April 1, 2015 issue 13

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 3, No. 13

April 1, 2015

Council seek alternative to taxes

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Spring Health and Fitness Page 13, 14 photo by Michael Pacitto

by David Shanahan Kemptville, 1 April. The Municipality of North Grenville has decided to open a restaurant in the Municipal Centre as an alternate source of revenue in the wake of public opposition to the recent 6% tax increase. Although many other options had been considered, it was finally decided to open a rib-centred facility, to be called “The 6% Solution”.

A special committee had been set up to examine possible ways of increasing municipal revenues,

and the committee’s Chair, Jordon Brisket, pointed out the logic of their decision: “It seemed a natural move to open a rib joint in the Municipal Centre. We already have a commercial kitchen on site, along with a dependable clientele after hockey games, movie nights and council meetings.”

Initial set-up costs are expected to be minimal, as the basic infrastructure is already in place, and the municipal staff and council have already demonstrated their expertise in the field by winning the Rib-eat-

ing Championship at last year’s Rib Fest. Another committee member, Eve Adamson, believes that North Grenville residents will appreciate the move by council to ease the tax burden on them, and thinks the restaurant’s name will raise some smiles and a few chuckles too.

Council officially approved the restaurant project at a special closed session of the Committee of the Hole on April 1, and work began immediately on installing advertising signs (see photographs) to inform passers-by of the

new eatery. It is understood that council’s decision to approve the restaurant was not unanimous, but was opposed by two members at least, who objected to allowing people with greasy fingers to run loose in their Municipal Centre. However, a presentation and free samples of the ribs, prepared by Chef April Premiere, had the entire council licking their lips in anticipation.

It was finally agreed that “The 6% Solution” would be given a one-year trial, and council will pick it up again next April 1.

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Your Independent Grocer wins Provincial award Ontario Minister Jeff Leal presented the 2015 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards to sixty-nine grocery retailers, from across the province, for their creative in-store displays, making it easier for consumers to recognize and buy the good things that grow in Ontario.

Local supermarket, Jonsson's Your Independent Grocer, located in the Kemptville

Mall, has been named as one of this year’s recipients.

The annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards is the produce industry's premier competition for excellence in display and promotion, and support of Ontario foods.

Since studies have shown that 76 per cent of food purchase decisions are made in-store, the standard of display instore becomes essential in the

cal store is quite an achievement.

Steve Jonsson’s store was recognised in the Gold Category, given to chain and independent stores in three specific categories: seasonal, creative and cross-merchandised. The Kemptville store received their award in the Seasonal category, one of only four stores to be given awards in that sector.

successful marketing of local Ontario food products.

Created in 1987 to recognize efforts to raise consumer awareness about the diversity of fruits and vegetables grown in the province, these annual awards are presented to grocery retailers for instore promotion of fresh Ontario food. In 2015, there were 3,578 applications for awards, so the success of a lo-

Hospital CEO is leaving his position

The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board of Directors has announced the departure of the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Colin Goodfellow.

After ten years with the KDH, Mr. Goodfellow’s decision to leave came as a surprise to many in the community, particularly at a time when the hospital is launching a new fund raising campaign.

There is no doubt that his tenure as CEO has seen significant changes in the mandate and operation of the KDH, and this was reflected in comments by the Chair of the KDH Board of Directors, Lis Angus: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr. Goodfellow for his significant contributions to KDH over the past ten years, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

April 1, 2015

Concern was expressed by the Board that patients remain assured that the departure of the CEO will not in any way affect normal hospital operations and procedures. “Thanks to the competence of the hospital’s senior management team, KDH will continue to provide the highest quality, compassionate care while we go through the process of selecting our next leader,’’ Lis Angus stated.

For the time being, the Board has designated its Executive Committee to act as CEO, supported by the hospital's senior management team. The Board intends to appoint an interim CEO as soon as possible, and will shortly begin an active search for a new fulltime CEO. In an interview with the NG Times, the Board Chair

said that it was hoped to find the interim CEO outside the KDH structure, possibly among recently retired CEO’s willing to take on the job in the short term. The search for a permanent replacement for Colin Goodfellow is expected to begin within a short time.

During the departing Ceo’s tenure, KDH transitioned from a typical small rural hospital into a health services hub serving the local needs of North Grenville and South Ottawa, while making a contribution to regional health issues. There has been a marked shift in emphasis in the healthcare sector away from long-term hospital stays and the KDH has become a model for treatment of multiple chronic diseases as they deal with an aging population.

In recent years, KDH has garnered acclaim for its regional orthopaedic surgery program, attainment of Accreditation Canada’s highest ranking,

Exemplary Standing, and consistently high levels of patient and staff satisfaction. Patients are coming to KDH from around the region, not only North Grenville, for hip and knee replacement surgery, praising the hospital for the level of professional care. A neutral third-party evaluation study recently placed KDH in the top 10% of hospitals when it comes to patient care.

Although it is not expected that there will be any significant change in the general direction KDH has been moving in recent years, Lis Angus also recognises that a new CEO will have their own way of doing things, and may have different emphases when it comes to operations and planning for the future. But she stresses that the current Board and the hospital’s senior management team have the competence, experience and shared vision to continue the progress that has been achieved over the past ten years.

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Kemptville Live has a home and a line-up

The Kemptville Live Music Festival has found a home for this inaugural year!

From July 24 through July 26 you’ll find us on a field of the Kemptville College.

For those of you who don’t live nearby, Kemptville College – some 600 acres in total – is located at 830 Prescott Street right within the town of Kemptville. This is a location to die for ... acres of space with gorgeous country greenery that can accommodate all our music fans...and it’s easy to find, with great highway access from everywhere. We are so happy to call Kemptville College home - there is not a better location for a summer music festival anywhere!

In addition to artists already announced for the Festival, such as Murray McLaughlan, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Valdy, and the Road Hammers, we’re delighted to announce that

we’ve added 2015 Juno winner, Steve Hill, as well as another Juno recipient, Lynn Miles. On top of that, Trevor Alguire, a singer-songwriter well known around North Grenville, will also be joining the fun.

Singer-songwriter Steve Hill has 20 years and eight albums to his credit, but it was his latest album Solo Recordings Volume 2 that brought him the recognition he deserves. It won the 2015 Juno Award as Blues Album of the Year. Hill is literally a one-man band, handling guitar, drums, harmonica and vocal, but he is defined by his remarkable guitar playing. As well as his recent Juno Award, Steve also topped the voting in four categories at the 2015 Maple Blues Awards winning Entertainer of the Year; Recording of the Year; Electric Act of the Year and Guitar Player of the Year.

Lynn is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/ songwriters with 12 albums to her credit. Her 2001 album Unravel won a Juno and she has also been honoured with multiple Canadian Folk Music awards. Her latest album Downpour, a collection of 11 songs that celebrate our fragile, flawed and beautiful world, has received glowing reviews. Lynn continues to tour extensively revisiting her many fans across Canada, the USA and Europe. We welcome Lynn with Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) to the O’Farrell Financial Services stage on Sunday, July 26.

Trevor is an Ottawa Valley singer/songwriter who has been compared to Steve Earle and Tom Petty.

But this fast-rising star is definitely his own man, with a very unique style.

His fifth album Miles Away is eagerly awaited, and we are sure will receive the same critical acclaim as his previous four releases. For now, Trevor continues his schedule of heavy touring “telling tales of life on the road, his words painting pictures of his country and its people.” Trevor will be on the O’Farrell Financial stage Friday, July 24.

Beginning early this month, you will be able to purchase Kemptville Live Music Festival tickets online

via our website. Festival tickets will also be available in the near future from the Scotiabank location at 300 Colonnade Drive. EARLY BIRD Day passes for Friday and Saturday will be $25.

Sunday Day passes will be $20. EARLY BIRD Weekend passes will be available for $60, and VIP Weekend Tickets cost $100. (HST, online ticketing fees and credit card processing fees extra).

There is still time if you would like to take part in The Opening Act. Please send us your name, contact information and a few background facts by using the response form on the Kemptville Live Music Festival website. Deadline for entries is May 1, 2015.

Community events happen because people in the community pitch-in and help. If you would like to help us make the Kemptville Live Music Festival a success, and have fun doing it, please visit our website and fill out a volunteer contact form. www.kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com/volunteer or email: volunteer@kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

Dazed and confused

by David Shanahan I am throwing a party in my head right now, because this month marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of a new publication in North Grenville. The unwieldy title of “The North Grenville Community Newsletter” was given to a small, monthly piece of literature that was designed to publicise issues and events of interest to the arts and crafts people in the municipality. Instead, thanks in large part to the contribution of royal politicians, it rapidly became a completely different animal. Through eight turbulent years, the publishers were vilified, praised, ignored, and experienced a most unexpected rollercoaster ride.

In 2012, the Newsletter transmogrified into the North Grenville Times, a weekly newspaper that sought to provide a forum through

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,: I am posting regarding your Light It Up Blue notice in today's (March 25,2015.

Vol.3, No.12). I appreciate your efforts to spread awareness of Autism. Something my children and I have.

However, the statement, "growing public health concern", upset myself, my children and my husband. Autism definition is: “Autism Spectrum Disorders, sometimes called Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), are a range of neurological disorders that most markedly involve some degree of difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as obsessions and repetitive behaviors."

Nowhere is it considered a disease or an illness. It is “just” a neurological disorder.

