ND Times Issue 10 2021 March 17

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Prepare for lots of green ink in this week’s Times: it’s our St. Patrick’s Day edition.

As an Irishman, I’ve been quite amazed at how popular the day is around the world.

World sites light up in green: the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Golden Gate Bridge. Why this Irish national day, rather than some other country’s? Perhaps it’s because you find the Irish everywhere, Ireland is a country with a long and sad history of emigration, after all. Perhaps it’s the culture: music, writers, actors; in fact, storytellers in all forms.

The Irish do love language, especially since their own was mainly lost to them through colonisation.

Ireland is both an ancient land, and a nation marking 100 years of political independence for the Republic this year. It is impossible to grow up in Ireland without being aware of history. Where I went to school, a 13th Century Norman castle stood on the grounds. Drimnagh Castle was built in the reign of King John (of Robin Hood fame), and throughout the centuries after was regularly attacked

by Gaelic tribes from the nearby Wicklow mountains, the O’Tooles. My best friend in school was Chris O’Toole,

from Wicklow. Both my father and grandfather served in the Home Guard in World War II, stationed in Drimnagh Castle: history is never far away.

Everywhere you go in Ireland, you’ll find ruins of castles and houses, from as far back as pre-Celtic times, right up to the 1916-1921 period, when much of central Dublin was destroyed by artillery, some British and some Irish.

Our songs, poetry, music and stories stem from a tradition millenia old. The oldest man-made structure in the world, they say, dating back 5,000 years, is called, with classic Irish understatement, Newgrange. It’s in the

Finding the right home for the right family can be a bit of a puzzle.

Boyne Valley, a place made infamous by a certain battle in 1790 and still remembered annually by the Orange Order on July 12.

Ireland, they say, has too much history and too little geography. But what geography! To travel through Ireland is to become almost numb, overwhelmed by the beauty you see around you. Yes, perhaps there are many reasons why the Irish national day is marked all over the world.

That is the positive side of being Irish, and, for this week, that’s where the emphasis lies. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Newgrange, County Meath. Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, and was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.). Newgrange is a large circular mound 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.

Newgrange is best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the winter solstice sun. Above the entrance to the passage there is a opening called a roof-box.[Photo 5] Its purpose is to allow sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the shortest days of the year, around December 21st, the winter solstice. At dawn, from December 19th to 23rd, a narrow beam of light penetrates the roof-box and reaches the floor of the chamber, gradually extending to the rear of the chamber.

As the sun rises higher, the beam widens within the chamber so that the whole room becomes dramatically illuminated. This event lasts for 17 minutes, beginning around 9am. The accuracy of Newgrange as a time-telling device is remarkable when one considers that it was built 500 years before the Great Pyramids and more than 1,000 years before Stonehenge.

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The great scourge of the Irish monasteries in the 7th and 8th centuries were the Viking longships that arrived suddenly, bringing death and destruction as they plundered the goods of the monks. In the margin of a manuscript from those days, an unknown monk noted with relief the storm winds blowing outside his cell.

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The North Dundas Times Throughout the 18th century in Ireland, more and more of the old forests were cut down for settlements and farms. Once covering more than 90% of the island, the trees were mourned by one poet in Kilcash. An elegy to a world that was vanishing before him, where the Gaelic lords were patrons of poets and musicians: Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan adhmad?

Tá deireadh na gcoillte ar lár; níl trácht ar Chill Chais ná ar a teaghlach is ní bainfear a cling go bráth.

An áit úd a gcónaíodh an deighbhean fuair gradam is meidhir thar mhnáibh, bhíodh iarlaí ag tarraingt tar toinn ann is an t-aifreann binn á rá.

(Now what will we do for timber, With the last of the woods laid low?

There’s no talk of Cill Chais or its household And its bell will be struck no more.

That dwelling where lived the good lady Most honoured and joyous of women Earls made their way over wave there And the sweet Mass once was said.)

Newgrange entrance

Newgrange stone Poulnabrone Poulnabrone is a portal tomb in the region known as the Burren, County Clare, and is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland. Dated to c. 4200 BCE it stands 5.9 feet high (1.8 meters) and 12 feet (3.6 meters) long in a field surrounded by the karst stone formations which make up the Burren. Excavations in 1986 and 1988 found the remains of 22 people from the Neolithic Age buried in the dolmen: 16 adults, six children, and one newborn. Along with the skeletons were found a polished stone axe, beads, jewelry, arrowheads, pottery sherds, and other remains of personal possessions, all indicating a tomb for people of high standing in the community, most likely a chieftain and his family.

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Newgrange stone

A tourist stops to ask directions from a local. “Can you tell the quickest way to Donegal?”

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Two Irishmen were working in the public works department. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind him and fill the hole in.

