Issue 13 2019 March 27 NG Times

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March 27, 2019

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lead to the introduction of urban child-welfare practices.

“Newsies The Musical” is coming to our town March 30-April 14! This musical is based on this true life story and is Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre’s 25th production. Here is your introduction to the rest of the fabulous cast members.

Oscar and Morris Delancey, tough brothers who work at the distribution window for The World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Brent Geertsema has fun acting evil

by Helen MacGregor The newsboys’ strike in the summer of 1899 lasted two-weeks and resulted in a considerable decline in circulation of the two most powerful papers in the USA. The strike drew rallies of more than 5,000 as the young newsboys called on the public to boycott newspapers, The World and The Journal. The public showed their support and stopped buying the offending papers.

The newsies’ strike spawned similar actions in other parts of the country as well. The strikes would eventually

as Morris and then coming out as a Brooklyn newsie to save the day! Spot Conlon played by Hannah Marceau, is the proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies. Hannah also plays a goon, a nun and a Bowery Beauty. Braxton Bowers is otherwise known on stage as Wiesel. “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name and is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper-pusher. Braxton likes how this story shows youth empowerment.

Freddy Simonyi plays Seitz, the Editor who advises

Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.

Freddy also plays Mr. Jacobi, who allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike. Bunsen, Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the idea to raise the newsies’ price per paper.

Katelyn McGahey likes playing Bunsen, the character that in the end ignites the strike!

She also plays the Stage Manager who introduces Medda’s act.

Aby Robbens has fun playing Hannah, Pulitzer’s

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The North Grenville Times continued from front page practical and insightful secretary. Maxime Tufts enjoys being both Pulitzer’s barber, Nunzio and then switching to the Mayor of New York City who rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike.

Morgan Belhumeur plays Bill, the son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause. Darcy is the upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies.

Christopher Landry enjoys playing this part, as well

as being a scab, goon and Newsie. The cast is well rounded out with actors that play Brooklyn Newsies, Bowery Beauties and Goons.

These talented multirole players are Jana Szpala, Arden Leahy, Sophie Jackson, Kira Peskett and Elisha Whelan.

This is an awesome cast so don’t delay and get your $18 tickets now! Go to Scotiabank, or buy online. Go to www.kymtc.org for more information.

The Voice of North Grenville

St. Andrew’s United Church

133rd ANNIVERSARY TURKEY SUPPER Date: April 9th, 2019 Place: St. Andrew’s United Church, Heckston Tickets (Advanced tickets only) 5:00PM — Mary Lou Fry 613-658-2810 6:00 PM — Marg Mohr 613-258-2626 Take Out — Dawn Latourell 613-258-4280 Please note: Take outs are to be picked up on the half hour 4:30, 5:30 Price Adults : $15.00 Children 6-12 yrs. : $7.00 Children 5yrs and Under: Free

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Historical Society may have to move

by David Shanahan The North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS] celebrated ten years at their current location this month.

Back in 2009 the Society was desperately looking for a home, as their archives had been housed in the old schoolhouse at Acton’s Corners for many years. That building, however, was becoming uninhabitable because of mold and damp working its way up from the basement. People with breathing issues, such as asthma, could not remain inside the schoolhouse for more than a few minutes without suffering the effects, and the impact on the Society’s holdings, both paper and clothing, was becoming serious also.

The Society approached the Municipality about the problem, as it was from the

Municipality of North Grenville that the archives building was leased, and talks began on moving into the old Kemptville Town Hall on Water Street. The upstairs of the Town Hall has a long and historically significant story. From the time it was built in 1873, it housed the Kemptville Town Council offices, as well as sessions of the courts and Inquests. It was only when the Municipal Centre was opened that the Municipality finally left the building completely.

The NGHS has thrived since it moved into the Town Hall, and attendances at their regular public meetings has increased many times over since 2009. The location on the upper floor of the building has allowed the Society to enlarge the holdings year by year, and the public make use of the Society’s records on a constant basis. There has been something appropriate about having historical records and

tensive holdings it maintains, preserving and promoting our local history, and these efforts will be badly impacted by any relocation. The possible, and likely sizeable, increase in rent or lease charges may be beyond the Society’s ability to carry. Furthermore, the future of the old Town Hall itself may be in jeopardy. Given the manner in which the Township Hall has been practically abandoned since the Library housed there was closed some years ago, the fear is that these two historic sites may be left to disintegrate owing to the cost of preserving them in the years to come.

Talks continue, but there is clearly a need for some overall plan to be developed that will consider the fate and future use of heritage properties owned by the Municipality. Yet another issue for the Council and staff to deal with in the months to come.

research located in such an historic building.

The provincial courts and probation offices occupied the downstairs and two offices upstairs, though the court sessions are less frequent these days, and the Probation Service moved out altogether over a year ago. This has left the Historical Society as the sole regular user of the Town Hall, paying a nominal annual rent to the Municipality.

With expensive repairs and alterations now looming for the old structure, including a new furnace, roof and, possibly, even an elevator to make it accessible to all, the revenue from rents and leases is far from sufficient to cover the costs. The Municipality has been in talks with the Society about finding a new home for the Archives, and it is possible that the building may be emptied in the near future.

The Historical Society is in the process of creating a digital inventory of the ex-

Linking Hands Homelessness Maze

March 27, 2019

housing and finances.

More than 15 representatives from local agencies, including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Naomi’s Family Resource Centre, and Social Housing, will be on hand to provide a realistic experience for participants.

Following the maze activity, CMHA facilitators will provide a debrief where participants will have an opportunity to discuss the various obstacles they faced during the exercise, identifying the gaps that currently exist.

“Not all of us have faced poverty, or the types of hurdles those living in poverty face,” Linking Hands coordinator, Sandy

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Casselman, said. “The idea behind the maze is to ensure those in power and those who work directly with people in need understand the very real obstacles, frustrations, and hardships faced by those seeking access to shelter, food and income.”

Registration is required (https://www.eventbrite. com/e/linking-handshomelessness-maze-tickets-56358739507). The cost to register is $32.80.

For more information, please contact Casselman at scasselman@houseoflazarus.com, or by phone at 613-989-3830.

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What’s it like to be homeless, jobless and without food in this area?

Linking Hands is hosting a Homelessness Maze event Friday, April 12 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Joel Steele Community Centre in Winchester.

Representatives from the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will be facilitating the event, which begins with each attendee assuming the identity of a homeless person. Different homeless scenarios will be represented. The maze activity will offer participants an opportunity to experience what many individuals face when navigating the “system” to gain food,

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The Voice of North Grenville

NGDHS Rotary Science Fair on Friday

by David Shanahan The Annual Rotary Science Fair is taking place at North Grenville District High School on Friday, March 29, with the exhibit of projects open to the public from 8:30 am until 12:40. Matt Wilson, Science teacher at NGDHS is, once again, organising the Fair with the sponsorship of the Rotary Club. This year, Matt expects to have between 80 and 100 projects on display and in competition, a wonderful level of

participation by the Grace 7 and 8 students at the school.

Thanks to Rotary’s support, as well as input from other sources, there will be a First, Second and Third prize awarded this year. Matt has lined up thirty judges in various areas of science to decide on the awards, which will be handed out on Friday afternoon in a special ceremony.

Unfortunately, the award presentation is not open to the public, as regulations sharply limit the number of people who can fit into the Gym/ Cafeteria at HGDHS.

Matt has been working through the past three years to expand the Science Fair to include other Grades, and it is his hope that other schools in the area, including St. Michael Catholic High School, could take part in future years.

This will very likely require finding a larger venue for the Science Fair, given the limitations already being felt at NGDHS. But, in the meantime, Matt has been encouraging other classes and schools to visit the Fair and be inspired by the work of the

current participants. As Friday is a Transition day for the School Board, the Grade 6 classes from Kemptville Public School will be visiting NGDHS and will have an opportunity of touring the Science Fair. Perhaps they will be science project creators next year?

Parents and community are invited to drop by on Friday morning to the school to see what their children, neighbours and friends have been doing in science class this year.

Workshops and presentations Sustainability Fair submitted by Jeff Goodman, Sustainable North Grenville.

The 12th Annual Sustainability Fair and Market will be held on Sunday, April 14, from 10 am to 3 pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. As before, the fair is FREE to all, and will be complemented by an electric vehicle show in the arena, with a wide range of workshops and presentations.

We encourage participants to come early, because the presentations will begin right away and run back-to-back for the full event.

SNG’s very own Chris Weissflog will be presenting on “Affordable, Efficient, Zero Emission Housing”.

EcoGen has designed and built solar water heating systems, combined solar thermal/heating systems, photovoltaic (PV) including grid-tied and off-grid systems, low-energy HVAC

systems, and now complete Passive House level homes.

His presentation will look at the kind of housing that is needed in the face of the climate crisis.

Emalie Kamrath will present on Permaculture. The mission at Little Window Farm is to work with the land to provide fresh and healthy food for our community, while nurturing and supporting the health of the broader ecology.

Permaculture is used on the farm to design, to plan, and to make decisions. The term “permaculture” was defined

by David Holmgren as "consciously designed landscapes and systems inspired by the patterns and relationships found in nature, that yield an abundance of food, fibre and energy for the use beyond the system itself.”

Peter Rooney asks: “Why not become a beekeeper?”.

The honeybee is threatened by pests and disease, agri-

cultural practice, and lack of suitable forage. With the help of small beekeepers, the honeybee could have a more secure future. What you need to know is the type of bee to obtain, equipment requirements, and suitable hive locations. With education in beekeeping practice, and a few hours a week, you too can have honey for your toast and tea.

Many people have heard of the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But there are actually 5 R's that are instrumental in living a sustainable life: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot. Michelle Dunford, her husband, and their 1.5-year-old son, have been living a sustainable lifestyle for the past year. She will explain how using the 5 R’s has enabled her family to achieve a ‘zero waste’ lifestyle, how minimalism has helped them avoid unnecessary consumerism, and

how adding more vegetarian options to their diet has saved them money and reduced their carbon footprint.

