the north grenville
TIMES
Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in Merrickville/Wolford and North Grenville www.ngtimes.ca
Vol. 3, No. 49
The Voice of North Grenville
December 9, 2015
Christmas floats through Oxford Mills
Judges Greg Beach, Betty Cooper and Barb Tobin by Nora DeVette
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Last year the Oxford Mills Community Association [OMCA], under Sara McAvoy's leadership, undertook to grow our Friday night tree lighting ceremony into a two-day Christmas in the Village event, which included a craft show and sale (which Sara had run successfully for two years prior to that), and children's activities, including decorating cookies, face painting and a barbeque. We also began our Light Up the Village competition, challenging neighbours to light up their houses in the village. The judges were meant to be taken around the village in a beautiful carriage, but alas none were available that
weekend. My sister works at the Kingston Public Library as the head of Human Resources and spearheads their entry into the annual Kingston nighttime Christmas Parade. We like to help her out in the build, and so the trade was made that we would help to build the float, and then we could use it to spirit the judges around the village at night to award the best lit houses. This year the theme was The Nutcracker, and my sister thought (not being competitive at all!) that a twirling Sugar Plum Fairy might win them a prize for the best community float. My husband, Jim, went to work (try to get an engineer to back down from a challenge!) and found a gearbox and old electric
motor to build the spinning platform for the Sugar Plum Fairy. They won the prize in Kingston, and we again used the float to judge the lit houses in the village. You'll see the winner on the back page! See if you can guess who it is. This year a free Santa pancake breakfast was also held at the United Church, followed by crafts for the children. Face painting was again a big hit and the cookie decorating was enjoyed by the children as well. Santa had come from the North Pole for the day and many children were able to have their photos taken with him while giving him their list! We also had an additional fundraiser with wreaths that the OMCA made out of local
greenery. Our silent auction is always a good source of Christmas gifts or dĂŠcor, if you didn't find anything at the craft sale. Many local sponsors came together to make it another great event, one that is looking to grow year over year. Thank You to Randy, the Clarke family, the NG Times, Heather Westendorp, Didi Cooper and family, Amy Jackson, all the vendors that attended, the Davidsons and Seguins for plugging in the lights, Community Living North Granville, Grahame's Bakery for donating some delicious cookies, all OMCA members, all radio and newspaper advertisements providcontinued on page 20
the Merrickville/ Wolford
TIMES pages 17 & 18
Accessory Event at KYC submitted by Robin Heald The KYC Youth Council is planning its 2nd Annual Accessory Event to raise money to attend the annual Youth Centres Canada Convention and is looking for the support of all of those Divas, Divos and Fashionistas. This year it’s being held just before Christmas, so it’s a great opportunity to check off your list as well as support a great cause! If you would like to vol-
unteer, or shop at the event, the dates and hours are Friday, December 11, 3pm to 8pm; Saturday, December 12, 9am to 5pm; and Sunday, December 13, 9am to 5pm at KYC. In the meantime, peek into those closets and dust off those jewelry boxes. Drop off your accessory donations at KYC between 2 and 6pm each weekday. Acceptable items are jewelry, scarves, purses, hats, new makeup, sun glasses, wallets, belts,
Holy Cross students donate to Big Brothers and Big Sisters
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and gently used fashionable clothing. We could also use any large shopping bags for shoppers to fill on the event days. Donations of clearance items from stores are also welcome. Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations of shoes, used earrings, old clothing or used makeup. Join the KYC Youth event of the year! The KYC Youth Council is a volunteer youth leadership board where youth have
input into KYC activities and programs. They raise money for initiatives that matter most to them, including raising money to send youth to an annual youth conference. To join KYC or its Youth Council, come to KYC during any open hours starting at 2pm each weekday. Contact: Robin Heald, Executive Director, at 613258-5212 or director@kemptvilleyc.com
Bella Borealis' Christmas Concert & CD Release singers,” she says. “We’ve taught each other a lot.” Lisa says all the members of the group felt the pressure when it came to creating their first album. For many of them recording music was a completely new experience. One of the main challenges the group faced while creating “Sweet & Dandy” was the loss of one of their group members, Katie Nolan, who had to return to work after her maternity leave. “We’re a small group so it makes a big difference when someone is not able to participate,” Lisa says. Katie is on “Sweet & Dandy” but she will not be performing in their upcoming show. Lisa says it feels great to finally have an album together after 3 years. She hopes the album will open up doors for the group to play at a wider range of festivals and events in the area. “We would love to sing at the Perth garlic festival and festivals in Kingston and Brockville. That’s our goal for next year.” For now though, the group is focusing on their upcoming Christmas concert and CD release party which will be
by Hilary Thomson
Jane Fullarton, Executive Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Leeds and Grenville, was the grateful recipient of funds raised by the students and staff of Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School on Tuesday December 1. Presenting the cheque for $471.51 was Mr. David Kennedy, Principal. Holy Cross is a supporter of the Defeat Depression program run by the Mood Disorder Society of Canada. This is in keeping with the Catholic District School Board of
Eastern Ontario’s focus on Youth Mental Health. The funds earned by Holy Cross will be shared between the M.D.S.C. and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. This year, the CDSBEO has been the recipient of two awards reflecting excellence in its contribution to mental health education: The Jordan James Pickell Mental Health Achievement Recognition Award and the Marg Starzynski Mental Health Leadership Award were presented at a Board Meeting in June.
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It’s official. Local singing group Bella Borealis is releasing their first album this month, just in time for the holidays. The album “Sweet & Dandy” is a compilation of the cover songs the group has been singing since they joined forces in 2012. The group describes themselves as rootsy, harmony focused singers and their album includes everything from appellation harmonies to interpretations of reggae music. “We really struggled with coming up with a few sentences to describe what we’re doing,” says Lisa Poushinsky, group member and leader. This, in part, is because of the diverse musical backgrounds of the group members. Leahbeth Harding has a classical background and has a lot of experience singing in church choirs in the area, and Polly Beach has focused on children’s music for a long time and has run many local children’s choirs. Jean Lambert has been singing with her husband, Tom Graham, for quite some time while Lisa herself has a rock and roll background. “We’re all such different
held on Sunday December 13 at 2 pm at Maplewood Hall in Oxford Mills. They will be performing songs from the CD as well as some sing-along Christmas carols for everyone to enjoy. “Polly has promised to make her delicious cider for everyone who comes to the show, so that should be incentive
enough to come,” Lisa adds. Tickets at $10 or $20 with a CD and can be purchased at the door. They are only making a limited number of CDs so Lisa encourages anyone who wants one to reserve theirs by contacting her through facebook .
2016 to determine fate of Kemptville Ribfest by Beth Nicol The last days of December are often spent evaluating the months past, as new goals are considered for the upcoming year. So it is for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville. The organization, whose mandate is the empowerment of children and youth through a range of mentoring programs, has been giving serious consideration to the future of its main source of funds, the Kemptville Ribfest. The Kemptville Satellite Office opened five years ago with a clientele base of seven children. Today, three hundred and sixty boys and December 9, 2015
girls participate in two after school programs, as well as in school mentoring and the original match program. While the growth of clientele and available programs have been extremely successful, the same cannot be said for the annual fund raiser, the “Kemptville Ribfest.” The family centred festival earned $35,000 for the organization in 2012; it has declined in revenue each year since and in 2015 raised only $17,000. As this money is the major source of income for Kemptville programming, Executive Director, Jane Fullarton, states that the success of Ribfest in 2016 will determine its fate.
cess. For more information about a sponsorship package for your business, contact the Kemptville office at 613-2584440. Consider setting aside June 17 – 19 / 2016 to help out at Ribfest. Hours qualify for high school students’ volunteer quota. In the short term, there is a waiting list of children waiting for volunteers in both the school mentoring and the match programs. For more information check out the website: www.mentoringmatters The office is located at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. It is open Monday through Friday 9:30am - 2pm.
