The Voice of North Grenville
Kemptville Jigglers Kicking for Kika
by Brandon Mayer
The Retired Kemptville Women's Soccer Team will be holding a one-game challenge against a U-12 girls team later this month in honour of their fallen teammate, Kika Smith, who passed away a year ago from cancer. Kika was well known and loved by countless people in the community. She owned the still popular Brewed Awakenings coffee bar.
“The Retired Kemptville Women's Team is called the ‘Jigglers’ because everything now jiggles when we run,” joked coach Carrie Smith. “We are suggesting that players and spectators bring $5 bills and donate $5 per goal, regardless of who scores. There are no sponsorships or tickets sold, and all donations will go to the Canadian Cancer Society in Kika's name.”
Carrie reports that Kika was a “fun-loving and en-
ergetic entrepreneur” who supported the community through her business and her love of soccer. She played on the Kemptville Cougars Senior Women's Soccer Team for a decade, and also had all three of her children involved in soccer. Kika passed away at the age of 57 from cancer, and has been sorely missed by all her family, friends, and the entire community.
It’s safe to say that Kika would have loved the style
of humour that the Retired Kemptville Women’s Team is using to describe their upcoming soccer game.
“We have never done this before, it's our first comeback game, and likely our last!” Carried joked. She explained that the best way for people to help out with the fundraising is to come out to see the game and donate $5 to cancer! “They may also need to call an ambulance during or after the game,” Carrie added in jest. “Our youngest player is 50 and our oldest player is 72!”
The Team has made their own tie-dye uniforms with their names and ages on the back, and they are excited to hit the field. Carrie notes that this event has no affiliation with any local business – it is simply a fun family event intended to raise money in honour of a teammate who is sorely missed. Although the Municipality of North Grenville does not yet have any involvement in the event, Carrie and her teammates are hoping that the field time for the game may be donated by the Municipality to ensure all fundraising dollars are directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Come out to see the game and support a great cause at 4pm on Sunday, September 22 at South Gower Park.
Judy Littau making her tie dye team shirt
Ad sponsored by Krista George - Kemptville Homes Real Estate Brokerage
Limerick Forest Poker Ride 2024 for the Food Bank
by Monica Treidlinger
The Eastern Ontario Horses of Course Club is again hosting the Limerick Forest Poker Ride 2024 which will be held on Saturday, September 21. A committee of the Club is organizing the event. Funds from this event will be directed to the House of Lazarus Operation Backpack Program, which supports the nutritional needs of 168 students from nine different schools.
There is still a lot of work to be done to prepare for this charity event. We must clear and mark trails so riders will be safe and find their way through the forest. We are organizing volunteers who will be needed to set up and tear down on the event day, organize parking, register riders, take donations of non-perishable food, prepare lunch for riders, staff check points to help direct riders, and calculate winning poker hands. We are also seeking donations to help raise funds so that this Ride will be another successful one.
Last year, this event raised $5,000 for House of Lazarus which operates local food banks and programs in the community for families in need. The funds were used to support the House of Lazarus Backpack Program. We hope to surpass that goal this year.
Like previous rides, the Ride this year will be held at The Pit, also known as Area 1 of Limerick Forest South (located at 8773 Forsythe Road, Oxford Station). It will again offer safe well-marked trails, a quality commemorative t-shirt, a hot lunch, and a chance to win prizes. There will be a silent auction to help raise funds for the food bank. The Johnstown ATV Club is again providing its full support to the Ride with equip-
ment and volunteers. They have worked together with horse riders to get behind this worthwhile cause for the past 3 ride events. This year we will once again have onsite support from the Rideau Mounted Search and Rescue (RSAR) who will monitor radios at checkpoints as well as the trails on horseback.
Already there has been strong support for this event! We have received generous donations of cash, products and services from this community, and more are coming. Kind sponsors of the ride so far this year include the Eastern Ontario Horses of Course Club, Helen Cooper of Dive Brockville Adventure Centre, Gary Thompson of GT Enterprises, Rekmans Automotive Inc, Randy's Performance Automotive, Salamanders Restaurant, all from Kemptville, H&I Country Supply Ltd. in Brinston, Cheryl Christian Osteopathy in Merrickville, Kathy Baynton in Russell, Sabrina Tracey of Bytown Animal Chiropractic of Stittsville, farriers McKenzie Kunz of St. Eugene and Pat McNeeley of Oxford Mills.
Support also came in the form of prize donations from Tammy Swinwood Howes, Epicure Ambassor and proprietor of Lazy Rockin’ H Farm, J.M. Automotive of Heckston, Charles Wert Ag Products Inc. of Avonmore, Jamieson and Campbell 1989 Ltd. of Monkland, Tanya Warren of Reiny Day Ropeworks, Rideau Glen Golf Club and Brewed Awakenings, both in Kemptville, Melissa Bayer of Bayer Hug Equine Therapy in Smiths Falls, Bob T’s Tack Shop in Lancaster, Diane Raghunandan of Physio 4x4 of Ottawa, M&M Food Market in Kemptville, Grahame's
Bakery in Kemptville, Terry Gibson and Pamela Norman of TP Quarter Horses in Lunenburg, Paula’s Purity Hemp in Lyn, Women Warriors’ Healing Garden in Ottawa, William Starr of Stable Creations in Merrickville, farrier Steve Morris in Oxford Mills, Willows AgriServices in Kemptville, Peavey Mart in both Cornwall and Kemptville, Love Your Pet in Kemptville, Greenhawk Equestrian Sport in Ottawa, CCWG Livestock Supplies & Equestrian Centre in Carleton Place, Rideau St. Lawrence Veterinary Services, Home and Beyond and Country Treasures, all from Kemptville. More donations are on their way. We are so very grateful for this amazing generosity!
If you are interested in donating funds, services or products to this Ride, please contact Monica Treidlinger at 613-862-0827 or by email at monicatreidlinger@gmail.com.
If we can just have Mother Nature give us good weather, the day will be perfect!
Changes
by David Shanahan
There is a saying popular among planners, bureaucrats and politicians, one which you have heard many times: “Growth pays for Growth”. The idea is that, by allowing development, whether residential or commercial, the various fees and taxes levied on the new projects will cover the cost of providing necessary infrastructure to cater for the new growth. Infrastructure means, in this case, roads, water and sewage pipes, and municipal services. On the face of it, this makes perfect sense and should work out fairly well.
Unfortunately, the past history of North Grenville seems to indicate that the system can go astray in achieving its aims. Sometimes, one got the feeling that development was taking place at local taxpayers’ expense; that, somehow, the deals being made with developers didn’t seem to make economic sense. That may not be the case, but it is certainly the impression many got at the time. I also keep reminding people of the fiasco that is the North West Quadrant, where it
seems, again, that development that was promised and for which permission was granted, was completely altered in reality to change the look, nature and character of the development that actually took place.