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March 17, 2021

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Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. - Oscar Wilde

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Editorial

The North Dundas Times

What a long, strange trip it’s been

by David Shanahan Céad míle fáilte. Welcome to our special St. Patrick’s Day edition of the Times. In these days of restricted travel and forced isolation, we thought it would be a nice idea to bring Ireland to you, some photographs, jokes, stories, and other Irish stuff. There is such a positive vibe around Paddy’s Day, wherever you are, and we really need some good vibrations these days.

But more positive news comes this week from the North Dundas Council reports in the paper. As Joselyn writes, both municipal staff and council seem to be making real efforts to keep budgets in check, and to maximise the benefits from the taxes they receive from residents. This is going to be increasingly important as time passes, given the indication of future growth in the Township over the next decade or so.

There have been questions raised about just how ready and prepared North

Dundas is to cope with an increase in development, and it is clear that this has been a concern of council also.

There has been some good news regarding future accommodation requirements for seniors, and the plans for new residential development of all kinds point to a very positive future.

However, the issue of water and sewage remains critical. There simply is not enough capacity to see North Dundas through what is coming. There is a saying that “growth pays for growth”, the idea being that taxes and charges levied on developers and new businesses and residents will help cover the increased costs of infrastructure needed to support them. That has been tried elsewhere, but with limited success. There is a balance that has to be maintained between encouraging builders and businesses to invest in the community, and the possibly off-putting effects of taxes and charges. It is a delicate process, and this council and staff seem to be working hard at finding ways

music, friends and family, and the years when we spent the day in pubs or homes, listening to great and rollicking songs, maybe even dancing to jigs and reels, and (perhaps) imbibing a pint or two!

Those are the days ahead of us, too. There will come a time when we will get together for times like Paddy’s Day, Canada Day, New Year’s Eve, and others, when we will celebrate birthdays and weddings, grieve together at funerals, and take in all the energy and positivity that being together in one place brings.

I am still amazed at how well we’ve become used to putting on our masks when we go out shopping, how we are so aware of the steps we need to take to keep ourselves and everyone else safe and healthy. We have adapted so well, in fact, that we may continue to feel a little uneasy in crowds when it all ends. That will feel really strange. So many people have commented that when they watch a movie, for example, they feel uncomfortable when they see

to match revenues with the necessary spending.

None of this is helped, of course, by the restrictions imposed by covid-related lockdowns. Just keeping the economy of North Dundas going, much less growing, is a constant problem. Although the stats for Ontario generally are heading in the right direction, and cases in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry are slowly dropping, the experience of neighbouring townships are a warning that nothing is certain and continued watchfulness is essential.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark health unit region has been returned to Yellow-Protect status, a retrograde step for them, but necessary to cope with increased numbers of confirmed cases. But the end, as they say, is not yet. We, as a people, and as a planet, have been through worse times and survived, and it will be the same this time.

We are resilient.

This makes celebrating events like St. Patrick’s Day all the more important. It’s a time when we have to simply decide to remember song,

scenes of people not socially distancing.

In the meantime, before we get to the After Days, let’s remember the Before Times and decide to see these odd times out in safety and watchfulness. People are finding it a strain on their mental health to be so restricted. We need those days when we can relax and remember, and look forward.

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Council Meeting: Development The theme of the regular meeting of Council on March 9 was Development.

The township is facing unprecedented development, and a surge of applications for building permits. The demand for development land, permits, existing houses, or rental accommodations is extraordinary.

Deputy Mayor Al Armstrong notes, "It's fantastic to see the interest people have in North Dundas."

Since the interest in development in North Dundas has intensified, there has been an awful lot of discussion about the allocation of water and sewer units at Council meetings. Mayor Tony Fraser notes that "we were looking at 20 years out [then] all of a sudden, 20 years out became 2 years out."The water and sewer capacity in North Dundas is limited. This is an ongoing discussion at Council. There is not enough water and sewer capacity to service a fraction of all the developments on the horizon. The plan is to accept applications on a case by case basis, approving a part now, and by the time the next stage of the development is approved, the solution to the March 17, 2021

water and sewer issues will be underway.

Wellings of Winchester is a 55 Plus housing development. Council is very happy to see that people will not have to leave the community when they reach that phase of their lives. There are now options. Phase one did better than expected, and outpaced all the other developments so far. Deputy Mayor Al Armstrong declared, "It's a great day for North Dundas."The second and third stage plans for 76 units and 80 units.

Looking to 2023 and beyond, Wellings of Winchester, stage 4 will be 120 units, and stage 5 will be 114 units. Winfields Subdivision proposes approximately 150 units in 3 to 5 years. Woods Subdivision proposes 56 units. Dream Haven Subdivision sees phase 2 build 35 units.