I have it, as do my two children (21 and 15 yrs old respectively). It affects how we process information, but not our health. It is “not” a health concern, but an awareness issue. This is where we need the help and understanding.

I have a university degree, a college certificate, I have held down jobs and have my own business, and have been married for almost 25 years.

which we could all talk to each other about matters serious and trivial. And so it goes on. One of the things that convinced us we needed a local newspaper was the lack of real reporting of local news and events that was there already. Politics, for example, was covered simply by printing whatever members of Council passed on to writers.

Sadly, there still seems to be a tradition of wishful thinking and uninformed comment in our media.

There are times when we’ve been accused of being too negative, not emphasising the positive aspects of life in North Grenville. To this I say: what a load of rubbish! Pretending everything is wonderful does no favours to anyone. Ignoring problems only perpetuates them, and wishful thinking gets us nowhere. Which is why it was particularly upsetting to read in another place two

opinion pieces that seem to fly in the face of reality. One was by someone who knows this community really well, but seems to believe that thinking positive thoughts will somehow create a better environment.

The idea seems to be that, if we just think and speak positively, then a wonderful future will just happen. To this end, they believe, the recent tax increase is, in fact, a good sign, and that imposing a 6% increase in taxes is council’s way of making our future brighter. I happen to believe that we do have a great future, if we plan and work together in concrete ways to create a coherent and integrated program for developing our community. But it won’t happen by all of us thinking positive thoughts, no matter how attractive that idea may be. And seeing the tax increase as a way of guaranteeing our infrastructure and

economic prosperity requires a great deal more good vibrations that I can muster.

The other piece that had me scratching my head was also about the tax increase, and this one also tried to think positive thoughts about the recent budget. None of us, it said, should have been surprised by the tax increase, because all the elements that led to it were there to be seen beforehand. This, I feel, completely and utterly misses the point. First of all, who knew this was coming? Certainly not the public, who had been assured again and again during the election campaign that everything was under control and our financial situation in a healthy state, albeit with challenges ahead. That is why the increase came as a shock: we had been badly misled and believed those who were so glib in reassuring us.

Claiming that the factors which led to the tax increase

were predictable displays a woeful lack of knowledge, or else a blind acceptance of whatever interpretation some members of council want to give in mitigation. Sure, inflation, aging infrastructure and dwindling provincial transfers were recognised in the past, but the solution which previous council had arrived at to deal with these factors was to use up reserve funds and borrow more money.

What was different this time was that the new councillors and the mayor, supported by staff, refused to allow further borrowing and forced the other “veterans” to face up to reality.

To be honest, this kind of wooly analysis, along with the “positive thinking” recommended in these articles, is the kind of thing that allowed previous councils to get away with such irresponsible behaviour in the past. It has always been my contention that

in order for the public to make decisions about our future and our present, they need to be informed. Informed decisions can allow for disagreements over policy, over the right direction to take, but they are, at least, based in reality. Misinformation, wishful thinking and superficial analysis don’t help: they make matters worse.

The only wishful thinking we can afford to indulge in is the idea that those responsible for putting us in this situation might do the honourable thing and resign. Having displayed their lack of ability, lack of concern for the community, and lack of respect for its residents, wishful thinking would hope they would just go away. But, unlike those other commentators, I don’t believe wishful thinking will get us anywhere.

My son is going to Algonquin college, is considering Carleton University for Political Science, his interest is humanities. My daughter is in high school, animals are her heart. Autism is not blocking our efforts, other then having others pity, or bully us, because we are different. This is where awareness comes in: not fixing or curing us.

We don't want to be either, we want to be accepted and understood.

Cath Cross-Bell

nicipalities have a number of ‘bulky’ pickup days… Why not North Grenville? Heck, my sister in Southern Ontario can call their municipality for a ‘special’ pickup twice a year for items like couches etc. When it’s time to renew our waste pickup, we need to add this to the RFQ to have two FREE bulk pickup days.

Neil Harrington

students.

Congratulations to all and I look forward to next year's Fair.

Peter Johnson

incised when they see the road maintenance trucks salting the roads on mild days?

As I drove to work this morning (March 30) on Hwy 43, there was a light snowfall that was melting as it hit the pavement, because the temperature was above zero. A snow removal truck passed by in the opposite direction laying down salt. What for? The temperature for the day was set to rise to plus 6. Surely they were not de-icing. I see what I perceive as an overuse of road maintenance so often.

We know road salt isn't good for the longevity of our cars, but it also costs tax payers as it corrodes our roads, bridges, and infrastructure, plus the routine maintenance of the trucks themselves. Each year, the municipality reports that they went over budget on snow removal. Perhaps they should review the practises to save us money in any way

possible. I’d surely appreciate it.

Kate Queen

Dear Editor: The story of dumping garbage goes back much further… the Town of Kemptville used to have a free brush dump in the forestry centre… closed due to people dumping their garbage there.

I do not condone this behaviour, however, I believe North Grenville is partially responsible for the incorrect waste showing up at the KYC and the Salvation Army. Say for example you do have an old stroller that is broken. How on the earth do you dispose of this waste?

Can’t place at the curb, even with a bag tag. Don’t have a car to drive out to Oxford Mills. And even if you do, it’ll cost you $10 just to enter the place!! Most other mu-

Dear Editor Still enjoying your paper very much. Especially the political debates are of great interest and educational. We should all be paying very close attention.

Also, I much like the picture by photographer Mike Collier of the “MOOSE” at Park Omega. How anyone can shoot something like this is beyond me, but I mean with a gun, rather than a camera; but that’s me, I just don’t like guns, and love animals.

Thanks for your paper. A great achievement!

Kath Piche, Kemptville

Mr. Editor: Congratulations to the elementary staff and students on a successful Science Fair at N.G.D.H.S. Due to the initiative and efforts of Matthew Wilson, the elementary school's first annual effort was extremely well done.

Getting a Science Fair off the ground and up and running in a school, is something that can be appreciated by a staff that has been part of such an initiative like this, before. It takes hard work and co-operation from everyone: staff, students, parents and judges.

There was an impressive number of volunteers from the community who came out to judge. Judging by their comments, they too were impressed by the quality of the projects as well as the effort and knowledge of the

Dear Editor: Does anyone else, frustrated by our latest tax increase, become even more

April 1, 2015

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Dear Editor, Thank you to the North Grenville Times, the Ferguson Forest Centre Board and the Rotary Club of Kemptville for helping to bring Matt Wilson’s idea of a North Grenville Rotary science fair to life. It was a terrific day.

The participants were great and so much fun to talk with and listen to as they explained their projects. It was difficult to choose some of the winners and there was much debate among the judges about which projects should win.

I know some people regularly take a day off work in order to help Matt with the judging and now I know why.

I hope all the judges and participants had as much fun as I did and will participate again.

Thanks Matt.

Susan Hunt

Mailing Address P.O. Box 35, Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0

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Municipality Matters

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

A Report: The North Grenville Fire Service

by Chief Paul Hutt Response Time: In the last year, our response time has gone up by roughly a minute. From the time an alert goes off on our pager, getting to the Fire Hall, gearing up, and then getting from the Fire Hall to the scene of the incident: this is all included in our Response Time.

If weather conditions are such that volunteers have trouble getting to the Station, that will impact the average response time. Or we may have a long distance to travel to a scene, and that may bump up our response time. We could be travelling to Bishop’s Mills, for example, or Limerick Forest. There are a lot of variables in analysing “response time” from one year to another.

We now have a pumper and a tanker stationed at Oxford Mills, our satellite

station in collaboration with Public Works, and we have done some analysis on the impact of having those vehicles located there. In 2010-11, the average response time was approx 11 minutes, before we moved those vehicles to Oxford Mills, and, since then, we can see that we’ve improved our response time from around 11 minutes prior to the initiation of that satellite station, to around 8 minutes, 14 seconds for 2014. I do attribute that, in part, to having the trucks in Oxford Mills.

Fire Safety and Prevention: In 2014 we had a significant increase in “prefire condition calls”. We are optimistic that, with our proactive media coverage, and public communications, what we are seeing is that, before a fire has time to grow, we’re getting early notification. Some of that improved communication comes from our smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm programs.

When we show up at a location, we find an overheated appliance or device, and the detection system has notified the occupant that there’s a problem, and that gets us there before the fire has been

provincial training program for fire fighters in Ontario, but in the last eighteen months they have adopted a national curriculum (NFPA - National Fire Protection Association).

There is probably close to 200 hours of basic training for new recruits just starting out in the Fire Service. But training doesn’t end with recruitment, it’s on-going. In our Service, every Thursday we do a training session, which will last from two to three hours. That’s for us to keep our skills honed, to ensure that in the event of an emergency we’re trained and certified. We have an annual certification requirement for our medical training, our icewater training, the equipment we wear on our backs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) , etc. On a weekly basis, we have to keep a balance between training and family life. Our volunteers have full-time jobs, families, a life outside the Fire Service. So now, instead of the volunteers always having to come to the Hall every Thursday, they are assigned on-line course work one Thursday every month.

You still have to do the work, but, instead of being away from your family, you can do it after the kids go to bed, or

able to grow. Hopefully, we’ll see that trend continue as we grow as a community. The other aspect to this is that, where we have multi-unit buildings, for example, they have to develop fire safety plans, and it is these building fire safety plans that help reduce the number of fires and injuries we’re having in our community.