Let’s hope all of that is in the past, although this editorial could equally well have been written years ago. Things are changing, but the underlying issues remain the same. Previous councils had some very odd ideas. One mayor had as a principle that the municipality had to “grow or die”, a rather dramatic approach to growth. If you think about that, it would mean that the community could never stop allowing development of all kinds, or else we would cease to be able to maintain ourselves. But there is, and has to be, a limit to how much “growth” and development we can allow, unless we want to cover every acre of the municipality in concrete and ticky-tacky boxes (as Pete Seeger called them).
Undirected, or badly directed development has really had a negative impact on the community. Allowing the North West Quadrant to be developed as it has,
before getting the expansion of County Road 43 finished, was irresponsible, to say the least. All the traffic that commutes from the 416 to west of CR44, and which is already heavy and almost gridlocked as things stand, is getting worse during rush hour (when did Kemptville ever have a rush hour before this?).
There were a number of complaints raised by various developers when previous councils announced that they would be raising Development Charges [DCs] to try and cover the costs of future development. Some of these complaints had a validity, especially for local builders, who already couldn’t compete with larger companies from outside North Grenville when it came to buying land and building homes. Of course, the municipality also has to cope with regulations and directives from the provincial government that limit their freedom in this, as in so many areas.
There was a danger, as noted by local builders, that a rise in DCs would raise the cost of building a house so much that any hope of providing affordable housing would be impossible.
The added costs from DCs would be tacked on to new houses, and make them unaffordable, in that context. And that seems to have been one result: there is no doubt that house prices, and rentals in the municipality have become practically unaffordable for many. What is amazing is that houses continue to be built in huge numbers and are selling, albeit not as well as developers may have hoped.
The more we grow, the more infrastructure we need. To pay for that, we need more growth and more revenue from various sources, and other taxes on residents. If Growth is to pay for Growth, then that growth needs to be carefully managed and based on long term planning. Yes, the more people move into all those new houses, the more revenue from property taxes goes to the municipality. It is a fascinating balance which has to be maintained by the municipality: and it requires that answers are found, in advance, to certain vital questions.
Do we continue to allow new housing in North Grenville? How much is too much, if we want to keep the relatively rural
character of the community? How far should we allow development in the rural areas, particularly in the hamlets, before they also lose their traditional character? North Grenville has already changed quite radically from what it was like when I first moved here thirty years ago. In 2007, the Historical Society, as part
of a Time Capsule project for Kemptville’s 150th anniversary, photographed all of CR43 from the 416 to Somerville, all of Clothier and Prescott Streets too. Already, those pictures show a very different scene. What will it be like when the capsule is opened in 2057? That’s up to us.
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Two major approvals at Council meeting
by Brandon Mayer
Council meetings have seen their fair share of dramatic moments this year, and the regularly scheduled meeting last week on September 4 was no exception. As always, the meeting began with routine matters and presentations, such as those relating to the upcoming Rail Safety Week, and September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Two discussion topics in particular at the meeting stood out due to the high emotions that tend to fester when community members have varying opinions on matters that must ultimately be decided by the Municipality’s Council of five members.
Amy Martin, the Municipality's Director of Planning and Development, explained to Council that a request had come through for a noise exception for a one-time outdoor music concert event to take place at a large property situated between Kennedy Road and County Road 43. Even though the party is planned to take place on private land, Municipal staff met with the property owners to gather more information about how the party will be organized, given its immense size.
Much social media commentary took place regard-
ing the planned party, with many residents concerned about not only the potential noise, but also the massive amount of traffic that would be expected on Kennedy Road. Councillor Deb Wilson spoke up following Director Martin’s presentation: “How many cars do we expect to be going in an out on Kennedy Road? I’m taken aback because I think there is an extreme amount of cars coming and going on Kennedy Road and I’m sorry – I’m speaking for the residents, I think they would be upset.”
Director Martin did not have an exact number of vehicles expected, but she explained that a route for traffic was established, with plans for signs to be put in place banning street parking.
Mayor Nancy Peckford invited the event organizer to speak regarding the noise exemption request. The Mayor noted that since it is a private event, the Municipality’s jurisdiction is solely over noise, and she also pointed out that the Kemptville Live Music Festival runs an event on a similarly large scale which proceeds smoothly every year.
A local resident read a prepared statement to Council following comments made by the event organizer. The resident’s statement expressed strong concerns, highlighting that she had been informed by someone
Every Saturday, join the Art Social at NG Public Library
The Art Challenge Community & Creativity is excited to let you know about the Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library!
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas and explore new techniques.
Try your hand at Mandala Making with Amy in September, Lantern Making with Susanne, and Drawing with Jayne. Bring your creativity, we'll provide the space and materials. Join us for relaxed and inspiring mornings. All skill levels are welcome!
When
Every Saturday, 10 am - 11:30 am
Where
NG Public Library
Cost
Free with basic materials provided
Come create, connect, and be inspired! See you there!
working at the event site that the concert was set to have as many as 10,000 visitors. Another resident of Kennedy Road came forward to speak, and expressed concerns specifically about the restriction of traffic flow on Kennedy Road should any local residents or partygoers need emergency transport during the event. A pair of residents came forward to express their surprise at the setup noise and activity that has been happening at the property in recent weeks, including the clearing of trees. Yet another resident questioned whether the event organizer (which has a website and business name) will be planning more events in the future, given how much preparation is taking place for a “one-time” event.
To answer some of the residents’ concerns, CAO Karen Dunlop explained the consultations that took place with local authorities to ensure proper planning and safety, including the requirement of police oversight of the event. Council passed the motion for the noise bylaw exemption.
The other major decision made at the September 4 meeting was the approval of the zoning bylaw amendment request for 4100 County Road 43, known as “Thee Farm”, which will act as a wedding and events venue east of Kemptville.
Following Director Martin’s initial presentation, Deputy Mayor John Barclay asked what has been done to address the concerns of the Maplestone Community residents who live adjacent to the subject property. Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Philip Mosher, explained that additional studies will be required in the site plan stage. Further discussion took place regarding the “buffer” that will be required between the residential properties and “Thee Farm”. Discussions also took place regarding traffic concerns, and the placement of the site’s septic tank.
Deputy Director Mosher explained the process that has taken place regarding communication with concerned members of the Maplestone community, including several meetings, and more than a dozen phone conversations. The Deputy Mayor and Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan both expressed that the developer of the Maplestone community should take part in the discussions and complete aspects of the development that would help with the buffer between the two properties. The zoning bylaw amendment was approved, moving 4100 County Road 43 forward.
