Issue 13 2023 April 6 NG Times

Invisible Homelessness

where you pay $2.00 for a meal. It may not seem like much to some, but to others this could be the daily budget they have for food to spend on their family. It is dignified, supported by the community, and relies on partnerships. Angie would like to create a hub where people would be connected with services and where they can be noticed.

by Ashley Sloan

You might often hear conversations about the rapid growth happening in the area, or on the increase in the housing market and the shortage of rental units in North Grenville; but have you heard about the actual homeless crisis?

The Rotary Club of North Grenville invited special guest Angie Brown to speak to the group and give a bit of insight as to what is happening right in our own region. Having this experience, Angie says:

“This is where I can see first hand the gaps where the system is failing individuals from all demographics. In North Grenville we do not see the stereotypical home-

less panhandling, people pushing carts, or sleeping on the side walks in cardboard boxes. However, if you walk through the Ferguson Forest Centre and go in far enough, you will see tents set up as housing for some of our community members. The Kemptville Campus is also where people have started to camp out with no where else to go. Know anyone couch surfing? Living in a trailer with no power in the middle of winter?”

Angie has lived in Kemptville most of her life and, having parents in the restaurant industry, Angie says: “this is probably where I first learned to serve.” She was part of a team at the Salvation Army food bank

where she would have clients drop in who never thought that they would ever need to use this type of service. Angie would invite them in to have a conversation and find out just how she could help. At Christmas time, she has served at the Community Dinner, which has grown over the years with the love and support of local businesses. Angie says that “Food is what brings people together, and when you are sitting at a table, there is no judgement, you make connections and can feel safe”.

A goal she would like to see is something similar to a project in Brockville to be available here. A kitchen called Loaves & Fishes is a restaurant

A major issue that is noted is that quite often after a crisis the standard procedure would be for the victim to call a 1-800 number, where they might be lucky to connect to the right person on their first try. What happens when they are asked to call another number and to go through reliving the situation whether it be simple or traumatic? How many people do you think have the courage to make that extra call? Having a Hub with resources would be the connection they need, to meet a case worker who would help them to get back on their feet, whether it is starting with counselling, or finding a safe place to sleep.

Angie also pointed out that, typically, Ontario Works pays roughly $700 a month to an individual who can provide an address, and roughly $300 if there is no address. A rent-

cont'd from front page

al costs anywhere from $900 to $3200 a month. Currently, in Leeds and Grenville, there are over 100 individuals who have gone through an intake with Angie and are awaiting support. 82% of these individuals have been homeless for over 6 months, meaning they have no key to a place, no fixed address and no security.

The work that Angie has done in such a short period of time is just the tip of the iceberg. Since her new career started in November, she has helped 7 individuals find

a place to call home. She is building relationships with landlords and meeting with similar agencies to work together to help as many people as she can. The service does not stop there; Angie will follow up with them and lets them know she is only a phone call away. She says that one client was homeless for three years before they received the support needed and recently signed up for online college courses. Sometimes, just being given a chance can change a persons life! How do these programs run? The funding is

Councillor apologises

by David Shanahan

Councillor Deb Wilson issued an apology to a resident at a recent council meeting following a complaint against her to the Municipality’s Integrity Commissioner. The Commissioner’s report centred on two comments Councillor Wilson made which, he found, violated the Code of Conduct for members of council. The Times has been asked specifically by the Complainant to comment on the issue.

The Report noted that of the many complaints made, none were found to be in breach of the Code aside from two sentences, which, it was decided, were “ demeaning communications to a member of the public that were disrespectful... While we find there was a breach, the comments made by the Councillor are not so severe that a financial penalty or reprimand is warranted” . The Commissioner also pointed out that the comments were made in “a private message exchange between the Councillor and the Complainant”. The recommendation was that Councillor Wilson apologise to the Complainant “to restore public confidence in Council and to make reparation for the impact the comments may have had on the Complainant”.

The context for the comments is important, naturally. The complainant posted a public complaint about the cost of hospital parking while his wife was sick in the hospital.

provided by grants which need to be applied for on a regular basis. Reports need to be provided on how the money is spent. The provincial government agencies have to spread so much over so many organizations that it doesn't last very long. The brighter side of the story is that this conversation may have fallen on ears that are ready to take action. Angie says that Municipal Bylaw has even noticed the increase in unsuitable conditions of houses that people are living in, and that something needs to be done.

The Rotary Club feels that more of this conversation needs to be had and has invited Angie back to have more discussions and to brainstorm some solutions.

There were many comments that weighed in on the conversation, to give the complainant advice, including from Councillor Wilson, and the two later had a private message exchange. Councillor Wilson wrote: “You are always blaming someone else for your problems”. This was the fi rst statement found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct. The full message was less judgmental: “You are always blaming someone else for your problems - I get it... I’m so sorry for your wife’s health struggles. If you need help to pay a parking pass reach out. But don’t keep slamming society... Don’t undo the good that you have already done.”

The Complainant’s response to this offer was: “Wow. You are very childish for an old person. Don’t talk to me ever again” . It was to this that Councillor Wilson replied: “Lol you didn’t even read it... You need help”. This was her second comment that was found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, although how it could be read that way is difficult to understand, given the Complainant’s insulting comment that preceded it.

The general context is important also. The Complainant was a candidate in the provincial election last year, and Councillor Wilson’s comments included the statement: “If you are thinking about running for any elected position..be careful” That is why she warned him about being so public

in placing blame on others. In any event, he lost that election. He wanted to be appointed to Council to replace Jim McManaman, but submitted his application late, and Deb Wilson was given the position. He ran for Council in the Municipal election in October, and that is when he began to talk openly about referring Deb Wilson to the Integrity Commissioner. He lost that election also, and afterwards renewed his complaint against Councillor Wilson. It is somewhat concerning that the Commissioner’s Report quoted only selected portions of the exchanges quoted above. The two sentences involved in the complaint were not quoted fully or in context. The fact that they were part of a private conversation, is also concerning, raising questions about the restrictions on freedom of speech for elected representatives in private contexts. The Complainant should possibly be thankful that he did not succeed in his electoral efforts. Public figures need a thicker skin and, as Councillor Wilson informed him, need to be careful not to

be so obviously angry and ageist in their remarks. His comment about Ms. Wilson - “You are very childish for an old person” - does not sit well coming from a white man in his thirties speaking about an older woman. It is in keeping with one he made about another older couple: “He’s just an angry old man with an even angrier wife”. The Complainant suggested the Times should ask him for a comment on this, but, in spite of his claim that “I have successfully demonstrated an impeccable reputation”, his actual reputation is that he and the truth have a very distant relationship, as proved during the past year in comments about this newspaper. I hope he is now satisfied that his apparently fragile ego has been soothed somewhat by Councillor Wilson’s apology. It is, perhaps, more than he deserves based on the evidence. The report of the Integrity Commissioner, based as it is on very selective material, is probably all the sympathy he could expect from a “very childish old person”.

