for Canadians across the country, as it marks the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada on July 1, 1867. This national holiday is not merely a day off work or an excuse for fireworks; it's a commemoration of Canada's history, values, and cultural diversity.
This year, the Township of North Dundas will once again put on a fireworks show at North Dundas Dis-
trict High School, off of County Road 43 between Winchester and Chesterville. The celebration will take place on July 1 from 9:30pm - 10:15pm. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair so they can enjoy this free event in comfort.
While there are no activities planned by the Township other than the fireworks display, there is plenty for North Dundas residents to do if they are willing to travel just a stone’s throw
across the border. For example, Kemptville will have Canada Day festivities happening all day in Riverside Park, including a wide variety of family-themed activities. Why not take in some of these activities, and then return home to enjoy the fireworks show tirelessly put on by North Dundas’ own dedicated team of firefighters? Last year’s show drew a massive crowd to the local high school, and this year’s show is sure to pack a similar
punch for locals who enjoy light, sound, and action!
Canada is known for its multiculturalism and inclusivity, where people from all walks of life, ethnicities, and beliefs coexist harmoniously. On this day, Canadians celebrate their differences while embracing the shared values of respect and equality that bind them together as a nation. It's a time to reflect on how far the country has come in fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
By celebrating Canada Day, Canadians acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all who have made our country what it is over the years, including the original Indigenous inhabitants of this land.
Canada Day celebrations contribute to the promotion of Canadian values and culture both at home and abroad. Festivities such as cultural performances, culinary delights, and artistic displays showcase the unique aspects of Canadian identity, attracting visitors from around the world and strengthening Canada's reputation as a welcoming and vibrant nation.
By commemorating Canada Day, Canadians reaffirm their commitment to the values that define their nation and demonstrate their pride in belonging to one of the world's most inclusive and prosperous countries.
We're all set for the WDMH Foundation Family Fun Day
Are you ready to have some fun? Come join us at the WDMH Foundation Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 am to 2 pm at 100 Club Park in Winchester (577 Main Street West).
Everyone is welcome at this free family event that will include games for all ages (including giant lawn games!), door prizes, free hot dogs and ice cream (while quantities last), a 50/50 raffle and more. Plus, you’ll get to meet Dunwin, the WDMH Foundation’s favourite elephant. (Sadly, Maple the Cow can no longer make it.)
The Family Fun Day is our chance to say thank you to our wonderful community – for your support and your commitment to health care close to home.
The event will take place rain or shine so please dress accordingly.
Thank you to the many sponsors who are helping to make this event possible, including Yard Game Guy, Greg’s Quality Meats, Winchester Foodland and Dairy Farmers of Ontario, the Township of North Dundas and the North Dundas Fire Service.
Stop by, wave ‘Hi’
and give what you can!
It’s time to dig deep in our pockets, empty our piggy banks and check the couch cushions for any loose change!
The WDMH Foundation is pleased to announce the Home-to-Home Drive for the new Dundas Manor which will take place on July 12th and 13th around North and South Dundas. Volunteers and staff will collect donations from people who are out and about, both on foot and driving.
“Think of it as a boot drive without the boots!” notes Erin Kapcala, Manager of Major and Planned Giving at the WDMH Foundation. “We will have donation boxes in hand, asking our fellow community members to donate what they can to help build the new Dundas Manor. Every little bit helps.”
“Traffic may be a bit slower on these days, but all for a good cause!” adds Campaign Assistant Cindy Ault Peters. “This is an incredibly special and important part of our fundraising plan. We are fortunate to live in a dedicated and generous community, and with the help of everyone, we know that this will be a remarkable success. We can’t wait to meet and chat with all of you!”
Watch for more details and locations in July. If you would like to volunteer at the Home-to-Home Drive, please contact Erin Kapcala at 613-292-7468 or Cindy Peters at 343-572-6345. It’s a brief time commitment with a huge impact!
For more details about the Expanding the Circle of Compassionate Care campaign and how you can donate, please visit www.dundasmanordream.ca or contact the WDMH Foundation team at 613-774-2422 ext. 6162 or 6169.
Magical Smiles!
this year’s
This year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign brightened many faces – including the residents at Dundas Manor Long-Term Care Home. By the time all the smile cookies had been gobbled up, $10,309.09 had been raised to support their new home.
This year, cookie sale proceeds from the two restaurants in Winchester were designated for the WDMH Foundation in support of the new Dundas Manor. Owner Brandon Byers says it’s all about the community: “Thank you to the guests who made this happen. Smile Cookies is a great opportunity for community to help community – everybody wins!”.
“We loved being there to help decorate the cookies and see everyone’s smiles! Thank you to Brandon and his team for this wonderful local tradition,” adds Campaign Assistant Cindy Ault Peters.
The new Dundas Manor will be more than double the size of the current home. Thirty additional residents will be welcomed. There will be four resident home areas called Homesteads. Each one will have a wonderful gathering space as well as beautiful outdoor gardens nearby. Hallway dining will be a thing of the past as there will be four large, bright dining rooms with enough space for everyone. Rooms in the new home will be larger – and everyone will have a window.
culverts
Owners of a new video game store in Chesterville - Matt Clairoux and Brandon el Sabbagh – pose with members of Council during their grand opening celebration on June 19. Photo by Nanda Wubs Huizenga
Celebrating
Smile Cookie results are (l-r): Baker Barb Levesque, Baker Lynn Ross and Owner Brandon Byers
Oh Canada.....
by David Shanahan
As the world around us seems to be rapidly falling apart at the seams, this Canada Day we should be extremely grateful that we live in this country. Canada is very far from being perfect: ask the homeless, the Indigenous peoples, the families forced to use food banks, or any of those minorities wondering where Canadian tolerance and compassion went. But it is still Canada: still a light in an increasingly dark world.
At the end of the Cold War, it seemed for a moment that the world was entering a new and better phase. Democracy was a realistic hope for Eastern Europe. There were talks about peace in the Middle East. Globalisation promised a more integrated world of mutual interests and shared prosperity (except for some so-called “Third World” countries from where we would get our cheap imports).
But we’re dealing with humanity here, and we have a positive genius for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Just look at the way the world has changed since 1990: country after country tot-
tering on the brink of populist demagoguery; a major war in Europe threatening to expand across the continent. The same thing is happening in the Middle East, where the appalling invasion of Gaza may yet expand into an all-out war in Lebanon, and who knows where then?
Feeling bad yet? Better not look too closely at the Excited States, where an election in a few months may result in either a fascist dictatorship, or some form of civil war.
The United Kingdom is also going through an election after making a serious attempt to commit economic suicide through Brexit. France if rushing into an election after the far and centre right made significant gains in the European elections. What a mess!
Doesn’t Canada seem a better option these days? Sure, two-thirds of the population want Trudeau to step down (including a good chunk of his own party), and the current alternative worries me greatly. But neither of them is planning a coup, a far-right takeover, a tendency to subvert democratic norms and traditions. The tone
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
So, Doug Ford is refusing to say to the media if he is going to serve his full term in office or call an early election. Speculation regarding the latter is that he wants to shorten the time that the RCMP has on the corruption investigation that it is currently running regarding the Greenbelt debacle when Ford tried to sell off land in the Greenbelt to his developer friends, and/or that he wants to make sure that Justin Trudeau is still in office, because opinion of him is so low that people will believe anything negative said about him.
