Issue 8 2024 February 29 NG Times

Local International Women’s Day event

The NG Times, in partnership with Desjardins Insurance and dedicated community volunteers, proudly announce an event celebrating International Women's Day in North Grenville on March 8, from 4 to 6 pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. This

gathering is designed to celebrate and honour the strength, achievements, and resilience of women in our community.

This will be a familyfriendly event, with onsite child care provided by Kemptville Infinity, in order to embrace all the women of the community,

not just those in business. There is no charge for anyone to attend, as the event is powered entirely by volunteer effort.

Recognizing the importance of a supportive community, the NG Times and Desjardins aim to bring women together for a fun afternoon of

interactive games and local speakers who will share local developments within the community.

We have a special appearance by Joelle Garneau, Miss Ontario 2024 (Miss Leeds and Grenville). A guiding quote from

one of the organizers encapsulates the spirit of empowerment: "Empowered women empower the world." This underscores the event's purpose, emphasizing the transformative power of supporting and uplifting one another, that empowered women serve as catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.

We encourage all women of North Grenville to mark their calendars for this inspiring event. Whether you are an entrepreneur, professional, caregiver, or making a difference in your own unique way, the International Women's Day Event is an opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated.

The NG Times, Desjardins Insurance and dedicated volunteers, with thanks to the Municipality of North Grenville, eagerly anticipate welcoming the community for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and celebration - and fun.

Friends of the Library to hold AGM

Friends of the Library will hold their AGM on March 24 at 2:00 pm in the Tallman Room of the North Grenville Public Library. Victor Suthren will be the guest speaker.

Following Victor’s career in public service, and his retirement as Director General of the Canadian War Museum in 1998, he was appointed Honorary Captain in the Canadian Navy and sailed extensively on many ships, including the replica of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour, several tall ships, and the Bluenose 2. He is the author of several non-fiction novels, including a biography of Captain James Cook, and The Island of Canada: How Three Oceans Shaped our Nation. He has also written many works of fiction: the Paul Gallant Saga Series, and the Mainwaring Series. Due to his vast experience as a traditional sailor on tall ships, he has been an advisor on maritime and historical film and television productions.

Please join us for Victor’s fascinating presentation. Refreshments will be served after Victor’s talk. Following that, a short business meeting will take place.

Community Group Forum March 6, 2024

The North Grenville Community Group Forum will be hosting its next meeting at Parish Hall on the Kemptville Campus on March 6, from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm.The topic for discussion will be 'Volunteers'.

Our guest speakers, Frank Rockett (Volunteer Centre of St Lawrence Rideau) and Cora Beking (Rotary Club), will be addressing issues relating to volunteer recruitment, retention, appreciation, and training Breakout discussion groups will be exploring these issues in more detail. We hope to announce some interesting opportunities for all attendees at the end of the meeting.

If you wish to attend, please contact Brian McKee at bbrianmckee@gmail. com

Funding Opportunity:

My Main Street 2.0 is a funding opportunity for community groups administered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) with monies received from Feddev Ontario. If interested, CUI is organising information sessions and you can register for these using the following link: https://mymainstreet.ca/ community-activator. Of particular interest will be the

My Main Street Community Activator Program: aimed at community not-for-profit organizations, this program will provide non-repayable contributions of up to $250,000 to support up to 75 high-impact placemaking projects across southern Ontario, including Leeds-Grenville.

Funded initiatives may include local markets, festivals, streetscape improvements, and more. For inquiries related to this program, please reach out to placemaking@mymainstreet.ca

New Provincial Legislation

There are new legislative requirements for governance, by-laws, and constituting documents affecting not-for-profits registered in Ontario. The deadline to comply is October 2024. Community Futures Grenville will be organising information sessions to help guide groups through these changes. They can be contacted for further information at Katie@cfgrenville.ca.

Victor Suthren and some of his books.

New initiative on housing in North Grenville

At the lease signing between North Grenville and Shalom Small Homes were, l to r: CAO Karen Dunlop, Mayor Nancy Peckford, Phil Mosher, NG staff, Cora Beking, Janne Ritkes, and Mary Ritkes.

by David Shanahan

The housing crisis in North Grenville has been well publicised, as affordable homes to buy or rent are increasingly becoming out of reach for most residents. The situation for older members of the community is particularly bad, as many of those on a fixed income simply cannot afford a place to live. Now a new initiative has been launched to address that issue.

Shalom Small Homes Kemptville is an innovative and practical project with the aim of providing small homes for over-55's in the community, on the basis of affordable lifetime rental agreements. Approximately 30% of those over 55 suffer from an increasing inability to meet the rental costs of their homes which they have lived in for years. This project, it is hoped, will allow them to live out their lives with dignity and peace. Peace is in the very name of Shalom Small Homes.

The homes will be available to residents of North Grenville, and rent will be tied to actual income, whatever that may be in each case. Further details will be announced in the coming months.

Major steps have al-

ready been taken, with the Municipality of North Grenville signing a 40year lease on property in Kemptville on which to build the first four homes. The lease costs Shalom Small Homes just $1 a year, a sign of the belief the Municipality has in the project. Mayor Peckford commented on the arrangement:

“For some years now, Council has endeavoured to increase access to affordable housing, through the establishment of the Mayor's Task Force, the implementation of new policies and incentives, as well as both direct and in-kind support for projects like Habitat for Humanity's Kemptville Korners project and the Counties' Courthouse Apartments project. We are eager to see the Shalom Small Homes Kemptville pilot project for four tiny homes under the leadership of Janne Ritkes and the Board of Shalom Homes come to fruition. We are hopeful it is only the beginning!”

the project.

“After returning to Kemptville from working with the poorest in developing countries for the past 43 years, I have become aware of issues of poverty within our community. As a woman of faith, I am always challenged to help our neighbours who are hurting.”

Cora has been involved in her community for many years, as well as in overseas projects with Rotary. She, too, felt compelled to join in the work. “I'm committed to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our vulnerable seniors by using the gifts God has given me.”

Similarly, Mary, recently retired, saw the need for affordable housing for the over-55's. “It is very clear to me that we cannot look to the government to “fix” everything and there is now a serious housing issue for many who just do not have enough money to be able to pay their rent. As a Christian, I am called to serve God and my neighbours. Participation in this project is one way I have chosen to do that.”

KARATE TYKES

guides kids ages 4-6 through basic karate techniques and provides the foundation for important life skills.

200 Sanders Street, Kemptville kemptville@douvris.com

https://kemptville.douvris.com/

Three local women are at the heart of Shalom Small Homes Kemptville, Janne Ritskes, Cora Beking, and Mary Ritskes, and already the community has stepped up to help them achieve their vision. Janne explained her reasons for starting

KARATE KIDS

keeps children aged 7 to 12 active and helps balance & coordination, concentration, and self-discipline.

Another partner in the project is House of Lazarus, and Cathy Ashby, Executive Director at HOL, was very pleased to get involved. “Basic needs of food, shelter and transportation are beyond reach for many in our community. Seniors are vulnerable, especially when they are alone. I view Shalom Small Homes Kemptville as a solution for seniors living in poverty. Offering seniors a chance to live in a safe, affordable place will lessen their stress levels and allow them to live their lives with dignity.”

200 Sanders Street, Kemptville kemptville@douvris.com

https://kemptville.douvris.com/

Until Shalom Small Homes gets charitable status, HOL is providing a forum for donating to

the work.

The work designing and building the homes is completely a voluntary effort, and the entire community is invited to lend a hand in whatever way they can. It is hoped to begin work on the first four homes this spring, and the long term plan is to add many more small homes in the coming years. This is an initiative that could revolutionise the housing situation in North Grenville, and will provide a template for people in other municipalities to do the same. It is a community helping its own, providing stable and affordable homes for older friends and neighbours: what could be a more worthy goal? A virtual tour of the planned homes, as well information about how to donate your time, energy, or money, can be found on the website: https://shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org.