Medical Assists: With medical assists we have what is called a tiered response. For example, if a paramedic unit can’t reach an incident within thirty minutes, we automatically get sent to that call. Or if there’s a call where a patient is unconscious, or in cardiac arrest, we get called to administer the medical care. That has been the trend recently, and they are the kind of incidents we get called to. In 2014 it was the more serious calls to which we were dispatched in keeping with our medical tiered response agreement. I think this increase in medical assists that we answer will continue, as our population ages.

Volunteer Training: The Province of Ontario recently changed their training curriculum for fire services. They used to have a

on your own time.

We are certainly exceeding expectations with regard to participation levels, not only for training sessions, but also in responding to emergency situations. I have nothing but praise for our volunteers; they are amazingly dedicated and committed. I would suggest that, in terms of attendance at training, we are above the provincial average.

Improved Equipment: In 2014 we received our Fire Tanker Shuttle accreditation, which required us as a municipality to develop a scheme of delivering water that would meet and satisfy the Fire Underwriters Survey requirements. The fire on CR 43 the other day was a clear illustration that, in areas without fire hydrants, we need to have a seamless way of getting water to the scene. We needed a lot of water to deal with that fire, and with the acquisition of a ladder device we can put out 1,000 gallons or more of water every minute. Not being connected to a hydrant, being able to deliver 800 - 1,000 gallons of water a minute is very impressive.

Look at the newer, higher buildings, at eQuinelle, for example, or the condos at

Kemptville Meadows on Concession, with condominiums that are three stories high. The ladder we have now just reaches the roofs of those condominiums. From a firefighter safety viewpoint, or occupant rescue, working from ground ladders, versus an aerial device, indicates a great need for the acquisition of the aerial apparatus.

The days of fighting fires solely with ground ladders and ladders on the roofs are behind us. As well, the requirement to deliver large volumes of water in areas that are difficult to reach really requires an aerial device. The need is clear.

Ontario government using Hydro band-aids

by David Shanahan The Liberal Government at Queen’s Park is obviously concerned about how their energy policies are driving residents to despair. Faced with what seems like an annual increase in hydro rates of about 10%, and in the face of recent severe criticism of Hydro One by Ontario’s Ombudsman, the government has announced a grand scheme to help ease the burden on consumers.

In fact, the entire scheme is more of a band-aid than a scheme: a very small band-aid at that. Ontario is helping make electricity more affordable for families by removing the Debt Retirement Charge for all residential consumers and introducing the Ontario Electricity Support Program for low-income families.

According to a government statement, “The proposed program, administered through the Ontario Energy Board, would come into effect on January 1, 2016 and April 1, 2015

would help low-income Ontarians by providing them with financial assistance”.

What this means in practice is that customers on low incomes may get a monthly credit of no more than $50, depending on income and how many people live in their home. For example, a family of four with an annual income of less than $28,000, would be eligible for a $38 monthly credit -- a total of about $455 per year. This is fine, but hardly makes a dent in the basic problem, which is that people in Ontario pay a great deal more for their electricity than anywhere else in Canada. In the past ten years, electricity prices have doubled, and another rise is on the way. In 2013, rates in Quebec were half those of Ontario, even without including HST or provincial taxes. According to one report, the average Hydro bill in Ontario will go up by 42% in the next five years.

In December of last year, the province’s Auditor

General stated bluntly that Hydro had wasted billions of dollars on smart meters that have not changed anything, and this, too, is a cost paid for on our Hydro bills. Another extravagance paid for by consumers is the above market rates paid by Hydro to power generating companies, guaranteed rates that are far higher than what needs to be spent on the open market. The auditor general says that this extra payment amounted to $50 billion since 2006.

Remarkably, Energy Minister, Bob Chiarelli, disputed the Auditor General’s report, claiming that she had her numbers wrong because: "First of all the electricity system is very complex. It's very difficult to understand." This arrogance is just one of the elements which has led to the rapid rise of protest movements in Ontario, seeking to have the entire energy system of the province overhauled in favour of consumers and common sense.

One of the fastest grow-

ing groups is “Enough is Enough!”, which has been organising through Facebook and now has more than 17,500 members. The group is planning a mass rally outside Queen’s Park on May 13, and information can be had on their Facebook page. In spite of the multitude of ideas included in many postings on that page, there is no simple answer to this problem. An entrenched system has run out of credibility and ideas, and something quite new is needed now.

Nor are there any political good guys: although the Liberals have made an art of creating havoc, confusion and suffering in the energy sector, it was the Conservatives of Mike Harris, with their “Common Sense Revolution” that originally established Hydro One and the other sub-sections of the old Ontario Hydro into the monster it has become.

Hydro One president and CEO Carmine Marcello gets paid an annual salary of $741,554.25, with another

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$3,654.00 in taxable benefits. Ontario Power Generation [OPG] CEO Tom Mitchell earned $1.55 million in salary and benefits in 2014, followed closely by former OPG vice-president Donn Hanbidge at $1.2 million, which included severance. About 12,500 employees from OPG and Hydro One made the “Sunshine” list, those earning more than $100,000 a year, up nearly 1,000 over 2013, when the auditor general warned those salaries were driving up electricity rates.

Is there any rhyme or reason to any of this?

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The North Grenville Times

Nominations Open for the 2015 Civic Awards

Canada’s First Female Fighter Pilot coming to Merrickville

The North Grenville Civic Awards Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for outstanding individuals and groups who volunteer in service to our citizens and community.

The Civic Awards are presented to one volunteer in each of the designated age groups, consisting of Youth (25 years and younger), Adult (26 to 55 years) and Senior (56 years and older), in addition to one group award, in the following categories: • Arts & Culture • Exemplary Work in the Community • Environment • Health and Wellness • Heritage • Recreation, Sport & Leisure • Seniors • Youth Nomination packages are available at the Municipal Centre, at the Public Library (1 Water St.) and on the website at www.northgrenville.ca/civicawards.cfm. The deadline to submit nominations is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24th.

The Mayor and Council of the Municipality of North Grenville established the Civic Awards Program to recognize and honour the selfless efforts and dedication of outstanding individuals and groups who volunteer in service to our citizens and community.

Since the Program began in 2009, more than 20 individuals and 5 groups have been recognized for their efforts.

For more information: Cahl Pominville, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 ext. 110

By Michael Whittaker Major (Ret) Deanna Brasseur RCAF is the guest speaker at the Merrickville and District Historical Society annual dinner Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Main St. West, Merrickville.

Major Brasseur’s flight path took her from desk jockey to jet jockey when in Feb. 1981 she was one of the first two female pilots qualified to fly a jet fighter aircraft.

“In 1994 after 21-years’ service and 2,500 hours of jet flying, I retired and created the One In A Million Fund to support research, education and treatment of those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” said Major Brasseur.

“Sales revenue from the One In A Million Challenge Coin helps fund Wounded Warriors, Soldier on and the Military Families Fund.”

Major Brasseur is dedicated to defeating the debilitating effects of PTSD, which often strike the military, police, fire fighters, emergency first responders and medical personnel impacted by catastrophic events.

Tickets for the annual dinner tickets cost $25 per person, which can be obtained by contacting Gillian Gray at gmgray411@gmail.com or (613) 269-2841.

Sales Revenue from The One in A Million Challenge Coin support research, education and treatment of those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The hand- finished medallions are made of die struck bronze measuring 45mm (dia) x 4mm (thick). The front features a permanently affixed epoxy domed inset - the obverse, a hard (flush) enamel dove with laurel branch. Each $50 coin features a sequentially laser engraved number between 1 and 1,000,000.

Clark says oversight a missed opportunity to showcase college Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark is expressing disappointment after the government used its majority at committee to block his request to hold a hearing on Bill 40, the Agricultural Insurance Act, at Kemptville College. Steve had asked the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to hold a day of hearings in Kemptville as a clear signal the college continues to play an important role in Eastern Ontario’s agricultural community.

“I also felt it was important to have hearings on this agriculture insurance bill in Eastern Ontario and bring members of the all-party committee to this part of the province to see the potential at Kemptville College, while also giving them an opportunity to hear directly from local farmers”.

However, government

members on the committee, including MPP Arthur Potts, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, voted together to block Steve’s request. In fact, Potts told the committee a hearing in Kemptville is “unnecessary in my view.”

“I’m truly disappointed this government, especially the minister’s parliamentary assistant, can’t recognize the value in having hearings on this agricultural bill at a college with nearly a century of agricultural education. But it’s part of an unfortunate pattern of this government not standing up to support opportunities at Kemptville College”, said Steve. Instead, Bill 40 will have two days of hearings – one day in downtown Toronto at Queen’s Park on April 2 and another in Guelph on April 7.

Anyone who wishes to send a written submission can do so by 6 pm on Tuesday, April 7. Submissions can be sent to the clerk of the committee, Katch Koch, by email: kkoch@ola.org; by fax: 416-325-3505; or by mail to Room 1405, Whitney Block, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2.

The following is a transcript of Steve’s comments on the importance of holding hearings in Kemptville from the debate on Bill 40 on Dec. 3, 2014: “I would like you to come to Kemptville for some of these hearings on Bill 40. You’ve allowed a decision to take place by the University of Guelph to close Kemptville campus.

You’ve got thousands and thousands of farmers all across the province who want to grow the agri-food

business, who want their sons and daughters to have an agriculture education that’s close to home. “ If you’re going to put an ag bill on the table, and if you’re really truly committed to hearing from stakeholders, you will travel this bill to communities like Kemptville and you will allow the committee to see the good work that’s being done at that campus, to see what the future of agriculture can be with regional campuses that provide great education and also allow the sons and daughters of our agri-food community to go home to the farm on the weekend after they do their studies so that they can help out.