Blood Donor Clinic

The next Blood Donor Clinic at the North Grenville Community Centre will be held on Tuesday, April 11th from 1:00pm till 7:00pm. Major surgeries are planned in the Ottawa hospitals in April, where a large amount of blood will be required. We are calling on all available donors to support this blood donor event. Since the start of the pandemic, across Canada, there are now over thirty thousand less regular blood donors available. Please help and donate. Walk-ins are now permitted. Come, donate and enjoy a donut and refreshments afterwards. Hosted by the local Knights of Columbus Council 5333.

Repudiation comes 500 years too late

by David Shanahan

The announcement by the Vatican that they are repudiating the ideology known as “The Doctrine of Discovery” has been welcomed by many Indigenous peoples around the world as a welcome first step in reversing the multitude of injustices and grievances suffered by them over centuries. However, the joint statement by the confusingly named “Dicasteries for Culture and Education and for Promoting Integral Human Development”, is not nearly as straightforward as it may first appear.

The Doctrine of Discovery was based on Papal Bulls, or official statements issued by the Pope, in 1454 and 1493, which effectively granted to European monarchs whatever “dominions, cities, camps, places, and villages, and all rights, jurisdictions, and appurtenances, all islands and mainlands found and to be found, discovered and to be discovered towards the west and south” of a line west and south of the European mainland. These documents gave European monarchs permission to invade, enslave, and steal the lands of any inhabitants of lands included in the area described. This included the Americas and Africa, and became the legal basis for colonial jurisdiction in those continents.

Upon such a basis was built the colonisation of Canada, the system which produced various Indian Acts, the Residential School system, every socalled Treaty entered into by the French and British Crowns within Canada, and the forced marginalisation of Indigenous peoples, confined by law to reserves, denied the right to participate in the use of natural resources on their own territory, and the situation, even today, where Indigenous people are the only group

covered by a specific Act of the Canadian Parliament which gives a bureaucrat in Ottawa the right to decide who is, and who is not, considered Indigenous, status or otherwise.

The implications of the Vatican “repudiation” of the Doctrine of Discovery remain unclear. Much of the legislation governing Indigenous-Settler relations in Canada will need to be reconsidered, possibly amended or discarded. The treaties in Canada no longer have the same legal support, and the injustices resulting from the implementation of those agreements will certainly have to be addressed in the coming years.

But the repudiation is rather wishy-washy. It claims that the Doctrine was not a doctrine as such, but political statements which, unfortunately, “were manipulated for political purposes by competing colonial powers in order to justify immoral acts against indigenous peoples that were carried out, at times, without opposition from ecclesiastical authorities”. This hardly reflects the wording of the Papal Bulls, which justify the granting of such overreaching authority to kings by pointing out that the invasion and conquest of Indigenous lands and peoples was to spread the Catholic faith, the monarchs simply being instruments of God’s will, as defined by the Popes.

The ultimate tragedy is that this superficial and begrudging repudiation comes 500 years too late. The damage has been done, and it has been extensive, costing untold number of lives, coming close to destroying entire cultures, reducing nations in the eyes of Canadian laws to mere “uncivilised savages”.

In fact, the program to confine Indigenous people to certain reserved lands and to cut them off from

every element of their traditional ways and beliefs, was called “The Civilisation Policy”, officially implemented by successive government in this country from 1830. The first piece of legislation to bring this policy into effect was not the Indian Act of 1876, as is often cited, but the 1839 Act against Trespass on Crown Lands, which transferred all jurisdiction over Indigenous lands from the people to the Crown.

It is astonishing, in its way, that declarations by Popes more than 500 years ago could still be having such an impact on Canadian society today; that there is still an Indian Act, reserves, conditions of status and non-status, not to mention the dreadful legacy of everything that came from those colonial and imperial documents. Canada has officially adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and this, along with the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, means that an entirely new relationship needs to be developed between Indigenous and Settler communities in Canada. Significantly, this lies solely in the power of the Canadian Government to arrange: as in 1830, so in 2023, that is where the real power lies.

PART TIME SALES REP Opportunity for a Part Times Sales Representative

If interested or to know more contact Melissa: melissa@ngtimes.ca

LAND TITLES ACT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ABSOLUTE TITLE

(Subsection

46(2) of the Act)

RE: PIN 68117-0102

Are you Self Motivated? Creative? Great with people? The Times is seeking a part-time sales representative. Vehicle required.

Must be willing to travel within North Grenville and North Dundas.

To: Anyone with an interest in the lands known as PIN 68117-0102 on County Road No. 18, Oxford Mills

Re: PIN 68117-0102, being Part of Lot 17, Concession 4 Oxford, in the Municipality of North Grenville, Geographic Township of Oxford, being designated as Parts 1 and 2 on the draft Reference Plan attached signed by Emmett Ketchum, O.L.S and dated 7th day of March, 2023. Subject to an easement over Part 2 on the draft Reference Plan, as in OF10069

The said plan is available for inspection at the office of the Solicitor for the Applicant:

SPITERI & URSULAK LLP

Attn: Christopher Spiteri

1010 – 141 Laurier Avenue W., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5J3

TAKE NOTICE THAT ARCHSTONE CONSTRUCTION INC., herein called the applicant(s), intends to apply to be registered as the owner(s) with an absolute title to the above described land.