Local author Bill Kemp returns this year and will give a presentation titled "Living and Working off the Electrical Grid". People often worry that doing their bit for the environment will cost money, or "not be for them". Nothing could be farther from the truth! This talk will provide an overview of the family lifestyle and technology, and discuss how you can help save the Earth and put a little money in your pocket as well.

A schedule of the presentations will be posted on the SNG Facebook page as the event nears. Use that to plan your visit, or plan to be onsite for the duration of the event so you don’t miss anything!

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Retired teacher offers African drumming classes to adults

by Hilary Thomson A local retired teacher is offering African drumming classes to adults to raise money to send North Grenville District High School’s (NGDHS) drumming group to Nationals. Heather Lance has been teaching African drumming to students for over 10 years. She fell in love with the instrument when she was doing her undergrad at Ottawa University, and has translated her passion into extracurricular activities and courses at both South Branch Elementary School and NGDHS. Now retired, Heather March 27, 2019

is leading a for-credit, after school program at NGDHS for students from grade eight to 12. The 47-student group (called Big BaNG) recently competed in Capital Region Music Fest and qualified for the national competition to be held at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa.

“They worked really hard, and it paid off,” Heather says.

Participating in the competition is quite expensive, with a registration fee of $579 per group and $92 per student.

To offset the costs, Heather is offering a five-week African drumming course for adults, to be held at NGDHS every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m..

This is not the first time Heather has offered African drumming for adults, so she knows how much fun it can be. “It’s really relaxing,” she says. “We all have fun together.”

The course is a great way for adults to unwind and try something new. “You’re never too old to learn, and it works your brain really well,” Heather says. This is also the only course of its kind in North Grenville and surrounding area. “[Otherwise] you would have to go to Gatineau for adult drumming,” Heather says. “It’s nice to have something local.”

The cost of the course

is $100, with all the money raised being used to send the high school group to Nationals. Heather says it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids, as they will get the opportunity to play on stage at the NAC and be adjudicated by experienced percussionists.

The first adult class was on Tuesday, March 26, but Heather says there are still spaces for people who want to attend the rest of the sessions.

To sign up, or lean more about the group, contact Heather directly at heather.lance@ ucdsb.on.ca.

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Let the sunshine in

by David Shanahan It is so easy to be down these days, isn’t it? Just when it seems Spring has sprung, along comes another bout of snow and minus temperatures. Brexit continues to raise questions about the sanity, not simply the competence, of politicians in the “Mother of Parliaments”. Donald Trump continues to lower the standards of political, moral and social life, while the resulting rise in hate crimes makes you feel stunned and pessimistic about the future of the human race. I mean, after the horrible massacre in New Zealand, you would expect people to wake up and rethink things. Instead, there is a definite rise in the number of hate crimes taking place.

It seems there is a constant battle being fought between the light and the dark. In the United Kingdom, a million people come out on the streets asking for a second referendum on Brexit: a fan-

tastic example of popular democracy in action. Will the political class pay any attention? A petition on the UK Parliament website calling for a rethink on Brexit has now reached 5 million signatures: yet another powerful action by regular people.

But, on the other, darker, side, the woman who started that petition, 72 years old, has had to take down her own Facebook page because of the “torrent of abuse” she has received there. Even worse, she is now in fear of her life after three death threats were telephoned to her home. This has to be taken seriously after a Member of Parliament was murdered during the referendum campaign in 2016.

A man shouting “Britain First” shot and stabbed Jo Cox to death on a street in broad daylight, because she was opposing Brexit.

I’m very aware that there has always been this kind of thing taking place throughout history, and it may be that we are only more aware of it today

because of the 24-hour media cycle that we all live with. But, surely, the hope would have been that, the more we heard about such things, and the more quickly and efficiently we could communicate with each other and discuss our differences, the less hatred and ignorance would win out. That has not been the case, though, has it?

Even our “Sunny ways” Prime Minister has not wrapped himself in glory over the past month, showing a side of his character that undermines whatever public relations success he has achieved since his election. The Premier is busy slapping down anyone in his orbit who isn’t a good enough “team player”, and doesn’t applaud him loudly and often enough in the legislature. Yes, all in all, politics and politicians have suffered a severe blow to their reputation for integrity and honour - if they ever really had one.

But, and we have to hold on to this, the battle is not the only story. There

is still so much from which we can take heart. Even the smallest things can bring some comfort, a tentative smile of happiness and warmth. For example, take a read of one of our Letters to the Editor on this page.

Helen Brazier’s experience when she lost her keys at a railway station led to a series of events which has to make you feel good.

Helen has so many people to thank for doing the right and good thing, not just in one place, but across the province. Excellent.

One major bright spot, in my opinion at least, has been the remarkable change that has taken place in our local political scene. Recently, residents of one section of Kemptville created quite a row in a Council meeting over a proposed affordable housing development in their neighbourhood.

The debate was long and often unpleasant, and carried over on to Facebook (yes, that place again!).

Then Mayor Peckford and Deputy Mayor McManaman did something quite

astonishing: during the week after the meeting, they went door to door to speak to those residents and try and find answers to their questions and complaints. Other members of Council also visited the scene to see for themselves what the story was. It used to be, in this municipality, that Councils waited for people to come to them, and, if they didn’t, to assume that all was well in their fiefdom. Not so with this Council. This doesn’t mean that complaints and objections were all washed away in peace and joy; but it does mean that we have a different atmosphere in North Grenville politics now. Long may it last.

Power can corrupt, so we must be on guard.

My loyal groupies will now probably have to

top one-tenth of 1% would receive 60% of Trump’s tax breaks. Meanwhile, 92 million middle-class Americans would actually be paying more in taxes in a ten-year period, including 8 million in the first year alone. The tax breaks for the large corporations would be made permanent.

“Many millions of struggling working-class and middle-class families will end up paying more in taxes. For my Republican colleagues, deficits are unacceptable when they result from investments in Health Care, Education, affordable housing, or virtually any program that benefits working people.

“But when it comes to tax breaks for the billionaires and large corporations, deficits are no longer a problem. And the tax bill would increase the deficit by more than $1.5 trillion over the next decade”.

The old saying, “the rich get richer and the poor get

poorer”, still applies, unfortunately.

But I never thought they would take away our Public Health Care so that no-one goes without. Guess where the best doctors will go? Unless they’re very altruistic, which I doubt.

I couldn’t agree more with you on your viewpoint of the situation. I am so thankful that someone out there understands; if only there were many, many more who could understand the gravity of the situation. We are being duped, as big as it gets.

Kath. L. Piché

is not my best time to learn new procedures!); second, the train man who listened to my tale of woe and promised to have his brother take a look around the Smiths Falls station and let me know the results when I returned the following week. He did, and his brother had no luck finding the keys. Third, the person who indeed did find the key case (including more than $50 cash), dropped it into a mail box where it was picked up by a local mail driver (thank you), and eventually delivered to the Scarborough Post Office Terminal. Fourth,

the friend who picked me up at the Smiths Falls station on my return and drove me home to pick up another set of keys and return to pick up the car.

Fifth, the people at War Amps who called to ask if perhaps I had lost a set of keys and could I describe them, please. Sixth, the receptionist at the Scarborough Post Office who asked me to describe the key case and its contents, and told me that they had the key case and would forward it to me. Seventh, the postal worker who arrived at my door four days later with the keys carefully wrapped, Post

change tactics. Normally, they accuse me of negativity, of single-handedly undermining the socioeconomic fabric of society by finding fault with everything. I suppose now they’ll start to accuse me of being in the pay of the members of Council, and of taking a rose-coloured view of municipal politics.

Not to worry, dear friends: I have no doubt that something will happen to balance the scales once more.

As I said: it seems there’s always a struggle between light and dark. Well, it makes life more interesting, doesn’t it? “Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in....

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

the north grenville

TIMES

Peter Peers

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 989 2850 Email: peter@ngtimes.ca

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, It was Liberal rule that caused so called "hallway health care." Money spent on windmills and solar panels could have been used to alleviate this problem. Private companies provide health care services in Ontario. One need only check the internet.

Bill Armstrong Oxford Station Dear Editor, Colin Creasey speaks of one of my greatest fears: the privatizing of our Health Care. I myself have no “private insurance”. I guess I went merrily along the way thinking everything was fine, until Doug Ford got elected.

Now it becomes like the U. S. I’m presently reading Bernie Sander’s book “Where Do We Go From Here”. He states that “According to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, by the end of the decade 83% of the tax benefits in Trump’s tax plan would go to the top 1%. The The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 March 27, 2019

Marketing Peter Peers peter@ngtimes.ca 613 989-2850

Dear Editor, I want to thank the many people who helped me retrieve my car keys and fob after I lost them at the Smiths Falls VIA Station. First, the gentleman who helped me obtain a parking ticket for my car. (I had never used the machine before and was in a bit of a muddle: 6.00 a.m.

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

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

Office-style, with a money order for the cash found in the key case.

Finally, the kind people at my garage who were able to produce another key fob before I knew that my own had been found.

Thank you, one and all. I can only say that I trust that my story with its happy ending will help to balance some of the doom and gloom that too frequently fills our newspapers and radio stations.

Helen Brazier

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Production Manager Marguerite Boyer production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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Municipalities receive funding to improve efficiency

by David Shanahan The Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing, and our local M.P.P., Steve Clark, has issued a statement concerning more than $7.6 million which is being provided to small and rural municipalities to improve local service delivery and efficiency as part of a onetime investment, of which North will receive $632,832, and $371,843 will go to Merrickville-Wolford.

“Taxpayers need their local government to deliver modern, efficient services that show respect for their hard-earned dollars. This funding will help small and rural municipalities in my riding and across Ontario improve how they deliver services and reduce the ongoing costs of providing those services,” said Minister Clark. “I look forward to continuing to work together with our municipal partners to help people and busi-

nesses in communities across our province thrive.”

North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford, as well as the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, will receive funding to improve service delivery by, as the statement says: “finding smarter, more efficient ways to spend money that help those who need it most while respecting taxpayer dollars”.

