November 18, 2015,issue 46, ng times

the north grenville

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TIMES

Vol. 3, No. 46

The Voice of North Grenville

November 18, 2015

Student artists showcase

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Santa Claus Parade page 12 & 13

Everyone is invited to come and view the first installment of a rotating show that highlights the talents of grade 9 through 12 student artists. No two rotations of artwork will be the same.

Each one will showcase a variety of imagery created by students in different grade levels. The first selection of artwork includes large scale drawings and some smaller acrylic paintings.

We are very thankful to The Branch Restaurant for

opening their doors to us and being a great supporter of the arts within our community.

This community partnership is an important resource for students as it shows how the knowledge and skills acquired through the study of the curriculum relates to life beyond school. The Branch is enriching not only the educational experience of the students but also the life of our community. Check out their website www.thebranchrestaurant.ca/ for more

information and upcoming events as well as delicious menu options.

When Ms. Melnick, the Visual Art teacher at St. Michael CHS, first approached The Branch about creating a community partnership, Nicole was immediately on board. She quickly pointed out a few great spots within the restaurant that could be used to showcase student artwork and was open to displaying a variety of works.

This year the Visual Art

students at St. Michael will host the 2nd annual student art show which will include all of the works created throughout the year. You can expect to see some paintings, drawings, pottery and sculptures just to name a few. Stay tuned for more info.

We are interested in your feedback, feel free to contact the school at 613-2587232 or visit our facebook page (facebook.com/smchs. kemptville/).

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Stories from the South Branch

Stories from the South Branch

by David Shanahan

CHEO Fundraiser at North Grenville DHS

by Callie Adamson & Kelsey Black In every school in every hallway in Eastern Ontario you will find at least one student who has been to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario [CHEO]. This statement rang true for us (Callie and Kelsey, the Prime Minister and Deputy of the Student Activity Council at North Grenville District High School) when we visited a leadership conference in Niagara Falls last November.

We were inspired to become part of a movement that had kids helping kids. We each have friends and family members who were supported by CHEO for a range of minor to serious conditions.

From conversations with a Children’s Miracle Network representative and our own passion, we are proud to host NG’s first ever CHEO Movement Marathon.

On November 26, North

Grenville District High School will be hosting students in the gym, cafeteria, music room, weight room, computer lab and more.

Students are welcome to join in, playing a variety of indoor sports, dancing, and other activities, including yoga and Zumba, to keep them moving from 4 pm to 10 pm. Sign up online at helpmakemiracles.ca and select NGDHS Movement Marathon or you can visit the site to sponsor a participant.

Permission forms and an additional $25 are needed for admission into the event. $20 of this admission goes directly to CHEO, while $5 assists in paying for a meal and snacks. Forms can be picked up in the office or on the event Facebook page.

All donations are greatly appreciated and welcomed.

We hope to see you there.

Remember, it’s for the kids!

For all those who have enjoyed Dr. David Shanahan’s articles on local history that have appeared regularly in the NG Times, the good news is that they, and others, have been compiled into a new 200-page book called “Stories from the South Branch”. The stories cover the history of North Grenville from before the arrival of European settlers up to the year 2000, and range from the serious to the mysterious.

The people, places and events that colour our history are written in David’s conversational style, but with a depth of knowledge that only a professional historian with his decades of experience can bring.

The Brandon Press, which is publishing the book, is a local publishing house which has produced more than a dozen titles by local authors since 2008.

The book costs $20 and will be available to buy early in December, just in time for Christmas gift-buying. Copies of “Stories of the South Branch” can be pre-ordered by calling 613-258-5083, or e-mailing production@ngtimes.ca.

Afterschool Program a suceess

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville has started an Afterschool Program at South Branch and Kemptville Public School, and so far, it is a huge hit! The kids get to enjoy outdoor and indoor games, arts/crafts, computer games, and have nutritious snacks. Grenville Mutual Insurance kindly donated craft supplies for the kids, and made them a very big thank you card to show their appreciation.

If you have a child who attends either of these schools and is in grades 1-6, ask about the Afterschool Program!

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Come and enjoy a

FUNFILLED Evening

Kemptville Players Presents

Friends of the North Grenville Public Library Co-sponsor: North Grenville Public Library

By

Norm Foster

featuring a

Produced by special arrangement with Playwrights Guild of Canada

Trivia Bee

13th AGM

Christmas at the Mill

submitted by Sandra Ketchum The Spencerville Heritage Mill will be hosting a weekend of Family Fun on Friday, November 27 at 6 pm with a Christmas sing-along, ornament making, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows The evening will feature a Children’s Shopping Emporium, magic, puppetry, a Reindeer Run, Crafts and games, friendly animals, Market shopping, plus more hot chocolate, apple cider and other tasty treats.

FREE entrance to Mill. $1 tickets for some activities.

Kids 12 and under shop at 1930’s prices More details are available at: spencervillemill.ca November 18, 2015

Two Teams Thursday, November 26, 2015 Norenberg Building 1 Water Street, Kemptville 7 p.m.

Nov 26 – 28 (Thurs, Fri, Sat) 7:30PM w Nov 29 (Sun) 2:00 PM Urbandale Arts Centre -­‐ North Grenville 285 County Road #44, Kemptville

Tickets: $15 613-­‐258-­‐2051

Catered Refreshments

B & H Grocer w Business Strategies w Municipal Centre

Free Admission

www.kemptvilleplayers.ca

2

Graphic Design and Artwork by Caroline Marshall

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Yule Trees for Prescott Street Bridge Erick Le Pors

STRESS FREE ENTERTAINING

613-860-2539

Catering For All Occassions www.dialachef.ca

Submitted by Santa's Elves Santa's Helpers are shown in this photo preparing the decorations which will adorn the Prescott Street Bridge in the near future, possibly before the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday.

The idea for this wonder-

ful assortment of Yule trees as decorations for the flower boxes came from George Gouthro who, in turn, convinced his friend, Don Munz, to become involved. You will recall that both individuals were instrumental in the implementation of the floral project this past summer.

photo by Lou Munz woman and owner of Sugold on Prescott Street, who has been involved with bridge decorations these past few years, is also taking part in this project.

It has never been a better time to give back to your community.

The trees are secured to wooden panels which will be placed in the containers, along with garland and Christmas lighting. Assisting in the project are Lou Munz and Pat Babin, whom you might say are Santa's little elves.

Su Sally, local business

Mountain Lions Fall Show: huge success submitted by Keith Ardron The Mountain Lions Club would like to thank the near-capacity crowd of supporters who came out to see Freddy Vette and the Flames on Saturday, November 7. The annual Fall Show is one of the most important fundraisers for the Mountain Township and District Lions Club and enables us to contribute to all of our local initiatives like Canada Day, the Hill 70 Memorial, the Kemptville and Winchester Hospitals, and the renovations of the South Mountain Agricultural Hall to name a few.

The evening began with Bob Weagant, who spearheaded the event, working his wonders and keeping everyone entertained and organized while Terry Palmer and his crew brought in their fabulous roast beef and chicken. The rest of the vegetables and mashed potatoes were prepared by Lions Club members and their amazing spouses who all had a blast working together to make this event happen.

Freddy Vette and the Flames did not disappoint with all the crowd-pleasing favourites from the jukebox of Fifties and Sixties Rock and Roll. The Lions Club would also like to thank our sponsors for the evening.

Without your support, this event would not have been nearly as successful.

November 18, 2015

The show kicked off our 2016 calendar sale which will be continuing over the next months. Get yours today and you could be winning your part of $5000 in cash prizes over the next year. Also available are our Dream Vacation Tickets, which offer a very good chance to win a winter getaway. The Lions Calendar and Dream Vacation Tickets

For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 989 2850

Found in the Rideau River: a Canoe without a crew.

If it's yours describe it and bring proof you own it.

613-258-4519

are available from any of your local Mountain Township and District Lions members. Both of these items will make great stocking stuffers this holiday season.

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

3

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The North Grenville Times

History

Cheese Factories in North Grenville

by David Shanahan

For decades, one of the major industries in North Grenville was the making and marketing of cheese.

That may seem like a minor event, but cheese making was one of the three staple exports of Canada in the late nineteenth century, after timber and wood products.

Between 1870 and 1940, Canada exported an average of 96 million pounds of cheese to Britain every year.

In 1895, there were more than 1,200 cheese factories in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville alone.

This was clearly not a minor industry.

Individual farmers had always made cheese for family consumption. But there had not been a sufficient market for large-scale manufacturing until after the American Civil War. In fact, by the end of that conflict, more than 27,000 pounds of cheese were imported from the United States. But in 1865, a free trade agreement between Canada and the US ended, and higher tariffs meant that American cheese was no longer affordable in the Canadian market.

Ironically, it was American entrepreneurs who started the Canadian cheese factory project in the 1860's.

They introduced what was known as “the American system”, a co-operative arrangement whereby a number of local farmers would invest in setting up a separate building in which to manufacture cheese. They supplied the milk, paid a cheese maker to actually operate the factory, and divided the revenues from the sale of the cheese produced. During the nineteenth century, the cheese maker made about 2 cents per pound for cheese, which the investors sold for about 8 cents a pound. A very profitable business for all concerned.

But the first cheese factory in North Grenville was not a co-operative. William Kidd and his son, Edward, established a factory on part of Village Lot number 1 in the first range of village lots in Burritt’s Rapids, now East Street, in 1868. Edward became a major power in the cheese business throughout the region, eventually owning at least seven cheese factories in the surrounding townships. The factory in Burritt’s Rapids survived until the 1940's, when it burned down - the lot of November 18, 2015

many of these institutions over the years.

Edward Kidd was one of a number of North Grenville men who set up factories outside the American system: they were single owners, the sole investors in factories, responsible for the machinery, production and marketing of their cheese, and reaping all of the rewards. Claudius Ferguson, of Oxford Township, bought the Burritt’s Rapids factory and several others around the region during the two decades after 1900. He, Freeman Brown, Orlando Bush and other businessmen resident in Oxford Township were also major players in the cheese industry in the twentieth century. But the biggest of them all was James A. Sanderson of Oxford Station.

Sanderson started his career as the manager of the Patterson’s Corners Factory. When the Kemptville Cheese Board was established in 1900, it provided a forum for selling the cheese made at twenty-six factories throughout eastern Ontario.

Each week, cheese manufactured at these factories was auctioned off to buyers representing various companies, most of them from Britain, who then exported the cheese. Up to 95% of this cheese was sent to the British market in the first half of the twentieth century. Sanderson served as President of the Kemptville Cheese Board, then as cheese buyer for Lovell & Christmas of Montreal. In 1930, he opened the first rural cold storage facility in Eastern Ontario.