Two of the biggest items are housing and health care. Both are provincial jurisdictions, and Ford’s govern-
and the rhetoric have become more - let’s say, rude - and the attacks more personal in a way we seem to have learned from our neighbours to the south.
And that is, and always has been, a characteristic of Canadian life: copying what we see down there. Whereas, in the past, people defined “Canadian” to me as “not American”, these days, there’s a much stronger, positive self-image among Canadians: we know there’s so much to be proud of here in so many areas of life. But there is still a fairly large part of the population that seems to wish we were the US, who want to repeat here what they see happening there. Does anyone really think the trucker takeover of downtown Ottawa would have happened without the MAGA example, the growing acceptance, even embrace, of political and social upheaval that has come to dominate American life, and which threatens its very existence as a democratic nation?
After 157 years, Canada stands, as we sing, strong and free. We rightly promise that we will “stand on guard for
thee”. I don’t believe that it has ever been more vital that Canadians stand on guard for who they are, what they believe about and want for their nation. We are not immune to the winds of change that sweep the rest of the world. We have seen the first roots of populism, nativism, bigotry and discrimination bear fruit in this land. In this paper’s last issue, an article by REAL Women of Canada (interesting title), took an anti-foreign student stance, demanding that the foreign students not be allowed to stay permanently in Canada, since so many took part in proPalestinian protests when, it was said, they ought to have been studying and listening to lectures, like good foreign students.
That concerned me greatly, since I came to this country as a foreign student and was allowed to remain permanently, becoming a citizen and working, and employing, Canadians for the past 35 years. I promote local history, publish two community newspapers, and spend my working career working for Indigenous rights. I am not unique: immigrants are what this nation is built on, and has
been from the beginning.
But articles such as the one by REAL Women, while sometimes holding a core of truth, are also slowly poisoning the Canadian atmosphere, and become another drop in the constant flood of ideas and prejudices that can become too widespread to counter. Canadians must be open to ideas, even those opposed to our own. We celebrate (or should) tolerance and understanding. But we have to know when a line is crossed, we have to watch out for ideas and theories that would
undermine what Canada values and has built over 157 years. None of this is new. We have had ups and downs in our pastthink of the internment of Japanese and Ukrainian citizens during WW2, for example; or the scar and disgrace of the Indian Act over 157 years plus.
This year, whatever your religious or cultural qualms about the words, sing out with even greater sincerity this Canada Day: God keep our land glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
ment is way behind on his target of 1.5 million homes and is starving our public health care system by withholding funding, such as the $2 billion that he kept back in the 2023 budget. You could be forgiven for thinking that he might have needed that money to pay for all these private sector operations, operations that cost considerably more than what our public health care system charges. Come September, Ford will be allowing beer and wine sales in corner stores. Never mind that it will cost the taxpayer some $225 million in penalties for breaking his contract with the Beer Store, nor that he will lose out on millions of dollars annually from LCBO revenue.
It’s all about portraying himself as being for the working man, when the truth is that examples abound regarding the exact opposite. Ford only cares about the well-heeled wealthy who keep filling his Party coffers with $millions.
So, watch out for a Spring election. Try not to be fooled by the public relations nonsense that you will, and probably are, seeing in the advertising. Remember, when he says that Trudeau is responsible for his government being so far behind on housing starts, that the Feds offered his government money, but Ford refused to include 4-plexes in the mix as he personally doesn’t like them, but he still got the funding. As for our health care system, Ford, along
with other Premiers, went cap in hand, looking for financial support. The Feds were ready to give it to him, but he, along with a few other Premiers of his political persuasion, didn’t want to be told where to spend the money. So here they were asking for a handout for a particular program but didn’t want to be told that they had to actually spend it on that program. You have to shake your head at the nerve of some people.
So, before you go and cast your vote, make sure that you know what you are voting for. Take the time to educate yourself on what your candidates stand for and keep abreast of just what is really going on. Find a trusted media source. Find
several and compare them. Democracy is a fragile thing and needs us all to know exactly what we are voting for. And vote, because those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, always do. To our collective cost.
Colin Creasey, Kemptville
Dear Editor, In relation to the terrible event in Kingston with the two children left alone and one, a baby, died. There was on ‘Ontario Today’, an open line program, about this subject. There was a guest, a man, with credentials re-
lated to this, an advocate for children. He said the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) is very badly underfunded. Its Ministry is so important that this is inadequate to say the least. Still, it is so important to make alcohol much more available to everyone, says this government. In many of these sad cases involving children, unfortunately alcohol is also a factor, very often.
K. Piché
“Staff
and students are our first priority”
by Melissa Markwell
When I first read the Mission Statement for the Upper Canada District School Board, I actually had to re-read it again. A part of me inside laughed begrudgingly. If there stood truth behind their statement, they wouldn't be throwing their hands up at every conversation discussing health and education concerns and instead trying to brainstorm alternative options.
I
first spoke with our Principal at Nationview Public School in May. On May 22, the humidex was 37C. I drove by the school the next day, and noticed that shade options were extremely limited besides 3 ft off one tree outside a fence and along the back wall of the school – a hot brick wall. I emailed my concerns to the principal with very little problem solving, “our kindness crew planted new seedlings.” A wonderful long-term solution, but what was going to be the
short term solution? There is no air conditioning inside the school, so the children go from a hot interior to a hot scorching exterior without shade coverage – where is the reprieve to cool their bodies and to regulate their temperatures and prevent heat stress, exhaustion, or stroke? Oh wait, alternatively the next solution was to open the hot gym at recess.
Beyond this conversation, the tables turned to addressing the interior concerns. The increasing internal temperatures of the classrooms – especially the classrooms in the middle of the school with absolutely no windows. With proper air conditioning being a long way away, I asked about parent Council donating portable A/C units. A call to a Superintendent of the UCDSB was brash, and truthfully very dismissive of any brainstorming or actual accountability. She explained that portable A/C is not approved because it makes it difficult to secure
Tid bit musings
by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW
Can a newcomer assimilate into a rural demographic as easily as in an urban sprawl? Certainly cities are full of varied cultures, but still, people congregate in pockets of similarities – i.e. Chinatown, Little Italy, gated communities, seniors, etc. In the rural areas, diversity is more pronounced, hence why the ability to become part of the community is perhaps quietly but strongly challenged. Reversed discriminations can occur when you acquire a status just on the basis of a different culture!
In the rural areas, churches, coffee groups, service clubs and organizations teem with relatives that have always lived in that area. Understandably, there is a common bond through history that permeates conversation and connectivity. An acceptance of habits, expectations, accomplishments and recognition is innate whereas the newcomer must "prove" themselves. Certainly a "first generation immigrant" struggles with an uncertain childhood of unfamiliar language, dress and foods, whereas the parent immigrant had that stability during their childhood. It takes incredible courage and intestinal fortitude to uproot and come to a new area, especially if the culture is different.
