February 18, 2015 issue 7 by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

www.ngtimes.ca

Vol. 3, No. 7

The Voice of North Grenville

February 18, 2015

Heritage Awards Night 2015

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Sarah Lystiuk accepting her Heritage Award for drawing in the public through Facebook by David Shanahan This is Heritage Week in Ontario, and the annual Heritage Awards Night took place at the Branch Restaurant in Kemptville on Monday night, appropriately, Family Day. The event is a joint presentation by the North Grenville Heritage Advisory Committee [NGHAC] and the North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS], and it recognises contributions made by individuals and groups to the preservation and promotion of our history and heritage in the municipality. The NGHAC is a Committee of Council, operating under the Ontario Heritage Act, and is responsible for our built heritage. The Committee

is mandated to keep an inventory of heritage buildings, and to designate buildings at the request of owners. The Committee handed out three awards for 2014. One went to Olivia Mills, of Burritt’s Rapids, and the citation read: “This award is presented in recognition of a lifetime of work in preserving and sharing the history of North Grenville, and, in particular, the Burritts Rapids area”. The award was presented by Barb Tobin, The other two awards were presented to Michael Rowland and Rob Thompson for their work in “promoting heritage values in North Grenville for the revitalization of Downtown Kemptville, and, in particular, for your exceptional adaptive re-use project

at the Kemptville Suites”. These awards were presented by Barb Tobin. In their acceptance speeches, both Michael and Ron referred to the work they did as “fun”: the fact is, they agreed, that preserving heritage was worthwhile and worth doing. The NGHS is a voluntary society dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of local history and heritage. Through their regular public meetings, and, most especially, the operation of the North Grenville Archives, the NGHS has done much to make North Grenville’s history and heritage known to the people of the municipality. The Society gave out two awards for 2014. One was to Doug MacDonald for his role

in producing the Society’s latest publication, “School Days Past”, a history of the schools of the area between 1808 and 1964. The book has been very successful since its launch in January, selling out its first two print runs. The award was presented by Dr. Bill Adams, President of the NGHS. In his acceptance speech, Doug thanked all 150 + contributors to the book (though not, of course, individually), and said that, in all his years of working with creative people in the National Film Board, he had never enjoyed such creative pleasure as he had working on this book. The second NGHS award went to Sarah Lystiuk, who set up and administers the continued on page 2

Special Heritage Edition

The North Grenville Times

Lemons to Lemonade

Anne Kotlarchuk and Leah Finley change lemons for lemonade find it hard to come to terms by David Shanahan with losing their jobs. “ I When the announcement still pinch myself every day. came last March that the After twenty-three years on Kemptville campus of the Campus, and two years short University of Guelph was to of retirement, I was let go. close, it came as a shock to ev- I've never been unemployed eryone, not least to the people my entire life. The university who worked there. Anne Kot- really is abandoning the camlarchuk had worked at Kemp- pus, and all employees are tville College for twenty-three losing their jobs.” years, and was just two years But Anne and Leah would away from her pension when like others who have been laid the decision was made. Leah off at the College to know Finley had just left on mater- that there can be life after nity leave a few weeks before. the trauma. As they say: “we She and Anne had worked are turning our lemons into together for seven years, but lemonade. We have both neither of them believed the started consulting companies College would close. “It had and are working together on been leaked on the Tuesday, a "Shop Local Showcase" to but we were all in disbelief,” be held at the North Grenville according to Anne. “We didn’t Municipal Centre on April 18, think there was any truth in 2015". Leah and Anne have that. Then, the next day, when taken their work experience, we saw the Dean and the head and the connections that they of Human Resources and all built up over the years at the the staff brought together, College, and applied them to we knew. But until you heard new careers. And it all sort of them say it, you still didn’t just happened! believe it.” When the closure anAlthough rumours had nouncement was made on been circulating for some March 12, Anne was already time, it was assumed that promoting the annual Home cutbacks were as far as things Show on the campus. She would go. As Leah says: “We and Leah were responsible thought there’d be budget for all event planning at the cuts, but nobody ever believed College, and it was a busy they’d actually close the cam- place throughout the year, pus”. Although the University with trade shows, seminars of Guelph protected the aca- and workshops, as well as demic positions, the closure events like the Home Show meant that the administration and, in the past, Canada Day staff were out of work. Anne in Kemptville. With the clobelieves that, although the sure announcement came the University has been very gen- decision by the University to erous with severance pack- stop taking future bookings ages and notice, staff still for events. This caused great

The Voice of North Grenville

because you got community interaction, helping the businesses locally, or helping them promote themselves”. Anne has started a business called ALK Event Management. “I find meeting rooms for businesses/associations, source caterers, arrange the setup, coordinate audio visual needs and support, find accommodations for delegates, etc. My tag line is: ‘Booking a meeting, event, banquet or conference? It's never been this easy!’ Leah also hopes to begin an event planning business, but, for now, both are working together on the April 18 trade show. “We decided to take on the venture of hosting events in the Kemptville area, because the community needs it! We must all work together to help each other grow and flourish. The Shop Local Showcase will be the first of hopefully, many events. We are working on it together, but as independent entrepreneurs. It's working out really well, with our combined strengths.” It’s not all business, however. “We are also planning to host several community events throughout the year: a bridal show, one of a kind show, and a women's show. We volunteer to help organize local fundraisers for the hospital and fire department. We have a few new ideas up our sleeves for future fundraisers”. Anne and Leah hope their post-College life will encourage others “displaced”by the closure of the College to find new career paths too. As Anne puts it: “we are turning our lemons into lemonade”. Anne Kotlarchuk: anne@ alkeventmanagement.ca; Leah Finley: finleyleah@ gmail.com

disruption for clients. Anne remembers: “I would get calls in October, November, wanting to book for January, and I would say, ‘sorry, I can no longer accept bookings past November 30. I would give them the information about the Municipality; I would give them a list of caterers. We really did everything for our clients. It got to the point where some customers would say: ‘can you just do it for me?’ They didn’t know the area, the caterers, etc. When December came, I thought: who’s going to do this when I’m gone?” The realisation came to both women over the following months that there was a need, a business opportunity, that they could meet. Leah describes the process: “It never felt like work to us, so I think that’s why we decided we wanted to do it. Being on maternity leave, there was some soul searching trying to figure out what I loved to do, because that’s what you want to do. And I loved my job. So that’s what I want to do: I want to be an Event Planner”. Anne remembers feeling an obligation to the clients left without a venue for their events, after so many years with the College: “I was there twenty-three years and some of those customers had been there a very long time. I didn’t feel right leaving those people hanging. We were doing Trade Shows on campus for maybe ten years. It was part of our job that we really enjoyed,

Heritage Awards continued Society’s Facebook page. In the time it has been in existence, the page has posted historic photographs, posters for Society meetings, and other interesting items, gaining an enthusiastic and regular following on-line. The award was presented by Dr. David Shanahan, local historian, who commented on the amount of information gleaned from February 18, 2015

public comments on the Facebook postings, and the way in which Sarah’s imaginative use of social media have drawn the people of North Grenville in to adding their part to the preservation of local history. The awards themselves were designed by Marguerite Boyer and very tastefully framed by Ted Hitsman at Canal Galleries. Phil Mosher,

of the municipality’s Planning and Development Department organised the NGHAC’s awards and acted as liaison with the NGHS in organising the event. The Awards Night was, as always, very well attended and was a clear demonstration of how popular and valued our local history and heritage is in North Grenville.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Sir John A returns to Kemptville for Historical Society Annual General Meeting

by Ken Mews Brian Porter, of Brockville, in the guise of Sir John A. Macdonald, and accompanied by his wife, Renee, as Lady Agnes, lightened the mood at the Annual General Meeting of the North Grenville Historical Society

(NGHS) last Wednesday with a talk that ranged over the long political career of our first Prime Minister, touched on his foibles and came to rest on his weakness for the fair sex and their significant influence in his life. Sir John was a frequent visitor to Kemptville in his cam-

paigning days, and a guest in the home of Dr. Charles F. Ferguson, who lived for many years in the large stone house at the corner of Clothier and North Rideau Streets. Dr. Ferguson was a conservative MP for over 25 years. Mr. Porter is more than just an impersonator of Sir John. He is also a fervent defender of his role as the Father of Confederation— the man with the qualities and capabilities to seize the historical moment that led to the founding of our great country. It doesn’t hurt that he bears an uncanny physical resemblance to our founding father. The usual annual reports were presented by the members of the Board of Directors of the NGHS, describing a highly productive year for the organization. President Bill Adams highlighted the publication of School Days Past, a successful and carefully documented history of education in North Grenville from 1808 to 1965, spearheaded by NGHS volunteer Doug Macdonald, the

Erick Le Pors

beginning of a partnership with the Canadian Museum of History, the creation of a new website (www.northgrenvillehistoricalsociety. ca), the formation of a Museum Committee to explore the feasibility of a local museum, and the creation of a new Archives Committee, staffed largely by a team of experts who have undertaken to transform the archives of the Society into a state-of-the-art resource for our community. New members of the board, elected for two years at the AGM were Winston Kinnaird, active in virtually every community organization in his native town, notably Municipal Council and the Kemptville Players; and Sarah Bennett Chisholm, another North Grenville native, a trained museologist, and Project Co-ordinator at the North Lanark Museum, Appleton. “Both bring invaluable strengths to the board that will help us reach our ambitious goals,” said NGHS President, Bill Adams.

