ND Times Issue 10 2023 May 18

House of Lazarus will rise again

by David Shanahan

The fire which destroyed the House of Lazarus in South Mountain on April 25 was a major blow to the continuous and vital work performed by that organisation on behalf of so many in both North Dundas and North Grenville communities.

With the exception of some food stored in walkin freezers, everything HOL had in store at their warehouse and Food Bank was lost in the fire, and a new permanent home was urgently needed.

Since then, the two communities served by HOL have rallied to ensure that the aptly named House of Lazarus would rise again. Willis Kerr

Contracting Ltd. have provided a temporary home for HOL’s warehouse needs at their premises in Mountain, and local businesses and individuals have made financial donations to enable their important work to continue.

Cathy Ashby, Executive Director of HOL, says that HOL has been working with North Dundas Township and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to get the space ready to open as a food bank, hopefully within a month.

“We are humbled at the generosity of our community,” said Cathy. “Food and monetary donations continue to come in. This generosity is ensuring that people in our community

receive the food that they need. We are very thankful that we live in such a great community.”

The Times has joined in the great effort to see HOL rise from the ashes and made a donation of $1,000 last week. “The Times serves both municipalities, so we thought it important that we do what we could to help HOL at this difficult point in their story”, said Maggie Boyer, co-owner of the Times.

The impetus behind the donation came from one our contributors. Peter Johnston. He thought it would be an appropriate gesture to make the donation in thanks to the regular and unpaid writers

Mayer,

whose work is a regular feature of both the North Dundas and North Grenville Times. We are all part of these communities, and it was felt to be important that we also be part of the HOL recovery.

So, on behalf of Peter, Eva, Zara, John, Gord, as well as our letter writers and staff, a cheque was presented to HOL by Brandon and Peter. Anyone wishing to donate to the rebuilding of HOL’s work in their community, or to see the wide range of services provided by HOL, can do so at https://hol.community. Their new location can be found at 10506 Clark Rd., Mountain, Ont.

Dean Kerr, Cathy Ashby, Kim Merkley, Operational Manager HOL, Peter Johnson and Brandon

editor of the Times

Katherine Bell (1974-2023): A Tribute

by Brandon Mayer

Sometimes we don’t realize how special someone was until we lose them. Other times, it seems we knew all along. On May 7, we lost someone who was a very important part of North Dundas life. Judging by the messages of condolence that have been pouring in online, she meant far more to the community than she likely ever realized.

Katherine Bell was a resident of North Dundas before North Dundas even existed. She grew up on Levere Road between Winchester and South Mountain. She always joked that she had a “South Mountain accent”, often using certain phrases and pronouncing things in ways that could best be described as “proudly redneck”. She grew up alongside the Canadian Pacific Railway line, and had a childhood fear that robbers would jump off

the train in the middle of the night and snatch her. Of course, in the hindsight of adulthood, she found this amusing. Katherine often liked to tell stories about her parents, Tom and Carol, and her brother, Mike. She would also talk at length about decades of adventures with her best friend, Heather.

Katherine described herself as mostly agreeable as a child, but like most people, she had a few moments in childhood of which she was not proud. One such moment was breaking into the abandoned church which sits at the corner of Levere Road and Development Road. She also liked to share stories of the various stores in Winchester that she and her mother would visit, including one that was owned by a close relative of hers, perhaps her grandfather. I wish I could recall his name.

Talking to Kather-

ine within the borders of North Dundas guaranteed two things: 1) A free local history lesson, and 2) Hearing the biographies of many, many locals. There was never any sense of “important vs unimportant people” with Katherine. Everyone mattered to her. They were all her neighbours, and she worked hard to see the good in every single one of them.

Katherine leaves behind two children who she valued more than anything else in the world. Nick is a young adult, and Sam is 12. There was no subject of conversation that came up more than her children. She put endless time and energy into making sure that they felt loved. She also took the time to correct her mistakes, and was never afraid to ask questions to help her be a better parent.

After living in a few places, Katherine moved back to North Dundas, settling in Winchester in 2019. I came to know her briefly in 2016, when working at her son’s school, and then more closely in 2018 when she

came to work at Winchester Public School, where we worked together for about 3.5 years. She and I also cared for some neighbourhood children privately when the pandemic struck in 2020. She was a good friend who helped me through many struggles.

Besides caring for their children, a lot of people in town may also recognize Katherine as the friendly face who delivered their Foodland groceries each week. Katherine wore her Foodland uniform with pride, and since she was a people person, she cherished every opportunity to stay connected during her deliveries. She saw people as community members first, and customers second.

I am sad to say that Katherine and I had not talked much this past year. Me working long hours, and her dealing with health issues, caused us to drift apart. I am grateful that she had the love and support of her partner, Mark, in her final months. Even as new educators eased into big shoes that they could

never hope to fill, Katherine still made the effort to come to the school and visit the Winchester PS kids a few times, with cheers of “Katherine!” resonating throughout Winchester each time the kids spotted her. Caring was Katherine’s specialty, and that is something that leaves an impression on kids that they never forget. The tears that were shed by many, many children at school in the days following her passing speak volumes about the positive relationships that she formed with so many youth. That is a legacy that will have these young people telling “Katherine stories” for decades.

I recall one conversation with Katherine, a couple of years ago when the Township was running the “Meet Your

Neighbour” series of articles featuring local people who have made positive impacts in the community. Katherine told me that she would really like to be nominated for a “Meet Your Neighbour” article one day. Well… here it is. Katherine was a friend, a mentor, a healer, and a jokester. She will always be remembered as an amazing mother, sister, partner, educator, delivery person, and a treasured North Dundas neighbour. She may be gone, but she will never leave the hearts and souls of those who knew her, and the North Dundas community will never stop sharing fond stories of her. Once a neighbour, always a friend. Rest in peace, Katherine.

Katherine and Brandon at a work training event in April of 2019.

What is it saying?

by Brandon Mayer

“Referendum to be in held in Ottawa on the Issue of Privatized Hospitals.” A notice with this title was received by the Times earlier this month. At first I didn’t believe it – sure, this is something that has been talked about for years, but to find out that the province may actually go ahead with it? Definitely a “wow” moment, to say the least.

Like most issues, privatized health care has supporters and opponents. Those who support the idea suggest that having a private option will reduce the burden on public healthcare, therefore creating better health services for all. Those who oppose the idea argue that it’s just another way that the rich will be ahead of the poor. I am in camp #2.

There are already enough ways that society reminds poor people they are poor. There are also times that businesses and even the government

choose to remind people that regardless of socioeconomic status, those who pay more are simply better.

A business example is theme parks such as Canada’s Wonderland. When we took the kids there a couple of years ago, we were shocked at the long lineups. Lining up for rides is no surprise, but it was the length of the lineups that we found unbearable. We spent about 7 hours at the park, and got to go on about 5-6 rides. How does this relate to paying more to be considered “elite”?

The park has a “fast pass” that allows customers to pay exponentially more for their tickets in order to skip the lines. Whether or not we could afford the extra cost, we didn’t want to buy these fast passes and teach our kids that wealthier people are better or always deserve to be first. The existence of the fast passes makes the lines significantly slower for the holders of the “peasant” tickets. It’s awful.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, When I was two years old, I ran into the path of a riding lawn mower and lost my right leg below the knee. It all happened so fast: one moment I was playing outside, and the next I was too close to the mower.

Having grown up as part of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am now committed to spreading the Association’s PLAYSAFE message. With lawn cutting season upon us, I want everyone to know that kids should not ride, operate or play near lawn mowers.

Though I’ve learned to accept and appreciate who I am today, I want to use my experience to help prevent others from going through what I did. Please make sure children are always at a safe distance from lawn mowers. And don’t underestimate the importance of safety when operating any machinery. I

Surely governments don’t also participate in this type of “more money makes you better” system? Unfortunately, this idea is actually ingrained into the very essence of our legal system. We all know that “good lawyers” can win court cases more easily than less experienced or less educated ones. We also know that the best lawyers are bound to be more expensive. I have no problem with quality goods and services costing more money. The problem lies in the implications for those without money. Being convicted of a crime solely because you couldn’t afford a “good lawyer” is morally wrong. Similarly, being guilty of a crime and escaping sanctions on the basis of being wealthy enough to have a “good lawyer” is just plain unfair.