And take notice that any person claiming to have any title to or interest in the said land or any part of it is required on or before the 1st day of May, 2023 to file a statement of objection, which sets out the nature and extent of the interest claimed in the objection, together with all evidence, documents or legal provisions and precedents relied upon in support of the objection, directed to the land registrar at the address of the solicitor for the Applicant set out above.

If no such statement of objection is filed by May 1, 2023, I will proceed with the application and any interest you may claim in the subject property will be thereby extinguished and you will not be entitled to receive any further notice with respect to the proceedings.

DATED at Ottawa this 30th day of March, 2023

Christopher Spiteri

Solicitor for the Applicant

Driver arrested after fleeing RIDE

submitted by Grenville County OPP

On March 24, 2023 shortly after 12:15 a.m. officers from the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) check on County Road 43, west of County Road 19. Officers spoke with a male driver and requested the driver pull over for further investigation. The driver took off from the officer. Officers located the person a few days later.

The male, aged 18, from Merrickville, was arrested and charged with;

· Failure or refusal to comply with demand - Criminal Code (CC)

· Novice driver fail to provide breath sample - CC

· Fail to stop for police - CC

· Driver without proper headlights - motor vehicle - Highway Traffic Act (HTA)

He was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville at a later date.

Anyone who believes someone is driving impaired should call 911 or 1-888-310-1122 or CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-222-8477. Your call could save a life!

Spencerville Agricultural Society

Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 7:00pm The Drummond Building (22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to get the fair going? Join The Spencerville Agricultural Society and Volunteer. You don't have to do a lot but a little here and there and it will go a long way! Help make the 168th Spencerville Fair the best it's ever been!

For more information email info@spencervillefair.ca

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville.ca/events

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Please see the Council agenda for further details on how to participate in Council meetings. All Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. Council agendas are available at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

• Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend. Agendas can be found on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, April 17 at 5:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Records and Licencing Coordinator

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the position of Records and Licencing Coordinator in its Corporate Services Department, Clerks Division. Visit www.northgrenville. ca/careers for more information on how to apply. Applications due by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2023.

Funding and Grants Research Analyst

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the position of Funding & Grants Research Analyst on a contract basis. Visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers for more information on how to apply. Applications due by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Advisory Committees

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill volunteer for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-258-9569 ext 171. Applications due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy

Community members are invited to take a community survey to assist in the creation of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. The survey is available at www.northgrenville.ca/equity and hard copies are available at the North Grenville Municipal Office (285 County Road 44), the North Grenville Public Library (1 Water Street), Kemptville Youth Centre (5 Oxford Street West), North Grenville Community Living (2830 County Road 43), and Seniors’ Community Services (215 Sanders Street). The survey is open until 4:00p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023

Community Improvement Plan

The Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is open for intake! Funding is available for façade and signage improvements, and multi-unit residential developments. Full program details are available at https://www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/funding or call 613-258-9569 ext. 177.

2022 CIVC AWARDS NOMINATIONS – Open

North Grenville’s Council is seeking nominations for outstanding individuals and groups to be considered for a Civic Award for their generous efforts, contributions, and accomplishments in 2022. For more information and to nominate an individual or organization visit: www. northgrenville.ca/civicawards. Hard copies are available at the Municipal Centre and at the North Grenville Public Library. Nomination submissions will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201

Fax: 613-258-1031

By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca

613-258-9569 x211

Police Administration: 613-258-3441

Animal Control: 613-862-9002

Shooting while blindfolded

by Brandon Mayer

Last week, a local resident got in touch with me to express a concern that a particular topic which has appeared in the Times is one he worries cannot safely be open to healthy debate. This gentleman had thoughts on the issue, but was afraid to express his views for fear of not only rebuke, but possibly even threats directed at him, his wife, and his children. He therefore suggested that the topic should not appear in the Times at all, since both sides could not be presented.

I don’t want to leave readers with a curiosity itch, so let me scratch it for you – the topic the gentleman was referring to is gender identity. There is no need to get into the issue itself, since that is not the point. I disagreed with the resident’s

suggestion that the content should not appear, and this disagreement was based on two things. Firstly, the Times is a different kind of newspaper, in that it is meant to act as the “voice of the community” – contributions, and answers to those contributions, are always welcome, so long as they are not obscene or slanderous. Secondly, rather than argue that someone else’s views should not appear in the Times, it was my view that the concerned gentleman should simply write his opposing views in the form of an op-ed or Letter to the Editor.

We abandoned the tedious email exchanges, which were prone to miscommunication, and the resident and I had a phone call. A gentleman indeed, he politely and privately expressed his views to me. It was a civil discussion which ended with a follow-up email in which

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

There is a small but important feature of our community that warrants recognition. That is the fact that several local businesses allow and even encourage dogs to enter their premises with their owners. My dog loves going to stores and other businesses. The first obvious benefit is that owners don’t have to leave dogs in vehicles in hot or cold weather. They should not do so anyway, but this way they can take pooch along for a trip. The greatest benefit is that it provides an important opportunity to socialise dogs, get them used to being in public, and used to different noises and smells. I frequently take my dog to stores to walk around the aisles so he can practice healing (walking) on a loose leash and stay beside me through turns. I also take him to get used to being around other people and behaving appropriately.

he urged me to pass along words of support to the person on the “other side” of the debate. What was troubling, however, was that he also expressed why he felt he couldn’t share his views in the Times. With a topic so polarizing, and people often ruthless and unforgiving, he fears that simply providing his opinion could threaten the safety of his family. Even worse is that I agree.

When did people become so detached from level-headed common sense and human decency? When did death threats become an automatic “no big deal” response to a difference of opinion? Are we forgetting how to empathize with other people and think about perspectives other than our own? It’s okay to be a social justice warrior, but it’s not okay to threaten others with death. Having to actually

say that is simply absurd.

Everyone has loved ones. Every single person has at least one other person they care deeply about, if not many. These loved ones are people whose deaths would devastate us – our children, our spouses, our parents, our siblings, our friends. It is perfectly normal to get a rush of adrenaline and a commitment to protect these loved ones at all costs when they are threatened. If this is something we all experience, then why can’t we extrapolate these feelings, and realize that it’s wrong to put someone else through it? “It’s wrong to tell someone I am going to kill their children just because I disagree with their ideas” – why is this such a hard concept for people? Kindergartners can tell you that it’s best to treat people how you want to be treated, so why can fewer and fewer

adults manage it lately?

