review at www.northgrenville.ca/budget (the PDF is downloadable via a link on the right hand side of the page).

February 16, 2022

Eastern Ontario (STEO) has seen several bus route cancellations take place this school year due to driver shortages.

Trustee Danaher also offered an update on STEO’s Inclement Weather Zone Review and stop-arm cameras on school buses. Work and review is underway on both of these initiatives. STEO expects to be able to provide an update later this school year.

Operations Management Update: Several superintendents reported to the Board updates from their respective portfolios.

Human Resources Superintendent Chad Brownlee provided a staffing shortage update. As reported during previous Board meetings, the UCDSB is experienc-

UPDATE

For updates related to COVID-19 and the North Grenville Municipal Centre visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please note: Renovations at the North Grenville Municipal Centre reception area are underway.

Access to the facility will continue to be through the main entrance doors located on the North side of the building.

Customer service will be moved upstairs for the duration of the renovation project. Access to the 2nd floor stairs and elevator will be available during this time.

Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please pre-register with the Clerk's Office at the same e-mail address. Please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk’s Office when pre-registering so that they may best assist you.

Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

• Council Meeting (Closed) – Virtual – February 17, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

• Council Meeting (Open) – Virtual – February 18, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

• Council Meeting (Open) – Virtual – March 1, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca.

• Tourism Advisory Subcommittee – February 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – February 22, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – February 23, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee – February 24, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – March 2, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.

• Heritage Advisory Committee – March 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

BUDGET

UCDSB Trustees Meeting report Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Some of the items discussed in the public session are as follows.

Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocol Implemented: Superintendent Marsha McNair along with Principal Don Lewis reported to Trustees that UCDSB’s newly created Anti-Sex Trafficking protocol has officially been implemented. The protocol, which is a directive from the Ministry of Education, will provide support coordinated action by all community partners to prevent, identify and recognize sex trafficking and develop responses to facilitate early and appropriate intervention. Staff will receive training in this protocol and students will receive educational awareness implemented into the curriculum.

This protocol will provide an added layer of protection for UCDSB students.

Student Transportation Update: Ward 9 Trustee John Danaher presented to the Board an update regarding student transportation. There were several updates provided.

Among them included that Student Transportation of

The Voice of North Grenville

Budget meetings and presentations will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the any of the budget meetings, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca.

ing similar staffing issues to other school boards. To date, no UCDSB schools have had to close due to staffing shortages, but plans are in place should it occur.

Executive Superintendent Jeremy Hobbs shared with Trustees a Community Use of Schools update. As of February 1, UCDSB reopened schools for community use for previous permit holders.

Permit holders must abide by current safety protocols – no spectators, cannot exceed 50 per cent capacity, and all participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Superintendent Bill Loshaw reported to the Board that all extra-curricular activities remain paused, as directed by the Ministry of Education.

• Presentation of Draft Budget (Council Meeting) – February 22, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

• Presentation of Final Budget (Council Meeting) – March 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

NORTH GRENVILLE POLICE SERVICES BOARD

Police Services Board meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca • Wednesday, February 23, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT

North Grenville Accessible Transit is available seven (7) days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The service is available for anyone who meets the definition of having a disability in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act or Seniors 65+.

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/transit to register for the service or call 613-258-9569 ext. 133.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for updates on volunteer and employment opportunities.

Seasonal Student Positions 2022 - Parks, Recreation and Culture The Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is currently accepting applications for full and part-time spring/summer student positions. Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for a list of the positions available.

Please send resumes to hr@northgrenville.on.ca no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 14, 2022.

Engineering Summer Students The Department of Public Works is seeking to fill three (3) Summer Engineering Student positions. Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for the job description. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to hr@northgrenville.on.ca no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 18, 2022.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca

Scam Alert from the Health Unit

There have been reports of residents receiving suspicious phone calls claiming to be the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit. We will always fully identify ourselves if we call, and if you are ever unsure if it’s us – you can always call our main line to confirm: 1-800-660-5853.

There are no details about what callers are looking for, but residents are reminded not to give out personal information, including Health Card numbers, to anyone over the phone.

Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002 5

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2794 County Rd 43, Kemptville The North Grenville Times

Council announces Civic Awards recipients who took the time to nominate Local Journalism Initiative Reporter someone. We are very fortunate to have such talented and At a special Council meet- energetic individuals that are ing last week, the Municipal- sharing their time and energy ity announced the recipients for everyone’s benefit.” of the 2021 North Grenville Award recipients include: Civic Awards. The February Joyce Seguin for Agricultural 9 meeting saw over a dozen Leadership (Senior), Herb North Grenville residents and Cloutier for Arts and Culture several community groups (Senior), Sustainable North honoured for their outstand- Grenville for Environment ing service to the community. (Group), Eliza Batchelor Mayor Nancy Peckford for Exemplary Work in the shared a positive message Community (Youth), Neil about the awards. “Congratu- Whyte for Exemplary Work lations to the 2021 Civic in the Community (Senior), Award recipients,” she said. Kemptville Pride for Ex“Council is indeed grateful emplary Work in the Comfor your commitment to im- munity (Group), Members of proving the quality of life and the ParticipACTION working community cohesion here in group for Health and WellNorth Grenville - and there is ness (Group), Sarah Herring no doubt that you certainly did for Recreation Sport and Leithat in 2021. Despite the ups sure (Senior), and The Oxford and downs of this past year, Mills Sisterhood of Guides so many individuals stepped for the Youth Award (Group). up time and time again in unThe Civic Awards Propredictable and ever-changing gram was established to reccircumstances.” ognize and honour the conDeputy Mayor Jim Mc- tributions and dedication of Manaman also commented, individuals and groups who saying “Council received an make outstanding contribuoverwhelming response to tions to improving the quality the call for nominations and of life for all those living and would like to thank all those working in North Grenville.

by Brandon Mayer

Since the program began in 2009, more than 50 individuals and 11 groups have been recognized for their efforts.”

Recreation Sport and Leisure Award winner Mark Robinson told the Times that he was surprised to win the award, which he received for his volunteer efforts in maintaining the Bishop’s Mills Outdoor Rink and the Bishop’s Mills Community Park. “It’s nice to be recognized but I don’t do it to be recognized, I do it for the kids,” Mark said. “I know how much I enjoyed it when I was young, it breaks up the monotony of winter.”

Sarah Herring received the same award as Mark, but in the Seniors’ category.

She told the Times, “I am so honoured to receive a civic award from the Municipality of North Grenville for my contribution to sport and recreation. When I moved to Kemptville five years ago, it was its recreational spaces Ferguson Forest Centre, the Campus, the river - that first drew me in, so the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre, the Centre itself, and the

municipality’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee, all seemed like natural places to volunteer in my new community. I don’t think you could find a more caring and vibrant community than North Grenville, so it’s my pleasure to live and serve here, and most especially to have been able to contribute to the community’s recreational spaces by founding Kemptville Winter Trail last winter, and working with Dwayne Dowdell of Kemptville Disc Golf Club to help establish the Ferguson Forest Disc Golf Course last spring. I couldn’t have done anything without the help and assistance of so many - my husband and family, the Ferguson Forest Centre, my fellow board and committee members, our mayor and council - most notably Councillor O’Sullivan - and the many generous individuals and businesses of North Grenville.” Other award recipients could not be reached for comment.

February 16, 2022

There is no public bus service for day parolees. There is limited hotel and motel accommodation for families/visitors. If only 235 people are incarcerated, many for just short periods, will the millions expended be a sensible expense, added to the destruction of historic farmlands in our community? After the Covid isolation we continue to live through, people are prizing social interaction, friends, and family. Why isolate people in a community that failed the Ontario Solicitor General’s Department criteria for placing this EOCC in North Grenville?

At this point of reading Ms. O’Sullivan’s article, more question marks arise around the further claim by this Councillor: “I will also commit to advocate for my fellow taxpayers in North Grenville...I believe that there will be financial benefits to our municipality in the form of more jobs, more business opportunities, and more spending at our existing businesses.”

Is it time to have progressed from the realm of believe to planned, since our MPP announced this project?

What specific financial benefits, jobs, businesses have been concretely identified?

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Letters to the Editor cont'd Dear Editor, Reading Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan article, I entered a zone of confusion regarding what I was reading.

Initially, there is a lovely ode to North Grenville as a caring, open society. This corner of the world is a special place to call home. Many people have worked in all sorts of ways to nurture their community’s future, character, and accomplishments.