In civil cases, we often see that people who sue a large corporation (for liability damages, as an example) are crushed by the corporation’s lawyers. Why? Because corpora-

tions have no shortage of money. The moral and ethical culpability should matter more than cashflow – in fact, in a truly fair and equal society, socio-economic status should have no bearing at all on the outcome of court cases. But it does.

We all know the saying “Money Talks”. It does indeed. I am not anti-money, nor am I a socialist or a communist. I value the role that money plays in society by quantifying contributions to society, and providing societal benefits in return. If I work hard to do more for society, then I have more resources to purchase my wants and needs. However, there are certain situations where we are allowing money to talk too much, without asking “What is it saying?”

Our current healthcare system is not working, but those who have mismanaged it in the first place should try fixing it instead of breaking it more. I am not arguing that American privatized healthcare

is not better healthcare – it is. Surgeries can be scheduled in a matter of days, not months. Tests such as MRI scans and bloodwork are much faster, and clinics are more abundant. But the American system is one that requires health insurance by its very nature. It is a blanket system. Just as most Ontarians pay the “Ontario Health Premium” as part of their income tax returns ever year, Americans must pay insurance premiums, and in both jurisdictions, everyone has access to the same healthcare system. A hybrid model is different – and unfair.

Two people in the same province should not be receiving vastly different healthcare solely on the basis of socioeconomic status. We are better than that. Instead, it’s time for the provincial government to actually fix what we already have. I paid $750 for the Ontario Health Premium last year, and about the same amount in previous years. I have been seen by a doc-

tor exactly twice in five years, and both were 10 minute visits, at most. By my calculations, my 20 minutes spent with a doctor did not cost $3,750. While it’s hard to peg an exact fi gure that physicians are paid per visit in Ontario, my research suggests I can safely say it’s less than $50 per visit. Sure, not everyone pays the Health Premium, and many who do certainly get more money in services than they pay out in premiums, but we should be able to achieve acceptable healthcare with the money coming in. This is especially true considering that the system is funded largely by a separate, dedicated tax.

If money is the issue, it’s time to budget better and make a plan for the future of Ontario’s healthcare. I don’t accept that the only solution is jumping ship on equal healthcare for all.

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

urge you to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you.

If you would like to learn more about how to play safely and hear stories from other young amputees like me who have lost limbs in accidents, visit waramps.ca/ playsafe.

Jarod Murray, 21

Dear Editor,

To the 200 Women Who Care in North Dundas,

From the bottom of our hearts, it is with sincerest appreciation to have Naomi’s House chosen as the top recipient for your 2023 event amongst so many deserving charities from North Dundas. The event was so fun and welcoming and thank you for making us feel so deserving of your support.

We have work to do – as we look forward to our new roof! We couldn’t make it

possible without the beloved support of our community. Thank you,

Renee Moores

Mention of the coronation and monarchy elicits a multitude of responses. Certainly the King managed to scale back the celebration in response to tough challenging economic times while honoring the right to facilitate the celebration of another step in history. Some are quick to determine that the monarchy needs to be abolished here in Canada. What results would there be for our country?

Certainly the key weekend of celebrating the Queen's birthday on the long weekend in May, would mean we also abolish that event, leaving no reason to celebrate anything. Or perhaps we now commemorate a new date for the King's birthday? With the absence of the Monarchy, it would be fitting to not note either birthdays. Consequently, we would negate a long weekend break, or time and half pay for working. Are you prepared for that possibility?

Being part of the Monarchy, provides an element of military allegiance with other Commonwealth countries. Are we prepared to go solo in political unrest? The role of the governor-general which minimizes the scrutiny of the prime minister's accountability in accordance with the reigning King/Queen, would then be void and null. Our faith in positive influence loses another layer of provision for the people when we go independent.

Pomp and ceremony allows us to celebrate and commemorate the momentous events in history. Your decision to choose must reflect a choice that is taken with seriousness and a full understanding of consequences. Perhaps you can proudly say "God save the King" while recognizing no plan is without caveats and downfalls, but for now it is the best we have!!!

New ND Fire Chief named

submitted by Councillor John Lennox

On behalf of the Township of North Dundas and Council, I am pleased to announce that Kreg Raistrick has accepted the position of Fire Chief. Chief Raistrick has served with North Dundas Fire Services since 2005, where he has actively participated and led numerous engagements which help strengthen our community and while promoting fire prevention strategies. As a resident of North Dundas for his entire life, and a local business owner, Chief Raistrick is well versed in our shared successes as a Fire Service as well as a township. As the first Fire Chief of North Dundas, Chief Raistrick will undoubtedly be presented with his fair share of the unique challenges such as hiring and retention, training, and policy development.

With over a hundred years of combined firefighting experience between the four Station Chiefs and four Deputy Chiefs, the Township of North Dundas and Council are forever grateful of their continued service, bravery, and professionalism. While we understand that change brings with it uncertainties, we trust in their continued leadership to see that their stations, as well as Chief Raistrick, are successful. We are one department.

All members of the North Dundas Fire Services are invited to join us on Thursday, May 18th, at 3:00 PM at the Township Office (Council Chambers) for Chief Raistrick's Command Ceremony.

Finally, I would like to extend my praise once again to the Steering Committee for their hard work over the years in guiding the North Dundas Fire Services, the Township of North Dundas staff for their efficiency throughout this process and to the volunteer firefighters of North Dundas who continue to serve their community.

Potential new subdivision draws criticism and questions

One police officer killed, two injured in Bourget

history with the police that the accused shooter may have had, or any presence of mental illness, he did confirm that “there was no reason to believe that this individual posed a danger to police.”

by Brandon Mayer

An Ontario Provincial Police officer has been killed, and two others injured after being dispatched to a disturbance call at a home in the small town of Bourget, about 45 minutes northeast of Winchester. Sergeant Eric Mueller was the officer killed – he was a 21-year veteran of the police force who is being remembered as an “exemplary officer”.

The incident occurred on May 11, shortly after 2:00am when officers were dispatched to a home on Laval Street in Bourget, where someone had reported hearing a gunshot. The three officers from the Russell County OPP Detachment who arrived at the scene, including Sergeant Mueller, were reportedly “ambushed” and all three suffered gunshot wounds.

the hospital. As of the time of writing, one officer has been discharged while the other officer remains in the hospital in stable condition.

A 39-year-old man from Bourget has been charged with First Degree Murder, contrary to Section 235(1) and two counts of Attempted Murder, contrary to Section 239 (1) of the Criminal Code. The accused has been remanded in custody.

Officer Bill Dickson of the OPP confirmed for the Times that no one else was present in the home besides the accused shooter when the three officers arrived at the scene. Officer Dickson also confirmed that no one else was hurt, besides the officers.

Sgt. Eric Mueller worked as a Constable in Grenville County prior to transferring to Clarence-Rockland. Flags could be seen lowered to half mast in the days following the tragedy in different parts of North Dundas, including at the OPP station in Winchester.

The OPP is asking everyone to respect the wishes of Sergeant Mueller’s family for privacy as they grieve. His family and OPP colleagues are being provided with assistance to work through this horrible incident. A procession was held on May 13 departing from the Ottawa Hospital General Campus and traveling along Highway 417 eastbound to Highway 174. Members of the public were invited to join First Responders in showing their respects.

by Brandon Mayer

A local resident is raising questions about a plan for a potential new subdivision in Ormond, particularly because she believes the developer is aiming to deceive those who already live in the area. Evelyne Giroux and many of the other Ormond residents have concerns about two seemingly contradictory diagrams of the same location. One is a land severance request made to the United Counties of SD&G, which appears to show a plan for two houses to be built on Rodney Lane. The other is a diagram showing plans for a 64-home subdivision – published by a Kemptville Engineering Consultant firm – on the same location where the request to sever the two lots is being made.

Evelyne notes that the land in question – cur-

rently zoned as agricultural land – was farmed into a “beautiful crop” last summer. She and others are concerned about the potential loss of valuable farmland. Evelyne contends that the two lots shown in the application made to the United Counties of SD&G will be used to build model homes for the development project of 64 houses.