STRESS FREE ENTERTAINING

613-860-2539

Catering For All Occassions www.dialachef.ca

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

Chillin’ & Grillin’ Fest Beth Donovan Hospice is hosting its 3rd Annual Chillin' & Grillin' Fest on Saturday, April 11 from 6 to 9 pm at the North Grenville High School Cafeteria, 2605 Concession Road, Kemptville. Sample and vote on your favourite CHILI & RIBS from local restaurants. Tickets are $25 Adults, $50 for family of four. Children under 12 are $5. TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT BETH DONOVAN HOSPICE, 25 Hilltop Crescent, Kemptville. For more information please contact us at 613-258-9611 ext 0 or by email at bdh@bethdonovanhospice.ca.Tickets are limited and always sell out. Beth Donovan Hospice has been providing services to the community for over 23 years in the communities of North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford, Edwardsburgh4Cardinal, North Gower and Manotick and surrounding rural areas. The hospice provides compassionate support and guidance to families who are caring for individuals with a life limiting or terminal illness. Programs offered through the hospice include: home visiting program where volunteers are paired with families to provide respite and psychosocial support. A Bereavement Program offers counselling or peer support to individuals who anticipate or have experienced the loss of a loved one. Day Hospice is an important social program which gives the individuals with a life limiting illness an opportunity to experience a social program with a delicious lunch, complementary therapies and socialization in a safe environment while being overseen by a team of dedicated volunteers and a registered nurse. Equipment lending program helps support individuals in their homes with the use of medical assistive equipment for a period of three months. Equipment is offered at no charge with the expectation it will be returned to hospice at the end of the three month period. If you or someone you know could benefit from hospice services, please do not hesitate to contact Hospice. Our services are offered to the community free of charge and anyone can refer. Hours of operation for referrals are Monday to Friday 9:00-4:30. www.bethdonovanhospice.ca or 613-258-9611.

Let us be your LOCAL INSURANCE BROKER

of choice!

It’s never too early to review your insurance coverage. Call or stop by our office - NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! Creekside Centre 2868 County Road 43 Kemptville ON K0G 1J0

613-258-8898

info@kemptvilleinsurance.com

HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS | COMMERCIAL February 18, 2015

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Linking Hand’s ‘Lunch and Learn’ program takes the stage at the Upper Canada Playhouse!

Linking Hands is a collaborative initiative between many community agencies in Dundas County that aims to be a voice for poverty reduction by following the guiding principle that resilient and sustainable rural communities improve the quality of life for everyone. The Linking Hands Program is pleased to announce that the very popular monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ Program has been invited into the Upper Can-

ada Playhouse by Artistic Director, Donnie Bowes on February 19, 2015 to offer a Tour of the Facility and a Workshop in Theatrical Storytelling. Learn how the theatre operates and how shows are put together – backstage, box-office, dressing rooms, lighting, sound and, of course the onstage experience! For this theatrical foray, Lorne Pardy, Professional Actor and Director, a 30-year veteran of Canadian theatre, will be joined by local Drummer and Percussionist, Dylan

Roberts of Chesterville to provide participants a taste of theatre and music in the warmth of a terrific local professional theatre space. Upper Canada Playhouse is one of Eastern Ontario’s most successful professional theatre companies, with over 3 decades of operation. The Playhouse, situated in Morrisburg, Dundas County, is located in a former Toothbrush and Argyle Sock Factory, converted to a charming, intimate, climatecontrolled, accessible and

totally-equipped theatre with plenty of parking, licensed canteen and state of the art seating where everyone’s close to the action. This (no charge) event promises to be an educative and informative session that includes lunch and the opportunity for engaging discussions about theatre, music, local history as well as a personal tour by the theatre’s Artistic Director. For more information visit www.linkinghandsdundas.ca

Dr.Eamon raises award-winning amounts for eye charity Local optometrist, Dr. C. L. Eamon and her staff have been acknowledged by Optometry Giving Sight as Silver award level fundraisers, thanks to their efforts during the 2014 World Sight Day Challenge. Dr. Eamon raised funds and made a donation on World Sight Day 2014 by holding a fundraiser and donating a day of eye exam fees. This money will be used to support sustainable eye care projects in underserved communities around the world, helping people who are needlessly blind and in urgent need of eye care. “We are delighted to have received a Silver award,” said Dr. Eamon. “I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 8 years and am proud to donate to such a worthwhile cause. The World Sight Day Challenge is a great way to help support the millions of people who don’t have access to the basic eye care that we can take for granted.” Optometry Giving Sight is committed to supporting programs that focus on training local eye care professionals so that people in need will have access to sustainable eye care from within their own community. 2014 saw many highlights including tens of thousands of children being screened and given glasses where needed in Soweto Africa, El Salvador and Tanzania! For more information about Optometry Giving Sight, visit www.givingsight.org

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Kemptville

If you suffer from back and neck pain, arthritis, depression, insomnia and stress, you are welcome to have a

Free FIRST TREATMENT (The offer is valid until March 12, 2015)

Open: Thursdays 1 p.m - 6 p.m

To make an appointment call:

613-215-0507 44 Balmoral St., Kemptville, ON

“The Needle and the Damage Done” It's time to haul out that little bucked-tooth beaverwannabe, Wiarton Willie and give him a shake down. Winter has gone on long enough. And yet, we know, in our heart of hearts that it's a long way off to the Spring Equinox...and beyond that to actual Spring-like weather. Greetings hibernating readers. Hopefully this finds you warm. Perhaps it's time to set aside troubling thoughts... just relax...think about pleasant things. Taxes! No, that's not a relaxing thought. Tax Increases! No, that too is going to cause stress! Deficits! Kathleen Wynne! Hydro Rates! Oh my, we are getting tense, aren't we? Well, how can we alleviate this? Perhaps warmer thoughts, like...The Dandelion Festival. Now that will be a warmer time of the year. Rumour has it, that the entertainment will be comprised, almost exclusively of local talent. That's a nice change. There is, most assuredly, no shortage of talented musicians in this area. Also, 'Kemptville Live'. It is taking place on the 4th February 18, 2015

weekend of July, and it's bound to be Hot! Hot! Hot!. Feeling warmer yet? But before we get there, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter have to be negotiated. We have just passed Groundhog Day...that day when some people trust what a rodent predicts about weather, but they won't believe legitimate scientists' warnings about climate change. That makes about as much sense as ignoring real science and not vaccinating your child. Okay, we're getting into it. Now it's going to get hot. Here goes... There's a 'creationist mom', who wants to have all references to dinosaurs removed from the curriculum. Yep. She posted on 'mumsnet. com', “I'm really concerned about dinosaurs, and I think something needs to be done. The science behind them is pretty flimsy, and I for one do not want my children being taught lies. Did you know that nobody had even heard of dinosaurs before the 1800s, when they were invented by curio-hungry Victorians”. (this from the U.K.) But even more incredulous (California), invitations

are being sent out for parties reserved for children whose parents have decided to not have them vaccinated. So they can be exposed to the measles and mumps viruses and thus, acquire immunity? In 2013, the World Health Organization reported that more than 150,000 children died of measles...annually. Doesn't that seem like enough incentive to be a little more cautious? This, at a time when children are being bubble-wrapped and protected like no other previous generation. This, at a time when science and medicine are more advanced than at any other point in history. Here, we see examples of people putting their children at risk because of some small-sample study from Sweden (widely discredited and discounted) which falsely linked autism and vaccinations. “A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing', someone said, once. For sure. One person who makes a lot of sense is Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health: "Vaccinations are, frankly, miracles of modern medicine. They are saving millions and millions

of lives around the world, especially of children." At a time when you can't bring a peanut butter sandwich to school because there might be a child with an allergy or sensitivity to peanuts, parents have fought for the right to have their at-risk children included in the general population. When do the rights of the majority cancel out the rights of the few? Or, more to the point, when did the rights of the few, negate the rights of the many? There are schools with very large populations that ban peanut butter...a very healthy food and the easiest lunch component on the planet...because there is one—just one student who might have a reaction. Could they not move that one child to eat in a peanut-free area? Not on your life! The shame! The stigma! Poor kid would be scarred for life. (sarcasm alert) Now before you load up your shotguns and get your lynchin' ropes out, let me add this: I have a grandson with a peanut allergy. I am fully aware of what peanuts might do to him. The first day he

walked into his elementary school was the last day for peanut butter sandwiches at lunch for every other child in the school. That's not something his mother asked for. It was more a reflection of what Board Policy would be. Much of Board Policy, by the way, can be dictated by Board Lawyers and Board Insurance Companies. Having been on the inside of education, I understand the situation. What I object to is how society falls all over itself to stay clear of anything that can be perceived as a negative message… ignoring common sense in its lemming-like leaps of over-reaching, overreacting, over-compensation. If it is so easy to ban peanuts and peanut butter from schools, because of the health risks to a few, why can't non-vaccinated children be banned because of a health risk to the many? Answer: Lawyers, litigious parents and insurance premiums. Well, I see that I have managed to alienate, or at least irritate: the residents of Wiarton, the Climate Change Nay-Sayers, the Creationists, the Non-Innocuous-Non-