LIMERICK FOREST INTERPRETIVE CENTRE - DOORS OPEN

Sunday March 3rd from 10 am-3 pm

The Friends of Limerick invite you to visit the Limerick Forest Interpretive Centre at 1175 Limerick Road, just south of Oxford Station, on Sunday March 3rd from 10 am-3 pm. Take a wagon ride through the trails or visit the boardwalk on your X-country skis or snowshoes. Drop into the interpretive centre for a hot chocolate or view the taxidermy and egg collections before heading to the fire pit for a hotdog. Bring your camera and enjoy the trails! Go to limerickforest.ca or call 613-342-3840 ext. 2416 for further details.

KARATE YOUTH

designed for teens 13-18 years of age. It is a complete approach to training in the martial arts

200 Sanders Street, Kemptville kemptville@douvris.com

https://kemptville.douvris.com/

Homeward bound

by David Shanahan

Everywhere I look, it seems that housing, or the lack of it, has become a major crisis. This is true across Canada, as well as in many European countries, as house and rental costs have skyrocketed, leaving so many individuals and families unable to afford homes. In this issue of the Times, we report on a new and creative initiative to provide affordable and stable housing for over 55's in North Grenville. It’s a good news story that may be duplicated in other municipalities in the future.

But it is just one part of the housing crisis that faces us, and similar creative solutions need to be found to deal with other sectors of the housing market. A recent story in the Ottawa Citizen reported on the spread of tent cities in many major Canadian cities, and the efforts being made to regulate them, and to provide heat and power to the residents of what should have been temporary refuges.

Other cities have taken a very different approach and forcibly removed the tents and shelters that had been set up in local parks and

vacant lots. The same story is told in other countries, this is not unique to Canada. It may seem to some that there is no homeless problem in North Grenville. We don’t see tents springing up in Riverside Park, for example. But the real situation is hidden here: so many people are couch surfing, staying with friends of relations, sleeping on floors and couches because they have no homes of their own.

We have heard of too many people who are working in this municipality, but having to commute from outside because they can’t afford homes in North Grenville. The creation of the Mayor's Task Force on Affordable Housing is an indication of the true situation in our community, and there have been a few projects undertaken to help ease the pressure on housing, including the Habitat for Humanity Kemptville Korners project and the United Counties' Courthouse Apartments project in Kemptville.

But the underlying cause of the crisis, at least here in North Grenville, goes back to previous councils and decisions on zoning, development, and density.

I can remember, more than 15 years ago, a local resident applied to the Municipality

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I wanted to share a story about a recent experience my son had at the new refrigerated outdoor rink in Riverside Park here in Kemptville. It was a touching moment where someone did something many might consider ordinary, but for me it was remarkable because this individual went out of their way to be observant and kind. I don’t know who this person is. Perhaps for him, it was just another winter evening at the ODR but for my 11 year old son, it made for the best night. He had begged me to take him to the ODR after a very busy Sunday on the Family Day holiday weekend. It was 9:15 pm. There were some much older teens/young adults (male and female) playing a game of shinny. They were definitely in a groove. I wasn’t sure they would welcome a kid much younger than them, so we sat on the bench to figure out what to do.

for permission to put a trailer in his garden to house an elderly relative. He committed to it being a temporary thing, and even offered a financial guarantee that the trailer would be removed in time. Municipal staff approved the application, but Council rejected it, because they didn’t want to have infill housing and other unorthodox measures to become acceptable.

Today, the Municipality and United Counties are advertising an “Affordable Housing Information Session” which will discuss the matter of Secondary Suites or Garden Suites of the kind that resident asked for years ago. If only previous council had the vision and intelligence to think outside the box, instead of just approving so many applications for more and more housing developments. Their legacy is the current situation where we have a housing market that is out of the price range of so many local residents. Land prices increased enormously as the word got out that North Grenville, and Kemptville in particular, was “open for business”, as they put it. No application was unwelcome, all requests were granted. Infrastructure didn’t (and doesn’t) exist to cope with the huge and relatively sudden increase

in population, traffic, and demands for services.

The word then from previous mayors and councils was “Grow or Die”, which was almost as ridiculous and laughable as their great motto: Green and Growing. We are still paying the price, literally, for their irresponsible and incompetent stewardship of our community. All recent and future councils can do is try to cope with the fallout from their decisions. Think, for example, of what we face because development in the Kemptville urban area was allowed to expand so quickly long before County Road 43 was able to cope with the increased traffic. Think

of how difficult it has been for downtown businesses to survive after Colonnade Mall was approved without any rational plan for the downtown core’s economic future.

In some ways, we’ve been fortunate. One plan promoted by a previous mayor and council was to make CR 43 the new Merivale Road, cutting into the Ferguson Forest Centre lands. When asked how we would replace the green space of the FFC for walking, etc., we were told to go to Limerick Forest instead. The late Councillor Terry Butler was an honourable exception to that way of thinking. Those other politi-

cians surely deserved their current place in the political wilderness.

We are where we are, and we have to deal with the fact. The imaginative and generous vision of those behind the housing projects mentioned above, Shalom Small Homes, Habitat and Humanity and the Courthouse Apartments, are making serious moves to make things better. Thanks are owed to them and those supporting them, and let’s hope for many more equally creative ways to provide stable and affordable housing to those who need it, those who want to live in this community.

One of the young men came over after a few minutes of us sitting there in the dark and said - “Hey bud! Want to come out and play?

We need a third player on our team.” My son was delighted and jumped on immediately and they all played shinny for nearly an hour. He was notably younger and a bit slower but it didn’t matter. The game went on in the same spirited way.

It was such a simple gesture from one thoughtful young man, but it was gracious and kind regardless. William came home and said - “This was the best day.” And I thought - “This is the best community.” I recognize that no community is perfect and there is always room for improvement. This is as true here as it is anywhere and I am glad to see how we are changing. At the same time, it is heartening to see how sometimes the smallest things can make such a big difference.

Nancy Peckford

Dear Editor,

The infestation of the recent Heritage Week issue of the Times with apostrophed place names, reminds one of two recent verses of the Bishops Mills anthemIn Bishops Mills we're beset by apostrophes

Infesting our name from some ancient invoice. Let us stand up for the rules of toponomy: call for what's right with a unified voice.

How many Bishops were meant by possessives?

How many mills did the Middle Creek host?

Let's not go back through notions regressive, confused by past accidents 'til we are lost.

- but I suppose that if "heritage features" are "mistakes made by our ancestors," then the ancient invoice counts as such a mistake, and the illegal apostrophes are a charmingly petulant defiance of the rules set out for place names in Canada by the Geographical Names Board.

Fred Schueler.

Major drug seizure in Augusta Seniors Community Grant Program applications now open

The growing incidence of fentanyl and cocaine usage in this region was underscored recently in a recent drug seizure very close to our community in North Grenville. Two people face charges after a search warrant in Augusta Township resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl and cocaine.

The Ontario Provincial Police East Region Community Street Crime Unit began the investigation in January. It resulted in a search warrant being executed on February 15, 2024 at a location on County Road 2 in Augusta.

Officers, assisted by members of the OPP Emergency Response Team, Tactics and Rescue Unit and Canine Unit, seized approximately 120 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately 10 grams of suspected fentanyl, along with other items typically associated with selling illegal drugs.

A man aged 41 of Augusta Township and a woman aged 30 of Prescott are each charged with two counts of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking.

The male was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on March 29, 2024. The other person charged is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on February 21, 2024.

Thin ice is a danger to be avoided

The OPP has issued a statement warning people against venturing out on ice surfaces after three incidents around the region in less than a week. In a media release, the OPP reported on an incident in the Prince Edward County area, illustrating what can happen in current circumstances.

“There has been another dangerous situation in eastern Ontario with people venturing onto the ice. It happened shortly after 5:00 pm on February 21. Four men had been out fishing on the ice of Wellers Bay, nearly a kilometre from shore in the Consecon area. The ice they were on separated from shore, leaving them no way to get back. Prince Edward Fire and Rescue responded and was able to rescue two of the men using a boat. A helicopter from 424 Search and Rescue Squadron at CFB Trenton was dispatched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and its crew was able to rescue the other two men and bring them to shore.”