“I am wholly opposed to the rezoning of prime agricultural land for the purpose of development,” said Evelyne. She notes that SD&G has been fighting to preserve farmland, raising questions about the efficacy of such a large development going ahead when it will be put right over top of existing, high quality agricultural land. She notes that the land was clear cut and fitted with tile drainage just two years ago.

“The land on Rodney Lane is not selling. There is no growth in Ormond. There is no need of 64

houses,” Evelyne adds. She is also concerned about water issues, since 64 new houses would mean 64 private wells drawing from potentially the same aquifer or aquifers already being used by the existing Ormond residents. “Residents of Ormond are already running out of water from our wells,” she said. “It shouldn’t be built backto-back on our property. Why are we becoming part of this subdivision when there is a lot of other land that could be used for that?”

Mayor Tony Fraser, who also serves as Warden for the upper tier Council of the United Counties of SD&G, agreed that “there are gaps that need to be fi lled in” in the existing planning. Councillor Matthew Uhrig provided a similar comment, pointing out that the plans are still very new.

Peter Young, Director of Planning and Economic

Sergeant Mueller was transported to the hospital and died as a result of his injuries. Two other officers suffered gunshot wounds and have been treated at

Development Services for the United Counties of SD&G, provided the following statement regarding the proposed project:

“SDG Counties received severance applications to create two new lots on Rodney Lane in Ormond within the Township of North Dundas. Currently, the south part of the property (about 34 acres) is within the rural settlement area (hamlet) of Ormond. The Provincial Policy Statement states that ‘Rural settlement areas shall be the focus of growth and development and their vitality and regeneration shall be promoted.’ Subdivisions are permitted in rural settlement areas such as Ormond, subject to submitting required studies and meeting agency requirements. The southern portion of the property has been within the settle-

Calls to the police regarding gunshots can sometimes happen more frequently during certain times of the year such as hunting season, but in general, such calls are rare. “Granted, at 2 o’clock in the morning… not the most common occurrence,” added Officer Dickson.

Although Officer Dickson was not able to comment on details such as any prior

ment area boundaries of Ormond since at least the 1993 Township of Winchester Official Plan, and was also included in the 2006 and 2018 SDG Official Plans. We have not received a subdivision application at this time. We required a concept plan of the entire property to confirm that the proposed severances would not preclude future development, but the concept plan has no approval status. Any future subdivision application would require a hydrogeological study and terrain analysis to review the impact of new wells and septic systems on neighbouring properties, along with stormwater management and other technical studies. We have received comments from Township staff, South Nation Conservation Authority and members of the public

Investigators, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have video. They should contact the police at 1-888-3101122 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

and are considering those comments and materials in making a decision on the two severances.”

Evelyne and similarly concerned neighbours are not going down without a fight. “Ormond is a historic corner with a unique heritage that the Township should be protecting,” said Evelyne. “There is a centennial house that was once a school and a general store. Ormond could be like Merrickville, with its unique atmosphere and heritage. Adding a residential project will destroy the rural farming community heritage of Ormond and turn it into a busy suburban neighborhood.”

Wherefore & Why:

by Peter Johnson

Sometimes, we encounter people who are so overlyassured of their knowledge of all things, that they can be overly so—or as a lady friend once said, 'overweening'---she was an English major, as opposed to an English Major. (overweening • \oh-ver-WEE-ning\ • adjective. 1: arrogant, presumptuous 2: immoderate, exaggerated. At times, more humility and less hubris can go a long way towards making us all better people.

To achieve my goal,--'To Help Make North Gremlins Less 'Over-Weenies',--I have compiled the following:

Useless Trivia: A dime has 118 ridges, a crocodile can't stick out its tongue, a dragonfly has a 24-hour lifespan and a goldfish's memory is all of 3 seconds.

Now cats! Well, there's an interesting critter: cats have 32 muscles in their ears. That's right, 32! Two and two-thirds dozen muscles to NOT use when you call. That many times. it will act like it can't hear you when you are trying to get it back into the house late at night. The same number of genes to make up their disinterested, people-ignoring nature. Are cats overweening by nature?

And still with the Animal Kingdom, snails can sleep for three years. Just a small point here: how do you tell if

it is alive, let alone sleeping? They don't really dash about at the best of times. Next, if you are being consumed by a shark, you can take some solace in the fact that it is the only fish that can blink both of its eyes. How about the eyes of an ostrich? They are bigger than its brain—it has a relatively small head, so it's brain is not enormous. Is your brain getting bigger?

Gangsters Anyone?

According to Al Capone's business cards, he was a furniture salesman. He grew up in Brooklyn, and had only a middle-school education. He had a scar on his face...thus the nickname. He got it in a fight, in a brothel of all places. Isn't fighting in a brothel kind of counter-productive?

Mr. Capone found Chicago weather to be too cold, so he set up shop in Florida. Does this sound like someone else who loves being in the news? Scarface—Al, was eventually convicted, not of being a crook, but of income tax evasion. Again, the parallels are eerie... uncanny ..strange. (okay, enough with the synonyms).

Words at Your Fingertips, Spelling & Language: There is a dearth words in English that rhyme with: 'month', 'orange', 'silver' and 'purple' (to correct this, my mother made up 'burple'-she defined it as the colour of a hiccup). On your key-

Outgoing Board chair values volunteerism

grown to know WDMH and Dundas Manor well.

board, the longest word that can be typed using only the left-hand keys is 'stewardesses'; with the right hand?

'Lollipop'---sweet!

Random Stuff: Our eyes are always the same size throughout our lives, whereas our ears and nose continue to grow. Babies are born without kneecaps. (I thought I was trapped inside a woman's body... then I was born.) You can't keep your eyes open when you sneeze. 'Dreamt' is the only word in this language ending in 'mt'. Leonardo da Vinci, who invented almost everything, also took care of scissors...which has no singular form, by the way: like trousers, stairs, clothes, goods, belongings, earnings—to name a few.

That completes my list of useless, pointless factoids. I look forward to hearing from the appropriate member of council regarding my nomination as “Nominal Nurturing Citizen of the Year for Networking with North Grenvillans to Overcome Over-weenie-ness”.

I am not being facetious when I say that I will humbly hang the award in a prominent location...next to my well-thumbed Oxford English Dictionary. Be well Weenies.

Rolling lane closures in Winchester

submitted by Township of ND

From May 15th until September 1st there will be rolling lane closures on SDG 3/Main Street in Winchester during the day and at night to facilitate the new sewer main construction.

Work is anticipated to be conducted from 7:00am5:00pm Monday to Friday. Construction will be from 12048 SDG 3 (just west of Joel Steele Community Centre) to just east of the intersection of St. Lawrence Street and Main Street.

The lane closures will be 100-200 metres in length at any given time and will moved along the road as the construction progresses. A flag person and/or automated lights will be controlling the flow of traffic.

submitted by Jane Adams

Chris Chevalier is leaving the helm as Chair of the WDMH Foundation Board of Directors, but her love of volunteering will continue. In fact, it has been part of her life since she was a candy striper at the Montreal General Hospital as a teenager.

Chris joined the Foundation Board in 2017 and became Chair in 2022. At the time, she noted: “I am so very honoured and pleased to have been elected as Chair. Over the past five years, I have

I look forward to continuing my work with this incredible team - to help grow our community of donors and to work together to help ensure that WDMH is the very best hospital, and that Dundas Manor is the very best long-term-care home, to be found anywhere!”

During her tenure, Chris has done just that. While the pandemic changed many of the Foundation’s fundraising plans, the team didn’t miss a beat. “We’ve been blessed to have a group of volunteers who work together toward a common goal. And it’s been terrific working with Kristen and the Foundation team. I give them all the credit.”

Chris says the Foundation’s success speaks to the credibility of Win-

chester District Memorial Hospital. “It’s a really good hospital and it’s where I go for medical care,” she adds.

Looking forward, Chris will now have more time to devote to other interests. She is involved with a legal aid clinic called ACTO or Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. She also volunteers with two animal support organizations – Critter Cabs and Freedom Drivers – helping to relocate rescue animals. While it’s mostly dogs and cats, Chris has also transported pigs and roosters!