Inoculists, Californians, the anti-peanut lobby, parents who have children (I think that is most of them), School Boards, Lawyers and Insurance Companies. But, the 'Dandelion Festival', 'Kemptville Live' and Kemptville Area Musicians haven't been alienated yet...that's good enough for me. And hey! I steered clear of politicians... although, I hope that doesn't make me 'politically correct'. Until the next time...if I thaw out enough for there to be a 'next time', be well, Ice-AgeSurviving Reader. Peter Johnson Upper Oxford Mills, ON

www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Changes by David Shanahan This is, as you may have guessed by now, Heritage Week in Canada. The federal government, through Heritage Canada, have given as the theme for 2015: “Main Street: At the Heart of the Community”. There may be a little irony in that theme if you live in North Grenville. For the past decade, we’ve been moving Main Street (or Oldtown Kemptville as we call it), out to the 416. There has been a mad rush to grow and prosper, but the cost to our heritage has been great. In spite of clauses in our Official Plan about the need to protect heritage and history, very little has been done to make that a realistic policy. I have said it before, and will continue to remind people as long as I can, that this municipality sold for a relative pittance the single

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: I appreciate your article “New tool for evaluating cancer risks”. Do people realize these risk factors for cancer? Everyone, it seems, is promoting, advertising, eating, for example, red meat. Think of any chain restaurant and this is first and foremost in their promotions. Even, unfortunately, charitable fundraising features barbecues with red meat mainly. It is so ingrained in our psyche from forever in our distant past that we need this, lots of it. Maybe hunter/ gatherers did , but they were always moving unlike today’s society. Why are some things favoured by our governments and subsidized by them. Rich lobbyists is most likely the answer. 28,000 dying in Ontario is a very high number. Way too high. Thank you to the Cancer Care Ontario for at least trying. Our health care system

for interested parties. I asked the committee once to use some of the budget to pay the nominal $500 (+HST) rent the NG Historical Society have to pay the municipality to take care of our historic records. I was literally laughed at. There is a new Heritage Committee about to meet, but most of the members are the same. There are plans to place some historical photographs on aluminum mounts on the retaining walls beside the Prescott Street bridge. The photographs, naturally, came from the NG Historical Society. I have great hopes for the new council, however. The majority seem to be committed to history and heritage and will, I believe, support whatever initiatives there may be to promote a wider awareness of our past. North Grenville has lost too many fine buildings in

the past, some through fire, some needlessly demolished to make room for something “modern”. But sooner or later, we must realise that heritage is not the preserve of the elite, not some sacred cow that has little relevance to normal life. Heritage tourism is a major economic development asset in many communities, from Rome to Montreal or Thunder Bay. It really helps if a community retains some of its older buildings, of course. The people who serve on the Heritage Committee believe strongly in the importance of heritage and history in society. Rowena Cooper and her committee have served for many years and deserve our thanks and respect. They know in their souls what heritage means to society. But their work has been restricted by politics and politicians and that has

to cease. Members of staff and members of the public have to express their real belief in the importance of our shared story. Mayor Gordon has said that without history, there’s no culture. I can only agree. Let’s move ahead, knowing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before. Our responsibility is to pass on to our children and their children the heritage we have received from our predecessors. Heritage and history are who we are, what we have been given. It is not ours to use for political or commercial gain. Let’s value it and allow it to give us a past, an inheritance, a sense of who we are in a world that doesn’t seem to know what’s important, or lasting, or worth holding on to. That is the whole point of celebrating Heritage Week in our day.

scheme, but it hit too close to home for my family this week. My father, a senior resident at Bayfield Manor, in Kemptville, recently received a phone call informing him he had won a lottery - but he would need to submit an upfront fee before receiving the money. Two alert caregivers, Lois and Shelley, were able to come to his assistance and help deflect the caller. I contacted the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, run by the OPP and RCMP, of the incident. The most alarming part of this phone scam is an element that is new to me: it's called 'number spoofing'. When I did a 'last number' call back on dad's phone, a Kemptville number was given. The officer at CAFC told me about number spoofing - when a local number is secured by fraudsters in order to make it appear on call display as though you are receiving Dear Editor: a local call, rather than long Beware of Fraud I want to warn Kemptville distance or 1-800... This makes area residents of a telephone you more apt to answer the call. scam/fraud. It's not a new The number is, in fact, only a bridge between the unknown caller, who may be half way around the world, and you, the recipient. Don't be fooled...say no to these fraudsters, and make anyone you know who might be vulnerable to these callers know about this scam. Hang up...don't be taken. D. Jones

In reference to the article on February llth, Fellow Citizens: So, you have a dog. We also have dogs. How did I get dragged into the 36% of the voting public that should demand an off-leash park in North Grenville (NG)? I can speak for myself thank you. Before you had a dog there was no off-leash parks in NG. Before you moved to NG there was no off-leash park. No one threw you a curve ball. I’m either batting 500 or 1,000. It is obvious you know the rules. The problem is not one disgruntled citizen, the problem is with a dog owner’s attitude and choices. One who thinks the rules are meant for other people..... my dog is special....and I chose to walk my dog off-leash. If that is your choice expect to receive a fine or a warning and thank the nice Municipal

Officer for doing his job. Ya buts don’t count. If you wish to walk your dog off-leash provide your own space as most responsible dog owners do. A dog park is on the want list, not a needs list. I hope Dave Gordon knows the difference. The needs list should be top priority. And remember, Dave Gordon only has 1 vote. The other Council members each have 1 vote. I believe when you draw the similarities to J-walkers you meant to hit the Edit button as opposed to the Print button. Dr. W.J. Young P.S. I believe our dogs do not want an off-leash dog park, nor do they want any part of Doggy Daycare! Our dogs are our responsibility and we will do it without Municipal help. Attention Dave: Look it over, but don’t overlook it. There are bigger priorities in NG.

greatest heritage property in North Grenville. The old school at Acton’s Corners was, let me repeat, a complete one-room school house, dating from 1905, with the original wood panelled walls and ceiling, school bell, chalk board, desks, and even the wood stove from an earlier school from 1858. Not only was it a heritage designated building, inside and out, but even the outhouses have been designated. But that didn’t stop council voting to sell it. It was only afterwards that it was discovered that, in the rush to dispose of this heritage jewel, the municipality had forgot to remove some of the original fittings, and could not even access the building to ensure it was kept intact. What, you ask, about the Heritage Advisory Committee, that group specifically tasked with protecting our

built heritage? They did nothing. I know, because I was on that committee for seven years, and every attempt to stop the sale was blocked by Councillor Barb Tobin, who said it was not my place to tell council what to do. Committee Chair, Rowena Cooper, decided that the committee was an “advisory” one and so agreed that we had no right to speak out. I think you can give advice on something like that without waiting to be asked, don’t you? The Heritage Committee has been given a budget of $35,000 for 2015. It will be interesting to see what they’ll do with it. In the past, the main expenditure was on going for lunch twice a year. More recently, funds have been spent on permanent heritage plaques on local bridges, and a symposium on Heritage put on last year

is struggling to sustain itself in a growing population. Thanks Dr. Eric Hoskins for doing this, and thank you to the North Grenville Times for printing this article. I very much appreciate this paper. Kath Piche

longest ever published! 2. Try not to write your letter while angry. Give yourself time to calm down after you hyperventilate. A humourous twist can help. Refrain from using pejorative language. Remember the four-letter word: NICE. 3. Keep the language of your letter as simple and unpretentious as possible. Obfuscation is not in vogue. Like I said, simple. 4. Give your document a quick proofreading. And always remember! The editor has the right to fine-tune a letter, including “chop-chop”, especially if it is excessively long. Five out of six individuals will disregard these guidelines. Patrick Babin

A Letter to the Editor on Writing a Letter to the Editor: The most effective persuasive letters to the editor are the ones that appeal to both emotion and logic. These letters add a rich dimension to a newspaper. A few suggestions: 1. Brevity is the key. Remember that it is not a newspaper column. Do not overstate your point; focus on a single issue. There is no room for a rambling rose. One hundred to 250 words is typical for local newspapers. A recent letter in The North Grenville TIMES contained 734 words and that is definitely not the

Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 February 18, 2015

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

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

ISSN 2291-0301

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

www.ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Editor David Shanahan david@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Copy Editor Pat Jessop editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Production Manager Marguerite Boyer production@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Graphics Micheal Pacitto mike@ngtimes.ca 613-710-7104

Accounting Staff Reporter cfo@ngtimes.ca Beth Nicol 613-258-4671 beth@ngtimes.ca 613-258-0033

www.ngtimes.ca

A new adventure

Councillor Frank Onasanya It has been two months and almost three weeks since the new North Grenville Municipal Council were sworn in, and it has been full of things to learn and getting to know how things run inside the world of municipal politics. Before I was elected, I had some ideas of what I would like to do as a councillor, and how things could be done in a different way. I am still excited at the adventure that began in December, but I am also learning that things are not always as simple as I expected them to be. For example, if someone comes to me and asks for a street light to be put at a dark corner, it should be a simple matter of putting up a pole and a light. But now I find that there are so many other things to consider first. Is it a municipal road, or a county road. If the county own it, we have to apply to them to put in the light, and then there’s discussions about who will pay for it. If it is a municipal

road, then we have to contact Hydro and get them to run a line from the nearest box, which might be a long way off. That must be paid for too. Is it even possible to put up a pole at that spot, or is the ground too soft? How close are the nearest residents to the light? They have to be consulted too, because they might not want a bright light near their windows at night. That is an example of how complicated a simple request can be, more complicated than I had thought before. I wanted to be a councillor so that people would have a voice in decision making, and a chance to have their say about what council decides. But I have found that some people want to have their say, and then walk away. I have got calls or e-mails about the budget, but some of the residents didn’t want to meet and discuss the situation: they just want to complain and that is their right. The budget was not an easy thing to work on, especially for the two new members of council. I was not happy with what I found when I looked into the municipal books, and I was shocked like everyone else at what had to be done to put them in order again. We had a choice: we could go on borrowing to pay the bills, and run up interest charges for years to come, or we could try and put things right now. I don’t think we should be asking our children to pay because we didn’t deal with