Words are a powerful tool. There is no doubt of that. However, all powerful tools can be misused. A knife can be used to prepare a delicious meal, or to end a life. A gun can be used to hunt sustainably for food, or to end a life. And words can be used to engage in intelligent debate, or to threaten to end a life. Threatening death in response to a disagreement of ideas is so very unreasonable. It is akin to shooting a gun while blindfolded. It is reckless, senseless, overreactive, and shows total disregard for others. Not to mention that, because threats can scare people into silence, the result is a stifled exchange of ideas, which never makes the world a better place.

Some of the most tragic events in our history have been fueled by fear. We know that a large proportion of Ger-

man soldiers in World War II fought for Hitler only because of threats toward them and their families. How a person like Hitler even rose to power in a democratic country can be attributed to the gradual stifling of competing ideas.

How often do we hear in news stories that a person has “received death threats” after doing or saying something controversial? One time is too many. It needs to stop. The fact that I can’t honestly provide

The walking often results in me buying something I hadn’t planned on! It is good for business and customer satisfaction. Some folks may not like dogs being present. The dog owners must be responsible for controlling the dog. In four years of doing this frequently, I have never had a negative experience with anyone in a store or business. If you are someone who doesn’t like it, I hope you will be tolerant and realise the wider benefit. There are many dog owners in our area, so many people appreciate this benefit. I had suggested a few years ago that the North Grenville Times do a story on this, but I guess it was deemed unworthy. I had hoped you would look into it so we would have a fuller list of those businesses that follow this wonderful practice. I can highlight those I have experienced, but I am sure there will be others I am unaware of and I am sorry for those that I

miss. I have taken my dog to: Canadian Tire, Kemptville Building Centre (KBCBMR), Peavey Mart, Perkins Lumber, CIBC, Aquarius Pools, Pet Valu, Healthy Pets, Quist & Humphreys, and Spirit Leaf (I was buying CBD!). The cashiers at Canadian Tire, Peavey Mart and KBC almost always have treats for the dogs and love to see them. Family and friends from out of town are amazed that we can take our dogs into so many businesses. This is something that sets us apart. I want to thank all the business owners and managers that allow us to take our dogs into their businesses. I am sure I am not alone in being greatly appreciative of this privilege.

William Vanveen, Kemptville

Dear Editor,

Most residents of NG do appreciate their council BUT as we have lived through some councils prior to this group we know that they could be worse but we also know they can be better. Just a word to North Dundas 2 elections ago North Grenville residents were not happy with the status quo and they threw out the previous council. They can do the same. The voters of NG are not really concerned with the councils in neighbouring municipalities but they are concerned with our council and I have found them lacking during this term and on certain issues last term.

I attended a talk by the Deputy Mayor where he listed the council’s accomplishments and one he was very proud of was the Strategic Plan (SP) that provided a roadmap to guide how NG would grow in the coming years. This is a real accomplishment if it is followed. I asked him about

the KPS housing development and how the council had politely listened to the concerns of residents of the neighbourhood only to take a short 'in camera' session and when they returned acted as if the complaints had not been raised in the first place. They proceeded to pass exemptions to get past the height restrictions of the SP and another to change the affordable housing requirements of the SP. I asked about this and was told that the units were filling quickly so he guessed they were in fact affordable. I was embarrassed for the Deputy Mayor that he could say such a thing. Affordable housing is not determined by the fact that people rent/ purchase them, it is meant to imply that the housing is affordable to those that are on fixed incomes and not able to afford the higher rents that I have been told these units are going for. It seems that the goal of the last election of more “af-

fordable housing” has been subtly changed to “housing”. Chasing the more affluent voter I guess. He also said much like during the Federal leader’s debate some years ago when John Turner being questioned by Brian Mulroney said "I had no choice" in what he had done and he was told "You always have a choice". If we do not let the developer build higher with fewer affordable units the development will not be cost effective. If this is the council's position that they do not have a choice but to accept whatever developers offer then what good is the Strategic Plan and who is looking out for the residents that voted these people onto council to represent them in situations like this? I think this council needs to remember that they always have a choice between what is good for the community and what is good for the developer.

David Herman

TO BE CONTINUED

613.258.0166

What is a BIA?

submitted by Deron Johnston

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the Municipality to create thriving and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the resource capacity (funds and people) to actively enhance the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the Municipality as a whole.

Ontario BIAs fall under provincial legislation and are regulated under the Municipal Act, therefore they are a “Corpora-

tion of the Municipality”. BIAs are NOT “notfor-profit” corporations under the Ontario Corporations Act and should not be confused with one. A BIA has unique and specific connections with the municipality as a private-public partnership, one that supports community and economic development with funds raised solely for that work outside of the general taxpayers.

A local municipality may designate an area as an improvement area and may establish a board of management, to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond

that provided at the expense of the municipality generally; and to promote the area as a business or shopping area.

A BIA is governed by a board of management which is a local board of the municipality for all purposes. The BIA Board of Management, and their staff, must follow the policies established by the municipality for Local Boards and policies created by the Board of Management itself.

How is a BIA funded?

The municipality collects a levy from commercial property owners (usually derived from tenants) and provides it to the BIA. The cost is nominal in relation to the many benefits businesses can receive because businesses collectively contribute to an organization that represents the entire business area. Businesses may provide input to shape the annual budget at the Annual General Meeting and other membership meetings held.

Donors needed to ensure patients have the blood they need

submitted by Canadian Blood Services

There are more than 7,000 open appointments across Canada that must be filled by April 10 to replenish supplies to continue to meet patient needs.

The need for blood products never stops, especially during a long weekend and with the Easter public holiday just around the corner, we're reminding Canadians to make all the difference by booking and keeping lifesaving appointments to donate blood, platelets and plasma.

Canadian Blood Services is grateful to the donors who help ensure the supply of lifesaving blood and plasma remains strong to

help patients like ten-yearold Olivia Blundon.