Best wishes and thank you Chris!

“May your walls know joy; May every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility”

Find that space with us!

5607 Flagg

IROQUOIS - This gorgeous 3 bedroom, triple brick, century home backs onto Flagg Bay with access to the St. Lawrence.

A perfect balance of character and Modern finishes with a custom kitchen, exposed brick walls, wood flooring and 2 nat-gas fireplaces. With your own dock for swimming, boating or just admiring the sunsets - nothing else you need here! $950,000 MLS#1339271

11879 Couny Road 3

MOUNTAIN - This large 4 bedroom home with a large shop on almost 4 acres is on the market for the first time! Perfect to entertain in with a formal dining room, living room with wood burning fireplace, fully finished family room with wet bar and a bonus room just waiting for your ideas - or to uncover the indoor pool that is under the floor! $699,900 MLS#1334189

Fertilizer - Seed - Crop Protection

Tie-stalls banned?

couraged” to go the free-stall route, a trend that “aligns with research on consumer/ public viewpoints and the long-term social sustainability of the industry.”

“Do I think a free-stall is better?” asked Chestervillearea dairy farmer Andrew DeJong, who operates a 40head robotic free-stall herd with his father. “Not necessarily. I do prefer it myself, but I think as an industry we need to move in the direction that the consumer wants. Ultimately the consumer is going to heavily influence what we have to do because they are the customers.”

The DeJong farm was a tie-stall operation until six years ago, and the farmer said he had no regrets about switching to free-stall.

The cows benefit from having food and water right in front of them, and are pastured from May until the end of October. “And then they come in, and it’s amazing, the older cows, they know their stalls, they go in the barn, and pick out their stall.”

Her son, Rob, is a “cow person” and wouldn’t have it any other way, but she conceded that if the operation were ever to expand, it would likely go free-stall.

Depends on who you talk to on the committee that made the rules

by Nelson Zandbergen

Courtesy of Farmers Forum

Just don’t call it a ban on new tie-stall dairy barns: The recently updated National Dairy Code requires that all newly built dairy barns “must allow daily, untethered freedom of movement and social interactions year-round.” That will be the rule as of April 1, 2024.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada insists a tie-stall barn can be constructed to meet the new standard in the latest Code of Practice For the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle. “Nowhere in the code does it state that tie-stall barns are banned,” the DFC said in a statement by email.

“It is very possible to construct a new tie-stall barn with the ability for cows to have daily access to loose

housing for some part of the day (pen, pasture, dry lot, etc),” the DFC said.

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario took the same position, asserting in a statement that a tie-stall barn could “meet the requirement” of a newly built barn.

But Humane Canada, which had a representative on the 18-person committee that developed the new Code, sees it differently.

“Once the code comes into effect … no new tie-stall barns can be built and all newly-built barns must allow for daily, year-round freedom of movement and social interactions,” Humane Canada spokesperson Kristina

ing that cows be untethered daily in all new barns, Ontario dairy consultant Jack Rodenburg said it struck him as leaving no wiggle room to accommodate a new tiestall barn.

Brinston-area dairy farmer Anna Smail said that tie-stall barns have their advantages, including “individual cow comfort and cow care.”

The biggest disadvantage, Smail said, is the extra labour needed to run a tie-stall herd and difficulty finding hired help. “If you have a tie-stall, you have to be there 24/7 or you have to put someone there, and if you’re the only one on the farm, there’s no relief.”

farms. According to the DFO’s 2022 stats, 54 % of producers are tie-stall versus 46 % free-stall. However, it’s believed the majority of dairy cattle in the Province are milked in a free-stall environment today because those operators tend to run larger herds than their tiestall counterparts.

Ban or no ban, the new Code also states that farmers building new barns are “en-

Smail, who farms with her husband and son in a tiestall setup, said they can tell right away if a cow is having a health problem, “and we can look after it right away. We hardly ever have a cow down that needs a special call for the vet.”

Her neighbour, dairy farmer John Westervelt, suggested that squeezing tie-stall operators out of the industry would make it that much harder for new dairy farmers to enter the field.

“It’s one more detriment for a beginner to overcome,” said Westervelt, whose own farm features a robotic freestall barn, after many years as a tie-stall operation.

Koehn

Merchant told Farmers Forum by email.

Merchant added that the code’s stipulations for new barns “cannot be met by tiestall barns.”

When asked for his take on the key sentence mandat-

Call Elevator: 613-774-4246

Existing tie-stalls will be allowed to continue operating without alterations and subject to a new but less onerous untethered rule that comes into effect on April 1, 2027. These existing tie-stall operators’ cows will then have to be let loose at some point between calvings, such as between milkings in the summer or having them on a bedding pack or similar loose-housing area once dried off. Both practices are common, and Rodenburg estimated that less than 10 % of existing tie-stall farms keep all of their adult animals tied up in stalls all the time.

Tie-stall operators still comprise the bare majority of Ontario’s 3,273 dairy

Home: 613-774-3305

• Cell: 613-229-2142 12650 Ormond Road, Winchester, Ontario

Spring Home and Garden

2022, 2021, 2019 Award Top 5% Internationally

Well, it may finally be that time of year! Here we are already a month into spring without having experienced the spring part. There’s going to be a flurry of activity around as North Grenville residents start flooding into local businesses for their spring home improvement projects. We are blessed in this area with many local businesses that offer a wide variety of products and services to make all spring home improvement projects easier, less expensive and more attractive. Whether you’re looking for plants, paint, building materials, a local service provider or just some good advice, we’ve got you covered!

Colour corrections

RB Heating

Why Choose RB Heating ClimateCare?

From routine maintenance, to 24/7 emergency service, turnkey installation of the latest state of the art heating and air conditioning systems (like geothermal systems), tankless water heaters or ductless air conditioning, our goal is to provide you with the comfort and quality you deserve and expect. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed, 100% fully licensed technicians servicing your neighborhood for 25 years. We treat your home as if it was our own.

Patio planning

On the patio, truly transform your setup by considering both the style and function of your furniture set. Then choose furniture that reflects your needs. If you love lounging in the backyard, a sectional would be a better fit for you than a set of chairs. If you are an entertainer, be sure to maximize your seating options and an area that promotes conversation. When picking your furniture, sets with a rounded shape lead the 2023 outdoor trends.

To really tie your outdoor space together, enliven your exterior paints and stains that pull inspiration from nature. To make choosing the right shade a simple task, look to an expert choice like BeautiTone’s exterior colour of the year, Western White. This paint is a calming neutral influenced by the undertones of Canada’s western red cedars. Whether paired with a rich wood stain or a boldly coloured door it can really elevate the curb appeal of your home.

Exterior decor

Now it’s time to accessorize. Add personality through vibrant outdoor rugs, ornate planters, as well as lively greens and flowers. With the return of maximalism, which celebrates an eclectic mash up of things and styles, mix and match patterns to capture the trend. To be sure you don’t create an eyesore, select a palette of colours and patterns that match in intensity.

Goodbye Grey, Hello Beige!

Reporting from the front lines of the decorating world, we see a notable trend away from the grey minimalist colours of just a few short years ago. Not that beige is the boldest of choices, but we are definitely seeing a return to the soft neutrals. Some experts believe that the increased time we have been spending at home has left folks longing for comfort and warmth in their home decor. And so, we see colours chosen by designers and homeowners warming up. Some daring clients are even opting for rich deep co-

RB Heating

lours of intense hues like the Color Guild (A Global Color Authority) colour of the year for 2023, “Prosperity 0107”. Paired with soft whites, or beige this “deep and rich shaded pink is designed to reassure and support”

On the window, we are seeing interest in breaking up the simplicity of the popular roller shade. Products like Hunter Douglas Architectural shades boost visual interest with their bold horizontal lines. Drapery is back in a big way too, but today you won’t find

Why Choose RB Heating ClimateCare? From routine maintenance, to 24/7 emergency service, turnkey installation of the latest state of the art heating and air conditioning systems (like geothermal systems), tankless water heaters or ductless air conditioning, our goal is to provide you with the comfort and quality you deserve and expect. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed, 100% fully licensed technicians servicing your neighborhood for 25 years. We treat your home as if it was our own.