The question of charging an entry fee is not one which is being considered. The event is geared towards family friendly activities and entertainment. To host a celebration that would be out of reach financially for many of the families served by Big Brothers and Big Sisters would be counterintuitive. The United Way contributes 7% of the money needed to keep the office and programs open and running. The balance is raised by the organization. Crucial to the success of any festival are sponsorships and volunteers. This coming year’s Ribfest will need plenty of both to guarantee suc-
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Big Sky Ranch is a jewel in our midst Submitted by Pam Owen There are moments in life when an individual begins to search for meaning to their lives. Something that offers an opportunity to help create a better place in their environment, community or surroundings. It is one of those “Aha!” moments, when we find what we have been searching for, right in our own backyards! Personally, I have been looking around for such an organization, a place where I can hope to make a difference using what humble gifts I have to offer. Big Sky Ranch is the only no-kill Sanctuary of its kind in all of Eastern and Central Ontario, and here it resides in the middle of North Grenville! It all began in 2002 when a fellow named Andy Parent went searching for a country home for his family. He discovered a 26-acre farm on Pelton Road, just
December 9, 2015
off South Gower Drive. For a while, he commuted back and forth between Ottawa and North Grenville, and he enjoyed puttering on his ‘farm’. Friends mentioned that they had a dog that couldn’t be kept, Andy opened his heart and home and the dog moved in. Then came a pony that needed to be surrendered; in it moved, the rest, it can be said, is history. Andy sold his Ottawa home and relocated full time when he saw the need for a safe place for injured, homeless, abused and surrendered animals. His heart is as big as his personality and he began to open his home to more and more animals seeking refuge. Over the first couple of years, he funded his visitors himself. But when he recognized the overwhelming need existing, Big Sky Ranch Sanctuary was born. Established in 2002 and funded privately until
2004, more and more people recognized Andy’s love and compassion for these many animals. In 2006, Big Sky Ranch became a registered charity, accepting animals, donations and volunteers. To date, over 1,800 animals have been re-homed through Big Sky Ranch. Many animals arrived in such conditions that they may never recover fully enough physically or psychologically to be re-homed. As a result, many will live out their lives with dignity and respect in the safety of the barns and pastures of Big Sky ranch Sanctuary. Animals, like people, can be lonely or depressed and at BSR they can be gently nurtured and loved back to health. All of the people I have met at BSR share Andy’s compassion and nurturing attention for the animals. Andy himself is quite unassuming: he refers
to himself – not as the ownerbut as the gatekeeper! Big Sky Ranch is operated by volunteers and is 100% funded by donations. They receive no government funding and are always looking for donations. A very spiritual man, Andy has faith that Big Sky Ranch will be looked after. He looks for support to his community, where he has ensured Big Sky Ranch has an elevated and active presence. Seniors groups, Community Living, schools and youth programs have all passed through the gates at Big Sky Ranch. There is even a program where troubled youth are offered an opportunity to work off their penalties at BSR. The results can be amazing when a bond forms between the youth and the animals they help out with. The Barn Of Hope is the latest vision of Big Sky Ranch. A need was identified for a new barn to be built before the winter, so that no animals would be turned away in the winter. Originally, the plan was to raise funds before building the barn. But, fundraising was slow, and winter was coming quickly, so the decision was made to use reserve funds to build the barn and have faith that they could be replaced as the cold weather moved in. The Barn of Hope has been built and is already filled with animals. I met Emus, a deer, some sheep, goats and a couple of pigs! Of course, there were the resident cats with their little cat beds all lined up along the sides of the barn. I call them free range felines, as they are free to come and go and help keep the rodent population in check in the barns. All that remains is for friends of Big Sky Ranch, the community, and hopefully a corporate sponsor or more to step up and help out! Feel free to go to their website: www.bigskyranch.ca to hear more stories, ways to help and general information about this gem in the middle of our
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The Voice of North Grenville Erick Le Pors
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North Grenville community. Their motto is: “Help us, help them”, and if anyone is considering a charity in lieu of presents this year, please consider Big Sky Ranch.
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The Voice of North Grenville
Kinsmen ‘go for the fences’ at KYC The Kemptville Kinsmen ‘go for the fences’ and are spreading Christmas cheer at The Kemptville Youth Centre (KYC). Here Kinsmen John Brewer (left) and Chris Drozda (right) show Robin Heald, Executive Director of KYC, their quick progress at building the final span of fencing around the youth centre. This fence was funded with generous donations with a North Grenville Municipal Grant, neighbours Rob and Sherri-Lyn Hartley, and the Kemptville Kinsmen.
Photo credit: Paul Race
NGDHS hosts Nerdvana 2015 son, brushed up on rules and created competition charts; others, such as Jon Gagne, planned campaigns for newbies to learn new games. Artists designed t-shirt logos, and countless worker bees, led by Alex Johnson, cut vinyl and made them become a reality for all participants. Alexa Hildebrand ran Registration like a well-oiled machine and participation in the event reached an all-time high. Congratulations to all student leaders for taking initiative and making Nerdvana one of the most definitive social events of the NGDHS calendar.
Submitted by Marc Bergeron On Friday, November 20, over 130 NGDHS students and staff gathered for Nerdvana 2015, an extraordinary gaming extravaganza that lasted from 2pm ‘til 10pm. The energy for the event was palpable in the build-up all week, and reached a crescen-
December 9, 2015
do on Friday. Students played a variety of games, including Minecraft, Smash Brothers, Magic the Gathering, DOTA, Ping Pong, Dance Dance Revolution, Munchkins, Risk, and many more. Some of the achievements by players were nothing short of prodigious and epic. Pizza and fruits
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filled bellies, and snazzy tshirts kept them covered and will serve as mementos for participants for years to come. What a team of horses! It was wonderful to see so many students step up into leadership positions to make this event happen. Tournament organizers, such as Sam Wilkin-
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Editorial
The North Grenville Times
Working class hero by David Shanahan Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be When our time has come, we will be as one God bless our love, God bless our love Those are some of the lyrics to John Lennon’s last song. Naturally, they’re addressed to Yoko Ono, and they seem to show a man who was at peace with the world, content in his love and his life. Sad, poignant, but somehow I like to think that he was in that place when he was so suddenly taken from this world. John Lennon provokes all kinds of reaction among people, even now. He was, at various times, arrogant, insecure, mean, spiteful and caring. He could write “How Do You Sleep?”about Paul McCartney, and also or “Happy Christmas (War is Over)”. In other words, he was a real person, who was complex, contradictory and often divisive. It was thirty-five years ago this week that he was murdered, a strange and yet unsurprising end for a man like him. Peacemakers tend
to die violently: Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Yitzhak Rabin, Robert Kennedy. It was so hard to take in at the time: why would someone want to kill a Beatle? But he was much more than that, and the band was much more than a band. He and they stood for something that is easy to forget after so many years, a revolution, you could say, in popular culture. It was partly the freedom they gave to young boys like me to grow your hair and have your say. Even more, if you lived in Britain or Ireland way back then: it allowed you to speak in your own accent, literally. Before the Beatles, working class accents were associated with low culture, low intellect, low status. John Lennon and the rest of the Fab Four, showed that you could be from less than affluent neighbourhoods and still have something worth saying, still be able to think and speak and change things, without compromising who you were. That really was revolutionary then. The irony, of course, is that John was not working class at all. But he was a working class hero,
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just have to be patient Strangely enough, I find “Imagine” to be one of my least favourites, if only because it has been so overhyped, pushed to mean so much more than it says. One more aspect of his that is so memorable: his humour. He was really hammered by the media and the public when he was quoted out of context, saying that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. But he reacted by writing about his persecution by the press in “The Ballad of John and Yoko”. There, he addresses Jesus as a fellow victim: “You know how hard it can be: the way things are going, they’re going to crucify me!”. Which brings us back to that last song. There is only a scratchy demo he was working on at the time he died, but that just adds to the power of it. At the young age of 40, John Lennon said a last goodbye, not knowing it would be his final one to all of us who saw him as a real man, a true role model. One with flaws, gifts, a genuine genius. In his most active period, he gave us a slogan
nevertheless. Perhaps more than anything, we watched John Lennon grow up, as a man and as a human being. The traditional culture that treated women as second class objects, that macho, unthinkingly sexist attitude, was part of who he was. Read “Norwegian Wood”, or, even more pointedly, “Run For Your Life”. But he grew through those years of change and rethinking of attitudes, and he ended up with “Woman”and the truly poignant “(Just Like) Starting Over”. This time of change led him to do and say some really naive things, but he was honest and open, and we could follow him as he learned and passed on the lessons to those of us who came to trust him. You can follow him from “In My Life”, through “Help!” and on to “Watching the Wheels”. It can be very hard to listen to “Beautiful Boy”, written to his son Séan, especially the lines: Out on the ocean sailing away I can hardly wait to see you come of age But I guess, we'll both
to repeat for ourselves for the rest of our lives: All we are saying is: Give Peace a Chance. For himself, in his own life, I hope he found that peace, with Yoko, with God, with himself. John Lennon: 1940 - 1980. Rest in Peace. Spending our lives together, man and wife together: world without end, world without end. Grow old along with me, whatever fate decrees, we will see it through for our love is true God bless our love. God bless our love.
Building a Sustainable North Grenville
Municipal staff recommend Southgate Church for Senators rink by David Shanahan North Grenville Municipal staff have recommended to Council that they support the Southgate Community Church application for funding from the Senators Foundation to build a year-round surface which can be used as an ice rink in winter and have painted hockey lines and other markings for summer activities. Staff put forward three options for Council’s consideration. One was in the grounds of the Municipal Centre, the other was in Riverside Park. In last week’s NG Times, Su Sally, owner of SuGold, wrote about the community initiative to have the Riverside Park site chosen. Having visited the Park site with Barry Seller, the Manager of the Community Investments and RINK projects with the Ottawa Senators Foundation, it was pointed out that one of the Senators
Foundation’s mandates is to have the Rink centrally located, so that children can walk there. Staff decided that both the Municipal Centre and Riverside Park locations would cost the municipality too much money to maintain, nor did it fit into their previously agreed plans for the Park. “For the Municipality to take on the responsibility to construct and operate an outdoor rink at Riverside Park, an investment would be required for a number of items including getting water to the facility, lighting and a concrete slab as well as staff to maintain the facility and program the activities. There is land at Riverside Park for an outdoor rink but the revitilization plan that was completed in 2013 did not suggest an outdoor rink be included and there was a strong belief in maintaining a large amount of passive recreation space in the Park”.