The water and sewer systems in Winchester and Ches-

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terville cannot be pushed past their limits. The lagoons need repairs as they are releasing ammonia. The wells cannot be pushed past a certain capacity, because there has to be a bit of reserved capacity in the event of a fire or drought.

There is going to be some talk in the future of ways to conserve water, and there was mention of bringing some of the big players to the table, such as Lactalis, to get their input on water conservation.

Council received the results of a Bridge Inspection & Needs Study. Bridges and culverts were assessed and assigned a ranking. Of all the bridges and culverts in North Dundas, 15 % are ranked as Poor, and 22% as Fair. Council is committed to making sure the excellent and very good ones remain that way.

It takes less money to maintain than it does to repair.

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We at the Times really hope that seeing the photographs and reading the captions, will bring you all a little escape, if only for one day. Out there, in the wider world, there is still beauty, music, stories, and fascinating places, waiting for us to go there one day.

For now, we can afford to daydream a bit, to remember that this too shall pass, and that we shall overcome.

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Council Meeting: Budget

by Joselyn Morley The Council met on the evening of March 10 to discuss the budget. Most of what was discussed was a revisiting of previous discussions from an earlier meeting with municipal staff. When the Council discussed the budget previously, such as at the meeting on February 9, members of Council, with feedback from department heads, clerks, and staff, literally went through each department, and each line, item by item. Two things became apparent to me.

First off, the Council does not spend your money with reckless abandon. Quite the opposite. On February 9, the Council really did discuss whether the roof on the municipal building in Mountain should be covered in

shingles or steel. The budget included the cost for steel.

One Councilor asked how much it would be to shingle it instead. No one had the answer, so that particular line in the budget did not get approved. Staff were instructed to go and investigate the cost difference between shingles and steel for that roof.

On March 10, at the Special Budget Meeting, the list of questions created at the February 9 meeting regarding expenditures was brought out, and answers were provided.

Staff reported it would indeed be a bit cheaper to cover the municipal roof in Mountain with shingles, but the life expectancy of the steel is much longer than shingles.

It is therefore prudent to use steel. All Council members agreed, and that item in the budget was checked off. I am not going to go through the

a viable option. An engineering report is prudent given the high cost of the replacement.

The Councillors acknowledged that leaking roofs aren't good, but as one pointed out, it's been leaking for a while, and it is uncertain if work could be done this summer, so the engineering report is a prudent expense.

The second thing that became apparent is that the Clerks are really good at finding funding! They have to find sources of funding, and apply for it. There is a lot of discussion about the impact on the taxpayer. During budget discussions, funding is sought from other sources before the burden falls to the taxpayer.

Remember, your property taxes go to the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry as well as North Dundas.

whole list of budget questions they revisited on the evening of March 10; however, most questions were answered, and decisions made, based on the information that was requested.

There are a couple of issues they sent away for further investigation, such as the cost for a portable generator because the cited cost, and the designation as "portable" did not correspond. Another item that was not approved, but sent away for additional information, was the roof of the Joel Steele Community Centre and the Winchester Arena. The roof leaks both in the arena, and near the elevator. The cost to replace that is estimated to be $720K. Options were presented. In some instances, it is possible to put another roof on over the existing one. It will take an engineer to decide if this is

Sustainability: Sustainable Development

by Joselyn Morley With North Dundas facing unprecedented development, it seems like a good idea to tackle the subject of sustainable development.

What exactly are we talking about when we commit to sustainable development?

In short, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. That rather vague definition came from the 1987 Bruntdland Commission Report at the United Nations General Assembly.

Sustainable development recognizes the interdependence of environmental, social, and economic systems, and promotes equality and justice through people empowerment and a sense of global citizenship.

There are a few ways small towns are trying to make sure their development is sustainable. Some towns have accessed funds from various levels of government due to natural disasters, such as a tornado.

Others are trying to make sure that sustainability is build into their future development. The idea is that development today cannot come at the expense of either future generations, or marginalised people in society. Sustainable development is founded on the belief that groups cannot March 17, 2021

be left behind. Many countries, cities, or international groups have developed policies or plans that outline a legal and practical framework for how to go forward while keeping sustainability at the forefront of the agenda.

The environment needs to be protected. Recently, the provincial government has overridden concerns for the environment saying that economic recovery post pandemic is more important than protected wetlands, or the power that conservation authorities have to protect watersheds. This approach holds the economy in higher regard than the environment, threatening health and well-being of current residents and future generations.

It is easy to overlook the need for protection of the environment in a small town, for aren't they surrounded by green? Yet, huge areas of monoculture, with no attention to native plants and animals, is not environmentally sound. The municipality has the power to stop deforestation, and enforce progressive practices, such as maintaining hedgerows, and edge planting. Small towns and rural municipalities are in a perfect position to make massive contributions to carbon sequestering. A township's carbon footprint could be cut drastically.