But then I am confused by the description of the placing of the people detained in the Correctional Centre EOCC as “those who have found themselves in conflict with the law”, and that by having the EOCC in Kemptville, “we will host another group of human beings”.

If we are the “hosts”, when did this community extend an invitation for this development? I remember it as an out of the blue proclamation by our MPP. Since then, much has been left unsaid by this MPP and council. Now Councillor O’Sullivan says, “soon, we will host another group of human beings in our community..”; what does ‘soon’ mean?

What caring benefit accrues to the human beings to be “hosted” in the Eastern Ontario Correctional Centre?

The Voice of North Grenville

613-706-1250 stevenscreekshutterco.ca

and fulfill the Green aspira- and Rural Expo from the committee – and attracts tens Promised?

Ms. O’Sullivan also tions of our community. Why North Grenville website: of thousands of people from states, “I also support the is our MPP Steve Clark, our “We are absolutely thrilled across Ontario, throughout transfer of surplus lands to Mayor and Council, and the to be hosting the 2022 In- Canada, the United States and the Municipality of North Solicitor General of Ontario ternational Plowing Match beyond.”

Could this event be a Grenville for agricultural and and Premier not more open and Rural Expo that will community use”. What is the to the review of this prison showcase North Grenville, chance to have an expanded definition of surplus lands? placement? If logic and good and highlight our historic ag- profile and future in the AgriWho agreed to the definition? management of resources ricultural roots,” said Mayor culture Economy of Ontario?

Quite rightly proud of are part of their talents, I Nancy Peckford. “The Inter- Is it time to review the prison getting to host the 2022 In- believe they would all and national Plowing Match and project as an aberration from ternational Ploughing Match each agree to a fundamental Rural Expo (IPM) is a five- the history and aspirations and Rural Expo, the Mayor review. Or perhaps my hope day celebration of agriculture expressed in North Grenville? and Council cite all sorts of is misplaced? What do you and rural living. This historic What do the residents of event – celebrating over 100 North Grenville think? benefits to North Grenville dear reader think?

Best wishes, In closing, I include a years – is a collaborative effrom this important event. But Nadia Gray this land is to be, shortly after quote about the 2022 Inter- fort of the Ontario Plowmen’s this event, in large part put national Ploughing Match Association and its local under a prison! The land the prison will not sit on is then defined as “surplus” and will be deeded to North Grenville?

That is what led to the moni2022 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo's IPM Cookbooks are now available for ker “surplus land”. Obviously sale at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, B&H Your Community Grocer, and the North I disagree. Do you?

Grenville Public Library.

An alternative vision for these lands was quashed by the Ontario level. That vision was never debated with facts, figures, outlines in and for this community. There is a need for future food security being identified by all sorts of experts! Arable farm land in Ontario is being built on at an accelerated rate. Our North Grenville farmland is a heritage jewel that offers opportunity for an agricultural heritage to be modernized and revolutionized to create jobs

IPM Recipe Book now available

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The North Grenville Times

North Grenville Historical Society

Truckloads of PEI potatoes to be contributed to food banks across Canada

Under the Surplus Potato Management Response Program, the PEI Potato Board has been working with three food security organizations, Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest and the Salvation Army, to use at least $3 million from the Emergency Food Security Fund to purchase surplus PEI potatoes from growers. The funding is covered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The act is part of an effort to distribute potatoes left sitting in PEI warehouses as a result of the export ban on PEI potatoes to the U.S. that was put in place last November.

By leveraging the existing

networks of food banks across the country, these organizations aim to provide surplus potatoes to those facing food security challenges.

Through the program, there will be an estimate of 300 truckloads of potatoes shipped from coast to coast.

This is an estimate of about 18,000,000 pounds of potatoes, which is approximately 6% of the total loss. Potatoes will be distributed based on availability of transportation, and the need from the food banks. Potatoes will also be diverted to processors, packers, dehydrators and other markets.

The Board’s role is to help connect these organizations with local potato growers and dealers to distribute the funds fairly, as well as make sure the products are ready and meet the requirements of the program.

“We are happy to be able to get these high quality pota-

The Voice of North Grenville

toes, that shouldn’t have been restricted from their intended market, into the hands of those who need them. It’s been a small light spot in a dark time,” said Mark Phillips, PEI Potato Board marketing specialist.

In a negotiation among the Board and the three organizations, the price was set to ensure as much volume as possible makes it to those in need.

“This way, we are getting as many potatoes in the hands of people that need them, while still providing a benefit to our growers, who are experiencing a great loss due to the border closure,” Phillips said. “We appreciate all the hard work from the food bank organizations to make this happen. Without their efforts this program would not be possible.”

The cost of transportation and packing is also covered by the funding.

Upcoming Virtual Public Meeting: 7:00 pm Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022

Before scientific groundwater mapping, settlers in rural eastern Ontario relied on folk knowledge and homemade tools to find and bore

wells for drinking water.

Learn about how the dowsing rod and the well boring auger shaped popular understandings of the earth and water beneath your feet.

Forrest Pass is a public historian with interests in cultural and material history.

He has curated exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History and the City of Ottawa Museums and is presently a Curator in the Exhibitions and Online Content Division at Library and Archives Canada. His historical writing has appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Canada’s History, the Journal for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, and Water History, where the research for this lecture recently appeared.

Please email us at nghsociety@gmail.com if you wish to hear this presentation and we will send you a link.

A fond farewell to WDMH Team Member Cindy Mason

When Cindy Mason started working at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) on January 10, 1986, there were no computers in the Admitting Department. When she retired 35.5 years later, the process to

If you know Kemptville Physio, then you know Carrie Smith! Carrie and the clinic have been a pillar in this community for 25 years and to say that we are proud is an understatement! Carrie Smith founded Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre in 1996 and has dedicated countless hours to both our incredible community and sport at all levels. The team was looking for the right way to recognize the role that Carrie has played at the clinic and within the community. The Carrie Smith “Get Active” Community Grant was established so that we can continue the tradition that reminds us of where we started.

admit patients was fully automated.

This is just one of many changes Cindy has seen during her time at WDMH. She arrived as a co-op student and was hired by Administrator Bart Stel right after her fourmonth placement. Over three decades, Cindy worked in many departments, including Admitting, X-Ray, and Emergency.

“Over the years, I’ve seen many changes and worked with many co-workers who have become my work fam-

ily,” she explains.

Now, Cindy has embarked on her own journey, moving to PEI. “My dream for many years has been to move to PEI, and in September that dream came true,” she says. “I continue to keep in touch with many of my work family from WDMH through Facebook. I miss everyone and wish them much happiness in their journey in life.”

Best wishes Cindy and enjoy the east coast!

We're looking for people who are both passionate about our community and about getting physically active. We will be offering a $150 grant each year to two deserving recipients.

The grant will go to registration fees, specific equipment or just the gas to get to the venue!

There is no age criteria for the grant. Selection will take place in March & September each year. We are gathering applications for our next selection in March 2022! You can find the application on our website under About Us > Things We're Proud Of or check us out on our social platforms.

Rye Mansell was awarded with the very first Carrie Smith "Get Active" Community Grant at the end of 2021! At 10, he inspires us with his dedication and motivation when it comes to his sport of passion! Rye has been playing hockey since he was 3 years old and now plays for the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings Hockey Club. At 10 he's already giving back to his community and shares that he has participated in community clean up days, sorting recycling and loves to donate his equipment when he has grown out of it! Rye offered his time to volunteer at the clinic as a way to give back once more, we're pretty obsessed! Rye symbolizes the meaning behind this grant and we're so proud that we get to play a small part in his sporting life! Congrats Rye!

Phone: (613) 258 7661 Fax (613) 258 2304 2868 County Road 43, Unit 4 Kemptville, On, KOG 1J0 February 16, 2022

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The Voice of North Grenville

Help Support Kika Smith's fight against Cancer

by Kirstin Nordstrand Every community has them: pillars. Those are the people that make our home towns the places we want to live. North Grenville has several. We have one who quietly goes about giving to our community and those less fortunate on a constant basis: Kika Smith.

But Kemptville's "gentle, caring soul" needs our help - it is our turn to give back.

Cancer - that most dreaded of diagnoses - has reared its

ugly head. Early days, but as many of us already know from personal experience, this is a long, arduous journey.

Kika and her family need our support now more than ever.

They will be confronted with unexpected medical costs and additional expenses in home support.