Municipality and/or the Community partners are responsible for the overhead lighting for evening activity, year round maintenance and repair, and an annual report on the status of use of the facility”. Staff have instead recommended that the Foundation build the rink at Southgate Community Church, which is on the far side of the 416, and certainly not within walking distance for most families, as the Foundation prefers. Staff’s comments justifying their choice of site seem somewhat inadequate in that context: “Although South-
This stance would also, therefore, preclude any splash pad installation in Riverside Park, something that is in the Revitilization plan of 2013. And, in fact, the staff report is somewhat inaccurate in stating that the Municipality would be responsible for so much of the project. According to Su Sally, “Some of the things that the foundation provides as part of the project are to build the actual rink itself on an asphalt pad, build permanent boards, build fencing around the rink and have painted hockey lines and other markings for summer activities. The Foundation also provides basketball nets and basketballs, along with ball hockey equipment. They work with community partners and municipalities to ensure that programming is available twelve months of the year at little or no cost to children”. As for other staff and budget considerations, “The
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gate Church is not in an area that allows for walking to the facility from Kemptville, there are a number of residents along French Settlement Road and Kettle Creek who can access the location without the use of a vehicle”. Council have already given $3,000 to the Southgate church out of the Community Grants fund to go towards the erection of a permanent ice surface at their site. The church has an expected revenue this year of $625,000. Perhaps the $3,000 was needed more elsewhere, perhaps to help support those who can’t af-
Mailing Address P.O. Box 35, Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0 Graphics Accounting Micheal Pacitto cfo@ngtimes.ca mike@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671 613-710-7104
ford heating and food. There is a fear, based on the Senator Foundation mandate and process, that they will not accept the church site, in which case they may decide not to build a rink in North Grenville at all. Either way, the decision by municipal staff to offload the project to a local church, located away from the main residential areas of the community, seems ill-judged and not in the public interest. It is also to be hoped that those on Council who have connections with Southgate will recuse themselves from any vote on the issue.
Staff Reporter Beth Nicol beth@ngtimes.ca 613-258-0033 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca
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Municipality Matters
Municipal Business by David Shanahan The North Grenville Municipal Council had a lot to deal with this week at the meeting of the Committee of the Whole, from Canada Day and Official Plans to bat guano and outdoor ice rinks. Human Resources: Council are faced with a need to update the municipality’s Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual, as it is not in compliance with legislation as it stands. The Manual is complex and lengthy and staff are bringing it forward for review in stages. It begins with clear definitions of staff jobs, that is, defining what a Casual Employee is versus a Parttime Employee. It also lays down the policy with regard to the “collection, use, disclosure and disposal of personal employee information”.
The review also provides details on the hiring process for municipal employees, emphasising the priority of hiring from within current municipal staff. There are also clauses dealing with the termination of staff. Employees can be dismissed without notice “for cause”, meaning for wilful misconduct, disobedience or wilful neglect of duty. The municipality has sixty-two full-time employees, and about as many part-timers. The extent of the revisions required can be gauged from the fact that this initial section being revised takes up more than one hundred pages of documentation. Councillors have a lot to read. Operating and Capital Budget: Another major read for Council is the briefing information on the 2015 Operat-
The North Grenville Times Mills Town Hall. Most of this audit has been completed, and the attic in the Courthouse has been properly insulated. That work was done with the greatest care and the least inconvenience to the NG Historical Society, who use the room immediately under the attic. Work on the Oxford Mills Town Hall, however, is stalled owing to bat guano being found there. And, as bats are considered an endangered species, the Ministry of Natural Resources are now involved, and tenders for the removal of the guano have been completed, but work has yet to begin on its removal. North Grenville Accessibility Plan: The NG Accessibility Advisory Committee have submitted a draft 2015 Accessibility Plan to Council for approval. While committing to support the Ontarians with Disability Act, the
ing and Capital Budget for North Grenville. The 2015 budget for NG is $25 million, and covers a wide range of spending areas. Some of these are on-going projects covering a number of annual budget periods, such as road and sidewalk maintenance. Others are one-off projects, such as the installation of the new outdoor electrical sign at the Municipal centre, which cost $25,000, coming in $708 under budget. The new Settlers Grant Trail cost $38,630, which was $13,630 over budget. Most of the budget items are major and minor housekeeping expenditures which seem to be well monitored and the reporting process is clear, responsible and complete. But what about that bat guano? The 2015 budget contains an item ($30,000) for a building audit on the Courthouse and Armory in Kemptville, and the Oxford
New “Cutting Red Tape” Bill from Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark has started the wheels turning to allow Ontario automobile dealers to do in-house vehicle registrations and licensing. During Private Member’s Business in the Ontario Legislature last week, Steve’s Bill 152, “Cutting Red Tape for Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2015", was passed unanimously on Second Reading. It will now go to the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee. “I’m pleased to get the green light today for my bill to cut red tape for auto dealers across Ontario,” Steve said. “Allowing auto dealers to process these transactions electronically will save time and money, while also helping them to serve their customers even better.” The bill amends the Highway Traffic Act to allow reg-
istered motor vehicle dealers to do any of the following by electronic means: Apply for a permit, number plates or a validation for a vehicle. Apply for a new permit for a vehicle. Apply for a used vehicle information package. The bill also empowers the Minister of Transportation to monitor the success of the program and add more services to the list through regulation. Steve tabled Bill 152 in response to concerns brought forward by car dealerships in the Riding. “They approached me over the summer to say how much the lengthy wait times at Service Ontario were costing them and leaving their customers feeling increasingly frustrated. In our discussions, we realized this
wasn’t just a local matter and that we had an opportunity to modernize the system across Ontario.” In addition to streamlining the process for vehicle dealers, he stressed his bill would ease the pressure on wait times for everyday Ontarians at Service Ontario locations. The bill was endorsed by the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. Trillium’s Director of Government Relations Frank Notte said: “Bill 152 is a vital tool that supports Ontario’s auto sector. Too often, the retail side of the auto sector doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. While auto manufacturing may grab headlines, it is the retail side where the rubber hits the road. This Bill will help Ontario’s 1,000 new car dealers save time and money,
and give them the tools to provide a more convenient customer service experience.” A similar electronic system for auto dealers is already up and running well in Quebec. Moreover, in 2011 the provincial government conducted a pilot project on in-house licensing and registration for vehicle purchases and leases at two dealerships – one in Peterborough and one in Belleville. Steve notes that “From all accounts, the data collected from that test drive showed it was a success for everyone involved: dealerships, the government and customers. I look forward to my bill being called to committee where we can examine that data, hear from the stakeholders and get this overdue modernization of government services in gear.”
Summer jobs applications open January 4 Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced that the Canada Summer Jobs Program application period will run from January 4, 2016 to February 26, 2016. “Many organizations and small businesses in the area apply for this program each year,” Gord said. “While we don’t yet have the details on funding, I encourage employers to start thinking about their applications. More information will be available January 4.” Canada Summer Jobs applications will be available December 9, 2015
at Service Canada Centres and online at servicecanada. gc.ca/csj. Employers will be able to complete and submit their applications online, by mail or in person. The Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide will be available online as well. It provides instructions on how to fill out an application, information on eligibility requirements, and the assessment criteria. Canada Summer Jobs helps employers create summer job opportunities for students in their communities. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while achieving tangible results
for both students and their communities. The program has helped over 330,000 students since its inception. The initiative provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year. Proposals will be assessed using the following guidelines: service to local communities; jobs that support local priorities; jobs that provide career-related
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experience or early work experience; jobs with a salary that contributes to the student’s income; employers who provide supervision and mentoring; project activities that are directed toward members of, and support the vitality of, an official language minority community; and employers who intend to hire priority students (students with disabilities, Indigenous students and students who are members of visible minority groups). The assessment of applications will be carried out on a constituency-by-constituency basis to ensure that local priorities are reflected.