A municipality has the power to implement green

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initiatives into future development, such as LED lighting, green buildings, green infrastructure to help manage water, and a commitment to green, renewable energy. The LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating that certifies that a building is green. There is a series of guidelines. It's an independent, third party verification. Many people choose to live a more environmentally conscientious life. Shaping policy for a municipality that addresses water conservation, energy consumption, tree planting programs and partnerships with conservation authorities are all possibilities, and make good sense. Marketing a town as green has proven to be very effective in some small towns.

As the urban centres continue their sprawl, it seems like a good time for small towns to make conscious decisions about what they want their future to look like. Some small towns, many of whom have seen their main industrial employer leave, have decided to focus on maintaining a Main Street. The goal is to focus on the pedestrian experience, making sure that sidewalks are accessible and maintained, ensuring that nature is featured, and making a place for small, unique businesses. There is a lot that can be done to guide the right kind of development.

Applications sought for 2021 SDG Regional Tourism Grant

The SDG Regional Tourism Grant program is now accepting applications. The program includes a grant designed to help existing businesses and organizations increase visitation to Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry via tourism initiatives and attractions.

The Regional Tourism Grant program is tailored specifically to help tourism businesses and organizations in SDG, while also focusing on new ideas, or augmenting an existing event/attraction.

“Those interested are asked to complete a detailed application that includes a brief history of the organization, a list board of members if applicable, details of your event or program and an outline of where the funds requested will be used,” said SDG Tourism coordinator Karina Belanger. “With COVID-19 set to dominate the tourism landscape again this summer, we realize that aiding operators and organizations in our region is integral to their success.”

SDG Regional Tourism Grant highlights: - One-time annual intake.

- Applications must be received by March 30, 2021 - 12:00 p.m.

- A panel of two Counties Councillors, Tourism Coordinator and an SDG staff member will review each application.

- Only one application per organization per year. Applicants are welcome to apply in subsequent years however funding would still be subject to panel approval.

- The minimum grant request is $2,500 per application.

- The maximum grant request be an upset of $5,000.

- Total grant program would have an annual budget of $25,000.

The applicants will be notified by mid-April and funds will be distributed pending budget approval. To download an application, please visit sdgcounties.ca/tourism/grant.

Please contact SDG Tourism Coordinator Karina Belanger at 613-932-1515 x1331, or email tourism@sdgcounties.ca for more information.

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Dublin City

River Liffey, Dublin

Shelbourne Hotel 1890's

Norman gate Dublin, dating from 1240

Killiney Bay from Vico Road, Dalkey

Grafton Street, Dublin

GPO after the 1916 Rising March 17, 2021

GPO today 6

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Dublin City Liam Neeson

Pierce Brosnan

Hayley Bedford with our appointed Judge Mayor Tony Fraser

O'Connell Street 1897

O'Connell Street today Drawing contest entries table at Doyle's Eatery, Chesterville Winners announced on page 12

GPO after the 1916 Rising

GPO today

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.

Grandchildren are gifts of God. It is God’s way of compensating us for growing old The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.

Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.

March 17, 2021

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Blake Currie age 8 - Doyles Favourite - $25 voucher.

Doyle's surprised us by sponsoring a Doyle's Favourite bonus prize.

Thank you to all participants, the Mayor for judging, to Doyles for hosting the event and especially to Hayley for her inspiration!

Contact Hayley at 343.777.2702 for prize collection.

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Early Ireland

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry contains the largest concentration of archaeological sites per square mile than anywhere else in Europe.

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Cathar Dargan, Dingle Peninsula. A fort/homestead from early Christian Ireland, likely the home of a ruling family in the region. It is surrounded by a wall around 9 feet high, and 9 feet thick. As with all buildings from the period, no mortar or cement was used, the stones are carefully placed and form a stable structure.

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Ancient Ireland

This collection of buildings, known as beehive cells, are located at Fahan on the Dingle Peninsula. It is thought that they were part of a pilgrimage route that stretched from Spain all the way to Mount Brandon on the Peninsula in the early Sixth Century and later. This settlement may have been a stop on the way along the Saints Road to Brandon on the other side of the peninsula.

Gallarus Oratory.

This small chapel, also on the Dingle Peninsula, remains watertight and stable, even after centuries of Atlantic wind and rain. Its precise age is unknown.

Local poet, Mícheál ó Fionnáin, wrote in Irish of this site.

Gallarus Oratory Gallarus A boat turned upside down I walk loudly on the stones.

The Tears of God are washing the footpath I am sitting in front of the Oratory Content, patient, breathing ornate hymns, full of grace, listening to the melodious music of the blackbird in the heather.

The miracle of the stones beside me.

Gallarus.

[Translated from the Irish

by David Shanahan] March 17, 2021

Ireland has a very great number of monastic ruins.