Olivia was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and in the months that followed, she needed more than 100 blood and platelet transfusions. She has since required a stem cell transplant, has been diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and will eventually need a kidney transplant. Olivia’s condition is closely monitored and the possibility of future transfusions remains high. Her family is counting on donors to maintain the blood supply so that she can get the blood she needs when she needs it.

Donors are needed now to grow the plasma supply

and restock the reserve of blood. Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with immunodeficiency, autoimmune and neurological disorders rely on blood, platelets, and plasma donations every day.

While there is a continuous need for all blood types, there is a greater need for donors who have O-negative blood. O-negative blood donors are especially needed because this blood type can be transfused to any patient. In times of emergency or for newborn patients, Onegative blood, the universal blood type, makes a lifesaving difference.

Appointments are re-

quired. Same day appointments are available every day at many donor centres and community events across the country.

Book now on blood. ca, use the GiveBlood app or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).

New and returning donors are asked to book and keep their donation appointments. If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please cancel it so that someone can take your place or re-book into the following month.

offer programs to BIAs.

BIAs improve their local economies through activities such as:

PLACEMAKING

– Public Realm Investment

– Street and sidewalk maintenance and capital improvements.

– Vandalism and graffiti removal services respecting building facades visible from the street.

– Beautification of public spaces through hanging seasonal banners, floral displays, landscaping and decorative lighting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

– Helping to facilitate business attraction, retention and expansion.

– Promoting learning opportunities, funding opportunities and business development initiatives for membership.

– Strategic planning for investment attraction and improving business environment.

Building on the budget, a BIA can do more for the business area through grants, sponsorships and partnerships. To calculate the cost for a commercial property in the BIA, use the following formula: property assessment value X BIA rate = BIA levy. The BIA rate is calculated by dividing the BIA budget by the total assessed property value in the BIA boundary.

Benefits of a BIA

BIAs help form a strong and distinct image for a municipality’s neighbourhood as its destination to eat, shop, work, and play. This effectively markets the area as a local destination, competing against e-commerce giants and malls, and tourism destinations. The BIA is a ‘collective good’ model.

BIAs can be catalysts for civic improvement, and significant contributors to the municipality’s economy and the quality of life of our neighbourhoods. In order to help local commercial areas create thriving, competitive and safe business areas, the municipality may

– Studies and economic reporting to encourage data-driven decisionmaking.

PROMOTIONS, EVENTS & MARKETING

– Area Marketers & Facilitators

– Hosting and organizing neighbourhood festivals and events.

– Promotion of the BIA as a business, employment, tourism and shopping area or destination (business directories, social media, local media and advertising).

– Encouraging activations by businesses, groups & organizations to create a vibrant ‘sense of place’.

LEADERSHIP – Policy & Partner Influencers

– Safety, security and community wellness initiatives.

– Using good governance and following best practices.

– Building partnerships with other business and community organizations.

– Advocacy on behalf of their membership as a unified voice.

wood- red brick oven operating since 1885

207 Sanders St., Kemptville www.tbcconsign.com

The NG Photography Club

Ecosystem Biodiversity important to human health and nutrition

GREET

Tuesday, April 25th,2023. 4 - 6 pm

Ladies: Come exchange your winter stories and get re-acquainted with last year's members, meet new members, meet your 2023 executive, and get all the general information you will need to prepare for a great 2023 season.

Light refreshments will be served .

Rideau

League

TUESDAY LEAGUE PLAY (9 holes) am and pm tee-offs start on Tuesday, May 2nd.

ALL

ARE WELCOME

COME GOLF WITH THE RG LADIES

The routine of modern-day life for most of us involves regular trips to the grocery store and three meals a day. The regular patterns of our diet can be a source of comfort or a rushed necessity. But is eating the same familiar foods – often the same recipes, products, brands, over and over, day by day – good for us?

As nutritious as a “wellbalanced” diet may be, there are good reasons to strive for a more diverse diet.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the acclaimed Nigerian writer, was not referring to plant and animal ecosystems when she wrote, "Diversity is not about feeling included, it's about feeling valued." Yet, she’d surely agree. Unless biodiversity is valued, it will lose ground, quite literally.

Now, new research is showing that valuing diversity in the natural world has important implications for human health.

A study in the journal PNAS examines the relationship between aquatic biodiversity and human health. Researchers found that aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, provide a wide range of nutritional benefits to human populations.

According to the study, consuming a diet that includes a variety of fish, seaweed, and other aquatic foods can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, these foods are rich in important nutrients

such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and iron, which are essential for human health.

The researchers also found that consuming a diverse range of aquatic foods can have positive impacts on the environment. By promoting the consumption of a wider range of fish and other aquatic foods, fisheries and aquaculture can diversify their operations and reduce pressure on overfished species.

Protecting the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems is essential for continued access to nutritional benefits. Yet, climate change and human activities have already impacted the health of the world’s water. Conservation and sustainable use simply haven’t been the priority.

Land surfaces, where humans live, haven’t fared any better. Scientists are concerned about the health of the soil, grasses, and forbs that many animal species depend on for their dietary nutrition.

Dr. Forest Isbell, professor of ecology at the University of Minnesota, notes, “Land use changes and overexploitation are driving changes in biodiversity and ecosystems in many parts of the world.”

Isbell has closely read the research published in PNAS and thinks the findings are likely to be replicated in other ecosystems. He’s involved in studies that test the effects of biodiversity in grasslands that provide essential forage for grazing livestock. “It’s an important question,” he says. “Due

to widespread farming and overgrazing by livestock, we have seen significant biodiversity loss in many grasslands. Just as people benefit from a diverse diet, so too do our livestock. By studying how biodiversity of grasses affects nutritional content of forage for herd animals, for example, we will be better able to inform policies and practices designed to protect land-based ecosystems.”

Human health depends on a diverse diet that delivers vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, water, and carbohydrates. It’s essential to place high value on the availability and quality of these components, as demonstrated by growing evidence of a vital relationship between ecosystem biodiversity and human health.

Sadly, a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that 95 percent of the calories consumed worldwide come from a mere 30 species. Farmers cultivate only about 150 of the 30,000 edible plant species. And 90 percent of the food from domesticated livestock comes from only 14 animals.