“That’s the type of agrifood industry that Progressive Conservatives want, and that’s the type of consultation that I think Bill 40 needs.”

Classifieds

Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Nutrition Coach Wellness planning for a Unique You

62 Hurd St. Kemptville 613-258-7133

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UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, April 13th at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Tuesday, April 7th, 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 MEETINGS Heritage Advisory Committee—Thursday, April 9th at 3:00 pm at the Municipal Centre.

Library Board—Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 pm at the North Grenville Public Library, 1 Water St., Kemptville.

EASTER WEEKEND HOURS The Municipal Office, Public Libraries and Waste Transfer Station will be CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd and Easter Monday, April 6th.

SCHEDULE CHANGES: SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING PICKUP There will be NO pick-up on Good Friday, April 3rd; pickup for this day will occur on Saturday, April 4th. All other pick-up remains the same.

CIVIC AWARDS PROGRAM Each year, the Municipality recognizes outstanding individuals and groups in our community through the Civic Awards Program. Nomination forms are available on the Municipal website, at the Municipal Centre and at the Kemptville Library Branch. Nomination deadline is 5:00 pm on Friday, April 24th.

2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.

2015 DOG LICENSES Renewal notices have been mailed to all currently registered dog owners. If you are not a currently registered dog owner, please contact By-Law Services at 613-2582438 Ext 6 for further information. The 2015 rate for Dog Licenses is a flat fee of $15 for each dog. As of April 1st, the fee doubles to $30. For information on Kennel Licenses, please contact By-Law Services.

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

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

What’s Happening @ KYC April 1st 2 - 8pm

FREE ADMISSION !

Cook Night - Thurs. April 2nd 4 - 8pm

Guitar Hero — Sat. April 4th 1- 6pm For the surrounding area of North Grenville

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BNI Sports Night - Tues. April 7th 6 - 7:30pm

*** JAM NIGHT *** Wednesday April 8th 6 - 8pm

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Welcome to Kindergarten The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario discussed the Welcome to Kindergarten program at their recent meeting. The national program has been adopted by the CDSBEO to help preschoolers entering the school system.

Research conducted

by The Learning Partnership has shown that one in four children are not ready for his/her first day in the Kindergarten classroom.

Research also shows that a good education begins in the early years with an exceptional Kindergarten experience. The Welcome to Kindergarten program has been designed to help prepare preschoolers for a positive start to their education journey.

At the CDSBEO Board

meeting, Superintendent of School Effectiveness, Tom Jordan, presented an overview of Welcome to Kindergarten, and how the program benefits young learners.

“The Learning Partnership is a non-profit organization which began in Toronto, in 1993,” noted Mr. Jordan.

“Today, the organization operates in all provinces and territories in Canada, and each year more than 400,000 students participate in their programs.”

Since 2004, more than 450,000 children and families have taken part in Welcome to Kindergarten orientations. The program has proven to help facilitate children’s successful transition to their school, build parent comfort and trust with school teams, build capacity

helps children develop various skills, including listening and speaking skills, sharing and turn-taking, following direction, alphabet and number awareness, and selfreliance, among others.

“At the event, families participate in four or five learning centres,” noted Mr. Jordan. “Each centre has a leader who will provide a brief overview of the activity and explain the rationale.”

Centres include books, play dough, magnetic numbers and letters, cut and paste activities, as well as nutritional information. Parents and children complete the activity together, and resource kits are distributed to students and their families at the end of the event. Evaluation forms are filled out by school teams, community partners,

for adults to engage children in early learning activities, and increase support from community partner agencies. The program endorses parents as their child’s first and best teacher, and stresses the importance for parents to play and discover with their child. CDSBEO Early Learning teams and community partners work closely with The Learning Partnership to plan and deliver this program.

Welcome to Kindergarten events are held in CDSBEO schools in May and June of each year. Parents and caregivers are provided with a resource bag which contains activities and items to help parents develop the foundations for learning in their child. Engaging in regular activities and play

parent and caregivers, and the information is used to improve the resources and implementation of future Welcome to Kindergarten events.

The program is one of many conducted by The Learning Partnership across Canada. Since 1993, more than 5.7 million students have benefited from one or more of the programs, from pre-schoolers to high school students in every school board, and across English, French and First Nations communities. Every year, more than 400,000 students and 18,000 educators across Canada participate in The Learning Partnership programs. For more information on the Welcome to Kindergarten program, contact your local school or school board.

Canadian Government approves genetically modified apples Health Canada has approved the sale of the Arctic Apple. Just weeks after the USDA approved the genetically modified apple, Health Canada now is permitting its growth, distribution and sale in this country.

Genetically engineered food products have had their DNA, or genetic material, altered using advanced scientific methods. Generally speaking, genetic engineering of food is done for two main purposes: productivity purposes and cosmetic purposes. Like the vast majority of all GMOs, the Arctic Apple will not be labelled as genetically modified. Stickers will simply say Arctic Apple. The GM apple is genetically engineered not to turn brown after being cut.

If it gets onto the market, it would be only the second GM fruit sold anywhere in the world, after a Hawaiiangrown papaya, and it would be the first GM fruit to be grown in Canada.

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) has denounced the Canadian government’s decision to approve the firstever genetically modified (GM) apple. CBAN is a campaign coalition of 17 organizations that researches, monitors and raises awareness about issues relating to genetic engineering in food and farming. CBAN members include farmer associations, environmental and social justice organizations, and regional coalitions of grassroots groups. These

lance OGM. “We need our grocery stores to step in to protect the consumer interest and the apple industry by keeping their doors closed to this GM apple.”

Although the GM apples will not be clearly labelled as genetically modified, the company producing them says that fresh GM apples would have a sticker bearing the company's trademark “Arctic Apple” logo. The company promises a similar logo on food products that have ingredients from the GM apple but it’s not clear how this would be implemented or enforced. Sliced GM apples used by the food service industry are unlikely to be labelled.

In 2012, the Leger Marketing company conducted

include Canadian Organic Growers, Council of Canadians, Ecological Farmers of Ontario, and the National Farmers Union.

“Our government is not listening to Canadians,” said Lucy Sharratt of CBAN. “Fruit growers had asked the government not to approve this GM apple and polls show that a majority of consumers don’t want it on grocery store shelves.”

Growers are concerned that the GM apple will negatively affect the entire market for apples. “Growers are right to worry that without clear labelling many consumers will buy fewer apples just to avoid this GM apple,” said Thibault Rehn of the Quebec Network Vigi-

Municipal Employees salaries Recent disclosures under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, which requires organizations that receive public funding from the Province of Ontario to disclose annually the names, positions, salaries and total taxable benefits of employees paid $100,000 or more in a calendar year, has revealed that four of North Grenville’s municipal staff earn over that amount in salaries and taxable benefits every year. The staff in question are: Chief Administrative Officer, Brian Carré, who earns $133,231.08, with another $838.93 in taxable benefits; Director of Public Works, Karen Dunlop, earning $108,582.17, with April 1, 2015

$838.93 in taxable benefits; Director of Emergency and Protective Services/Fire Chief, Paul Hutt, making $114,293.80, and $838.93 in taxable benefits; and Director of Planning and Development, Forbes Symon, who makes $102,452.76, with $838.93 in taxable benefits.

The act applies to organizations such as the Government of Ontario, Crown Agencies, Municipalities, Hospitals, Boards of Public Health, School Boards, Universities, Colleges, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, and other public sector employers who receive a significant level of funding from the provincial government.

Town of Hawkesbury, Chief Administrative Officer, $115,359.43 and $196.56 [12,130] City of Elliot Lake, Chief Administrative Officer, $151,987.35 and $994.56 [11,350] City of Temiskaming Shores, City Manager, $141,145.62 and $1,837.32 [13,560] Town of Cobourg, Chief Administrative Officer, $146,759.06 and $1,846.13 [18,500] Clearly, the salary of North Grenville’s CAO is actually below the average for municipalities of our size in Ontario.

The level of remuneration for North Grenville senior management is not out of step with similar sized municipalities in Ontario. Although it is difficult to make comparisons, with socio-economic factors differing widely, one possible source of comparison is with municipalities of similar population size.

For example, Chief Administrative Officer, Brian Carré’s salary of $133,231 can be compared to the same official in the following cities and towns: City of Kenora, Chief Administrative Officer, $153,039.93 salary, and $1,687.97 in taxable benefits.

Population: 15,350.

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a poll on behalf of the BC Fruit Growers' Association and the Federation of Quebec Apple Growers, asking Canadians their opinion of genetically modified foods in general, and the new GM apple in particular.

The results, in both cases, showed that a majority were opposed to having GM foods approved for commercial distribution.

When it comes to GM foods generally, 51% of those polled were against such engineering, although 2% of these were prepared to allow engineering “for cosmetic purposes only”.

Almost 70% of those polled were opposed to Health Canada approving the GM Arctic Apple, with 78% saying that the Harper gov-

ernment has not provided adequate information to the public about genetically modified foods. An odd statistic is that, in addition to that 78%, another 9% stated that they “had never heard of genetically modified foods” before taking part in the survey. Given that they would likely agree that the government had not provided adequate information on the subject, this means that 87% of Canadians polled believe that they have not been properly informed, or consulted, about the government’s policy on GM foods.