This facility grew over the years to have a capacity of 20,000 boxes of cheese. He was Reeve of Oxford for over 30 years, and one of biggest exporters of cheese to Britain.

William Eager owned, built and operated a cheese factory near Acton’s Corners in 1886. He also owned the factory in Heckston, as well as others around Edwardsburg and South Mountain.

He sold the Acton’s Corners factory in 1893 to the farmers, after the American system model, and it was run by the investors until 1948.

In 1933, the factory burned down, but was rebuilt and modernised. It was always known locally as Scott’s Factory. North Grenville also supplied a revolutionary machine used in cheese factories all over Canada.

Ormand Bernard, of Oxford Mills, invented the Bernard

The Voice of North Grenville

Accessory Event at KYC

Mill, a curd cutting machine operated by steam. In 1933, the Scott Factory bought a Bernard Mill for the extravagant sum of $20!

The cheese factories gave employment to many in North Grenville, both directly through the farms and factories themselves, and also in ancillary industries.

Men were employed to cart the milk to the factories, and then take the cheese to the railway stations. Others were employed in factories making boxes in which to store and transport the cheeses.

Some of these factories had been saw mills in previous years, and would have been closed down without the cheese box market.

Cheeses weighed around 90 pounds each, and in an average week, there might be more than 2,500 cheeses sold through the Kemptville Cheese Board.

But the industry gradually diminished in importance between the two World Wars for a number of reasons. After 1918, competition arose from manufacturers in New Zealand, who produced a milder cheese and this appealed to the British market more than the aged Canadian cheddar. Although refrigeration had revolutionised the industry to Sanderson’s benefit, it also allowed cheese from the most distant parts of the world to be marketed in the main markets. Another problem for the industry was the decreasing supply of milk available for cheese making. More people were living in urban areas , away from farms. Their demand for fresh milk, butter and cream drew off much of the supply of milk previously arriving at the cheese factories.

In Bishops Mills, the cheese factory was destroyed in an explosion in 1924, killing three people. In 1946, the roof of the cheese factory in Oxford Mills, built by Murdock Gair in the early 1880's, collapsed from the weight of snow. In 1944, there were only 16 cheese factories left in all of Grenville County.

Twenty years later, there were none.

The KYC Youth Council is planning its 2nd Annual Accessory Event to raise money to attend the annual Youth Centres Canada Convention and is looking for the support of all of those Divas, Divos and Fashionistas. This year it’s being held just before Christmas, so it’s a great opportunity to check off your list as well as support a great cause!

If you would like to volunteer or shop at the event, the dates and hours are Friday, December 11, 3 pm to 8 pm, Saturday, December 12, 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, December 13, 9 am to 5 pm at KYC. In the meantime, peek into those closets and dust off those jewelry boxes, and drop off your accessory donations at KYC between 2 and 6 pm each weekday. Acceptable items are jewelry, scarves, purses, hats, new makeup, sun glasses, wallets, belts, and gently used fashionable clothing. We could also use any large shopping bags for shoppers to fill on the event days. Donations of clearance items from stores are also welcome.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations of shoes, used earrings, old clothing or used makeup.

Join the KYC Youth event of the year!

KEMPTVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE

2868 COUNTY ROAD 43, KEMPTVILLE, ON 613.258.7661 / KEMPTVILLEPHYSIO.COM

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For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

4

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

NG’s Got Talent

by David Shanahan I can just imagine the (fictional) scene: Council and CAO wondering how to fill an empty seat, wondering if anyone would notice if they didn’t. “We could always have an election, or just appoint someone from the last one”. Resigned sighs: not a very interesting idea. “But”, says someone, “why not use this to get people to come out to our shows...I mean our meetings? Let’s have a talent contest! You know, like America’s Got Talent, or American Idol!” Immediate excitement all round. Great idea! We’ll have a...what do they call it in show business? “A cattle call?”. No, the word is auditions. Let’s hold auditions for the role..I mean job. We can have them with a live audience, in the Theatre (naturally, where else do you put on a show?).

Of course that isn’t how it happened (I hope), but the result was very similar.

Contestants, sorry, appli-

cants were invited to come and answer some simple questions and vie with each other for the honour of representing Council on Council for the next three years.

The show ran over two nights, but the turnout was disappointing all around.

To start with, there was no audience, just contestants and their families, with a few regular theatre goers to watch the performances.

Twelve contestants applied, but one thought better of it and stayed home. Some of the others watched the acts on before theirs to see how the judges responded.

People noted when Councillor Tobin smiled at one or two - a hint of her leanings, perhaps? Was it significant, they wondered, when some contestants had questions repeated to them?

Did they mean their original answers were unsatisfactory? Could anything be learned from the almost complete silence that emanated from Council during the auditions? I wish we

could show you the various performances, but when we asked if we could film the auditions, we didn’t get a “yes” or a “no”. But COGECO were there and you can get the dvd of the auditions at the NG Public Library soon.

Perhaps this seems a little unfair to the men and women who took part in the process. But it is hard to take anything like this too seriously this week, after the events in Paris. Perspective.

Somehow that awful and barbaric attack on all of us brings into focus the blessings we enjoy in a free and democratic society. The fear is that France and NATO will react precipitously and play into the hands of terrorism.

Their response needs to be well thought out, measured and considered. Terrorism requires an aggressive and emotional response, one that they can then use to justify further action. It can become a vicious cycle of violence.

Some response is absolutely necessary, but we have to

learn from the many mistakes of the past. Ideas and hatreds cannot be killed by bombs and bullets, that is a simple fact of history.

The Cold War was not won by missiles and armies: it was a victory of one way of life over another, winning hearts and minds, as the saying goes from a previous conflict. We have to believe in our way of life, in our democratic and free society more than terrorists believe in their ability to overcome it. Whether such hatred and violence can ever be extinguished is doubtful, but our main responsibility is to ensure the health and welfare of our own community, in every way we can.

Maybe that does bring us back to the current theatrical events in NG. Perhaps every time we devalue our democracy we also undermine our faith in it. Cynicism about politics and politicians is not a new thing, but it is a debilitating disease that alienates people from the very thing that is at the heart of our

society. Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

If there is one positive to take from our latest local government extravaganza, it is that local residents spoke out, and spoke out strongly, against having their democratic voice ignored, as they saw it. We may not be actually attending Council meetings, but we are watching and listening and keeping account. It will be a challenge to remember all of this in three years time, when we once again have a chance to speak on the issue, but that is our responsibility.

On Monday night, Council announced that they had chosen Donovan Arnaud as the replacement to sit beside them for the next three years, someone, in the words of Barb Tobin, they can work with. Donovan has played a role in this community through the Rotary Club and the Navy League. It will not be easy for him, having no public mandate. He owes his

place to the four he joins. It is up to him to justify the choice that has been made in place of ours. He will do that by working hard, making independent decisions, and not being swayed against their best judgment. We can only wish him the best and offer him every support as he takes his place on Council and faces the challenges of the coming term. Would I have voted for him if he had run in last year’s election. I never had the chance. None of us did.

tal "C" conservatives. And who knew that we had just re-elected Gord Brown as our MPP (perhaps that extra capital "P" just snuck in).

However, once I finished reading the letter, I felt sadness as I wondered whether, when she re-read her letter, Ms. Overton noticed all that was missing after it had all been said and done. After nine years, the only concrete positives about the Harper government that could be pointed to were tax measures. (Inasmuch as nation's economy can only be minimally influenced by government policy and Canada's economy relies heavily on resources sold to other countries in US dollars, it's not necessary to debate whether the Harper government was positive for our economy or not, because it had little impact either way.) Not that tax measures are not important, because they are. Full disclosure: come tax time I would have been better off with another Harper government.

But good government must be about so much more than putting tax dollars back into

the pockets of individual citizens and balancing its own books. Think of your own household - it's actually not that difficult to balance your budget if you choose to just cut expenses and stop doing things rather than invest in improving your family's and your community's future - no school trips or college for the kids, no new furnace or bathroom reno, no gift/charitable giving, no trips to the dentist or the movie theatre, etc.

A government's duty to its citizens extends far beyond managing its/our money and selectively handing back some tax dollars to those specific citizens it deems worthy. The duty of a good government encompasses so much more: to demonstrate respect for our basic institutions such as the Supreme Court and Parliament; to have regard for our constitution and our Charter of Rights & Freedoms; to accept and embrace the role conferred upon our provinces as governing partners by confederation; to take actions that reflect Canadian values in caring for and

about the vulnerable in our society both today and in the future, both the old and the young, whether "old-stock", immigrant or aboriginal, including humans, animals, plants and the environment we all share; to be guided by these same values in its conduct in international affairs on the world stage.

Thus, it makes me sad indeed to see that supporters of Mr. Harper, such as Ms. Overton, seem unable to point to any significant accomplishments other than self-interest money measures. Surely, there is more to us, to life, and to this country, than a tax credit or a TFSA. Sincerely; Maria Koller-Jones

To whom it may concern: Recently, I received an offer for “Overland Water Protection” on my house insurance. This is to cover the sudden accumulation of water from heavy rains, thaws and overflow from rivers. This coverage is new in Canada and has come about because of the extreme weather conditions we have seen of late.

When I inquired about getting the coverage, I was told it was not available to those of us in the postal code K0G 1J0.

It is considered a “very high risk” zone.

In my 19 years living at the above address, I have been distressed to see many ditches overgrown with weeds, even bushes/trees, along with culverts which have become

filled in with debris and the gravel which is thrown into the ditches along our dirt roads. Each year my husband diligently rakes that stone in order to mow our ditches. He also makes sure the culvert on the laneway remains clear.

However, when I lived in Ottawa/Carleton, I noticed that the Roads Dept. diligently cleaned out the ditches as well as grading them so that there wasn’t water left sitting in them. It was draining away even in springtime when the accumulation was heavy.

Here, I notice water almost year round along South Gower Drive especially.

In light of the fact that we are considered at high risk for flooding in this area, I must

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: I read the letter from Ms. Overton published in your October 28 issue with both interest and sadness. Full disclosure: I have no party allegiances; my voting booth decisions have covered the spectrum from Greens to Tories and everything in between, depending on my assessment of the incumbent's performance record, the party platforms, the quality of the candidates seeking my vote, and the important issues of the day.