We all know how difficult it has been over the last 2 years for small businesses.

Despite the difficulties she faced, she continued to extend a hand to anybody in our community that needed help, with a pat on the back, a listening ear, kind word, and her gentle smile.

If you ask anybody that knows Kika for a single word to describe her, the invariable response is "only one word?"

Sweet, infectious smile, independent, bright, bubbly, fun,

thoughtful, generous, warm all describe our Kika.

Who hasn't benefitted from the smile cookies at Brewed Awakenings? What military personnel from our home hasn't enjoyed a free treat? What about our front liners - paramedics, nurses, vaccine technicians, and all those other folks in the medical fields - who have enjoyed some Brewed brew? How many house-bound people had a delicious lunch delivered right to their door during our early covid lockdowns?

In order to help Kika navigate the hell of that disease, any donation will be gratefully appreciated.

Donations can be sent to: https://gofund.me/f8e68dcc.

Do you have an Inflammatory Lifestyle?

Chronic inflammation is unlike what happens with a cut, or an invading germ, when the immune system mounts a fight and then stands down. In such cases, inflammation is part of the healing response. But when lifestyle issues have the immune system active all the time, there may be no symptoms, but plenty of costs.

Dr. Erin Michos, Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explains, “Sustained low levels of inflammation irritate your blood vessels.

Inflammation may promote the growth of plaques, loosen plaque in your arteries, and trigger blood clots — the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes.”

Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes involve chronic inflammation. Immune cells, and the antibodies they produce, create swelling to help isolate the problem. But the problem is persistent, and inflammation remains constant, not temporary. Doctors may suggest a range of new treatments to reduce this inflammation. Yet, a recent headline published by Harvard Medical School reads, “Doctors are learning that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation lies, not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator.”

Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, says, "Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have

Canadian School Counselling Week 2022 As students across Canada return to in-person schooling during another school year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, February 7 - 11, marked the 8th annual Canadian School Counselling Week in which we recognize the school counselling profession in provinces and territories.

The goal of Canadian School Counselling Week is to increase the public’s awareness of the programs and services that characterize the school counselling profession in Canada. This year’s theme, “Who We Are and How We Help”, highlighted the essential role of the school counsellor.

The school counselling profession continues to be a vital component for student success during a global pandemic. According to a survey conducted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (2020), the biggest challenges that youth are facing during the pandemic are feeling isolated and lonely (48%); closures of in-person schools and moving to remote learning (33%); limited access to mental health and other health-related supports (9%); fears of acquiring COVID-19 for oneself or loved ones (2%); lack of employment opportunities (1%); and other challenges (6%).

Whether school counsellors are supporting students onsite in schools or remotely February 16, 2022

through tele-counselling, they continue to be instrumental in supporting student well-being and achievement.

“The scope of practice has always been extensive for school counsellors in Canada through a Comprehensive School Counselling Program and Practice,” said Dr. Janice Graham-Migel, President of the CCPA School Counsellors Chapter. “School counsellors provide support for the personal, social, educational, and career development of students through programming and counselling services and are instrumental in supporting the well-being and achievement of students at all grade levels.”

School counsellors are members of the school leadership team who support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students; intervene when additional supports are required for students’ mental health and well-being; and advocate for students to help them reach their goals in a safe and inclusive school environment.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, school counsellors have provided students with the support, consistency and predictability that are essential to help them navigate these times of stress and uncertainty,” said CCPA President Dr. Kathy Offet-Gartner.

“We want to highlight the role that this profession plays in overall student success.”

Canadian School Counselling Week is a collaborative initiative by CCPA, School Counsellors Chapter, regional school counselling associations, and Ministries/ Departments of Education in each province and territory.

To join the conversation on Twitter, follow @CCPA_ ACCP and use #schoolcounsellorshelp.

For more information including resources and shareable content, please visit the CCPA School Counsellors Chapter website at: www. ccpa-accp.ca/school-counsellors-chapter.

9

anti-inflammatory effects."

Tomatoes, olive oil, green veggies, nuts, blueberries, apples, and leafy greens are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols—protective compounds found in plants.

Coffee may protect against inflammation, as well. But now there is compelling evidence that the extent to which omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, like salmon and mackerel, feature in the diet is a reliable risk benchmark for cardiovascular disease.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that “a low omega-3 index is as strong of a predictor of early death as smoking.”

The Omega-3 Index measures the amount of EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 essential fatty acids, through a simple blood test that can be done at home and mailed in for analysis. The results indicate omega-3 status – with an optimal Omega-3 Index being 8% or higher, an intermediate being between 4% and 8%, and a low Omega-3 Index at 4% and below.

Researchers used data from the Framingham Study, an ongoing, longitudinal study involving the collection of biological and lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease, across multiple generations of participants. They found that individuals with the highest Omega-3 Index were 33% less likely to succumb to heart disease during the follow-up period of their study, compared with those

with the lowest Omega-3 Index.

Dr Bill Harris, one of the lead researchers, reports that the relative concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood is just as compelling a predictor of mortality as lipid levels, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetic status.

What to do? Make the modifications to lifestyle that will dramatically change the predicted outcome – some of which can reasonably be expected to add years of good life. Don’t smoke, and reverse your course if you are pre-diabetic.

If you are interested in testing your omega-3 status, as we did and wrote about in past columns, you can determine if you are, like most North Americans, among the vast majority who are not in the healthy range.

The bottom line: it’s not easy to eat salmon and other omega-3 rich foods, or to get those oils absorbed sufficiently enough to balance out other fatty foods in the diet. On supplementation, be a smart consumer, as not all omega-3 is the same. Read past articles at docgiff.com to learn why you should look for pre-digested omega-3.

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

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville-Wolford

Merrickville-Wolford Champions ECO Champions Contest An Adventure in Community Collaboration What is this contest?

An idea for engaging young people in protecting species-at-risk in Merrickville-Wolford To have school-aged children in Merrickville-Wolford increase their awareness of local species-at-risk, learn about their habitat, and describe what we need to do to protect their selected species.

How do children and youth get involved?

Go to Champions ECO Champions website: www. ecochampions.ca to learn about the contest and to get started. Follow the steps outlined in the Rules & Guidelines section. Watch Bug Lady, Andrea Howard's introduction to our very own species-at-risk, as identified by local wildlife biologist Stewart Hamill.

Choose one of the 16 local species-at-risk that particularly interests you. Find out all you can about your selected plant or animal. Resources are available on the website.

Tell us in writing, in pictures, in poem, in song, or however you like: a. Why you've chosen the species that you have. b. What is threatening their existence. c. What we can do to help protect them in the months and years ahead here in Merrickville-Wolford.

Then print and fill out the on-line submission form and send or take your work to the Merrickville library by March 18, 2022.

Why is it happening?

Organizers believe that the protection of species-atrisk in Merrickville-Wolford needs an ongoing and focussed effort. The contest will reward children and youth for expressing their views on why protecting species-at-risk, in Merrickville-Wolford is important to them. Parents, schools, library, Scouts, Guides, and other groups are being invited to support children and youth from Merrickville-Wolford in submitting short essays, pictures, poems to describe a local species-at-risk and their hopes for the protection of February 16, 2022

that animal, insect, or plant, going forward.

When does the contest end?

Finished work must be submitted to contest organizers c/o the Merrickville Library by March 18, 2022.

Where did it come from?

Robbie Giles, a resident of Merrickville-Wolford, has been outspoken about development and construction habits that impact on speciesat-risk. Robbie worked with the previous MerrickvilleWolford Council in designing its strategic planning process that resulted in the January 23, 2017, approval,

by Council, of its Merrickville-Wolford Strategic Plan 2017-2025.

Goal and priority statements in the document, that had the input of 250 residents, included a need to ensure a healthy community that considers the wellbeing of people and ecosystems and a community that preserves local natural beauty and ecosystems.

In early July, 2021, Robbie, frustrated with the lack of information available regarding development activities in what had previously been described as provincially significant wetland behind his home, decided to try another tack. To address his concern about the impacts he was seeing on the Blanding's turtles, whippoorwills, monarch butterflies and other species-at-risk in his immediate neighbourhood, he sought help from others in creating a future-focussed and positive engagement activity.