For the poll results, go to: www.bcfga.com/files/file/ Report%20on%20GE%20 survey%20-%20July%20 3%202012.pdf

For alterations call the pro!

YOU NAME IT, I CAN SEW IT Custom sewing services

613-258-5248 or rhonda@icansewit.ca

Local paving company Family owned and operated Free estimates Paving, Driveway Sealing, and hot asphalt repairs Info@chevrierasphalt.com

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April 1, 2015

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The Voice of North Grenville

Easter Hours Good Friday, Closed Saturday 8-6 Easter Sunday Closed Easter Monday 8-6

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, April 3 to Thursday, April 9, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

April 1, 2015

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Fundamentals

Where you lead

by David Shanahan

In the history of science, there has always been a maxim which has guided inquiry from the time of Socrates: “Follow the argument wherever it leads”. This means that the focus should be on truth, reality, not trying to prove assumptions and pre-existing biases. No matter where the evidence leads, follow it honestly to whatever conclusion it leads you. Such an approach requires that we concentrate on explaining what is, and not trying to explain away what we don’t want to acknowledge. It is neither honest, nor scientific, to start by looking for evidence to support a preexisting opinion.

This motto is as relevant to religion as it is to science.

What, after all, is the point of believing in something that is demonstrably false? Even if the cost of such a discovery is the death of our deepest held beliefs and hopes, is it not better to face the facts than to persist in a delusion?

Because, if what we believe is truly true, then all the facts and evidence will ultimately only enhance our understanding, and subsequent praise and wonder. Being closed to scientific inquiry can only stunt our growth and leave us in a frightened Christian ghetto of the mind, constantly afraid that some discovery will somehow undermine out faith.

The journey to which this motto leads is full of excitement, doubt and internal conflict, because there will be times when the evidence seems to point in a direction you really don’t want to go. But the alternative is, perhaps, far worse: the alternative is to be happy with ignorance, illusion and wishful thinking. Unfortunately, many of us prefer that alternative, or, at most, a middle ground of superficiality. For Christians, this shows itself in a willingness to let someone else, a “professional” Christian, do the thinking, reading, praying, etc. for you, and just accepting whatever it is they tell you without question.

For the non-believing materialist, it means very much the same thing: accepting statements of “scientific” fact without thinking, without reflection, without any attempt to find out the truth for yourself. Far better, we think, to leave it to the experts.

Many religions capitalise on this attitude, of course. They rely on the ignorance of their

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followers to make money, gain converts, or influence people. It has ever been so, and today’s “religions”, promising deeper knowledge to those willing to pay more money for the privilege, are just copies of similar groups from ancient times.

Modern science developed as it did because people who believed in a Lawgiver expected to find laws governing the universe he created. And they did.

Although materialists have now convinced many that science is the realm of the non-believers, that is far from the case. Believers in God developed modern science, and still remain a major force within the disciplines, winning Nobel prizes as often as anyone else. The conflict is not between Science and Christianity, and never has been. The conflict is between those who see the universe only in materialist terms (no spiritual reality outside space and time, only energy and matter exist), and those who believe that the universe shows clear signs of design, of having a beginning and one who began it.

There are also those who believe in the signs of a definite design in the universe, without needing to believe that this implies the existence of a God. But the implications of the evidence ultimately leads away from that conclusion. Follow the argument where it leads.

This is not at all to claim that every question has been answered, or that “blind faith” is all that’s required by either theists or atheists. Debate also continues over the age of the universe: some believe in a young

Earth (around 10,000 years old), while others, atheist and theist, think it is billions of years older. One of the wonderful things about the universe in which we live, is that, whether you are looking at the vast cosmos, or at the level of cells, DNA and its constituent parts, it seems there is no end to the detail, the complexity and the questions.

The discovery of the DNA molecule has completely revolutionised science, bringing new information, new ideas, and new awareness of the make-up of everything. The science of the early Twentieth Century, not to mention that of Darwin and the Nineteenth Century, has been overtaken and has had to be redefined as a result. It’s a whole new world now, and the argument must be followed wherever it leads. Where it is leading at the moment has been welcomed by theists and this, in turn, has led to a major backlash from the so-called New Atheists, who have been on a strident campaign of ridicule and condemnation of spiritual beliefs for the past ten years.

For the Christian, it is, and always has been, essential that we follow the arguments wherever they lead. Because if, as we know and believe, there is Truth and that Jesus Christ is God, with all that implies, then we ought never to be afraid of questions, of investigation and inquiry. Further discoveries only add to our wonder at the universe that the Word spoke into being, and the beauty and joy in creation which reflects the personality of the Creator.

The 6% Solution

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The Voice of North Grenville

North Grenville Rotary Science Fair

photos by Pat Jessop It was a wonderful sight to see. The gymnasium of the North Grenville District High School [NGDHS] was filled with 80 booths displaying the science projects of one hundred Intermediate students at the school, along with students from the grade 6 classes of schools who were brought in to admire and learn.

NGDHS teacher, Matt Wilson, had organised the first annual Rotary Science Fair, with the energetic and enthusiastic assistance of his fellow teachers. This was the first Fair at NGDHS, but far from the first organised by Matthew, who has taught in a number of schools around eastern Ontario, and, everywhere he taught, he brought out this passion for science in his classrooms. There were no less than thirty judges who volunteered their time to make the difficult decisions about who would be awarded the medals and certificates that acknowledged their achievements. And the judges’ job was neither easy nor lightly taken.

But, in the end, winners and honourable mentions in eleven different categories were announced and pre-

sented with their prizes by Mayor David Gordon. In addition, there were four Special Awards given out.

The Best Technology Award went to Ethan Hurley and Joe Phillippe for their “Quadcopter Flight” project.

The North Grenville Community Service Council’s Best Visual Display Award was won by Suzi Roy and Steven Christoff for “Electrifying”.

The Ferguson Forest Centre Environmental Award was given to Nolan Beavis, for a project examining “Plant Growth using different liquids”.

And Xan McMullin won the top prize, the Best in Show Award, for his study of the effect of air temperature in enhancing the performance of soccer balls in flight: “Going the Distance”.

Matthew Wilson had been encouraged by the extent of local support for the Science Fair even before the big day arrived. But the true scale of the achievement was only really seen during the Fair itself, and he was full of praise and thanks to all those who helped make it happen.

“The first North Grenville Rotary Science Fair

was a huge success, but it wouldn’t have been without the support of a lot of people.

I would first like to thank the many organizations that helped get it off the ground with the financial support that is needed to support an event like this: the North Grenville Community Service Council; the Kemptville Rotary Club; the Ferguson Forest Centre and the North Grenville Times. I would like to thank all the community members who donated their time as judges for the fair: without them I would not be able to offer this experience to our students. To the students and parents from our intermediate classrooms: thank you for embracing this new activity both at school and at home. Finally, I would like to thank the staff at North Grenville for doing such a great job in their classrooms: without your support there would not have been a science fair.”

The full award ceremony is available to view on the NG Times website at www. ngtimes.ca, and more photographs, and a shorter video report can be found on our Facebook page.

Principal Jeff Curtis, Mayor David Gordon and Teacher and fair organiser Matt Wilson

Xan McMullin won the top prize, the Best in Show Award, for his study of the effect of air temperature in enhancing the performance of soccer balls in flight: “Going the Distance”.

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Building a Sustainable North Grenville This Employment Ontario program is funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario. Ce programme d’Emploi Ontario est financé par les gouvernements du Canada et de l’Ontario.

April 1, 2015

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Fungus Among Us! It’s almost Spring and many of us are dreaming of getting into sandals. But wait? Are those feet sandal-ready?

Spring is often the time when people prone to foot fungus (also known as Athlete’s Foot), see flare-ups occurring.

Athlete's foot is one of those mundane things that is often chronic but ignored. It can also sneak under the radar and be mistaken for common dry skin or other conditions. Athlete's foot most often manifests itself as a rapid peeling of the skin on the bottom of one's

foot, or moist cracks between the toes. It can however, look like small blisters or dry cracks around the heel. Most people think it should be itchy, but often it is not, which may be why it is not always diagnosed right away.

Foot fungus spores are everywhere; they thrive in dark, moist areas and lay dormant in dry areas waiting for perfect conditions.

Fungus is spread in places where people go barefoot or in sandals, such as gym lockers, showers, and swimming pools. Many people are

exposed to fungus in spas where tools are not properly sterilized. The spores are also in the earth in your garden.

Fungal flare ups are common this time of year because the weather is getting warmer and we are becoming more active. We may be visiting spas to get our feet in shape, as well as putting on shoes that have been sitting in a warm dark closet all winter, or working in the garden in sandals or clogs.

Usually, athlete's foot is nothing to worry about. There are plenty of over-the-counter

remedies. If left untreated, however, it can lead to the exposure of raw skin and bleeding with secondary bacterial infection. For people with diabetes or other immune system problems, fungal infections can lead to more serious infections very quickly. Fungus can also spread to the nails and make itself at home in the nail beds where most over-the-counter creams and sprays cannot penetrate.

What to do if you suspect a fungal infection? Get a proper diagnosis. Treat fungal

skin infections with antifungal cream. You will need to wash socks, towels and bedding in hot water, and don’t share these with others in order to prevent spreading it to the rest of the family. You will also want to spray your footwear with an antifungal spray and leave them to dry overnight.

For those prone to frequent infections, or if several people in the house have fungus, it is worthwhile investing in an ultraviolet shoe sterilizer.