Light bright

The final touch to transform an outdoor space is to set the lighting and ambience. Outdoor heaters and fire tables, which you can find at local stores like Home Hardware, are a stylish solution to bring light and warmth to a cool evening. When deciding where you want to place these items, look at the layout of your yard and find distinct areas to highlight. Add lighting to your conversation areas, but also showcase any landscaping or hardscapes you love.

the traditional pleat of the past. Now you will see a lot of highly tailored ripplefold style folds with a careful stack back and lots of fine details.

And if bold colour isn't your thing, don’t despair. You can look to big textures to create contrast and visual interest. Crisp linens, rich chenilles, and sheer casements are in all the new fabric collections arriving at our shop. We are also seeing bold florals and patterns reappearing, but used more judiciously than they may have in the past, for a touch of WOW at the window or smaller spaces. Speaking of smaller spaces, wallpaper is back strong, especially for powder rooms and focal walls. With big bold florals and graphics, wallpaper is a strong choice for small spaces.

Written

by William Pearl, Stevens Creek Shutter Company. Visit us at 2678 County Road 43 to see the latest in home decor, and tour our new Hunter Douglas Gallery

The Weather with Connor

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another week of The Weather with Connor. This week, I thought I'd do more of a longer range forecast and a little bit of a recap rather than talk about a specific topic. So, let's get started.

First of all, the first half of May was generally well below normal temperature-wise. It was also cloudy for days and days, as it rained for 6 days in a row in Eastern Ontario. This caused flooding in rivers, basements, and farm fields. Rivers have still not fully recovered from that rain event and are still above normal water levels.

The middle of May

submitted by Amanda Burger, ABOP

For the second year in a row, A Bunch of People Arts and Events (ABOP) is bringing laughter to the community with their production of A Bunch of Sketches - Take 2, happening in May. This is only one of the many fun things to do at affordable prices for this year from ABOP events.

“We have a local writing team of five (5) veteran writers, who are also going to be acting, such as Tom Schoch, a well know former radio host, journalist, farmer, father, and funny man,” said Amanda Burger – Board President and Founder. “Tom’s dry humour is always good for a belly laugh and his contribution as sketch writer and mentor to the writers within A Bunch of People’s show A Bunch of Sketches, Take 2 is clearly felt”. Other comedy writers include humorous Harmony Koiter, theatre-Mom and funny woman Jennifer Heale, the ever-funny Jo-Anne Barton, and local standup comic Curtis Russell.

was better, as we got into a prolonged period of sunny skies and temperatures around normal. There was the occasional above normal day, which is expected to continue into the week of the 15th under sunny skies. This will cause the area to become dry, maybe dry enough for counties to start introducing fire bans as a precaution.

The later portion of May, aside from a couple random days, looks like it will be below normal temperature-wise. There will also be a couple of rainier days during the later portion of May, but it likely won't end up being enough for what we'll actually need at the time.

The rest of May is also terrible for me as a storm chaser. There are no opportunities for the rest of May, aside from chasing little showers if I wanted to. This will end up being the quietest May for chasing of my entire chasing life.

There will be no derechos this May, and no tornadoes either. We are all good in that regard. I will have to wait until June to get my first chase under my belt, which is astoundingly late in the season. Usually, my first chase actually comes in late April or early May, not June.

With a quiet May like this, you can only hope the rest of the summer isn't filled with bad storms to compensate for May. This area has been through a lot with storms in recent history, so it'd be nice if something bad didn't happen.

In short, May is and will continue to be quiet and dry.

While I wait for my first chase, I can finally start getting my new chase vehicle prepared with everything it needs. It was actually sitting in the shop for two months getting some important things repaired, but the parts got delayed and it

charity

Rounding out the troupe is Kaitlyn Morrow, whose natural comedic style is the cherry on the top.

“I’m so excited to be working on this again. This project started off with great laughs in the writers’ room in our first meeting when Heidi Foss, four-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee for Best Female Stand-up Comic, joined us virtually to mentor and guide the writers, drawing from her vast experience”, stated Marie Thèrèse Robinson – ABOP Board member and director. Heidi is an acclaimed screenwriter, storyteller, and series developer for shows on HBO, Fox, PBS, Family, YTV, Nickelodeon, and BBC, as well as part of the staff writing team for CBC's "This Hour Has 22 Minutes". She continues being active on the standup comedy circuit, as well as many other projects.

With initial guidance from Heidi Foss, the comedy writing team has created fifteen original sketches spanning the comedy of aliens, horses, a not-so-famous mouse, monsters, cab

took two months for them to get to the dealership. Anyway, things inside and outside the vehicle will start to get installed for the upcoming season. I'll reveal the vehicle on my Facebook page whenever everything gets done.

Also, my annual announcement: I'll be going out to Western Canada for my 3rd annual Chasecation. From June 24th to July 10th, I'll be away from my stomping grounds of Eastern Ontario, and going to my secondary stomping grounds of the Alberta Foothills (or Saskatchewan/Manitoba, wherever the storms are).

Introduction to ETFs: The Powerful Investment Tool for Modern Investors

By Cyndy Batchelor Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning | Assante Capital Management Ltd.

ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are a popular investment option among investors seeking portfolio diversification. In this article, we'll break down what ETFs are, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to get started with them.

What are ETFs?

ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, just like stocks. They typically hold a basket of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and aim to track the performance of a specific market index or benchmark. A variety of ETFs are available, from broad-based index funds to sector-specific funds.

Advantages of ETFs

drivers, reality shows, and other laughable moments we encounter in our lives. Get ready for a great night of entertainment.

The show is directed by Marie-Thérèse Robinson, who has been involved heavily with both A Bunch of People and Dundas County Players since her arrival in the North Dundas area over 5 years ago. Tickets are $15 each, with a recommended age of 13 and up. With three (3) shows on Friday, May 19 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 20 at 2 pm and at 7:30 pm, there are lots of options to choose from and all profit from the shows will be donated to local charity.

Last Christmas, ABOP gave $2,200 to HOL, the profit from their six (6) events in 2022. HOL then used the funds to aid local families needing help in these difficult times. “This is the one of the raisons d'êtres of ABOP. It is an outcome of having fun, what is better than that?” added Harmony Koiter, one of the Directors of the Board and writer/actor.

Get your tickets fast as they are going quick-

ly. Email: abunchofpeopleartsandevents@gmail. com for more info or call: 613 346-5064.

A Bunch of People Arts and Events is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in rural Ontario (Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, in Eastern Ontario). Working with experienced & amateur physical, musical & visual artists we help organize artistic and/or entertaining events to help raise money for charity.

What is better than having a good time? Knowing the money you spent goes to charity!

ETFs have a low cost. Unlike traditional mutual funds, ETFs typically have lower expense ratios, which means investors can keep more of their investment returns. Additionally, ETFs provide diversification, allowing investors to easily invest in a variety of assets with just one fund. Similar to stocks, they can also be traded throughout the day, allowing investors to buy and sell shares as they see fit.

Disadvantages of ETFs

One potential disadvantage of ETFs is that they can be complex. Some ETFs may invest in complex financial instruments, which beginners and casual investors may struggle to understand. Additionally, while ETFs are typically low-cost, some specialty ETFs can have higher expense ratios, which can eat into returns.

How to Get Started with ETFs

To get started with ETFs, you'll need an investment account and an understanding of your investment goals and risk tolerance. As soon as your account is set up, you should evaluate your wealth plan. We highly recommend contacting a financial advisor to help you decide which ETFs are right to include in your portfolio.

Before investing in ETFs, it's important to do your research and understand the risks and benefits. Consider your investment goals and risk tolerance and talk to a financial advisor if you have questions or concerns.

In conclusion, ETFs provide low-cost diversification, ease of trading, and flexibility, making them an ideal option for casual and experienced investors alike. With research and a solid investment strategy, you can use ETFs to achieve your wealth goals.

We welcome questions so please reach out! See our ad in this week’s North Dundas Times and follow us on Facebook @OFarrellWealth.