This will support some of Ontario’s small and rural municipalities that may have limited capacity to plan, modernize and improve the way they provide services to their communities.

Steve’s statement noted that Ontario’s Government “was elected to restore transparency and accountability in Ontario’s finances. The province undertook a lineby-line review of its own expenditures and Steve said the government has been clear in expecting its partners, including municipalities, to become more efficient”.

He said examples could

of their local taxpayers and we’ve provided them with the flexibility to make those individualized decisions.”

Across Ontario, 405 small and rural municipalities will receive funding. To ensure investments are targeted to where they are needed most, funding will be allocated based on the number of households in a municipality and whether the municipality is urban or rural. Based on these calculations, the largest share of the funding goes to the United Counties ($725,000), while Brockville comes next ($685,367). Two other municipalities, Rideau Lakes and Leeds and the Thousand Islands, will receive the same amount as North Grenville.

The other grants in this riding go to Gananoque ($650,720); Prescott ($591,400); Westport ($198,317); Augusta ($583,000); Front of Yonge ($350,895); Athens ($381,969); EdwardsburghCardinal ($584,335); Elizabethtown-Kitley ($609,055).

include service delivery reviews, development of shared services agreements, IT solutions, capital investments or other projects. The funding was not expected by the municipalities, and North Grenville’s CAO, Brian Carré, confirmed to the Times that “Council and staff have not had the opportunity to discuss that as of yet. I anticipate Council will direct staff on where to allocate the funding shortly. I can confirm that the funds were not expected and consequently not included as part of the 2019 budget deliberations”. After a long process of setting the 2019 Budget, Council and staff will welcome this windfall.

This is in line with Steve Clark’s approach, which was to allow the municipalities to decide on how best to use the funds. In his statement, the Minister set this out: “A key part of this announcement is that municipalities will decide how to best target funding to benefit their local communities. They know the needs

Serious labour shortages in local construction

by David Shanahan With the controversy surrounding the sex ed component of the revised provincial school curriculum introduced by the Ontario Government, other aspects of the new approach have been overlooked, not least the return to an emphasis on improved skilled trades opportunities, as part of the new vision for ‘Education that Works for You.’ The government has run into criticism from many quarters on issues such as class sizes and sex education, but there is little doubt that the sections of the new policy aiming to increase opportunities for training in the traditional trades are of equal importance.

The new “Back to Basics” theme, according to Education Minister, Lisa Thompson, “will modernize Ontario’s classrooms and provide students with more learning opportunities to prepare them for success in post-secondary education, apprenticeship and training, and the workforce”.

This will come as some relief to local businesses which are finding it increasingly difficult to find and keep skilled workers.

One local construction March 27, 2019

company told me that they could hire twice as many workers as they currently have, such is the amount of work available in this area. But those workers are not out there. Another very successful local company is looking for at least four trained mechanics to maintain their vehicles, again without success.

This is not only a local problem. In a report prepared at the end of last year by the Business Development Bank of Canada, called “Labour Shortage: Here to Stay”, the picture painted is not hopeful. During 2018 in Ontario, 48% of construction companies found it difficult to hire new workers. The number in the retail sector was 54%, and Manufacturing found it hardest of all at 56%.

The overall conclusion of the Report was: “Close to 40% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are already having difficulty hiring new employees and the situation is getting worse. As our population ages and baby boomers retire, growth in Canada’s labour force is forecast to fall to near zero. We do not expect labour shortages to get better for at least a decade”.

One of the factors lead-

ing to these shortages is the lack of training provided by high schools in the province.

This is not always the fault of the schools: there has been a marked tendency for parents and students alike to focus on more academic careers than the traditional trades. This may be a status issue, it is certainly not a financial one these days.

Electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other tradespeople are well-paid and in increasing demand.

This, however, has added to the problem for school boards. Given the average salary of a high school teacher, it is often far more profitable, financially, for a skilled tradesperson to work in the field, rather than in teaching young people to do their job. Schools have found it very hard to recruit these experienced men and women into teaching, and even harder to keep them there.

The rising costs of insurance coverage has also been a barrier in providing classes in trades for students, as the physical dangers in using much of the equipment involved in those classes can lead to accidents and resulting insurance claims.

It is simply cheaper and less problematic for school boards not to run the risk

by simply not running the courses.

All of this has a negative knock-on effect on municipal finances. Local construction companies generate a great deal of revenue for municipal coffers.

Unlike the bigger companies, like Urbandale, eQuinelle, etc., the local businesses hire local workers, use locally-sourced materials, and the wages, income from sales, etc., accrue in taxes to the local municipality. The fewer projects local companies take on, because of a shortage of workers, the more the larger companies take over and we lose that revenue-generating capacity. In companies like Lockwood Brothers Construction and Westerra Homes, and the many sub-contracting businesses that supply them, we have award-winning and high quality construction projects adding to the economy of the community.

The local Home Builders Association is an important part of the North Grenville scene and their success underlines the need to train and equip more young people to follow in their footsteps and maintain a great tradition.

The Business Development Bank of Canada lays down the challenges they face.

5

UPDATE UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS **NOTE: The schedule for meetings has been changed. Beginning in February, meetings will be held on Tuesdays with Committee of the Whole being held the first and second Tuesday of the month and Council being held on the third Tuesday of the month.

COUNCIL Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Task Force on Affordable Housing – Monday, April 1 at 6:30 pm at the Municipal Centre. **NOTE: Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are live streamed and archived on the Municipal website. Agendas for upcoming meetings are published on the Friday prior to the meeting and minutes are posted after they are approved. Visit www.northgrenville.ca and click on Agendas, Minutes & Video in the Govern tab.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking applications from individuals interested in being appointed to the following Boards during the term of Council (ending November 2022): • Accessibility Advisory Committee (quarterly daytime meetings) • Active Transportation Advisory Committee (bi-monthly daytime meetings) • Community & Economic Development Advisory Committee (monthly daytime meetings) • Heritage Advisory Committee (bi-monthly daytime meetings) Further information is available by contacting the Clerk at cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca or 613-258-9569 ext. 110. Application forms are available at www.northgrenville.ca/careers. Please submit applications by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019 to the Clerk by email at cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca or in person to the Municipal Office, 285 County Road 44.

2019 INTERIM TAX BILLS

All 2019 Interim Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Administration Office. The installment due date is March 29, 2019. Final tax bills for all tax classes will be mailed in June. Reminder: Payments can be made by credit card when paying online through our website.

The Municipality of North Grenville

285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-9569 x206 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

www.NorthGrenville.ca

OMCA say Thank You

In conjunction with the trees of Maplewood Park, the OMCA hosted a successful Equinox Maple Dinner. Maplewood Hall never fails to bring joy to those who gather there.

The Community Association is energized by the on-going support of special people in the community. Erick Le Pors, of Dial a Chef, has always welcomed our requests for help.

Debbie and Gerry Van Gurp and Penny Beavis were the honourary servers, a tribute to civic service that many contribute to. The syrup served was donated by the local trees and the Beach and Seguin Families. Thank You All.

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How are you paying today?

by David Herman We shop quite regularly at our local Walmart store.

We try to frequent our local stores, like Grahame’s Bakery, Albert’s, B&H, Independent, Food Basics, but we do find our way to Walmart more often than I feel comfortable. The economic reality for many families on fixed incomes or limited incomes today forces bargain hunting.

I do not see anything wrong with this. With all of the stores above, except Walmart, we are able to form a relationship between us and the staff, especially the checkout clerks, and, in many cases, we are on a first name basis. I like the human interaction and personal touch this adds to the transaction. This is what we have at the local stores mentioned above, and is one of the redeeming aspects of life in a small town.

At Walmart, I do not use the automated checkout, because it would remove any feeling of personal contact, and I do not work for Walmart, so why should I do my own checkout for them? Walmart trains their cashiers to push their Walmart credit card. During the after Christmas rush, a clerk in the Express line asked if my wife had a Walmart card and she said “no”. The Clerk then convinced her, somehow, to sign up. She did not think she had actually signed up, but brought home an application…wrong. She cut up the card, as she had no intention of ever using it, so we thought the issue was dead.

Later that month, the bill arrived. We were a couple days late paying it, so next month another bill arrived for .45 cents, interest. I paid that right away and thought that,

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Because the costs of production and delivery increase every year, we need your help to remain a viable local news source. Our advertisers can no longer shoulder the entire burden. To that end, we are introducing voluntary subscriptions, as we look to diversify revenue streams. Help us to maintain door-to-door delivery, which is an increasingly expensive undertaking and a major cost for any newspaper.

I thought having human checkout clerks meant that there was a capacity to use common sense and discretion and to treat the customer with respect and to understand that No means No. I was starting to really understand how Jody Wilson Raybould felt, because the pressure to apply for their card was ongoing and inappropriate. I then went to Customer Support and was lucky to have a Supervisor of the checkout clerks at the counter. I explained my frustration and he confirmed that they did train their checkout clerks to push the Walmart credit cards.

He pointed out a chart on the back wall with the names of clerks and an ink daub for each card they had signed up.

The clerk on the Express lane that I mentioned had almost a full line of ink daubs. The other two or three names only had one or two daubs.

He also pointed to the four certificates on the adjoining wall with which the store had been presented for signing up the most new card holders in the region, and that that one checkout clerk was mainly responsible for those awards.

He did say that he would try to tone down the aggressiveness, but, when regional staff came prowling around the store, that was one of the things they were looking for.

I am hoping that my talking with him today will have his staff show a little respect for customers who have answered NO in the past, to accept that answer as our right, and not continue to harass them. And also to use common sense: that if a customer has cash in his hand when they present their purchase, to recognize that is how they want to pay for their purchase.

What Kind Of Bird Am I?

Let us stress: this is entirely voluntary and all North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford residents will continue to receive the North Grenville Times in their mailbox.

You will always – each and every week – receive your copy of The North Grenville Times & The Merrickville-Wolford Times THAT WILL NOT CHANGE!!!!

by John Baldwin Do you know what kind of bird I am, Dressed in my all-white coat, like a winter Ermine?