Nail fungus rarely clears up on its own,

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and will often require a prescription medication and regular reduction of the nail thickness by a professional. It can also be treated with a combination of medication and Laser Therapy.

Body and Sole Foot Care Clinic can provide you with a diagnosis, treatment options and all the supplies you will need to rid your feet and footwear of fungus.

Call for an appointment today 613 258 5508.

Services are covered by most extended health insurance plans. No doctor’s referral required.

Deadline: March 25th Published: April 1st

Mailed to over 7000 homes in North Grenville area through Canada Post

April 1, 2015

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Spring Health and Fitness April is Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month Buy a daffodil pin to support Canadians living with cancer When loved ones are diagnosed with, or pass away from cancer, we often want to do something to help or honour them. The Canadian Cancer Society wants you to know that there is something you can do.

Throughout April, volunteers across Lanark, Leeds & Grenville will be knocking on doors and selling daffodil pins. Money raised during Daffodil Month helps patients and their families in our community. Donations fund life-saving research, support services and other important work that means fewer Canadians will be touched by the disease.

Last year thanks to Canadians generous support of Daffodil Month, the Canadian Cancer Society was able to fund $45 million dollars in world-class re-

April 1, 2015

search to fight all cancers and help more than 85,000 Canadians through our support services.

In Lanark, Leeds & Grenville we helped fill more than 2,900 requests for rides, 396 community members contacted our toll-free Cancer Information Service and 35 cancer patients and caregivers received Peer Support.

Daffodil Month volunteers needed Volunteers are essential to the success of the Daffodil Month campaign and we are looking for people who can spare a few hours to help out during this critical fundraising time for our organization on the following dates: April 9 to 12 and April 16 to 19. Register today at llg.myccsschedule.ca or by calling the community

office at (613) 267-1058.

It is only with the support of our donors and volunteers that the Society will continue to save lives and support people living with cancer right now.

Visit cancer.ca or contact the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville community office at (613) 267-1058 to make a donation and to find out what is going on across Lanark, Leeds & Grenville.

About Daffodil Month Daffodil Month, held every April, is a national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society.

During the month, volunteers are involved in numerous activities to raise vital funds for the fight against cancer. Contact your local community office to find out more. Or donate online at cancer.ca.

Top tips to revitalize yourself the natural way (NC) Cabin fever is a reality for many Canadians after being cooped up indoors all winter long. So what better way is there to enjoy the arrival of spring than to say goodbye to hibernation and embrace a new wellness routine? This would include a diet rich in seasonal produce and a well-planned fitness program with plenty of outdoor time. The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has some helpful tips to get you back in shape and enjoying spring to the fullest, naturally: Out with the old, in with the new According to Helen Long, president of CHFA: “Spring is the beginning of a bountiful growing season and adding more fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to the daily diet is an excellent way to feel energized,” Many of us pack on pounds throughout winter, as our bodies crave comfort foods that are not always good for the waistline.

Now is the ideal time to make small changes to your diet by including fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and fibre. It will have a big impact on your weight-loss goals and general well-being. Opt for organic produce to avoid unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Take it outside A 35-year old, 165 pound woman can burn up to 230 calories by walking at a moderate pace for one hour. Put your running shoes on and go out for a stroll. Cardiovascular exercise not only helps with maintaining a healthy weight by increasing your metabolism, but it also improves heart health by reducing cholesterol and enhancing blood circulation. Performing cardiovascular exercise also changes the hormonal profile in your body considerably. It releases 'feel good' hormones that can help ease symptoms of depression and fatigue, as well as releasing hormones that can help decrease appetite.

When making significant changes to your fitness, nutrition, or routines, it's always important to talk to your health care practitioner to ensure that these changes are right for you. More information is available online at chfa.ca, where you can also find a health food store in your neighbourhood.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Apr 2 Apr 5 Apr 5

Apr 7 Apr 11

Apr 12

Apr 15

CROSSWORD

Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guest speaker: Christine Duport Switzer-Braille writing.

Easter Sunrise Service at 7 am at the bridge on Mill St. in Bishop's Mills followed by breakfast in St. Andrew's Church Hall. Easter Worship Service in the Church at 11 am.

Attention all Kids and Parents of Kids! There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of Maplewood Hall in Oxford Mills at 1 pm (sharp) on Easter Sunday. This is one of the many OMCA events offered free of charge in the spirit of coming together as a community.

The Oxford Mills Community Association presents its Expression of Interest to purchase Maplewood Hall to the Municipality of North Grenville's Committee of the Whole, 6:30 pm.

Foods for Cardiovascular Health. Join us for a free presentation by Nutritionist Carol Pillar, 1 pm, at Heathers Healthy Harvest, 215 Sanders St., Kemptville. Other questions or concerns? Carol will be available until 3 pm.

An afternoon of music with Ron Donnelly and the Marlboreens, St. John's United Church, 400 Prescott St., 2-4 pm. $12 per ticket, children under 6 are free. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Held in the sanctuary, our building is fully accessible and we look forward to welcoming you. For more information please contact the office at 2583259.

New Horizon Club will meet at the Burritt's Rapids Community Hall at 2 pm. The speaker will be Mary Cook who will tell us about growing up on an Ottawa Valley farm during the 30's. Refreshments follow. All seniors are welcome. For information about membership and meeting dates contact Janet at 613-269-2737.

ACROSS 1. Humdinger 5. Plaster 10. Where a bird lives 14. Press 15. Cancel 16. Savvy about 17. Prima donna problems 18. Warranted 20. Goddess of divine retribution 22. Without a weapon 23. Poetic dusk 24. Weepy 25. Encroachment 32. Intimidate 33. Hyrax 34. French for "Friend" 37. Water chestnut 38. Wash out with a solvent 39. Where two pieces meet

Weekly and recurring events Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

M,W,F

April 1, 2015

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

Mixed Pickup 18+ Basketball is back! All skill levels welcome. Holy Cross School on Tuesday, 7-9 pm. $5 per night or $60 for the season.

Please call Jeff or Samantha at 613-258-1847 or samantha.rivetstevenson@rbc.com. Please remember there is no basketball on snow days !

Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "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!

The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first Wednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca.

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 beginning Sept 10, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00.

KCCB, NG High School band room,7-8:30 pm. Brass and Woodwind musicians of all levels welcome! Music covers a wide range of musicals, classics, jazz and modern pieces. For more information, email dennis843@gmail.com 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.

Friendship lunch, Leslie Hall, Clothier St. W. Sponsored by St. James, St. John, Kemptville Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army and Holy Cross churches. Serving begins at 11:30 am. No charge. Goodwill offering. All are welcome.

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

The Voice of North Grenville

40. Antlered animal 41. Nonchalantly unconcerned 42. Thin piece of wood or metal 43. Changes 45. Small fatty European fish 49. One time around 50. Groundbreaker 53. Side by side 57. Opposition 59. Close 60. Goddess of discord 61. A long-legged S. American bird 62. Venician magstrate 63. Feudal worker 64. Basic belief 65. Winter precipitation DOWN 1. Mortgage

2. Desire 3. Weaving machine 4. Sightless 5. Summoning 6. Rectum 7. Ribonucleic acid 8. Mentor 9. Dash 10. French for "Our" 11. Colonic 12. Drive 13. Drink made of liquor and water 19. Dapper 21. Dispatched 25. Doing nothing 26. Letters, etc.

27. An 80's style of music 28. Panache 29. Rodent 30. Go in 31. Born as 34. Relating to aircraft 35. Principal 36. Rapscallions 38. L 39. Allowances 41. Douses 42. Sun 44. Even though 45. Binge 46. Wharves 47. Kino gum 48. Licoricelike flavor 51. French for "State" 52. Anger 53. Highest point 54. Many millennia 55. Palm starch 56. An old spelling of "True" 58. Indian bread

SUDOKU Easy

Hard

Medium

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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CLASSIFIEDS

First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca SERVICES

available immediately. 613295-0552

ting, dog walking Kempt./ Merrickville. 613-979-2616 petnannykemptville.com

Two-bdrm modular home. Extras. $66,000. 850 County Rd 44105. Call 613.258.5565

wanted

Waterfront Home. Ideal for home business, 1683 S. River Rd. Call 613.258.5565

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

Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R The Pet Nanny - Pet sit- #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847

Property cleanup,trees/ b r u s h / y a r d waste,scrap,dump runs,anything removed Wayne Scott RR#5 Kemptville 613-286-9072 SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? www.herbalone.com Effective, affordable programs and/or products.

Call 613-258-4242 Mention this ad to SAVE 10%.

Rock My House Music Centre is looking for Instructors. 613 258-5656 AVON – Looking for products, call Joan, 613-258-7644

Handyman/Contractor With Years Of Experience. No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small. Unlimited References, Call For Free Estimate 613-791-8597

YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902 Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations. 20 years experience. Brian 613-215-0805 Food-HealthConnections seminars for your company, group, school. Nutritionist Carol Pillar RHN. www.wholesumapproach. com 258-7133

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

2 bedroom upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville. 4 applicances/parking/ water included. Call 613 296 5906.

Large 27 foot above-ground pool for sale. Excellent shape .Comes with pump , ladder and ancillary equipment also in excellent condition. Best offer.

Buyer will disassemble and transport.