First, the interesting parts of her letter. I did not realize that so many words in the English language require capitalization when not being used as a proper noun and when they're not the first word in the sentence. I was unaware that Mr. Harper had shared the responsibility of governing this great nation with his family. I did not know that Craig Oliver of CTV was a capital "L" liberal as well as a capital "L" liar; nor that the only citizens of this riding who possess genuine Canadian values and morals are capi-

ISSN 2291-0301

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 November 18, 2015

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

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Municipality Matters

Signs of discontent

The Voice of North Grenville

Last September a new sign by-law was passed by Council to cope with what Fire Chief Paul Hutt refers to in his report as “sign pollution”. At the time, Chief Hutt explained the reasons for the new bylaw: “Potential hazards and over-population of signs have been identified and need to be addressed. It is fitting for the Municipality to put a system of control in place to maintain the safety of its residents and help create an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming atmosphere for visitors”.

The new by-law is a lengthy document, fourteen pages long, with five pages devoted just to definitions.

They include Animated Signs, Awning Signs, Banners, Billboards, Community Mobile Signs and many, many others. The report to Council

noted that “Staff reviewed the two current By-Laws and undertook meetings with a stakeholders committee to compile and formulate the proposed drafted By-Law”.

However, since the bylaw was approved by Council, its implementation by enforcement officers has led to quite a number of complaints by residents who have had various signs removed by the municipality. The section of the law which is generating most upset deals with what the text refers to as “Temporary Community Signs”, in other words, the A-frame signs put up by community groups, churches and other voluntary organisations to advertise concerts, garage sales, fish fries and other events. These are usually put on as fund raisers, or as services to the community.

Part of the confusion surrounding the sign issue is that there are a number of

possible categories into which these type of notices fall in the bylaw. There are clauses dealing with “Temporary Neighbourhood Event Signs”, Temporary Community Mobile Signs”, “Temporary signs advertising charitable or community services or events”, and “Temporary Portable, Mobile, Banner, Charitable and Special Occasion Signs”.

It takes a very careful reading of the law to identify which kind of sign is covered by the various clauses, and the overall effect is to confuse those sincerely trying to abide by the terms of the bylaw.

Some of the signs that have been removed by Bylaw Enforcement officers were, it was believed, properly set back from roads and sidewalks, and some were even on private property. It may be that the officials themselves are unclear on what is, and is not, permitted.

But even when the conditions of the law are understood, some of the restrictions

are upsetting residents. For example, a service group or other voluntary organisation or church which is holding a special event, or a fund raiser for charity, is restricted to having signs out for no more than two weeks before the event. Signs must be removed one day afterwards. Experience has shown that it often requires a longer advertising lead-in to an event, especially when ticket sales are a factor.

To make things even more restrictive, none of these charitable and voluntary groups are allowed to advertise more than two events every year.

For churches, for example, this means that, aside from Christmas and Easter, they cannot advertise any other event at all by using temporary signs. Furthermore, in most cases, the two events they are allowed to advertise in this way must take place more than 90 days apart.

Chief Hutt has pointed out that the text of the bylaw had to be careful to meet all legal

requirements, and that meant that an educational component was necessary to ensure that those affected by the new law were informed as to its terms. This was done with regard to local businesses, but it was harder to inform churches, service groups and similar groups about the demands of the bylaw. As a result, some signs were removed and returned to their owners, but no fines were levied, and further information was provided for future use.

It is hoped that the terms of the bylaw will be revisited in the future to allow the mu-

nicipality to enforce it with more flexibility with regard to charitable events. Chief Hutt notes that the wording of bylaws from similarly situated municipalities was used in framing the new bylaw, but it will be reviewed to see which are applicable to NG and which need to be re-framed to deal with our unique situation. A Concise Guide to the Signs Bylaw has been produced by Chief Hutt’s office and is available to all those interested in advertising their events in future. The NG Times will publish the guidelines in coming issues.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and OPP Professional Standards Bureau, with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT)

and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), conducted an 18-month investigation into criminal activity by police officers in Leeds County. Project ARROWTOWN was launched in May 2014 and as a result,

on November 12, investigators executed seven search warrants and arrested nine individuals, including two OPP officers.

A warrant is outstanding for one adult male.

Two Provincial Constables, one a 10-year mem-

ber of the OPP, posted to Leeds County detachment and the other a 16year member, have been charged with Obstruction of Justice. One of the two officers was also charged with drug-related charges and Forgery and Breach of

Trust. Both men have been suspended from duty with pay in accordance with the Police Services Act (PSA).

They were released on a Promise to Appear and Officer-In Charge Undertaking to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice,

Brockville, on January 8, 2016.

During the investigation, quantities of cocaine, marihuana and cash were seized. The investigation is continuing. Further charges are pending.

and little opportunity for gerrymandering.

The article discusses three types of PR at https://www. mtholyoke.edu/acad/polit/ damy/BeginnningReading/ PRsystems.htm Thank you Brian for bringing this interesting topic to the fore.

Kelvin Hodges

As a voter, we chose the 4 candidates in 2014 which we thought were the best for the job. There was no box asking if I would support a substitute in case one of the elected officials stepped down.

The Municipality had an option of a by-election or appointment and I feel, as you have stated, “there are some excellent people” who put their name forward. I have met these people, witnessed their interviews and would be very happy with a number of them becoming a Councillor of my Municipality.

Which leads me to your point, which applies to me directly, “where were they last year”? I was even asked this by a fellow applicant, in that being new to the area they had a reason why they didn’t run in the election. I could give a number of reasons why I didn’t run in 2014; having just become empty nesters and trying to find our way, etc. but to be honest with both you, David, and myself, I do not like the idea of running in a competition where the outcome is not based 100% on my perfor-

mance. I am a competitive swimmer – and every time I race, I win or lose because of me. I have had many job interviews over the years and I feel that the ones that did not come out with a job offer was due to my experience or performance.

I am not a salesperson so the thought of “selling” myself will never happen at a public level. If you feel that I owe time or money that those who ran and lost in 2014 had to put on the table, implying that I wasn’t giving in a different way at that time, I guess that I would have to agree.

But having met some of the applicants and heard the others, I think that you insult all of us when you use the words “cheap way” to get onto Council.

That would mean that an elector would always have to weigh how many times a Candidate has run, how much money they have spent on advertising and how much personal time they have spent campaigning versus choosing the best person to fill the job.

Kind of leads me back to why I really don’t like the thought of running for

election, as I stated in my interview.

On the point about the interview process, though not perfect, it was carried out very well. The candidate who was interviewed first asked if he could present again as he felt disadvantaged – this had been granted. Some candidates arrived at their appointed time so did not take advantage of knowing what others had gone through, and some from the Day 2 list were there on Day 1 just to show their support – not get cheat notes. As an Interviewee from Day 1, I do not feel in any way hard done by (I wish that I could have gone first as my real sympathy is with the person who has to go last).

David, I will go back to your comment again about how this process has brought out some excellent people. Maybe some, like myself, only came out because it isn’t an election, but that doesn’t devalue the contribution that they can make and the long hours and hard work that is ahead for them if they do get chosen. Your Humble Reader, Graham Pincott

by David Shanahan

Two OPP officers charged in long-term investigation

Letters to the Editor continued ask that the municipality do ber. Or .3% of seats in parliaits ditches on a regular basis ment. This disenfranchiseespecially along Boundary ment of Canadian voters is Road, Arcand Road and South hard to perceive as democratGower Drive. There may be ic. The recent federal election other areas with which I am with its necessary “strategic not familiar, but a plan needs voting” is another indication to be put into place whereby that perhaps democracy might the ditches are regularly kept be improved after all. graded and cleaned in order to Recent events in Portugal ensure that we aren’t flooded point to a key benefit of PR. out. I am sending copies The ruling conservative party, of this letter to the Council male and corporate ruled member who lives on Visiting with a history of graft and Road, the Mayor, the Roads corruption, would have won Dept. and the North Grenville a majority with “first by the Times so that everyone’s post” democracy. However attention is drawn to this with PR a coalition of woman important matter before we led parties was able to form are faced with damages to our the government. properties.

I fail to see how this is a Please give this matter bad thing. high priority in the budget I point your readers to the planning for our municipality. Guardian article, http://www.

Sincerely, theguardian.com/world/2015/ Bonnie & Romeo Robinson nov/14/women-portuguesepolitics-left-bloc-party-sexist-attacks Dear Editor: Another article of interest A brief thought on Proporto readers looking at PR states tional Representation “As a rule, PR voting systems In the Nov 4 Times Bri- provide more accurate repan Lonergan makes a case resentation of parties, better against Proportional Repre- representation for political sentation (PR). and racial minorities, fewer Yet, as Lonergan points wasted votes, higher levels out, we see that the 10% of of voter turnout, better repreCanadians who voted Green sentation of women, greater are represented by one mem- likelihood of majority rule, November 18, 2015

Dear Editor: “Think for yourself’ I feel that it is important, as one of the applicants for the vacant council seat, that I respond/give a counter opinion to your November 11th editorial.

I write this after having been through the interview process and before Council has made their decision.

I read your piece 2 hours prior to my appointed time and your words struck home on a couple of points.

Let me be clear that though you state that “the public has been vocal”, implying that the majority of the community supported the automatic appointment of the 5th place candidate from the last election, my opinion is opposite to yours.

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month Check your feet every day, especially between the toes, the sole and around the back of the heel. You are looking for signs of calluses (areas of thickened hard skin), changes in colour and breaks in the skin. You might want to use a mirror to see the soles of your feet.

If this is difficult, or if your eyesight is not as good as it was, try to get someone else to check your feet for you.

Fortunately, you do not usually need to do anything very different from other people – general advice on foot care applies to everyone.

Wash your feet each day, use soap and warm water – check the temperature of the water before you put your feet in. Dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. There is no advantage in soaking your feet: this just makes the skin soggy and increases the risk of damage. Try to use a mild non-perfumed, non-coloured soap to avoid irritation and drying of the skin.

To k e e p y o u r s k i n healthy, use moisturizing cream and discuss with your healthcare team which one is best for you. Generally, Urea or water-based creams are better for the skin than those that are petroleum based. Do not apply any cream between your toes as this will make the area too moist and can make an infection such as athlete’s foot more likely.

Do not use powder/talc between your toes, as often it becomes clumped and can attract bacteria and allow an infection to develop. You may find a pumice stone helpful for areas of hard skin or callus, but it must be used with care. Never use a blade.

If the hard skin is excessive, seek professional advice.

Never use corn removal plasters: they contain acid which can cause the skin to break down.

Cut your nails regularly.

Don't cut them down the sides or too short. Remember, your nails are there to protect your toes. It is safest to trim your nails with a pair of proper nail clippers rather than scissors, and to use an emery board to file the corners of your nails. If it is difficult for you to care for your nails, you should seek help from a Chiropodist/Podiatrist. Cutting a ‘v’ shape in the nail to stop it in growing is an old fashioned idea which is incorrect and may cause damage and introduce infection to the nail bed. If you feel your nail is rubbing on your shoe, it may not be the nail which is too long but the shoe which is too short.