Am I, a true Albino? This fact, even the experts cannot determine, But from my shape and call, I’m sure I don’t fool anyone at all, For, I’m a very well known bird, to you and me, Yes, I’m a very undressed, but very white, little Chickadee!

ONE YEAR (51 ISSUES) VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION $51.00 (includes HST) With your subscription you will Receive a weekly email listing the week’s headlines Be eligible for any giveaway the paper has during the year WAYS TO PAY: IN PERSON: If you prefer, you may pay in person at our office by cash, cheque, or credit card. Our office is located at 215 Sanders St, Suite 106, Kemptville, ON .

Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9AM to 3PM.

BY PHONE: You may also pay over the phone with a credit card by calling us during the hours above at 613-215-0735.

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If you have questions about subscribing, call us at 613-215-0735 or printme@ngtimes.ca March 27, 2019

as long as we never used the card (which no longer existed), that it was finally over.

Later that month, we got a bill for $0.01. Yes they sent a bill for one cent. It cost a lot more than that to mail us the bill.

I went to Walmart and let them know how impressed I was that they would spend that amount of postage to collect one cent. The clerk in the Customer Support got rid of the 1¢ and told us how to get through the maze they call an automated answering system so that we could have the account deleted. There was no option that I could find to actually talk to somebody, but she told me to just keep pressing 0 and eventually they would have a live person take my call. Through this, we eventually did get the account closed.

Today, I was there to make a small purchase while picking up some medication from the Pharmacy. I have to say that dealing with the Walmart Pharmacy is a completely different experience from dealing with the store.

The staff are pleasant, helpful, and most of them know us by name and we know them by name…the way it should be when you shop somewhere continuously over time. I then picked up the item from the grocery area and went to the express checkout, and I made sure I had my cash in my hand and visible to her.

But still she asked if I have a Walmart credit card and if I want to apply for one? I answered “No” and then pointed out that she must recognize me and that I always say no, and that I would appreciate it if she would stop asking. She said very machine-like: “That is my job. I am just doing my job”.

3 March, 2019 Inspired by a photograph from a bird-loving friend, Adrian, who took it in his garden.

6

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Miniature Pony Puff says THANK YOU

NEW RIDEAU RESTAURANT -Take Out - Catering Breakfast Saturday/Sunday - Weekly Specials - Live Entertainment

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED Karaoke Night - March 28 @ 8pm with John Wilberforce DJ Night March 29 @ 7pm with DJ Niels John Wilberforce LIVE on March 30th @ 7pm 7780 Merlyn Wilson Drive (County Rd. 44) Kemptville 613.258.7272

“Shame on the Moon”

by Peter Johnson Greetings North Gremlins. If you are reading this on or near the 27th of this third month of the 2019, then you have gone through 86 days of the year, and there are a mere 279 left to go. We have had three 'Super Moons' already: January's full moon was labelled a 'Super Blood Moon', February's a 'Super Snow Moon', and last week's had the interesting moniker of 'Super Worm Moon'. Are you like me in wondering if there is a person sitting in a room somewhere coming up with terms like 'polar vortex', instead of cold Canadian conditions (alliteration alert)? How about anatidaephobia?

The fear that somewhere in the world there is a duck watching you. Really? There was a need for this word? A good name for a pet duck might be 'Bill', or 'Webster'. But I digress.

As of the time of sitting down and composing this - a time of contented digestion, compliments of a pancake supper and fine festive fellowship (not more alliterations!) at the Maplewood School - a Spring Equinox/Super Worm Full Moon Pancake Dinner no less, that was put on by the Oxford Mills Community Association - I found myself reflecting on the state of affairs in this wonderful community that we are so lucky to live in, and in this unparalleled country.

Our singularly unique Prime Minister is struggling to deal with the departures of Ms. WilsonRaybold, Ms. Philpott, March 27, 2019

and now Ms. Celina Caesar Chavannes (do name alliterations count?) Those three super moons seem to be having a profound effect on Canadian politics. Even Lanark's own Randy Hillier is making a change. Roiling Randy has been expulsed from the Conservative Caucus of the provincial Party.

How would you feel if your behavior was judged to be so lacking that it did not measure up to the standards of Rob Ford?

Randy is not one to take being 'expulsed' lying down. He made public a letter listing 10 points that he took issue with perhaps the reasons for his expulsification (I feel like Shakespeare, making up new words). I don't have the room to list all of his grievances - I took up too much space 'mooning' about the Equinox - but most notable were: a) Refused to seek permission to speak to the media; b) Refused to put the 'party line' ahead of the interests of his constituents; c) Refused to do a video supporting Doug Ford's plans to use the 'notwithstanding clause'; d) Refused to hush up about the illegal lobbying of the 'friends' of Doug Ford.

This was like deja vu all over again. When did we see this before? Could it have been in the regime of Stephen Harper? Under the delicate guiding hand of Mr. Harper, no sitting member of The Conservative Party of Canada was allowed to speak to the media without first getting permission from the PMO. The same is true

for the provincial Conservatives? Is there a secret Conservative Manifesto that lays out the process by which all political organizations using this name must operate? Has it been formalized by Monsieur Poilievre, the life-long politico from north of the Rideau River?

What is wrong with today's politics, when our representatives cannot talk to us until they have been censured? What is wrong with a democratic process in which the peoples' representatives have to be loyal to the Party ahead of their loyalty to the interests of their constituents?

And furthermore, what is wrong with backroom political hacks calling the shots and deciding who has to be removed from caucus, instead of the electorate? In a word?

Everything.

by Pam Owen Hello! I am Puff, a Miniature Pony, and a most recent addition to Big Sky Ranch Sanctuary. I am about 27 years old and my life has been a rough one. Virtually forgotten and neglected, I was finally rescued and arrived at Big Sky Ranch.

My hooves had become so overgrown that they curled up and were causing my legs to bleed. The wonderful people here at Big Sky whisked me off to the vets and, over the next year, I am expected to be all shipshape again! I am looking forward to many things now.

I do not wish to dwell on the past. That is behind me now! Andy, head gatekeeper here at the Sanctuary, has promised that I will live out my life here, surrounded by love and compassion. I am so very thankful that, when so many of our local residents began to answer the plea for financial assistance this winter to help heat the barns, I was invited to speak out!

I will try very hard to include all of the wonderful people and organizations that have, and continue to

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help, the animals at Big Sky Ranch. Earlier this year, when it was so very cold, Andy spoke about having a difficult time with vet bills, animal food costs, but above all, the costs of heating the barns. A radio story broke, North Grenville Times carried a story, and both were picked up by various media locally and beyond. Donations came in via so many diverse methods. Also from as far away as Calgary, Toronto and, closer to home, Ottawa. Yet, it was a local force of many that started stepping up and fundraising!

All funds are gratefully accepted and listed in no particular order. First off, I Puff, would like to thank individuals who contribute each year and who upped their donations in response to the needs here; the people who contacted my translator, Pam, personally to ask how they could donate; and the volunteers who give so much of their time.

VCA Canada Bayfield Animal Hospital, LCBO Kemptville Branch, Canadian Tire Kemptville all held

fundraisers and accepted donations, RBC held a bake sale and had homemade items available, CIBC are running raffles of various gift baskets and items. Sue Laewen is raffling off opportunities to win homemade birdhouses. A Trivia Night in the Russell Arena, organized

by Connie Johnston, and a novel idea with 97.5 Juice FM’s Jonny Parks spending a night in a stall with his new Bunkie ‘Archie’, a resident goat in conjunction with Kika’s staff at Brewed Awakenings serving up coffee and her scrumptious goodies. Heather Struthers of Performance Horse & Rider, and Orange Horse Studios Photography took pet photos for interested folks and a particular whinney out to Claire Larabie for her support and assistance in getting the word spread around!

This humble pony is overwhelmed by the response from our younger generation! Kemptville Public School and Parkdale Montessori held bake sale fundraisers, complete with colourful posters and LOTS of enthusiasm. Heritage Academy from Ottawa came out for a visit, bringing animal food, donation and supplies. 100 Youth Who Care donated their collected funds after a heartfelt presentation from Ethan. Five year old Avery decided to donate her birthday money to help the animals, while Addyson, Taylor and Piper collected funds and ran a bottle drive with everything going to the Sanctuary.

Puff gives all of the generous people four hooves up!

He calls them his Big Sky Heroes and invites everyone over for a visit to see him and all of his new friends.

Thanks to everyone who “helps us help them”!Puff says he is enjoying the nice spring weather, safe and secure here at the Sanctuary.

For more info, or to donate, you can visit www.bigskyranch.ca

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

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Mayor's Business Networking Breakfast

Grant from province may allow no tax increase

by Hilary Thomson On Tuesday and Wednesday evening last week, municipal staff presented the 2019 draft budget at two public meetings, at Centennial Hall in Eastons Corners and the Merrickville Community Centre. Although the presentation of the draft budget was prepared by staff, Mayor Doug Struthers was on hand to welcome the public to the meetings and introduce CAO Doug Robertson and Treasurer Kirsten Rahm, who led most of the presentation.

All in all, the municipality had good news for residents. Council and staff have worked hard over the past few months, streamlining the budget with the goal of having a 0% tax increase on the municipal portion of the tax levy (which makes up 59% of the tax bill). The County portion makes up 28% of the bill, with education sitting at 13%. The County has also approved a 0% increase to their portion of the levy.

Staff pointed out a few anomalies in this year’s budget, which include the large infrastructure project going on in the Village and last year’s unusually high legal fees. They also recognized that March is later than is ideal for passing a budget, but said it is not uncommon in an election year, especially with a 100% turnover in council.

Although municipal staff and council were successful in creating a budget that allowed for a zero per cent tax increase, they were concerned, because this left their reserves in a depleted state, especially after paying for their share of the Drummond/

Over 50 people attended the Mayor's Business Networking Breakfast at the Mainstreet Restaurant, organized by the Municipality and the Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce, last Monday. Attendees had a hot breakfast, networked and listened to guest speaker Michael Crockatt, the CEO of Ottawa Tourism, talk about partnerships with the Rideau Canal neighbours.