Call 613-989-2424

Log chalet nestled on a mountainside facing north, Mont Tremblant. 4 bedrooms, fireplace, hot tub. Book now 613 203 2897 chantillyplace. tremblant@gmail.com

Canon XT, all accessories, CF card, Lexar reader. $115.00 ve3mhm@sympatico.ca

Help wanted

Heckston Country home, 4 Kemptville $1550 + utilities bedrooms. deck, yard, park(MLS#943749) - 3 bed/ bath town- ing, $1,400.00 plus gas /hySEWING : Weddings to alter- home w/hot tub, granite, fenced yard. dro 613-258-4741 ations at Stonehouse Studio. $1550 + utilities (MLS#943749) Krista George, Sales Rep. Keller Williams Solid Spacious 3 bdrm bungalow.

Call Sharon 613-224-3182.

Rock. 613-978-4636 Fridge, stove, washer, dryer incl. Large lot. $1275 + utili“DROWNING in MESS?! ties. 613 853 6592FOR SALE Downtown Kemptville, 2 bedIndividually tailored Coaching packages now available www.sarahsorganizingservices.com”

FREE DRUM LESSON!!! Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www. drumhead.ca Need help with social media?

Business or personal. Email alwaysoncanhelp@gmail. com or call 613-227-3009

Kemptville 4 BDRM Century Home Finished basement all appliances 1 ½ baths large deck sauna hot tub 613 720 HANDY MAN SPECIALIZ- 0942 ING IN RENOVATION AND HOUSE STAGING. WE DO IT Old Town Kemptville – 10 ALL CALL 613 294 2416 Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 690 sq. ft., NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A available immediately. 613LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs 295-0552 owner/operator, subcontracting. Free estimates Large 3 bedroom house in Work Guaranteed call 613 Kemptville. 4 appliances. Gas 294 2416 heat. $1275 + utilities. 613853-6592

Mr & Mrs clean residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrand- Old Town Kemptville – 113 mrsclean613@gmail.com, Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 1,878 sq. ft., 613-867-2184 available immediately. 613Professional Nutrition Coach- 295-0552 ing for your wellness goals. wholesumapproach.com 613- Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $800 + utilities; 258-7133 hardwood floors; gas heat; Qualified English tutor: read- covered balcony; no smoking ing, writing, grammar, etc...I or pets; available immediately. 613-295-0552 make it fun! 613-269 2367.

House Cleaning-Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277 April 1, 2015

Laborer needed, for construction company Drivers licence not required, Residents of Kemptville Only Call 613894-5210

Kemptville - 2 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $950 (water included) + utilities; hardwood floors; gas heat; covered balcony; no smoking or pets;

Can't find my little girl..her name is Milly.(Springer Spaniel).was with me walking in the fields off Latourell Rd around 5pm...she always goes home before me..but she is not around..Latourell and South Gower Drive (near Kemptville). I have been walking her the same route for years and that is not like her...

My number is 613 258 0066 home...613 258 3709 store

Art work by St. Michael’s High School student

room, 4 appliances,, parking, $965 + utilities, April 1st.613258-0237”

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

LOST DOG - PELTON'S CORNER, ON March 29, 2015

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Bend in the Assiniboine

The Voice of North Grenville

Check out the ngtimes web site This week: The first Rotary Science Fair Awards Ceremony at NG District High School www.ngtimes.ca

(oil on canvas 6 x 12 in.)

by Aleta Karstad 18 October 2014 finds me painting a bend in the Assiniboine River 5 km south of Miniota, Manitoba, 7.5km downstream of the planned Energy East pipeline crossing. A Bald Eagle flies across the river and I paint it into the scene where it lands to sit briefly, high in one of the tall Ash trees that reach their split, scarred trunks through the tangle of the riverine forest on the far bank.

We stopped here in 1986, coming home from a year in British Columbia with our infant daughter, and this was then, as now, our westernmost woods of familiar cold-sensitive broadleaf trees. We noted the striking uniformity of the bark of the trees, and the diversity of their leaves. Now, nearly 30 years later, the woods and fields are very much the same, except that the riverside forest looks more ravaged and tangled from the recent record high floodwaters, and the fields and forest floor are paved with new mud.

There's a freshly roadkilled Raccoon on the midline of the highway a bit ahead of me, and this is what's holding the attention of two Eagles, and at least ten Ravens. As I paint, I notice a Raven, flying and calling, apparently making repeated attempts to persuade Fred to follow upstream, with four-grawk

instructions. Fred says that while you may not understand what a Raven is saying, you've got to pay attention because they say it in such a scholarly way. Now, Fred not having understood, this one flies off saying "yikes!" with a presumed mate, as Fred doggedly insists on patrolling the banks, finding tracks of Beaver, Deer, and Muskrat in the clay among drifted Ash seeds, and deposits of land snail shells to be sorted later.

Fred continues down a gravelly creek out toward the river, and back through Manitoba Maple woods and Sandbar Willow thickets where the mud deposit had cracked into curved shapes rather than polygons. A couple of kilometres upstream of my painting site is the Highway 83 bridge over the River. There are no Beaver tracks on the bar – they must have had to find an alternative food source – but tracks of Raccoon, Otter, Muskrat, and Mink show that it has been thoroughly patrolled for edibles.

It's easiest to find riverbed creatures at times of drought, so with the high water levels we've seen all across the country, we've needed a few instances of pretty good luck to find the Unionid mussels and Crayfish that so much of our exploration focuses on. Here the good fortune is that the flood – equal

to, or greater than, a 2011 flood that had been called a '300 year event' – has washed a generous sample of the Unionid mussels of the river up onto the bar, 2.5-4m above the current water level.

Fred has now returned with his heavy bags of huge and amazing shells, so I must pack up my paints and stow my partially finished painting safely on the dashboard, its edge snug against the windshield where it won't be smudged.

Dear supporters and patrons of my art: This 6 x 12 inch oil painting is available by e-mail auction to support our independent survey of the Energy East Pipeline. The starting price is $425 and bidding will close at midnight on 16 October. If you would like to purchase it, please contact Aleta at: karstad@pinicola. ca<karstad@pinicola. ca.

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

Full Page $750 1/2 $425 1/4 $240 1/8 $140 All prices include full process colour

Deadline April 8th Published April 15th

Dangle, Snipe, Sell Your House.

Experience counts in the playoffs.

Draft an experienced realtor to be on your team.

Local chicks are great Agents!

jill dulmage Broker

April 1, 2015

17

Bus: 613.692.3567 Fax: 613.692.0928 Cell: 613.620.0011

jill@royallepage.ca jill@jilldulmage.com

Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.

The North Grenville Times

Live Local Music at this year’s Sustainability Fair and Market Submitted by Bruce Enloe for Sustainable North Grenville Come out and hear the music at this year’s Sustainability Fair and Market on Sunday, April 26, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Municipal Centre in Kemptville. Music at this year’s event will include performances by several local acts, including John Carroll, Fiddlehead Soup, Bella Borealis and the K-Towne Trio.

Headlining the day’s music is John Carroll (1-2pm). John is a roots and blues musician who lives in Kemptville and is well known and well-loved in the area; he is also especially popular in Ottawa where he has hosted a weekly show every Wednesday night at The Laffayette, Ottawa’s oldest bar, for over a decade. John is a songwriter, singer and a skilled slide, steel and resonator guitarist with at least three album’s worth of original tunes that range in style from the hilarious to the incredible. When he’s not playing his well-crafted Tom Waits-by-way-of-Bob Dylan inflected originals, he is playing classics that span the history of guitar-based folk and blues with, perhaps, the occasional Prince cover thrown in. Come for the music and keep smiling with Kemptville’s most entertaining performer.

World folk and fiddle music group Fiddlehead Soup is playing from 12-1 pm. This energetic trio is as engaging as they are talented. They start with a haunting Celtic, medieval groove based around native Scotsman Doug Hendry’s open

tuned 12 string guitar and warm tenor voice, then they weave it into a gypsy tapestry with mother and daughter Glenna Hunter and Ursa Meyer’s twinned fiddles and voices.

Singing songs from the fiddle traditions of multiple countries and in multiple languages, the band does an incredible job of making the difficult look not only effortless, but fun.

Bella Borealis (11am-noon) is a ladies singing group led by singer-songwriter and recording artist Lisa Poushinsky, with the help of Jeanne Lambert, Polly Beach and Leahbeth Harding.

The group performs a broad range of multi-part harmonybased songs, ranging from the modern and unexpected (Fleet Foxes) to tunes from classic 60s folk, traditional, gospel, classical, and even some silly stuff, just for the heck of it. If there is a harmony worth singing, they will find and sing it well.

The K-Towne Trio (1011am), is made up of Peter Johnson on rhythm guitar, vocals and goofy humour, Anne Lyon on vocals, and songwriter Ken Julien on lead/rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocals. They play all of your favourite singalongs and oldies, as well as a couple of Ken’s sweet, heart-felt originals. The Trio likes to play upbeat, happy songs that will warm your soul, keep you tapping your toes and smiling.

The North Grenville Sustainability Fair is in its 8th year; bring the whole family for a fun opportunity to shop and support your local economy, to learn about sustainability issues and

INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

The Voice of North Grenville

Chamber hold first after hours meeting

to network, socialize and enjoy the company of your community. This annual Earth Day oriented celebration has lots of cool, hands-on activities like face painting & seed planting for the little ones, as well as things like an Electric Vehicle show for the bigger kids in the group.

This year’s fair is formally adding a ‘Market’ component, with several crafters and vendors from the area and from the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers’ Market bringing products to sell. There will also be food vendors for a fun brunch or lunchtime experience, including a concession by The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill.