The Voice of North Grenville municipality note that it must make this “balance within its commitment with overall budgets and priorities”. The submission to Council reviewed past initiatives to remove barriers to persons with disabilities and points out that the numbers affected by this in NG is growing. Although no detailed study has been done, it is estimated that, in 2011, when the overall population of the municipality was around 15,000, there were about 2,320 persons with disabilities (cognitive, mobility, hearing, vision and emotional), and this is likely to grow to 6,624 by 2034 (over 20% of total pop). Stats Can think this could be as high as 40% by then. The report detailed the steps that have been taken since 2006 to remove barri-
ers for disabled people in the community, and provides information on each department of the municipality, and each municipally-owned building. Canada Day Committee to be established: The Municipality is planning to set up a Canada Day Committee, which would be an official Committee of Council, to ensure that the national holiday is organised so as to “ensure consistency with Council priorities, provide accountability and ensure the responsible allocation of expenditures. The Committee will have a complement of at least four volunteer members plus a Councillor, who will act as Chair. The Committee will operate under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
United Way campaign extended While the United Way campaign was set to officially wrap up on Friday, December 4, a projected shortfall of $225,000 has forced the Campaign Cabinet and Board of Directors to extend the campaign till December 31. Campaign chairman Terry O’Reilly announced the United Way is not currently on track to meet its goal of changing 33,102 lives in Leeds Grenville. “Although some corporations, such as Proctor & Gamble, have not yet announced their totals; we are projecting a $225,000 final shortfall.” Terry and United Way of Leeds and Grenville Executive Director Melissa Hillier said the loss of some major events, including the 2015 Hockey Night in Leeds Grenville, as well as decreases in the industrial sector, have led to this. United Way Leeds and Grenville has currently raised around 45% of its goal. The agency acknowledged it will now be competing against other groups for donations from the community during the Christmas season, but made a plea for the community to support the United Way. “We are very sensitive and very appreciative of all the charities that are doing fine work out there, including our own agencies that are doing fundraising right now,” said Melissa. The United Way of Leeds and Grenville distributes its annual campaign funds to 22 local agencies, which in turn provide services in support for thousands of local people in need. Proceeds from this
year’s campaign are distributed from February 2016 until January 2017. Terry said it would be premature to discuss which agencies will be affected if the campaign does not meet its goal. He said the team would have to have a hard look at how it allocates funds if there is a shortfall. “You can be absolutely assured that if there is any shortfall, the approach taken to allocating it will be done with the greatest sensitivity to minimizing pain and disruption amongst our member agencies” he said. “What we need now, is for those people who have the opportunity to do so, to sign up for payroll deduction at work, and to ask the members of our community at large who are able, to dig just a little deeper this year to help us meet the needs of our 22 supported Agencies.” United Way board president Michael Jiggins said the decision to extend the campaign was not made lightly. We've encountered some exceptional circumstances that have affected this year's campaign," he said. “We're making this appeal because we know the Leeds-Grenville community is incredibly generous and values the work of the United Way and our member agencies." Donations to the United Way of Leeds and Grenville can be made online at www. uwlg.org or via cash, cheque or credit card at the agency’s George Street office in Brockville, or by making a credit card payment over the phone by calling the local office at 613-342-8889. www.ngtimes.ca
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Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Party UPDATE COUNCIL Monday, December 14 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, December 21 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Police Services Board – Tuesday, December 15 at 1:30 pm at the Municipal Centre.
Eleanor O’Neill and Mary Seguin, two of the original members from 1960
Director Debbie Seguin presenting the cheque to President Jane Wolfe
The Acton’s Corners District Hospital Auxiliary Unit met at Maplewood in Oxford Mills for their annual Christmas Party. This is the only remaining unit out of an original ten created in 1960 by two women: Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Joe Patterson. Presently, there are 37 members and they comprise people from all over North Grenville. Their mandate is to fundraise for the Hospital. They meet three times a year, Spring being their official meeting, then a tea in August and, lastly, their Christmas party. Their main fundraiser is the quilt raffle, however they do help out at the annual HeyDay event. This year’s winner of the quilt was Lucy Lloyd, and the raffle raised $4,551.25, money that will be donated to the Hospital Auxiliary. Jane Wolfe, President of the Hospital Auxiliary was at the Christmas party to receive the cheque. The quilt was sewn together by Emily Martin (who has since passed away), and then finished by the Osgoode Quilters. Staples donated the tickets for the raffle, Jolene Stover provided the second prize of a Tablet, and the Brigadoon Restaurant donated the third prize of a $100 dollar gift certificate. The evening began with prayer, then a pot luck meal, and speech from the Director, Debbie Seguin. Wednesday evening’s event had a special visitor to hand out gifts: Mrs Claus in person. It was a lovely evening, held in the most picturesque setting in Oxford Mills. Maplewood has seen so many events over the decades. What better place to hold theirs?
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES Oxford Mills Waste Transfer Station Holiday Hours Tuesday, December 22 – 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday, December 23 – 9 am to 4 pm Friday, December 25 – CLOSED Saturday, December 26 – CLOSED Tuesday, December 29 – 9 am to 4 pm Friday, January 1 – CLOSED Saturday, January 2 – 9 am to 4 pm Solid Waste & Recycling Pick-up – There will be no pick-up on Friday, December 25; the pick-up will occur on Saturday, December 26 instead. Municipal Office Holiday Hours December 24 8:30 am to 12 noon December 25 CLOSED December 28 CLOSED December 31 8:30 am to 12 noon January 1 CLOSED North Grenville Public Library Holiday Hours Kemptville Branch Thursday, December 24 CLOSED Friday, December 25 CLOSED Saturday, December 26 CLOSED Thursday, December 31 CLOSED Friday, January 1 CLOSED Burritts Rapids Branch Thursday, December 24 CLOSED Saturday, December 26 CLOSED Thursday, December 31 CLOSED WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Winter parking restrictions came into effect on November 15th and last through April 15th. While restrictions are in effect, parking on Municipal roads is not allowed between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing or removal operations may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.
For our community.....
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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Santa’s elves Judy & Ron Littau, Sue Barnes. Santa, Debbie MacDougall, John Carkner from Royal LePage Gale Kemptville seen here flipping burgers and rolling dogs for last OPP BBQ of the season Submitted by Judy Littau The 9th Annual OPP Christmas BBQ was held on Thursday, December 3 with over $900 being collected for the Salvation Army kettle drive plus a van full of toys & food was collected. One hot summer day in July at one of the weekly OPP Charity BBQ’s, Harry Pratt was sitting there enjoying his burger with Cathy Lindsay and Judy Littau. Harry came up with the brilliant idea that it would be a great to have a BBQ at Christmas in support of the Salvation Army. Needless to say, the rest is history. Every year, the first Thursday of December, the OPP and Royal LePage Gale Real Estate get together and host a winter charity BBQ. This will continue to be a yearly tradition for many years to come. I know Harry will be with us every year in spirit. December 9, 2015
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Building a Sustainable North Grenville
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SHOP HISTORIC KEMPTVILLE Capilano Pizzeria
Kamal and Basha Ossman.
Capilanos is carrying on a long tradition of service in their location on Prescott Street. For almost a century there has been a business on this site supplying the people of the area with a warm and friendly environment. Whether it was the little store where kids from the High School came to buy candies and soda from Walter Tuck, or Albert Cater’s gas station, and later on the building supply centre of the DePencier family, this little building has been the site of quality service and community. Walter Tuck came here after World War I, a professional photographer who set up his studio next door to his store and preserved the story of Kemptville in photographs. He even set up a dance hall on this very site, the Red Dot, before it grew too small to handle the crowds, and he moved up to the corner of Concession Road. Today, Capilano Pizzeria is home to award-winning specialty pizza, a variety of pastas, subs, donairs, and appetizers including wings, salads, and finger foods. Capilano competed against thirty-eight other pizza places to win the Ottawa Sun’s Specialty Pizza Award. The building on Prescott Street is still delivering excellence, quality and pleasure. Come in and experience the excellence today! Dine in or take home.
Old Town Kemptville BIA AGM by Deron Johnston Last Wednesday, the Old Town Kemptville BIA held their Annual General Meeting in one of the salon rooms at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The meeting was attended by approximately twenty-five participants, including BIA members, Board of Management directors and key stakeholders. The OTK BIA summary Annual Report was given by Board of Management Chair Paul Cormier. He also spoke about the draft Business Plan for 2016, on which the BIA board is hoping to get feedback from both members and stakeholders. In the Business Plan, the priorities were stated as: 1) Marketing and Business December 9, 2015
Attraction 2) Financial Management 3) Programming 4) Communications and Relationship Management 5) Human Resource Management and 6) Governance. Marketing and Business Attraction is clearly the top priority and will be a major challenge with the limited BIA budget. However, the BIA recently sat down with the North Grenville Economic Development Committee, the Planning and Economic Development Department and other stakeholders to plan a Business Attraction Strategy. (BAS). Matt Gilmer of the North Grenville Planning and Economic Development Department gave a report on projects which his department has been working on in support of
Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP - federal), Rural Economic Development (RED – provincial), or Heritage Canada. The BIA is hoping to use the grant money to start their 'Heritage as a Driving Force' initiative as a way to promote Old Town Kemptville, highlighting the historical aspects of the area. They are also hoping to have enough revenue to support a part time employee in order to have “boots on the ground.” With the recent BIA Bylaw having been updated by the municipality, the OTK BIA Board now can have up to ten directors, including the Executive. With seven spots filled currently, Paul Hamilton of Kempten Realty
the OTK BIA. The key points were the Business Attraction Strategy, the OTK BIA Sign Strategy (parking and directional signage), as well as the Installation of Crosswalks at Clothier and Prescott Streets, and at Prescott and Asa Streets. Vice Chair Blair Hamilton gave the annual Financial Report, along with two proposed budgets for 2016. Budget A was tabled with the same estimated revenues as 2015. Budget B was also tabled, proposing additional revenue in the form of grant monies that the BIA is hoping to obtain from provincial and federal government sources. Some of these may include the Ontario Trillium Foundation (provincial), the
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was nominated and voted in to become the eighth. One of the main objectives behind expanding the number of directors on the Board of Management was to allow for succession planning. The idea is that the current Executive would work closely with the other directors on the Board, with the hope that the directors would eventually become the next executive when the current term is expired, or as people phase out of active duty. A lively discussion during the AGM centred on the proposed expansion of the BIA into the Rideau and Sanders Streets triangle. A few attendees wanted to know why the expansion hadn't already gone forward, with the work
that had been done by the previous Board of Management. The current Board explained that the municipality had clarified their requirements so that moving forward with the expansion needed an evidence-based approach of support from the businesses involved. However, expansion will be included in the 2016 Business Plan, in the hopes that the credibility of the BIA in recruiting and retaining downtown businesses would encourage businesses outside of the current footprint to join. Meanwhile, the OTK BIA will promote the entire downtown, whether businesses are located within the footprint or not.