Wherever you go, you will find sites, some more preserved than others. In County Wicklow is the famous Glendalough, the Valley of Two Lakes, where a monastic city, famed throughout Europe, was founded by Kevin and was a major centre of learning and spirituality from around 6th Century. The ‘City’ consists of a number of monastic remains, and the most impressive being the Round Tower which stands 30m high. The main group of monastic buildings lies downstream near the Round Tower.

Newgrange, County Meath. Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, and was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.). Newgrange is a large circular mound 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.

Newgrange is best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the winter solstice sun. Above the entrance to the passage there is a opening called a roof-box.[Photo 5] Its purpose is to allow sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the shortest days of the year, around December 21st, the winter solstice. At dawn, from December 19th to 23rd, a narrow beam of light penetrates the roof-box and reaches the floor of the chamber, gradually extending to the rear of the chamber.

As the sun rises higher, the beam widens within the chamber so that the whole room becomes dramatically illuminated. This event lasts for 17 minutes, beginning around 9am. The accuracy of Newgrange as a timetelling device is remarkable when one considers that it was built 500 years before the Great Pyramids and more than 1,000 years before Stonehenge.

The grounds were entered through the Gateway, which has two round headed granite arches. The monastery in its heyday included workshops, areas for manuscript writing and copying, guest houses, an infirmary, farm buildings and dwellings for both the monks and a large lay population. The buildings which survive probably date from between the 10th and 12th centuries. The destruction of the settlement by English forces in 1398 left it a ruin but it continued as a church of local importance and a place of pilgrimage.

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Gardening: Invasive Plants

Morton, Ella Kathleen

Peacefully at the Waterford Retirement Residence, Kingston, surrounded by the love of family, on Monday March 1, 2021. Ella (nee Coons), in her 89th year, beloved wife of Orval Morton (deceased 2013).

dog strangling vine

invasive phragmites

by Joselyn Morley

An invasive species is a plant, animal, or microorganism that is found outside of its natural range, and whose presence poses a threat to environmental health, the economy, or society. It competes aggressively with the native plants and animals, and usually wins. It cannot support our native plants and animals.

Dog-strangling Vine is an invasive perennial herbaceous plant in the milkweed family.

As you probably know, monarchs must lay their eggs on milkweed plants: common milkweed, butterfly weed, or swamp milkweed. The Dogstrangling Vine is enough like milkweed that monarchs end up laying their eggs on the plant, but the larvae cannot eat it, so they die. Given that the monarchs are a species at risk in Ontario, it's another good reason to be vigilant against Dog-strangling Vine.

What a name eh! It is also called Pale Swallowwort in the US. It can grow up to 2 meters. It grows very fast, and can change the microbial make up of the soil. There is no predator. Nothing eats it. It vines around other plants. It has little burgundy or brown flowers that give way to seed pods. Cut off any developing flowers and vines. Dig out the plants as you find them.

Prevent it from flowering, so always remove the seeds. Do not ignore the plant. Botanists suggest repeatedly cutting

March 17, 2021

the plant at the soil level, especially if it's taken hold and is big. Ripping out a big plant will often just splinter it. Keep cutting the emerging vines....and do NOT let it go to seed! Many believe this to be the worst of the invasive plants, and while a similar argument can be made for most invasives, this is definitely one you need to watch out for!

Japanese Knotweed is an extremely invasive perennial herbaceous plant. It's also known as Mexican Bamboo, Fleeceflower, Japanese Polygonum or Huzhang. As its name suggests, it is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan, where, surprisingly, it is relatively uncommon. It is one of the first species to grow on volcanic slopes, and as such has an important role in the ecosystem, just not in Eastern Ontario! Similar to many other invasive plants, Japanese Knotweed was brought to North America, in the late Nineteenth Century. It now has an aggressive hold in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It has been in Ontario since 1901, and can be found as far north as Thunder Bay. It develops large underground root systems, or rhizomes, which can dig up to 2 meters deep. A piece of rhizome as small as 1 centimeter can produce more plants within a week. It takes over an area, then stays. It destroys native plants, and it cannot support a diversity of species of birds, amphibian, reptile, or mammals. It can grow through concrete, damaging

infrastructure extensively.

If you find it, you can dig it out, or mow and cut it. It will keep coming back, so it's an uphill battle. Tarping works, but beware of the extent of the root system. Make sure your tarp extends well past what looks to be the edge of the plant. It is not harmful to livestock, and they can graze on it in the spring.

Garlic Mustard is an adaptable, aggressive, biennial, herbaceous plant of the mustard family. It's also called Hedge Garlic or Sauce Alone. It's a European native, and is found from England to Italy. It was brought to North America through the 1800s as a food source, and also used for herbal medicine. As all the invasives, it escaped its confines, and took off. It is a seriously aggressive invader.