Some people try to clean the edges and sides of their nails using the sharp point of nail scissors. This is very dangerous. If you feel that your nails need clearing of dirt and debris, simply use a nailbrush or a toothbrush and brush from the base of

the nail forward.

The right shoes and stockings/socks will help to keep your feet healthy.

This is why your choice of footwear is so important. It is not normally necessary to buy special or expensive shoes. As long as you follow the guidelines below, you should be able to buy the right footwear in a high street store and at a reasonable price. However, a lower priced shoe may not have the same durability as a higher priced one, so may have to be replaced more frequently.

Shoes that do not fit well can cause corns, calluses, in-growing toe-nails, blisters and ulcers. If you have nerve damage (neuropathy) or poor circulation, wearing unsuitable shoes is likely to make even simple foot problems worse. Finding shoes that fit is not just a matter of buying a pair that feel comfortable or snug. Remember, if you have neuropathy you cannot rely on how they feel on your feet as your nerves may not be sending correct messages to the brain. Ideally, to ensure that the shoes you buy are suitable for you, you would have your feet measured for size and width by a trained shoe fitter each time you buy new shoes, but this is seldom available now. So take extra time and care trying on several shoes of different brands and sizes before you buy. If you can pull out the insole of the shoe

in the store and stand on it, that will give you help in deciding if the shoe is long enough and wide enough.

Buy shoes that are broad fitting, have a space about the width of your thumb between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe, have a deep and rounded toe area, are or low heeled (up to 1 inch), are fastened by a lace or buckle or fit high on the top of the foot, to keep the heel in the back of the shoe: the foot is then prevented from sliding forward and crushing the toes at the end of the shoe.

If you are unsure of the fit or style that is most suitable for you, do ask a registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist for advice.

Always examine the inside of your shoes for sharp objects or stones before putting them on and replace ruffled innersole linings. Avoid socks, stockings or tights with wrinkles or prominent seams. Stockings or socks with elastic tops should also be avoided because they may restrict the circulation. Never wear socks with darned areas or holes.

If you are in need foot care, footwear or orthotics advice, or are just struggling with cutting your nails, Body and Sole Foot care Clinic can help. Call us for an appointment at 613 258 5508.

Visits are covered by most extended health insurance plan.

UPDATE COUNCIL Monday, November 23 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, December 7 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

WASTE TRANSFER STATION – CHANGE OF HOURS As of November 3rd, the hours of the Waste Transfer Station at 699 Crozier Road in Oxford Mills have changed and are now 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Winter parking restrictions come into effect on November 15th and last through April 15th. While restrictions are in effect, parking on Municipal roads is not allowed between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing or removal operations may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Municipality is issuing an RFP for the preparation of a Business Feasibility Study for a wholly-owned Municipal Corporation dedicated to the operation and maintenance of a multi-tenant campus offering education & training, economic development and health & wellness opportunities at Kemptville College. The deadline for the submission of this RFP is noon on November 25. For additional details and information on obtaining an RFP package, please visit www.northgrenville.ca/tenders.cfm.

The Municipality is issuing an RFP for the preparation of an In-Ground Infrastructure Assessment for lands associated with the former Kemptville College. The deadline for the submission of this RFP is noon on November 25. For additional details and information on obtaining an RFP package, please visit www.northgrenville.ca/tenders.cfm.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-4424 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-2438 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-2438 ext. 6

Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est

Depuis 2012, les parents de la communauté élargie de Kemptville se mobilisent pour obtenir une école secondaire catholique de langue française à même leur communauté.

Ils ont exprimé leur souhait au CECCE ainsi qu'aux diverses instances gouvernementales. Une pétition a même été remise à l'Assemblée législative de l'Ontario.

Suite à la demande des parents, le Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est a soumis au ministère de l’Éducation de l’Ontario (MÉO) en octobre 2013 une liste de projets prioritaires pour lesquels le CECCE souhait obtenir du financement. Sur cette liste figurait une école secondaire catholique de langue française à Kemptville.

En janvier 2015, le CECCE a proposé une mise à jour de sa liste de projets prioritaires pour inclure une école catholique à Kemptville, de la maternelle à la 12e année, avec une garderie. Ce projet était très haut sur la liste de projets prioritaires.

Lors de la dernière ronde de financement qu’a accordé le MÉO aux écoles ontariennes en novembre 2015, le CECCE n’a pas reçu le financement escompté pour l’école catholique de la maternelle à la 12e année de Kemptville.

Le CECCE continue ses pourparlers avec le ministère de l’Éducation de l’Ontario pour faire valoir qu’il y a une demande réelle pour une éducation catholique de langue française à Kemptville.

Le 11 novembre 2015, le CECCE installait une affiche annonçant la venue de sa nouvelle école sur le terrain qui lui est réservé à Kemptville. Un symbole d'espoir pour cette communauté qui travaille depuis des années pour obtenir leur école catholique.

November 18, 2015

Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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Building a Sustainable North Grenville

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The Voice of North Grenville

A snowblower makes it easy to clear snow from walkways, driveways and other areas. Like other outdoor power equipment, the snowblower must be properly maintained for safety purposes and in order to operate efficiently.

How to care for your snowblower 1. Check and replace oil: Check your owner’s manual for the proper viscosity oil to use in colder temperatures. Note that two-stroke engines do not use engine oil.

2. Always have a clean fuel filter in place: 3. Degrease: Spray a degreaser on greasy and dirty areas. Allow the degreaser to sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.

4. Add fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel: This will keep fuel fresh longer and prevent clogs in the carburetor.

5. Regularly check the fuel cap: Fuel caps have small vent holes to allow air into the fuel tank. If the fuel cap air vent holes are blocked by buildup or debris, replace the fuel cap.

6. Check the tires: Check the tires for wear. If your snowblower has pneumatic tires, use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure.

7. Lubricate bearings: Lubricate wheel bearings, auger bearings, and the impeller bearings - Lubricating moving parts periodically will make sure all parts turn and move correctly.

8. Inspect the scraper blade, slide shoes and other parts for wear 9. Replace the spark plug: should be replaced at least once per season, even if it appears to be working fine. Over time, a spark plug’s performance will degrade due to carbon build-up and a weakened electrode. This dramatically increases emissions, reduces engine performance and increases fuel consumption.

10. Check the auger: If they have worn down so much that they no longer contact the ground, they should be replaced. Never let the rubber wear to a point that metal is exposed. That can cause major damage.

Get help with your equipment maintenance and repairs by getting local business expertise to evaluate your whole maintenance and repair needs.

How to stay safe while shoveling this winter (NC) Whether we love or hate snow, shoveling is a reality of winter life in Canada. Clearing sidewalks is important for the safety of pedestrians, but the activity can prove hazardous for those unaccustomed to heavy lifting. Take into consideration the following tips as the snow starts to fall.

November 18, 2015

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1. Always talk to your doctor about your health status before the winter season to ensure you are fit enough for the task.

2. Warm up first with a walk or light stretching, this will also help you get accustomed to the cool temperatures outside.

3. Don't be afraid to take lots of breaks. Drink plenty of water before and after and pay attention to your core temperature – you don't want to get too hot or too cold.

4. Dress for the part.

Layering from head to toe is always a good option. Look for items like the T-Max hoodie and anti-slip winter boots from Mark's to ensure you stay warm and have good footing.

5. Always bend from your knees and not your back. Conserve your energy and think about pushing the snow to the edges instead of trying to lift it.

6. Be a good neighbour.

If someone on your street isn't capable of shoveling their sidewalk, consider taking on the task and giving them a hand. www.ngtimes.ca

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Advertorial

Eric’s Carpentry Services Man-cave or sewing room on your list?

Twenty-five years in business - and with luck and good management Eric Winter sees another 25 years in his future. Now with his two sons on board, one with his Carpentry Apprenticeship course completed and the other about to start, Eric is optimistic about the next quarter century.

Especially, the 51-yearold adds with a grin, as his third grandchild was born early in the morning of November 12.

Eric’s home base is Hallville, just outside of Kemptville. Not too far away is the family farm where he grew up; his Mom still lives there and his brother now owns the farmstead.

He comes from a family of seven, not too unusual for that era; he puts his heart into coaching hockey and playing baseball.

Eric started learning his trade right out of high school at 18 working for a couple of contractors in the county. In the mid-80s, he took the Carpentry Ap-

November 18, 2015

prenticeship course at Algonquin in Ottawa, worked in the city for several years and then headed out on his own in 1990.

Bread and butter His specialty is residential construction and renovation; he has built houses in the past and will probably build more in the years to come but “it’s a tough market now and the competition is stiff.”

A house “here and there” is fine for him at this time; additions and renovations are his bread and butter.

“We work closely with our customers. They want a lot of input and we give them that. We give the best we possibly can.”

They don’t often design projects but will work to a design, he says, recalling a particular art studio they built on the third floor of an old house. “It’s unique,” he adds, “really cool.” What they do do is sit down with their customers before, during and after renovations have been completed “to make sure they’re happy

with the final product.”

Winter month renos We’re at that time of year when work slows down (but this November - so far - the weather has been forgiving). “We work in cold, hot and even windy weather,” Eric says, but if he had his choice, he wouldn’t work in rain.

However, “because the weather’s been so mild, we’re starting a three-season room next week.”

Colder weather, rain and snow make it hard to work outside so the company looks for inside projects in December, January and February. Eric says the goal is to get through the winter months as economically and frugally as possible with enough work to keep them going until warmer weather generates contracts. To some extent the business is constrained by weather, so bathroom, kitchen and basement renovations are sought after in the three snowiest months.

(What about a man-cave or a sewing room?)

As well as keeping his sons employed in his family-owned and operated business, Eric keeps many subcontractors employed, usually local tradesmen - plumbers, electricians, roofers, plasterers. “If they’re loyal to me, I’m loyal, too.” He finds he can go back to the same subcontractor time and again. “Generally, all subcontractors are with us for extended periods. The more often we work together, the more successful our project is. We get to know these guys and they end up being friends.”

Good business practice And as his business grows, he intends to add to his workforce. Eric hires young workers and then sends them to Algonquin’s Carpentry Apprenticeship Program. “It’s good for them,” he says. When they move on they’ll have both experience and education under their belt.

Eric checks off on his fingers the places he’s worked at renovations and

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construction: Winchester, Chesterville, Morewood, Kemptville, Burritt’s Rapids, Merrickville, Miller’s Corners - and all the small towns in between. “We rarely work in the city,” he says, adding with conviction “but we’ll go the distance for the right job.”