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Christmas Poinsettias on sale now 301 Rideau Street, Kemptville
Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. - 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6
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December 9, 2015
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2 LOCATIONS
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myerskemptvillegm.myers.ca 11
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Here Comes the Sun by Peter Johnston This past week has seen some wondrous happenings in our neighbourhood. Greetings fellow North Gremlins. Welcome to what must surely be one of the most mild midDecembers in recent memory. Apparently, we can thank some warm water in the massive stretch of ocean between Peru/Chile and Australia for this welcomed warmth. One of the wondrous happenings took place in Oxford Mills, this Friday past. The Oxford Mills Community Association hosted the annual tree lighting night and the judging of the best festivelydecorated home. The judges' float was judged to be most impressive as well. There was a very good turnout at the Oxford Mills Community Centre. This is a great community-building event. A gold star for the organizers, the contributors and the attendees. Earlier that same day, a short distance away, in a slightly larger stone building, David Johnston read the Throne Speech. As Governor General, he led the procession of pomp and circumstance into the Senate Chamber and read the government's list of priorities for the upcoming session of parliament. (Just as an aside, isn't it nice that we got back the title, 'Government of Canada', instead of usurping that proper name and inserting the name of a prime minister?) John Ivison pointed out the next day in the National Post: “Conservatives greeted most of the speech from the throne with equanimity. To
the victor the spoils and David Johnston merely recited a pro forma list of Liberal campaign promises.” But when the G.G. got to the part about electoral reform, the members of the former 'Harper Government' must have felt a bit of a chill run down their collective spines. Electoral Reform! I love it! Electoral Reform! It must be Christmas! Electoral Reform! Am I getting too excited? Where are my tranquilizers? To the dozens and dozens of you who have been religiously scrutinizing my scribblings for the past year and more, you know that this is a hobby horses that I have been riding for some time. To think that this lonely voice in the wilderness has been heard all the way to the hallowed halls of Canadian governance is truly exciting, and humbling. Wow! Whodda thought? That clever devil, David Shanahan, must have been sending a special runner all the way to the Trudeau's residence to drop off the weekly wealth of political commentary that is The North Grenville Times. That's more rewarding that my annual Christmas Bonus! (which reminds me, David...) Mr. Ivison goes on to say, “Justin Trudeau has made no secret of the fact that he wants to change the way we elect governments in Canada. He has promised to bring in electoral reform legislation within 18 months of forming government, with preferential balloting being his personal preference.” Maryam Monsef, the Minister of Democratic Institutions, will oversee a com-
INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY
mittee to consult on electoral reforms. Hopefully this committee will be more democratic. Under 'The Harper Government', committees were loaded with a majority of Conservative who were told by the PMO what their outcomes would be and the opposition MP's were merely there to fill seats, not make suggestions or amendments. Now there's a practice that has been crying out for reform. Imagine a non-partisan committee that takes the collective suggestions from all party representatives and presents their recommendations. Sounds to me like a democracy that is more than just a democracy in name only. But 'Why', I can hear you ask, 'are the Conservatives afraid of electoral reform?' Again, Mr. Ivison... “The reason this is such a hazard for the Tories is that brokerage parties, like the Liberals, do exceedingly well under ranked ballots. Parties that polarize voters and are rarely picked as second choice, like the Conservatives, fare badly.” With the ranked ballot, you will make your choices for your first preference, your second, your third and so on. If no one candidate has a clear majority, the last name is dropped, and his or her second and third choices are counted until one candidate receives more than 50%. Definitely not the system employed when selecting a replacement for council in the past month. How would this have changed the outcome in the last election? The Liberals, with 40% of the vote, would
have an additional 33 seats, the Conservatives, with 32% of the vote, would lose those 33, the NDP would be up by 6, the Bloc down 6 and the Green Party would remain at one. So, how would this change the approach of a party like the Conservatives? They'd have to water down their agenda to appeal to more voters. “Recent public opinion polling suggests Canadians believe the electoral system needs to be reformed. But the majority want a system that is simple: that will produce strong, stable governments; and one that allow directly elected MPs to represent their communities.” Governments that are 'strong', 'stable', and allow for 'MPs to represent their communities.' I don't want to take all the credit for this part of the throne speech, but if you go back through your previous issues of this
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magnificently informative publication, you will note that those very sentiments have been stated here...repeatedly. Are there anymore doubters out there who still think I was kidding when I said that Da-
vid Shanahan must have been delivering The NG Times to the Trudeaus for some time now? Stay tuned---if you want to see future government policies, they just might pop up here, first.
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North Grenville’s
Senior Times Let’s Connect…
December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come.” Fennel Hudson’s words spark anticipation in me as I think of the possibilities for next year. The ideas start going around in my head, and then I have to stop myself and remember to try to live in the moment. There is so much to enjoy and be thankful for today. As we
travel through the days of December, we start to plan for get-togethers with family and friends. Lots of laughter and good food makes the shorter days disappear into sparkling Christmas lights. As I’m in the midst of holiday preparations, and thinking about the shepherds that first Christmas, I pause and recall holding a lamb and enjoying its warmth and
softness. Life is about these moments that we’ve had, are having and will have. These moments will be linked together creating the story of our lives. How are we choosing to spend our ‘moments’? Often, as the weather gets colder and the days shorter, it feels like we should be hibernating; however, there are so many interesting things to do and be involved in! Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at the New Horizon Club that meets in Burritt’s Rapids. This is a wonderful group of people that have such a spark in them and are so welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed and yet well organized. With a brief business meeting at the start, I was then invited to share information about KDHSI with the group. I did have to keep my eye on the clock as I do love to talk about our services! They were very patient with me and interested in what was available in the community.
Afterwards, there was a fun skit put on by a few of the ladies, with much laughter throughout the room. Then out came the refreshments with lots of visiting. This is my type of group! The New Horizon Club always has room for new members. If anyone is interested, we have the calendar of events from January to June here at the office, and will also be posting the information on our website under Resources. As Christmas is approaching, I encourage everyone to enjoy some of the activities that are taking place in the
community. For those that aren’t able to get out, we have volunteers that are available to visit, or call and have a chat on the telephone. In the words of J.L.W. Brooks, my wish for everyone is to “Keep your Christmas-heart open all the year round.” On behalf of the Board and Staff of KDHSI, Merry Christmas! Susan Susan Smith, Executive Director Kemptville & District Home Support (KDHSI)
Chiropody approved medical pedicures Submitted by Judith Moore, Certified Clinical Podiatric Assistant Clinical Laser Technician At Body and Sole Footcare Clinic, we are full service medical footcare specialists, including the treatment of foot and nail diseases. We are committed to preventing the transmission of foot diseases by meticulously following the highest hygienic standards. As a Chiropody Foot Care Clinic, the overall health and appearance of your feet and nails are our specialty and priority. We take all precautions to avoid transmission of potential disease. For example, we do not utilize jets since organisms can reside within the recessions of the jets. Sterilization is more challenging with the increased uneven surface area in the jets. We use stainless steel December 9, 2015
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tools which are sterilized after each client use. A medical pedicure should be a dry procedure for the proper inspection of feet and nails that have NOT been soaked in water or moisturizer. Foot conditions can easily be missed once tissue is soaked and more vulnerable to damage. Our highly trained clinical podiatric assistant will examine your feet prior to the treatment and monitor carefully during your treatment. If any concerns are detected, you will be referred to one of the clinics Registered Chiropodists for further evaluation. A variety of the highest quality products are used, including Allpressan and Footlogix, as well as our own branded creams with the correct percentage of urea to insure dry and cracked skin is relieved. In addition to the footcare products, our Chiropodists
will prescribe any necessary prescriptive solutions to more serious skin/nail concerns. We utilize phototherapy laser along with Blue Methylene Treatment with the thoroughness of the medical pedicure necessary to thin thick nails and clean up fungal damage. Call for more information on this very effective and painless Chiropody Treatment. Phototherapy treatments are also highly effective in pain relief and healing of strains, pains and wounds. We carry polishes of the highest quality which are free from toluene, formaldehyde, DBP chemicals which we avoid due to potential side effects, both respiratory and topical. New to the clinic is DANI polish which is formulated with a fungicide. There are many options to suit even the most discerning client. www.ngtimes.ca
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73’s two for three
SUCCESS at last...CONGRATULATIONS....after so many opportunities to post a shut-out, Nicolas Hodgins gets results, back-to-back. by the sports guy When the boys rolled into the Jim Durrell Complex last Wednesday, the urgency was still present. Both squads had ample opportunities to count first in the initial frame and Kemptville pounced at 2:32 when Kiriacou sprang the puck free to Alavi cruising to the net with a quick release into the mesh. 73's closed out period with 5-4 SOG advantage. Second stanza: with both clubs unleashing 10-10 SOG, Tugnutt flew through the neutral zone over to
December 9, 2015
O'Flynn on point, who rifled it as Kiriacou picked up the return to sink PPG in at 15:56 to give 73's a two goal lead. Last 20: both ends busy, but Dow would capitalize at 3:14 for Kemptville to post 3-0 winner and well deserved "shut-out" for stopper Nicholas Hodgins. A tie for Mark's WW hard hat award to Dean Kiriacou and Nicholas Hodgins. A return encounter Friday on home ice, as both teams played very defensive until St. Germain sprang Guy to Gaudet's tape to smash it in for opening goal
at 11:14. Next twenty ended with a blank and possibilities for both clubs. Final frame: our boys launched a vicious PP attack to record the insurance when O'Flynn set up Tugnutt to Tackett above the circle to beat Andriano at 7:39. Then, at 1:34, Sen's stopper heading for the bench gets caught in the cross-fire as Cole stripped the rubber to Gaudet, catching Kiriacou sprinting into the zone to face a surprised stopper for the final goal and win. No question of who was the recipient of the Mark's WW Hard Hat Award for his second shut-out of the week. Next contest, with the second place Cumberland Grads in their barn, was Sunday at 3 pm. The "sinbin" was used by both teams early and it remained scoreless with the Grads overwhelming the 73's by 19-7 SOG. Peter Brooks from Stittsville received his third start for Kemptville. The next period belonged to Cumberland, as Makara with Dauda helped Salloum and Dubois for first and second of three markers.