The Council meeting lasting just over 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Labour Day weekend traffic initiative
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across East Region laid a total of 1,653 charges during the Labour Day weekend traffic initiative, which ran from August 30 to September 2.
These initial results, which may increase as additional reports are added, include:
- Speeding - 1,020
- Stunt Driving - 36
- Impaired driving - 48
- Distracted driving - 34
- Seatbelt charges -72
The remainder of the charges fall under the Highway Traffic Act, Liquor Licence Act, Off Road Vehicles Act, Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and Criminal Code. Officers also issued nearly 500 warnings.
“Sadly, we saw multiple fatalities on our roadways over the long weekend,” Inspector Walid Kandar. “These tragic incidents remain under investigation. In general, it's known that speeding impaired driving and distracted driving are major contributors to serious and fatal collisions. The OPP continues to urge drivers to make every effort to ensure safety on the roads.”
Officers across OPP East Region will continue to focus on highway and roadway safety.
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
Repair Cafe
It is that time of year! September, yellow school busses, red leaves, green apples and orange and purple advertising for your local Repair Café.
We will be back on September 21 from 12pm to 2pm in the North Grenville Public Library, Norenberg Branch, 1 Water Street.
By now you know we are an offshoot of an initiative started in Amsterdam, Holland in 2009. The idea was to help people who would otherwise throw away items that could be repaired. The concept has now spread world wide, and we continue in that same vein. We are looking forward to saving items from the landfill! We are a free enterprise, only charging you if a new part is needed and then only if you agree. We encourage you to get involved in the repair of your item, this way you know how we did it.
We are very generously supported by the NGPL, Bishop’s Mills WI, The NG Times, and of course our very own Repairers, who freely give their time in this cause. Come and check us out. We repair clothing, electrical, computers, ornaments, wooden things etc. We will tell you if we cannot fix it and advise what to do. Further info contact Tricia Habberjam pmjh@snowie.ca or 613 258 3683
South Branch Serenade Wraps Up
As summer winds down, August brought the final performance of the South Branch Serenade. This initiative, conceived by local artist Don Munz and executed by the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area (OTK BIA), featured live music in Rotary Park and theSouth Branch basin every Thursday evening in July and August, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, showcasing the talent of local musicians.
Rotary Park’s prime location where land meets water allowed music to travel down the river past Curry Park, making it accessible to anyone downtown on Thursday nights. This summer event showcased Downtown Kemptville’s charm, drawing nearly 1,000 visitors by foot or kayak, and highlighted our vibrant local businesses. As the BIA's first weekly program, it was a significant effort, and I want to thank everyone involved
KD Hospital
Andre Rancourt andrerancourt16@gmail.com
SKBP Venturers skbp.venturers@gmail.com
Girl Guides theleangs@gmail.com
NG Art Challenge jayne.couch@yahoo.com
NG Art Guild northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com
Beth Donovan Hospice amy.tibben@bethdonovanhospice.ca
Oxford Mills Community Association susannelarner@gmail.com
Kemptville Youth Centre brucewehlau@hotmail.com
of the BIA Board of Management and its additional directors, Mary-Anne Leang (Jensen Law and Reuben Suites) and John Barclay (North Grenville Municipal Council Representative).
Thank you to Herb Cloutier from Jamming Around Productions for his extensive knowledge and weekly support. We also appreciate the local media for their ongoing assistance: Moose FM, for attending most weeks, and the North Grenville Times, for providing space each week to advertise.
A special thanks to Sunset Sweets for sharing their ice cream treats with us regularly. We are also grateful to the Municipal staff for helping with the program logistics and to the Municipality for the Arts & Culture Development Fund Grant.
for making it a success.
To start, thank you to the incredible South Branch Serenade (SBS) team. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication made the inaugural event a well-organized success. Special thanks to Nina Tachuk (Royal Lepage Team Realty), Talia Hreljac (Desjardin Insurance), and Sierra Jones (North Grenville Public Library)—without them, this event would not have been possible. We also appreciate the support
Thank you to the musicians who serenaded our downtown, often returning to support their peers. Finally, we appreciate everyone who enjoyed the Serenade and supported our local restaurants, services, and retail businesses. The strong sense of community this summer was truly evident, and the OTK BIA is proud to have been a part of it.
Shelley Mitchell, Chair of the Board Downtown Kemptville BIA chair@downtownkemptville.ca
Friend of the NG Library blrousseau26@gmail.com
NG Historical Society karenrepta@gmail.com
Rotary corabeking54@gmail.com
Christian Reformed Church sidypma@gmail.com
United Church gowjb5@gmail.com
House of Lazarus cashby@houseoflazarus.com
Youth Alliance: ng.rainbowyouth@gmail.com
Seniors' Community Services jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca
The NG Library sjones@ngpl.ca
Shalom Small Homes shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org
Friends of the Forestry Centre ldpaibomesai@gmail.com
BIA shelleybmitchell@gmail.com Pride chair@ngpride.ca
Lions Club mikeamirault@hotmail.com
Kemptville & District Community Assn. wdembleton@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus, Council 5333
Leeds Grenville Big Brothers Big Sisters Vanessa.martin@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Canadian Guide Dog Assoc
Info@guidedogs.ca
Jags kemptvillejags@gmail.com
Pentacostal Church kohls.s.m@gmail.com
United way Ed@uwlg.org
North Grenville Giving Garden michelleroussellemcevoy@gmail.com
Kemptville Farmers' Market kfmmanager1@gmail.com
Kemptville Restore kemptvillerestore@habitat1000islands.org
Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal honoured as a "Best Managed Township"
The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of the "Best Managed Townships" by Business View Magazine. This prestigious accolade celebrates the Township's unwavering commitment to effective governance, active community engagement, and sustainable development practices. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Township leaders, staff, and residents who have collaboratively built a strong and thriving community.
Mayor Tory Deschamps expressed his pride in the Township's achievement, stating, "This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of our community. Our strategic approach to governance and development has positioned Edwardsburgh Cardinal as a model for other municipalities in Eastern Ontario."
Strategic Investments in Infrastructure and Community Assets
A key factor in Edwardsburgh Cardinal's success is its focus on strategic infrastructure and community assets investments. The Township has significantly improved essential services and facilities, from enhancing water and sewer systems to improving roadways and bridges. These infrastructure projects are designed to meet current needs and anticipate future growth, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Edwardsburgh Cardinal has prioritized enhanc-
ing recreational and cultural spaces, creating vibrant areas for residents and visitors to enjoy. The development of parks, trails, and community centers has improved residents' quality of life and strengthened the Township’s appeal as a destination for tourists and new residents alike.