A New Approach In Mid-July, 2021, Robbie Giles contacted librarian, Mary Kate Laphen, the Merrickville Bug Lady, Andrea Howard, Sustainable Merrickville's Anney de Gobeo, and wildlife biologist Stewart Hamill. They were asked to give guidance and help shape a youth engagement exercise that would be environmentally worthwhile and achievable. Robbie was willing to provide seed funding to get the initiative going.

By August the group had

been joined by Lions Club member, Vic Weatherall, who brought the support and financial resources of his Club and contacts to the local scouting community.

Over the past seven months the group, supported by a dozen other volunteers, has created a bilingual website, defined the contest rules and judging criteria. Medals and participation certificates have been created and are ready for presentation. The municipality has contributed space for an awards event to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Merrickville Community Centre.

Who's involved?

M-W Champions ECO Champions enjoys the wonderful support of the Merrickville Lions Club, the

municipality of Merrickville-Wolford, Sustainable Merrickville/Merrickville Goes Green, the Merrickville Phoenix, Coba Studios & Print Shop, Canal Gallery & Frame Shop, the Merrickville Library, and incredibly talented volunteers who have embraced this project and become a part of MerrickvilleWolford Champions ECO Champions.

We can't wait to see and celebrate the creative ideas of school-aged children who are interested in protecting Merrickville-Wolford's species-at-risk.

Deadline – March 18, 2022

Student Summer Employment 2022 Public Works Labourers (Salary $15.25/hr) Two labourers required to assist with grounds maintenance and various other activities performed by the Public Works Department from May to August 2022.

Qualifications: Must have valid driver’s licence; willing to work indoors and outdoors; previous experience with lawn maintenance equipment an asset; must be responsible, reliable and attending post-secondary school.

Sizzling Summer Camp Program 2022 Camp Director (Salary $15.50/hr)

JOB POSTING Deputy Clerk The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is inviting applications for the full-time, permanent position of Deputy Clerk.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)/ Clerk/Director, Economic Development, the Deputy Clerk will assist in the administration of the CAO/Clerk’s responsibilities in accordance with applicable legislation, policies and protocols, as well as fulfilling communications, reception and other duties assigned to achieve the municipality’s overall goals, objectives and mandate.

For a full job description, please visit our website at www. merrickville-wolford.ca.

Applications should be emailed in confidence to Doug Robertson, CAO/Clerk, at cao@merrickville-wolford.ca.

Please indicate “Deputy Clerk” in the email subject line.

The Village offers a 35-hour work week, generous employment benefits, paid vacation, participation in the OMERS pension plan and the chance to work with a phenomenal team in Canada’s Most Beautiful Village.

The final deadline for applications is Friday February 25, 2022.

We thank all those who apply but only those invited for an interview will be contacted. Information is collected in confidence under the Municipal Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act. The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is an equal opportunity employer.

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(May-Aug) The successful candidate will be a self starter with enthusiasm and the desire to help local youth (age 6-12) experience a fantastic summer of fun and learning. The Camp Director establishes, organizes and operates a schedule of 8-10 summer programs. The successful candidate will hire assistants for the summer. At the end of the Camp, the Director prepares a written report.

Two Camp Program Assistants (Salary $15.25/hr) (July-Aug) The successful candidates must be able to take direction, work well with others, be enthusiastic and enjoy working with youth (age 6-12). The Assistants shall aid the Camp Director to operate the summer program as needed and will supervise and coach children.

For the Summer Camp, preference may be given to students involved in recreational-sportschildren’s studies at a post-secondary institution. First Aid training and previous experience working with children will be an asset. As a condition of employment, each successful candidate shall, upon being offered employment, present a “Vulnerable Sector” check from the Ontario Provincial Police.

Applications for all of the above positions will be received until 4:00 p.m. on, Thursday, March 31st. The envelope or cover letter shall clearly indicate “Public Works”, “Camp Director”, or “Camp Assistant” and be addressed to: Village of Merrickville-Wolford P.O. Box 340, 317 Brock St. West Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 Attn: Kirsten Rahm, Treasurer Fax: 613-269-3095 e-mail : finance@merrickville-wolford.ca We thank all of those who apply but only the parties invited for an interview will be contacted. Information is collected in confidence under the Freedom of Information Act. The Village of Merrickville-Wolford is an equal opportunity employer.www.merrickville-wolford.ca

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Tell your own Legacy Story

by Bruce Kemp In the digital era, we’re all literate. Our schools taught us to read and write. We communicate with words, as well as pictures (although I’m not sure the reliance on emoji’s isn’t a step backward).

Take a look at a social media platform like Facebook. It’s a place to tell our stories. Social media is great for instant gratification. But the jury is still out on how effective it is, in the long run, as any kind of historical document.

When the brilliant American biographer Walter Isaacson sat down to write the life of tech guru Steve Jobs, he ran into a stumbling block. He actually found it easier to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th century life than Jobs’. The reason why? All the material generated throughout Jobs’ lifetime is contained in digital files somewhere in unreachable corners of the Internet.

His emails have vanished and he left no letters on paper that could be sourced.

Da Vinci, on the other hand, produced thousands of pages of notes and drawings to illustrate his ideas, making it easier for Isaacson to travel back five hundred years than return twenty-five years to the tech wizard’s lifetime. The moral of the story is: Digital may be fun and convenient, but it is not dependable.

Not every family is lucky enough to have a researcher of the calibre of Isaacson in the family. But, most families have a member interested in genealogy who has spent time digging through birth and death records to find out where the family ancestors came from. And, this is where the digital world has helped immensely.

Record keeping institutions, like churches, museums, and municipal offices, have been putting their files online for several decades.

You can look up your progenitors from the comfort of your couch while wearing nothing more than your most comfortable jammies. The trick comes with what you do with that information. A lot of people let their work go with posting a few files online. The effort to collect the family story deserves more than that.

One of the hardest lessons of the digital age is that digital material has a nasty habit of disappearing into the ether.

If you doubt this, try reading that five-and-a-quarter inch floppy disk you created in 1989.

If we have family or personal stories that we want future generations to hear and understand, the idea of keeping them on a computer is a big mistake. That being said, the computer is God’s gift to the family genealogist.

Not only does it allow you to conduct research in the far flung corners of the globe, it provides a tool for writing your ancestors’ stories in a readable - and preservable form: the Legacy Book.

With a basic laptop and printer, you can create your own Dead Sea Scrolls containing Uncle Buck’s stories or the experiences of your grandfather on D-Day. You don’t have to be William Shakespeare, or even Margaret Atwood, to be a competent writer. It just requires organization and some advanced planning. Simply begin with a pencil and paper and write down everything you can remember about the story you want to capture. If the

Join Us Community Fireworks Appreciation Event February 21, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Merrickville Fairgrounds Mayor Struthers and members of Council Mayor like Struthers and members of Council likerecognize to invite would to invite you to join them would as they you to join they recognize the hard work and thethem hardaswork and perseverance perseverance of the Merrickville-Wolford community. of the Merrickville-Wolford community.

317 Brock Street West P.O. Box 340, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 www.merrickville-wolford.ca reception@merrickville-wolford.ca 317 Brock Street West, P.O. Box 340, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0 www.merrickville-wolford.ca reception@merrickville-wolford.ca

February 16, 2022

teller of the tale is still on the green side of the sod, talk to them for corrections and elaborations. Once you have a list of points, sit down and decide what is important and what is not, then organize these points in a descending order of importance - putting the most interesting facets of the story right up front to grab the reader’s attention. Now start writing.

When you have enough stories, sort them into the chapters of your book. Don’t forget to print them out so you have a hard copy. I keep my hard copies in a three-ring binder. With that done, you have several options open to you. First, do you want to illustrate the story with pictures from the shoebox in the back of the closet. If so, you will need a way to digitize them. An inexpensive scanner works best. Just remember to make them at least three times the size you need for the Internet. When it comes to printing - bigger is definitely better.

Now, how are you going

to present your book? You can leave it as a collection of pages or there are several companies out there who will print bound copies of your book that look professionally produced.

Just Google: instant books. You’ll find a number of companies that print, bind and deliver books to your door. These companies offer free book layout templates to make your life easier and will walk you through the publishing steps.

In the end, if you take your time and seek help when you need it, you will have a book that will preserve your stories for many generations to come.

For that help, Waypoint Custom Publishing’s Bruce Kemp will be giving a free seminar called “Going To Print” at the Merrickville Public Library on March 3, at 7 pm. Seating is limited and COVID restrictions will apply. Contact Bruce at: waypoint@brucekempphotography.net for details and to register.