The statement noted further that there have been several recent incidents across eastern Ontario involving people falling through the ice, including one which tragically resulted in the death of two people.

The OPP continues to stress that no ice is safe ice, as the winter weather has not been typical and ice conditions have been unpredictable and inconsistent. They point out that ice is greatly affected by weather, as well as other factors including:

- water depth and size of body of water, - currents and other moving water, - logs, rocks, and shoals absorbing heat from the sun, and - changing air temperature.

Ice does not form at uniform thickness on a body of water. It may look safe, but may not be thick, strong or stable enough to support a person's weight. This week's mild weather will make the ice even less stable. Children should not play near or on ice covered bodies of water or even cold or fast flowing water.

People using any water area that is ice-covered need to be aware of these factors and the danger thin ice poses. Check everything before venturing out on the ice.

MPP Steve Clark is pleased to inform you that applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program. This program supports local, not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver programs and learning opportunities for Ontarians aged 55+.

Every year, the Ontario government provides hundreds of Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 – funding that allows community groups across the Province to offer a wide variety of activities to live independently, ensure their safety and security, connect them to their community, avoid isolation and help them achieve greater financial security and social connections.

“Our government is keeping seniors safe, active and socially connected,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “That’s why we’re proud to support the Seniors Community Grant Program which gives so many people the opportunity to learn new skills, socialize and take part in community life.”

“Seniors Community Grants are a great way for seniors to stay active and connected in our community” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I encourage all local, not-for-profit organizations that are interested in seniors programming to apply.”

Activities and services supported by the program include: fitness and nutrition classes to keep adults aged 55+ active, healthy, and socially connected to their communities, opportunities for community engagement to reduce social isolation and increase volunteerism, and increasing access to information and support for health prevention and promotion.

In 2023-24, approximately $6.0M in funding was distributed across over 280 Seniors Community Grants.

Applications are open now and will be accepted until 5:00 pm on March 28, 2024.

Eligible organizations must apply for a Seniors Community Grant through Transfer Payment Ontario at www. ontario.ca/page/get-funding-ontario-government.

Tribute to a Truck Driver

by Brent Keating

I thought up a poem about you coffee drinking, gear jamming, double clutching, highway hauling concrete cowboys and your 18 wheelers, using all the techno terms like "Jo dogs, twin screws, tandem axles, 13 speed hydra-drive, fifth wheels and drag axles" but decided to dump it all for a more personalized approach. After all...you are my father....so this is for you Dad.

He rose up in the morning, or sometimes late at night and drove off in the distance, with children tucked in tight.

No matter what the season, winter, summer, spring or fall;

dedicated to his job he'd leave when'er the call. With nights away from loved ones, he would have to be content

With lonely hours out on the road and truckstops as his friends.

Three million miles he's driven, perhaps three million

www.northgrenville.ca

What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events

Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings

Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca

Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca

Groundbreaking report highlights watershed trends and concerns

by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

The RVCA has released a detailed conditions report assessing trends in the watershed’s surface and ground water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, hydrological function, natural hazard risks and the loss of critical green infrastructure such as wetlands, forests and natural shorelines.

The 193-page Watershed Conditions Report compiles recent and historical monitoring data to confirm several concerning trends, including a steep decline in large woodland patches, increasing chloride levels in our urban streams, and large shifts in surface water flow patterns linked to increased development and loss of wetlands. The report also identifies knowledge gaps for natural hazard risks such as flooding, erosion and landslide risks, and gaps in robust groundwater quality monitoring in rural communities. Understanding current conditions will inform the creation of a new watershed management strategy to address issues in the Rideau Valley, which will be developed and presented for public consultation later in 2024. Read the full conditions report online at www. rvca.ca/conditions-report.

more.

Thirty five years of sweat and toil to get the goods to store.

Through cities, towns and unknown places he's hauled all kinds of goods.

Through fog and sleet and winter storms, so they'd get there when they should.

How many people have you fed? How many have you clothed?

If not for you, no shoes for kids, or teddy bears to hold.

But life has not ended, just simply turned the page. There's still a lot of life to live and all the world's a stage.

www.ngtimes.ca

Drugs seized in Augusta Township. Photo courtesy of the OPP.

Keeping energy and housing costs down projects.”

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that, if passed, would reverse a December 2023 decision by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) that would have significantly increased the costs of building new homes across the Province. Reversing this decision will prevent an average of $4,400 being added to the price of new homes, or tens of thousands of dollars being added to the price of a home in rural Ontario.

“Since day one, our government has taken action to lower energy costs, including by cancelling the previous government’s cap-and-trade carbon tax and cutting the gas tax,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “While previous governments implemented schemes that led to skyrocketing energy prices, we’re using every tool in our toolbox to keep costs down for people and businesses. The Keeping Energy Costs Down Act will protect future homebuyers from increased costs and keep shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure

The Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, 2024 would, if passed, give the Province authority to reverse the OEB decision to require residential customers and small businesses to pay 100 per cent of the cost of new natural gas connections upfront. These costs would have previously been paid over forty years. Once the government introduces a Natural Gas Policy Statement, a recommendation of the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel’s final report, it will require the OEB to consider this issue again.

The government will also appoint a new chair of the OEB this spring with the expectation that the Board and commissioners conducts appropriate consultation – in line with the proposed legislative requirementsbefore reaching decisions that support the objective of an affordable, reliable, and clean energy system.

“Natural gas will continue to be an important part of Ontario’s energy

mix as we implement our pragmatic plan to invest in and bring online more clean nuclear energy,” added Minister Smith. “Unlike the previous government, which saddled families with sky-high hydro bills, our government is taking a thoughtful approach that keeps costs down for people and businesses and delivers energy security.”

To ensure that future decisions reflect and support the priorities of the people of Ontario, the Keeping Energy Costs Down Act would require the OEB to conduct broader engagement to ensure impacted organizations and sectors have an opportunity to participate in proceedings. It would also enable the government to require the OEB to conduct a separate hearing on any matter of public interest.

The proposed legislation would also maintain the existing treatment of gas transmission projects that are critical to the Province’s economic growth by ensuring that new customers do not have to incur

upfront financial contributions and update the OEB’s Leave to Construct process to respond to concerns raised by municipalities around supporting critical housing projects and local economic development initiatives.

Through the Clean Home Heating Initiative, Ontario is deploying hybrid heating solutions which pair electrically powered air source heat pumps with a conventional natural gas furnace to reduce energy costs and emissions by leveraging Ontario’s world-class clean electricity grid. Maintaining access to natural gas ensures reliable access to heat on the coldest days of the year. To help Ontario families and businesses keep costs down, the government extended the gas and fuel tax rate cuts through to June 30, 2024. Along with the rate cuts previously in place, this extension is expected to save households $260 on average since the cuts were first implemented in July 2022.

Print media - not dead yet

by David Shanahan

The death of newspapers, magazines, in fact all print media, has been declared repeatedly in the past decade or so. On-line platforms, both social media and websites of newspapers, were the perceived culprits , and the recent announcement that Readers Digest Canada was to cease publication seemed to confirm the death of physical, holdin-your-hand publications.

But newspapers, particularly community newspapers like the Times, are refusing to die, no matter how difficult it has been to maintain life under harsh circumstances. According to a recent report by News Media Canada, more than 13 million copies of free community newspapers are distributed across Canada every week, along with another 15 million daily papers, most of them paid publications.

Ontario has the largest number of publications among the provinces and territories, 297 titles, with a total circulation of almost 10 million copies weekly. Canadians use four platforms to access news: print, website, tablet and phone, and 58% of all readers use printed publications. And newspapers remain a trusted source for news and information. According to the report, 60% of all Canadians trust print and digital newspaper content.

One of the myths regarding print media and newspapers in particular, is that younger people don’t read them, preferring podcasts or digital editions. News Media Canada’s survey, conducted in November of last year, showed that the truth is much different. Of the Millenial generation (aged 28-43), 83% read a newspaper weekly, either on paper or digitally. An almost identical number of the younger generation, aged between 20 and 27, 84%, read a newspaper weekly , 30% of them on all four platforms, including print.