Cyndy Batchelor is a Financial Advisor with Assante Capital Management Ltd. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Capital Management Ltd. Please contact her at 613.258.1997 or visit ofarrellwealth.com to discuss your circumstances prior to acting on the information above. Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

A Bunch of People will leave you in stitches for

Time to “Even the Odds” in Canada

from Staples Canada

With a mission to help make the future fair for everyone, Staples Canada and MAP, a world-leading research centre, have launched the second year of the Even the Odds fundraising partnership with a goal to raise $2 million in 2022.

Even the Odds launched last year to help raise awareness of inequity in Canada and build vibrant, healthy communities. The campaign raised $1.23 million during its inaugural year, thanks to the support of Staples Canada’s customers, associates and vendor-partners, as well as a corporate match donation.

In Canada, income, education, and experiences of discrimination strongly affect the odds of staying healthy. That’s because social and economic status determine how easy it is to access the resources that are essential for good health, such as affordable housing, nutritious food, and health care. As a result, over 1.2 million children in Canada live in households that struggle to afford fresh fruit and vegetables. At least one million people sacrifice basic essentials to pay for medical prescriptions, and 235,000 are homeless every year. The pandemic has exposed the magnitude of social, health and economic inequity in Canada, with racialized and low-income populations carrying a disproportionate burden of the health and economic impacts.

Internationally recognized for ground-breaking

science and innovation, MAP scientists work in partnership with communities and government leaders to address these issues and more through the development of equity-focused program and policy solutions.

“We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the first year of this partnership,” said David Boone, CEO of Staples Canada. “The support from our associates and customers has been outstanding, and it’s rewarding for our team to already see new research programs and solutions come to life that advance the important work that MAP is doing to build vibrant, healthy communities.”

MAP is a world-leading research centre dedicated to creating a healthier future for all. Through big-picture research and street-level solutions, MAP scientists tackle complex community health issues—many at the intersection of health and equity. MAP’s 32 scientists and over 120 staff and students work in partnership with communities, researchers, and government leaders across Canada to address issues such as homelessness, unequal access to health care and medicine, and the lifelong effects of childhood poverty. MAP is part of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. For more information, visit maphealth.ca.

Even the Odds has already begun making an impact by funding research and solutions throughout Canada, including three MAP projects: a leadership program for young people

who are exiting homelessness; a health promotion school program for kids in disadvantaged neighbourhoods; and a national initiative to draw the blueprint for a more equitable primary care system in Canada.

Recently, through Even the Odds, Staples Canada and MAP also announced support for a new Université de Montréal and the Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP) project focused on an innovative health clinic, called Clinique Mauve, that’s specifically designed to meet the needs of racialized and migrant communities who identify as LGBTQI+. The project will evaluate the program and explore the best ways to tailor the clinic’s services to serve TwoSpirit and/or trans Indigenous people, especially youth.

“Staples associates and customers’ commitment to Even the Odds in Canada has brought these exciting projects to life,” said Dr. Stephen Hwang, Director, MAP. “We are so grateful to be doing this outstanding work in partnership with Staples.”

Staples Canada will launch its first in-store fundraising effort of 2022 from May 2 to 22, 2022. Customers make a donation to Even the Odds at any one of Staples Canada’s 300+ stores or online at staples. ca/eventheodds. For every dollar raised during the campaign, Staples Canada will match with a corporate donation, up to $500,000.

To learn more or make a donation to Even the Odds, visit staples.ca/eventheodds.

Emergency Preparedness can be a Life Saver!

submitted by EOHU

May 7 through 13 was Emergency Preparedness Week, and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is reminding you to be ready in case of emergency. Emergencies often happen withlittle to no warning, so being prepared can save time, and even your life. The three best ways to be prepared for an emergency are knowing the types of emergencies your area is at risk for, having an emergency plan and keeping emergency kits in accessible areas.

“We have had a variety of emergencies in the last few years, including power outages, flooding, extreme heat events, and snow and ice storms,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “These emergencies are not uncommon for our area and our community should know how to be prepared for them. Having emergency plans and kits for these events can help you to keep you and your family safe.”

In the event of an emergency, you may not have much time to act. Everyone in your household should know the emergency plans, including evacuation routes from your home and neighbourhood, emergency contact information, and meeting points if you become separated.

Depending on the emergency, you also may not have access to food, fresh water, and other amenities like electricity, and first responders may not be able to assist you right away.

Emergency kits stocked with survival essentials prepare you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, and should be stored in easy to access areas, in both your home and your car. Some items all emergency kits should contain include:

- Photocopies of important documents (government ID, insurance, bank records etc.)

- 4 litres of water per person, per day, for drinking, cleaning, and hygiene

- Non-perishable foods

- First aid kit

- Battery-operated or wind-up flashlight

- Battery-operated radio

Be sure to check your kits annually and rotate out the food and water to ensure nothing is past its expiry date.

More information on how to prepare for emergencies can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca and www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.

ACROSS

1. Dull pain

5. A rounded projection

In recent times, there has been a lot of discussion about terms that are no longer culturally appropriate, or politically correct, or just plain offensive. Why shouldn’t we use these terms, and what are they?

There are a lot of different terms that aren’t appropriate to continue using, and a lot of different opinions about whether they should still be used or not. Due to these factors, I won’t be able to include every term. However, I will do my best to include as many as I can!

Spooky: One of the common adjectives used to describe Halloween is Spooky. However, it’s not a culturally appropriate word to use. It has a history as being an antiBlack slur when white soldiers began calling fellow Black soldiers ‘Spooks’. Words to use instead: “creepy, scary, or frightening”.

Black Sheep: The expression "Oh, they're the black sheep of the family" is used often. It’s a negative expression, the 'Black Sheep' is often scorned for being 'different'. This just continues the old segregation argument that Black people are completely different from white people so they should be scorned for it. Even if the ‘black sheep’ you’re talking about doesn’t have darker skin, the deeper meaning is still the same. Negatively calling someone out for being different than you is never a good thing but if you’re doing it in a positive way, just say “different”.

Savage: Savage has kind of become a synonym for brutal or intense. However, that word has a history of being used by European colonizers and settlers to describe the Indigenous Peoples. It's a term

using

coined to put down Indigenous Peoples because their culture isn't European and therefore, according to the colonizers, "savage". Words to use instead: “brutal, uncivilized, or intense”.

Lame: Pretty much EVERYONE is using that word now. It's a fun word, however a long time ago, and maybe even still now, that was the term for people who have a mobility impairment. So using that in a negative way can be offensive considering that it was used to describe a group of people who aren't bad in any way! The same goes for the word dumb, but for people with a hearing impairment. Words to use instead: “boring, ridiculous”.

Let’s have a powwow: Let's have a powwow can be used as a synonym for "Let's have a party!". However, a powwow is a sacred ceremony for a lot of Indigenous Nations. It would be like comparing Christmas, Eid-al-fitr or Easter to a party. Honestly, you could just call it a party or meeting.

Slave: Saying that people were slaves sort of undermines that they were also people. It's better to say people who were enslaved, or enslavement. It's also better not to say "I was slaving away yesterday!" if you were working on math homework. This is because there were actual people who were born, lived, and died never knowing anything other than abuse and terrible non-stop work at the hands of people who ‘owned’ them. Breaking free took centuries, and the effects still show up in systemic racism today.

Ladies and Gentlemen/Sir and Madam: This is a very respectful way to address someone, and it is still very useable if you know someone’s gender identity for sure. But, if you called someone who doesn’t identify with either gender sir or madam, this can be really offensive. Sharing your own pronouns when you introduce yourself (Hi, my name’s Zara! My pronouns are they/them, what are yours?) before calling someone sir or madam can keep those offences

from happening. Same with addressing a room full of people. Saying ladies and gentlemen can be hurtful for someone who doesn’t identify with either binary gender. You could say something like “Good afternoon folks/ everyone/friends.” If you are unsure about what honorific to use for a person who doesn’t identify with either of the binary genders, using Mx. (as in Mx. Jones pronounced mix) is probably a safe bet. Asking someone what honorific they prefer is still a good thing to do though!

Why shouldn’t we use these terms anyway? Using terms like the ones outlined above can have unintentional consequences. People who are in marginalized communities face a lot of discrimination. A big part of that discrimination are the things people say and do that they are unaware of. Things such as using these terms, or not taking the time to learn someone’s pronouns.