Run for our smallest loved ones on May 7

by Jane Adams Charlee Clare Holmes was born on April 29, 2011, and was only given a very small amount of time in this world. Her parents, Mallory and Dave Holmes, want her life, however brief it was, to have meaning and purpose, beyond just being their story of pain and loss. Charlee’s Run, set for May 7, is helping to make that happen.

‘Charlee’s Run’ aims to bring the community together to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, to offer support for those in need, and to provide an outlet for families to remember the little ones that have been lost too soon. And this year, the 1K or 5K run will take place in the Ferguson Forest in Kemptville.

“Many of us know someone whose life has been affected by prenatal or infant loss. We are honoured that the Holmes family has chosen to expand the run to support the WDMH Family Birthing Unit,” notes Justine Plummer, the WDMH Foundation’s Manager of Direct Mail & Events. For the past few years, the run has taken place in Orillia, Ontario, supporting Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. The Holmes family recently moved to Kemptville and have decided to support the obstetrics program at Winchester District Memorial Hospital as well.

“When we lost our daughter, Charlee, we felt alone in our loss. There are no words, no language, surrounding pregnancy and infant loss; this often leaves people silent, which adds to the loneliness of an immeasurable loss,” explain Mallory and Dave. “After losing Charlee, we never wanted another family to feel alone. We thought, if our story could reach even one family in need, then it was worth it.”

The run takes place on May 7. To register, or to donate to Charlee’s Run - Winchester, please visit www.charleesrun.com.

11

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Rapid testing for at-home use Ontarians can now get a free rapid testing kit for at-home use. Expanding access to free rapid tests to the general public will to help detect COVID 19 earlier and stop the spread of the virus. Rapid antigen tests are easy-to-use tests that detect certain proteins in the virus to confirm the presence of COVID 19. Results from these tests can be available in as little as 15 minutes.

To further support Ontario’s cautious easing of public health measures, we are expanding access to free rapid testing kits to the general public for at-home use.

Starting February 9, Ontario has been distributing 5.5 million rapid antigen tests each week for eight weeks through pharmacy and grocery locations across the province, as well as through community partners in vulnerable communities.

Over 2,300 participating grocery and pharmacy locations will provide tests while supplies last, with a limit of one box of five tests per household.

Participating retailers will receive additional supply each week and have the ability to determine how tests are distributed in order to best serve the community, including through appointment bookings, at checkout or through online orders. If your participating location is out of stock, please check back with them. The province intends to bring additional locations online in the coming weeks, including independent grocers and pharmacies.

Participating retailers may have additional information on their websites, such as how individual locations are distributing kits. This includes: Walmart Loblaws including DRUGStore in Fortino’s and Your Independent Grocer, Real Canadian Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart Metro and Food Basics Rexall pharmacies It has been reported in some regions that WalMart has only provided the free kits to those who purchase $35 worth of goods in the store. This has been a source of concerns, and it is thought that this restriction on the distribution of the free tests will not continue. the north grenville

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Phone: 343-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

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Classifieds eds Classifi FOR SALE

Walker, Barber Kit, Women's, Bowling Shoes Women's Short Leather Boots call 258-5547 Triplex, waterfront, downtown Kemptville. Email redmondjg52@gmail.com for details.

Old used POS system along with two cash drawers, two receipts printers AS IS. $500 OBO. Contact dqkemptville@gmail.com Dust Free N #1 Horse & Cow Hay. Round or small square bales...call Jim 613.258.3561 Horse drawn machinery for horse or small tractor, all types...call Jim 613.258.3561 Elvis Gold LPM#4 VG+ & Lightning Hopkins (Blues) LP Sealed , $100, #613-2150835 Firewood for sale. Cut, split, seasoned, mixed hardwood. $105/face cord. Call Ken 613 323 5503 BMW Rims. 205/55R/16 Continental run flat snow tires with working pressure

monitors $600. Talk/Text 613-325-0845

CROSSWORD FOR RENT

WINE BOTTLES, Empty, about 60 of them, suitable for brewing your own wine; $0.50 each. 613258-5558 or gilliantrojan@ gmail.com.

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritt's Rapids!

Start an art, musical, or book club to beat the winter blues.

Our hall is well equipped for gatherings or celebrations, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com/

4 x 225/65/17 snow tires on rims V.g.c. $425 o,n,o,; 613 258 6631/613 297 3329

WANTED

Triple Crown steel hay feeder, 46 W X 74 L X 70 H $350. Contact Reg Smith 613 853-1442.

Used steel farm gates: 4 ft $80, 8 ft $150, 10 ft $175, 12 ft $200. 50 gallon water tub $30. Contact Reg Smith 613 853-1442 Firewood for sale - mixed hardwood, 3 cord minimum for delivery, $110 per cord, call Jon 613-227-3650

MISCELLANEOUS Firearms Course (March 5 and 6) and Hunter Education Course (March 11 and 12) in Burritt's Rapids.

Please contact Kerry Coleman at 613-791-7515 or kerrycoleman@xplornet.com.

MILTONS ESTATES LAW Wills - Probate - Estates Estate Litigation As heard on CFRA Experts on Call www.ontario-probate.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Local young farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail. com.

Molecular Biologist

needed at Proteins Easy, Kemptville Campus, Part/ full-time to produce recombinant proteins using plant systems. Experience: biotech, plant biochemistry. Assets: Tissue Culture, cereal transformation.

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SERVICES RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair.

Call George at 613 462 7637

ACROSS 1. Skin disease 5. At one time (archaic) 9. A machine for baling hay 14. Objective case of "who" 15. Mother 16. Call forth 17. Billionth of a meter 19. Handed over 20. Grave marker 21. Nursed 23. Armpits 25. Sully 28. G 29. Abaft 32. Certify 33. A state of SW India 34. Colorful (Scottish) 35. Part of a comparison 36. Catkin 38. Unusual

39. A piece of woodland 40. Louisville Slugger 41. Funeral vehicle 43. East southeast 44. One of the tribes of Israel 45. Sure 46. Uprooting of trees by wind 48. Seppuku 50. Poison plant 54. Jazz style 55. Female ballet dancer 57. Mountain crest 58. Easter flower 59. Catch 60. Daisylike bloom 61. If not 62. Scrabble piece

DOWN 1. Barley beards 2. Gossip 3. Not a single one 4. A type of compensation 5. An uncle 6. Somewhat 7. Besmirch 8. Estragon 9. Transform 10. Declares 11. Prospector's find 12. Barely managed 13. Scarlet 18. Flowing tresses 22. A short respite 24. Data storehouse 25. Wash oneself 26. Community spirit 27. Not fresh 29. A kind of macaw 30. The language of Persia 31. Not quite a teenager 33. Obtain 34. A small pork sausage 37. Lower jaw 42. Jagged 44. Anagram of "Repaid" 45. Shivers 46. Scribbled 47. Path 48. Not his 49. Incite 51. Short skirt 52. Rectal 53. An enclosure 54. Bleat 56. Alkaline liquid

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

HANDYMAN SERVICES Call Bill 613 774 2922

INCOME TAX SERVICE in Merrickville John Harris jgharris@sympatico.ca 613-297-7553

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We are seeking to hire a part time Sales Representative.

If Interested please submit your resume to: info@ngtimes.ca or call 613.402.5083

Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCALLY February 16, 2022

Does your business go further than North Grenville?

Advertise in our sister paper The North Dundas Times!

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Missed-understanding

by Don Palmer I see David continues his efforts at Christian apology and good on him for it. It reminds me of that old saying of my dad's, "preaching to the choir".

I am responding to David's latest Mythunderstandings article because my efforts to use the gnostic codex as a method of suggesting that some sections of the bible may in fact, like the Nag Hammadi, possibly have been partially ghost written seems to have missed its mark. As David mentions, gnostic writings were well known in the early centuries, but Christianity had many branches in those times of which the gnostics were just one. Gnostic schools began to emerge in Christianity and Neoplatonism, until both agreed to declare it heresy, but that wasn't my point. I am not a gnostic, although if I was a Christian maybe I would be, as it does have a great deal of appeal.

As James Robinson, the Professor Emeritus of religion at Claremont Graduate University stated, Primitive Christianity was itself a radical movement. Jesus called

for a full reversal of values, advocating the end of the world as we have known it and for it to be replaced by a new, utopian kind of life in which the ideal would be real. Christianity in those formative years was a quite innovative approach, but it soon became sanitized by those sects of the religion who could benefit the most by stamping out the competition.