So, newspapers are not just for an older demographic: they are a trusted and valued source of news and information for all age groups in Canada. Local, free community newspapers, like the Times, may be finding it hard to survive in an expensive and demanding milieu, but it seems it’s worth the trouble after all. And that is very encouraging indeed!

Op-ed Choosers can’t be beggars

by Brandon Mayer

About a year ago, I pulled into a gas station near my home and noticed something new, but not surprising. Signage indicated a new “pay first policy”. In other words, unless you were lucky enough to pull up to one of the two pumps with working pay-atthe-pump, you would need to go into the store, pre-pay for your gas, and then go back out to pump it.

Well, I quickly discovered through simple observation (I patronize my local store quite a lot) that there are two kinds of small town folks. Some were irate at the change, acting downright insulted that as lifelong residents and regular customers of a store in our quaint small town, they weren’t trusted to pump before paying. I heard whisperings of the classic “I’m going to take my business elsewhere!” Unfortunately, signs I have noticed on the door since then reminding customers that verbal abuse is not tolerated suggest that some customers took their complaints much too far. This is, in a nutshell, not cool.

The other type of customer I observed was the understanding one, realizing that the friendly and hard-working couple who own the store must be dealing with a lot of thefts to have implemented such a rule. These customers were respectful and didn’t fuss. I like them.

I don’t have an exact timeline, but I don’t believe the “pay first” policy lasted more than a week. It could be because the irate customers were becoming too much, or it could be because too many of them really were taking their dollars elsewhere. Either way, things soon returned to normal, and it was once again possible to pump solely resting on the trust of the store owners.

More recently, the rule returned to this same

gas station, and as far as I can tell, was quickly removed again. I have often heard suggestions that the “pay first” rule should be implemented at another particular area gas station that suffers a lot of gas theft. And yet another station recently became the subject of a scathing social media complaint when an unsatisfied customer felt offended at the “pay first” rule and decided to go to another station. Who is right? Struggling station owners, or angry customers?

A couple of decades ago, when pay-at-thepump was growing in popularity, I remember thinking what a dumb idea it was. Correction: it’s an excellent idea from a customer service and convenience perspective. But I was always told that gas stations make a pittance on gasoline sales. An average estimate I have seen is that stations make a profit of 1-2 cents per litre of gas sold. For many gas station owners, the convenience of offering gas and diesel for sale is just an enticement to get customers to buy snacks, drinks and other impulse items when they come in to pay for their gas. Pay-at-the-pump therefore seems like a self-defeating invention.

Considering how many customers get bent out of shape about a “pay first” policy, it seems it may be just as worthy of the expression “shooting yourself in the foot” as pay-at-the-pump. But surely gas station owners consider this before making the difficult decision to institute such a policy? If that’s the case, it must be rough in the gas industry right now. Imagine someone stealing $100 worth of gas that you paid $99 for. Even at 2 cents a litre in profit, you now must sell 4,950 litres of gas to recoup your loss. That works out to about 82 fill ups of an average bone dry tank. Gas station owners can’t afford these types of losses.

Most of us were told growing up that beggars can’t be choosers. The opposite is also true. Choosers can’t be beg-

Community groups donate to CT Scanner Campaign

by Lynne Clifford-Ward

Kristy Carriere, Coordinator, Kemptville District Hospital Foundation, was delighted to recently welcome visitors to the office who were bearing gifts. Representatives from the Bishop’s Mills Women Involved and the Kemptville Men’s Choir brought donations from their two respective events - a “nonauction” and a Christmas concert. These donations will help the Foundation move towards the $2.2 million goal to purchase the CT Scanner for the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH).

Bishop’s Mills Women Involved member, Jeanne Lambert, explained that the group, presently with 10 members, has been around since 1985. It holds month-

ly meetings and helps build community in a variety of ways including a charity auction which has been held each December for decades. During the pandemic lockdowns, the group hosted a “non-auction” where members could make a financial donation rather than bring food or items for sale. From this effort, they chose to donate $419 to the CT Scanner Campaign. Jeanne, an RN, said, “the women all agreed that we will need - or have already needed - a CT Scanner closer to home.”

In a conversation with Chris Morgan, organizer of the Kemptville Men’s Choir, he explained that when his group considered where they would like to make a charitable donation, the need for a CT Scanner stood

out to them as an important benefit for the entire North Grenville community.

“We are doing our little to help. Besides, we enjoyed performing (at the Christmas Concert) and it was a bonus to pass the basket around to the audience. We were surprised it brought in $1,025!”

Joanne Mavis, Foundation Executive Director, along with Kristy, were grateful to receive the donations.

Mavis said, “this is the hospital’s current crossroad to bring the CT Scanner to Kemptville. It really is an urgently needed diagnostic tool. It will bring better and faster patient care closer to home and will support patients today and tomor-

row, including your family, friends and yourself.”

For more information, stories and events about the Crossroads CT Scanner $2.2 Million Campaign, including how you can donate, see: The Crossroads Campaign (kdhfoundation.ca)

For more information regarding Bishops Mills Women’s Women Involved please contact Jeanne: jeanne.lambert828@gmail. com and/or the Kemptville Men’s Choir, contact Chris: 613-258-7559. Both groups welcome new members.

gars. There is no shortage of gas stations in our area, and therefore lots of choice. If you’re begging for a change in policy, it stands to reason that it’s because you like that particular gas station, maybe because it’s close to your home, or because you really want to keep it in business because your small town can’t afford to lose its only store, or one of its only stores. I highly suggest taking some of that “keep local businesses open” energy, and letting gas station owners implement the policies that they need to in order to stay running. It’s a bad economy, thefts are high, and survival based policies aren’t personal.

If you seriously can’t take such a small blow to your fragile ego, please don’t take it out on staff, and don’t be a beggar. Instead, be a chooser, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Kemptville Masonic Lodge hosted the 45th Annual Wild Game Dinner

The event was sold out! Attendees included the Mayor, MPP Clark, and MP

Kristy Carriere receives a cheque from the Kemptville Men’s Choir Christmas Concert (l-r) Beverly McArthur, Choir Director, Kristy, and choir members, Chris Morgan, Howie Godwin and Don Krull.

Jeanne Lambert presents a cheque to Kristy Carriere, KDH Foundation Coordinator.

On February 24th the Kemptville Masonic Lodge hosted the 45th Annual Wild Game Dinner at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. During the dinner the Masonic Lodge presented a $1,000 cheque to the Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville and a $2,000 cheque (as part of a 5-year $10,000 commitment) to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation CT Scanner Program.

Barrett.

Five steps to estate planning

Join Kathy Hunt and tax and estate specialist Jackie Power to unconver five steps to estate planning.

tracy caron

Discussion topics will include:

• Understanding the basics to financial planning

• Wealth preservation strategies

• Tax-efficient estate transfers

• Creating a comprehensive Will

Host:

Kathy Hunt, CIM, FMA, FCSI

Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor

RBC Dominion Securities

Guest speaker: Jackie Power

AVP Tax & Estate

Mackenzie Investments

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian

Intuitive

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 | 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.: Guest arrival | 5:00 p.m.: Presentation begins Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Location: Brigadoon, 9 Bridge Street, Oxford Mills, ON

Please RSVP to tracy.a.caron@rbc.com by March 20th, 2024

“North Grenville is on the moon”

Local author, Mike Blouin shared the news last week that “Kemptville is on the moon”. He didn’t mean literally, of course, but rather that digital versions of two of his novels – one of which is set in Kemptville – have successfully landed on the moon as part of an exciting space project.

Mike confirmed that a photo which he shared to his social media account was only a simulation, not an actual photo of the lander. “There won’t be any actual photos of the lander from the surface, until maybe Artemis lands nearby,” he said. “The lander is actually more on its side, but the books are fine.”