Suicide rates for marginalized communities are higher, and a lot of people see folks from marginalized communities as threatening. Not being able to be your authentic self in public makes life a lot harder. Using words that don't have the risk of offending people is doing your part in helping to make the world a more accepting place, and make people feel safe around you. People in marginalized communities deserve just as much respect as someone who isn’t in one.

Zara Zrudlo is a homeschooled, fourteen year old resident of Kemtpville. They love writing, art, acting, reading and anything to do with music. Ever since they were little they’ve cared a lot about activism and social justice, and hoped to make a difference in the world. Zara has written two and a half novels, and ran a newspaper for their friends and family for three years. They love hanging out with their dogs and chickens and spending time imagining having dinner with various book characters.

Total family doctor prevents needless surgery

diagnosticians. I’ve known many direct, decisive and empathetic TFDs. Patients appreciate these traits.

How important is what I like to call the “Total Family Doctor” (TFD)? For years, I’ve praised the hardworking family doctor for the role he or she plays in medical care. Now, many North Americans say it’s impossible to find a family doctor. What has happened to them?

Prior to becoming a surgeon, I had the good fortune to spend time as a family doctor. And I nearly decided to follow this path. Why? Because I also watched Specialists performing the same task every day. It could become boring, I thought. So, surgery finally won. But I’ve never forgotten the challenges of being a family physician. I even experienced the roles of hotel doctor and ship’s surgeon during medical training.

I believe that people who are fortunate enough to have a family doctor have a better chance of living longer. Why? Because seeing a doctor regularly for checkups means they’re not playing Russian Roulette with their health. We all hope that nothing is going to go wrong with the only body we will have in this life. But when your family doctor finds you have hypertension, you can start to cut down on salt. Or when the doctor recommends you should avoid obesity, you can improve the diet and decrease health risks.

Getting a head start on

problems cannot be overemphasized. Consider the woman whose breast malignancy is diagnosed early. Or the man who believes rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. The “total family doctor” thinks otherwise and orders a colonoscopy which detects early cancer of the bowel. Or someone who believes a chronic cough is due to allergy. But an xray ordered by the family doctor finds early cancer of the lungs.

So give thanks to the Almighty if you have a “total family doctor” looking after you. Kudos if yours steers you away from the disease I call “Pillitis”, causing people to rush for painkillers at the first sign of a headache, ignoring the serious side effects of these drugs. Why not a cold towel on the brow? Or a quiet room to relax? And why the need to rush to the pharmacy after overindulgence in food? The family doctor may suggest just a change in eating habits as the right prescription.

It is also a plus to have a total family doctor who warns about the possible excess of radiation. He or she knows X-rays saves lives, but many patients are heedless of the damage of overuse. Patients should be hesitant to demand X-rays of the reluctant doctor.

Herewith relevant stories. Family doctors, because they know their patients well, are astute

I witnessed a telling incident. Three specialists gathered around a patient were worried about his laboured breathing following gallbladder removal. They had decided the obstructed breathing was so serious it required an immediate tracheotomy to put a tube in his throat.

As they were about to wheel the patient into surgery, the family doctor arrived and listened to his long-time patient’s breathing. Promptly he said, “I’ve known Tom for 40 years and he always breathes that way!”

The operation was immediately cancelled. Three embarrassed specialists departed. This illustrates why continuity of care is so vital.

There’s another way family doctors can be of tremendous help, when the problem is beyond the TFD’s range of expertise. A fast referral to the right specialist is something people without a family doctor rarely achieve.

Let’s train more TFD’s, the backbone of medical practice! In another life, I’d be one of them without hesitation.

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@ docgiff .com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_ jones

Terms we may want to reconsider

Baldwin's Birds

New petition aims to lower insurance requirements for local events

Nesting Season Is Underway!

Our now much brighter coloured feathered friends, are looking resplendent, as they are caught in the bright sun's rays when they come to feed. What a treat we are getting, as Nature takes its course, and the birds go through their mating rituals, to attract a partner to be able to produce this year's offspring. Their bright plumage is just one part for some of them, but there are still those who also go through other mating rituals. Yesterday a pair of Cardinals were down on the ground and appeared to be kissing, although I suspect that one of them was treating the other to some seed, just to say,---"Look I can provide for you and our "family-'to- be" , if you take me for your partner!"

Other birds have different ways of trying to attract a partner, such as the Cowbirds and Grackles, who wheeze out or, is it, squeeze out a raucous sound as they fluff up their shining feathers, to impress? The Redwing Blackbirds tend to be noisy too and the male Rock Pigeons ruffle up their iridescent neck feathers and strut proudly in front of their potential partner, in their mating display efforts to impress. However a much more refined approach is made by the beautifully serene Mourning Doves, who usually tend to be in pairs on a daily basis anyway! In yesterday's late afternoon sunshine a pair of them were just hunkered down on the grass very close to each other, seemingly, just enjoying each others company!

Whilst some of the birds are "doing their thing" in order to get started with their family life there are some who get on with it fairly quickly! In this category I would put the Robins who sometimes build two or three nests during the warmer months of the year., so don't have much time to hang about! As can be seen in the picture that my wife took, one of our Robins has already built on my small nesting platform, above a garage door and is now occupying it. Nearby another nesting box is, as near as we can tell, being occupied by a Bluebird. We are still not one hundred percent certain of this because they do make false nests to deter predators, whilst still having one situated elsewhere. If they are not using this particular nesting box they will have to keep an eye out, because a House Wren has made its appearance in the garden and it has used this particular box before too!

I hope that you are able to see for yourself what is going on in your own garden and that you are enjoying what the birds provide for us. Stay safe and well.

Cheers,

John Baldwin

Heinz and Mathilde Winter

1930-2012 1927-2022

by Brandon Mayer

A petition currently circulating online regarding the Township’s insurance policy for event vendors aims to ask some tough questions about why the required insurance level is so high. The petition was started by Winchester resident Kelly Windle, a business owner who also organizes events such as the Garden Party Market.

“I am not looking for any special treatment, just to understand the current policy they have circulated,” Kelly told the Times. “The Garden Party Market is a for-profit event, so there will be different expectations for my event and I accept that.”

Kelly wants a chance to formally ask Council, in session, to lower the insurance requirement for event organizers and vendors to what she calls the “industry standard” of $2 million liability. Her upcoming event – the Garden Party Market in July – typically draws a crowd of about 1,500 people annually. It has seen annual growth over the last three years, and Kelly doesn’t want it to “die” now.

“If the current insurance requirements stand, I will have to cancel this annual event,” said Kelly. “I also have vendors that will not participate due to the increased insurance costs, and I cannot adjust my vendors fees as those fees cover the bands, porta potties, advertisements and more.” Kelly wonders why it’s necessary for both hosts and vendors to have the insurance. “My question to the Council is that if the host (me) acquires the $5 million Special Event Policy, why is it that the vendors participating in my event are required the $5 million as well?”

Kelly is proud to say that the organizers and volunteers of events such as Dairyfest and the Parade of lights have successfully won the Township’s support in getting “blanket” coverage for these events (consistent with past years), and exempting bands from needing separate insurance, which would have risked pricing live entertainment out of North Dundas.

One point that Kelly is emphasizing strongly is that $2 million liability insurance appears to be the industry standard. She points to other places – such as South Dundas, Kemptville, Cornwall and Ottawa – that require vendors to have only $2 million of liability insurance, leaving her to question why North Dundas businesses and events owners are hit with the $5 million requirement.

“Maybe it is a lost cause, but I have to try and be hopeful that the Council and Township will see that the Market is a draw not only for my business, but for the vendors involved, the other businesses located downtown Winchester, and for tourism,” added Kelly. “I would like to see the Market continue to grow and prosper in this community, and I also hope that the Council and Township will consider all local events like Winchester Open Mic Cafe when creating a policy.”

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/ support-local-events-north-dundas. Kelly is optimistic that if we work together, positive change can happen. “I started the petition to raise awareness and reach more people in the community to rally with me to support not only my event, but the many events this policy affects, and will affect. I do not want to see our events priced out of the Township.”