You can reach Eric on his cell at 613-913-9598 or his work number 613-989-

2495. He’s located at 10564 Church Road just outside of Hallville; check out his website at ericscarpentryservice.com, or email him at ericscarpentryservic@ gmail.com. Last year they launched a new division of their business - Circle W Homes - a registered member of the Tarion New Home Warranty Program.

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BBBS Day Trip

Film draws large crowd of concerned citizens – Inspires action submitted by Tom Graham A crowd of over 75 people packed a standingroom only showing of Naomi Klein’s new film, This Changes Everything on Monday evening. The screening was hosted by Sustainable North Grenville and held at the Grenville Mutual Insurance Community Room.

The ground-breaking film presented an encouraging global overview of efforts by activists to push back against corporate polluters and ameliorate climate change. The film crew travelled the globe to tell the story of people rising up against austerity measures in Greece, groups fighting for clean air in China, and showed those protesting strip mining in Montana. It also featured the struggle by Canadian indigenous people to stop the destruction of territorial lands to extract dirty oil from tar sands.

Comments from attendees included “Eye opening!”, “What steps can we take to

protect our air and water?”, and “How do we get our local politicians to address these issues locally?” Those looking for more detailed answers to questions posed by the film were encouraged to read Klein’s book by the same name. Local environmental author Ian Angus explained, “The book goes into much more detail about the plight of the planet, and action steps being taken by groups around the world.”

More information can be found on the website: www. thischangeseverything.org.

A copy of the film will be available at the North Grenville Public Library shortly.

Sustainable North Grenville organizers mentioned several local actions that could be taken immediately: On November 29 – the eve of the Paris Climate Talks – thousands are invited to participate in a March for Climate Solutions and Justice at City Hall, in Ottawa. Part of a Global Climate March, the event is billed as a “family-friendly

The Voice of North Grenville

march to celebrate climate solutions and justice, as we urge our new government to take bolder action on climate change.” More information can be found at www.100possible.ca Even closer to home, dozens of local residents have already signed up to support David Suzuki’s BlueDot campaign – a cause that urges municipal governments to pass declarations recognizing the right to fresh air, clean water and healthy food for their residents. Visit www.BlueDot.ca to add your name.

Organizers thanked Grenville Mutual for the use of the room and contributing to the success of this local event. The next Sustainable North Grenville event is on December 7, at the Branch Restaurant & Texas Grill: Give North Grenville – a social evening and silent auction open to all, featuring locally made crafts and other items. Visit www.

SustainableNorthGrenville. ca for more info.

“Get your Glow On!”

On November 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville visited the War Museum just in time for Remembrance Day. The kids had a lot of fun exploring the museum and learning about our veterans and the World Wars with their Big’s. After a fun tour of the museum, everyone enjoyed a great meal at Pizza Hutt where they got to talk about their big adventure and eat a ton of pizza! If you are interested in being a part of these fun and free outings, volunteer

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

with Big Brothers Big Sisters today, or register your child!

There are many ways to get involved; you can go online to www.mentoringmatters. ca, call us at 613-258-4440, or come in to the office, located inside the Municipal Centre in Kemptville, or provide a donation to help support these great programs.

It only takes a little to start something big!

FLASH A STACHE WIND UP EVENT Saturday, November 28, 2015, 8:00 PM

JOEL STEEL HALL, WINCHESTER

FEATURING Marleen Fawcett & Mountain Breeze

Program: Winchelseaad 31, Beard Judging, ounty Ro of 1567 CRecognition hester and group Top beards, Fund raisers, both Wincindividual AUCTION ITEMS: signed Game Sweaters: Ottawa Senators (whole team): Ottawa 67’s (Nevin Guy): Syracuse Crunch (Slater Koekkoek); Bridgeport Tigers,(Matt Carkner) Many other silent Auction items Tickets ($10.00) available at the door

Let's light up the hamlet of Oxford mills. Our 2nd annual House Decorating Contest will be judged on December 4, starting at 8 pm. Some VIP judges will be touring around on a Nutcracker-themed float through the village core and also the two subdivisions.

Please make sure to have your lights on, and we hope to see you in your window or on the front step showing your support for our launch of the 2015 Spirit of Christmas and Craft Sale.

Prizes will be announced and passed out at the Craft Sale at the Oxford on Rideau public school on December 5."

Hosting the Military

The NG Times was invited to join the host of Nestle Down Bed & Breakfast last week as they hosted two couples as part of the Remembrance Day celebrations. Ellen and Alison Miller, owners of North Grenville’s premier B&B, have taken part in BBCanada’s annual acknowledgement of Canada’s military. For the last four years, BBCanada has asked members if they would be kind enough to host military personnel from any part of Canada during the week of November 11. Nestle Down, on County Road 43 east of Kemptville, has had Navy, Air Force and Army from the North Pole, Alberta and Kemptville to stay free of charge.

This year, the two families they hosted were from Ottawa and Georgetown, Ontario.

Lt.-Col. Ryan Johnson is retired after thirty-three years of service and over 5,600 hours of flying. His career took him to Greenland, Iceland, and Washington, D. C., where he served after 911, and then went to Athens during the 2004 Olympics.

The second couple were Darren and Erin Harvey. Darren is retired with over thirty years service. He was part of the Canadian Forces Military Police in Goose Bay and also served during the Oka crisis in Quebec. Darren retired in 2014 and he and Erin now live in Georgetown. Ellen and Allison were delighted to entertain these two men and their wives at their Nestle Down B&B and look forward to meeting next year’s guests.

November 18, 2015

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Santa Claus Parade this Saturday

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. - 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6

613.258.3014

Prices effective: Friday, November 20 to Thursday, November 26, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

November 18, 2015

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SUPPORT THE 2015 SANTA CLAUS PARADE

304 Colonnade Dr., Kemptville, 613-258-1990

Bring your toy donations to the parade and Royal LePage will collect them.

Santa Claus Parade this Saturday

Photo courtesy of Mike & Ness Photography

TAKING PART IN OUR COMMUNITY

November 18, 2015

The annual Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, November 21, beginning at 1 pm. This year, the theme is “A Story Book Christmas”, and people can line the streets to enjoy the event which begins at Holy Cross School, and winds its way along Clothier Street, on to Prescott Street, through Old Town Kemptville, ending at Kemptville College.

Royal LePage will be collecting toys as part of their contribution to the Mountain of Toys Float, and the Kemptville Rotary Club will be collecting food for their Food Drive to supply local Food Banks. The North Grenville Fire Service will also be having their Boot Drive as part of the parade. Following the parade, Old Town Kemptville brings us SANTA’S NORTH POLE at the Armoury (the old Fire Hall) on Reuben Crescent. Mike & Ness will be on hand.

Free hot chocolate and cookies compliments of CIBC and Grahame’s Bakery.

Letters to Santa can be dropped off at the Armory.

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Annual Tree of Lights Celebration

The Voice of North Grenville

On November 21, the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation will be holding its Annual Tree of Lights Celebration on the front lawn of the Hospital. This year’s event is being presented by Hydro One. Festivities begin at 4:30 and include a family Bar B Q hosted by the Kemptville Lions, carols by members of the North Grenville Concert Choir and of course, the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 pm.

This annual event raises funds through the purchase of lights for a tree in memory of a loved one. This year, all funds raised will go to support patient needs in our long term care unit.

The Kemptville District Hospital Foundation would also like to thank the Kemptville Lions, Urbandale Construction and Hulse Playfair McGarry for their sponsorship and support.

The KDH Foundation is very pleased to partner with the Kemptville Kinsmen!

To purchase your light in memory, or in honor of someone special in your life, please contact Mary at 613 258 6133, ext. 157 or by email at mboucher at kdh.on.ca

November 18, 2015

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DOMESTICÊ&ÊIMPORTÊEXPERTS • BRAKES • FRONT END • TUNE UP • OIL CHANGE • POWER STEERING FLUSH • COOLANT FLUSH • A/C SERVICE & REPAIR • EXHAUST • FUEL INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS • SAFETY INSPECTIONS • AIR CONDITIONING • BATTERY MAINTENANCE • TRANSMISSION SERVICE • 3D ALIGNMENT • TOWING

We now service Fleet Vehicles

Office:

We also offer

Roadside Assistance

613-258-5209 613-864-6762

Cell: Towing: 613-880-1654 2 Goldfinch Dr., Kemptville

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An 81-year journey finally ends

by Helen Craig On February 27, 1934, a baby was born to an eighteen year old girl at Bethesda Hospital in London. Seven months later, when adoptive parents were found, the birth mother signed the necessary legal documents stating that she was unmarried, working as a domestic and living with an aunt in the Brantford area.

Eighty one years later, this story has come full circle, the infant and birth mother are reunited.

As a teenager I began to ask myself if “my mother” was really the woman who brought me into this world.

I have no idea why I was possessed with this sense that something was not right.

Alone in front of my bedroom mirror, I spent hours comparing her photo to my facial features and found not one likeness.

Then I glimpsed an official looking document referring to me by two different names. Finally, at twenty, I worked up the courage to ask my mother. She responded far too vehemently, swearing that she had given birth to me. This left only one route, locate the man who had, for a short time, acted as my father. After much searching, I found him living in a small, dingy apartment. He was very ill and had no reservation about his response. In name only, he was the school janitor. I bore the responsibility of walking a mile every morning to open the school and start the fire in the wintertime, then return home only to go back for classes an hour or so later.

At the end of each school day I was charged with cleaning the single classroom in this small country school.

Strangely perhaps, I didn’t hate this man, even though his only meaningful act was to tell me the truth about my adoption.

Thus began my journey to find my “real” parents.

Little did I ever dream how long and often painful this quest would become. Initially, I naively believed that a simple call would result in my learning the names, addresses and perhaps even the telephone number of my true parents. My optimism was soon crushed when I discovered that laws were in place to protect the identity of birth mothers who gave up their child for adoption.

Although I left London in my late thirties, my desire to locate my birth mother never faded. I hounded every government department involved with these issues, sought help from Parent Finders and enlisted the aid of my partner, Joan, and a close friend. Finally in 2010 I was granted a copy of the Certificate of Registration of Birth showing “Margaret Beatrice Craig” from Billings Bridge, Ontario, as the mother of Beatrice Harriet Craig who was renamed Helen Larue Clayton by the adoptive parents. Armed with this nugget, the search continued and ultimately we gathered bits and pieces of information about her father and mother and some grandparents, however, she remained elusive. Finally, after much research, I learned that she had married Robert

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James Blenkin and that they had adopted two boys. I couldn’t help wondering why she never gave birth to another child.