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Then, Salloum with Dauda for Cameron to take a 3-goal advantage and pepper our boys 23-14. Basically, the 73's are defeating themselves because of lack of discipline, but with more focus can come back and force extra time. Obviously, the message was retained, as Tackett for Tugnutt to release under Coughlin's blocker as spoiler for initial comeback at 16:09. Grads answer as Larose and Salloum hand off to Bouchard at 13:31 for 4-1 lead. Guy feathered it ahead so Tugnutt could launch a missile for second comeback attempt by the 73's at 12:05. Extra attacker for 73's as Kiriacou digs out the puck so Cole could pump it to the net and Guy redirect for one point behind at 1:19. At :18, with Brooks on the bench for extra attacker, Cumberland took advantage of a broken play as Dauda with Makara to Cameron for empty netter to seal the deal. Owen Guy is Mark's WW Award winner.
The Voice of North Grenville
Contracts awarded for Kemptville College Studies The Municipality of North Grenville are contracting the services of two major consulting firms to provide studies on aspects of the Kemptville College project, before deciding on how to proceed with taking over supervision of the buildings and ownership of the land. BDO Canada have been awarded the work of preparing a Business Feasibility Study to ascertain whether the draft plans being negotiated for the future use of the campus are viable. Council will consider their report before deciding on whether to proceed. The contract is worth $127,00, and, although the BDO tender was the most expensive of those received, their submission was, in the words of the staff report, “the best submission received and most suited to the Municipality’s needs”. NovaTech Engineering Consultants Ltd., one of four companies to submit tenders, was awarded the contract to prepare an In-Ground Infrastructure Assessment. This will cost $70,000. A further $27,300 is being set aside as a contingency fund to be used on an “as-needed” basis. It is hoped that the consultants’ reports will be completed and submitted to Council near the beginning of March of next year.
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Community Events
The Voice of North Grenville
CROSSWORD
Dec 9
Horizon Club annual Christmas Luncheon will also be held at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall at 12 noon. Tickets are $25 each. Please reserve your ticket by calling Karin at 613-258-2461. Dec 10 St Michael Catholic High School Annual Christmas Concert, 7 pm. Admission free, but donations to music department accepted. Dec 11 Book Launch-Stories from the South Branch, 7-9 pm, Geronimo Coffee House. Everyone welcome. Dec 12 Merrickville Christmas Craft Show, at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read St., 10 am to 4 pm. Free admission and parking. Dec 13 Farmer’s Market, 12 - 4 pm, 200 Sanders Street Dec 11-13 The KYC 2nd Annual Accessory Event, December 11, 3 pm to 8 pm, December 12, 9 am to 5 pm, December 13, 9 am to 5 pm at The Kemptville Youth Centre.
Weekly and recurring events Tues
Wed
Thurs
Sat
M,W,F
ACROSS 1. Klutz's cry 5. African virus 10. Canine tooth 14. Sharpen 15. Fool 16. Dwarf buffalo 17. Former Italian currency 18. Gasping 20. Fluffy egg dish 22. A childhood disease 23. Enemy 24. Slender 25. Grocery store 32. Office worker 33. Entices 34. Lyric poem 37. 1 1 1 1 38. A tart fruit 39. Small songbird
BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information. Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed! NG Photography Club - first Wed. of every month from 7-9 pm at the Auditorium of the Municipal Centre. Check our website for more information on outings and upcoming events. ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:15 pm. St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. Kemptville Concert Band.7 pm at North Grenville D.H.S. Come join us for a great evening of music. Wind instruments and percussionists of all levels welcome! Contact: dennis843@gmail.com The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church. Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103. Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am third Saturday of every month. Adults $5.00. Children under 12 $3. All welcome. Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.
For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402
40. Armed conflict 41. Nobleman 42. Coming up 43. Removals 45. Clobbered 49. Dawn goddess 50. An ocean 53. Violent disorder 57. Resembling incest 59. Quaint outburst 60. See the sights 61. Chopin composition 62. Govern 63. Makes a mistake 64. Dishes out 65. Observed DOWN 1. "Wise" birds 2. Buckeye State 3. South American country
4. Employees 5. Insignia 6. Drill 7. Mineral rock 8. Rich soil 9. Blind (poker) 10. Not true 11. Anoint (archaic) 12. Nuzzled 13. Bloated 19. Stags 21. Not a spoon 25. Flat-bottomed boat 26. Forearm bone 27. Equal 28. Warning 29. Gossip 30. Swedish money 31. Poetic dusk 34. Chocolate cookie 35. University administrator 36. Terminates 38. Lenient 39. Rustlings 41. Complaints 42. "Smallest" particle 44. Stops 45. Malice 46. Country estate 47. Come to pass 48. Layers 51. Bit of gossip 52. Adorable 53. Boorish 54. Chills and fever 55. Storm 56. Biblical garden 58. Not in
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First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email production@ngtimes.ca SERVICES Frame Local! Country Ways Custom Picture framing 613.322.6484 dam5@bell.net Snowplowing: Residential Driveways Call Robert Leach for estimate 613.222.2292 Dance classes for adults & seniors. Line, Jazz, Tap, Aerobics, Ballroom. The workshop Dance Studio 215 Sanders St. 613.868.9062 Hosting a Christmas event? The Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall is decorated & fully equipped facility for families, teams or businesses. Starting at $55.00 for 4 hours. Contact Jeff 258.1014 NO TIME TO COOK? We’ll take care of it! Homemade frozen meals; lunch & family sizes, muffins, soups, dessets and more! For more information go to www.lamyriade.ca. WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITION Coaching Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Wholesumapproach.com 613.258.7133 Stucco & Parging Services, also specializing in repointing & chinking. Free estimates. cedarrockcontracting@gmail.com 613.818.5187 HOUSEWORK Need Help? I’m your gal. Will also clean litter and walk dog. Cindy 613.258.1568 SNOW REMOVAL: stairs, walkways, small driveways, roofs. Call Al 613.258.3847 or 613.295.0300 REGAL GIFTS, call or email for Christmas Catalogue 613.258.5558 gilliantrojan@ gmail.com Call Cinderella to look after your Alzhiemer or Parkinson loved one 613.859.4644 Music Instruction, guitar, banjo, ukulele, group singing and more. Your place or mine. 613.720.3531 Certified Packer can help you prepare for your move. Cinderella 613.859.4644 PIANO LESSONS for everyone. All styles, all ages. 613 324.0382 www.kemptvillemusic.com
SEWING: Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse sewing. Call Sharon 613 224 3182
will walk your dog. Call 613 258 1568.