You can find it throughout the temperate forests, agricultural fence-rows, rights of way, and all over gardens and lands. You can eat garlic mustard. It's a pretty good tactic against invaders! It makes a nice pesto, or substitute for any other bitter green in a recipe or salad.

(Check out eattheweeds.com for information on foraging, permaculture, and some other stuff!) Someone last year was suggesting sprouting the seeds. Although this sounds tasty, please do not do this!

If it gets to the seed stage, you're playing chicken with an aggressive invasive, and it will win! Garlic Mustard was first found in Toronto in 1879. It's had a long time to become established. Like all

the other invasive plants, it forms dense monocultures, pushing out native plants and animals. Invasives cannot support native animals, insects, fungi, and the whole host of living things that form a healthy ecosystem. The first year the plants look rather like Creeping Charlie, which is also invasive. The second year it will grow tall, flower, and eventually seed. Each plant produces thousands of tiny black seeds in pods. It can host some viruses like cucumber or turnip mosaic virus, cabbage black ringspot virus. Too much garlic mustard will taint the milk of dairy animals. My chickens loved it last year, and the eggs did not taste of garlic! Pull it out or cut it down.

Phragmites australis is an invasive, perennial, wetland grass. The name Phragmites is derived from the Greek phragma, meaning fence, hedge, or screen. The invasive Phragmites release toxins into the soil from their roots that hinders the growth of nearby plants, and can even kill them.

It originates in Eurasia, and arrived both through soil ballast and horticulture. It's a good rule that, no matter how nice something looks, if it didn't grow here before Europeans arrived in North America, it should not be grown here! In 2005 it was given the title of "Canada's worst invasive plant" by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. It is one of the biggest threat to Great Lakes coastal habitats. 25% of Ontario's species at risk are directly harmed by invasive Phragmites. It has drastically reduced wildlife and plant biodiversity. Just like all invasives, it out competes native plants, and cannot support native wildlife. It has directly led to a great number of species being at risk. There is a variety of Phragmites native to the area, but they're being quickly replaced by invasive ones. Native ones have a yellowish colour, whereas the invasives have a blueish tint.

The leaves are much larger on the invasive and have 9

Dear mother of Judy Leeman (Les), Jim (Donna), Kathy Killen, Shelley Mangione (Clayton) and Lisa Callaghan (Jim). Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Jason (Angie), Darren and Brad Leeman, Derek and Jacky Morton, Aimee, Mitch and Dan Killen, Kendra and Braden Mangione, Renee and Paige Callaghan and by her great-grandchildren Tabatha, Lesley and Samantha Leeman. Ella was predeceased by her siblings Dorothy McMenomy, Hugh Coons, Irene Hindley, Fran Foster and Fred Coons. Survived by sisters-in-law Shirley Coons and Myrtle Allen and extended family and friends. Also predeceased by her parents Sherwood and Grace (MacMillan) Coons of Cass Bridg.

Mom shared a love of learning and teaching throughout her thirty plus year career. She was a long-time member of Inverary United Church where she was an active member of the UCW. In accordance with Ella's wishes cremation has taken place. Due to Covid 19 the family gathered for a private memorial service officiated by Heather McLurg-Murphy followed by inurnment at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, University Hospitals Kingston Foundation or the Inverary United Church (e-transfer to inveraryunitedchurch@hotmail.com or cheque to Inverary United Church, Box 69, Inverary, ON K0H 1X0), and will be gratefully acknowledged by her family.

red stems. The natives grow sparsely, in comparison to the invasives that grow in huge, massive, aggressively advancing stands. The invasives also have a much longer growing season. ontarioinvasive plants.ca have a huge amount of very useful information about invasive plants in Ontario, as well as extensive information on best management practices What are you growing, or planning for the spring? What kind of invasive species have you battled? Let me know at Joselyn@ndtimes.ca

Contact Joselyn Morley if you need an event covered. joselyn@ndtimes.ca 613-989-1980

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Winchester Hawks

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Auctioned 5. Requests 9. Smudge 13. Margarine 14. A word used in polite requests 16. Wings 17. Assists 18. House style 19. Figures 20. Verse 22. A mathematical function 24. Violent disturbance 26. Purposes 27. Receive from a predecessor 30. Get cozy 33. Handle 35. Russian emperors

The Winchester Hawks are back at it! Due to pandemic protocols, there are no spectators allowed, but some of the restrictions previously imposed have been lifted. Prior to the Boxing Day lock down, the Hawks could play against the Richmond Royals. Now they play against the Char Lan Rebels. It's still only one team, but at least it's a different team. The Interim Commissioner of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL), Matthew Couvrette has announced that, "as happy as we are to announce that we will be returning, we must be transparent in stating that there will be no 2020-2021 EOJHL Regular Season.