The North Grenville Times

problems now. There will be pain for this year, and no-one can know what next year will bring; but we will come through and reach a time when we can sit back and be happy with what we’ve done together. No-one wants to pay taxes, and the members of council will be paying the new rate just like everyone else. I believe that we were elected to make decisions, not to avoid them, so we had to do what was needed to put the books in order. When I sit on council and make decisions, I have to stop thinking as a private person, about what is best for me and my family alone. I have a responsibility to think about what is best for the whole community, and that means that not everyone will be happy about some decisions that are made. I understand why people are unhappy about what they see happening in the municipality, but I hope people will come to trust us too. I have lived in many towns and cities around the world before I came to North Grenville. I have worked with budgets for large businesses and have had to deal with economic realities. My experience in business and budgeting has taught me a great deal about what is necessary in order to keep a business healthy and operating with contented, committed staff. It is the job of councillors to allow staff to

do their job, to trust them and delegate. It is also our job to make sure that the job is being done correctly, and to send reports and ideas back to staff for rethinking sometimes. I believe in encouraging and inspiring staff, giving them pride in their work, and respecting their expertise. Working together, we can make the municipality run efficiently and in the best interests of everyone. It is my hope that we on council will find a way to communicate better with the people of North Grenville, to let them know in good time about what’s coming before council in enough time to allow the public to attend meetings and have their say, instead of just reading about it afterwards. I am only two and a half months into this job and I know that it takes time to learn the procedures, how things are done, to learn to feel comfortable in the council seat. Making decisions on the budget was hard and had to be done as soon as we were elected. That was not an easy introduction to being a councillor, but I think we have made good decisions and will continue to work hard to make life better for all the people who live in North Grenville. There is a wall between the taxpayers and municipal government, but I believe we will see that change over the next four years, and that this community will be happier for that.

North Grenville receives award for College Report

The Voice of North Grenville

UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, March 9th,, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, March 2nd,, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. CITIZEN APPOINTMENTS The Municipality is seeking applications from individuals interested as Appointees to the following Committees during the term of Council (ending November 2018): • Accessibility Advisory Committee (Quarterly daytime meetings) • Community Grants/Civic Awards Advisory Committee (As required, evening meetings) • Property Standards Committee (As required) • Municipal Representative to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (Monthly evening meetings) Further info is available by contacting the Clerk at cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca or 613-2589569 ext.110. Application forms are available at www.northgrenville.ca, by contacting cpominville@ northgrenville.on.ca or at the Administration Office. Please submit applications by Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 to the Administration Office, 285 County Rd. 44 or cpominville@northgrenville.on.ca. WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Parking on Municipal roads is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am from November 15th to April 15th. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing/removal may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense. For info call 613-258-2438 ext. 6. 2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15.00. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning. 2015 DOG LICENSES Renewal notices have been mailed to all currently registered dog owners. If you are not a currently registered dog owner, please contact By-Law Services at 613-2582438 Ext 6 for further information. The 2015 rate for Dog Licenses is a flat fee of $15 for each dog. For information on Kennel Licenses, please contact By-Law Services.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road #44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, 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

www.NorthGrenville.ca

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) recognized excellence in economic development at its Conference and Awards Gala last night in Hamilton. The Gala gathered almost 400 industry leaders who came together to February 18, 2015

celebrate and recognize the contribution of their peers. In advance of the Gala, over 125 award submissions were received for innovative community economic development projects from across the Province. The Municipality of

North Grenville, and their partners, including the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force, the Kemptville College Foundation and McSweeney & Associates, were recognized for their collaborative efforts

in the preparation of a report titled “Proposal to Establish the Kemptville Centre for Rural Advancement”. The report was also a finalist for the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence. Validating the report’s

findings, and in addition to this award, the Ontario Government recently announced that work is about to begin to implement the report’s recommendations. Mayor David Gordon stated that he was pleased that the Municipality of North Grenville was recognized for this award. “We have worked collaboratively with the Province in the past to successfully transition a Provincial program to the local level such as the Ministry of Natural Resource’s G. Howard Ferguson Forest Station which is now the Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville. I firmly believe the “Proposal to Establish the Kemptville Centre for Rural Advancement” will prove to be just as successful and will provide opportunities for innovation, including agricultural training and education. I would also

like to congratulate our staff, our partners, and McSweeney & Associates as collaborators on this project.” EDCO is an independent, non-profit, incorporated association of persons engaged in economic development from both the public and private sector. The consultant who prepared the College Report, Eric McSweeney & Associates, is a member of EDCO. His report was somewhat critical of the short time he had to prepare the document, and severely criticised the University of Guelph for the manner in which they had handled the closure of the campus. Although the award referred to the report’s recommendations, there was, in fact, only one recommendation: that the Municipality enter into talks with the University and the Province to take over responsibility for the campus. www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Celebrating our Heritage:

If there is one thing that recent history has shown us, it is that lines on a map don’t make communities. Before 1998, we had Oxford-onRideau, South Gower and Kemptville. Now, we have North Grenville. But our community stretches farther even than that. We have historic and family links to Merrickville, South Mountain, Spencerville and other areas around our municipality. Between 1802 and 1820, representatives from Oxford, Marlborough, Montague and Wolford Townships met together as a municipal council, passing by-laws, keeping records and working together in those early days of settlement. People living in the western parts of Mountain

February 18, 2015

Township had post office addresses in Heckston, just as some residents of Beckett’s Landing, on the Ottawa side of the river, have Kemptville addresses today. Our history and heritage is wider, deeper and more fascinating than we often realise. To mark Heritage Week for 2015, in this Special Heritage section of the North Grenville Times we take a look at those smaller communities, the hamlets. Oxford Mills had a whole article to itself last week, so we’ve passed over that village today. Other communities, which were once lively and with their own identities, are today names on a map, or signs at a cross-

road. But they, too, are part of our heritage: Millar’s Corners, Patterson’s Corners, Irishtown, Bedell, Newmanville, Farmers Union, Actons Corners, and so many more. This history, and the memory of these places and people, are being preserved and protected for future generations by the volunteers of the North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS], from where much of the material and illustrations for this section were acquired. The Society’s Archives are maintained and updated completely by voluntary commitment of members. The NG Times thanks the NGHS for making this special section possible.

www.ngtimes.ca

Heritage

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Bishop’s Mills

The store built by Moses Waldron in 1864, seen here in the 1930’s. It could have been called Doyleville, or even Bassville, but the hamlet of Bishop’s Mills was eventually named after the family that built the mills around which the settlement grew. The greater part of the hamlet of Bishop’s Mills lies in lot 3 of the Ninth Concession of the old Oxford-on-Rideau Township. The lot was first patented to Thomas Doyle, from Augusta Township, on September 29, 1803, but it was forfeited by him for non-payment of taxes and settlement dues in 1831, without ever being inhabited by Doyle, or anyone else. Joseph Bass bought the 200-acre lot that year for just over £40, basically the

settled by Jonathan Mills, from South Gower, who leased the land in 1805. Chauncey Bishop sold part of his land to his brother, Ira, in 1852, and began the process of selling off half acre lots to new arrivals who settled around the crossroads, as the hamlet grew up around the saw, shingle and grist mills the Bishop brothers erected on their property. One of the small lots, about one acre in size, had been sold to Hezekiah Winslow, a shoemaker, in 1849. It was situated at the corner of the Kemptville Road and Mill Street, and sold for £6.5.0 (worth at that time about $26). By 1864, a quarter of that lot was bought

amount owing in taxes on the land. Bass did very well out of the deal. In 1846, he sold the 70 acres lying south of the Kemptville Road to Elisha Dakins for £125, and the northern 130 acres to Chauncey Bishop for £200: a very nice profit indeed. Chauncey Bishop bought the east half of the adjoining lot 2, concession 9, in 1847 from the King’s College, now the University of Toronto. Lot 2 had been what was called a Clergy Reserve, that is, land that was set aside for the benefit of the Anglican Church in Canada. When leased, or sold, the proceeds would go towards the expenses of that church. It had first been

by Moses Waldron for $600, so it is likely that Winslow had established a business at that spot in the previous decade. It is an interesting fact that the crossroads were there before the hamlet. There was already a road running across lot 3 “commonly known as the Kemptville Road”, according to one deed from 1849, and one that linked that road to Burritt’s Rapids. This would later be known as Mill Street, when the Bishops had built their installation. Waldron was a merchant, and he opened his store at the crossroads in 1864. The building was featured in a drawing which appeared in “The History of

the e from s e e h c arried agon c ord Station, w s i h store, xf nd ellan a y station at O to the general l C c M rs wa Rube the rail s and travelle o t y r o t d fac . goo . 1920’s ng with returni ehind him. C db picture

Leeds and Grenville” in 1879. It still stands there today, and served as a store from Waldron’s day until 2002. The Bishop’s Mills Post Office was located in Chauncey Bishop’s house from 1853 until 1878. In the short time I lived in the house, I can remember the letter box still existing in the wall of the summer kitchen.