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Lewis Street rehabilitation project. Because of this, the proposed budget included a 1% tax increase to refill the reserves.

However, on Wednesday morning (after the first budget meeting in Wolford), Mayor Struthers received a letter and phone call from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, with some, as he put it, “very exciting news.” The provincial government is giving the Municipality of Merrickville Wolford an unconditional $371,843 grant as part of their Municipal Modernization Fund. This fund is meant to help small and rural municipalities modernize service delivery and reduce future costs through investments in projects, service delivery reviews, development of shared service agreements and capital investments.

Council and staff are confident that there are some line items in the budget which will be covered by this funding. “Any excess funds will go into a special reserve to be held until further analysis on the best use for the funds under ministry guidelines,” Mayor Struthers said at the meeting in Merrickville.

Staff and council are confident that this funding will allow them to contribute to the reserve funds without having to implement the 1% tax increase as proposed in the draft budget. Mayor Struthers says that staff will be reporting to council on Monday about the further implications of the funding for the 2019 budget.

After Mayor Stuthers delivered this news, CAO Doug Robertson and Treasurer Kirsten Rahm took over

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8

the presentation, delivering a high-level view of the 2019 draft budget. MerrickvilleWolford’s total budget for 2019 is $5,358,905. Twentyfive per cent of the budget will be going towards administration costs, 3% to the library, 10% to emergency and protective services, 4% to building and planning, 4% to recreation, 13% to economic development and 41% to public works. Based on the original plan for a 1% tax increase, all services cost homeowners $815.44 per $100,000 of property assessment.

The water/wastewater budget was also presented, with the total costs for running the facility sitting at $2,458,417. Kirsten reminded residents that this was being paid for by user fees and other funds, not by the general tax levy. Resident, Joan Spencer, brought up the ever-present issue of the high cost of water/wastewater services in the municipality.

“I would like to recommend a working group who have the time [to look into it],” she said at the meeting. “We can’t let it slip through the cracks again.”

CAO Doug Robertson addressed the issue by saying that he agrees that staff and council need to have a look at the current rate table and see if billing can be done differently. “We have it in the budget to do a full rate review,” he said. Doug also pointed out that municipal staff are looking into ways to encourage the rate-payers to watch their usage of the system, so they don’t overwhelm it. Connecting things like downspouts and sump pumps to the system can cause it to be overloaded and increase costs. Doug is also hopeful that they will see some residential and commercial development in the municipality in the near future that will tie into the system and decrease the burden on the small number of homes that currently supports its operation.

The 2018 legal fees were continued on page 9 www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times continued from page 8 also addressed by the public, and Doug was able to assure the crowd that last year’s $176,000 bill for legal fees was an anomaly which is unlikely to occur again. The legal bills have made a dent in the municipality’s legal reserve fund, but Kirsten says it is not completely drained.

There are currently no internal investigations that are ongoing in the municipality, and the cost of the second workplace investigation should come to council at the next meeting. “It is nowhere near the cost of the first investigation,” Doug says.

The municipality seems to be looking into the future and is going through the process of creating a longer-term financial plan. Doug says he is also aware that many municipalities are looking at the idea of developing multiyear budgets, which is something they are interested in implementing for the Village.

Staff will be taking all the public input from the two meetings, along with the news of the grant from the province, and creating a budget to be presented to council on Monday, March 25. If all goes well, the budget will be passed by council at that meeting. The 2019 draft budget, as well as the Powerpoint presentation from the public meetings, is available on the municipal website.

March 27, 2019

The Voice of North Grenville

TNIM’s Kitchen Witches

Cooking show hosts Isobel Lomax (Ann MacLaughlan) and Dolly Biddle (Andrea Howard) have been profes-

they must now co-host The Kitchen Witches - a new cable TV cooking show created to showcase their hilarious rivalry. TNIM's culinary comedy also stars Marc Alarie as Dolly's long-suffering producer-son, Stephen. Vicki Graham adds a chaplinesque touch as Robbie, the silent, but ever-present camera-gal.

Timothy Molloy directs, once again tapping his actresses' “inner Carol Burnett” and squeezing every delicious drop of physical comedy out of an already very funny play by Caroline Smith. The Kitchen Witches was the winner of the 2005 Samuel French Canadian Playwrights Competition.

It plays at the Merrickville Community Centre, Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6, at 7:30 pm and Sunday April 7 at 2, with a pop-up choir performance at 1:30. Tickets are $15. See merrickvilletheatre. org for details.

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Traffic lights planned for intersection

by Hilary Thomson The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville are planning to put a set of lights at the intersection of County Road 43 and County Road 22 (South Gower Drive). Michael Young is a resident in the subdivision, at the south west corner of the intersection. He says there is a definite need for something to be done at the intersection, which sees a high number of collisions and significant traffic, particularly in the summer months when South Gower Park is in use for baseball and soccer.

Michael was under the impression that a roundabout at that intersection was part of the long-term plan for County Road 43.

He believes this would be a better solution, as it would improve traffic flow and slow down the traffic on County Road 43, where cars travel upwards of 80kms/h.

He is also concerned about the amount of traffic cutting through the residential subdivision along Pintail Gate when the traffic is backed up at the intersection. He says residents already purposely park on the street to try and dissuade people from speeding through the subdivision.

“I don’t think a traffic signal is going to reduce the lineup,” Michael says. “A roundabout design forces you to slow down. It is a better way [to control traffic].”

Director of Public Works for the County, Arup Mukherjee, says that, as far as he knows, there was never a plan to put a roundabout at that intersection. “It’s too far out of town,” he says, adding that all the roundabouts planned for County Road 43 were between Highway 416 and Somerville Road in Kemptville. While he does acknowledge that roundabouts are an excellent way to control traffic, Arup says the County has to take into consideration cost and land availability when it comes to figuring out how to make intersections safer. Installing a roundabout at County Road 43 and South Gower Drive would be more expensive, and they would likely need to acquire more land around the intersection to make it feasible.

He says the County believes having a traffic light there will help control traffic and make turning right or left at the intersection safer and easier. Sensors will be installed, so that the light won’t go red and stop traffic along County Road 43 unless someone is wanting to pass though the intersection along South Gower Drive, or turn left or right.

While he can’t guarantee that people won’t attempt to skip traffic by driving through the subdivision, he doesn’t believe it’s a smart option for people leaving South Gower Park. “I can’t imagine it would be faster to meander through a subdivision,” he says.

The County is looking at the detailed design for the traffic lights this year, to be submitted to County Council for consideration in the 2020 budget. Arup is open to considering a roundabout for the intersection, but, with the cost and land involved, he doesn’t seem to think it is a viable solution. “We have to weigh all the options,” he says.

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Rural Summit – Agri-food tourism

by Deron Johnston One of the key topics of discussion that will be highlighted at this year’s Rural Summit, coming up on April 12 and 13 will be agri-food tourism. What is agri-food tourism? The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) describes it as: “Opening your farm gates to visitors”, and shifting some of the operational focus of your business from food production to hosting people. According to OMAFRA, farm owners who have successfully integrated agri-food tourism into their operations report that it has enhanced their lifestyle, as well as their business.

In a presentation at the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) last year, Rebecca Mackenzie, President and CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), revealed a startling statistic about a current trend in tourism: 40% of travellers book

a destination with its great food and drink as their primary focus. In Canada alone, almost 20% of Canadians plan on taking a trip this year dedicated to the food and drink experience of specific destinations. Eastern Ontario is well situated within Canada to take advantage of this trend. Consider that three of Canada’s four largest population centres are located within a four-hour drive of Eastern Ontario, with a total potential visitor count of over 5 million people.

The benefits of agri-food tourism to a region like Eastern Ontario are significant, based on the fact that there are a lot of agri-food businesses already operating in the region. Even converting a fraction of these businesses to potential agri-food tourism destinations could signal a big boost in revenue to those businesses. By combining these destinations together as part of a network

of tours, these tours could help strengthen the tourism industry in Eastern Ontario, potentially creating new employment and helping to solidify our agricultural sector.

According to the CTA, some of the hottest trends in food tourism right now are: craft beer tourism, sustainable tourism, bleisure travel (combining business and leisure) and experiential travel (immersing yourself in the cuisine, history, culture and environment of a specific area). This region has the assets in place to provide these experiences for visitors. For some, the overriding sentiment is that day-tripping is this area’s best opportunity to generate economic activity through tourism. Agri-food tourism could represent a very important piece of that puzzle.

This year, the Rural Summit Organizing Committee felt very strongly that agrifood tourism not only needed

to be part of the agenda on the first day, but that people should see exactly what one of these tours would look, feel, smell and taste like. So, on the second day of the Summit, Saturday, April 13, there will be a special agri-food tour organized for those who want a closer look at what exactly agri-food tourism is.

The tour starts with people boarding a bus which will take them to stops at Upper Canada Creamery, Mountain Orchards, and Blue Gypsy Wines, for only $30. Each destination will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at what they do, where they do it, and how they do it. There will even be samples available to visitors to help them get the full palate experience.

To register for the Rural Summit and for the agri-food tour, go to www.ruralsummit.ca.

Talking about a Revolution: Cause and Effect 1

by David Shanahan If it was possible to go back in time and visit the first Christians, many modern church-attending believers, as well as non-Christians, would find it difficult to recognise what they were seeing. No church buildings, no pulpits, no clerical collars or titles, no membership cards, not even a New Testament! In the first decades they weren’t even called Christians!

The New Testament consists of 27 books: the four Gospels, Acts, twenty-one epistles, and Revelation.

The earliest documents are the thirteen letters that Paul wrote, probably between 49 and 65 A.D., to various Christian fellowships and individuals living between today’s Turkey and Rome.