What can health-conscious consumers do? In the next trip to the grocery store, think about the choices and try pick out a diverse range of foods, including from aquatic sources.

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

Catch’-Photo by Rob Young.

Historically Speaking Antiquing

Wilson, Jean Elizabeth (Dougall)

22 February 1930 – 19 March 2023

by Donna Ross, MDHS

The next Merrickville and District Historical Society lecture is planned for Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the Merrickville Legion. Please join us for “Antiquing – The Thrill of the Find” with Nick Previsich.

Collecting antiques for many is a hobby. And why? A bit of nostalgia. An heirloom. A treasure. A piece of history. An old piece that settles nicely

into your home. Nick will talk about his journey into the antiquing world, the ups and downs, the searching and finally the “thrill of the find”.

Nick’s interest in art and antiques goes back 40 years – first in Southern Alberta attending farm auctions, and later in Toronto as a graduate student. He spent weekends visiting museums, galleries, and antique stores in Toronto – often bartering

The Food Corner

By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

with his pickup truck services in exchange for items from the shop!

Although his career focused on the biological sciences and federal public policy development, Nick has an abiding interest in the arts and antiquities, which flourished even more in retirement.

Nick has been a resident of Merrickville for 12 years. He has had a seasonal antique shop open to the public on

Sundays on his property for the past five years.

Come and enjoy a chat with Nick, an enthusiastic speaker on a subject he has a passion for. See what he has brought to the presentation as his special “antique find”. And while you are doing that, enjoy a sweet treat from Violets on Main Bakery!

It is with sadness that we announce that Jean passed away peacefully on Sunday at Hilltop Manor, Merrickville, in her 94th year. Jean was the much loved only daughter of Fred and Myrtle (Hyndman) Dougall of Merrickville. The childhood sweetheart and loving wife of the late Merlin Edson Wilson. Beloved mother of Catharine (Matthew Sutton) and Julie (Terry Turcotte). Cherished Grandma to Kaitlin and Cameron Turcotte (Samantha Wong) and Anna and Charlie Sutton (Katrina Allison), and great grandma to Nathan Turcotte. Jean graduated from Whitby Ladies College, then Kingston General Hospital, and nursed before marrying. She and Merlin then made Kemptville their home, where they raised their family and eventually retired. Jean lovingly supported her family’s endeavours. She will be remembered fondly by family and friends for her delicious cooking, generous hospitality, love for her kitties, crafts, genealogy, and all-around loving care. A Celebration of Life will be held 20 May 2023, 11 am to 1 pm (eulogy at 11:30), at the Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville. Donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy, the Cancer Society, the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, or St. John’s United Church Kemptville. The family thanks the compassionate staff at Bayfield Manor (Kemptville) and Hilltop Manor.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry

www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435

It’s

The Ploughman’s Lunch varies according to the country that you are in. This recipe combines ideas from a broad variety of sources. The idea is to put together ingredients that your family or guests might appreciate. Some of the ingredients may be new to your taste buds but it’s a great way to try new flavours, textures and colours, including combining sweet, sour and pungent. The following recipe meets my fancy but feel free to go your own way. It is written on a one-plate principle rather than a community dish and only makes economic sense if you are serving multiple guests. You can also vary quantities according to your personal touch.

Ploughman’s Lunch

Possible Ingredients

• 1 extra-large hard-boiled egg, chilled and sliced in two (sprinkle with some paprika)

• 1 slice of Naan bread (or more), cut in smallish triangles

• 3 slices of chilled prosciutto

• 1 - 2 oz ramekin of olives filled with blue cheese

• 1 - 2 oz ramekin of hummus

• 1 - 2 oz ramekin of Tzatziki

• 1 - 2 oz hunk of the Pâté of your choice (I’m partial to Chicken Liver Pâté myself)

• 3 slices of assorted cheese, e.g., Limburger, Jarlsberg or some old white Cheddar

• 1 jumbo dill pickle, thinly sliced

Preparation

1. You’re going to want largish serving plates due to the number of ingredients involved

2. Be your artistic self and arrange all of the ingredients on the plate (but not the Naam)

3. Warm the Naam bread in the microwave briefly and serve on separate plate

This rather fancy Ploughman’s lunch calls for either a dark beer like the St. Ambrose Stout, a cold Sauvignon Blanc or a slightly chilled Shiraz in the reds. I like to chill reds a bit to duplicate European wine cellars where you need to wear a jacket to work or visit.

Other options for ingredients include: cocktail sausages, grainy mustard, chutney, sweet, pickled onions, small chilled or warmed meat balls, dried fruit such as apricots and capers.

Please let me know what your choices were and how they worked out by contacting me at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Demonstrate your civic pride by cleaning up and beautifying our waterways, public roadways, wilderness trails, public parks or urban areas.

How

Residents who wish to participate must register with the Municipality by calling 613-258-9569 ext. 133 or via email: publicworks@northgrenville.on.ca

Registered participants will receive PITCH-IN bags (available at the Municipal Centre). Filled bags can be set out with curbside waste collection or dropped off at the Waste Transfer Station. There are NO bag tags required.

More information: www.northgrenville.ca

Thankyou

Baldwin’s Birds

Spring is definitely here, as demonstrated by the returning garden birds and the bird skeins across the skies, as each migratory bird returns to its nesting ground, either here or much further north. The water birds are in abundance at the moment and a birding enthusiast friend informed me of his sighting of a Red Breasted Merganser, taking a rest on the icebound shore of a nearby creek. I would have liked to see it too, but extenuating circumstances prevented this from happening! That's a story for another day! He also got his first glimpse of a Hooded Merganser, a bird I was fortunate to see last year, but down on the St. Lawrence River, not the Rideau. However, my wife and I did get a rare sighting, in our garden last weekend, which was very exciting too. It was a beautiful little bird –

a "Tufted Titmouse"

What a lucky sighting that was despite the distraction of all the other feeding birds, and I was actually able to get a couple of good pictures of it! A real bonus and, I think, quite a rare sighting in this neck of the woods. It landed in our pine trees and then came right onto our hanging feeders, for us to get a really close-up view of it. I hope that you also enjoy the picture of it and that you are also getting your share of bird sightings, as they return to your own gardens, to once again, provide you with an added post-winter interest and your own pleasant surprises too. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