Sadly, it was demolished soon after. For many years, the Post Office was in the Moses Waldron store at the crossroads. The Nottell family acted as Post Masters for forty-one years; Mildred Adams, nee Nottell, being the last in that position when the office was closed in 1970, after serving for a quarter century.

Proudly framing the North Grenville Heritage Awards for many years!

Canal Gallery & Frame Shop

230 St Lawrence Street Merrickville

FREE Services for ALL Job Seekers  Job Readiness Workshops

613-701-0462

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

North Grenville Employment Resource Centre

 Career Decision Making Assistance 125 Prescott St, Unit 3 & 4 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0  Interview Preparation Techniques  Resume & Cover Letter Development

 Job Search Guidance  Government Funded Programs

www.cseconsulting.com

February 18, 2015

T: 613-258-6576 TF: 800-214-7066

We now service Fleet Vehicles

South Grenville Employment Resource Centre

 Ongoing Support…& much more!

ted@canalgallery.com

Office:

We also offer

191 King St East Prescott, ON K0E 1T0 T: 613-925-0222 TF: 866-925-0221

Roadside Assistance 8

613-258-5209 613-864-6762

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

Heritage

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Burritt’s Rapids

The mills and the bridge over the Rideau River, Burritt’s Rapids, 1908 Before 1830, the Rideau River roared over the rapids below the present dam, providing the water power that allowed the community to grow up around grist and woolen mills. A bridge had been built across the river in 1824, the first to span the Rideau River. It had been built by Eli Hurd, and £100 had been granted for purpose by the Legislative Assembly. Hurd was actually only paid £50, and the Bridge Commissioners, Walter Gates and Henry Burritt, asked to use the balance of the grant to pay for a bridge between Wolford and Montague. At that time, there was no island at all: where the canal flows today was a dry hollow

February 18, 2015

or channel running almost a mile and a half parallel to the river. It is most likely that this channel was flooded each spring as the narrow passage of the rapids was overwhelmed by the high waters. But aside from that short period, the channel was a dry creek. When Colonel John By was reconnoitering the route of the Rideau Canal in 1829, he noted this channel, which was called the Oxford Snie, and realized that it would make an excellent means of bypassing the rapids. By building a dam upstream from the settlement, the Rideau waters were backed up and forced down the Snie instead. Locks were built at the far end of the snie to control

to Marlborough. This was a serious petition: French was one of the earliest settlers of the village, and owned a great deal of the land and commerce of the village. He had bought the large grist mill, as well as the saw and shingle mill, on the river bank in 1840. Around the same time, he had built a large store (now the Community Hall) on the Mill Site, as well as the large house across the street. Other businessmen of the village were far from convinced of the wisdom of French’s plans. William Kidd was another important entrepreneur of Burritt’s Rapids. In March, 1855, Kidd, backed by the Municipality of the Township of Oxford, sent a petition to the Assembly ask-

water levels in the new canal channel. Once the snie was flooded, the new island came into being, and the village of Burritts Rapids would grow up on the newly separated land. Burritt’s Rapids is a divided place: part of it lies in North Grenville, and the rest, north of the river, is part of the City of Ottawa. There was, however, at least one very serious attempt to end that division. In November, 1854, the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada - Parliament of the day - received a petition from John Strachan French, and others, asking that the island of Burritt’s Rapids, “certain Lots in the 1st Concession of the Township of Oxford”, be detached from that township and transferred

ing that “no alteration or separation may be effected with respect to the boundaries of the said Township of Oxford”. French submitted a second petition on March 26, signed by residents of the Village of Burritt’s Rapids and asking “that a portion of the Township of Oxford be annexed to the County of Carleton”. Basil Church, Reform Member for North Leeds and Grenville, introduced a Private Member’s Bill in favour of French’s petition to annex Burritt’s Rapids to Carleton County. The Bill, “to detach a certain island at Burritt’s Rapids from the Township of Oxford, in the County of Grenville, and to annex the same to the Township of Marlborough in the County of Carleton”,

was read a first and second time, and then referred to the Committee on Miscellaneous Private Bills. And there it died a silent death, left Unresolved. The island of Burritt’s Rapids, literally carved out of Oxford Township, remained part of that Township. And so the Village remains today, separate, divided, a unique place in so many ways.

Did you know that.... when Lyman Clothier first set foot in what was to become Kemptville, the entire population of Oxford Township was just fourteen - all one family? The Harris family, from Ireland, were renting land near Burritt’s Rapids.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Celebrating with the community ‘Heritage Week” In business since 1963 301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

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

613.258.3014

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

February 18, 2015

www.ngtimes.ca

Heritage

The Voice of North Grenville

Heckston

Wilson’s Inn, Heckston Samuel Wilson built this inn and residence in the early 1800’s and it was a stop for the coaches travelling between Bytown and Prescott for decades. For a while, it was used as an apartment building, but it is best remembered as a general store after 1950. It was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1980, but was partially restored and reopened.

Heckston has had an illustrious past, and has now become a quiet junction, a memory of the days when South Gower was at the centre of trade and travel between the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence Rivers. It was at a strategic point on the stage coach route between Bytown and Prescott, a convenient place to stop for the night. Heckston started out as Heck’s Corners, and was named after John Heck, who ran a store at the crossroads. The current general store was originally built as a three storey stone building which was used as a hotel by passengers on the stage coaches passing along the highway. Known as Wilson’s Inn, it was also used as a Methodist meeting place. It was built some time around 1806, with eighteen inch-thick walls and three-inch pine floors. The Inn had stables and barns at the back, and the upper floor had folding doors which could be opened up to make a large meeting hall, dance hall, concert venue, or whatever the community needed. During the First World War, there was a Red Cross depot in the building, where women from the local area gathered to knit, sew, make bandages and covers for hot water bottles, all of which would be sent on to Kemptville, from where it would be sent to Canadian soldiers in Europe. The store burned February 18, 2015

down in 1980, and was reduced to the single-storey building it is today. But, as a tribute to its builders, it was discovered after the fire that the walls and pine floors had survived on the lower level, and taking down the ruins of the top floors required each stone to be pried loose with crowbars and taken down one at a time. The Post Office in Heckston was located in John Heck’s store and opened in 1845. In 1857 the community was renamed “Heckston”, and the Post Office continued in operation until 1914. In those years, people saw their currency change from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars and cents, and, between 1871 and 1915, letters could be sent to anywhere in Canada for the price of a 1¢ stamp. Between 1877 and 1928, a letter could be sent anywhere in the British Empire for just 2¢. For decades, the Post office was a social centre, where the community could gather and catch up on local news as they collected their mail. But, even after the Post Office closed, the store in Heckston continued to be the hub of the community, with locals coming in for supplies and sitting around the wood stove in the middle of the floor, talking about the weather and the harvest and the goings on around the township. South Gower had been

incorporated since 1834, but had different boundaries than today. The north section was originally part of North Gower, which was itself part of Grenville County until it was separated in 1845. In 1846, the part of North Gower that lay south of the Rideau River was incorporated into South Gower. This is why, north of Concession 8 in South Gower, there is a second Concession 2 and 3. These were originally part of North Gower. At first, South Gower prospered and its population grew much faster then in the neighbouring township of Oxford-on-Rideau. But the Rideau Canal and, later, the railway, changed much of that. Traffic and people were directed west of South Gower, and, in the 1920's and 30's, the main highway that had once brought economic and social growth to Heckston, also moved west and went right through the centre of Kemptville and south to Prescott. Heckston found itself becoming a rather quiet backwater, a condition that only increased after amalgamation of Oxford, Kemptville and South Gower in 1998. The destruction of the old Wilson’s Inn in 1980, that icon of Heckston from its earliest days, was perhaps a symbol of how history had moved on.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Heritage

Did you know that.................. Riverside Park 1908

...until 1998, Riverside Park was outside of the limits of Kemptville? The Town had to rent, and later buy, the land.

...Kemptville had its own movie theatre from as early as 1921? It was located where the Post Office is today, and only closed as a theatre in December, 1959.

..the oldest surviving church building in Kemptville is at 116 Clothier Street east? It was built in 1847 as a Baptist church, and it served as such until 1914. It was finally sold in 1927.

...”Squire” Bottum’s home, now 319 Clothier west, was once the only house west of Rideau Street? It was the Squire’s manor house. He owned all the land between Rideau and Somerville, and between Concession and 43.

February 18, 2015

www.ngtimes.ca

Heritage

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

South Mountain

Mountain Township was surveyed in 1791 and began to receive settlers towards the end of that decade. Some of those early settlers were Loyalists who already had land elsewhere. For example, Everhart Ault lived in Matilda Township, but received 200 acres on lot 15 in the fifth concession in 1800. His next door neighbour was Rachel Wright, from Elizabethtown, who was granted her 200 acres in 1802, and it is very likely that neither of them spent any time on their Mountain Township lands. But there were other early settlers who didn’t qualify for free lands, and couldn’t afford to buy land

for themselves, so they leased Crown and Clergy Reserves instead. These reserves were lots set aside, totally two-sevenths of all lots in each Township, to provide revenues for the Anglican Church and the government. One very enterprising family were the Garnseys, Samuel, William, John and Daniel, who leased both Crown and Clergy Reserves in 1801 and 1802. These industrious, and obviously ambitious young men worked hard and saved their money, because in 1816 Samuel bought all 200 acres of lot 8 in the Second Concession from the original owner, Thomas

his patent for lot 7, all 200 acres of it, in 1807; but it was in the 1840's that he, too, began to subdivide his land and sell off village lots to incoming settlers. It took some time for South Mountain to become the leading settlement in the township. In 1879, Inkerman was the largest hamlet in Mountain, with a population of 400, whereas South

Mountain had just 350. Inkerman was described as “probably the most important village in Mountain... with the usual number of stores, shops and hotels”. Halleville was then called Smirlville, after John Smirle who had built a saw mill there. The mill, as so often happened, became the focus around which a new settlement developed. In

1879 it contained about 300 souls. The village of Mountain grew around the railway line which opened in 1887 and became the main hub for transporting local goods, especially dairy products, to wider markets.