The three letters written by John come from the same author as the Gospel of John, and the letter of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus. Peter wrote two letters, and Jude “brother of James”, wrote one. The letter known as Hebrews was written by an unknown person and was directed primarily to Jews who had become Christians to instruct them on the way in which the Law of Moses, the promises to Abraham, the Temple with its sacrifices and offerings, and the entire Old Testament priesthood and system had been fulfilled and March 27, 2019

surpassed by the revolution brought about by Jesus the Christ.

These documents, along with Luke’s second volume of history, the Acts of the Apostles, provides an insight, and a surprising one at that, into the life of the early Christian church. As it gradually became distinguished from its roots in Judaism, the opposition it experienced from both the religious Jewish establishment and gentile philosophy became more serious. Because what Christianity was, in actual practice, involved a genuine revolution in thinking, relationships and society.

And it all found its source in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. But this revolution was not simply one of attitude and philosophy: its cause went much deeper than that. But, for now, let’s look at the effects before we examine the cause.

When Jesus ministered in Judea and Galilee, his treatment of women was revolutionary. He taught them, along with his male disciples.

This was radical in the extreme. In Jewish tradition, women were not considered capable of learning deep spiritual truths. Even in secular law courts, the testimony of a woman was not considered valid. Women were kept in a separate sphere, even in the synagogue and Temple. Just

as there was a barrier in the Great Temple in Jerusalem beyond which gentiles (nonJews) were forbidden to go on pain of death, so there was a Court of the Women, beyond which only males could venture.

The status of women and others can be seen in the daily prayer of pious Jewish men, who thank God that they were not made “...a Gentile...a slave, or ...a woman”. Gentiles, often just referred to as Greeks in the letters, were outside the promises of God, not children of Abraham, and destined for destruction.

Slaves were, understandably, a class beneath, and Jews had very unhappy memories of when they had been slaves in Egypt and Babylon. When Jesus told them that the Truth would set them free, his Jewish audience were outraged: “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone”. [John 8.33] So, when Jesus treated women as equals, it shocked and offended many, and even his own disciples were often surprised by his words and actions.

He revealed to a woman, a Samaritan foreigner at that, that he was the Messiah.

This was after he had started a conversation with her as she came, alone, to draw water from a well. She was 10

surprised he asked her for a drink, since Jews did not associate in any way with Samaritans, much less Samaritan women. Nor did they address women in public, especially women outdoors alone. John records that “his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” [John 4.27] He allowed a woman, one of ill repute too, to anoint him, and scandalised the religious people by mixing with men and women equally.

Women witnessed his crucifixion and death, when the male disciples were afraid to be seen. Women were the first ones to meet him after his Resurrection, and it was they who spread the news to the men. This, in itself, is significant, remembering that the testimony of a woman was not considered legally valid at that time.

This attitude to women may have been passed off as a trait of Jesus alone. But it was to become a characteristic of the first Christian communities too, and one which would provoke a serious and lasting counter-revolution, one which would affect Christian society forever after. That is what we need to look at next.

The Voice of North Grenville

Get ready for SPRING

Support for women and survivors of sexual violence

by Hilary Thomson A local counsellor is leading a monthly support group for women, focused on the challenges women face in today’s society. A counsellor at Compassionate Support for Stressful Times (a holistic trauma clinic in Kemptville), Meagan Cumming started the group in October as a reaction to Brett Kavanaugh being appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States despite numerous allegations of sexual assault. As a survivor of sexual violence herself, Meagan was upset by the decision and thought there must be other women in the area who felt the same way and could use a space to talk and process their feelings.

The free group has been running since October at the Compassionate Support for Stressful Times office (which has now moved to 2505 County Road 43), hosting anywhere from three to eight women every month. Meagan says the group has morphed organically over the last six months, and it changes from week to week, based on what the participants bring to the table. “It often focuses around how rape culture and sexism has shown up in their lives,” she says.

Although the topic of sexual violence does come up, being a survivor of sexual violence is not a prerequisite to attend the group. In fact, Meagan is adamant in saying that it is not meant to be a clinically led group therapy.

“It’s not for sharing trauma stories,” Meagan says. “[As a facilitator] I ensure people have the time and space to feel heard, and make sure people don’t get too dysregulated.”

The idea of having a group for survivors of sexual violence in Kemptville is something that has been on Meagan’s mind for a while. As an intern at the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, she created and led a program called Trauma Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Violence, which was extremely well received. “I’d like to bring the program to Compassionate Support for Stressful Times,” she says.

Meagan has the even loftier goal of bringing a sexual assault support centre to North Grenville. “Leeds and Grenville is one of only three counties in Ontario that doesn’t have a sexual assault centre,” Meagan says. As a trauma counsellor Meagan sees the need for support for survivors of sexual violence every day. Accessibility in terms of finances and location of qualified practitioners are two big barriers for survivors (both women and men) of sexual violence getting the help they need.

Over the past few months, Meagan has been getting some traction on making the centre a reality in North Grenville. She has spoken with the Executive Director of Victims Services of Leeds and Grenville, Sonya Jodoin, who says the organization is very keen on helping in any way they can. She also met with Mayor Nancy Peckford earlier this year, and made a presentation to the Municipal Council on March 19, outlining the prevalence of sexual violence in the community and the need for services. “[At this point] I am asking for their support,” she says. “The more community knowledge the better.”

Meagan says sexual violence is very prevalent in rural areas, but most instances go unreported because of a culture of silencing and shaming. She is dedicated to breaking down those barriers and is looking for help in breaking the stigma and bringing services to those in need. www.ngtimes.ca

Business profile 2019 The North Grenville Times

Clear Cut Installations -

The Voice of North Grenville

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Windows and Doors for April and May 33 years ago, Steve Caza began a business which transforms houses into homes. From the floor right up to the roof, Clear Cut provides expert installation of kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows and even the roof that tops it all off.

Steve and his team of expert employees and installers can help you design the kitchen and bathroom you want, made to your own specifications. Whether it’s new windows, doors, flooring, or a whole new look to your entire home, Clear Cut Installations can provide everything you need to give your home a new and personal look. They have thirty years of experience and expertise behind them, and high quality professional service begins with a free in-home consultation to ensure you have the kitchen or bathroom you want, designed to meet your individual requirements and style.

We specialize in quality new installations and renovations of: Windows & Doors – We offer outstanding products in windows and doors Kitchens & Baths – Including cabinets, counter tops, drywall, electrical outlets & lighting, plumbing and structural changes Roofing & Siding – We also install Eavestrough and Leaf Guard.

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CLASSIFIEDS

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents. All service ads will be charged.

Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca

KEMPTVILLE 2 BEDROOM SIDE

BY SIDE DUPLEX RECENTLY RENOVATED AVAILABLE APRIL 1ST $975 /MTH INCLUDES WATER 613 864-2884

FOR SALE Ground beef for sale, locally raised beef, Hereford/Angus. 613 269 2439 FIREWOOD - hardwood, cut, split & delivered. $100 a cord, 3 cord minimum. Call Peter 613-913-0810 Solid wood china cabinet w/ lights $350. Call 613-2585756.

Bunk beds – frames and mattresses. $100. Kemptville 613-713-9404 Small wooden rocking chair$25;Two non matching bedside cupboards $45 each.

613 269-3567 Ovurum Plow auto reset 613 283 1759

2014 Yamaha ATV excellent condition $9,000 613.258.4867

Air Conditioner, MayTag 8500 BTU/h - for doublehung windows. $150.00 CALL 613-258-2119

Private sale. Used home hospital equipment in good condition. Reasonable offer. 613-567-8533 or leave message.

Dynamic frame stylist/Optometric Assistant required for busy local office.Customer Service experience an asset.

Please send references and resume to carlaeamon1@ gmail.com

MicrolifeAsthmaMonitorPEF/FEV1 children/adultdigital$30613-7206730

Help Wanted: General labourer to build and install signs 613-258-7441

2 dog large dog crates and 1 Petzone insulated doghouse. $80. each. 613-2692542 2006 Chev Silverado.

147,000 kms. Excellent. $10,000 as is. 613-658-2588 5 brown aluminum storm windows.$200. Text 613 890 3512

Hay for sale, $5.00/bale, Anne Marie 613-213-0970

WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS:

In need of a private child caregiver for a private home in Kemptville. Please contact mrccl_falcone@yahoo. com or 613-371-1117.

Looking to rent farmland for 2019 crop year. Call or text 613-262-1204

Mixed seasoned firewood for sale, all hardwood, $100/ cord delivered, Jon 613-2273650

Looking for 55g metal drum for burning garbage. Text 819-208-3340

Dry and wrapped round bales of hay suitable for cattle. Jon 613-227-3650

HELP WANTED

Free Range Brown eggs Merrickville (613) 282-6603 1 new Nordic & rim 225/75/15 . $75.00. 613 258 6254

HELP WANTED

Help Wanted, Experienced Glass Technician.

Please email resume to rob@krisalis.com

First 10 words free if submitted by email.

Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5. Submit to classifieds@ngtimes.ca.

Email must include name, address and phone #.

Must be related to North Grenville/ Merrickville

TOES IN NEED

Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

HELP WANTED Local Carpentry Company looking for carpenter and/or carpenters helper

Call 613-913-9598

HELP WANTED The Rideau Glen Golf Club needs employees starting April 29, 2019 for the Proshop, Bar and Kitchen.

Smart Serve and Food Preparation Certification will be required. Outside help also needed. Students welcome to apply. Send Resumes to therideauglen@gmail.com

email classifieds@ngtimes.ca for pricing ERIC’S CARPENTRY

Residential construction, additions , reno’s, kitchens, baths, basements and more.

613-913-9598

www.ericscarpentryservice.com

Trivia Minute

by Pat Babin 1. What name is given to the closest star to the Earth?