The Times had previously reported that Mike’s

books were to be included as part of the Writers on the Moon mission, but there was a hiccup in that plan. “That capsule was on the Peregrine mission that unfortunately did not make it to the surface,” Mike clarified. “This is the Odysseus/Nova C Mission, the rocket was by SpaceX, the lander by Intuitive Machines, and the payloads from NASA.” The books on this Mission are part of a project called "The Lunar Codex".

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Per Intuitive Machines: "Odysseus’ Terrain Relative Navigation camera captured this image of the Bel’kovich K crater in the Moon’s northern equatorial highlands.... It is an approximate 50 km diameter crater with mountains in the center, made when the crater was formed." This photo was taken from the Odysseus (which contains Mike Blouin’s books) prior to landing. Credit:

Machines

Actual photo of the Odysseus/Nova C launch. Photo by John Kraus Photos

Wollastonite: Improving Ag productivity and fighting climate change

Local farmers will be excited to learn about a recently announced business partnership that will be a win-win both for themselves and the planet. Canadian Wollastonite (CW), a mining company based a short distance north of Kingston, has teamed up with UK-based UNDO Carbon to subsidize a lime alternative for spreading on Ontario fields that will help to combat climate change.

The two companies have partnered in a three- year carbon removal demonstration project which is the largest initiative of its kind in North America. Their goal will be to show that Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a shovel ready, low cost, geoengineering tool that is a win for both farmers and the planet. ERW captures carbon dioxide by spreading crushed rock on the soil that starts a chemical reaction. The process

begins when carbon dioxide is captured by rain and forms carbonic acid. When the acidic rain reacts with wollastonite it releases calcium, magnesium, and silicon into the soil, while storing carbon in the ground water for thousands of years. The successes achieved by the Canadian demonstration project will be used to model, calibrate and scale similar ERW programs around the world. For participating farmers, the CW-UNDO initiative will create attractive opportunities to save money and realize important benefits for their crops.

UNDO Carbon, established in 2022, is a global pioneer in the field of carbon removal which is on a mission to permanently remove one billion tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This will be accomplished through ERW projects both in Canada and various other countries. ERW is designed

to accelerate the naturally occurring process of rock weathering by crushing chemically reactive rock into fine silicate powder, thereby exposing more reactive surface area to the elements. ERW is UNDO's permanent, rapid, and scalable carbon dioxide removal technology that has the potential to lock away up to four billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. This equates to 40% of global carbon dioxide removal targets.

Canadian Wollastonite, located in Seeley's Bay, was established to develop one of the world's largest deposits of wollastonite, an environmentally friendly white mineral that has impressive soil enhancing and carbon dioxide sequestering properties. The new joint initiative with UNDO will provide Canadian farmers with crushed wollastonite that can improve crop yields. In addition to its utility as a natural fertilizer, the wollastonite which is spread on farmers' fields will make valuable environmental contributions by removing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The process jointly developed by CW and UNDO Carbon makes it possible for substantial amounts of carbon to be captured quickly, with carbon dioxide mol-

ecules being flushed down through soils and waterways leading to their permanent storage for thousands of years. UNDO Carbon provides the technical expertise that is required to accurately measure and document the amount of carbon dioxide that is being captured.

Wollastonite would customarily be sold to the horticultural market for $50 per ton. However, the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through ERW creates high quality carbon removal credits which are sold on the voluntary carbon market. The revenues that flow from these sales make it possible to subsidize 100% of the cost of the wollastonite itself. To make the deal even more attractive, CW is now offering a limited time spring promotion wherein the company will pay the spreading costs for participating farmers. The only cost to farmers is the trucking from the mine site in Seeley's Bay.

As a result of the way that the CW – UNDO operating model is structured, it offers a compelling economic argument for using wollastonite as a highly effective substitute for lime. The concept has already been enthusiastically embraced by several Ontario farmers, who confirm that the value

New report claims Ford government is pushing private health care

by Brandon Mayer

“Robbing the public to build the private”. That is the titular claim of a report released last week by the Ontario Health Coalition which suggests that Doug Ford’s provincial government is starving Ontario’s health care system on purpose. Why? To push an agenda of increased for-profit health care.

“Ontario’s public hospitals enjoy overwhelming support from

the population,” the February 21 report says. “As such, their privatization could not be accomplished unless they were dismantled, under-resourced, and unable to provide for their communities, and that is exactly what is happening.”

The report specifically claims that human and financial resources which should be allocated to our public hospitals and clinics are instead being given to “private for-profit clinics and hospitals''. The funding increase for

hospitals and clinics did not meet the rate of inflation in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 budgets.

Health and personal care cost inflation was between 3.3% – 6.9%, while overall health care funding increased by just 1.5%.

Private clinics, in contrast, had a 212% funding increase in the same period, which the report asserts “could not be more stark” of a difference. The fact that wage increases have been capped at 1% per year for public hospital staff is also argued as a serious double standard in the report, given that forprofit healthcare staffing agencies that supply nurses to hospitals received a 70% increase in funding in the previous year.

The report compiles data that will not come

proposition involved is a powerful one that's hard to resist.

Exhaustive and rigorous testing of wollastonite has demonstrated that it is a mineral that is ideally suited to agricultural applications. The methodology that has been developed by the two companies has already been shown to demonstrate over 90% carbon efficiency. The plan is to rapidly scale up the rollout of the CW-UNDO partnership, increasing the amount of wollastonite that will be spread on Ontario farms from 10,000 tonnes in 2023 to 100,000 tonnes by the end of 2024. If all goes according to plan, it will result in the removal of one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from Ontario fields over the next seven years.

Wollastonite also has other important advantages that will directly benefit farmers. The mineral contains valuable plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and silicon, which has been proven to be particularly effective in terms of improving stress tolerance, enhancing crop quality, and fortifying plants against pests and diseases. As wollastonite breaks down, it releases vital nutrients into soil that are made available to plants and crops. Independent lab-based stud-

ies have shown that application of wollastonite to crops can increase dry mass by 177%, plant height by 59%, and dry biomass weight by 90%.

By substituting wollastonite for traditional lime and expensive lime applications, farmers can save both money and eliminate the significant amounts of carbon dioxide that are released when lime is applied. The arrangement between CW and UNDO Carbon has been structured to make it simple and easy for farmers to take advantage of what the two companies can offer.

Farmers interested in exploring this opportunity are encouraged to contact Canadian Wollastonite to discuss how they can participate. For more information, please visit the company's website: www.canadianwollastonite.com/carboncapture, or contact Harris Ivens, Project Manager, at (613) 387 – 2734 ext. .100 or by e-mail at Backoffice@ CanadianWollastonite.com.

as a surprise to many readers – there were 868 temporary or permanent emergency department closures between January 1 and November 24 of last year, and 316 hospital urgent care centre closures during the same period. It is further noted that many hospitals have operating rooms that are not used and therefore wasted.

The report makes many strong claims, saying, for example: “Not only do for-profit clinics get funded at a much higher rate per procedure from our public tax dollars, they also maximize their profits by extra-billing patients and charging user fees, even though it is unlawful to do so. In addition, they ‘upsell’ medically unnecessary tests and services to patients, often using

manipulative tactics to do so.”

While the claims within the report are big, they are backed by evidence, both statistical and anecdotal. Local area residents have been experiencing health care shortages firsthand for over a year, including hospital waiting room closures, and difficulty securing a family doctor. Wait times have noticeably increased at some hospitals and clin-

ics, and there has been a push from some opinion writers toward the privatization of health care to lessen the burden on public health care.

Many large media organizations were reporting on the Ontario Health Coalition report the day that it was released. As of time of writing, the Ford government had not responded to the claims made in the report.

Spencerville history on display this summer

Every summer, the Spencerville Mill & Museum offers up a variety of special events, music, exhibits and the opportunity to browse through original artifacts within the special ambience of the historic Mill and the sound of rushing water outside.

The Mill preserves an important aspect of the history of Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the business people and families who first developed a Spencerville community.