All one can do is be open to becoming vulnerable in attempts to "fit in." Peer pressure is prevalent in all age brackets. Knowing you are accountable for your own decisions is a must. The goal is to be true to yourself. With social media, connections regardless of distance are instantaneous and but less fulfilling than one-on-one interactions.
If you are part of an established connection, have you taken time to observe how you interact with the newcomer? Are you welcoming, inclusive and open to learning more about them? Are you entertaining their ideas with clarity and acceptance? It can be intimidating to see people always sit in the same seats limiting with whom they interact! We all are "newcomers" at some point in our life unless we are totally sheltered! Although creatures of habit, learning to assimilate is a life-long experience regardless of age.
Challenge yourself to be part of the community. Open your circle to include the "newcomer." At all times be respectful and the community will shine more brightly!
the building at night. But then why does the principal’s office have one? I think a cooling place, be it small, is absolutely a positive asset to the school. What troubles me is the hypocrisy. Some principals seem to get preferential treatment.
Teachers chose their career to educate. The teachers my children have at Nationview and the ones I know through volunteering or other contact within the school have all been incredible. They go above and beyond to give the kids a memorable educational experience. Teachers should not be expected to monitor the health concerns of 20+ students in their class. I inquired to the Superintendent if we could come up with a solution for portable air conditioners to still secure the building at night but she wouldn't even explore the idea. “I can't ask my teachers to do that,” she said. Though she never asked the teachers whether they would be willing to do this to help
keep their students safe and comfortable and ultimately for their own health as well, which I’m sure they would.
During last week's heat wave, parents collaborated in buying a freezer and donating freezies. I was informed this was brought up at a parent council meeting two weeks ago but "tabled" for the fall due to the little time left until the end of the year, and a question of electrical outlet capacity – a freezer requiring a simple household outlet! A little too late, but after advocation on Tuesday, we had donations collected, a brand new freezer purchased, installed, stocked, and operating within four hours thanks to our amazing community of parents. Ultimately though, without such a late installation because of a lack of willingness to allow it, it could have supported the children during the heat wave with much more ease than experienced.
One afternoon while handing out freezies at re-
cess, I observed two kids who came to the office ill within 20 minutes of me being on the premises. Even staff members came to seek relief from a cold freezie. How many students went to the office and/or went home during the heat wave with full clear indications of heat exhaustion?
The EOHU says that “fortunately, heat-related illnesses are preventable.” Are they? They are not at Nationview and what I can imagine is many of the schools within the UCDSB.
These increasing temperatures are not going away, as they have already been increasing for many years and leading to hotter and earlier springs and falls. The Ministry of Education and School Board need to address this and come up with a plan for the retrofitting and improving existing schools, a goal which is specifically stated on the Ministry of Education website. They pride themselves on providing quality educa-
Life or Land: A McCargar Story
by Yvonne McCargar
My grandmother, Evelyn McCargar, in her later years invested in the research of our family tree and I have used that research and more to pen my novel, “Life or Land: A McCargar Story”.
The McCargars were one of the first families of the Kemptville area, and the patriarchs are buried on the grounds of the Old Methodist cemetery. Thomas McCargar, the eldest son of Thomas McCargar Sr, built the first stone house in the area later called Leahurst house.
I have written a book on how the McCargars came to be in North America. This first book I have published takes the reader from Scotland to Quebec to New York through vari-
ous campaigns, captures, escapes, etc. I am working on the sequel that will follow the McCargars when they leave the army until they obtain land in South Gower Township. I also have plans for a third book related to my father-inlaw’s experience. Being Polish, he was picked up and sent to a Russian gulag, released to join Anders Army, fought in the battle of Monte Cassino, came to Canada as a displaced person, and worked on a farm in Smith Falls for two years before being granted citizenship.
While the book is a work of fiction, I have researched the time period and I believe my novel respects and stays true to the history. With my love for Jodi Picoult's books,
tion, but is quality education turning down the lights with kids sitting in front of fans or sweating while they lay their heads on their desks? What is it going to take for the school board to act? Will it be at the cost of a child admitted to hospital or worse, death? Heat exhaustion and stroke is not to be taken lightly. Children do not regulate their temperature like adults, they do not have fully developed sweat glands like adults, and they ultimately do not remind themselves as frequently as adults to hydrate... even with our amazing teachers trying to remind them. When will the School Board and Ministry of Education finally step up and fulfil their roles? I implore these government bodies to step up and do the job that taxpayers pay them for!
I have given another take on the killing of Jane McCrea, who's death I believe incited such outrage that may have caused many, who were not called upon by Washington, to join the fight.
My novel contains various themes of alcoholism, spousal abuse, postpartum depression and prejudices of the time. My father, John Coleman McCargar (now deceased) was born and raised on a farm in Mountain, built by Hugh McCargar, the fourth son of Thomas McCargar Sr. All seven sons of Thomas McCargar became prominent members of the area. Thomas McCargar Jr, the eldest, served as an ensign in the battle of 1812, a captain in the rebellion of 1837, and later a magistrate
of Johnstown District. I grew up just outside of Kenmore with my three sisters, went to school in Metcalfe (Osgoode Township High school) and attended Algonquin College. I have worked for the last 34 years as a dental hygienist at the Manotick Dental Clinic, and continue to do so. Some of the books that inspired me to be a writer include a grade 8 read for me – Anya Seton's book “Katherine”, which made me fall in love with historical fiction, then later in high school, I read “Five Smooth Stones” by Ann Fairbairn about the Civil Rights Movement, and “The Women's Room” by Marilyn French about the Feminist Movement. I am also a fan of Diana Gabaldon's “Outlander” books. I like an easy read and I believe I write in that manner. I'm 64 and have lived in Ottawa for all of my career, but my sisters live in Osgoode and Greely, and my mother is in the Wellings of Winchester. I encourage all locals to pick up a copy of “Life or Land: A McCargar Story”. I’m sure that you’ll be glad you did!
Baldwin's Birds
I'm either needing to Feed, or needing a Scritch!
Mum and Dad birds have been busy over the last week and a constant to-ing and fro-ing, to satisfy the hungry young that they have brought into the world, is being carried out with great intensity! The Bluebirds and the House Wren have been particularly busy in our backyard, and the Wren has still been very vocal as well. It’s amazing how much noise such a small bird can make. The Bluebird on the other hand makes very little noise, and it’s amazing how swiftly they appear and disappear, when coming to their nesting box. You have to keep a sharp eye out for them, otherwise they will have been and gone before you can flit an eyelid. But that doesn't mean that they cannot be seen, for they will perch for quite a long time when not involved in feeding duties, and they are very photogenic whenever they do
decide to perch for a while.
Other birds are obviously doing the same kind of thing with their youngsters too. Chickadees and the Downy and the Hairy Woodpeckers are regular visitors, with their offspring tagging along with them, picking up the tricks of feeding from our various feeders.
I'm not sure if there was a lesson being taught to anyone in particular, but a Grackle picked up a peanut and then commenced to soak it in the bird bath, presumably to soften it, although with a peanut he probably wasn't having too much success! Smart of him to think of it though!