To verify authorship of something written two thousand years ago is not easy, especially Christian writings which had hundreds, if not thousands of quills set to translating and redefining it.

You cannot make the argument that there were experts in handwriting analysis at the time determining what was real and what was a forgery.

David suggests that Peter, Paul or James had a distinct writing style and vocabulary that was exclusive to them and therefore they must be the legitimate authors. Now that is a real stretch; you might as well say that you were actually present at the book signing and have autographed copies as tangible proof. It re-

minds me of how long it took to realize that the document from Constantine's gifting territory to Pope Sylvester I was a forgery. Yes, it was a proven Christian forgery.

David quotes the Roman historian, A.N. SherwinWhite as testifying to the authenticity of Luke in his depiction of historical events.

I would assume that it might have been possible for a number of well travelled and learned scholars writing during that time to do the same.

It hardly proves anything. The medieval historian, Froissart was historically accurate in many of his reports of events, but he also included a large number of flights of fancy and hearsay. And a battle of historians really gets us nowhere.

I can quote Edward Gibbon, the author of the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, who stated the gnostics, "were distinguished as the most polite, the most learned, and the most wealthy of the Christian name". If so, this description probably helps explain why they were declared heretics, particularly the wealth part; therefore promoting the belief

in monotheism over the more dualist approach contained in gnosticism.

So what does all this back and forth prove? Nothing really. I am no more capable of proving God does not exist than anyone else is in proving he/she does. Belief is belief and really should not be challenged. Believe what you want. The Druids revered and worshipped in groves of oak trees and who am I to say they were wrong.

What can be challenged is the evidence to prove it one way or another. As Carl Sagan said, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."

The problem with Christian apologists, or those professing to prove the existence of intelligent design, is simply that the evidence requires us to suspend our disbelief to the point of painful mental gymnastics. In closing, please, just leave it alone. If you are right, we will all learn the truth at the end of days and if you are wrong we will never know anyway.

The Voice of North Grenville

MacMartin, Marjorie Evelyn Isabelle (Nee Morrow)

Suddenly at the Bayfield Manor on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Marjorie MacMartin age 84 of Oxford Mills. Beloved wife of the late Arnold MacMartin. Loving Mother of Wayne (Adria), Dale (Karen Mulder), Terry (Linda Gloss) and Sherry (Stewart) Mann. Cherished Grandma of 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Lois (Ray) Molyneaux and predeceased by Gerry and Fred Morrow. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2022. By Family request, donations may be made in Memory of Marjorie to the Alzheimer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).

Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

Misunderstanding or blind faith of the atheist?

by David Shanahan I found Don Palmer’s piece deeply depressing and sad, for many reasons. His concept of the role Gnosticism played in early Christian history is really quite flawed, and reflects, as with almost everything he writes, no real acquaintance with the New Testament and its times. His statement, for example, that “Jesus called for a full reversal of values, advocating the end of the world as we have known it and for it to be replaced by a new, utopian kind of life in which the ideal would be real”, completely misses the core of what Jesus was about and what he actually said. In fact, it is almost the direct opposite of what he taught.

Jesus certainly called for a new kind of life, but it was not a political or social revolution he had in mind, as he so often had to remind the early followers before the Resurrection. He made it clear to the Roman official, Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world.

If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” [John 18.36] Don questions the legitimacy of the New Testament February 16, 2022

writings as “To verify authorship of something written two thousand years ago is not easy, especially Christian writings which had hundreds, if not thousands of quills set to translating and redefining it.” Now, two things need to emphasised here: one is that the verification of these books took place while they were still new, passed from group to group by messengers coming directly from the writers themselves. Secondly, the authors themselves are not as important as the content: and the content was recognised as scripture even at the time.

Peter himself referred to Paul’s letters, which he acknowledged were sometimes difficult to follow, as inspired, and condemned those who deliberately misquoted or misused them: “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” [2 Peter 3.16] As for the forgery that is The Donation of Constantine, that was a papal forgery, dating from the 8th Century, and had no relevance to the New Testament. The canon of the New Testament had been fixed centuries before. And that process also validates

the New Testament that we have today. Don ignores the evidence and argument used in past articles which show how confident we can be about the accuracy of the New Testament documents in terms of their historicity and transmission.

The claim that Luke might have been a later writer who just happened to get all his facts right is a really poor argument. Don’s comparison with Froissart who “included a large number of flights of fancy and hearsay” is a bit strange, considering that Luke’s reputation among modern historians is based on the fact that he doesn’t include any such flights of fancy and hearsay. And then to conclude that “a battle of historians really gets us nowhere” is, once again, to ignore the evidence, the facts.

As a professional historian, I will state quite passionately that the credibility of the historian, and what he writes, is absolutely critical to any analysis of the period with which he deals.

But the really depressing part of Don’s comments come at the end. “Belief is belief and really should not be challenged. Believe what you want. The Druids revered and worshipped in groves of 13

oak trees and who am I to say they were wrong.” But challenging belief is precisely what Don is attempting to do, and he is, in fact, saying that certain beliefs are wrong.

Why? Because, as he goes on to say, contradicting his previous statement: “What can be challenged is the evidence to prove it one way or another”.

Here’s the rub: Don has simply ignored the evidence presented in the series of articles, and is content to just dismiss the evidence without disproving it. Challenging it requires presenting evidence to disprove it. This he has not done. Instead, he makes wild and unsubstantiated remarks, such as this in relation to Intelligent Design: “the evidence requires us to suspend our disbelief to the point of painful mental gymnastics”. This bald statement, without any support, is really unacceptable, but typical of the anti-intellectual basis of much of anti-Christian belief.

The fact is that it has been accepted that the universe at least appears to have been designed: something people like Charles Darwin, Richard Dawkins, Charles Lyell, and Stephen Hawking all agreed.

They just refused to accept the reality of design because it would have forced them to

concede the existence of a Designer. Last, but not least, Don’s conclusion: “If you are right, we will all learn the truth at the end of days and if you are wrong we will never know anyway”, is particularly sad. Given the ultimate importance of the question,

isn’t it better to honestly examine the evidence before you find out if it’s true. For, if Christianity is true, as I know it to be, it will be a bit late to believe it then.

the north grenville

TIMES News Reporter Wanted The North Grenville Times is an independently owned publication serving the population of North Grenville and surrounding area. We are seeking to hire a talented and motivated journalist. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing information of public interest and writing news articles for a weekly publication. The successful candidate will be gathering information, conducting interviews, writing articles and taking photographs of events in the local community.

Please consider submitting your resume if you are a person with: • Excellent news judgment • Strengths in accurate, clean reporting • The ability to initiate stories and features • Excellent reporting and writing skills • Experience at a news organization in a deadline-oriented reporting/writing role • Ability to work quickly and independently, meet multiple deadlines, and make efficient decisions • A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle If you have your finger on the pulse of your community and you are willing to work both independently and as part of a news team, to tell this community’s stories, please submit your resume to: editor@ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

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73’s destroy the Bears after loss to Grads

Coming on strong…Patrick Larkin with Matthew York to setup Chase Lammi’s wrister through the five hole for his second of the night during their lopsided blowout contest of 10 to 1 on Friday in Kemptville. Chase had a 5 point night with two markers and three helpers. by the sportsguy Sunday’s matinee on Navan ice surface saw Tyler Laureault pull stopper duty for Kemptville, and Carter Garvie for Navan, with the Grads outshooting the 73’s by 38 to 27 to take a 5-2 victory.

Kemptville drew first blood at 4:01in the first, when Taylor combined with Krulicki to find Ty Whyte in the slot to find the back of the net. Blake Hall answered with assists from Orpana and Lovisek for a tie at 11:27.

Tiebreaker from Ty Whyte after Tyler and Krulicki ticktac-toe on to his stick from top of the circle at just :16 to open the second. Floodgates open with Grads PP, as Callum Chau PPG, with helpers from Louette-Issac and Lovisek,

at 3:54 to even it up. Justin Louette-Issac, assisted by Chau with Faust, for go ahead at 9:00. Callum Chau tallied his second with helpers from Parsons and Drouin at 14:51 for the insurance.

The 73’s pulled their stopper at 17:32 for extra attacker, without success.