Given the current regulations, it is not feasible to get the semblance of a season before the spring." The goal of the rest of the season is to allow the players to play, focusing on player development. Couvrette said, "It is essential to offer programming to the players giving them every opportunity to further develop, as well as provide the physical and mental relief that so many of us need at this time."

They played their first scrimmage against Char Lan Rebels on March 6th. They won with a final score of 9-1. Rookie Noel Klassen scored a hat trick, and Mac White scored 2. Lucas deVries made 42 saves! Four other players scored goals: Logan Schmidt 1, Reese Donnelly 1, Frederic Knight 1, Tyler Melvin 1. Friday, March 12 the Hawks won against the Char Lan Rebels 3-0. Xavier Dusablon made 42 saves for the shutout. Saturday they lost 7-5. Initially they fell behind 6-1, but rallied to end respectably. They play again next Friday, March 19th.

Our next games are: (all against Char Lan) Friday, March 12 in Winchester Saturday, March 13 in Williamstown Friday, March 19 in Winchester Saturday, March 20 in Williamstown Friday, March 26 in Winchester No fans are permitted.

37. Dawn goddess 38. Attractiveness 41. Brassiere 42. Shooting sport 45. Caves 48. Traps 51. Forward 52. Carnival attractions 54. The thin fibrous bark 55. Breast X-ray 59. Install (2 words) 62. Two-toed sloth 63. Roof overhangs 65. Somersault 66. Hairdo 67. Expels 68. Sea eagle 69. 50% 70. Existence 71. Twosome

DOWN 1. A cleansing agent 2. Hodgepodge 3. Leather shorts 4. File 5. Play a role 6. Essence 7. Praise 8. Motto 9. They love to inflict pain 10. ___ du jour = Meal of the day 11. Pledge 12. Squad 15. A male duck 21. An English royal house 23. A musical pause 25. Cans 27. Midmonth date 28. Recesses 29. Not bottom 31. Scientific workplace 32. Made a mistake 34. Large 36. Back talk 39. To and ___ 40. Typeface 43. A protective ear covering 44. Threesome 46. It was (contraction) 47. Becoming gradually narrower 49. Borders 50. Colourful wrap 53. Rescues 55. Large indefinite quantity 56. Dwarf buffalo 57. Letters, etc.

58. Kittens' cries 60. Forearm bone 61. Implored 64. South southeast

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

The Irish Millionaire

Mick, from Dublin , appeared on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' and towards the end of the program had already won 500,000 euros.

"You've done very well so far," said the show's presenter, "but for a million euros, you've only got one life-line left, phone a friend. Everything is riding on this question.

Will you go for it?"

"Sure," said Mick. "I'll have a go!"

“Which of the following birds does NOT build its own nest? a) Sparrow b) Thrush, c) Magpie, d) Cuckoo?"

"I haven't got a clue." said Mick, ''So I'll use my last lifeline and phone my friend Paddy back home in Dublin ..."

Mick called up his mate, and told him the circumstances and repeated the question to him. "Well, Mick!" cried Paddy. "Dat's simple it's a cuckoo." "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

Mick hung up the phone and told Chris, "I'll go with cuckoo as my answer."

"Is that your final answer?" asked Chris. "That it is." There was a long, long pause and then the presenter screamed, "Cuckoo is the correct answer! Mick, you've won 1 million euros!"

The next night, Mick invited Paddy to their local pub to buy him a drink. "Tell me, Paddy? How in Heaven's name did you know it was the Cuckoo that doesn't build its own nest?"

“Because he lives in a bloomin’ clock!"

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

AL'S WINTER-SPRING CLEAN UP

Property - Home - Clean - Up (Interior - Exterior) Yards - Leaves - Limbs - etc...

DUMP RUNS: everything goes FULLY INSURED C: 613.295.0300 H: 613.258.3847

March 17, 2021

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Financial Forum 2021 Covid-19 benefits and your taxes

(NC) It’s been a challenging year, with the government providing financial support to many Canadians during the pandemic. As you prepare to do your taxes this year, it’s important to take these new income sources into account.

If you received COVID-related emergency benefit payments, you may owe taxes on this money. While the thought of owing money may be scary, if you delay filing you can miss out on helpful benefits and credits.

territorial payments.

If they don’t have this info, your benefit and credit payments could stop. So, even if you have no income, are tax exempt or owe some money, not doing your taxes means you could lose out on cash you

For example, by filing every year and regularly updating your personal information, the Canada Revenue Agency can determine if you’re eligible for things like the Canada child benefit, the GST/HST credit, or related provincial and

may rely on for rent or to help support your family.

And if you still haven’t filed your 2019 tax return, you could already be missing out on benefit payments.

If you owe taxes and cannot pay the full amount now, the CRA

will help you to find a way to pay. If you need help doing your taxes, you may be able to get them done for free by a volunteer at a virtual tax clinic.