There have been many changes in South Mountain since Samuel Garnsey and John Faddel (or Farrel) first started selling lots in the new village in the 1840’s. For one thing, the Petite Nation River, as it was called in their day, is no longer the rushing flood it was when it powered saw, grist and planing mills in South Mountain. Like many of the rivers in the area, years of

damming and silting have narrowed and slowed the stream. One building in the village has seen many of those changes since it was built in the 1850’s. Standing at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, this red brick building has been used as a store, a bank, a hotel and a post office. For some years, it was the home of the local newspaper, the

Mountain Herald. Back in the 1950’s, local resident Dan Barry shared some of his memories of life in South Mountain when he was young with the Evening Citizen. He had once run a store in the building and could remember back to a much busier South Mountain. “Kavanagh’s store was a very busy store. He had five clerks. The Christie store was farther up the street and there was John Ellis’ grocery. We had two butcher shops and a hardware - Bowen’s - but now they’re all gone...My grandfather, John Morrow, was the first postmaster. He ran a grocery and drove to Prescott to get supplies he had bought in Montreal. “The mail came from Iroquois by horses every day, over planked roads that ran from Baldwin’s bridge to Iroquois. At night you could hear the empty grain wagons rattling as they rumbled over the plank roads on their way home. There were a couple of grist mills and a furniture factory here at one time and we had a factory that built ironing boards that were shipped all over by the car load”.

Fraser, a man who had collected thousands of acres of free land around Leeds, Grenville and Dundas counties. Samuel continued to work hard, and, in the 1840's he began to subdivide his land into smaller lots and developed what would become the village of South Mountain. The other great developer of South Mountain did not have to work as hard as Samuel, it seems. John Faddle is what the early records call him, but his name is later changed to John Farrel, which may be more likely his real name. Record keepers were notoriously lax about spelling names in those days. John received

Clear Cut Installations: Bathroom ad NG Times (5.125” x 3.857”, colour) TD Graham + Associates | 613-258-3885 Jan 2015

Byers Funeral Home Inc. VICTORIA BYERS, FUNERAL DIRECTOR

You dream it. We can build it. • Free in-home consultation • Financing available • 2000 sq. ft. Showroom • 10 year warranty • Renovating since 1986 10616 Main St., South Mountain, ON

ClearCutInstallations.com 613-989-2367 or 1-800-561- 4206

Bathrooms | Kitchens | Flooring | Windows | Roofing

February 18, 2015

www.ngtimes.ca

Heritage

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

2015 Heritage Awards

In Business to Help You Grow

Growing for the Future

The right people The right products The right services

Dr. Bill Adams, President of NGHS presents award to Doug MacDonald

Harvex Agromart Inc. has been a major supplier of quality crop inputs to farmFertilizer - Seed - Crop Protection ers in Eastern Ontario for over 20 years. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in business to help you grow!

Our 33rd Year in Business www.harvex.com

Oxford Station 613-258-3445 1 888-342-7839 Crysler 613-987-524 1 877-376-3378

Harvex

Before

After

Harvex Agromart Inc.

Crysler (613) 987-5243 1-877-376-3378

Oxford Station (613) 258-3445 1-888-342-7839

Michael Rowland and Rob Thompson receive their Heritage Awards.

Does Your Car

Need a New Look

Dougs Autobody

Call

613.258.4575

Harvex

1920, County Rd. 20, Oxford Station, ON

Serving Kemptville & surrounding area for over 30 years www.harvex.com

February 18, 2015

Harvex Agromart Inc.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

COMMUNITY EVENTS Feb 18 Feb 19

Feb 19 Feb 21

Feb 26 Feb 28 Mar 6

CROSSWORD

Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guests speaker: Gerry and Gail Osborne—Newfoundland stories and music The Friends of the North Grenville Public Library Annual General Meeting, Norenberg Building, 1 Water Street, 7-9 pm. Following a short business meeting, Phil Jenkins will entertain us with stories from his books on the history of the Ottawa area. Horticultural Society Meeting, 7:30 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Road #43. Guest Speaker: Joanne Tipler, Herbs & Edible Flowers. Everyone welcome. Masonic Wild Game Dinner at the Municipal Centre "Wild" all you can eat menu: kangaroo, bear, elk, buffalo, moose, venison, etc and all the extras. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets $20 available at Kemptville Home Hardware, Jim Perry Motors, B and H Grocery or call Paul Workman @ 613 258 1523. NG Business Builders Meet & Mingle at the Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7-9 pm. Refreshments will be served. See familiar faces and meet new ones! Kemptville Legion Breakfast, 8 – 10 am. Adults $5.00 per person, Children under 12 $3.00. All welcome. Family Fitness Friday at Oxford-on-Rideau PS, 50 Water St, Oxford Mills from 6:30 – 8 pm. Come out and and enjoy a FREE evening for the whole family! MOVE. GROOVE. DANCE. PLAY. HAVE FUN with Zumba and Pilates classes followed by nutritious snacks. www.oxfordonrideau.ca, 258-3141

ACROSS 1. Relating to urine 5. Shame 10. Use a beeper 14. Start over 15. Papal court 16. Region 17. Appear 18. Sin 20. A connector between devices 22. Streaked 23. Arrive (abbrev.) 24. Donkeys 25. Hostilities 32. Stream 33. Santa's helpers 34. 52 in Roman numerals 37. Gentle 38. Fool

Weekly and recurring events Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

M,W,F

The Voice of North Grenville

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information. Mixed Pickup 18+ Basketball is back! All skill levels welcome. Holy Cross School on Tuesday, 7-9 pm. $5 per night or $60 for the season. Please call Jeff or Samantha at 613-258-1847 or samantha.rivetstevenson@rbc.com. Please remember there is no basketball on snow days ! Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed! The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first Wednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca. Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month beginning Sept 10, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. KCCB, NG High School band room,7-8:30 pm. Brass and Woodwind musicians of all levels welcome! Music covers a wide range of musicals, classics, jazz and modern pieces. For more information, email dennis843@gmail.com Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. Friendship lunch, Leslie Hall, Clothier St. W. Sponsored by St. James, St. John, Kemptville Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army and Holy Cross churches. Serving begins at 11:30 am. No charge. Goodwill offering. All are welcome. The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church. Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103. Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.

39. What we eat 40. N N N N 41. Tycoon 42. Grimy 43. Impassive 45. Awry 49. Altitude (abbrev.) 50. Daft 53. Hard rubber 57. Inadvertent 59. Poems 60. Boom 61. Hangman's knot 62. A large amount 63. Hearing organs 64. Sound from a nest 65. If not

DOWN 1. Constellation bear 2. Marsh plant 3. Notion 4. Likened 5. They play roles 6. Prickle 7. Genus of macaws 8. Transgressions 9. Where the sun rises 10. City in France 11. Districts 12. "Beau ___" 13. Relieves 19. Lawn cover 21. Journey 25. Highest point 26. Smile 27. Mousses 28. Marsh plant 29. Site of the Trojan War 30. Convex molding 31. Mesh 34. Diving bird 35. Greek letter 36. Bucolic 38. Charged particle 39. Explanatory note 41. Pondered 42. Storage cylinder 44. Pill 45. Decrease 46. Chocolate-flavored coffee 47. Bring upon oneself 48. Slides 51. Lease 52. Winter precipitation 53. Convenience 54. False god 55. 10 10 10 10 56. Being 58. Foot digit

SUDOKU Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

February 18, 2015

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

CLASSIFIEDS

Sale of Land for Tax Arrears By Public Tender

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

MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001

SERVICES

Qualified English tutor: read- hardwood floors; gas heat; ing, writing, grammar, etc...I covered balcony; no smoking The Pet Nanny - Pet sit- make it fun! 613-269 2367. or pets; available immediting, dog walking Kempt./ ately. 613-295-0552 Merrickville. 613-979-2616 House Cleaning-Every workpetnannykemptville.com ing Mother and Father needs Kemptville - 2 bdrm – 506 a House Wife. Sandi 613-219- Rideau St; $950 (water inProperty cleanup,trees/ 7277 cluded) + utilities; hardwood b r u s h / y a r d floors; gas heat; covered w a s t e , s c r a p , d u m p Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, balcony; no smoking or pets; runs,anything removed Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R available immediately. 613Wayne Scott RR#5 Kempt- #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 295-0552

THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE TAKE NOTICE that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time, Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Box 130, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day at 3:30 p.m. Description of Lands:

ville 613-286-9072

SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? www.herbalone.com Effective, affordable programs and/or products. Call 613-258-4242 Mention this ad to SAVE 10%.