This summer, a new exhibit “Edwardsburgh Past and Present: Capturing the Years”, is focused on local history beyond the Mill doors. This exhibit will feature photos and stories of buildings, both businesses and homes, built in Edwardsburgh Township before 1900. And it will turn old-time images into modern- day reality with a walking tour brochure which highlights 27 historic buildings in the village and its outskirts.

These old buildings have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell. The Blackwood house just outside the village was built by one of the original 1830s Scottish families, and the strangely shaped Octagon house a bit further out was set back from the road and eventually burned down.

Imrie House at 9 Spencer St. was built in 1853 by William Imrie who ran a grocery, pharmacy, and the village’s first post office. It was sold in 1906 to Dr. P. MacIntosh, great grandson of the famous apple grower, who built the present imposing stone structure in 1925. Almost 100 years later, it continues to be known locally as “the Doctor’s house.”

The former Victoria Hotel at 6 Spencer St, is not only one of the oldest stone buildings in the village, it also defined itself with an upstairs ballroom and secret passageway to a store of liquor in defiance of the 1878 Temperance Act. Appropriately, it is now called The Odd Spot and owned by an innovative couple who also run a café-deli and a family games entertainment hub.

Mill organizers of this challenging venture already have an impressive archive of photos and captions but are calling on locals to add depth to the exhibit by sharing their personal stories and memories as well as any historical photos or postcards. These stories, anecdotes and memories associated with the buildings will be presented with the completed exhibit linking past ingenuity and hard work with the lives of today’s thriving small village. Contributors need to contact organizers before May 1 to discuss the details of what they have to offer. Collection of materials will begin in early May. The exhibit will be open to the public from July 2 to August 11, 2024.

Contact Information: Email: spencervillemill@ icloud.com, Phone: 613-658-5885.

73's fall short in three game contest

by G.J. the sportsguy

After being schooled by the Navan Grads yesterday afternoon on their ice surface, Kemptville was seeking redemption on the special Family Day matinee in their home barn in front of over 500 fans. Not only did the 73's exact revenge with 4-zip victory for the 4 to 3 loss, but their main stopper recorded his sixth SO for the season to award him top billing in the CCHL Tier 1.

Kemptville opened the flood gates into the initial frame as Shaw transitioned to Logue and Nicholas Bennett did the dirty to put it past Jaeden Nelson for the game winner at 13:12. The magic of WRO line came on strong into the second when McDougall combined with Redmond to find Trey in the slot to hammer it home for the 73's insurance at 13:34. WRO struck again when McDonald set the pace to Redmond off the wall unto Trey Wandall stick to pull the trigger for his second at 18:56.

The final twenty was owned by Navan, but couldn’t find the back of the net behind Jacob Biron as he was determined to put on a show to post another SO. Kemptville with extra attacker mounted the score with 4 unanswered goals, when Melvin reversed to Fennell and Nicholas Esposito PPG connected to chase the Grads Jaeden Nelson to be replaced with Haydyn Gould at 10:03 for 4 zip win. Kemptville outshot Navan by 40 to 36 SOG.

The Wolves from Renfrew were on a two game winning streak to make

it three game stretch as they doubled down 5 to 2 with their rock em sock em style when they faced Kemptville in their barn for Friday evening event. Renfrew set the pace of the contest in the first frame as they pounded the bodies on the wall with vicious fore checks, shutting down east to west attack from the opponents and winning the battle in the trenches. The 73's held steady as they managed to close the initial period scoreless with both teams riding the pine.

Renfrew drew first blood from Letourneau with Wilson to Andrew Morton through a crowd to put it six hole past a screened Jacob Biron at 3:27. Give and go from Bennett to Melvin, on to the tape of Ryan Rutley in the rocking chair to slam it by Nolan Lane at 3:40 to knot it up. Kemptville had a opportunity to get on board with back to back 4 minute kneeing majors at 7:36 and 15:42 that they failed to capitalize on. Beautiful transition from Sweetapple to Tyler Melvin on his horse zig zagging downtown driving it top shelf at 14:10 to give the 73's the lead. Breakdown in coverage with power play in front of Kemptville stopper as Morton set up Jace Lerourneau shorty to even it up at 16:20.

Last twenty was all Renfrew as they counted three unanswered markers with extra attacker assisted from Letourneau with Enright to Noah VomScheidt PPG for game winner at :37. The gates opened for the Wolves as Jace Letourneau from Morton counted his second at 3:50 for the

ma assisted by Prudhomme with Kinloch Varga to put it past Jacob Biron at 8:17. Then Caton Ryan with helpers from Pilon with Mathews to make it two zip at 10:23. Assisted by Bouwer with Boudreau for Thomas Enrietto to chase Jacob Biron for Dax Easter at 12:07 and cap off the first with 3 nil advantage.

insurance. Kemptville pulled their stopper for a final surge with extra man at 17:35 and Morton fed the rubber to Emmitt Robillard ENG to launch a empty netter at 18:07. The Wolves handed the 73's two bones that they couldn’t feast on as Renfrew wrapped up the evening with a 5 to 2 bow. Renfrew outshot Kemptville 36 to 34.

Back on the bus for a matinee melee with the Canadians in Carleton Place that required a shootout to decide the final of an exciting entertaining afternoon that the home team held on to a 4 - 3 win. Carleton Place came out hot to net three quick goals within five minutes as Kyle Kud-

Kemptville came alive in the second stanza when Redmond combined with Wandall to Avry Shaw on point to drive it by Ian Vandenberg to ruin his SO at 9:54. Redmond from the trenches to Sweetapple when Trey Wandall buried it deep to put Kemptville within one at 17:38. TOL line of Logue, O’Doherty with Emile Trottier on a final surge at 5:30 sapped their magic to tie it at 3 all to force OT.

OT came and went without results for the afternoon winner to be declared with a shoot-out that was won by the home squad. Carleton Place outshot Kemptville by 41 to 39 with each recording 0/1 PP.

Brockville Braves will be in town for a Wednesday evening battle, then on the road to Rockland to face the Nationals for a Friday evening and Sunday evening meeting with Pembroke Lumber Kings.

Hockey with EDGE... see you around the boards.

#20

Trey Wandall

Nickname : Wandy

Birthplace & Date: Tampa, Florida. USA 1/27-2005

Position : Right Wing

Previous Team : Leamington Flyers

Hockey Hero : Patrick Kane

Most Inspiring Person : Josh Allen

Favourite Movie : Step Brothers

Favourite Food : Steak

Favourite Musician : Luke Combs

Favourite Actor : Ryan Reynolds

Favourite Sport (beside hockey) : Football

Best Hockey Moment : Skating with the Lightning

Life as a Jr. A Player : Great experience, meeting new people, learning new skills & implementing, being adopted by billets, has given me a chance to take my game further.

One Word that Describes Me : Happy

So close, but no cigar....Emile Trottier with Grady Logue to Matthew O’Doherty on the doorstep, only to be robbed by Nolan Lane on Friday evening 5 to 2 lose to Renfrew Wolves.

SMALL

Bill:

WANTED

Looking

GET NOTICED. ADVERTISE HERE! Contact Melissa at melissa @ngtimes.ca

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes. Friendship Lunch every Friday at St. Johns United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. The meal begins at 11:30 and is free of charge. A good will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Drawing from Life - Portrait and figure drawing clothed models. Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street. Artists at all levels are welcome. Drop in fee $15. For information contact gowjb5@gmail.com Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Mar 11, Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario EUCHRE on Tuesday, March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com.

BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, March 12, 26, April 9, 23 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com.