Our thoughts are ever with you

Though you've both passed away

And those who have loved you dearly Are thinking of you today & every day

A

Of Life In Honor Of Rodney Fluke 1953 - 2023

Saturday May 27, 2023 1:00 pm To 4:00 pm The I00F

Drop in for a visit with friends and family to share some of our favourite memories and stories of the wonderful husband, father, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend who is greatly missed

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

This week, I have another salad for you, one that combines pasta with scallops, the sweet tasting seafood par excellence. As the days get warmer, you’ll find that cold dishes like these are a bonus that helps you get outside faster to garden, mow the lawn or swing in the hammock. So, please give the Scallop Pasta Salad a whirl accompanied by a cold white wine of your choice.

Scallop Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1 package of sea-shell pasta, cooked al dente, drained, rinsed with cold water and refrigerated

1 pound of sea scallops, preferably the small Digby-style, thawed (if frozen) and patted dry

1 398 ml can of “fancy” peas, drained

4 cups of broccoli florets cut into small pieces

¼ cup of finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Enough Romaine leaves to feed 6 folks

Then…

¼ cup wine vinegar

¼ cup of lemon juice

¼ cup of olive oil

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of crushed garlic

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1 tablespoon of butter

Preparation

1. Boil up your broccoli florets as usual but just enough so that they are still crisp

2. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sprinkle with black pepper

3. Add your scallops and cook them lightly, just so that they are opaque; then, refrigerate

4. In a large bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients and sugar

5. Mix in the refrigerated broccoli and scallops and add the basil leaves and peas

6. Mix in the amount of pasta shells you would like (keep the rest for another day)

7. You might wish to cover the mixture and refrigerate for another hour or for an afternoon

To serve, place a base of Romaine leaves on separate plates; then, spread the refrigerated salad mixture among the plates. I always enjoy some fresh bread with a salad so, off you go to Grahame’s: you don’t even need butter, since the dressing is “dippable”! This salad is very versatile, for example, you can use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli; you can skip the fancy peas and use garbanzos, etc., etc.

As always, please let me know how this turned out for you at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Amanda Burger poses for a photo at last year’s Garden Party Market

WDMH Auxiliary Hosts 75th Anniversary

Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show

iary member, Past President, and a volunteer at WDMH for 35 years.

Council update

by Brandon Mayer

submitted by Jane Adams Decades of stylish fashion and fascinators filled the Morrisburg Legion on Saturday at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) Auxiliary’s 75th Anniversary Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show. It was a wonderful day of celebration, laughter - and a few surprises.

The day included an afternoon tea, served by MP Eric Duncan, MPP Nolan Quinn and other men, many of whom volunteer at WDMH. Two local businesses – by local stores Biba/Casselman’s Shoes and Juli Fashions – put everyone into the summer mood. There were also door prizes and a

50/50 draw.

The highlight of the day was a special announcement by the WDMH Auxiliary CoChairs Elinor Jordan and Louise Arsenault. They presented a cheque for $233,141 to the hospital. These funds will be used to purchase nine patient care equipment items for various departments at WDMH.

“We are very proud,” noted Bev Beck, an Auxiliary member who chaired the organizing committee for the event. “This 75th birthday celebration is a culmination of a lot of hard work by dedicated, passionate people that give their time, energy, resources and skills,” added Joan Farlinger, Auxil-

On August 3, 1948, a small group of women met in the Town Hall to discuss the impact the hospital was to have on the entire community and the need for an “auxiliary” force to assist. Over the past 75 years, the WDMH Auxiliary has held annual bazaars, fundraising events, bridge tournaments, bake sales and more to raise millions of dollars for WDMH – to purchase everything from chairs to IV pumps to equipment for the operating room.

“Thank you to our amazing volunteers,” added Cholly Boland, CEO. “They have been such an essential part of our care team for more than seven decades and we are so grateful for their ongoing support.”

If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 613.774.1049 or by email at cboland@wdmh.on.ca.

There have been two North Dundas Council meetings since the last update, one on May 2, and one on May 9. However, there is only limited Council business to report on, owing to the fact that there was no open session portion for the May 2 meeting, and approximately half of the May 9 meeting was a closed session as well.

Municipal councils are allowed to meet “privately” – that is, with only Council members and relevant Township staff and third parties (not members of the public) privy to the meetings – but this can only take place under a limited set of prescribed circumstances. In the case of the May 2 meeting, the agenda lists the reason for the closed session as “Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees – specifically the Part-Time Fire Chief position.”

On May 9, a relatively brief open session of Coun-

cil took place for Council members to hear a presentation on the Township’s draft water and sewer budget for 2023. That meeting ended with another closed session, once again regarding the Part-Time Fire Chief position.

The draft 2023 water and sewer budget highlighted the growth demands that have been placed on North Dundas’ water and sewer infrastructure in recent years.

There has been a 131% increase in new housing builds in North Dundas when comparing 2011-2015 to 20162021, with an astounding 1,810 new units proposed to be built in the Township within the next nine years.

Council also heard that 66% of the growth in the United Counties of SD&G is occurring in North Dundas, suggesting that our community is an attractive place to live.

The report presented to Council highlights the options available for funding the expansions to the existing infrastructure. Adding additional source wells is one necessity if North Dundas is going to keep up with

both the current demand and the growth demands on the existing Winchester and Chesterville water and sewer systems.

Mayor Tony Fraser was particularly interested in efforts to help rectify the issue of water discoloration for those connected to municipal water, particularly in Chesterville but to some extent in Winchester as well. Coloured water is not unsafe, but it is aesthetically unpleasing, and can cause issues such as stained laundry and more quickly deteriorating water fixtures.

Councillor Matthew Uhrig raised a concern that an aging water distribution network may need upgrades to handle increased water system capacity. It was confirmed that such upgrades are planned and processed hand in hand with the expansion projects.

A Council meeting took place on May 16, between the time of writing and time of publication. The next Council meeting will be held on May 30.

New coaches on the way from the WSC

submitted by Alicia McNaughton

CanSkate is our clubs largest program and requires trained and certified coaches through Skate Canada. Last spring, our newest coach and Senior Star Skater, Shannon Arbuckle began this journey of becoming a CanSkate coach. This past month, the club had three more of their Senior Star Skaters, Chelsey Boal, Sarah Lewis, and Alicia McNaughton, begin ours by attending a CanSkate coaching course in Cornwall, Ontario. The course was organized by Skate Canada and hosted by Sheilagh Mccaskill, a coach at the Gloucester Skating Club.

The course was a three day process with on and off ice training. Having this opportunity to learn different perspectives, techniques, and traditions really helped to start our coaching journey. The first two days were filled with learning about the CanSkate elements and how to incorporate them into what we call circuits, a series of movements drawing onto the ice for skaters to follow in order to practice and learn. On the final day we were on the ice and teaching live groups of CanSkaters. The skaters varied on level and abilities; there was even a sled skater that joined us!

Now that we have experienced a different environment, we are truly prepared to coach the next generations of skaters. Having the opportunity to work with coaches in training from Toronto to Montreal forced us out of comfort zones to work together, which greatly prepares us for future circumstances. Having this experience was truly amazing, and we are so grateful to be able to work alongside our great coaches at the Winchester Skating Club.

This course is only step one of the three part training module through the National Coaching Certificate Program. With this we are able to begin on ice coaching but we are still a ways away from completion. Next is further online training courses to bring us to the trained status. The last and final part of the training includes assignment to a Skate Canada mentor coach, completion of coaching and skater philosophies, and the submission of a video demonstrating two technical lesson plans including warm-up, group activity, and cool down exercises conducted with a group of CanSkaters. Following evaluation, and a successful pass, certification is achieved. We have three years to complete the certified status and then for some of us, if not all, it means moving onto Regional level training to also be able to coach Star level skaters.

In case learning to skate for recreational, hockey, ringette, or figure skating is not enough reason to be out on the ice, here is another, to become a coach!

Minimum requirements are:

� Currently registered with Skate Canada and with a Skate Canada Club.

� Minimum 15 years of age.

� Have passed at least one complete Star 5 Assessment.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a cheque for $233,141 to the hospital. (L-R): Elinor Jordan, Debbie Boland, Catherine O’Neill and Louise Arsenault.