Rock My House Music Centre is looking for Instructors. 613 258-5656 SEWING : Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse Studio. Call Sharon 613-224-3182. “DROWNING in MESS?! Individually tailored Coaching packages now available www.sarahsorganizingservices.com”

Need help with social media? Business or personal. Email alwaysoncanhelp@gmail. com or call 613-227-3009 HANDY MAN SPECIALIZING IN RENOVATION AND HOUSE STAGING. WE DO IT ALL CALL 613 294 2416 Mr & Mrs clean residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613-867-2184

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

Kemptville 2 bdr house, 4 appliances $900 + utilities, no pets. Call John 613 258 2753

2 bedroom upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville. 4 applicances/parking/ water included. Call 613 296 Food-HealthConnec tions 5906. seminars for your company, group, school. Nutrition- Log chalet nestled on a ist Carol Pillar RHN. www. mountainside facing north, w h o l e s u m a p p r o a c h.co m Mont Tremblant. 4 bedrooms, fireplace, hot tub. Book now 258-7133 613 203 2897 chantillyplace. tremblant@gmail.com FOR RENT Large one bedroom in Furnished bedroom for rent Heckston for rent $775.00 in private home in downtown plus utilities. 613-258-4741 Kemptville. Walking distance Salebungalow. to all amenities. Rent incl. Spacious For 3 bdrm utilities. Call 613 878 4738. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer incl. Large lot. $1275 + utiliKemptville 4 BDRM Century ties. 613 853 6592FOR SALE Home Finished basement all appliances 1 ½ baths large 2002 F350 diesel quad cab 2x4 exceldeck sauna hot tub 613 720 lent workhorse $4500 613-314-9327 0942

Roll No. 07.19.716.020.12100 - . . . . . . $36,208.97 Lots 6 & 8, Plan 4, Geographic Township of Oxford, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville, 6 & 8 Water Street, Oxford Mills PIN 68117-0175 (LT) Roll No. 07.19.716.040.10100.. . . . . . . $16,343.92 Part of Lot 30, Concession 1, Geographic Township of Oxford, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville PIN 68130-0378 (R) Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order or of a bank draft or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality and representing at least 20% of the tender amount. Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and the relevant land transfer tax.

Jeep hard top storage doly/dust cover. Incl. 2 carts, nests together. $500. 613 215 0253.

The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

Chainsaw, Makita Model SC341, 16”bar. Spare chain and file incl. $160. Call 613 325 0845.

Tender to be submitted on prescribed form in an envelope clearly marked “Tender - Sale of Land for Tax Arrears”.

Roof top snow removal $100 and up Old Town Kemptville – 113 613 2942416 Prescott St. – commercial Murray Pro Series snow thrower. retail space – 1,878 sq. ft., Electric start 11 HP/29” $350. Call Nutritional Counselling to available immediately. 613- 613-805-1427. customize a wellness plan 295-0552 for all your health concerns. wholesumapproach.com 613- Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 258-7133 Rideau St; $800 + utilities;

February 18, 2015

Minimum Tender Amount

Roll No. 07.19.716.040.11800 - . . . . . . . $4,965.28 Part of Lot 30, Concession 1, as described in Deed PR33557, Geographic Township of Oxford, Municipality of North Grenville, County of Grenville - PIN 68130-0355 (R)

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

Old Town Kemptville – 10 Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 690 sq. ft., available immediately. 613295-0552

The Voice of North Grenville

CLASSIFIEDS: First 10 words free if submitted by email. Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5. Submit to classifieds@ngtimes.ca. Email must include name, address and phone #. Must be related to North Grenville and be paid in advance by paypal!

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

PRINTING & COPY CENTRE Call The North Grenville Times 613-258-5083 SALES/ ADVERTISING Gord Logan at

gord@ngtimes.ca

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact: Judy Carroll, Deputy Treasurer Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44, P.O. Box 130 Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 613-258-9569 x 105

www.ngtimes.ca

Sports

The North Grenville Times

North Grenville’s “Sweephearts” Team Runners up at the Crystal Hearts Curling Classic

by Jim Dolan Congratulations to Dawn Kish and the rest of her “Sweephearts” team members, Doreen O’Sullivan, Penny MacDonald and Debbie Newton, who were runners up in the Third Event in the Open Division at this

year’s 17th annual Crystal Heart Curling Classic. Heather Pitt and her teammates, Tracey MacDonald, Lynn Surette and Wendy Bouwman also played in the event going 2-2 . They played better than their record shows as one of their losses was a last rock loss to

a former two time winner of the event. The Crystal Heart Curling Classic is played annually in Ottawa, Ontario, starting on the first Thursday of February. It is the largest women's bonspeil in Eastern Canada. There are 64 rinks in the Open Division and 32

rinks in the Seniors' Division (for players 55 years of age and over). Games are held in 9 different curling clubs and on 25 sheets of ice. A Gala Dinner with live entertainment is held on the Friday evening at the Centurion Centre on Colonnade Road in Nepean. The Bonspiel is a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and this year raised over $50,000. North Grenville Men’s Teams come up just short at the Senior Men’s Manotick Bonspiel Friday the 13th turned out to be unlucky for the two North Grenville teams that competed in the Senior Men’s Manotick Bonspiel February 9-13. The North Grenville team of Al Wetzel, Andy Legault, Wayne Pitt and Joe McCaig of the Granite opened with three straight wins but lost in the A-event semi-final to finish just out of the money. The same fate befell Jim Dolan and his teammates, Gerry Adhamson, Mitch Barsalou and Mark Copeland. Despite going 3-1 and despite winning their game on Friday 7-5, they finished just out of the money in the consolation points event,.

Climate change strategy for Ontario by David Shanahan The Ontario government has released a climate change discussion paper and is inviting citizens, businesses and communities to share ideas about how to successfully fight climate change. The discussion paper is introduced by Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, who states that: “Climate change is a problem with a solution. Reducing our carbon emissions will produce a new innovation economy in Ontario”. The Minister by no means downplays the implications of climate change for the province, however. He notes that the mean temperature on Earth is expected to rise by 4 degrees this century, and this would have, in his words, “catastrophic consequences. Severe weather events are already driving up insurance costs and severely damaging our infrastructure. Food security February 18, 2015

and costs will be an early problem as climate change impacts where our food is grown and affects our water supply”. The discussion paper ends with a summary and a series of questions which the public are asked to consider and answer through the on-line Environmental Registry, which will be open for comments until March 29. There will also be a series of public meetings held across the province up to and after that date. Following the end of this consultation process, the government intends to develop a long-term climate change strategy and a five-year plan to implement it. The nearest meeting to North Grenville will take place in Ottawa on March 11 at the RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, from 6 to 8 pm. The Discussion Questions focus on issues such as the use of traditional First Nations’ understanding of the natural environment

in developing the climate change strategy; the role the public believe the industrial, agricultural and forestry sectors can play in this process; the use of alternative building design and construction techniques in lowering our collective carbon footprint; and how the province can encourage research into technologies that would achieve carbon emission goals. The Provincial Government has taken action to close coal fired electricity plants, curb the use of cosmetic pesticides and protect 1.8 million acres of land, and this has resulted in fewer smog days and cleaner water. Ending coalfired power is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America, equivalent to taking seven million cars off the road. The government will host a Climate Summit of the Americas from July 7-9, 2015, to advance collaborative action on climate change ahead of the Confer-

ence of the Parties in Paris in December. These moves, and the release of the discussion paper, have been welcomed by Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence, a Canadian environmental action organization founded in 1984. “It’s refreshing to see Ontario addressing climate change so directly. It’s clear that the government recognizes not only the imperative of taking action on climate change, but that doing so will make us better off. This paper is a great starting point for a critical conversation about our province's future.” Information about public sessions, including dates, cities and towns and venues, is available online at: www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/climatechange-consultation. The site also has a quick guide to the discussion paper and several options to provide ideas and comments.

The Voice of North Grenville

KWBSC – A League of their own! Calling all ladies! Due to overwhelming demand through inquiries by local residents, KWBSC presents the inaugural year of Women's Recreational Fastpitch. Women aged 18 and over are invited to join this league as a fun way to learn the game or to enhance existing skills. The Women's league is recreational and will have players with various levels of skill on each team. The objective is to have fun and share in a love of the game. Umpires will be used for league play. A year end banquet will end the year with a fun night! Opening night will see all registrants come together for a Cross Training session to start the year off right. Season will run from: May to August Registration costs: $150.00 for early bird registration until Feb. 28. Full registration $170.00 Registration is online at http://www.kemptvillewildcats. com/registration.htm Vice president of Softball Warren O'Callaghan says he is thrilled that the softball program has taken off so quickly. "There is obviously a need that we are filling in the community! At this rate we will need another two diamonds next year! Our secretary was asked if we were putting together a Women's league. She posted it to our Facebook page and it went VIRAL! Over 65 women were committed in less than 36 hours. This is a new chapter for us and we are very happy about it." KWBSC Secretary and Director of Community Awareness Lyn O'Callaghan was on the winning Bantam Girls Softball Team in the early 1990's under the Kemptville Royals Softball team as their catcher. " It was so long ago! I can't wait to get out on the field again. It has been so much fun to help coach our girls teams and now they can come out and watch their moms play and cheer us on. A lot of my old, "former", team mates from our winning year have committed to come out and play. That is what Softball is truly about, loving the game for life and building friendships that will last a lifetime!"