I watched another bird –a Robin, go to the birdbath to take a drink, but then it obviously thought about taking a bath. It was in quite a quandary, and I thought that it might have been conscious of me watching from the garage door. However, it
got disturbed by something else and the bathing thought was gone, along with him!
At 30 odd degrees Celsius, he probably needed a quick splash to cool down – ah well, next time!
I hope that you are getting some good sightings of your own birds and are also managing to keep cool too! Stay safe and well.
Cheers, John Baldwin
Canada Day 2024
The Confederation Party
by David Shanahan
Canadians, when they think about the Fathers of Confederation (which is rarely) probably imagine them as rather stern and colourless individuals. They see the old photographs taken in Charlottetown in that summer of 1864, the old-fashioned clothes, the profusion of facial hair and the dour faces, and they judge them rather harshly. The rather odd fact of history is that the scheme of Confederation, as hammered out in September and October of that year, was carried out through
long evenings and nights of parties, copious consumption of alcohol, and massive amounts of food, singing and dancing.
There was also, of course, serious discussion, constitutional debate, careful guarding of local and regional interests, and all the other aspects of creating a new country. But the long days of late summer of 1864 were the days in which Canada, as a new nation, was forged.
When the Canadians effectively forced the Maritimers to invite them to the conference they were planning in PEI that August, it forced the Lower Colonies to finalise plans for their meeting, which was to discuss uniting in a new Acadia, a single Maritime Province that would be stronger and more secure than its individual parts. But it cannot be said that there was a great deal of optimism among those politicians that such a union was possible, or even desired by most of the inhabitants. But the arrival of the Canadians changed all that.
surprised themselves at how quickly, and with what unanimity, they were able to draw up a proposal to put before the Maritimers when they travelled there in September.
One member of that Government was not present for those sessions: he was away on a rather special mission. On the day the sessions began, August 4, Thomas D’Arcy McGee departed on the government steamer “Queen Victoria”, along with one hundred journalists and politicians, on a social visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They had been invited by the St. John Board of Trade in an effort to improve commercial relations between the various British colonies. The timing of the invitation has been the source of some controversy ever since. Was it simply coincidence that this tour took place just before the gathering at Charlottetown? Was the invitation by the Board of Trade “inspired” by McGee and the Canadians?
ity. This meant, not just a new nation, a new political structure, but a new nationality, a new identity and culture which would transcend the old divisions of ethnicity, religion and provincialism that had marked and retarded British American development for so long.
Before they left for Charlottetown, the members of the Canadian Coalition Government locked themselves away on August 4 to draw up a detailed plan of how a confederation of the British American colonies would work. They had already discussed the concept at length in George Brown’s Committee in May, and now they
Whatever its origins, the visit was a huge success. Receptions, parties, dances, speeches, all followed each other in a blur of good times and fine fellowship. McGee’s reputation as the best orator Canadian politics has ever known was enhanced, as he spoke again and again of the dream he had been promoting ever since he had arrived in Montreal in 1857: a New National-
By the time the visitors re-embarked on the “Queen Victoria” and sailed back up the St. Lawrence, Maritimers were much more aware, and much more open to, these ideas of Union, Confederation and new nationality. McGee and friends had done a great deal to create the atmosphere which would make the Charlottetown Conference such a success. He had hardly returned home to report on his success than he was back aboard the steamer, this time accompanied by the rest of the Canadian delegation, and was heading back down river to begin the series of meetings at which the new nation would be designed, new and revolutionary ideas of sovereignty and co-ordinate powers would be developed, and many long nights of dancing, singing and drinking would cement new friendships and associations which would dominate political life in the coming Dominion for decades to come. McGee’s role continued at Charlottetown. As the only Canadian delegate to have actually toured the Maritimes in the past, speaking in halls and clubs on a number of visits since 1858, he introduced many of these men to each other for the first time, and became the common factor, the link between powerful personalities who might not otherwise have settled down to work together as quickly and openly as they did.
Ironically, the man who became known as Confederation’s Social Convenor, in addition to being the Prophet of Confederation, would be the one man among them who would not live to enjoy the fruits of their labours. The witty and eloquent McGee would effectively be the first martyr of the New Nationality, shot dead on Sparks Street in 1868.
Thomas D'Arcy McGee, social convenor and prophet of Confederation
Canada Day 2024
Parliament Hill
by David Shanahan
There are very few more potent symbols of Canada and Confederation than the Centre Block on Parliament Hill, with its magnificent Peace Tower, which speaks of Canada’s precious role in peace-keeping and peace-making over the past 150 years.
But the Centre Block is not the original home of Canada’s House of Commons and Senate. In 1916, after standing for just over fifty years, the first Centre Block was destroyed in a disastrous fire, leaving only the Library standing unscathed.
The first Parliament building on Parliament Hill was built between 1859 and 1865, before Confederation was a definite scheme, and was designed as the home of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council of the Province of Canada. The Assembly had been moving between Toronto and Montreal since 1844, and it was not until the last day of 1857 that Queen Victoria announced that the capital would move permanently to Ottawa.
The contract for building the new Parliament building was awarded to Thomas McGreevy of Quebec City, Canada East on 27 November 1859, and the original contract cost, which covered both the Centre Block and Victoria Tower, was $348,500. The building had been scheduled to be completed by 1862, but delays and amendments meant that it was many years after that before the final scaffolding was removed. Nevertheless, the Legislature began to use the building in June 1866. The final cost of the Centre Block and Victoria Tower ballooned to $1,750,720, or around five times the original estimate.
Canada Day Trivia
How well do you know the facts and trivia of Canada and North Dundas? Here’s a list of 20 questions to test your knowledge.
1. Everyone knows that John A. Macdonald was Canada’s first Prime Minister, but who was the second?
2. Which Canadian wrote "Joan Of Arc", "The Guests", and "Closing Time"?
3. Which Canadian owner of the Boston Red Sox signed Babe Ruth?
4. What provincial Premier from Alberta came from Dundas County?
5. Who has more NHL wins than any other goaltender?
6. How many provinces became part of Confederation in 1867?
7. Which Canadian songwriter wrote "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"?
8. What is the longest river in Canada?
9. What is the capital of Saskatchewan?
10. Which Canadian food outlet first opened in Hamilton in 1964?
11. How many time zones does Canada have?
12. Which is the only officially bi-lingual province?
13. In what year did O Canada officially become the country's national anthem?
14. Who was Canada's longest-serving prime minister?
15. Whose face is on the Canadian hundred-dollar bill?
16. Roughing it in the Bush was published in 1852. Who wrote it?
17. In what year were municipalities amalgamated, thus creating North Dundas?
Parliament buildings, May 1868, still unfinished. Photo: LAC PA-8976
UCDSB Trustees pass balanced budget for 2024-2025 school year
Executive Superintendent of Business Services, Jeremy Hobbs, presented the 2024-2025 draft budget for deliberation and approval by Trustees.
For compliance purposes, the budget includes revenues of $447 million (a $28.9 million or 6.9 per cent increase over 2023-24 compliance revenues of $418.1 million), expenses of $446.6 million with a projected year-end surplus of $0.4 million.