Alec Lovisek, from Orpana and Chau, for ENG at 19:04 to stop the bleeding. Jason summarized the scrimmage, “they played hard, but took too many penalties with 9 to 4 PP’s differential, basically a full period short handed for us. We beat ourselves, as we were dominating the play with 5 on 5.”

Smiths Falls Bears were on the Municipality ice for

on the point, so Chase Lammi PPG chased McBride to the showers and gave Chase his second marker for the evening at 7:10. Howie, from half board to O’Doherty, on to the tape of Grady Logue, to punch it by Will McEvoy at 8:25. Krulicki penetrated the line with Taylor in tow to Ty Whyte perched on the doorstep, to lift it top shelf at 9:14. Defensive miscue in Kemptville’s zone allowed Jacob Lesser, with helpers from McLean and Chipman, to spoil Connor Blackwood’s SO attempt at 19:48.

Final twenty, Smiths Falls still couldn’t plug the holes in the dyke, as Lammi controlled the play back to Howie on the line to Brock Krulicki PPG from the half circle into open space at 5:45. Another PP at 11:05, when Howie with Merrett kept it active, and Jeff Taylor PPG pumped the rubber behind the stopper to cease the bleeding and give Kemptville a 10 to 1 victory.

Shawn Fensel expressed his thoughts, “great victory for us, the guys played well, you could see we were dialed in at the drop of the puck and able to put in a strong effort for the entire game. It was great to see Connor Black-

Friday’s evening challenge.

73’s Connor Blackwood, with Dalton McBride and Will McEvoy between the pipes for the Bears. Kemptville outgunned their opponents 43 to 28 and 5 PP attempts, capitalizing on 4 with a decisive 10 to 1 runaway.

Lammi reversed to York on the line, dished ahead to Patrick Larkin to put Kemptville in the drivers seat at 4:35.

Connor Blackwood would shine when he shut down Owen Watson from Smiths Falls after being awarded a penalty shot at 5:46. Cavallin combined with Benjamin Campeau to rifle it home at 8:12. Smooth transition from Haughian with stretch pass to Savignac, with Nathan Merritt from the point directing past sprawling stopper to give the 73’s a 3 zip lead.

Larkin touch and go, across to Lammi so Devon Savignac could snap it blocker side to bulge the mesh at 14:20 to close out the first.

Second stanza continued with the onslaught from 73’s with man advantage, as Houle held the line to flip the rubber to Savignac, over to Chase Lammi PPG, to slip it through the five hole at 5:19. Another PP, when Larkin back to York

Falling in love at 55

by Caroline Medwell I took up curling at the age of 55. My last child was heading off to university, and life as an empty nester lay before me. Terrified of becoming a lazy, wine-sipping couch potato, I decided to start a new activity. I picked curling. Why curling? Who really knows!!? I did have a friend who curled and loved it, and my daughter and niece had a lot of fun curling together on their high school team. So, in late September, I made myself be brave and headed off to the Welcoming Open House at my local curling club.

I immediately loved the wood paneled, trophy lined lounge/bar area, with the floor to ceiling windows overlooking six sheets of ice in a shed covered with banners and pennants. Delicious homemade food lay in platters on the many round tables, people stood or sat in groups, talking and laughing, and the welcoming committee really did make me feel welcome.

I signed up for ‘Wednesday Women’ and a Learn to Curl session and went home feeling both eager and anxious.

That first year had its ups and downs. Assigned to play lead on a team patched togethFebruary 16, 2022

er by the section’s Drawmaster, I struggled every week for the first few months. Game day would find me anxious and stressed about getting on the ice. I worried about everything: getting into the hack, sliding out of the hack, getting back to the hack, throwing the right weight, line and handle, sweeping, guessing the rock’s final landing spot, obeying the rules, understanding the etiquette, meeting new people.

But about halfway through one of those early games, I realized that I was thoroughly enjoying myself. I really liked the women I curled with, as well as the fact that I was for the first time in my life on a sports team. Curling was relatively easy to start doing, yet complex and intricate enough to provide challenge, growth, learning and improvement (or backslides!) every single game. And every week, when we sat down for the postgame drink, I would meet another set of four women and be treated to a great conversation, some laughs and often, a close neighbour or new friend. (The bonus was that we lost every game that first year, so the post-game drink was free!!). I remained nervous before every game

that season, but gradually the fun overcame the fear.

It’s ten years later now.

Curling is an important part of my life and I’m an active member of my club. I love the women on my team, and all the curling friends I’ve made.

I love the chill of the ice shed, the warmth of the lounge, the camaraderie of play and the thrill of the game. I love pushing out from the hack and feeling steady. I love making a good shot, landing where and how my skip directed. I love sweeping hard, calling the rock correctly and cheering on others. I don’t like playing poorly, but I love that whenever that happens, we still have fun and laugh a lot.

I am retiring in a few weeks, and thrilled to soon be able to be a Day Lady. Most recently, a friend and I bid on a coveted item in a local bonspiel’s silent auction for charity and won a training session for four with the generous and talented John Epping. We get to have a drink with him afterward and are SO excited.

Curling and its people have enriched my life in many ways. I can’t wait to get back on the ice.

#11

Grady Logue Nickname: Logie or Slim Born: Ottawa, ON Position: Left Wing Previous Hockey Club: Carleton Place JR Canadians Hockey Hero: Bobby Ryan Most Inspiring Person: My Mother Favourite TV Show: Prison Break Favourite Movie: Wolf of wall street Favourite Food: Wings Favourite Hockey Moment: Scoring in overtime in the finals as a kid Life as a Jr. A player: Always on the go, grind never stops!!

Oxford Station 613-258-3445 Crysler Addison 613-987-5241 613-924-2632

wood step in and make some excellent saves to cover some breakdowns we had. Chase Lammi continues to be a force for us, and we are excited to see where he will take his game to down the stretch.”

Next home meeting, with the high flying Hawkesbury Hawks for a Sunday matinee, will be much more challenging for your 73’s.

Baldwin's Birds A very rare bird sighting

What do you think this is?

by John Baldwin In my recent articles, I have tried to highlight the more unusual birds that stopover for the winter, particularly the Robins who, apparently, are doing it more often.

The subject has prompted one of The North Grenville Times readers to bring my attention to their even rarer, year-round garden visitor, as you can see.

At first glance, you probably had to do a double take at what you are looking at! Yes, you thought, "That's a Black Capped Chickadee, but it’s white, so probably an Albino one."

Whoops! Take another closer look, after you have sorted out in your own mind 14

the distinguishing features of an Albino bird or animal.

Obviously, the predominant white color is a giveaway, but now take a closer look, and what do you see? Albinos' eyes are usually red, but the eyes of this little guy are black, so doesn't make it an Albino Black Capped Chickadee, but a Leucistic one! To see one of these is a rare privilege indeed, having read up on the statistics of seeing one of these at all.

Our reader has a pictorial record of sighting one of them almost annually, although Chickadees are here all the time, since 2015! Knowing this, it begs the question - is it the same one, or can the

genes, or lack thereof, be transferred during breeding, to reproduce a similarly affected bird in the next generation? I am certainly not an expert on any of these facts, so leave the research up to you.

Just trying to find out how long a Chickadee normally lives is, in itself, not proving a very successful venture, using the usual sources of information. So, to say that this is, or not, the same bird each year is very difficult to conclude.

Another reader has come up with the question as to why we seem to be seeing more Crows in our neighborhoods this year, as compared to other years. Again, not being an expert, I can only theorize on the subject. Maybe it’s warmer in town, or there is more accessible food, easier to forage for in these extremely icy conditions and cold temperatures.

Once again, I'll leave it up to you and your own curiosity to find the answer. In doing so, please enjoy your research, but above all, stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

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The Voice of Our Community

15

The Truckers Freedom

by William Van Dam I read the Green Party statement on the Freedom Convoy in the NGT Feb 9/22 pg. 15 edition and was dismayed by the allegations of hatred, racism, homophobia, misogyny etc.

They seemed to have taken a page out of Trudeau’s speech. When the leaders of the protest learned of the rebel flags and swastika’s etc, they moved quickly to remove the symbols or the persons displaying them.

When the leadership learned of the “desecration” of national monuments, they dispatched persons to clean up all the monuments and protect them.

As for the closing of the downtown businesses, those businesses may be more afraid of government mandates that will fine, remove liquor licenses, force closures etc for any food service company that would accommodate the protestors, contrary to mandates, as has occurred in Kemptville and Kingston. The downtown food businesses may have made a good income serving the protestors while government workers are at home.