Fostering Economic Development and Growth
Edwardsburgh Cardinal's proactive approach to economic development has been another cornerstone of its success. The Township has fostered a supportive environment for local businesses through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. By attracting new investments and supporting existing businesses, Edwardsburgh Cardinal is positioning itself as a hub of economic growth and opportunity in Eastern Ontario.
"The growth we are experiencing is a direct result of our strategic location, robust infrastructure, and the welcoming community spirit that defines Edwardsburgh Cardinal," adds Mayor Deschamps. "We are committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, and residents can enjoy a high quality of life."
A Vision for a Vibrant Future
Looking forward, Edwardsburgh Cardinal is committed to maintaining its status as a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and play. The Township's leadership continues to focus on sustainable practices, community engage-
Truth and Reconciliation
Join the North Grenville Indigenous Advisory Circle, Indigenous Leaders, Council and members of the public as we come together in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
ment, and strategic planning to ensure a strong foundation for future generations.
By continuously investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and engaging with its residents, Edwardsburgh Cardinal is setting
Saturday, September 28th at Noon at the Ferguson Forest Arboretum (In case of rain - at Anniversary Park)
Event will include speakers, music, food, and the reveal of the new Indigenous Forest Space.
Everyone welcome!
a clear path toward a prosperous future. This recognition as a "Best Managed Township" by Business View Magazine reinforces the Township’s dedication to excellence and its role as a leader in municipal governance.
Jodoin, James Oliver
July 10, 1963 to August 26, 2024
James passed away suddenly in an automobile accident on August 26, 2024 in his 62nd year. Beloved commonlaw spouse of Michele Cormier. Dear step-son in-law of David Millotte. Dear brother-in-law of Eric Cormier and nephews Eric Jr (Mikayla) and Trevor Cormier and great-niece Isla Cormier. Predeceased by his mother and step-father, Denyse and Raymond Robert and father Gordon Jodoin (Colleen) and in-laws Joan Cormier-Millotte and Erval Cormier (Diane O’Callaghan). James worked as a Decontamination Assistant at Nordion and an industrial cleaner for Ferguslea Properties Limited and Mazin Properties. James enjoyed cheering on the Senators and Redblacks, playing trivia games and cards, taking cruises and exploring different places, working on automobiles, watching movies, Diy and cooking shows, and spending time with friends and family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024 from 1 to 4pm at the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville ON. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435
Mary Ellen Gebhardt (née Finley)
July 20, 1953 – September 2, 2024
Mary Ellen passed away peacefully at home on Monday September 2, 2024 with her children by her side. Loving mother to Kurt and Marisa Gebhardt, both of South Gower, and cherished sister to John Finley (Josey) of Kemptville. Mary will be fondly remembered by her husband for 36 years Dietmar Gebhardt of South Gower, her niece Jill Hull (Matt) of Ottawa, and her nephews Jason Finley (Lynn) of Georgetown, Derek Gebhardt (Lisa Gemmell) of Maitland, and Kevin Gebhardt of Kemptville. She will also be missed by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Fred and Mary Gebhardt of Miller’s Corners, by her many cousins and friends, and by her Aunt Bernice of Prescott.
Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Fern Arcand, from Sabourin’s Crossing, and Joe Finley, from Irishtown. She spent most of her life in South Gower, where she grew up on the family farm. Despite the hard work, Mary enjoyed farm life, she especially loved the animals, particularly the cows, and her cats. Mary also enjoyed gardening and keeping her flower and vegetable gardens well tended. She had a true love for music, and when she had the opportunity, Mary loved to dance.
For many years Mary Ellen worked as a bookkeeper, first for Harvex Agromart in Kemptville, and then for the Kemptville Truck Centre. She continued to keep books for her husband’s business until she retired.
Mary enjoyed the numerous motorcycle adventures with Dietmar through the countryside, including a trip with friends to the Maritimes. She enjoyed her travels to both the east and west coasts of Canada, Boston to see the tall ships, Disney World, Hawaii, Germany, the Caribbean, and her memorable Mediterranean cruise. But Mary’s heart was never far from home.
When her children were young, Mary took up running, and will be remembered by many for her daily 10k runs, despite the weather. Mary shared her love of running with her son, and together they ran numerous 5 and 10k races, half marathons, 2 full marathons, and thrice ran the Cabot Trail Relay. She was a fixture at Vitality Fitness Training for a number of years, where she enjoyed various fitness classes, which she continued even with her declining mobility in later years from Huntington’s – an inspiration to many.
A special thanks to Beth Donovan Hospice, for all their care and attention. Mary always looked forward to Thursday Day Program, and to her rides with Shawn. We would also like to thank Hilltop Manor and the PSW’s from Bayshore and Care Partners, for their continued care over the last few years.
Cremation by her request, has taken place under the direction and care of Munro & Morris Funeral Home Ltd. in Alexandria, Ontario. A celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be held on Saturday September 14th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, at the farm where she grew up, 803 French Settlement Rd, Kempville. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Huntington’s Society of Canada or Beth Donovan Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
Dear Editor,
I haven’t seen the video that you refer to in your Editorial “Idiot Wind”, but I certainly couldn’t agree more about the ‘Conservative’ leader, Pierre Poilievre. He is an idiot in my mind. For me, it is very frightening to think of him as the Prime Minister of this country. Probably Justin has had his day in the sun, but Poilievre would be so much worse. We don’t need worse, we need better. Poilievre is simply Donald Trump’s style, scary, downright scary. At least Joe Biden was a decent person.
Thank you also to the Times for “Rise in bank
investigator frauds in East Region”. This info is so very important. I had numerous calls, yesterday, I think it was. I simply didn’t pick up, but it is so very annoying, but more so for the people who lose so much money. It is tragic.
The fact that they are spoofing financial institution phone no’s, or are providing fraudulent call-back numbers which impersonate the financial institutions’ is not helpful. They are criminal organizations, plain and simple.
This information is so very important to us all.
K. Piché
Does your business go further than North Grenville? Advertise in our sister paper The North Dundas Times! Contact Nanda!
Baldwin’s Birds
Cardinals “Anting”
A couple of days ago on a bright sunny afternoon I was gloriously introduced, to what to me, hitherto, was an unknown term in my very limited knowledge of the bird world! It was that of the activity of “Anting”!
Yes! I had never heard of the term before and was amazed to find out, on doing further research into the matter, how common an activity it is throughout the avian world. In my case, the lesson I got on the subject was given by a female and a male Cardinal, right here in our garden on a very large Hydrangea bush, in the bright afternoon sunshine.