good running order. $400. 613.258.6254
Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, personal, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356
FOR RENT
Canon Rebel XT $99.00 ve3mhm@sympatico.ca
FREE DRUM LESSON!!! Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging. We do it all CALL 613.294.2416 MESS “S.O.S.!” sarahlystiuk@gmail.com Free monthly articles straight to your inbox! You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248 NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs owner/operator, subcontracting. Free estimates Work Guaranteed call 613 294 2416
2005 Red Impala, new brakes rotors $2,500.00 Don 613.808.4725/613.258.6413
One bedroom Apt. in town. NO stairs. $750. plus utilities 613.258.4741
2011 John Deer Tractor JD 2720 Tractor, JD 46 Backhoe with 16 & 9 buckets, JD 200CX front end loader. Used only 123 hours for personal landscaping, no winters. Asking $27,500.00 or OBO. 613.215.0674
Commercial space for rent 513-b Prescott St. All Inclusive $750/month, Available Oct. 1 613.794.3551 Old Town Kempville 10 Prescott Street Commercial retail space 690 sq. ft. available Imm. 613.295.0552 2 bdrm, 218 Prescott, quiet bldg, no smoking, incl. parking, heat, hydro and water. Sept. 1, $1250. Call 258 0849
2005 Impala as is $2500 Don 613.808.4725/613.258.6413
Quality Grass Horse Hay 4x5 rounds Jon 613.227.3650 Washer & Drywer matched set, fridge white, clean $110.00 pair 613.869.8759 Firewood-Hardwood cut, split and delivered, $100/cord, Min. 3 chords. Call Peter at 258-5504 or 613-913-0810
MR & MRS CLEAN residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613867-2184
Old Town Kemptville, 113 Prescott st. Commercial retail space, 1,878 sq. ft. avail. imm. 613.295.0552
HOUSECLEANING- Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277
Old Town Kemptville 28 Clothier St. Commercial retail space 650 sq. ft. avail Oct 1st 613.295.0552
Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call John at 613-227-3650
Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations 20 yrs experience Brian 613 215 0805
Renovated Ground Floor Office 1,900 sqft, 200 Sanders St. Kemptville 613.795.2389
HELP WANTED
Property clean-up, trees/brush/yard waste, scrap metal, dump runs, anything removed. Call Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072
One Bdrm Apartment, No Pets, NON SMOKING, $700 + utilities 613 220 5014
Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300 Rock My House music lessons in fiddle, piano, drums and more. 613 258 5656 Handyman/Contractor with years of experience. No job too big or small. Unlimited references, call for free estimate 613.791.8597 YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902 AVON. Are you looking for Avon products, call Joan- 613-2587644 Cindy’s House Cleaning. Need help? I’m your gal. Also
December 9, 2015
Hall Basement Studio for rent. Great location for an office, studio or small classroom. $200 per month, inclusive. Contact Inge at 613.269.2850
Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819 2 bdr upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville, 4 appliances/parking/water incl Call 613 296 5906
WANTED Senior needs old car batteries for making weights. Call 613 258 6254
FOR SALE Nordic wood stove, used one season, good for small area. Asking $550. 258.1246 Electric wheel chair, Model stormtdx4 invacare. In
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Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call Charlie at 613-989-2768.
Laborer needed, for construction company Driver’s licence not required, Residents of Kemptville Only Call 613-894-5210”Y
The North Grenville Times is available in Oxford Mills at Olde Porch Primitives 9 Water Street and the Brigadoon Restaurant For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402
The Voice of North Grenville
Harry Pratt
When we heard that Harry had passed away on Sunday afternoon, the immediate response was shock and sadness, and an instant intention to mark his passing in this issue. But Harry had a strong desire not to have a fuss made, not even to mark his passing. We have to respect his wishes, but take a look at his Facebook page and you will read what his friends and neighbours feel about his passing. It seems at times that everyone in this community knew Harry, or dealt with him in some way over the years. Whenever there was an event that needed a host, an auctioneer, or just a bit of support of whatever kind, you’d find Harry turning up to help. It is so hard to believe that all that energy and dynamism could be taken away so quickly, and our community is poorer for the loss. One day soon we’ll all have a chance to celebrate his life and thank him for all he did in just 68 years for this community he served so well.
Help for busy parents
by Amanda Leang Imagine what it would be like to go Christmas shopping without your kids. Picture yourself with a cup of tea, wrapping your presents without having to make lunch or entertain your kids. Oxford Mills Girls Guides would love to make that come true! Saturday, December 12, the Oxford Mills Girl Guides will be hosting a fun day for kids (aged 2-10) at the Kemptville Snowmobile Club House, 1505 O’Neill Road, Oxford Mills, between 8am and 4pm. Your children will be well cared for by the Girl Guides (with help from Pathfinders, Rangers and leaders) as they work towards earning their babysitting badge. They have planned lots of interactive games, crafts, songs, stories and more fun! Healthy lunch and snacks will be provided. Recommended donation would be $5/hour, or $30 for full day for one child, $55 for two children, or $75 for three children. Donations will be used towards the Girl Guides’ trip to Toronto this coming June to Casa Loma and the Toronto Zoo where they have events planned to complete their travel badge, history badge and endangered species badge. Drop your kids off for a fun day this Saturday, or contact Sarah Robinson if you have any questions, 613.220.0426 or email sarah.maidclean@gmail.com
What’s Happening @ KYC Free Programs at Kemptville Youth Centre
Wednesday, December 9th, 6-8 pm Secret Santa Name Draw ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, 3-8 PM
Day 1 of KYC Accessory Event
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday and Sunday December 12th and 13th, 9-5 pm
Day 2 and 3 of KYC Accessory event ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, December 15th, 6-7:30 pm Sports Night = 5 Oxford St. W. www.kemptvilleyc.com 613-258-5212 RENT OUR SPACE!!!!!
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The North Grenville Times Merrickville/Wolford Times
The Voice of North Grenville
Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in Merrickville/Wolford and North Grenville
the Merrickville-Wolford Vol. 1, No.5
TIMES The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford
December 9, 2015
Destiny’s Way - Wolford’s Refuge
by David Shanahan Just outside of Merrickville stands a log home that is nearly 150 years old. Sitting in one hundred acres of pastoral peace, it is the home of Destiny’s Way, an organisation devoted to caring and providing support for individuals with a diagnosis of cognitive, intellectual, and/or developmental exceptionalities. Destiny's Way was established in 2008 in response to a growing need for supportive respite care in that field. All those who pass through the doors are soon welcomed by
friendly hosts and a warm and peaceful atmosphere; all the while enjoying the comforts and amenities of modern country living. Founder and Managing Director, Jacqueline Mansell, is a registered practical nurse who, along with a support staff of developmental service workers (DSW), social service workers (SSW), and personal support workers (PSW), provides families with an opportunity to take a well needed break. Day, overnight, and after school programs are currently being offered to families on an 'as
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needed' basis. “Caring for a loved one can be quite rewarding yet, at times, extremely physically and emotionally draining. Our mission, here at Destiny's Way, is to offer a safe, supportive and enriching respite environment, where each individual experiences an enhanced sense of identity, belonging and self-worth.” By utilizing appropriate empathy, patience, and understanding, Destiny's Way is a place where we pride ourselves on adhering to respect for human dignity while enjoying an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment. Jacqueline is very aware of the growing need for the services Destiny’s Way provides. “Over the past few decades, we have seen a dramatic increase in children diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities. This ever increasing trend is growing at an alarming rate. Our day and overnight respite programs provide stimulating daily activities and/or outings which can be orientated to custom fit specific goals,
needs, and desired interests. Our daily menus include nutritionally balanced meals which are allergy and culturally conscious, and are geared to individual requirements. This person-centred approach helps to create an inclusive environment which encourages a sense of belonging, comfort, and security for individuals and their families.” Working in co-operation with other agencies working to supply these needed services, Destiny’s Way is part of a major fund raising event taking place in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve. On December 31, 2015, doors open to the 1st Annual Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball located at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road Ottawa, On. As major sponsors of this event, the goal of Destiny's Way is to raise awareness and funds that aid in providing the many needed services for this growing population. So dust off your tuxedos and your evening gowns to experience a truly classy, exciting, fun
filled evening with all proceeds supporting Children at Risk and QuickStart Early Intervention for Autism. Destiny’s Way is encouraging people in MerrickvilleWolford and North Grenville to come out and enjoy an amazing celebration of the New Year. There are many clients from this area that benefit from the work of these organisations, and they deserve our local support. Jacqueline is also looking for volunteers to help out at the Charity Ball. “We are in need of people to help out as volunteers. We need approximately 10-15 people to help sell 50/50
tickets, be "pointers" for the live auction, work the debit/ credit machines (training onsite), and registering guests when they arrive. Please let me know if you can come out and support this incredible event at no cost to you! You'll get the four course meal and the entertainment all for free! What a rewarding evening!” Information and tickets are available at: www.ottawacharityball.ca Destiny’s Way Winter Camp runs from December 19-23, and from December 27-31, 2015. A schedule can be found on their web site at: www.destinysway.ca
HELP WANTED-PART TIME the Merrickville-Wolford
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Cutting the mustard in Queen’s Park
A taste of Leeds-Grenville has found its way to Queen’s Park. Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark proudly shows off a jar of mustard from Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop in Merrickville. It’s one of four varieties of the world-famous mustard that is now for sale in the Legislative Assembly’s gift shop. “It’s yet another example of how our outstanding local food products are gaining recognition far beyond the riding’s borders,” said Steve.