I recently returned to Ontario to live in Ottawa, an area where my true family had lived. My partner hunted down numerous cemeteries where relatives might be, however, none proved fruitful. Then, in a fascinating twist of fate, I met a woman who would play a major role in finding my family. Joan had taken me to Kemptville to check out a monument which was erected to honour people from a small grave yard that had been dismantled. It was, however, dedicated to folks who passed well before my relatives. Disappointed, we returned to our car and found a friendly young woman and her children admiring our two little dogs. Joan told her what had brought us to this place. She quickly suggested we go to a house across the street because the lady living there was deeply involved in genealogy and the North Grenville Historical Society. Minutes later we stood at Ann Newton’s door.

This wonderful soul kindly agreed to help.

The results of that meeting were monumental! She engaged the help of historian Dr. David Shanahan, who quickly found the burial place of my grandfather and great grandfather Craig.

What a thrill it was to stand at the tombstone of people whose blood coursed through my veins. With this discovery, I sensed deep in my soul that my mother

would also be found.

Shortly thereafter, Ann called and had discovered many new facts, including one that proved critical, namely that Robert Blenkin, my step father, was buried in Capital Cemetery. Although there was no mention of “Margaret”, I knew this was an important lead. The following day, Joan and I visited the cemetery office to enquire about the location of Robert’s grave. Upon checking the records, a very pleasant young lady announced, “Margaret is also here.” The depth of my emotion was unlike anything I had ever experienced. My mother rested here, not fifteen minutes from my new residence.

Upon arriving at the site, I fell to my knees and began to tell my “mother” of my love and affection for her and to assure her that, never once, did I carry any hard feelings about her decision to allow another mother to raise me.

Once I was working and able to assist financially, we went out for dinner occasionally and took some trips.

Sadly, she was an insecure woman who saw all potential friends of mine as threats and so quickly dismissed them.

As a result, I had no friends until my present partner arrived on the scene in 1964.

She understood what was occurring and refused to be shooed off by my mother.

Today, some five decades later, I continue to share my life with Joan and her wonderful family.

Finally, after six decades of searching, I found my mother, however, the story lives on. I have now met a

first cousin, Ken Craig, the son of one of my mother’s brothers. This occurred because I found Dennis Blenkin, one of her adopted boys.

Neither he nor Ken had any idea about my existence but both have been very kind and accepting. When we first met with Dennis, he gave me a treasure, a photo of Margaret Beatrice Elizabeth Craig/ Blenkin and the likeness in our features is astonishing.

There is certainly no doubt now when I look in the mirror.

I am hoping that a reader will have further information about my Mom’s life and times and will make contact through the North Grenville Times.

Finally I encourage anyone searching for birth parents to never, never give up hope. If you find yourself needing some reassurance,

please feel free to contact me through the NGTimes.

Helen Craig at her grandfather’s grave in Kars.

2015

HELP WANTED A customer service based business in Kemptville is looking for a part-time administrative professional to work approximately 16 hours per week beginning in January 2016, with training to take place in December. The successful candidate will possess the following qualities: • excellent communication and customer service skills • experience with Microsoft Word, Quickbooks, Excel • able to juggle tasks and prioritize • good attention to detail • a desire to show initiative The job will consist of the following responsibilities: • answer phone calls • answer inquires from potential clients • take payments and make bookings for clients • maintain a tidy working environment • review and customize of administrative policies and processes • assist in the organization and implementation of company events • participate in record-keeping of client information and other important facility requirements • contact clients and other third parties pertinent to normal functioning of the business

Those interested in applying may send their resume along with a cover letter to the following email address: kemptvilleresume@gmail.com

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November 18, 2015

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14

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CLASSIFIEDS

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents.

Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email production@ngtimes.ca SERVICES Frame Local! Country Ways Custom Picture framing 613.322.6484 dam5@bell. net NO TIME TO COOK? We’ll take care of it! Homemade frozen meals; lunch & family sizes, muffins, soups, dessets and more! For more information go to www.lamyriade.ca.

WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITION Coaching Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Wholesumapproach.com 613.258.7133 Stucco & Parging Services, also specializing in repointing & chinking. Free estimates. cedarrockcontracting@gmail.com 613.818.5187 HOUSEWORK Need Help?

I’m your gal. Will also clean litter and walk dog. Cindy 613.258.1568 SNOW REMOVAL: stairs, walkways, small driveways, roofs. Call Al 613.258.3847 or 613.295.0300 REGAL GIFTS, call or email for Christmas Catalogue 613.258.5558 gilliantrojan@ gmail.com Call Cinderella to look after your Alzhiemer or Parkinson loved one 613.859.4644 Music Instruction, guitar, banjo, ukulele, group singing and more. Your place or mine.

613.720.3531 Certified Packer can help you prepare for your move. Cinderella 613.859.4644 PIANO LESSONS for everyone. All styles, all ages. 613 324.0382 www.kemptvillemusic.com SEWING: Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse sewing.

Call Sharon 613 224 3182 Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, personal, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356 FREE DRUM LESSON!!!

Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging.

We do it all CALL 613.294.2416

November 18, 2015

MESS “S.O.S.!” sarahlystiuk@gmail.com Free monthly articles straight to your inbox!

You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248 NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs owner/operator, subcontracting.

Free estimates Work Guaranteed call 613 294 2416 MR & MRS CLEAN residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613867-2184 HOUSECLEANING- Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277 Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations 20 yrs experience Brian 613 215 0805 Property clean-up, trees/brush/yard waste, scrap metal, dump runs, anything removed. Call Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072 Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300 Rock My House music lessons in fiddle, piano, drums and more. 613 258 5656

Old Town Kempville 10 Prescott Street Commercial retail space 690 sq. ft. available Imm. 613.295.0552 2 bdrm, 218 Prescott, quiet bldg, no smoking, incl. parking, heat, hydro and water. Sept. 1, $1250. Call 258 0849 Old Town Kemptville, 113 Prescott st. Commercial retail space, 1,878 sq. ft. avail. imm.

613.295.0552 Old Town Kemptville 28 Clothier St. Commercial retail space 650 sq. ft. avail Oct 1st 613.295.0552

Commercial space for rent 513-b Prescott St. All Inclusive $750/month, Available Oct. 1 613.794.3551

ROCK MY HOUSE Music Lessons in Fiddle, Piano, Drums and more.

613-258-5656.

CROWDER: Roger Husband , Dad, and Grandpa passed away Nov. 12, 1995

November comes with deep regret, It brings back days we will never forget.

Life goes on, and the years pass by, But memories of you will never die.

Forever loved and deeply missed.

Lois, Tim & Laurina, Russ & Tammy, Neil, Jackson & Lis, Lance, Dylan, Brandi and Justin

Notice to Creditors All persons having claims against the Estate of Joan Mabel Makinson, late of the Municipality of North Grenville, in the County of Leeds and Grenville, who died on or about the 9th day of October, 2015, must be filed with the undersigned Estate Trustee on or before the 31st day of December, 2015, thereafter, the undersigned will distribute the assets of the said estate having regard only to the claims then filed.

Dated at Kemptville, Ontario this 18th day of Novemeber, 2015.

Linda McNally, Estate Trustee, by its Solicitor, The Law Office of Connie Lamble, 222 Prescott Street, P.O. Box 1280, Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0. Attn: Connie Lamble. 613.258.0038

For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

Old Town Kemptville 10 Prescott St. Commercial retail space 800 sq. ft. 613 295 0552 2 bdr upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville, 4 appliances/parking/water incl Call 613 296 5906

FIREARMS LICENSES: CFSC & CRFSC & Exams 2shoy@xplornet. com or 613-258-6162.

Steve

WANTED

FOR SALE

One bedroom Apt. in town.

NO stairs. $750. plus utilities 613.258.4741

Laborer needed, for construction company Driver’s licence not required, Residents of Kemptville Only Call 613-894-5210”Y

Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819

YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902

Basement Studio Great location for an office, studio or small classroom. $200/month, inclusive. Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall. Contact Inge 613.269.2850. Available immediately

HELP WANTED

One Bdrm Apartment, No Pets, NON SMOKING, $700 + utilities 613 220 5014

Senior needs old car batteries for making weights. Call 613 258 6254

FOR RENT

Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call John at 613-227-3650

Renovated Ground Floor Office 1,900 sqft, 200 Sanders St. Kempt. 613.795.2389

Handyman/Contractor with years of experience. No job too big or small. Unlimited references, call for free estimate 613.791.8597

AVON. Are you looking for Avon products, call Joan- 613-2587644

Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call Charlie at 613-989-2768.

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times is available in Oxford Mills at Olde Porch Primitives 9 Water Street and the Brigadoon Restaurant

Fresh Garlic, 4101 Cty Rd 43, 3 kms East of Hwy 416 2005 Impala as is $2500.00 Don 613.808.4725/613.258.6413 2011 John Deer Tractor JD 2720 Tractor, JD 46 Backhoe with 16 & 9 buckets, JD 200CX front end loader. Used only 123 hours for personal landscaping, no winters. Asking $27,500.00 or OBO. 613.215.0674 Quality Grass Horse Hay 4x5 rounds Jon 613.227.3650

For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

Washer & Drywer matched set, fridge white, clean $110.00 pair 613.869.8759 Firewood-Hardwood cut, split and delivered, $100/cord, Min. 3 chords. Call Peter at 258-5504 or 613-913-0810

15

Oxford Mills United Church 157th Anniversary Sunday, Nov. 22, 10:30 am

Guest Speaker Mary MacDonald Music by Ray Adams & Friends Country Gospel Soup and biscuits to follow ALL WELCOME

Burritt’s Rapids Community Association AGM The Burritt’s Rapids Community Association will be holding its 2015 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday November 25, starting at 7 pm at the Burritt’s Rapid Community Hall.

This meeting is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to come find out what’s going on in and around our little community. Of special interest will be a presentation by Parks Canada, regarding the planned rehabilitation work on the Burritt’s Rapids “earthen dam”, which is understood to be scheduled to begin next fall. The BRCA Annual Report and audited financial statements will be available for discussion, and light refreshments will be available. A new Board of Trustees for the BRCA will be elected; individuals interested in becoming one of the Trustees for a one year term simply need attend the AGM and put their name forward during the election. For additional information about the meeting or about the Association, please visit www.burrrittsrapids.ca. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Community Events Nov 19 Nov 18 Nov 21

Nov 21 Nov 25

The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

Youngsters of Yore, 1:30 pm, Library Program Room. Guest Speaker: Brian Lindsay-mystery writer Kemptville Horticultural Society November meeting, 7:30 pm.

Kemptville Pentecostal Church - 1964 County Rd # 43. Guest presenter: Helen Halpenny - Christmas Arrangements. Everyone Welcome.

Holly-Jolly Christmas Craft Show and Sale, 9-4 pm, NG Municipal Centre. Forty local vendors. Admission is free but volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and the Kemptville Food Bank will be on site to gather your donations to help spread joy this Christmas.

Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade, 1 pm. Parade begins at Holy Cross school on Clothier Street, then heads down Prescott Street to Kemptville College. Join Santa at the Old Fire Hall following the parade.

New Horizon Club meeting, 2 pm in the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall. The guest speaker will be Susan Smith, Executive Director of the Kemptville and District Home Support centre. Susan will talk about the many activities and programs available to seniors in the community. All adults over 55 are invited to attend and new members are welcome. For information call Kim at 613-258-1780.

Nov 26-29 Kemptville Players present BOB’S YOUR ELF. Tickets $15 each available at NG Municipal Centre, Business Strategies, B&H or by phone at 613.258.2051. More information available at kemptvilleplayers.ca.

Nov 28 Christmas Tea sponsored by St. James Anglican Church, 2:30-4:30 pm,. Leslie Hall, Clothier St. $8/Adult; $4/Child. Call 613-258-2965 for tickets. Door Prizes!!!

Nov 28 16th Annual St. Michael CHS Christmas Craft Show! 9:30 am to 4 pm: 160 tables of crafters, artisans, bakers, chefs and more! Food court and great door prizes. $2 admission or food bank donation. 2755 County Road 43, Kemptville.

Nov 28 Holly Tea and Bazaar, 9 am to 2 pm. St. John’s United Church, 400 Prescott St. Kemptville. Handmade crafts, bake table, candy corner, treasure table, silent auction. Coffee & muffins 9 am to 11 am. Lunch 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Fully accessible.

Nov 28 Kemptville Legion Euchre Tournament. Registration from 11-12 pm, start time noon. Cost $10 per person. Contact Chico for more information 613-978-7828 chicohorricks@gmail.com Dec 9 Horizon Club annual Christmas Luncheon will also be held at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall at 12 noon. Tickets are $25 each.

Please reserve your ticket by calling Karin at 613-258-2461.

ACROSS 1. Short sleeps 5. An act of gracious kindness 10. Cold-shoulder 14. With competence 15. Pee 16. Not a single one 17. Consider 18. Reliable 20. City on San Francisco Bay 22. A type of hormone 23. L 24. Homes for birds 25. Gossips 32. Utilizers 33. Angry 34. "Eureka!"

37. Small 38. Parish land 39. A long way off

40. Unhappy 41. Slogan 42. A firm open-weave fabric 43. Star-gazing place 45. Fastener 49. French for "Friend" 50. Stewardess 53. Cleft 57. Enteric 59. False god 60. Vice President 61. Practical 62. School session 63. Makes a mistake 64. Dutch pottery city 65. Wild Tibetan oxen DOWN 1. Zero 2. Cain's brother

3. Urgent request 4. Isotropy 5. Jumble 6. Region 7. Very Important Person 8. 1 1 1 1 9. Lease 10. Type of drum 11. Vagabonds 12. Dim 13. Requires 19. Compacted 21. L L L L 25. Sounds of reproof 26. Largest continent 27. Care for 28. Leans 29. Mountain crest 30. Work hard 31. French for "Summer" 34. Hairdo 35. Found on most heads 36. Troops 38. Mouth (British slang) 39. Action 41. Broods 42. Identical 44. Rapscallion 45. A herb 46. Hermit 47. Daisylike bloom 48. Stairs 51. An upright in a wall 52. Location 53. Young cow 54. Notion 55. Stopper 56. Shade trees 58. Zero

SUDOKU Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Weekly and recurring events Tues

Wed

Thurs

Sat

M,W,F

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information.

Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed!

NG Photography Club - first Wed. of every month from 7-9 pm at the Auditorium of the Municipal Centre. Check our website for more information on outings and upcoming events. ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:15 pm.

St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00.

Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion.

Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00.

Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665.

Kemptville Concert Band.7 pm at North Grenville D.H.S. Come join us for a great evening of music. Wind instruments and percussionists of all levels welcome! Contact: dennis843@gmail.com The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church.

Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103.

Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am third Saturday of every month. Adults $5.00. Children under 12 $3. All welcome.

Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

If you have an event you would like to share please send to editor@ngtimes.ca November 18, 2015

16

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Before you donate - think about it As we approach the Christmas season, and the various Food Bank initiatives get started in our community, it is important to think about what it is you intend to donate, and why there is a need in our community for Food Banks in the first place. The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit have compiled a list of healthy foods that they recommend you choose when you fill a bag, or otherwise donate food to the local food banks. They have also written an important back grounder to the whole issue of food banks in LeedsGrenville, which we reprint here: In their 2014 HungerCount, Food Banks Canada reported that 374,698 Ontario individuals were assisted by food banks in March, the annual survey month. This was a decrease of less than 1% compared to 2013 but an overall increase of 19% since 2008. Of those assisted in 2014, 35% were children and youth (18 years of age or under). Of the 377 food banks that provided numbers for the type of households their clients lived in, 46% lived in single person households and 23.8% lived in single-parent homes. In 2013, 9.3% of households in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District, both with and without children, reported they were not able to afford the food they needed in the previous 12 months.

Why do people use food

November 18, 2015

banks? Sometimes, people in our community do not have enough money to buy healthy food, or enough food. This is called “food insecurity” or sometimes called “hunger”. Food insecurity affects how much and what kind of food a person eats and may stop a person from eating enough of the calories they need for energy, and the vitamins and minerals needed to keep them healthy today and in the future. Adults and teenagers in Canadian food-insecure homes may not eat enough healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables and milk and milk alternative products.

Being able to buy and eat healthy food (or food security) is a key social determinant of health. The social determinants are things like how much money you have to spend for things you need and extras too, having a good job, being able to go to school, getting support from friends and family and living somewhere where you feel safe and happy. These things or determinants influence the health of people, communities and countries. They are “The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.”

Because our living conditions affect our health, not everyone has the same chance to be healthy. For example, research shows that we are less healthy over our lifetime if: • We aren’t working or have bad working condi-

tions.

• We don’t have safe and healthy food.

• We don’t feel connected and included in our communities.

• We have less money and education.

Research also shows the connection between the social determinants of health and higher health care costs.

Some social and economic conditions, including food insecurity, are strongly linked with high-cost health care use, meaning if you don’t have access to healthy food, you are more likely to get sick.

If all the people in our communities have a chance for fair wages, safe working conditions, affordable housing, daycare and public transportation, then everyone will be able to afford and access safe and nutritious food that they can enjoy in a way that makes them feel good about themselves.

These actions are known as working upstream – changing the causes of poor health before they can hurt our lives and the health of our communities.

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

17

The Spirit of Christmas and Craft Sale in Oxford Mills The Second Annual Spirit of Christmas in Oxford Mills starts on Friday, December 4 with a Tree lighting Ceremony at 6:30 pm, Caroling and Cookies and Hot Chocolate at Maplewood Hall followed by Best Decorated House Judges touring the hamlet by float.

Saturday, December 5 events take place from 8:30 am till 3pm around the hamlet: Pancake breakfast with Santa and Kids Crafts at the Oxford Mills United Church and a huge Craft Sale, Silent Auction and BBQ at the Oxford On Rideau Public School.

Admission $2.00 or can food.

All admission money will be donated to support Michelle Brazeau pursue treatment for cancer.

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Merrickville/Wolford Times The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in Merrickville/Wolford and North Grenville

the Merrickville-Wolford Vol. 1, No.3

TIMES

Merrickville and District Historical Society introduces easy-to-use database to explore community history

by Michael Whittaker The Annual General Meeting of the Merrickville and District Historical Society (MDHS) will be held November 24, 7 pm at the Merrickville Legion, 233 Main St. West, Merrickville, Ontario.

The brief, official portion of the meeting to elect directors and officers will be followed by a presentation by Angela Beking, MDHS Project Coordinator. Ms. Beking will provide the first demonstration of the new Collections Management software made possible by the recent grant from Heritage Merrickville Foundation.

The Society's PastPerfect Museum Software shows great promise as a user-friendly, searchable database for the exploration the community's history through the more than 3,000 artifacts collected over the past 50 years.

“This is a wonderful way to catch up on what's happening in our Society and catch an online glimpse into our rarely visited collection stored in the Burritt's Rapids Community Hall,” said Ann Martin, President of the MDHS. Through the Ontario Job Creation Partnership, Angela was hired for 26 weeks in August 2015 to implement the new software. She has a Master of Arts (Public History) from Carleton University and is pursuing a Certificate in Museum Studies with the Ontario Museum Association.

Angela has worked in museums and on historical projects, including the Rideau Timescapes iPhone App.

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

November 18, 2015

The Holiday Train is back

by Hilary Thomson Santa Claus may not be coming to town just yet but the CP Holiday Train sure is!

On November 29, 2015 the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be chugging into Merrickville for a half hour of music, giving and fun.

Two brightly lit trains will begin their journey near Montreal on November 27 and will travel to over 150 communities, spreading holiday cheer

and raising food and cash donations for local food banks. The “Canadian train” travels west across Canada, finishing its journey in Port Coquitlam, British Colombia, while the “US train” will visit communities across the U.S. Northeast and Midwest returning back to Canada for shows in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The duo that will be performing in Merrickville this year is Ottawa Valley’s own Kelly Prescott and Devin Cud-

HELP WANTED-PART TIME

dy, the son of Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. The concert is free, but spectators are encouraged to make a cash, or non-perishable food item, donation to the local food bank.

"CP's train of lights provides a platform to speak about the needs of North American food banks. This is why we are challenging all our event attendees to reach into their cupboards and donate quality nutritious food items to help raise food for those who need it most this holiday season," said Katharine Schmidt the Executive

Director of Food Banks Canada.

Since its first journey, the CP Holiday train has raised more than $10.6 million and 3.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

The train is scheduled to arrive into Merrickville at 103 East Broadway and County Road 2 at 4:45 pm on November 29. The show will begin at 5 pm on the south side of the crossing near Bay Street. After a short, but fun filled visit, the train will be off, lights shining bright, to its next destination.

the Merrickville-Wolford

TIMES

Angela Beking in the Merrickville and District Historical Society archives entering artefact information into the new PastPerfect Museum Software.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Servicing Merrickville-Wolford Enjoy meeting people and have a flair for sales?

Then we would love to hear from you.

Could be ideal for retired person or stay at home mom or dad.

Please send resume to editor@ngtimes.ca

s e c i g r P t Bes Framin Canal Gallery & Frame Shop for 230 St Lawrence Street Merrickville

November 18, 2015

613-701-0462 18

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The North Grenville Times Merrickville/Wolford Times

World Pancreatic Cancer DayMerrickville Lights Up the Night

By Beth Nicol Friday, November 13 was World Pancreatic Cancer Day. People purpled it up to increase awareness of a vicious cancer whose rate of incidence has continued to grow steadily in North America and European countries.