I caught a glimpse of movement near the top of the bush, which didn’t seem to be a usual one to me and,
in fact, wasn’t. I zoomed in with my camera lens to see a female Cardinal lying flatout upon the green leaves of the very white flowered bush. Her tail feathers were all fanned out and her wings were open and stretched behind her. She lay there prone, as if in some form of ecstasy, and the angle at which she held her head made it seem like she was smiling! What on earth was going on!
She eventually disappeared, and a few minutes later her male partner appeared, in a different part of the same Hydrangea bush, and exhibited the same behavior! What was this strange activity that they were so engrossed in? I had never witnessed anything like it before, in my life, and was trying to make sense of
it all in some sort of logical way. I was musing that they maybe were trying to get the scent of the flowers into their feathers for some reason, but wasn’t getting anywhere fast! I was about to go onto the various sites for more expert advice, when a telephone call from my brother, also a keen birder and photographer, gave me the answer when he happened to mention that some birds participate in “anting”. What!? You must be joking! Why would birds want to let ants crawl all over them? Well, having been given something to go on, I was able to determine that those Cardinals must have been doing just that! Apparently, they are not the only species that does it either, so I have certainly learned something
new! I include an internet reference for you to look at if you so desire, which might prove interesting to you, as it did me.
The Cardinals were not the only birds to surprise me this week. We have, for the last two days, been entertained by a Rose Breasted Grosbeak which we don’t get to see very often, and upon visiting the local dump after trimming some trees, I spotted four or five Turkey Vultures perching in the adjacent trees. Of course, I had committed the cardinal (no pun intended) sin of leaving my camera at home, drat! With my trailer unloaded, I headed back home to get my camera, and on my way back to the dump I had to stop for two Wild Turkeys as they crossed the road in front
of me. That at least gave me a couple of shots of them before they disappeared into the brush, and I was able to swing back into the dump to try and get some Turkey Vulture ones too.
Alas, there was only one of them left in the trees, but I was able to get a couple of pictures of it before returning home and the Rose Breasted Grosbeak appeared. So as you can see, I have had a pretty eventful couple of days bird-wise, and I hope that you too are getting some surprise visitors. Stay safe and well.
Cheers, John Baldwin https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Anting_(behavior)
Anting is a maintenance behavior during which birds rub insects, usu-
ally ants, on their feathers and skin. The bird may pick up the insects in its bill and rub them on the body (active anting), or the bird may lie in an area of high density of the insects and perform dust bathing-like movements (passive anting). The insects secrete liquids containing chemicals such as formic acid, which can act as an insecticide, miticide, fungicide, or bactericide.
Male Cardinal “Anting” Feathers Outspread.
Female Cardinal “Anting”
ROCK MY HOUSE
Welcome to our multifaceted music center, where we're dedicated to taking your musical journey to the next level. Our comprehensive facility features a rehearsal studio, event room, store, and school, offering lessons in drums, vocals, fiddle, piano, and more. Benefit from the expertise of our talented team, who are committed to guiding everyone towards their musical goals.
ROCKIN' TOTS
Saturdays 10:30am-11:30am Ages 1-5
Parent/Toddler rhythm play for all. No appointment needed!
Learnforalifetime!
Kevin Eamon, proprietor and educator 699 South Gower Drive, Kemptville ON (613)258-5656 kevin@rockmyhousemc.com rockmyhousemc.com
Music Lessons
Monday to Friday 3:00P.M.- 9P.M
Contact Rock My House for details.
Step into our house, where the heartbeat of music pulses beneath the roof, and where endless possibilities await. Join us, and let's make music together!
UPCOMING EVENTS
169TH SPENCERVILLE FAIR. September 12th - 15th, 2024
Multi-Family Yard Sale. September 13 & 14 from 8:30am to 3pm. 62 Hurd St. Kemptville
Community Day hosted by the Beth Donovan Hospice on September 14 at the Municipal Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kemptville Horticultural Society. Wednesday September 18, at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Rd #43, Kemptville
Old Paper Show. September 14 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sponsored by the Eastern Ontario Postcard Club
Wall Street United Church gym 5 Wall Street Brockville Art in the Yard. September 14 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. 100 Joseph St., Kemptville
Kemptville Horticultural Society. September 18, 7:00 pm
They will be holding their Fall Flower Show, plus Becky Campbell will be speaking about gardens of Denmark and Sweden. Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Rd #43, Kemptville
The 46th Annual Masonic Fish Fry. September 21, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Tickets available at the door $25/Adults $13/Under 12 Eat in or Take Out. North Grenville Municipal Centre, suites A, B, & C
Bishop's Mills Community Hall Fundraising Concert
Sat. Sept. 21 at 7:30. Bishop's Mills Community Hall. Tickets $12 each from Susan Jenkins at 613-258-1645 or Joan Tensen at 613-258-7425."
Lecture Series hosted by the Merrickville and District Historical Society. Please join us for the first lecture of the fall season for “A Stroll Through the Lost Villages”.September 24 at 7:00 pm at the Merrickville Legion
100 Men Who Care North Grenville. 26th September, 6PM @ Catered Affairs
VOLUNTEERING
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville
Last week, Beth came home with a basket of wild blueberries. They are the tiny ones that taste so much better than the large commercially grown berries. This allowed us to reminisce over picking wild blueberries in Swansea, near Kirkland Lake, our hometown. We would just keep ahead of the bears who were getting their fill of berries too. We didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother us. Apparently, there has been a bumper crop of blueberries this year, so the bears must be happy. This week, after we had our fill, traditionally with 35% cream and a sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar, Beth made a Blueberry Upside Down Cake, which we had with frozen vanilla yoghurt. Oh yum...Here’s the easy peasy recipe. Use your Junior Cooks for this one.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup of fresh wild blueberries
1 box of Golden Cake Mix (Betty Crocker makes one), prepared as per the instructions
1 ½ cup brown sugar
½ cup of melted butter
2 teaspoons of vanilla
Preparation
Heat your oven to the usual 350F
Place a 9 X 12 baking dish on a cookie sheet
Mix the butter, brown sugar and vanilla and coat the bottom of your baking dish
Distribute your blueberries on top of the butter and brown sugar mixture
Pour your prepared cake batter over the blueberries
Bake for 45 minutes or until your probe comes out clean
Cool in the pan for ten minutes, then turn the cake out onto your favourite serving plate
Some people prefer their Blueberry Upside Down Cake warm, others like it chilled. Accompaniments include vanilla ice cream or frozen yoghurt, vanilla-flavoured whipped cream, and for those who like things super sweet, a dollop or two of maple syrup. You might wish to have some dark roast coffee or some English Breakfast Tea as drinks. If you want a wine, use a dry rosé to help cut through the sweetness. Thanks again for the mail and feedback. Please stay in touch at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
Building a Dream in South Mountain:
by Robin Kers
(This story was first “published” on the Our Kemptville and What’s Up Winchester Facebook pages.)