Invitation to address affordable housing in North Grenville

The North Grenville Community Safety and Wellness Counsel (NGCSWC) identified affordable housing as an issue that could place residents facing this dilemma at an elevated risk of victimization. The municipality of North Grenville is in the process of an “official plan” review which is open to the public for comment. An important component of the “plan” currently addresses affordable housing, however this was formulated five years ago and a revision is in order. The NGCSWC would facilitate a sub committee of those with a definite interest and/or expertise in this matter to review the current official plan, make it current to the needs of our community, and present any conclusions as a delegation during the review process in mid March. If interested, contact Donald Sherritt, Chairman North Grenville Community Safety and Wellness Counsel at donsherritt@gmail.com

What’s Happening @ KYC Free Programs at Kemptville Youth Centre

GEO-Caching 4 - 6pm (Wed. Feb. 18th) Ross McNeil Cook Night 4 - 8pm (Thurs. Feb. 19th)

Trivia Night 3 - 4 pm (SAT. Feb. 21st)

Games Night

2:30 - 5pm (Mon. Feb. 23rd)

Sports Night 6 - 7:30pm (Tues. Feb. 24th) 5 Oxford St. W. www.kemptvilleyc.com 613-258-5212

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Artists impress at St. Mike’s Student Art Show

The North Grenville Photography Club

A winter sunset by Dave Percy.

big baNG off to entertain at Disney by Pat Jessop

Bailey Hiscock and Melissa MacDonald selling 50/50 tickets.

February 18, 2015

It was a smorgasbord of food and local musical entertainment. The African drumming team big baNG held a very successful Social Tea at the NGHS last Sunday. Over 275 in attendance helped support big baNG with this final fundraiser. Forty one students will be heading to Walt Disney World Florida during March Break 2015. Playing at Disney is a huge honour and bestowed only on acts they deem entertaining and talented. The drummers are practising faithfully to represent North Grenville at Disney for two performances during the March Break. For the price of a $10 entrance fee, there were unlimited sandwiches, sweets and beverages prepared by the parents, more than could be eaten. A very wide variety of beautiful items were on display for the silent auction generously donated by businesses, parents and friends. A 50/50 draw, crafts for the kids and the music made for an enjoyable afternoon. It was apparent a lot of work and support for the kids went into this final fundraiser.

Painting by Nicole Giles by Marguerite Boyer More than 90 students from the Visual Art Program in Grades 9 to 12 at St. Michael’s High School displayed by their artistic side at a Student Art Show held in the school cafeteria on Tuesday, February 5. The students and teacher should be very proud of their show. The entire cafeteria was transformed by the display of their work. Beautifully set up panels, constructed by the woodworking students at the school, displayed a large variety of work, from acrylic paintings to charcoal, pastel, line

drawing and more. Sculptures and pottery were displayed on mirror-topped tables to give an all-round view of the works. The teacher in charge of this creative crowd is Lindsay Melnick, and she is to be congratulated on the manner in which her students have been encouraged to express themselves through so many media in such a creative way. It is obvious to me that the teacher has a huge passion for art, and has passed this on to her students. For the next few weeks or months, we hope to highlight some of the artwork that was on display at St. Michael’s

High School last week. The work pictured here has the caption: “You can't grow if you won't change”, and it shows the seasonal changes a tree goes through as it grows and blossoms. Spring, summer, autumn and winter are captured on panels reaching up to the sky. The central panel is reminiscent of a person, arms reaching as they grow like the tree. It is stunning and beautifully executed. A wonderful Art Show, gifted artists, and an encouraging teacher: St. Mike’s Visual Art Program is clearly an inspiring and creative one.

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Kemptville Snowmobile Klub Poker Rally A big Thank You to our sponsors

Ron Bates presents 1st prize to Evan Black The 2015 Poker Rally was held last Sunday by the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, and, while the rest of us complained about the freezing cold, 86 people got on their machines and enjoyed the great outdoors. Ron Bates, KSK member and poker Rally Chairperson for 2015, described the weather: “The air was cool with plenty of sunshine, ideal for a Snowmobile Rally”. The event began with 115 breakfasts served at the Clubhouse from 8 am to 11 am which was sponsored by Scott Hodges. After a hearty meal, participants took to the snow to tour the trails around Kemptville, Mountain, Heckston and back to the Clubhouse just outside Oxford Mills. In the middle of all the action, a BBQ lunch was served at one of the warm checkpoints by Kevin Leeder of Leeder Agri Services. Once the riders returned to the clubhouse, they could choose from one of the many door prizes that had been graciously donated to the club for this event. Supper was served at the Kemptville Legion by the women of Heckston United Church to approximately 90 people. The day ended with the awarding of the top prizes which went to: 1st prize, Evan Black; 2nd prize, Tim Lennox; and 3rd prize, Mel Riddell. Many other prizes awarded thanks to many local businesses. Ron Bates spoke for the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub: “Thank-you and Appreciation to all the businesses for their donations that supported this valued community event. Thank you to Rideauside Farms (The Bennett Family), Arcand Farms, Stonepile Farms (The Gaw Family) for providing warm check points for the participants. Kemptville Snowmobile Klub would like to thank all of its supporters, sponsors, members and participants who all made the day a great success”.

INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

Leeder Agri Services GT Enterprises: Gary Thompson Boulder Dust Farms: Barry Thompson Scott Hodges W.O. Stinson JT Auto Parts Tibbs Transport Richard Lavigne: Summit Seeds Napa Auto Parts Kemptville Windows and Kitchens Kemptville Building Centre Rona Myers Kemptville Rooney Feeds Loiselle Sports Red Stallion: Ed May Lockwood Brothers Construction Snap-On Tools: Tim Covell Benson Auto Parts Tensen Framing Tallman Truck Center

Jim's Performance Plus Dillabough's Sales and Service Crossings Road and Trail Blair Harris Construction Ltd Knapps Yamaha The Burns Family Fiona McKenney: Steeped Tea Clarke Code Repairs Irene and Earle Moore Lock 17 Perth Power Sports Kem Pro Trailers Osgoode Tire S.O. Hicks Insurance Brokers Impact Auto Autions Willis Kerr Contracting Ltd. Select Sires Drummonds Gas Allan Johnston Repair and Sales J.M. Automotive: Jim McKenney Kemptville Home Hardware: Blair Hamilton Ted Hudson

The Voice of North Grenville

WHO REMEMBERS THE BALLOON RELEASE AT OXFORD MILLS SCHOOL IN THE EARLY 1970s? With the publication of the recent book on schools by the North Grenville Historical Society Ralph has remembered an incident that might be of interest to the teachers and students of Oxford Mills school in the early 1970s. Do any of you remember the day Ralph organized a balloon experiment? On a beautiful calm morning in May Ralph organized a balloon release to follow wind current travels. There were approximately 80-100 red helium balloons with the address of Raina's Family Store on each and with the name of each student attached to the string. There was a reward offered for the balloon that went the farthest. The balloons went straight and lingered for quite awhile and suddenly half the

balloons went south and the other half went east. It wasn't until late summer or fall that we heard from a person in New Brunswick who found the balloon and mailed the information back to Kemptville. The person received a cash reward for the farthest found balloon. We then heard back from a person in Pennsylvania who received the second prize. Everyone enjoyed the experiment and it was great fun for all involved. This is just an interesting bit of nostalgia that hopefully some of you may remember. You can call me at 613-258-2481. Cathie Raina

Youngest prize winner, Rhys Brownrigg

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

February 18, 2015

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Kemptville Live names Headliners for July

The 1st Kemptville Live Music Festival, presented by The Finishing Touch Construction, has announced the names of the Acts which will headline each of the three days of music and art that’s coming to North Grenville in July. And it is quite a line-up! Tom Cochrane will wind up a wild Friday night on the O’Farrell Fi-

nancial Stage. The 2014 Inductee into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and multiple Juno Award winner has been recognized for decades as a Canadian Musical Icon. Cochrane began his Canadian tour in Thunder Bay last Saturday, promoting his new album “Take It Home”, which was released February 10. 2015 Juno Nominees,

The Road Hammers, will rock the O'Farrell Financial Stage on Saturday night. Canada's favourite touring band, featuring CCMA and SOCAN Award winner Jason McCoy and band mates Clayton Bellamy and Chris Byrne, never fail to deliver their signature blend of southern fried rock and country soul on stage. The Road

Hammers' latest single 'Hillbilly Highway' from their third studio album, 'Wheels', features the signature country rap of Colt Ford and is burning up the radio charts. The Juno nomination, for Country Album of the Year, is the band’s third. The video of ‘Hillbilly Highway’ is at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mHDi8h0tCXo. Canadian singer-

songwriter legend Murray McLauchlan will top the end of the Sunday folk and roots line-up. Murray is a perennial favourite for all lovers of folk and roots music, and has nineteen albums to his name, winning eleven JUNO awards throughout his impressive career. Murray has been both a radio and television host, as well as the author of a book. In 1993

he was appointed to the Order of Canada. Reviews of his last album, “Human Writes” were full of praise: “In this 10–song collection of new original songs, McLauchlan illuminates the tapestry of the human experience and reveals the world though his eyes. Simply put, Human Writes is a work of art that you will revisit time and time again, a pinnacle piece in a lifetime of achievement”. The 1st Kemptville Live Music Festival will deliver outstanding performances at accessible prices to create one great community event! Ticket sales will be launched in April, and a full weekend line-up will be announced at that time. Save the date, and follow us online for updates. www.kemptvillelivemusicfestival.com.

Olivia Mills receives her Heritage Award

Building a Sustainable North Grenville

February 18, 2015