Purple was also the theme at the Merrickville Community Centre on Friday evening as the Brazeau family and their friends joined together to draw attention to Pancreatic Cancer and to offer community support to 30 year old Michelle Brazeau as she battles this insidious disease.

Diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in August, Michelle and her partner Roland and their three young children have had their world turned upside down. Coping with medical and the financial issues which so often accompany a debilitating illness can be a challenge. To allow the focus to rest on Michelle’s treatments, her family and the community have combined their efforts to ease financial stresses by creating a number of fund raising events.

“Light up the Night,” supported that cause while celebrating what a closely knit community can accomplish. After checking in at the door, the rest of the evening was all about fun. Music provided by Bordertowne Boys kept guests up and dancing. Bowl after bowl of delicious food arrived, as is the country way; Main Street Restaurant sent up pizzas; Suite 12 delivered designer cupcakes. Volunteers manned the bar, a photo booth, a silent auction and raffle tables.

Tables covered with gifts to be raffled off and a silent auction table allowed guests the opportunity to win any one of dozens of prizes offered up by Merrickville and North Grenville businesses, large and small. The support they offered was a key part of the fundraising aspect of the evening.

It proved to be an opportunity for friends, old and new, to show that our community is one that cares and pulls together.

And it can party with the best of them.

Early identification is key to surviving Pancreatic Cancer.

Its symptoms are so subtle that they are often overlooked until the cancer is in advanced stages. Take time to check out the World Pancreatic Cancer Day web site http://www. worldpancreaticcancerday.org to learn more.

Burritts Rapids three steps closer to local hydro power Submitted by Drew Avis The Burritts Rapids Renewable Energy Association (BRREA) took several large steps forward on the road to generating hydro power and selling it to the grid this fall.

In August, BRREA joined forces with the municipality of North Grenville and Equinox Hydro Inc to form a new corporation, Burritts Rapids Hydro Inc (BRHI), with directors from all three partners forming the new Board.

The first order of business for BRHI was to apply for a Survey Permit from Parks Canada, which gives the organization permission to survey the Burritts Rapids dam site for the hydro project. The permit was granted in early October.

The second order of business was to apply for a 500kW FIT Contract from IESO, which was submitted on October 8. This contract guarantees a price for the power generated, and will make the project economically viable. It will be at least six months before IESO announces who won contracts, so BRHI is in waiting mode until then.

“These steps - forming a partnership with the municipality and a hydro developer, obtaining a Survey Permit, and submitting a FIT application - represent a huge accomplishment for BRREA,” said David Simpson, BRREA Chair. “We could not have achieved this progress without the time and dedication of our community and board volunteers.”

BRREA board members will give a short presentation on the project and answer questions at the upcoming Burritts Rapids Community Association AGM, 7-9 pm on November 25 at the Burritts Rapids Community Association.

Members and interested community members are also invited to participate online in the BRREA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brrea/

Sheer joy and wacky comedy in TNIM’s Christmas pantomime submitted by Howaida Sorour-Roberts It’s fall-off-your-seat hilarious and there are numerous opportunities for the audience to participate, by cheering, booing or singing with the cast. Yes, Theatre Night in Merrickville is once again putting on a British style pantomime. Sleeping Beauty the panto, will open on Thursday November 26 and run until Sunday November 29.

“We’ve added a Thursday performance this time, so there are five performances instead of our usual four,” said Margaret Shearman, producer.

Tickets are on sale now at The Merickville Book Emporium or Mrs McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop or online at www.merrickvilletheatre.org.

Already seven weeks into rehearsal and the hilarity is mounting. All the elements of music, dance, slapstick and rim shots, cross-dressing and villainy are being tweaked and perfected right now.

November 18, 2015

“It’s shear joy, and the audience participation just draws people in, and we get to showcase our singing chops, and dance ability,” says Shirley Molloy, veteran actor and chorus member.

While the story of Sleeping Beauty fits the bill for traditional pantomimes, which are usually based on a fairy tale, it’s not one that is often performed. “I chose Sleeping Beauty, because I wanted a pantomime that was not that well known, but was based on a well-known fairy tale,” said Maureen Overy, director. “It was really the good fairies that drew me to this one, and I never thought I would find three men willing to play the parts, but I did,” she chuckles.

Certainly this pantomime combines all the best in wacky characters, from Marigold Glove, played

by Timothy Molloy to the three butch fairies and the Queen of Hearts but there are also a few great surprises thrown in for good measure, some two legged, some four legged, some furry and some

feathered.

“It’s totally irreverent, it’s a chance to cut loose and have a lot of fun for both audience and actors,” says award-winning actor Ann MacLaughlan, who plays the Queen of Hearts in this production.

The music alone is a tonne of fun, and the dances choreographed by Sam Crosby-Bouwhuis are both funny and surprisingly intricate.

“It’s been fun to choreograph for non-dancers and watch them become savvy with their own movement,” said Crosby-Bouwhuis. Songs and dances are of course accompanied by live music provided by Rowena Pearl on key board, Hugh Gardiner on sax, with Gary Roberts keeping the beat on the drums.

“I love pantos, they’re fun and full of energy and music that I love to play, because it’s all contemporary,” says Pearl, who drives down to Merrickville-Wolford from Kars for every rehearsal.

All in all every one of

the familiar characters you expect are there, the fairies, the evil witch, the prince, the king and queen and the villagers and a couple of surprises just to keep you on your toes. There are chases, food fights, sword fights and good frights as Poison Ivy, played by award winning actor Alyson Reid, weaves her evil designs. Will she succeed? You’ll have to come out and help the fairy godmothers and the prince reach the princess, before its too late!

The play will take place at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street, Merrickville. Performances and tickets are: Thursday, November 26 at 8 pm, $12; Friday, November 27 at 8 pm, $12; Saturday, November 28 at 2 pm, children 10 years and under $2, everyone else $12; Saturday, November 28 at 8 pm, $12; Sunday, November 29 at 2 pm, $12.

Warning: A strobe light will be used during performances.

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The Voice of North Grenville

New Horizon Club commemorates Remembrance Day

L-R: Paul Sharpe, violinist; singers: Paula Henke, Helen MacGregor; Louise Atchison, Director; and singers Jane Baird and Nancy McIntyre submitted by Shirley Price On the 11th of November at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall, members of the New Horizon Club listened and sang along to music from the Thirties and Forties sung by the Hummingbirds, a female barbershop quartet directed

by Louise Atchison. The songs brought memories, laughter, nostalgia and tears and included “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B“, “Won‘t You Come Home Bill Bailey?”. “I’ll Be Seeing You” , “Smile”, “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “The Biggest Aspidistra in the World” (bringing memories of Gracie Fields). Following the concert, members were invited to share human interest stories from their own experience during WWII and post-war years. This was followed by a social hour and refreshments.

The next meeting of the New Horizon Club will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 2 pm in the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall. The guest speaker will be Susan Smith, Executive Director of the Kemptville and District Home Support centre. Susan will talk about the many activities and programs available to seniors in the community. All adults over 55 are invited to attend and new members are welcome.

For information call Kim at 613-258-1780.

The annual Christmas Luncheon will also be held at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 9. Tickets are $25 each. Please reserve your ticket by calling Karin at 613-258-2461.

Two photos of The Hummingbirds are attached; From left to right, the names are:

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Big Shoes

by Deron Johnston It appears that it’s official now, the Dandelion Festival will not be held in 2016. The festival made the announcement official on their Facebook page this past week.

The festival was forced to make the announcement a little sooner than they had planned because municipal councillor Frank Onasanya took it upon himself to announce the festival’s demise at last Monday’s council meeting. There was some confusion and frustration on behalf of the festival the next day, as no one had a clue that the councillor was going to make an announcement.

The festival had already indicated (at last month’s Old Town Kemptville BIA board meeting which the councillor had attended) that they were going to make an official announcement at the end of November.

Organizing committee chair Shaun Vardon said that there were several reasons for the end of the Dandelion Festival. One was that simply not enough volunteers committed to returning to the organizing committee for 2016. Most of the committee has already resigned and two of the three remaining members have said that they are stepping down. Despite a plea for new blood, no one answered the call. Some of the long term members of the committee actually left

The Voice of North Grenville

in 2014, citing fatigue and a desire to allow others to continue to move the festival forward.

Possibly the most important reason as to why the festival will not continue, was the considerable negative feedback including questioning decisions made by the organizing committee. With volunteers making personal sacrifices, putting in late nights and long hours to put on a festival as big as this, it is disheartening for volunteers to hear people be critical of all of their hard work.

Though the vast majority of people were very grateful for the festival and made very positive comments about it, the festival couldn’t seem to get past the negative ones.

This year’s festival was also dogged by a couple of controversies. One of them was surrounding a corporate sponsorship that caused a boycott by some of the music acts, but despite local volunteers setting up a crowd funding initiative to successfully replace the sponsorship money, some of the acts still chose not to perform. The other controversy was that a free BBQ breakfast that was intended to feed guests and volunteers, ended up being nearly shut down by Fire Chief Paul Hutt over safety concerns. Once again, volunteers stepped up and the breakfast was served, but not without considerable extra effort.

Despite the announce-

ment, there is still hope for another event in 2017. Shaun said that the festival was advised to get their funding applications in early for 2017 as there will be lots of money coming in from the federal and provincial governments to help municipalities celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. So if there is a desire to organize an event, people may want to consider getting their ducks in a row now and start applying for these funds as soon as possible. Shaun made a point of saying that despite challenging economic times, local businesses were very generous and matched their sponsorship money donated from the previous year.

In the end, Shaun suggested that maybe it’s simply time for something new and that the festival may have just run its course. I’m sure everyone would love to see something in place of the Dandelion Festival. But, it would be hard to top such a great event that showcased all of the great things that this area has to offer: the natural beauty, the people, our talent, and our small town charm. Thank you to all of those who volunteered over the years to put on a great festival that residents could enjoy and be proud of. Whatever the new event ends up being, if there is one, it certainly will have big shoes to fill.

The NG Photoclub offers contests and challenges for all levels of photographer.

Here (Crystal Walt) captured local Oxford Mills rider Hunter Walt battling for position and submitted the picture for the Sports Photography Challenge.

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Christmas Diners’ Club

Wednesday December 9th , 2015 12:30pm $15/person (by reservation) Full Turkey Meal, Door Prize Music, Raffles & 50/50 Draw Held at the United Church Hall Tickets available at 215 Sanders St., Suite 101, Kemptville 613-258-3203 November 18, 2015

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