At the ripe young age of 54, with a full-time job that drained most of my energy—and occasionally my will to live—I decided to take on a project that would make a sane person think twice: buying a 2.25acre plot of densely wooded, second-growth land in South Mountain.
The plot was so overgrown that it was like buying a slice of the Amazon with a side of Canadian wilderness. It was surrounded by woods on three sides, and the only thing breaking the monotony was a cornfield across the road, as if the land itself was giving me a stern reminder of what I should have been farming instead of this wild dream.
The idea was simple: clear the land, have our house built, put in a garden, buy some chickens, maybe excavate a pond and live happily ever after. The reality was a little less straightforward.
My toolkit for this endeavor? A chainsaw, some safety equipment, a wheelbarrow, some loggers’ tools, and the kind of enthusiasm that only comes from not knowing what you’re getting yourself into.
Now, I’d like to say that I came into this with some kind of Paul Bunyan-level experience, but the truth is, I trained myself to fell trees by watching a few of those ubiquitous YouTube videos. The kind where everything looks so easy, and the narrators are annoyingly confident. But standing there, chainsaw in hand, facing down a majestic silver birch wider around than a large metal garbage can or a towering maple taller than a church steeple, I almost choked with fear. The thought of being maimed— or worse—by a badly cut or snagged tree or branch haunted me with every pull of the saw’s cord.
Step one: carve a path from the road onto the property. Sounds easy enough, right? Just picture me, standing at the edge of this wall of trees, revving up my chainsaw like a modern-day Paul Bunyan, only with fewer blue oxen and more second thoughts.
Clearing that path was like trying to tunnel through a forest made of granite. It was my first time using a chainsaw and felling a tree, and every tree felt like it was laughing at me as it stubbornly refused to fall.
I hacked, I sawed, and I cursed until finally, there it was—a narrow, somewhat respectable path leading onto
what would one day be our dream property. And with each step of the clearing I had to move the bits aside, again and again.
But not without a few regrets. It pained me to cut down the majestic silver birch and maples that had probably stood there for decades, maybe even a half century. Every swing of the chainsaw felt like a personal affront to nature. However, I did manage to stack pieces for future splitting into firewood and salvage all of the cedar, carefully cutting them into 8, 10, and 12-foot lengths. Those would be repurposed into something meaningful later—future shed and fence plans, perhaps a small pen, anything to make sure those cedars lived on in some form.
Next up: the driveway. Because who doesn’t love the idea of backing up a concrete mixer on a road barely wide enough for a bicycle?
As I battled the trees, the brush, and the occasional suicidal squirrel, a new kind of challenge emerged—a neighbor who owned the neighbouring 60 acres and was convinced that our land was, in fact, her land. She was the kind of woman who could give a pit bull lessons on territorial behavior. She was also the previous owner's worst nightmare and now,
Land tenure for future farmers
by Ralph C. Martin
In Indigenous communities, the ongoing tenure of land has been relational and inter-dependent over generations, bioregions and species. In nation states, specific areas of land, often rectangles, are parcels owned by an individual, family, corporation or government, until sold.
King Lear expected to bask in the glory of the kingdom he had inherited and strengthened. His older daughters accepted that he could live in their castles, as he chose, with 100 knights of his own. However, relationships deteriorated, they reneged and released his knights, saying he didn’t really need them. The succession plan collapsed.
In the 2023 Stratford production, Paul Gross, as the distraught King Lear, humiliated by his precipitous collapse in living standards, roared, “O reason not the need!” I heard the echo all the
way home. Similarly, my 2-and-a-half year old grandson will declare, “I need a muffin,” completely merging needs and wants.
Farm succession is partially motivated by a love of family and land in both generations. Despite tensions between generations and varying expectations, succession works well in some cases.
Today, many farms are aggregated parcels of land with equipment, infrastructure and perhaps quota, often incorporated, even if family run, and may not include the original family homestead.
Land prices are increasing with pressure from investors (Bill Gates, certainly not a farmer, owns more farmland than anyone else in the U.S.) and from supply management farmers in Canada who buy extra land because they cannot purchase more quota. Land prices based on questionable assumptions about ongoing increases are now
apparently, mine too.
She would show up at the edge of our property, waving her arms like she was conducting an invisible orchestra. “This land ain’t yours!” she’d shout, her voice carrying through the trees like an air raid siren. “Don’t be surprised if my hunter friends accidentally fire in your direction” and more comments of that ilk.
Her harassment became a daily ritual, as regular as my morning coffee, but far less enjoyable. The authorities advised us to take photos of her antics for possible use in a prosecution, so we did— turning her outbursts into an impromptu photo shoot.
One day, fed up with our camera-clicking while she clipped away at a bush with tiny garden clippers at the corner of our respective properties, she decided to give my wife a real show.
With a flourish, and her face clearly visible, she hiked up the back of her ratty gray dress, bent over, and presented her abundant pink posterior with a challenge: “Take a photo of that!” she crowed, as if daring us to submit it to the local newspaper.
Unfazed, the next time we saw her, we presented her with a hard copy, and I told her that this photo might just end up plastered on every hydro and telephone pole
excluding dedicated food producers and rewarding speculators. Rented land may provide profits in some years, but it limits long term planning.
Retiring farmers want to protect their hardearned legacy and ensure a comfortable retirement (even if without 100 knights), after accounting for capital gains taxes. They may resist no longer having the last word.
Young farmers want some scope to earn a living as they envision it. They require enough financial heft to face future challenges of increasing weather variability, rising costs and land prices and the precarity of markets and supply chains. However, some may accept succession as an obligation, and stoop under heavy debt burdens or feel constrained with poorly defined or shifting roles in a family corporation.
Succession may hit potholes of expectations of equal inheritances by non-farming siblings,
in South Mountain if her harassment didn’t stop. And just like that, she vanished into the woods, never to be seen—or at least mooned— again.
But while I was wrestling with trees and territorial disputes, another issue was brewing. The local farmers, who passed by my little corner of chaos, had a habit of waving as they went by.
At first, I thought it was just them fanning away the mosquitoes, but no—this was the rural equivalent of saying hello. Unfortunately, I was usually too busy wrestling with the chainsaw, or just too exhausted to raise a hand in return. I later heard that the locals had begun to speculate about me, the strange, unresponsive man in the woods who never waved back. Rumors started to fly. Was I unfriendly? Was I too busy fending off yet another squirrel invasion? Or was I just plain nuts?
We finally met some of our future neighbors when, whilst sitting on the unfinished deck of our new but unoccupied house at dusk, my wife and I noticed dark shadows moving towards us from the road.