Find more information at canada.ca/taxclinics-free.

We are living in the best of times, and the worst of times, to quote Dickens.

Certainly Covid has brought out the best in us, and in some cases, the worst in us.

FSRA #10315

YOUR LOCAL

MORTGAGE TEAM Watters Financial Group 613.774.6000 | trevorwatters.ca

It has also made people think long and hard about their finances. They wonder if they have enough life insurance to protect their loved ones if they died. They wonder how they would cope if they developed a critical illness that took them out of work for a year, or more…

Trevor

Liz

Kyle

What protects your income if you get cancer, or have a heart attack, or a stroke, or a myriad of other awful possibilities? If you’re lucky, you may have long term disability insurance through work (lots don’t have that), but even then, it only pays 66-70% of your paycheck for when you are off work. And its not only your income that can suffer if you become critically ill. Lots of treatments are not covered by OHIP. Medical advances have dramatically improved the survival rates of people who suffer critical illnesses such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. However, recovery may come with a significant financial cost that impacts both you and the people close to you.

• 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men will develop cancer.1 • There are an estimated 70,000 heart attacks each year in Canada.2 • About 400,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke.2

Henriett

Kemptville Office: 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, South Gower Business Park T: 613.258.3282 Prescott Office: 304-235 Water St. W. T: 613.925.3535

Robert S. Walker, CPA, CA Bradley Mehlman CPA Dinah Boal Crystal Lang email: info@wapc.ca

Critical illness insurance from Sun Life offers the financial help to pay the costs associated with life-altering illnesses. If you become sick with an illness covered by your policy, you’ll receive a lump-sum cash payment. And, unlike reimbursed health insurance benefits, you decide how to spend the money. As well, critical illness insurance on your children can ensure if they get sick, you have the funds to take time off work to help focus on their recovery rather than worrying about money.

website: www.wapc.ca

There is also an option called Return of Premium which you can elect, which means that if you don’t become ill and never need the insurance, you can get all of your premiums paid returned to you in a lump sum after 15 years, or later if you prefer.

Corporate/Business Tax Planning & Preparation Our goal is to help you

• Assisting in organizing your tax information • Preparing the return(s) efficiently and diligently • Ensuring all applicable items have been considered • Reviewing and understanding the return(s) • Identify and plan for future tax saving opportunities • Representing and assisting with CRA requests and issues

Successful financial planning has many components: budgeting, saving/investing and protecting your assets with insurance. I have the ability to help develop a holistic plan for you that can help you with all of this. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. Call me at 613 878 1367 or visit my website at www.sunlife.ca/bryonie.baxter to learn more. My office is on Prescott Street in Old Town Kemptville. During Covid we are doing all appointments by remote secure video conference to keep you safe.

Stay safe! Be Kind! The end is in sight!

3 Clothier St E, Kemptville, ON 613-258-9492 www.solutionone.ca info@solutionone.ca

YOU WANT

FINANCIAL

Wherever you are in life, strengthening your plan today will help give you and your family a brighter tomorrow.

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Advisor Tel: (613) 878 1367 bryonie.baxter@sunlife.com advisor.sunlife.ca/bryonie.baxter

Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCALLY

*Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2021.

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Winners of our St. Patrick's Day Drawing Contest

Alayana Cinnamon age 8 - 2nd Prize $15 Doyles Voucher Joachim Brown age 9 - 1st Prize - $25 Doyles voucher

Why become a board member?

We get asked this question a lot. Instead of giving you an answer we will ask you a few questions. Do you use your local hospital?

Do you care about the quality of care our residents receive? Do you want to make sure your hospital remains vibrant in five, ten, fifteen years? Do you want to expand your network? Well, if you answered yes to all of the questions we think you have your answer.

What type of skills do I need?

Olsen Cinnamon 5 - 3rd Prize - $10 Doyles Voucher.

We are looking for a variety of strategic skills.

Finance Information Technology Clinical Health Care Legal

ARE YOU A LEADER? WE NEED TALENT FIND YOUR SEAT AT OUR TABLE Flourish as an expert on your local volunteer Hospital Board.

Hospitals have many sides and you can help to shape the future of health care in your own community with your skills and experience.

How much time would you need from me?

Doyle’s Pub & Eatery Restaurant

Located in downtown Chesterville - Doyle’s Pub & Eatery and Doyle’s Sweet Shop - Sister businesses conveniently located under one roof.

35 Main St N, Chesterville (613) 448-2188 March 17, 2021

There are board and committee meetings every three months, which can last 2-3 hours. There are other occasional (much shorter) meetings.

Apply today!

visit: https://www.wdmh.on.ca/getinvolved for more information and to download an application form. Deadline to apply is April 6, 2021 Questions? email: alafleche@wdmh.on.ca or call: 613-774-2422 ext. 6350

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