Sustainable North Grenville is a group of citizens interested in helping to make North Grenville a more sustainable community. Our mission is to foster a resilient community that meets the social, cultural and economic needs of its residents now and for the future, while preserving the environment’s ability to support it.

Enjoy great local musical talent at the 8th Annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair & Market on Sunday, April 26th from 10am-2pm at the N. G. Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville.

FREE ADMISSION For more information about sustainability, our monthly events or the NG Sustainability Fair visit our website : www. sustainablenorthgrenville.ca To take part in the fair or to volunteer please contact Jeanne or Clare at sngfair@magma.ca

Chamber Board members Harry Pratt, Cathy Sheppard and David Shanahan

by David Shanahan, Board member, NG Chamber of Commerce The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce held their first after-hours meeting of the year at the Branch Restaurant on Clothier Street in Kemptville last Monday night. The gathering was well attended, with many members, interested business people, and a few concerned citizens coming together to see what this new revitalised Chamber was all about.

Board members Cathy Sheppard, Harry Pratt and David Shanahan greeted the large crowd and spoke about the hopes and plans of this new Chamber, emphasising the need for all Chamber members to have a say in the direction and focus of the organisation. This, said Board Treasurer, Cathy Sheppard, was a time of real potential in North Grenville, a time when it is a strongly held belief that

we are on the verge of new and better things for the business community, as well as the residents generally. Harry Pratt spoke of the enormous potential which exists in our community. “Everything we need is here”, he said, “we just have to work together to make good things happen for North Grenville”.

The presence of Mayor David Gordon and CAO, Brian Carré gave a hint of what might be possible as the renewed Chamber works in collaboration with the municipality and business organisations such as the Kemptville BIA to bring a new focus and co-ordination to business development in North Grenville.

This new Chamber of Commerce is committed to working for the benefit of its members, providing services, information, a network of interests that will support and encourage local businesses.

Cathy Sheppard indicated that a new series of breakfast meetings can be arranged, as well as regular monthly after hours meetings, possibly on Tuesday nights, where Chamber members can hear informative talks, learn from each other about matters of mutual interest, and provide a supportive network for member businesses.

It is also hoped that noncommercial groups, such as the Kemptville Players and the North Grenville Historical Society, for example, could find sponsorship and expertise from among fellow Chamber members, as they add to the social and cultural life of our community. The future of the NG Chamber of Commerce is bright, and it is hoped that the renaissance of the Chamber will mark the renaissance of the business community of North Grenville.

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

April 1, 2015

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

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The Voice of North Grenville

Alice’s Restaurant:

or“Toplessness Topples Taxes”

by Peter Johnson With the Parliament in Ottawa happily rolling along, steamrolling the Conservative's Anti-terrorism Bill, C-51, through the House, with little or no asked for input from the Opposition or any other Canadians, a member of the Femen Movement took the opportunity to distract Mr. Harper's minions from their appointed task by removing her top and baring her breasts. Ms. Topaloski shouted out, “C-51 is a war on freedom!”

Greetings gentrified reader. It's April Fool’s Day in most of Canada. It's Poisson d'Avril Day in Quebec. Welcome to the world of politics in Canada, in the non-Spring of 2015. Such are the odd and strange circumstances in this year of our Lord, that Winter has decided that there will be no change of season until possibly June. There is also the oddity that international women's organizations, such as the eminently-until-nowunknowable 'Femen' tribe have to use such drastic measures to get the attention of the media and the similarly cabalistic Conservatives, to make their point.

Ms. Topaloski's strategy was sound. It was abreast of current circumstances. With far too few women in our Parliament, she was in line with popular thinking that, if you want to get mens' attention, sell your point with sex.

She was hoping to make her point in the morning and be displayed, 'deshabillé', across the media for the rest of the day. Alas, the media was not awake and about yet. She was also hoping to be videoed being manhandled out of the Gallery, thus making a connection to how people of colour have been treated in places like Ferguson, Missouri, or like the incredibly brave women's musical trio, Pussy Riot, in Moscow. The best laid plans of mice and, uhhh, women...as the saying

might have gone.

Such demonstrations are not new in Canada. Back in the '60s' (oh dear, here we go...more old geezer nostalgia) Dukhabor women held naked protests on the TransCanada Highway. It's possible that they, too, were protesting the actions of another inscrutable Tory juggernaut... led by John George Diefenbaker. Or, perhaps, their husbands were incarcerated for not paying their yearly tithe to the government. They will forever be part of the historical (hysterical?) fabric of this wondrous nation. And, to a lessor extent, so too is Ms. Topaloski. (As a side note, Ms. Topaloski's punishment?

She is not allowed back in the Parliamentary Gallery for a full year...Ouch!)

So, naturally, this got me thinking - as topless demonstrations tend to do. Here's my plan. Let's 'Topaloski' our Municipal government.

Make it part of our soonto-be-popular tax revolt. It could be Part 2. You remember Part 1? The 2% reduction you were going to give yourself...remember? Whad’dya mean you forgot? Do I have to come to your house and take my shirt off in order to jog your memory? Alas, I don't think it would have the same impact.

Part 2: 'The Topless Tax Protest' will be best conducted by women. Men removing clothing in public will be perceived as silly, as well as environmentally unfriendly.

Just a bunch of crazies having fun. But with women, the perception is much different.

Women are viewed (by some) as politically reluctant, as well as inherently modest.

Neither is totally accurate, but, hey, we're Canadian, we have to cling to our stereotypical thinking. So when a group of women march into the council chambers, topless, no less, confronting the male-dominated proceedings, I am sure that the continued on page 20

BOOK MARKET Book Market started in Montreal, Quebec, in 1985 with one small store in the Beaconsfield Shopping Centre. For approximately five years, we were new books and stationary only.

As we received our shipments of books from the publishers, we noticed that the increase in the price of books from one month to the next was substantial. We figured it wouldn’t be long before people just couldn’t afford to read. It was quite by accident that we’d combine the selling of new books with the second-hand books.

We eventually grew to have a second location in the lower level of a large apartment complex, back when there were shopping malls below where tenants resided. One day, a gentleman from London, England, came into the store and asked if we would be interested in purchasing his science fiction paperback books. He had only moved to Montreal six months previous with the intent of remaining in Canada for some time. So logically, he moved his books with him. Later, he was called back to England and the expense of moving the books back again was too costly. He asked if we would consider purchasing them from him.

We mentioned that we had no idea what to pay for them and this was not a business we knew.

He expressed to us that it was a very common practice in the UK, so we decided to try it.

We purchased the books and put a table out in front of our store and they sold in no

time. People were coming to us and asking if we had other second-hand books in subjects other than science fiction. This made us wonder about the possibilities of purchasing all other types of books from fiction to nonfiction. Through trial and error, we established a system of buying and selling that was effective. The rest, as they, was history. We use the same system to this day, forty years later.

People have always enjoyed the Book Market stores. Finding books that you read as a child that are no longer available, out of print books, or any book you just can’t seem to find to complete your series, we’ll do our best to find it for you.

It’s so enjoyable to see someone find something that they’ve been searching for for years.

Readers will always love to have a book in their hands. To actually feel the paper, smell the ink, turn the pages. There’s something very comforting about this. Perhaps it’s nostalgia. Excitement. Intrigue. Sometimes all three. Sometimes more. That’s why we love books and do what we do.

We have knowledgeable staff working for us, so whatever Book Market you go into, you’re able to talk books, or have a good one recommended to you. Pop in and see us at our Kemptville location, 144 Prescott Street, you’ll be glad you did.

Need help filling those Easter Baskets?

Check out are great selection of gifts that promote imagination and creativity!

613.258.0166 207 Sanders St., Kemptville

www.tbcconsign.com

Blair Hamilton, owner

613-258-3520

301 Prescott St., Kemptville

Art work by St. Michael’s High School student

April 1, 2015

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The North Grenville Times

9 Locations Across Ontario

Markham

The North Grenville Photography Club

continued from page 19

Marvellous March Break fun feeding the birds at Jack Pine Trail off Moodie Drive in Ottawa. Photo by Michelle McEvoy.

gentlemen present will sit up and take notice. They, the women, will probably get away with any demands that they make, as long as they give assurances never to come back and repeat such disturbing/revealing/unnerving behavior.

The outcome? Any present who are of the Liberal, Green, NDP persuasion, will probably recover. Studies have shown them to be more responsive to new ideas and change. But the Conservative minions could end up with a severe form of the dreadful Right Wing Condition, called, V.A.P.I.D.: Vaccuous-Atypical-PoliticallyInspired-Dysfunctionality.

Being strong adherents to 'family values' and pure, chaste thoughts, they might never make a full recovery.

So, choose carefully.

With great power comes great responsibility. Baring one's breasts in public is not for the faint of heart - nor for men. The movement, and surely it could swell into a movement, could be called 'TA-TA's For Tax Reform'.

Or, 'Nature's Way to Say Nay'. Better yet, “Beautiful Bountious Bodaciousness Beating Back Bad Taxes!'

There you go. Another Tax Reform Proposition carrying on Arlo Guthrie's legacy of civil disobedience.

“You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant...excepting Alice.”

This is your chance.

Make your point. Do you part. Keep abreast of the times. But don't make a boob of yourself in the process.

What's the worst that can happen...getting banned from Council Meetings for a year?

EVENT SPONSOR April 1, 2015

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