s e c i g r P t Bes Framin Canal Gallery & Frame Shop for 230 St Lawrence Street Merrickville
December 9, 2015
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Fulford Preparatory raises $1700 for Movember
by Beth Nicol The month of November has become synonymous with male facial hair. Recognized internationally as a fund raiser to support research into many male related cancers, the month long initiative serves to raise public awareness and is a visual reminder for men to get regular checkups to ensure good health. The staff of Fulford Preparatory is always looking for
opportunities to encourage the development of organizational and leadership skills, and ways to integrate their students into the Merrickville community. A challenge to raise funds for “Movember” seemed to be an excellent fit. Fourteen highly motivated students worked with Julie Lotfallah and Maggie Smith to form a team. They worked on marketing ideas and public relations; a treasurer supplied regular progress reports. As
The North Grenville Times
many of the students had never heard of “Movember,” the group had to be educated as well. Incentives were established to encourage Fulford Preparatory students to donate. A $2 donation bought a “tie free” day; spare change given in the cafeteria kept the Movember team from serenading students before lunch dismissal. Community bake sales were organized and local store owners allowed
collection tins to be placed near their cash registers. To acknowledge specific financial milestones, a number of novel initiatives were set: staff brought their pets to school for a day; teachers wore uniforms while students enjoyed a casual day; and on another occasion, teachers wore the cultural dress from students’ home countries. Upon reaching the goal of $1000, two team members, Omani students, Yazeed and Ali, agreed to have their heads shaved in front of the school, by teachers. After a month of tireless work, students surpassed their target, raising a total of $1700. Quite an accomplishment for a school with an enrolment of 44. The Movember Team included students from China, Japan, Mexico and Oman. The staff and students of Fulford Preparatory would like to thank the Merrickville community for assisting them in reaching their goal. A lot of memories were made while assisting a worthwhile cause.
Merrickville Santa Claus Parade For full coverage of the parade go to www.ngtimes.ca
The Voice of North Grenville
Fitness Patrol The Spin Meister’s Christmas T’was the night before Christmas and every face held a grin The whole gym was shrouded in silence, not a pedal did spin. The cycling shoes were hung from the handlebars with care In the hope that the Spin Meister soon would be there. The peloton sat as if glued to their seats While a few nervous spinners reset their cleats. And mamma in her kerchief and me in my cycling cap Were each of us praying our sprint still had some snap. When just outside the door, I heard such a clatter I jumped off my bike to see what was the matter. With the echo of metal cleats bouncing off the walls I turned and raced up the stairs to the top of the hall. At the top of the stairs, I beheld a strange sight Enough to fill any indoor cyclist with awe and with fright. Standing bathed in the moonlight that shone through the door Was a red-clad, spandex Spin Meister, at least six foot-four. He sported a thick white beard that tumbled all over his chest And a tight red toque with a white ball topped with a bell at the crest. His legs were cleanly shaven and his calf muscles were huge He looked like an Olympian who raced bob sled or luge. As we entered the gym I still had a smile on my lips And it didn’t disappear until both feet were firmly in my clips. After the shortest of warm-ups, he had us climb up a mountain With our legs churning butter and spouting sweat like a fountain. And with our ride nearly over he caught our attention with a loud whistle And then with a wave and a smile, he flew off like the down of a thistle But I heard him exclaim as his bike spun out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Don Palmer is a certified bike nut, spinning instructor and personal trainer. He operates the Merrickville Personal Fitness Studio& can be reached at 613-258-2246, or donlpalmer@hotmail.com or www.merrickville-fitness.com
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The North Grenville Photography Club
This image by Lise Krueger of colourful storefront decorations in Merrickville placed in the top 3 for the NGPC ‘Vivid Colours’ print contest. December 9, 2015
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The Voice of North Grenville
Support for refugees in North Grenville
by Hilary Thomson A new community group has launched its initiative to bring two Syrian refugee families to North Grenville. What began as a group of four local churches has grown into a non-partisan organization called Refugees in North Grenville (RING) that includes 11 churches, the Kemptville Lions Club and another community group called Assisting Refugees in Settling in North Grenville (A.R.I.S.I.N.G) which had already been formed by people living in Burrits Rapids and Bishops Mills. RING is also being supported by World Hope Canada, an organization based in downtown Kemptville that is helping several similar groups around the country with the process of applying for, and getting ready to support and welcome, refugee families to their community. Over the past months, RING has gone through the necessary steps of appointing an executive, creating a fundraising target and learning as much as they can about what is needed to take in refugees and help them integrate successfully into the community. Now they are asking the people of North Grenville to help support the initiative and open their hearts to families who are in desperate need of a safe place to call home. “We’re looking forward to North Grenville banding together and offering the safety and the hospitality of our community to fellow human beings that are in huge need,” says Ken Gehrels, Vice-Chair of RING “We are encouraging people to be local heroes on a world stage.” Ken says RING does acknowledge that there may be some fears associated with bringing strangDecember 9, 2015
ers from overseas into the community. However, it is their firm belief that keeping Canadians safe is the job of the federal government and that their focus should be showing them “good rural hospitality” once they have been properly vetted. “Any concerns should be brought to our member of parliament,” Ken says. Stephanie Gilmer, Executive Director of World Hope Canada, believes that it is important to remember that the refugee families are just as (or even more) afraid of ISIS and terrorism as we are. The government also screens refugee families extremely thoroughly before they set foot on Canadian soil. “The likelihood of having a terrorist get through is slim to none,” she says. RING’s initial fundraising goal is $50,000 which is what is needed to support two refugee families for one year or until they get on their feet. They are also looking for donations of hard goods and services like furniture, house wares, accommodation, transportation and ESL education. We hope that the people of North Grenville will blow the roof off our fundraising targets,” says Ken. “The more they give, the more we will act.” Although the municipality is not playing an active role in the initiative, Mayor David Gordon says that RING has his full support. “They’re doing it the way it’s supposed to be done.” There will be an information and training session on Wednesday, January 20 for anyone who wants to know more or would like to help out. To find out how you can donate or volunteer right now, contact the RING executive at refugeesng@ gmail.com, or visit their website, refugeesng.com.
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The Voice of North Grenville
Tim Hortons spreading smiles at Christmas time
Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Bursary Program Applications for the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Bursary Program are still being accepted. If you are a student who is currently attending a college, university or any other post-secondary institution, you may qualify for a bursary of up to $500 per each academic year. Applications must be received by Provincial Command before Friday, March 25, 2016. The Christmas Break period would be an excellent time to fill out an application form. Eligibility • Ex-Servicemen or currently serving members of the Canadian Forces (Regular, Reserve and Merchant (Navy) and their children and grandchildren. • Ordinary and Life members of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children and grandchildren. • Associate members of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children. • Ladies’ Auxiliary members and their children and grandchildren. • Step children and step grandchildren may be considered. Application forms may be picked up at high school guidance departments or at branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. Application forms can also be downloaded from the Legion’s Provincial web-site.(google: bursaries Ontario Command The Royal Canadian Legion.) Please note: completed application forms must be mailed to the address shown on the application form. Forms sent by email or fax will not be accepted. For further information contact the Legion Branch nearest you or Douglas Brunton Zone G-3 Bursary Chairman at 613-258-5111 . E mail d.c.brunton@sympatico.ca
submitted by Robyn Heald Tim Hortons is spreading Christmas smiles at The Kemptville Youth Centre (KYC) once again this year. Here, José Salvador (left) and Ingrid Kohling (right), owners from both Kemptville Tim Hortons stores, are donating all the revenue from the local Tim Horton Smile Cookie Campaign to KYC. Accepting the generous gift are Connor Dixon, Vice-President of Youth Council, Emily Dixon, KYC youth, and Breanna Luther, President of Youth Council.
Kemptvil e Youth Musical Theatre Company
A Christmas Carol presents
Dickens’
For full coverage of the Spirit of Christmas in Oxford Mills go to www.ngtimes.ca continued from front page ed for free, the Oxford Mills United Church for giving us a beautiful venue, and the staff at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School for making the sale go off without a hitch. We would like to say thank you to Santa for dropping in, to all the businesses that donated to the silent auction , Cheryl Mackie at the Brigadoon, and our wonderful judges, Betty Cooper, Barb Tobin and Greg Beach. Thanks also Cruikshank for the generous donation for our silent auction, B&H and also Albert's Meats. Sarah Robinson and the Girl Guides and Sparks for their wonderful singing at our tree lighting on Friday night. There are still many wonderful people that made this weekend go off so smoothly with their generous donation of time. December 9, 2015
URBANDALE ARTS CENTRE North Grenville Municipal Centrte
December 11, 12, 16, 18, 19 @ 7:30 pm, December 13 & 20 @ 2 pm
Tickets available at Scotiabank $15
www.kymtc.org or 613 829-2168 20
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