2. What boxer reigned as heavyweight champ for a record 11 years and 252 days?

3. Who sang the 1968 hit “Suzanne”?

4. What’s the only active volcano on the European mainland?

5. She is credited with saying “Let them eat cake”?

6. What religion did Ron Hubbard organize in the 1950s?

7. This French general was killed defending Quebec City in 1759?

8. Who, in a wheelchair, traveled across 34 countries on 4 continents? He raised 26 million!

9. What former Canadian Prime Minister is known to have consulted with spirits before making political decisions?

10. What woman walked 30km to warn of an American attack in the War of 1812?

11. Who served as PM with the longest-sitting uninterrupted minority government in Canadian History?

12. Who became the first surgeon to successfully perform a human heart transplant? He lived in South Africa.

March 27, 2019

TIMES

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ email classifieds@ngtimes.ca for pricing ngtimes.ca

SERVICES Professional, Sterile Advanced Mobile Foot Care Nurse 613 858 4383 toesinneed@bell.net www.toesinneed.ca

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7. Louis Montcalm 8. Rick Hansen 9. MacKenzie King 10. Laura Secord 11. Stephen Harper 12. Christiaan Barnard

Furnished room in a shared house for rent, $700/mth in Oxford Mills. Call 613 294 7420

New never worn Girls Sorel winter boots size 2 $40 613 619 7031

Trivia Answers: 1. The Sun 2. Joe Louis 3. Leonard Cohen 4. Mount Vesuvius 5. Marie Antoinette 6. Scientology

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Affordable, custom cleaning service Quality work at reasonable prices Call KC at Kutebah Al Yousef 613 204 6757 or 613 276 4583 email at kcglights Kutebah1984@gmail.com @gmail.com

HELP WANTED Tweedale Sewer & Water located in Ottawa is looking to hire Operators: • Operate Heavy equipment such as but not limited to (backhoe, excavators, skidsteer, mini excavator, roller) • Minimum 3 years experience in water and sewer • Must be familiar with civil construction • Must be able to perform physical work and able to lift 50LBS and above • To perform all additional duties as assigned by the supervisor • Ability to read and understand blueprints, maps, engineering drawings and specifications • Good communication skills • A valid driver’s license • Practices workplace safety • Basic knowledge of MOL standards on open excavations and trenching • Housekeeping and basic maintenance of equipment Please send resume to jen@tweedale.ca

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The North Grenville Times

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Lights 6. Arithmetic 10. Not false 14. Of a pelvic bone 15. Hodgepodge 16. ___ Kong 17. Relative magnitudes 18. Sourish 19. Be worthy of 20. Stargazer 22. Colored part of an eye 23. Unadulterated 24. Compensate for 26. Distinctive flair 30. Accomplished 31. Point 32. Part of a skeleton 33. Annoying insect

35. Canker sore 39. Contraband 41. Golden 43. Hockey footwear 44. Transport commercially 46. Swing around 47. Chemist's workplace 49. L 50. Skidded 51. Ebb 54. Sweeping story 56. Historical periods 57. Theater 63. Corporate image 64. Journey 65. Compacted 66. As just mentioned 67. Feudal worker 68. Consumer of food

COMMUNITY EVENTS

69. Formally surrender 70. Tatters 71. Near DOWN 1. Former Italian currency 2. "Oh my!"

3. Glove 4. Twosome 5. A large ladle 6. Several travels by car 7. City on San Francisco Bay 8. Rubber wheel 9. A souped-up car 10. Improvident 11. Lion sounds 12. Loosen, as laces 13. Excrete 21. Prod 25. Two times two 26. Wanes 27. Search 28. Dwarf buffalo 29. Causing irritation 34. Car exhausts 36. Phone 37. Decorative case 38. Anagram of "Deer" 40. Its symbol is Pb 42. Lit to a higher degree 45. Listening 48. Eggwhisk 51. Museum piece 52. Wear away 53. Behind bars 55. Data stream manipulator 58. Celestial bear 59. Genuine 60. Within 61. Applications 62. No more than

Mar 30 Monthly Euchre Tournament at the Legion. Registration is from 12-12:30 pm. $10.00 per person. Games begin at 12:30. Come out and join in the fun!

Refreshments available.

Apr 6 Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. Two seatings 5 and 6 pm. Featuring Salad, dessert and beverage. Adults: $12, Children 4-10: $5, Children 3 and under: Free. For advance tickets call Corina Blondin at 613-715-3049 or email cdblondin@gmail.com. Limited tickets available at the door.

Apr 13 Spring Trails Talk, Merrickville District Trails Society, 10 am. Merrickville Community Health Centre. Ed Chandler guides us on a spectacular Yukon Adventure, through the parks, rivers and heritage sites of our last frontier. All welcome. Light refreshments served.

Apr 13 Easter Bunny HOP in Old Town Kemptville, 10:30-1:30 pm. Gather your bunnies and enjoy Old Town Kemptville. All adult caregivers are encouraged to enter our draw for a fantastic Easter Basket full of local goods and services.

Apr 14 12th Annual NG Sustainability Fair, Market and Electric Vehicle Show, 10-3 pm. NG Municipal Centre. See website or Facebook page for updates: www.sustainablenorthgrenville.ca/

Weekly and recurring events Mon North Grenville Arts Guild, 2nd Mon/mth, 7 pm, Masonic Hall, 311 Van Buren St. All welcome. More info at www.ngartsguild.ca Kemptville Quilters Guild, 2nd Mon./mth at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Road 43, 7 pm. New members welcome.

Kemptville Cancer Support Group, 3rd Mon/mth, St. John’s United Church, 2 pm. For info call Ellen Vibert-Miller at 613-258-7778.

Modern square dance club, Grenville Gremlins, 7:30-10 pm, NG Municipal Centre.

Newcomer Bridge-St John's United Church 12:15pm. Cost $5.00. All levels welcome.

Info 613-806-4495 or 613-795-7155.

Men’s Darts League at the Legion, 7 pm. Starting 10 Sept through to April. All are welcome. $5. per night.

Tues Rotary Club meeting, Kemptville Legion, 6:30 pm.

18+ Mixed basketball at Holy Cross School Gym from 7-9 pm. $5/night or $60/season. Call Jeff at (613) 816-8345 for more info.

Euchre, Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 3rd/Tues/mth. 7 pm start.

Ladies Darts League, Kemptville Legion, 7 pm through to April. All are welcome, $5 per player.

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Dr, 7- 8:30 am. Info: 613-918-0430.

Bridge St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. Info, call. 613-806-4495 to 613-795-7155.

The Branch Artisans Guild, NG Community Church, 2659 Concession St. every 3 rd Tue/mth, 7pm. New members welcomed Wed NG Photography Club - 1st Wed./mth, 7-9 pm, at the Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive. See ngphotoclub.ca for info.

Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd &4th Wed/mth, 1 pm, St. John's United Church.

Everyone welcome. $5.00. (No euchre July & August) Bingo- 1st & 3rd Wed/mth., Kemptville Legion, 1 pm. All welcome.

New Horizon Club, Burritt`s Rapids Community Hall. Adults 55 plus welcome.

For info re programs and membership, call Golida Tym 258-3894.

Probus Club of North Grenville, 3rd Wed./mth. Everyone is welcome to join us at 9:30 am at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall for fellowship.

Holy Cross Church monthly suppers, 1st Wed/mth. Adults $8, Children $5. All are welcomed.

NGPL Science and Technology Group meetings, 1st/Wed/mth, 7- 9 pm in the program room at the Library.

Euchre, Rideau Glen Golf Course, 6:30 sharp, $5, share the wealth tickets sold, all proceeds go back to the players. May 1-Oct 9.

Thu Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:15- pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. For more info, call 613-806-4495 or 613-795-7155.

North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs/mth., 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 790 7665.

Mixed Darts League at the Legion 7:30 pm. Starting 6 Sept, through to April.

All are welcome. $5. per night.

Fri Friendship Lunch, 11:30-1 pm, St. John’s United Church. Free, everyone welcome.

Sat Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am 3rd Sat/mth, 100 Reuben Crescent. Adults $6, Children 6 and under $3. All welcome.

Euchre, Kemptville Legion, last Sat/mth. Noon-5 pm.

Sun Bingo, Kemptville Legion – Last Sun/mth, Doors open 6 pm, guaranteed $400 jackpot. Refreshments available.

M,W,F Kemptville and Area Walking Group meet at Municipal Centre at 8 am.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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March 27, 2019

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The Voice of North Grenville

Kemptville send six to CCHL Bantam Draft

L to R: Will Huffman, Kyle Ferrie, Wylie Dixon, Julian Luberto, Alex Mellon, Blake Armitage (Photo Credit: Robert Lefebvre/icelevel)

by Lee Brien On Monday, March 4, six former Kemptville District Minor Hockey Association players were chosen in the 2019 CCHL Bantam Protect Draft that was held at the Nepean Sportsplex. The draft is an annual distribution of players from Eastern Ontario who will have the opportunity to try out for the CCHL’s U18 Midget AAA program in August. All 123 players selected in this year’s draft were from the 2004 birth year.

Three of the Kemptville area players that were selected played for the Upper Canada Cyclones Major Bantam AAA team this past season under Head Coach Terry Kehoe and Assistant Coach Kent Wilson. Three others were veteran players with the Rideau St Lawrence Kings Major Bantam AA team under Coaches Terry Gray and Gord Schultz. The six drafted players were divided up between the Kemptville 73’s, Brockville Braves and Smiths Falls Bears.

Wylie Dixon (UC Cyclones) – Smiths Falls Bears Will Huffman (UC Cyclones) – Brockville Braves Alex Mellon (UC Cyclones) – Brockville Braves Julian Luberto (RSL Kings) – Kemptville 73’s Kyle Ferrie (RSL Kings) – Kemptville 73’s Blake Armitage (RSL Kings) – Kemptville 73’s All six players are products of the KDMHA system.

Dixon, Huffman and Mellon played Peewee House B

hockey for the Panthers in the 2015/2016 season under Head Coach Jaz Ovenden, then went on to play Panthers Rep B in 2016/2017 with Coaches Todd Durie, Steve Collins and Josh Dixon. The three played AA the following year in Minor Bantam with the RSL Kings AA, and Major Bantam with the Cyclones AAA program this past season. Julian Luberto came up through the Kemptville Rep B program in Minor Peewee under Panthers Coaches Lincoln Tym and Dan Piche, and has been the

Captain of the RSL Kings for the past two years of Bantam hockey. Kyle Ferrie and Blake Armitage started out with the KDMHA in Novice under Head Coaches Pete Johnston and Steve McDougall, and quickly gradated to the RSL Kings AA program where they have been playing for the past seven seasons.