It turned out that several of our neighbour’s cows had escaped their enclosure. Not knowing whose cows these belonged to and after racing
or conflicts between too many siblings who aspire to farm on too little land or a business which is larger than preferred by the younger generation. Farmers of both generations, independent and self-motivated by nature, may also have bristles to smooth.
It can be tempting to sell out, divide the cash and move on.
There should be other options for land tenure. Youth who want to farm can discover their passion in urban households, without access to land. Some who grow up on farms want to proceed quite differently than their parents.
What if a farmer could offset capital gains taxes from a land sale, by designating 50 to 100 acres of the total sale, to a small farm with covenants? The buyer of covenanted land would pay 10% per acre of the market value land. The seller could use that discounted sale price on covenanted land to offset
down the road to the nearest farm house, I joined several neighbors in stumbling around and chasing down and herding the cows out of the dark cornfield and back to their paddock.
(Although 21 years later we are still considered newbies, that was the beginning of a neighborly give-and-take that persists to this day.)
As the house slowly rose from the cleared land, and the sawdust settled, I made a new commitment: to wave at every car that passed, even if it meant propping up my arm with a stick. After all, I was now a part of South Mountain, and if waving was what it took to fit in, I’d wave like my life depended on it.
The house now stands proudly on that plot of land, a monument to stubbornness, determination, and a fair amount of comedic mishaps. Although the 60 acres next door now belongs to someone else, and is in the process of being clear cut for use growing crops, the woods still surround us on two sides. Now, when I walk down that driveway, I wave at every car, every squirrel, and even the occasional mosquito, just in case. After all, it’s the little things that make a house a home—or at least keep the neighbors from thinking you’re a lunatic recluse.
capital gains on market value land.
I recommend covenants that include mandatory plans to measure and document soil organic matter levels, nutrient management, drain water quality, biodiversity and financial profitability. The covenants would include a specific definition of ‘farming,’ including farmgate sales of food, but excluding farmgate sales of feed grain crops, concentrated animal feeding operations and luxury estates.
Appropriate organizations to select eligible buyers and to administer these land covenants, with commensurate provincial
government financing, could be provincial Soil and Crop Improvement Associations, the Agricultural Land Commission in BC, SaskSoil and Ontario Farmland Trust.
I assert that talented, aspiring farmers should have options for land tenure to make a living doing what they love to serve the public good. My grandson can rightly declare, we need land tenure for future farmers committed to healthy food from healthy ecosystems.
Ralph C. Martin, Ph.D., Professor (retired), University of Guelph, www.ralphmartin.ca
FOR SALE
Canoe, Cedar and canvas, 15 1/2 feet. Comes with 3 paddles. $950 nadfudt@gmail.com
Electric fully-enclosed 4-wheeled scooter,
lightly used, good price, 613-269-2432.
Mixed hardwood firewood. $120 per face cord. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.
4X4 round bales and small squares of hay, suitable for horses. Call or text Jon 613-2273650.
RECURRING EVENTS
Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome
BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, September 24. Registration from 6:30 p.m., play from 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, September 17. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
Kemptville Farmers' Market: Many local farmers, producers and makers. Every Sunday from noon til 4pm, May 12 - October 27. Located at 301 Rideau St, Kemptville, across the lot from B&H Grocers
Kemptville Street Piano Concert, Saturday afternoons at 1pm to mid-September at the North Grenville Public Library. https://www.facebook.com/KemptvilleStreetPiano/ St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm. This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer @ gowjb@msn. com. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Winchester Open Mic Cafe, Sundays 2pm to 5pm at the Old Town Hall, 478 Main Street, Winchester. Free, accessible, everyone welcome.
Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:309:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
Womens hooded spring & fall coat front pocket beaded emblems med tall $50. Mens white cardigan sweater button front med.$20. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com
Arborite countertop grey specs round front 22X38X 1.5 inches $25.00 Used kitchen sink stainless steel 20x18x7 inches
$10.00 contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail.com
New camco RV 1/2 inch drinking hose $10. Multimedia computer keyboard mod.CLXPou2 XPLIO $15.00. contact Dan at nadfudt@gmail. com
MISCELANEOUS
Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-2621204.
GARAGE SALES
Multi-Family Yard Sale. Sept. 13&14, 62 Hurd St. Kemptville, 8:30 -3pm. Vintage items, adult bikes, sports items, leather coats household decor, hall table, artwork & supplies, British books, Wholesum Approach products & more! 10% of sales to the House of Lazarus
FOR RENT
Beautiful 1400 sq.ft. Apartment for Rent in Chesterville. 2+1 bedrooms in a triplex. Bright kitchen with Laurysen cabinets, fridge, stove, laundry on site. Tenant controls energy efficient utilities. Lots of parking with snow removal. Large backyard with lawn mowed.References. First and last. $2000.00 monthly. 613448-2350
42. Snow house 45. Best seats for boxing
Clandestine
Brought into play
Plunder
Obtains
Coronet
Smooth or level
Fire residues
Quality of not being stale
Anagram of "Nose"
Couples
Navy bigwig
Words to a song
Wrist ornament
Hawaiian greeting
Chafe
Rips 41. Opening
Watered down
Government fees
Albacore or bluefin
Strike back 59. Aromatic compound
Excited
Tiny
Falafel bread
Tropical root
To the point
Egg-shaped
Biblical garden
Exploit 71. French for "Head"
Detailed account
Lyric poems
Scare
8. Northern 9. Cooking tool 10. Rescue
11. Anagram of "Seek"
12. Lairs
15. Spiteful
21. Arid
23. Wife of Zeus 25. Sodium chloride
27. Dugout shelter
28. What dispensaries dispense
29. Downwind
31. Thoughtful
32. Protective covering from sunlight
34. Driveway surface
36. Mimicked
39. Purge
40. Agitated state
43. An eight-sided polygon
44. By mouth
46. Adhesive
47. Dark solar area
49. Be extant
50. Harnessed together
53. Fixed gaze
Comprehensible 4. A poison 5. Supersonic transport 6. Ragamuffin
55. Assess 56. Mild expletive 57. Ripped 58. Apart from this 60. French for "State" 61. Rattling breath 64. Light Emitting Diode
Senior Times
Changing seasons, new programs and photos in the park
The light is shifting on this first week of September. The air is crisp, and the leaves are beginning their transition to golden yellows and vibrant reds. For some, September is a time for renewal and new opportunities. At SCS, we have you covered!
Scribbling Seniors is a new 6-week program starting on Wednesday, September 18th. Facilitated by SCS volunteers Pauline Field and Mary Carlson, this writing workshop encourages you to “start where you are” and bring your stories to life. Your Story.