The balanced budget for 2024-2025 has no cuts to the instructional services already provided in the 2023-24 school year and includes provisions for new and ongoing initiatives.
Also included in the budget is $52.1 million for capital improvements to school facilities, an increase of 15 per cent to the Special Education budget compared to 2023-24, fully funded remedy payments from Bill 124, more positive transportation funding, and appropriate measures for managing financial risk in-year.
Hobbs noted that this budget will allow the UCDSB to continue to deliver high quality instruction to students and continue to improve and upgrade facilities while still developing strategies to mitigate long-term financial risks. Trustees voted and approved the budget. It will now be sent to the Ministry of Education for final approval.
Director’s Work Plan Status Update
Director of Education Ron Ferguson presented Trustees with the final update for the 2023-2024 Director’s Work Plan (DWP), sharing that all actions have either reached a milestone, are ongoing or have been completed.
The five areas of focus and goals of the DWP are as follows:
- Reading: The UCDSB completed the goal of purchasing new resources and using data to track progress and evaluate strategies, of enhancing collaboration between schools and ensuring all schools have access to corrective reading resources. Milestones were also reached with providing staff with Science of Reading professional development.
- Student Culture: All goals were completed and milestones reached in this area, which include: enhancing peer-to-peer support of mental health through the expanded delivery of SafeTalk and expanding mental health resources in all schools; developing and implementing a twice-annual school climate survey to support data-driven plans to improve mental health and wellness; enhancing student connectiveness by offering pre-school programming and expanding the representation of the experiences of a wider range of students in class discussions, experiences, learning material and activities.
- Real-World Learning (RWL): All goals were completed and some ongoing in the next school year. The UCDSB provided professional development on RWL, launched the UCDSB Grows initiative, which focuses on growing food and addresses food insecurities in communities, created numerous partnerships in the community to enhance apprenticeship pathways and expand SHSM programming. The implementation of Technology and Trades throughout the district for grades 7-12 started and is ongoing.
- Graduation rate / Student Success: This area also saw all items completed or milestones reached. This included the roll out of SST Lift in all secondary schools, expanding and modernizing course offerings and delivery for adult students at TR Leger, enhancing course offerings for Indigenous students to support graduation and post-secondary pathways, and active engagement of year-five secondary students to ensure graduation.
Staff Culture: Milestones were reached in this area with enhancing timely and effective responses by central staff to the district, expanding opportunities for staff to be engaged in leadership and succession planning through staff PD opportunities. The roll out and encouragement of a social recognition program was completed as well as the strategy to distribute more items electronically, such as report cards, to reduce staff workload and increase ease of access for parents/guardians. The UCDSB began to gather feedback from staff through ‘pulse’ surveys, and this is ongoing.
A draft of next year’s Director’s Work Plan was provided to trustees, and the final version of the plan will be shared at the final board meeting on June 19.
Trustee Innovation Award (TIA) Recipients
Trustee Corina Parisien, Chair of the Trustee Innovation Award Committee, announced the 2023-24 TIA recipients. These awards are given to individuals within the UCDSB who demonstrate innovative teaching and work practices. The goal is to incorporate these practices and methods into the educational system, improving the delivery of education and enhancing services that benefit both the school and the community.
The 2023-24 individual award winners are as follows:
- Shauna Burton – Teacher, Caldwell Street Elementary School
- Shannon Campbell – Teacher, Athens District High School
- Scott Currie – Teacher, North Dundas District High School
- Kellyanne MacKenzie – Teacher, Thousand Islands Secondary School
- Dan Tremblay – Teacher, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute
The 2023-24 group award winners are as follows:
- Mary-Kaye McGreevy – Intensive Support Teacher, All UCDSB Schools
- Lori Taylor – Human Rights Equity Lead, All UCDSB Schools
- Joel Exner – Teacher, North Dundas District High School
- Colleen Leslie – Teacher, Seaway District High School
- Erin Ritchie – Teacher, St. Lawrence Secondary School
- Isaac Chapman – Teacher, Perth & District Collegiate Institute
- Dean Fournier – Principal, Perth & District Collegiate Institute
- Monica Taylor - Teacher, Perth & District Collegiate Institute
- Dominique Bertrand – Principal, Russell District High School
- Abigail Fawcett – Teacher, Russell District High School
- Breanna Bedor – Teacher, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute
- Terry Gardiner – Principal, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute
- Ewen McIntosh – Principal, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute
- Randi Tollhurst – Teacher, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute
These individuals and groups will be formally recognized at the Board Celebration Evening on June 10.
CANADA
Residents rally to save Ferguson Forest lands in Kemptville
submitted by Heather Popazzi
The heart of North Grenville's community is under threat. On June 18th at 6:30 PM, a crucial petition was presented to the Municipal Council, urging them to reconsider the proposed land disposition of 13 acres along County Road 43. Managed by the Ferguson Forest Centre for 79 years, this cultural landscape is now at imminent risk of being sold to developers.
These 13 acres provide niche opportunities to showcase North Grenville's forestry heritage and demonstrate urban reforestation, in direct alignment with the mission of the Ferguson Forest Centre.
"Selling this land will set a dangerous precedent for future land use decisions," said Heather Popazzi, a leading voice in the community.
These 13 acres are poised to play a critical role in environmental sustainability should they be spared from development. Reforesting this land will help combat climate change by acting as a carbon sink, absorbing CO2 emissions, and providing habitat for countless species, contributing to biodiversity. Natural Resources Canada underscores the importance of reforestation in mitigating climate change.
“We must recognize that land assets are irreplaceable, its value extends far beyond a one-time monetary sale,” Heather added. The 13 acres of agriculturalzoned land are currently protected from encroaching development within the Municipal Plan
Residents of North Grenville are urged to show their support in saving these 13 acres and are encouraged to sign the petition to communicate their concerns. The Ferguson Forest Centre is dedicated to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship.
For more information, please contact Heather Popazzi at: hpopazzi@ me.com or by phone at 519-498-5218 (cell). To sign the petition, visit: https://www.change.org/HaltTheFFCLandDisposition
House on JED Express property to become apartment buildings
Second June Council meeting update
by Brandon Mayer
The regularly scheduled June 20 Council meeting opened with a public meeting portion to address a request from Edwin Duncan – father of MP Eric Duncan, and now-retired owner of the former trucking business, JED Express in South Mountain. Edwin is requesting to convert the house on his property at 11060 County Road 3 to an multi-residential unit with up to 6 units. Council heard that studies are underway to ensure that the well and septic capacities on the property will be sufficient to support the additional units.
Council was very receptive to the idea, particularly Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron, who lives nearby. Council had its first and second reading of the motion later in the meeting. No decisions have yet been made because North Dundas Council is awaiting an Official Plan amendment from the upper tier Counties Council, as well as a public consultation period.
Council next heard a general crimes report, which identified issues such as vehicles going past school buses with lights flashing, and an increase in frauds both locally and nationally. Much discussion ensued regarding these issues. Another delegation came next, this one from internet company Xplore, which hopes to expand the scope of its services in the area.