KDMHA President Sylvain Campeau says, “This year’s CCHL Bantam Draft is a testament to the great coaching and quality of the programs offered by the KD-

MHA. Whether a child wants to play recreational hockey in Kemptville, or use it as a foundation for higher level play, the KDMHA is proud to support our local kids and help them reach their hockey goals and dreams.”

All six players will be attending U18 Midget AAA tryout camps with their respective teams later this summer, with an eye on cracking the lineup for the 2019/2020 season.

UCDSB reviews impact of Ontario’s new vision for Education The Provincial Government announced its plan to modernize classrooms and learning for students across the province. Some of the key elements of that announcement were: a provincial focus on e-learning, new standards for cellphone use in classrooms, increased class sizes at the

secondary level, new curriculum for math, further guidelines for the health and physical education curriculum, changes to hiring practices, and additional funding support for student transportation.

“The provincial government’s announcement about a new vision for education in

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March 27, 2019

Ontario has certainly caught our attention. Our first impression is that there will be many changes forthcoming for our schools,” says John McAllister, Chair of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB). “We respect that the government wishes to place its imprint on the K to 12 program and we look forward to learning what it will mean for us to implement this vision at the local level - especially given our Board’s mission to ‘prepare all students for a

successful life.’”

E-Learning: Starting in 2020-21, the provincial government will centralize the delivery of all e-learning courses to allow students greater access to programming and educational opportunities, no matter where they live in Ontario. Students will be required to take at least four e-learning courses to achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

This is a change that the UCDSB feels will significantly benefit its students

and families, as the district has seen overwhelming success and growth in its webbased programs. From 2017 to 2018 there was a 63% increase in online course enrolment offered during the UCDSB Summer Semester, which is an online offering of diploma credits. During the regular school year, the popularity of e-learning among students has resulted in more than 1180 online credits already earned this school year, up from 990 last year.

WANTED Weigh Scale Clerk Are you a self-motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast paced environment? We are a local Construction Company looking for a Weigh Scale Clerk. This is a part time, seasonal position.

Primary Responsibilities: • Weighing inbound and outbound trucks on scale • Enter appropriate data into computer to print customer tickets • Radio communication with truck drivers and loader operators to ensure proper material and weights are loaded on customer trucks • Answer phones and assist with walk in customers • Additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent • Excellent customer service and communication skills, both oral and written • Highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision • Safety oriented • Basic computer skills • Ability to multi task and prioritize work load • Superior accuracy and analytical skills • Experience with Wintik software would be an asset but is not required • Valid driver’s license Please submit your resume to: careers@tackaberryconstruction.com Or mail to: G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Company Limited P.O. Box 70 Athens, ON K0E 1B0 G. Tackaberry & Sons is an equal opportunity employer. We wish to thank all who apply for this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

14

“It is the Board’s concern that students be supported in UCDSB secondary schools as they pursue e-learning courses,” says McAllister.

“The UCDSB has a number of strategies that may dovetail well with the government’s goal.” The UCDSB has found that e-learning courses give students the opportunity to customize their programs to meet their interests and needs, even when enrolment challenges in a small school setting have prevented the ability to offer certain courses.

Student Transportation: The UCDSB is also very pleased to learn that there will be additional funding support for school boards to address financial pressures related to student transportation services. This funding will be available to school boards that operate efficient transportation services but run into unforeseen costs that exceed their allocated budget.

“We find this acknowledgement and commitment of additional support encouraging, given how our school board is facing unusual financial pressures related to the current cost of student transportation due to a recent arbitration decision,” says McAllister. “We welcome further details from the Ministry of Education so we can move beyond our current challenges in providing this important service to continued on page 15 www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Climate Planning at Oxford Mills

by Fred Schueler & Aleta Karstad – submitted by Fragile Inheritance Natural History In accord with the global student strike against climate inaction, and since nothing else seemed to be planned locally, we held a “Climate Change Flash Outdoor Seminar” at the parking lot beside the Oxford Mills dam from 12h0013h00, 15 March.

Since overnight social media hadn’t attracted much of a crowd, we watched interactions between pairs and singletons of Crows, did the usual husband and wife thing of promising each other we wouldn’t do anything in our investigations of the creek which would predispose either of us towards drowning, and rehearsed our plans for dealing with climate change.

We had first compiled these plans in verse at Tlell, Haida Gwaii, in April & May 1989, under a title borrowed from a contemporary article in Scientific American: “Evidence suggests that production of carbon dioxide and methane from human activities has already begun to change the climate, and that radical steps must be taken to halt any further change.”

Since those days, most of the discussion about combating climate change has been about reducing emis-

sions from human activities.

However, the other side of the campaign, as emphasized in our 1989 proposal, is scientifically known, but not broadly spoken of or applied. It recommends a global “carbon sequestration” policy of protecting and increasing biological communities which absorb carbon out of the atmosphere and deposit it into the organic soils beneath themselves. The Little Ice Age (1650-1850) is now thought to have been brought on by the regrowth of forests following the decimation of American nations by European conquest and diseases so we have that example, and the challenge of replicating it without killing each other off.

Many proposals have been made towards this end on a global scale, ranging from massive reforestation to spreading iron salts in the high seas to trigger the growth of planktonic algae so the carbon they collect would sink to the ocean floor. But in this list we have restricted ourselves to carbon-sequestration activities possible for North Grenville: • increase the area of peatlands & other wetlands, raising their outlet sills 1 cm/ year to promote the formation of organic soils & peat • replace lawns not needed for openspace human activity with stands of trees,

•

•

•

favouring depleted native species bias agricultural tillage towards practices that increase soil organic matter manage roadsides, right-ofways, and other open areas for deep-rooted native tall-grass prairie plants d i r e c t r u n o ff a s much as possible into terrestrial & wetland communities, where the nutrients in drainage will grow biomass, rather than letting them into streams & lakes where they are pollutants manage forests to promote characteristics of “oldgrowth”: large trees, coarse woody debris, organic soils, and a diverse community of forestfloor herbs and fungi

• Some of these actions can be taken by individuals on their own land, while others will require various kinds of co-operation and co-ordination with municipalities, the Counties, the county forest, schools, and higher levels of government.

Anyone interested in further information, discussion, and working towards these goals is invited to contact Fred at bckcdb@istar.ca.

continued from page 14 students.”

Cellphones in Classrooms: The UCDSB already has a strong alignment with the new standards that the government will put in place for the 2019-2020 school year. The new standards indicate that the use of cellphones during instructional time will be permitted only under the following circumstances: for educational purposes, as directed by the educator; for health and medical purposes; and to support students with special education needs.

While there is a need to ensure continuity between

schools, the government’s announcement provides an opportunity for school administration and the school board itself to review its practices and commitments in this area.

The current use of cell phones in UCDSB classrooms conforms with three existing policies that support the use of technology in the classroom. It is important to note that digital etiquette and directed learning by the teacher are the primary objectives.

Curriculum, Class Sizes and Staffing: School boards are waiting for further clari-

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

March 27, 2019

fication and implementation strategies regarding curriculum changes, secondary class sizes, and hiring practices.

“These are early days however, members of the Board and administration are reviewing the specifics of this announcement to better understand what it will mean for our students, staff, and our school district in general,” says Director of Education Stephen Sliwa.

“We also know that the province has identified additional stakeholder consultations on some of the key factors tied to Friday’s announcement, such as class size and teacher hiring. Arising from these consultations, we can expect that the Ministry of Education will provide further clarification and direction to all school boards in the weeks ahead.”

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The North Grenville Times

Clothier Bridge, 1890's

The KDH Foundation Board celebrates 40 years of fundraising and 12 million dollars granted to Kemptville District Hospital

This is the location of the bridge on Bridge Street in Kemptville. Taken around 1890, it shows the swing bridge built to allow boats upriver to Prescott Street. It was erected to replace a log bridge that had been swept away by flood waters. The bridge was adjacent to a mill established by the Clothiers about 1877, and the wharf at the site was an important loading area for goods coming and going along the South Branch. The village of Kemptville can be seen in the distance, and notice how built-up the riverbank was beyond the bridge.

The stretch of the river up to Prescott Street was the industrial centre of the community, with wharves, warehouses, and factories producing furnaces, cheese boxes, furniture and other goods. In 1959 it was declared unsafe and demolished. It was replaced by the current bridge in 1961.

2019 KDH Foundation Board & Staff: Standing: Lorna McKnight, Anna Van Adrichem-Rochon, Mike Wallace, Mary Boucher, Mike Gaynor Seated: Dean Usher, Robert Noseworthy, Margret Norenberg, Joanne Mavis, Carolyn Hardie

by Mary Boucher Since its inception in 1979, The KDH Foundation, under the leadership of dedicated and passionate volunteers, has granted $12 million dollars to Kemptville District Hospital towards the purchase of new medical, surgical and diagnostic equipment and to fund important capital projects such as the Emergency department and surgical suite expansion in 2010 and the newly renovated clinic space in 2017.

“Kemptville may not be very large, but the spirit of generosity in this community is exceptional” says Margret Norenberg, Vice Chair of the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation. “I was born at

KDH, and supporting the Hospital Foundation has always been a priority for our family.”

To mark this important milestone, the Foundation will be holding a 40th Anniversary Raffle with a cash prize of $10,000. More information and tickets for the raffle will be available early in April. Keep an eye on our website at www.kdhfoundation.ca for online purchases.

As much as we are momentarily pausing to acknowledge the past 40 years,

The Voice of North Grenville

the Hospital equipment wish list for 2019/2020 includes an urgent need for a new Ultrasound ($275,000) as well as replacement of all the IV pumps hospital wide ($100,000).

Technology is a critical component of great patient care at the Hospital. The Community can help by making a donation, participating in the Foundation’s annual golf tournament or other special events held throughout the year benefiting the Foundation.

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