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, March 10 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fairly Funny Frolic, Comedy Show & Dinner. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM. The Drummond Building 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville.

https://www.spencervillefair.ca/fairly-funny-frolic

St Michael Spring Craft Show, Saturday April 27. (:30 - 3:30. Admission: $2 or Canned Food Donation

ACROSS

1. Begin

6. Ray

10. Telephone

14. Debate

15. Celestial bear

16. Melange

17. A Finnish steam bath

18. Writing fluids

19. Bearing

20. Too shocked for words

22. Part of a book

23. Assist

24. Entertain

26. Ratify

30. Royal

32. Not back

33. Make (more) diverse

37. Long, long time

38. Not solids nor liquids

39. Thought

Solutions

40. Moves

42. Hand truck

43. Won't eat meat

44. Principles

45. Scottish hillsides

47. Go up and down

48. Miami basketball team

49. Sufferance

56. Against

57. Greek goddess of discord

58. Push

59. Freshwater mussel

60. Scarce

61. Consumer of food

62. King of the jungle

63. Thin strip

64. Get to one's feet DOWN

1. Back talk

2. Snare

3. Chills and fever

4. Ancient alphabetic character

5. Serving cart

6. Physique

7. Sea eagle

8. Requests

9. Rubdowns

10. Irresistible impulse

11. Assumed name

12. Feudal lord

13. Individual

21. Not her

25. Blemish

26. At a distance

27. No charge

28. Hoodwink

29. Introducing something

new

30. Above the horizon

31. Nights before

33. Information

34. Inactive

35. Experienced

36. Cheers

38. Joke writers

41. C

42. Humiliates

44. Craggy peak

45. Sesame

46. Relative magnitudes

47. Assail

48. Cart

50. By mouth

51. Former Italian currency

52. Not this

53. Infinitesimal amount

54. Baking appliance

55. Geek

Work hard to be 100 and healthy

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, Centenarian.

Few children have the good fortune of wishing “Happy 100th Birthday” to a vibrant, healthy parent reaching that esteemed age. But that’s what my brothers and I are doing this week. We’ve had the incredible journey of growing up with Dr. W. Gifford-Jones as our dad!

Countless people have asked, what’s the secret to reaching 100? The truth is lots of people are figuring it out. In Canada, there are about 10,000 centenarians, people aged 100 or older. In the U.S., the figure is nearing 100,000. And worldwide, it’s an astounding 722,000 people.

Some centenarians are living well. Unfortunately, there is a darker side to such longevity, as many are not living well at all.

There is wide variation in the research, but a conservative estimate is that 60% of centenarians suffer from dementia, a devastating consequence for them and their families. Living through old age can be an outright punishment if mobility is impaired, leaving people dependent on assistance with daily care. Better management of chronic diseases is a mixed blessing. Is extending life worth it when quality of

life is gone?

There’s no question. Following the formula for healthy aging is the right thing to do, and you know the components. If you need a reminder, read some of the past Gifford-Jones columns. If you need motivation, volunteer your time in your local assisted living facility.

Living to be 100 isn’t the only goal. You want to get there and be healthy! So, what might be key to the success of the “escapers”, the centenarians who keep their marbles and their muscles? What sets my father apart, and people like him?

The answer might be that my father works hard at his health and everything else. If you break his life into decades, you’d have a story like this. A precocious childhood, with loving parents. An active youth, testing his mettle. In his 20s, scoring a seat at Harvard Medical School. A career push into specialization in his 30s. By his 40s, Gifford-Jones emerged as an author, and a contrarian voice calling for common sense in the medical profession. In his 50s, he managed three fulltime jobs – a busy surgeon, a weekly columnist, and a fabulous family man to his

wife and four children. The decade of his 60s marked a period of more fighting – for better pain management in healthcare, against obesity and diabetes, and for patients to use common sense in their lives.

By 70, most people slow down. Not my father. He continued to do surgery until 75, and he saw patients in his office until the age of 87. Also in his 80s, he was writing books on alternative medicine, interviewing doctors and scientists around the world, and continuing his weekly column.

The decade of his 90s was remarkable. That’s when he began yet another new career move, formalizing his role as an advocate for a powdered form of vitamin C and lysine supplementation that allowed for easier consumption of the high doses he advocated for protection against cardiovascular disease. This decade saw him traveling across the continent, speaking in community after community about his medical lessons for a healthy life.

At 100, what’s his message? “I’m not finished yet,” he says. “Stay tuned, because I have more to say and new efforts to champion in getting more people to lead healthier lives.” When, we ask, are you going to retire? “Ten years after I’m dead,” he replies.

It’s his endless hard work that sets this man apart. We’re looking forward and, in the meantime, celebrating a 100th birthday!

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

Mental health portal closure is a bad idea

by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health

On February 8, 2024 the federal government announced that it would stop funding and close the Wellness Together Canada (WTC) portal on April 3, 2024. WTC was originally created by the government in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. This decision puts an end to a low barrier, universal point of access to mental health and substance use health services.

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) urges the federal government and its provincial and territorial counterparts to act immediately to find a way to continue funding Wellness Together Canada. Mental health and substance use health is health and all people in Canada have a right to universal care.

The federal government stated that the emergency phase of the health crisis is over and that the mental health of Canadians has improved since the lows during the pandemic, however, the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on mental health and substance use health continue,” says Ellen Cohen, CAMIMH co-Chair. “Statistics Canada data shows that while moderate to severe symptoms of mental disorders have recovered from mid-pandemic lows, they persist at higher levels than prior to the pandemic.”

The federal govern-

CDSBEO 2024-2025 School Year Calendar

Each year, school boards in Ontario are required to submit their school year calendars to the Ministry of Education on or before March 1. The Ministry provides guidelines to school boards for developing school year

calendars, and Regulation 304 outlines the requirements for preparation and submission to the Ministry of Education.

Superintendent of School Effectiveness

Dawn Finnegan presented the proposed school year calendar for 2024-2025 to

the Board of Trustees. The proposed calendar was developed with special consideration given to serving the best interests of students, and through a consultation process which collected feedback from parents, staff, and other stakeholders. The proposed calendar was circulated through internal memo, as well as through the CDSBEO website and social media channels, and

ment says that it has engaged with the provinces and territories to ensure a transition of services. “But workforce limitations mean not all provinces and territories have the capacity to create a regional version of the services offered on this central portal, which has access to a Canada-wide workforce,” counters Cohen.

“This national universal service has supported millions of people, filled gaps and reduced burden on the mental health system. The service was gaining momentum with 4.2 million people having used the portal—thousands a day. Patients were referred to the portal by mental health professionals, family doctors, community services and more recently, the new 988 suicide crisis helpline.”

Just last month, CAMIMH released the results of its second annual mental health and substance use health report card (www. CAMIMH.ca). Once again, Canadians gave their provinces a failing grade when asked how well they thought the mental health and substance use health needs of people in their province were being met. The closure of Wellness Together Canada and these results demonstrate that the federal government is out of touch with the mental health and substance use health realities of Canadians. Eliminating an effective, low barrier support such as Wellness Together Canada is a step backwards.

Health Canada states that it continues to work alongside provinces and territories to make mental health

and substance use health care a full and equal part of Canada’s health care system. However, CAMIMH is not aware of such collaboration taking place, particularly in absence of a Canada Mental Health Transfer. “The closure of Wellness Together Canada is another example of the federal government failing to invest in mental health and substance use health care, which has been chronically underfunded and is, more than ever, in dire need of resources,” says Florence Budden, CAMIMH Co-Chair.

Canada’s universal health care system, unlike in many other G7 countries, does not include mental health and substance use health. By ending funding to Wellness Together Canada, we are concerned that this government is reducing its funding commitment to support mental health and substance use health care.

Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is a memberdriven alliance of 18 national mental health organizations including healthcare providers and organizations representing persons with lived and living experience, their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health and substance use health is placed on the national agenda so that the people of Canada receive timely and appropriate access to care and support. For more information on our work, please visit our website at www.CAMIMH.ca.

feedback was collected through an online survey.

“I am pleased to see that the consultation process was very thorough, and that so many of our stakeholders and community partners had an opportunity to share their input,” concluded Chair Wilson.

The final proposed 2024-2025 School Year Calendar was approved by the Board of Trustees.