North Dundas’ Fire Chief – Kreg Raistrick – then made a request to Council to tighten up the facial hair policy for local firefighters. The intention of the policy would be to protect fi refi ghters by ensuring that breathing masks have a tighter fit.
Councillor John Lennox raised an important question – how would this new policy be enforced with firefighters already hired and working. After Chief Raistrick explained that the policy will be gradually introduced, with an emphasis on its benefit to firefighters, the motion was
carried.
Council next approved a request from the local Lactalis plant to install “No Truck Route” signs on Centre St, Dufferin St. E, and North St in Winchester, due to recent instances of damage being caused by trucks using an incorrect route. This was approved.
Council was then tasked with deciding whether to award a tender for consulting services related to the provision of a Recreation Strategic Plan. Township staff recommended approving the tender, and Deputy Mayor Bergeron agreed. Councillor Matthew Uhrig agreed as well, saying the consultation is needed to “beat back some of the tall tales, hearsay, or just frankly absolute lies that are kind of spreading through our community right now in terms of… our infrastructure and what’s taking place and what’s happening… it should be of no surprise to anybody that we do have significant needs, and we need to address those significant needs… and this is a big step in that process.”
Councillors Lennox and Annable agreed with the Deputy Mayor and Councillor Uhrig. Council moved to award the tender. Council then heard about some of the other recreation and culture needs in the near future, particularly maintenance costs for recreation buildings and equipment. It was acknowledged in the report to Council that there is simply not enough money in the budget for the many different needs. Rather than looking for approvals to finance countless different projects, the Recreation and Culture department was simply seeking feedback and general thoughts from members of Council.
Mayor Tony Fraser commented that it’s best to consider the maintenance advice that is given, rather than continually putting off the work. Councillor Lennox stated his desire to always know “where the money is coming from” before making decisions, and he also touted the value of a “cost-benefit analysis” for each decision. Councillor Uhrig pointed out that
Greens call for extreme heat plan for schools
Ontario Greens Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy released the following statement in response to the extreme heat wave expected across Ontario this week:
“The Ford government’s failures to protect our kids from the dangers of extreme heat isn’t just irresponsible – it’s downright dangerous.
This week, temperatures across Ontario are expected to reach the high thirties to low forties. For our schools without air conditioning, that means classrooms will be just as hot.
This lack of access to cooling is dangerous for staff and students alike. It interferes with our kids’ wellbeing and learning, and creates extreme risks for those with preexisting health conditions.
Once again, Greens reaffirm our call for the Ford government to implement an extreme heat preparedness plan that protects our kids and from the dangers of these rising temperatures by implementing mandatory air conditioning in all schools.”
The importance of safety around lawnmowers
by Denise Swedlo The War Amps
As we are now in the season of lawn maintenance and outdoor activities, I would like to remind everyone about the potential hazards associated with machinery such as lawn mowers, especially in the presence of children.
I was only two when an accident forever altered the course of my life. Innocently playing outside, I ventured too close to a moving lawn mower, unaware of the danger it posed. The operator was unaware of my presence and backed up, not realizing I had stumbled and fallen behind the lawn mower. I was rushed to the hospital where doctors had to amputate my right arm above the elbow and part of my left hand.
As a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am advocating for safety measures around lawn mowers. I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want another child to go through what I did.
It’s important to recognize that accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, with lifelong consequences. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to encourage greater caution and vigilance among parents, caregivers and communities alike.
it is important for members of the public to see the difficulty of these pressing issues facing Council.
More routine items were discussed in the last portion of the meeting, including the removal and replacement of sidewalks, and the installation of speed radar signs (to encourage drivers to slow down within
Capital Gains Tax changes threaten middle class families
from FOCA
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA) opposes the changes to capital gains tax that were approved by vote in the House of Commons on June 12, 2024. These tax changes will negatively impact 150,000 seasonal property owners in Ontario alone and could devastate generational cottage ownership for middle class families.
Despite the government’s assertion that the tax is targeted at wealthy investors, the hardest hit will, in fact, be families with one remaining parent who wants to pass the cottage, camp, or other secondary residence to the kids, through gifting or inheritance.
Waterfront property owners matter to rural Ontario, from Kenora to Kingston to Lake Erie to north of Temagami. Ontario cottagers are waterfront residents who are voters, environmental stewards of thousands of kilometres of shorelines, and economic contributors to rural communities where they have deep ties. FOCA's 2022 Economic Impact Study confirmed that an estimated $11.44 billion is spent each year by a quarter of a million waterfront property households across Ontario. For every 100 waterfront properties located in a community, 63 jobs are created in Ontario, with 54 of those jobs in the community itself.
FOCA is concerned that the fabric of Ontario cottage country – such a vital part of our Canadian culture – will be torn apart by the capital gains tax change. Over the past weeks FOCA has been copied on hundreds of letters from middle-class families to their MPs, each outlining how they are personally affected, and how this tax change may force the sale of the cottage out of the family. In many cases, these are homes have been passed through generations over multiple decades.
“Cottages are not investment properties for middleclass Ontario families, they are woven into the fabric of family and community history. This unfair taxation puts that heritage at risk,” stated Lesley Lavender, CEO of FOCA.
With the start date for this new tax rate set for June 25, 2024, seasonal property owners are being forced into an impossible position, having to choose between family legacy and financial security. This hasty implementation could lead to a surge in abrupt property listings, destabilizing Ontario’s waterfront communities.
On the matter of capital gains tax changes approved on June 12, 2024:
- FOCA urgently calls on the government to postpone the June 25, 2024 implementation date to give families time to make informed financial decisions.
- FOCA advocates for tax exemptions tailored to the unique circumstances of seasonal cottagers, such as a once-per-lifetime tax exemption for these kinds of intergenerational family transfers.
By making these necessary adjustments, we can protect the cultural heritage that defines us as Canadians, while fostering the growth of our rural communities and the stewardship of our natural landscapes.
FOCA urges all Ontarians to read our position on the topic of capital gains on our webpage:
residential areas).
The last major item on the agenda was the expansion of local wetland mapping, which is raising concerns for some about the effect that this will have on farmers and in fact, anyone who wants to build on their property.
The Township’s Director of Development Services,
Calvin Pol, explained that the Township intends to ask more questions of South Nation Conservation to ensure that the modified and increased wetland mapping makes sense. “Wow,” said Mayor Fraser regarding the news of the mapping change. “Pretty big news”.
The revelation also means that since the Boyne Road
Landfill would be re-designated as a wetland, meaning that the Township would need approvals from South Nation Conservation before putting garbage on the site. The meeting ended after just under two-and-a-half hours.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Talk and Devotional:
June 30, 1400 to 1600 hours.
Part 1: 1400 hours 1. A talk on gender equity in policing fitness testing. Dr. Robert Seguin will share part of his doctoral work analysis of a generation of data that supports the gender equity of the RCMP’s Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation and documents the needs for an age accommodation for fairness and to protect groups for protected human rights grounds.
Part 2: 1500 hours. The second part of the meeting will be a devotional with scriptures that support peace (in the world at large) and gender equity with English, French and a Persian language contribution.