The Honour Our Veterans Banner Program

and the North Grenville Historical Society, are very pleased to announce the formal launch of the Honour Our Veterans Banner Program in our community. A Branch 212 Kemptville Banner Program Committee has been established to administer this special initiative that is intended to ensure continued recognition and respect for our Veterans by future generations.

manufactured from heavy gauge vinyl with double sided printing. The cost for manufacturing the banners is the financial responsibility of either the honouree or through private or corporate sponsorships on behalf of the honouree. The Honour Our Veterans Banners are priced at $275.00 per unit including HST and shipping and handling.

submitted by Roy Brown

The Honour Our Veterans Banner Program is an ongoing Remembrance, Cultural and Legacy Project that honours military Veterans who have served, or continue to serve, in the Canadian and Commonwealth Forces. Banner Programs with various names and banner titles have been adopted by cities, towns and villages throughout North America, as a means of encouraging members of their communities to remember the sacrifices made by their local Veterans.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville

The Veterans being honoured in this manner must be current or past residents of North Grenville or have a tie to our community. It should also be noted that the honourees or sponsors do not need to be affiliated with the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Banners

The banners traditionally include a head and shoulders photograph of the honouree, preferably in uniform, his or her Branch of Service, Theatre of Service whether it be in War or Peacetime, name of the banner sponsors, and in our case, the trademark partnership logos of the Royal Canadian Legion, Municipality of North Grenville and the North Grenville Historical Society.

The actual banners have the title of “Hometown Heroes”, measuring 24 inches wide x 60 inches high, which are

During the fall of 2023, the first edition of fourteen banners will be on display along Prescott Street in close proximity to the Kemptville Cenotaph. The banners will be attached to Municipal lamp posts, light standards or utility poles for a four-to-six-week period in October and November. It is anticipated that the banners will have a display life of a minimum of three years, solely dependent upon local weather conditions. When the banners are retired at the end of the three year period or beyond, the banners will be presented to the honouree, applicant or the sponsor as a keepsake.

As of Monday, April 10, 2023, a limited number of banner application packages will be available at the Reception Desk of the North Grenville Public Library, Kemptville Norenburg Branch, at 1 Water Street in Kemptville. The completed ap-

plications and associated documentation must be returned BY HAND to the Library Reception Desk no later than Friday, May 5, 2023. In addition to the application packages, a sign-up sheet will be left at the Library for those who are interested in sponsoring a banner as the program rolls out. This is an on-going program that will be expanded each year with the addition of new banners resulting from the same application process.

North Grenville Hometown Heroes Project

The Branch 212 Kemptville Banner Program Committee has also decided to initiate the “North Grenville Hometown Heroes Project” as part of the Honour Our Veterans Banner Program. Banner honourees, their families or friends are invited to write a brief military biography of the honouree to be attached to the application package. For those wishing to participate, the biography, photo of the honouree, along with a digital copy of the banner, will be placed in a special file at the North Grenville Historical Society Archives as a permanent record in honour of these exceptional men and women.

Ethan Bos – the face behind NG’s Green Shirt Day

by Brandon Mayer

Many people in North Grenville will no doubt be aware that we officially commemorate Green Shirt Day this week, on April 7. The event is meant to encourage people to register to be organ donors, and to raise awareness about the important of organ donation. Locally, youth Ethan Bos has been a strong driving force in getting governments of all levels to recognize Green Shirt Day. Ethan – who is just 17 years old – spoke to Council on March 21, and the Municipality agreed to declare April 7 as Green Shirt Day locally.

One might assume that a personal experience with organ donation is what inspired Ethan to become North Grenville’s “face of Green Shirt Day”, but in fact the story is much simpler than that. Attending a local school in which students must where uniforms, Ethan noted that every other colour of shirt was used to mark special occasions, but not green. “I didn’t realize how big of a topic it was at the time,” Ethan added. His parents explained to him why Green Shirt Day is important.

Ethan’s mother, Michelle, explained that his passion for Green Shirt Day started small and just kept blossoming from there. “It’s been quite the ride,” she joked. She said that many people are surprised that Ethan doesn’t have anyone close to him that have benefited from organ donation, except for a cornea a few years ago.

A couple of Ethan’s teachers suggested that he should take his passion about

Green Shirt Day to Council, and he did on March 21. His presentation was wellreceived. It wasn’t only local Council that Ethan spoke with – he also talked to two Members of Parliament, including local MP Michael Barrett. Ethan’s efforts were also credited as being partially responsible for having Green Shirt Day recognized provincially in April of last year, when Bill-112, an Act to proclaim Green Shirt Day in Ontario, was passed.

While most youth Ethan’s age would be intimidating to speak in front of Council or have conversations with provincial and federal government officials, Ethan is a natural at it. “I’ve never had an issue with talking to people,” Ethan added.

Something that is important for Ethan is impressing upon people that youth need positive influences in their lives. When it comes to things like organ donation, an actual sit down conversation between adults and youth can make all the difference. It can let parents or

caregivers know how their child feels when it comes to organ donation, and it can ensure that youth know what their options are. “You need to have these conversations,” said Ethan. “What their choices are, whether they want to be a donor or not, letting their parents know what their wishes are.”

Green Shirt Day was created to honour, remember, and recognize the victims and families of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos Hockey Team bus crash in rural Saskatchewan, where sixteen people were killed.

Green Shirt Day honours Defenseman Logan Boulet, one of the people who died. Logan was a registered organ donor, and as a result, his parents were able to donate his organs that went on to save six lives.

In a phenomenon that has come to be known as the Logan Boulet Effect, over 150,000 Canadians registered as organ donors in the weeks following the Humboldt crash in 2018. Thanks to the Logan Boulet Effect, over 325,000 people in Canada have since signed their organ card.