A Celebration of Life for Winston (Benny) Goodman

March 27, 1941 – February 2, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our longest serving volunteers, Winston Goodman

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 2, 2024 at the Grenville Snowmobile Association Club House, 49012 Charleville Rd, Prescott, ON. from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Those wishing to share a memory or express condolences may do so at https://tributearchive.com/obituaries/30616686/ winston-adalphus-goodman/wall Directcremationservices.ca

Upper Canada Snowmobile Region, along with his daughter Catherine (Goodman) VanDusen and family

James (Jim) Wrong IN MEMORIAM

On March 5, 2014, James (Jim) Wrong ended a 92-year journey that included many adventures. On the March 5, 2024 tenth anniversary of his passing, his daughter Rosemary Wrong (Calgary), stepson Leigh Anderson (Vancouver), friends, and Rotarians in Kemptville (Ontario) fondly remember Jim for his commitment to his community and the local Rotary Club, of which he was President during 1990-91, enjoyment of curling later in life, and sense of humour. Born in Ottawa, Jim graduated from Queen’s University in Civil Engineering in 1944 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Jim’s interesting life in the construction industry took him on project assignments in Canada, the United States and Europe. Life was a happy experience in all of many homes, especially the ten years in Italy (Rome in 1965-67 and Milan and Turin in 1969-77) with his loving wife Mollie, who pre-deceased him on May 8, 2012.

Jim is remembered at Queen's University as an originator of the Science '44 Coop. He is also remembered in Kemptville, where he lived from 1983 onward, for his Rotary Club activities, including the Rotary Ridiculous Raft race and as Coordinator of the Canada Day Parade for many years.

Donations in Jim’s name to the Kemptville Rotary Club are welcome. Please e-transfer, using kemptvillerotary@hotmail.com or email the club to make alternate arrangements using the same email. Cheques by mail can go to the Kemptville Rotary Club, PO Box 274, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0.

Kemptville Campus Greenhouse brings joy to the Day Hospice Program

Earlier this month, the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse welcomed a special visit from the Beth Donovan Hospice Day Program. It was a sunny heartwarming afternoon, filled with compassion and connection.

Clients, staff, and volunteers came together to share moments of joy and serenity amidst the blooms and greenery.

One of the highlights of the visit was a presentation by Claude Smith,

who shared the history of the greenhouse and cactus house, and facilitated a hands-on plant repotting session that everyone loved.

The visit concluded with a moment of reflection, as participants gathered to ex-

press gratitude for the opportunity to share in this meaningful experience together. It was a day of healing, reflection, and shared humanity, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be a part of it.

A big thank you to the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse for hosting our Day Hospice Program! Our time with you will not soon be forgotten. For more information about the Beth Donovan Day Hospice Program, reach out to dayhospice@bethdonovanhospice.ca.

The Kemptville Campus Greenhouse is open to the community weekdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. To find out more about hosting a workshop or event, reach out to claude431@cogeco.ca.

132nd ANNUAL and SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

TAKE NOTICE that the 2024 Annual and Special General Meeting of the Members of Grenville Mutual Insurance Company will be held on the 26th day of March 2024 at 1:00pm, for the purposes of:

1. Receiving and approving the Minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting

2. Receiving the 2023 Annual Statement and Auditors’ Report

3. Considering and if thought fit, adopting with such amendments as may be made at the meeting amending the Company’s General Bylaw passed by the Board of Directors October 18, 2023, under Article

3.0 Board of Directors, Section 4. c) to be replaced with the following: At any one time, there may be two Directors who are not Members of the Corporation, with such person’s consent in writing. All other Directors shall be Members of the Corporation and remain Members of the Corporation for the time that they hold office.

4. Electing three Directors for a three-year term. Two Directors whose terms will expire are Ivan Petersen and Ron Greaves, each of whom are eligible to be re-elected and have been nominated for re-election in accordance with the company’s By-laws. Ian Wade has retired and as a result the Grenville Mutual Nominating Committee has nominated Dan Pettigrew for election to the Board.

5. Appointing auditors for the year 2024

The meeting will be held electronically, allowing all members who wish to attend the meeting and vote, to do so by establishing a communications link to the meeting.

Members wishing to attend the meeting electronically are asked to contact the office by March 20, 2024, to pre-register with a valid policy number. Please contact agm@grenvillemutual.com or call the company at 613-258-9988 during office hours to provide the required registration information. Upon verification of membership, members will be provided with connection details as to how to join and participate in the electronic meeting.

The company’s 2023 Annual Statement is made available on the company’s website and a copy may be obtained by sending a written request to the company’s head office at least 14 days before the meeting.

Pam Marson President/CEO

Feeding from the clouds: net ombrotrophy as a measure of the health of landscapes

by Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

With the increased human population and intensification of agriculture, the North Grenville Environmental Advisory Committee is undertaking a study and evaluation of the flow of water through the Municipality, beginning with the municipal system in Kemptville.

The Report Cards that conservation authorities periodically issue for watersheds compare the concentration of plant nutrients – fixed nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – to provincial standards for these elements. These provincial standards are designed to prevent the overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants in eutrophic (“true-feeding”) conditions, in order to approach the natural oligotrophic (“low-feeding”) condition. In my undergraduate plant ecology course, we learned that mature plant communities make a net extraction of these nutrients

from precipitation, and in 1989 (Trail & Landscape 23(3):122-125), I proposed that this net extraction be used as a criterion of environmental health.

Because of the influence of annual-based agriculture, we are accustomed to think of nutrients as belonging to the soil, but, in ecologically mature communities, a large percentage of the mineral nutrients are held in living organisms. The perennial root network holds and takes up nutrients as they become available in soil moisture or, in association with myccorhizal fungi, even takes them directly from the decay of fallen litter. These root webs are most active in tropical rainforests, but at all latitudes, fully developed communities are able to effect a net extraction of nutrients from rainfall.

This ability to extract nutrients from the 'distilled' water of precipitation is most spectacular where entire communities are ombrotrophic – feeding from

the clouds – deriving their mineral nutrients solely from the minerals in rainwater. In most habitats, the rootless mosses and lichens are the only regular ombrotrophs. In bogs, fens, and the epiphytic communities on the branches of rainforest trees, the paucity of soil nutrients makes rooted plants dependent on nutrients from precipitation, and it is in these habitats that we see vascular plants with the most extreme adaptations for nutrient collection: the fungal symbionts of orchids and the nutrient traps of insectivorous plants.

The struggle for the greater nutrient resources of ordinary soil is just as intense. On most substrates, mature communities allow so little of the major nutrients past their root webs that they make a net removal of the fixed nitrogen that builds protein, the phosphorus that holds genetic information in nucleic acids and organic energy in adenosine triphosphate, and the potassium that

balances sodium in the osmotic milieu of the cell. Since most of the outflow of nutrients is in drainage water, and the concentration of nutrients in river water and rain can easily be measured, the net flow of nutrients for the entire watershed can be expressed by a formula of percent retention (positive) or loss (negative) of the nutrients in precipitation.

Almost every sort of environmental degradation results in the loss of mineral nutrients, because of stress to the root-web, deaths of organisms, the disruption of soil, or the introduction of concentrated nutrients that cannot be used by plants. Processes other than water flow which tend to export nutrients are often economically favoured (agriculture) or actively combatted (wild fires), and nutrients may be sequestered in sediments in lakes or wetlands, or imported by migrating animals. On the whole, however, careless agriculture, soil erosion,

paving of ground, clearcutting, acidic precipitation, high concentrations (at least) of pesticides, and organic or inorganic water pollution all result in the release of nutrients into outflow water, and it may well be that this measure of environmental health will prove to measure the synergistic effects of a diversity of pollutants and stresses, since it measures the actual failure of the community to function as a whole.

Nutrient levels in streams have traditionally mostly been measured in the summer, but this could be done throughout the year, and compared with

precipitation to calculate a drainage basin’s overall nutrient status. With the current provincial restrictions on the mandate of conservation authorities, and the central position of the river drainage in the Municipality, North Grenville could take the lead in recognizing this kind of environmental health by sampling the river at the Prescott Street bridge, and calculating the overall nutrient status of the watershed.

Fragile Inheritance

Natural History: bckcdb@ istar.ca

the north grenville

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MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant

Phone:613 329 0209

Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca

www.ngtimes.ca