North Grenville Municipal Centre Meeting Room
COMMUNITY EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
Location: Sam Ault Arena, 577 Main St Winchester ON Roller Skating Friday Nights
All Ages welcome! 7-10pm at the Sam Ault Arena in Winchester .FREE ADMISSION
Every Friday from June 7 to August 9, 2024 Bring your own skates. Roller blades welcomed. Helmets strongly recommended. NO SKATES? NO PROBLEM!
They have a skate lending library!
2024 Summer Library Games
Saturday, August 3, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Winchester Branch Music in the Park
July 13 Rob Barclay sponsored by EcoShire Winchester
Sept 14 Spencer Scharf 10:30am/1:30 pm 100 club Park sponsored by Lofty Nest./ No Limits Auto Parts/ Precision Diesel
CHURCH Directory
Southgate Winchester Campus
539 Main Street, Winchester Phone: 613-258-6123
https://southgatechurch.com/
Services: Sundays at 10am (Kids program for toddlers - Gr 6)
Play Group for parents of babies to preschool meets Wednesdays at 10am.
The Pulse Youth (Gr 6 -12) meets bi-weekly on Fridays at 7pm.
The Ladies Group meets bimonthly. Contact the church office for more info
The Gathering House
2 Water Street Chesterville, ON K0C 1H0
613-448-1758 Sunday church service 10 am. Nursery and Sunday school available for children.
Various adult Bible studies throughout the week. Details at thegatheringhouse.ca
STEM program & Youth group
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Playgroup drop in 10:30 am on Fridays
HUB youth drop in 7 -10 pm
Fridays
Cafe Mon & Fri 9 am -4 pm Wed 12 -4 pm
Solomon’ Porch Nationside Pentecostal Church
Pastor Scott Sayers
Meeting Sunday 10:30am.
9 William St. Chesterville, Ont. ( The Nelson LaPrade Centre) Box 292 Chesterville 613-448-2272
nationsidepentecostalchurch.ca
Winchester Pastoral Charge
Winchester United
Church/Hope Springs
United Church Summer Schedule- all services at 10:00 a.m.
July 7 Winchester United July14 Hope Springs U.C.
July 21 Winchester United July 28 Hope Springs U.C.
Aug. 4 Winchester United Aug 11 Hope Springs U.C.
Aug 18 Winchester United Aug 25 Hope Springs U.C.
Winchester Baptist Church
486 Main Street, Winchester Phone: 343-649-2204
https://m.facebook.com/groups/ WinchesterBaptistOnt/ Services: Sundays at 11:00 (hymn sing 10:45) “Snack and chat” (lunch) after the service on the last Sunday of every month
Join us for prayer every Tuesday evening anytime between 6:30pm and 8:00pm
Come and celebrate with us the 165th anniversary of our congregation, Sunday September 15, 2024 at the 11:00 service
ATTENTION MOM WITH TOTS
Come join the fun at our Mom & Tots summer program at Nationside Pentecostal Church with crafts, activities and snacks running Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. starting June 26th to August 28th held at the Nelson LaPrade Centre, 9 William St. in Chesterville. For more information please contact Beatrice Legue at 613-978-6015.
CROSSWORD
37. Leases
38. Financial institution
39. Every last one
Mimicked
What we're called
Act of showing affection 19. Curtail
Hairpiece
Ice a cake
Gladden
Emblem of power
Example
Craving
Whiplash preventer
Go rapidly
Askew
Petrol
Heap
40. The business of selling goods 41. Speaks 42. In a furtive manner
44. US spy agency 45. Pulverization 46. Cut 50. Pottery fragment 52. Not inner 54. Sash 55. Soft drink 56. Home improvement 58. With competence 59. Pee 60. Small island 61. Young males 62. Aromatic compound 63. Asterisk
DOWN 1. Beers 2. Style of building columns 3. Gentle prod 4. Observe 5. Devoid of vegetation 6. Hearsay
7. Lyric poems
8. Salves
9. Tiny circle
10. Deer horn
11. Legal assistant
12. Broadcast
13. Greek district 18. Not before
22. Countercurrent
24. Combustible pile
26. Anagram of "Soak"
28. It comes from bees
29. Went under
30. Sounds of disapproval
31. Resorts
32. Pottery oven
33. In a criminal manner
34. Helpers or benefactors
37. Precipitation
38. Bleats
40. Lose traction
41. Coronet
43. Sets out
44. Cunning
46. Rock
47. Raise
48. Deadly virus
49. Eatery
50. Sign of healing 51. Vagabond 53. Module
56. Regret 57. Poetic contraction
Happy Canada Day
by Paul Maurice, Director, OFA
Crime is a reality for all Ontarians, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas. That’s particularly true of visible issues like theft, trespassing, or property damage, but fraud, cyber crimes, human trafficking and domestic violence – while less visible – are also cause for concern and vigilance.
There used to be somewhat of a perception that rural areas were safer or less of a target, but that is no longer the case so it’s important to be aware of possible risks and to take steps to protect yourself and others in your community.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture works hard to raise awareness of rural crime and ensuring farmers and rural residents know how to minimize or prevent these kinds of occurrences. This includes working with law enforcement and partners like Crime Stoppers, known for their anonymous tip lines where people who’ve witnessed a crime can make a report, as well as for the cash rewards they pay if a tip leads to a crime being solved.
To help get the message out, OFA is hosting an upcoming webinar with Sarah Bowers-Peter, program co-
ordinator with Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington, who will talk about the organization’s role as an intermediary between the public and police, as well as highlight key types of crimes that people could be exposed to and should be aware of.
Fraud is a growing challenge across society in general, and rural residents are as vulnerable as anyone else to being targets of phishing scams, hacking, misrepresentative emails or attempts to swindle them out of money.
Along with that are general risks that come with living in an increasingly digital, connected world, including farms where more and more digital systems are being implemented. Cyber security incidents, whether it’s compromised information, financial fraud or data that is held hostage until a ransom is paid, are on the rise.
Outdated, unmaintained systems running old software no longer being updated is one of the most common vulnerabilities and is widespread, especially in small businesses – and this includes farms where research shows 90% of farming systems aren’t up
Be vigilant to protect yourself against rural crime
to date and have no software patching or updating policy.
Theft is an ongoing threat in rural areas as criminals are becoming more brazen, helping themselves to vehicles, equipment, livestock and more. Along with that, incidents of trespassing into fields for recreational activities or to grab that perfect selfie, as well as illegal dumping of everything from garbage and building materials to contaminated soil are becoming more prevalent.
I’m a farmer and a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture representing farmers in York, Peel and Simcoe, and that’s certainly the case in these regions. That’s why rural residents are encouraged to be vigilant, post clearly visible no trespassing signs, and invest in lights and alarms to make it harder for intruders to remain unseen.
As well, it pays to install good quality locks on buildings and to never leave keys in vehicles, tractors, ATVs or forklifts, etc – they are tempting targets. And try to resist the temptation of posting on social media when you’re going to be away!
Less visible but definitely happening across the province are crimes like human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s not something that is widely talked about, which makes it easier to take place, and many people don’t know what signs to look for. Here too, Crime Stoppers or law enforcement can be a way to report suspicious activity anonymously and confidentially.