Your Words. Your Life. Join us for an inclusive and welcoming 6-week workshop. To register please call 613-258-3203 or email jill.woodley@ seniorscs.ca. In addition, SCS is offering a oneday Nature Art Therapy workshop on Tuesday, September 17th. Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection with Painted Key Art Therapy. Register with Antonia. reynolds@seniorscs.ca
A key component of our programming is decreasing social isolation and loneliness in our community. Over the last several months, we have seen
an increase in demand for the SCS Friendly Visiting program, which is a program designed to match seniors and trained volunteers for one-on-one visits and phone calls. Whether it be a cup of tea, discussing world events or having a laugh, connecting with a volunteer can make the world of difference to someone who is feeling lonely. To meet the demands of this important program, we are currently recruiting volunteers. Please reach out the SCS Volunteer Coordinator at jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca to learn more about joining our dynamic team. Save the date for our upcoming fundraisers!
Saturday, September 28th – 4th Annual Photos in the Park
A professional photoshoot in Curry Park. A perfect opportunity to capture memories with friends and family. Your four-legged friends are welcome too! 100% of funds go directly to the SCS Transportation
Service. Limited spots! Contact jill.woodley@ seniorscs.ca to book your spot.
Tuesday, November 19th – 4th Annual Wreath and Planter Fundraiser
Decorate your doors and porches in support of the SCS Meals on Wheels program. Ordering will begin in early November with a drive-through pick up at 215 Sanders Street. The Famous Morris Tourtières return in December. Please watch our social media and website for dates and ordering information.
www.seniorscs.ca
Stop killing the kidneys with garbage
Multiple studies have shown that a diet of fruits and vegetables reduces blood pressure. Since hypertension kills millions of people each year, the message seems clear. But this is not the first time consumers have been told that a veggie diet is superior to one of meat. Now there’s another important message that millions of North Americans have not learned. It’s that people of all ages keep killing their kidneys by eating highly processed garbage day after day. Despite the evidence, they embrace this silent killer until the doctor says they need kidney dialysis or a renal transplant to save their life.
First, know the basic facts. The kidneys, like the gastrointestinal system, remove waste. These two bean-shaped organs, each the size of your fist, are master chemists too. They regulate blood pressure, balance body fluids, produce hormones and red blood cells, and keep the blood from being too acidic or too alkaline. To accomplish all these tasks, the kidneys filter the blood in our body over and over every day. It’s a huge undertaking.
Based on the research, one would think we would all be eating predominantly fruits and vegetables to help ensure healthy longevity to kidneys. Each kidney contains between 200,000 and one-or-more million
nephrons. The number declines naturally with age or at an accelerated pace when asked to work overtime. Each nephron is an individual filter that removes urea from the blood while returning water and nutrients into circulation. Fruits and vegetables, including plantbased proteins, are easier on aging or compromised kidneys because they generally involve fewer toxins or other nutrients such as sodium, potassium, protein, or acid content that must be removed or balanced.
Don’t be fooled by artificial foods that mimic meat and claim to be vegetables. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the label, think twice.
What are other bad habits that are damaging so many kidneys? Shakespeare described the problem best with the line from Julius Ceasar, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves”. We are the victims of our own stupidity. When you ask people to put all their pills in a paper bag, it’s amazing what you see. Look in that bag to get a clear picture of what’s been going on for years. North Americans have become victims of “Pillitis”. They rush to the pharmacy whenever they have a simple ache and pain. Compared to our forebearers, we’ve become wimps about pain. Worse, they allow themselves to develop chronic conditions
that doctors will treat with endless medication. What’s the result? Evolution did not prepare the kidneys to metabolize all this synthetic junk. The heavy workload causes them to start to fail, slowly and surely.
Researchers in the UK report that 34% of adults over 75 have severe levels of kidney disease. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) is contributing to such shocking statistics.
Researchers at the University of California also reported years ago this damning statistic, that the misuse of drugs resulted in a 19 percent increase every year in patients requiring renal dialysis machines.
We could point to many more studies. But people do not heed the advice, and they die prematurely.
What’s the message? A diet of fruits and vegetables helps improve blood pressure. It also lowers risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, macular degeneration of the eyes, arthritis and gastrointestinal troubles. But even if people adjust their diet, chronic kidney disease will continue to increase until people stop abusing their kidneys with garbage painkillers and endless other medications.
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Teen charged with drifting incident in Riverside Park
“Stunt Driving has no place in a public park, especially when families are present”. That’s the message being shared by the Grenville County OPP following a “drifting” incident that took place in Riverside Park early last week.
Parents in the downtown Kemptville park called the police just after 2pm on September 2 to report that a car was intentionally drifting around the gravel parking circle. Parents attempted to get the driver to stop for obvious safety concerns. The driver fled the area and was quickly located by police.
This 16 year old G2 driver is now charged, their vehicle towed and impounded, and licence now suspended. “Dangerous driving behaviour like this puts everyone’s life at risk,” stresses the OPP.
CUPE members at local health unit vote in favour of strike action
Members of CUPE Local 1559, representing workers at Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, have voted in favour of strike action, meaning that if a deal is not reached with the employer soon, public health services that many residents depend on could be disrupted.
“We have been in negotiations with our employer since April, and unfortunately have not been able to reach an agreement that is fair for our members,” said CUPE Local 1559 President Merima Kostecki, who represents 78 members at the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “While we hope that a strike can be avoided, the local is preparing to take action if necessary.”
CUPE 1559 members work in the community as public health inspectors, hygienists, dental assistants, health promoters, registered practical nurses, smoke free Ontario inspectors, family home visitors, and communicative disorders assistants. They promote the health and safety of residents and prevent chronic disease, illness and injury. Many CUPE 1559 members work in supporting roles that keep the business at the health unit running efficiently. These include clerical staff, communication coordinator, purchaser & property administrators, graphic designers, multimedia and web specialists, and caretakers.
For years, members of CUPE 1559 have seen their wages fall behind those in neighbouring health units, while inflation and the rising cost of living have also made it harder for them to make ends meet.
“We believe our members who do similar work to those in neighbouring health units should be paid similar wages,” Kostecki said. “We are asking for a fair increase that recognizes this, and that helps close the pay gap for our lower paid members that has grown over the years as the cost of living has eaten away at their wages.”
While there is currently an application with the provincial government for a merger between health units at Leeds Grenville and Lanark, KFL&A, and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Kostecki noted that there is no guarantee that it will be approved.
“Whether the merger goes through or not, Leeds Grenville and Lanark Board of Health is currently our employer, and it is up to them to come to the table and negotiate a fair agreement for our members. Public health in our community matters, and so do public health workers.”