In contrast, the truckers, on route to Ottawa, publicly thanked the Holiday Inn near Toronto for all their help and hospitality. In Ottawa, the protestors must bring in food, which the local government claims is against health protocols. The protestors are not allowed to bring in fuel supplies to keep warm, whereas in other protest locations, fuel trucks are allowed in to fuel vehicles safely. Police are confiscating “jerry can” fuel supplies in order to freeze out the protestors, claiming possible terrorist action and of course “safety concerns”.

And then, at an all time low for any government, to threaten CAS seizure of the protestors’ children, in the “righteous concern” for their welfare. Has the government not learned from the residential school debacle?

Perhaps the government would reopen those schools and have protestor children housed there, safe from the misguided cultural influences of their parents! The government has attempted to confiscate their support funds (Go Fund Me) and any type of measure of assistance voluntarily given to

the protest leadership.

Government proposals are to increase parking fines, suspend driver’s license, trucking licenses etc etc etc.

At time of writing, it seems the only thing any level of government is unwilling to do is to negotiate (publicly) with the protest leadership. The same “self righteous” P.M., who in his own wisdom, advised the Indian government to negotiate with their striking farmers, now will not negotiate with those parked right at Parliament Hill, neither send any emissaries.

Since the “Green Party” is heavily invested in “identity politics”, they appear to “brush” all the protestors with the same brush. Those “misogynist” men have a female on their leadership group.

There are many females taking part in the protests as well as cleaning monuments and helping those “misogynist” truckers obtain fuel.

At this time many industries (including trucking) claim staff shortages and yet the various tiers of government and other employers are firing (dismissing) employees (police, nurses, firemen etc) if they do not vaccinate. The Canadian “fully vaccinated” rate is 80.2% and 85% with one jab, among the highest rates in the world for voluntary compliance. Did the government actually think they would achieve 100% voluntary compliance?

But now the heavy hand of the government is coming down on private citizens.

While the Liberals and Greens cry “inclusivity” as a party platform, it appears this does not include the protestors that seek a measure of freedom from government mandated restrictions. The banner of “equality” that these political parties claim does not seem extended to those who fear or have concerns regarding the actual vaccine, for the various tiers of government will see to it that such persons do not have employment etc.

Discrimination of race, creed, color, political persuasion etc is not allowed, but vaccine discrimination is becoming the order of the day.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

ABC Skills Hub Van Turken Day marked at Curry Park expands program offering

Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan, Mayor nancy Peckford, and Councillor John Barclay (front), and Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman and Councillor Kristen Strackerjan (back) wishing everyone a Happy Van Turken Day.

by David Shanahan North Grenville Council and staff appeared in unusual garb last weekend as they celebrated VanTurken Day at Curry Park. With great bravery, Council risked references to turkeys as they joined in with the spirit of the day: fun, silliness, and a respond to the return of wintery conditions on the day.

In 2020, the North Grenville Municipal Council proclaimed the second Saturday of February as Van Turken Day in North Grenville, to celebrate how the rogue bird brought the community to-

gether when he appeared on Van Buren Street before he made his way to the busy thoroughfare of County Road 43, making a visit to the Municipal Centre, as well as many local businesses.

The fun really started when a municipal employee found themselves running for cover as Van Turken chased them around the Municipal Centre parking lot. The video can be found on treh municipality’s Facebook page.

Worth a giggle. Run, Emily, run! www.facebook. com/NGMCevents/videos/246364103022334.

from COMMUNITYWIRE ABC Life Literacy Canada is pleased to announce that its online learning portal, the ABC Skills Hub, has expanded its program offering to include courses aligning with the Skills for Success.

Skills for Success include those that are foundational for building on other skills and knowledge and those that are important for effective social interaction. They overlap and interact with each other, and with other technical and life skills.

These skills, which have been identified by the Government of Canada in response to an evolving labour market and changing skill needs, include reading, writing, numeracy, digital, problem solving, communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity and innovation.

ABC Life Literacy Canada® is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen organizations that promote adult learning by developing and supporting the use of high-quality introductory learning materials and resources written in clear language. We envision a Canada where everyone has the tools and opportunities they need to improve their literacy and essential skills.

The ABC Skills Hub launched in fall 2020 with the purpose of offering asynchronous, at-home delivery of ABC’s adult literacy programs. UP Skills for Work has

recently expanded to include topics on each of the Skills for Success to help adult learners develop the key soft skills needed to gain meaningful employment. UP Skills for Work is made possible with the support of founding sponsor Canada Life.

With the addition of the Skills for Success topics, the ABC Skills Hub now offers 22 online courses. Thirteen work skills courses are currently available, with three more set to launch in the coming months. Additionally, there are courses on financial and civic literacy, with digital literacy courses planned for 2022 and 2023.

The ABC Skills Hub has also expanded its features to include both a teacher portal and an organization portal, where teachers can set up virtual classrooms for learners, and where organizations can keep track of multiple teachers and groups of learners across a variety of courses.

“Adding the Skills for Success topics to the ABC Skills Hub is an important step in helping Canadians develop the necessary skills for a rapidly evolving job market,” says Elizabeth Robinson, Programs Director at ABC Life Literacy Canada.

“With the addition of the teacher portal and organization portal, literacy organizations will also be able to further help learners build the skills needed to gain meaningful employment and

Even bigger record for Snowarama

by David Shanahan Last week, we reported on the success of this year’s Snowarama put on by the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub in support of Easter Seals. That report noted that a total of $5,336 had been raised on the day, which was a record for the event.

But now we hear from organisers, Bruce and Liz Robinson, that donations continued to come during the following days, and the total raised for Easter Seals now stands at a wonderful $7,800. Congratulations to the Klub, the organisers, and all those who participated in any way. And huge thanks to all the generous donors who made this a really special day for all.

February 16, 2022

16

succeed in their learning.”

The ABC Skills Hub was created with a simple design that will appeal to learners who are looking to improve their digital literacy along with their workplace skills. It adheres to CLAD (Clear Language and Design) principles and prioritizes accessible navigation, from setting up an account, to learning.

“At Canada Life, we invest in educational initiatives that focus on improving literacy and helping provide the skills needed for success,”

says Debbie Down, Director, Community Relations, Canada Life. “That’s why we’re proud to support the ABC Skills Hub – because we want to help Canadians reach their full potential. Together, we can make a positive impact in our communities.”

To learn more about the ABC Skills Hub or to set up a free account to start learning, visit abcskillshub.ca.

For more information on literacy and ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs, visit abclifeliteracy.ca.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

My grandson and I are huge fans of breakfast, ranging from buckwheat pancakes to Belgian waffles to Corned Beef Hash. Here’s one recipe you may want to try if you are also keen on hearty breakfasts, particularly on Saturday or Sunday mornings: it is the Breakfast Frittata, which incorporates all the right kinds of goodies such as eggs, vegetables, and bacon.

Just plop the cast-iron pan with the Frittata on the table with a stack of thick, buttered toast, and perhaps with some salsa, and enjoy this dish with a good strong cup of coffee.

Breakfast Frittata

Ingredients: A dozen extra large eggs 5 tablespoons heavy cream 1 cup grated cheese, such as Monterey Jack 5 strips of bacon 1 cup each of chopped onions, green peppers and tomatoes 3 tablespoons of crushed garlic Garnish: parsley flakes, chives and/or grated cheese.

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 425 F degrees 2. Crack the eggs into a medium mixing bowl, add the cream and whisk.

3. Mix in the cheese and set the mixture aside.

4. Cook your bacon slices until tender but not crispy in a 12-inch cast iron skillet on medium heat.

5. Add your onions, then your green peppers, then your tomatoes until the veggies are soft.

6. Stir in your garlic.

7. Give the egg and cheese mixture another stir and pour it evenly over the bacon and veggies.

8. Cook 1 to 2 minutes and place the frittata in your oven.

9. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, checking frequently and until cooked (but not overcooked) throughout.

10. Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley flakes.

If you don’t like parsley, you can also grate some more cheese as a topping; chopped chives are also nice.

Of course, you can substitute any vegetable you wish, keeping in mind that broccoli and cauliflower need to be precooked a bit prior to frying up in your Frittata pan. Vegetarians can skip the bacon and cook their veggies in a bit of olive oil.

Enjoy, and send me any variation you have on this great (and easy to make) breakfast dish at pcormier@ranaprocess.com. www.ngtimes.ca