Preventing crime is always better than apprehending someone after a crime has been committed, so it pays to be informed and aware of what the risks are. The OFA has a tip sheet on protecting your farm against theft and trespassers, as well as a recording of a cyber security webinar; both are available at ofa. on.ca, as is registration for the Crime Stoppers webinar on June 26.
If you see suspicious activity, consider having it checked out by reporting it to the OPP at 1-888310-1122. If you have an observation or information that may help solve a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or via their website at https:// ontariocrimestoppers.ca/ submit-a-tip/submit-a-tip.
20th anniversary of Friends of South Mountain Library
by Elizabeth Earl Margaret Mead
said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Well, this community has certainly changed our small part of the world.
It all started 119 years ago, in 1905, when the South Mountain Library was formed. It was housed in various locations over the years. In 1946 you could find it in Edna Hunter’s variety store, where the Post Office now stands. In 1970 it was moved to the little one-room schoolhouse near the Ag Hall. At first it was run by volunteers. In 1971, it became an inaugural branch in the Seaway Valley Library system, and later became part of the SDG County Library, now comprised of 15 branches.
The Friends of the South Mountain Library formed twenty years ago, in response to the threatened closure of our branch. In 2004, fourteen enthusiastic library patrons attended the first meeting. We started to promote the library, to run programs, to fundraise for improvements to the building and to advocate on behalf of our library with local government. In our first year, circulation increased 65% over the previous year. I’d like to pay tribute to the many Friends of the Library, too numerous to name, who have faithfully donated their time and enthusiasm for the improvement of our Library and our Community. Tribute must especially be paid to those whom we have lost, Shirley Mills, Mavis Graham, Dave Scharf and Diane Fox. Also Mayor Alvin Runnalls, who leant his support to the new facility. I’m very proud to be a member of this dedicated team.
In 2005, our advocacy efforts prompted Mayor Runnalls to form the Library Relocation Committee, chaired by Maria Thompson. Our Mayor and Councillors, Library Managers, and School Board officials served along with Nick
Zrymiak and me. Several options were considered before deciding on the current lovely location in the park.
North Dundas Council directed us to see how much we could raise, so the Friends started submitting grant proposals which resulted in a total of over $36,000 in institutional donations. We were spurred on when the Mountain and District Lions Club offered a $10,000 donation, followed by another $10,000 from Farm Credit Corporation. Our greatest contribution came from Scotiabank, who gave over $12,000! All the major donors, of $2,500 or more, are recognized on the plaque in the lobby. The main community donors are the leaves on the Donor Tree, made by local artisans.
Architect Robert Beckett was chosen and he designed this beautiful building to function not only as a library, but also as a Resource Centre, where a meeting room and kitchen facilities are available even outside library hours.
A Community Fundraising Team was formed, chaired by Terry Triskle. Funds started to pour in from our generous community and local businesses. When our Mayor and Council, encouraged by MPP Jim Brownell, decided to put some provincial infrastructure funding towards our project, Vriend Construction and Eastern Engineering were hired, and construction started in the spring of 2009. The construction proceeded very smoothly and came in well within the budget.
In total, the Friends of the Library campaign resulted in over $108,000 in donations. About $12,000 of that was gifts-in-kind, and $96,538 cash went
to the Township. Now readership and circulation have grown, and programs and services are offered free to all ages through collaboration between the Friends and library staff.
Displays were created to honour “The Fallen Five” and the creations of local artists. A knitting and crocheting group meets on Thursday afternoons. Teens and adults enjoy programs such as Ukrainian Easter Eggs and Natural Christmas Wreaths. The Resource Room has been also used for Yoga and T’ai Chi programs which are run by the Township of North Dundas and educational sessions for home-schoolers.
Since the new building opened, we have donated over $20,000 to the facility. The improvements include the entire kitchen, cupboards, appliances, dishes – even the kitchen sinks. The A/V system, with projector, screen and speakers, the window blinds and drapes, children’s furniture and several area rugs. Also the Resource Room Artisan Display Cabinet, the Christmas decorations, and of course the beautiful garden and trees out front. Fundraising was accomplished by Used Book Sales, Family Gingerbread Workshops and Trivia Nights at local golf courses.
Now that our fundraising needs have diminished, we voluntarily revoked our CRA charitable status and donated our remaining funds. The library purchased a TV and gaming set-up and a coffee/tea station for the patrons to enjoy.
The Friends will continue to work with the library staff so that this facility will remain the heart of the community.
Surgical Rule Number One: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it
is loaded with blood vessels and nerves that have a sexual function, not a surgical imperative.
The most important lesson is often taught in the first class. This was the case at Harvard Medical School where a professor of surgery gave sound advice to students aspiring to hold the scalpel. He told them, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Another professor echoed this advice when he said, “There is no such thing as minor surgery.” How tragic when this simple message is ignored and the result is death.
It should not happen. But it did recently in Canada, twice. Two children died following tonsil and adenoid surgery, shocking the nation with a wake-up call to alert that common procedures are not riskfree. What went wrong is being investigated.
But it’s a nightmare occurrence for the doctors and families alike. And we must all learn anew. Surgery is never minor, and if it is not needed, don’t go for it.
Tonsillectomy is considered major surgery by the Otolaryngological Society. But one can bet most families would not perceive it as such. Rather, it’s seen as a quick, easy procedure to remove troublesome tonsils and/or adenoids.
Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system. Repeated infections or difficulty breathing lead to the decision for a surgery deemed safe. The main risk is bleeding up to 10 days after the operation.
Needless surgery caused the demise of comedian Joan Rivers. She joked about going under the knife to tuck this and that. But it would be one too many. She died from
cardiac arrest during a cosmetic procedure.
The youngest victims are newborn babies having undergone circumcision and dying due to hemorrhage. Yet, day after day, this procedure continues to be done. Why? Some people believe it should be performed for religious reasons. Others cite medical reasons, that it decreases cancer of the penis, a very rare disease, or decreases urinary infections in the first year of life. But does this mean all breasts should be removed at birth for fear of cancer or the nose to avoid infections?
Some critics say circumcision violates the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. After all, prior to newborn circumcision, no doctor or parents gain the consent of the child.
Medical journals are full of surgical complications. They occur when too much skin is removed, when botched procedures make it hard to pass urine, or when mistakes lead to amputation of part of the penis. The foreskin
Ultrasound is often used during a medical workup to help diagnose a problem. On occasion, an ultrasound will find large stones in the gallbladder that have been present for years without causing trouble. On the other hand, small stones can enter the cystic duct that carries bile to the intestines. This results in severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.
The best treatment for large silent stones is to leave them alone. If they start to cause pain, surgery would be needed. But the best treatment, in the absence of trouble, is to leave them for the crematorium. Why? Because during removal of the gallbladder, there’s always a chance of injuring this small narrow duct. It happened to Athony Eden, one of England’s Prime Ministers, and is extremely difficult to repair, four subsequent surgeries in his case. Everyone knows heart surgery can be a life and death procedure. Don’t be fooled into thinking that common surgery is free of risk. Indifference becomes tragedy when something terrible happens.
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