Family Meals

Thu April 13th & Fri April 14th 2023 2pm - 5:00 pm pickup

Please Preorder the day before or sooner for next day Curbside pick up. Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136

$44.95 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $89.95 Complete Meal for 4 + HST

All Family meals are picked up cold. Included are Chef's choice of Soup or Salad or Appetizer, Appropriate Side Dishes & Dessert and gentle heating instructions.

General Tso Chicken - Wonton soup, Veg. spring rolls & plum sauce, stir-fried Bok choy & veggies. fried rice, General Tso chicken & dessert

Beef Korma Curry or Cauliflower/tofu Korma, Cumin spiced rice, Veggies, Dahl Soup, Naan & raita dip & dessert

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH…

treat mom to a fantastic feast

Sunday, May 14th 2023, 9:00am - 1:00pm

RSVP 613-324-3136 or info@cateredaffirs.ca

-Beef carving station - Eggs Benedict - Salmon

Wellington - Applewood Smoked Bacon- Sausages- -Scrambled Eggs - Petite Quiches & Savory

Pies -Tofu scramble - Home fries - Soups - Selection of Salads - Grilled Halloumi and Vegetables

- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards - Mac and Cheese - Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots- Waffle station with Maple Butter Board-Fresh fruit - selection of House Made Breakfast Sweets & Desserts - Coffee, Tea, and Juice included

-Mimosas, House Concocted Cocktails & Specialty Coffees $12 each

$44.95 per person, plus tax & grat

$15.00 for children 10 yrs. and under ; 2 yrs and under are free.

A gratuity of 18% will be added to groups of 6 or more

RSVP: 613-324-3136 info@cateredaffairs.ca www.cateredaffairs.ca

820 Heritage Dr. Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0

NG

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters

RSSW

Why does Easter not get the same fanfare as Christmas despite the connection of events? Following the birth of Christ celebrated at Christmas, His death on the cross was totally for our redemption with God. We ourselves are not free of sin as He was. He died an agonizing death on the cross as a man – not as God nor as the Holy Spirit. As a man He cried out – “my God has Thou forsaken me?" Consequently, we often cry out "where is God?" I don't know about you, but I can cry over a paper cut which is minor to

His tormentable death.

Folks who debate His existence need only look at the year. It is 2023 AD. AD stands for after the death of Christ. National Geographic provides an excellent resource on the validation of His existence, as does the Bible. If you refute the sacrifice he made then where does that leave you for eternity, or in daily reality for accepting the holiday?

If you don't honor God, is it appropriate to accept double pay in lieu of time off or to even take the time off on Good Friday/Easter Monday? It makes one wonder how many of us are simply

opportunists with our convictions or lack thereof. Accepting the benefits of a time to remember the meaning of Easter without understanding the significance, borders on sacrilegious. True enough the dates may be off, but the event did take place! Is your Easter about chocolate and family gatherings? New life as in baby chicks, lambs, calves, etc signifies the new life Jesus provides.

It rests on your shoulders to be accountable for your actions, not only in this matter but in all avenues of life. Tread carefully because your footprints leave huge marks!

The Volunteer Effect – Weaving a community tapestry of caring

In like a lion, and out like a wet tiger, March leads us to the anticipation of warmer days and flowers stretching in our gardens. With the welcoming of Spring, we are reminded of the value of our volunteers and the programs that are sustained by their generous gift of time. The heart and soul of SCS are the volunteers dedicated to our programs and services that enhance the lives of hundreds of older adults who are interwoven in the rich fabric of this community.

Community Champions Week started on March 20th, highlighting the SCS Meals on Wheels service. Over the last year, volunteers have delivered over 7,200 meals to clients throughout North Grenville. These are hot lunches or frozen meals that support access to nutritious food. On March 23rd, some of our MOW clients were treated to a special delivery from the Mobile Crisis Response Team – Constable Annie Collins, Nurse Kim Brouwer, and Staff Sergeant Rene Cadieux. They welcomed the chance to join us for

Community Champions week and provided our MOW volunteer with her very own police escort.

On March 21st, a wandering minstrel, better known as Chris Morgan, provided some beautiful music to a couple of stops along the way. A reversal of singing for your supper, it was a lunch time serenade, guitar and all.

“Our program is a partnership between Grenville OPP and Brockville General Hospital. We have two Registered Nurses from BGH who are embedded into the Grenville OPP, which means we ride with the designated officers and respond to live calls for service with the hopes of deescalating a situation, diverting from the local hospitals, and a longerterm goal of connecting people in crisis to community resources, ultimately reducing calls for service for police. We also provide education and attend as many community events as we can. We want people to know who we are and how to access us.” – MCRT

Shawna Marshall, RN April showers never dim the sunshine of National Volunteer Appre-

ciation Week. During the week of April 17th, we will celebrate the unparalleled contribution of our volunteers with stories of inspiration and a special afternoon of gratitude. The appreciation started early with SCS volunteer Jean Hartjes being selected as the first recipient of the My Community Heroes Award by the Kemptville District Community Association. Jean has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer with SCS for the last 27 years and we are so happy her nomination was selected for this inaugural award. She is proof that one person can impact the lives of hundreds and inspire others to action as volunteers in this community.

Congratulations Jean!

As we move into warmer weather, now is a perfect opportunity to move and stretch, and support your mobility. Chair Yoga is back! Complementing the twice weekly seniors Hatha yoga classes, chair yoga is an opportunity to experience yoga that is accessible for those who may not be comfortable on a mat. Classes are taught by local yoga teacher, Sandy Guest and take

place at the Workshop Dance Studio. You can purchase a 12-class yoga pass for $100, with all the proceeds going directly to the programs and services at SCS. Sandy donates her expertise and time, and we are so grateful for her support. You can contact Sandy at scsyoga4seniors@gmail.com for more information.

Volunteers are the thread that weaves a tapestry of hope, compassion, and action. We thank you for your dedication to a strong and caring community.

For more information about Seniors’ Community Services, or to donate to our services and programs, please visit www. seniorscs.ca or call 613258-3203. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and stay connected!

submitted by Jill Woodley

Ontario farmers welcome federal budget announcements

submitted by Rachelle Kerr, Communications Coordinator

Ontario Federation of Agriculture

This week’s federal budget contained several good news announcements for Ontario farmers dealing with rising costs and other challenges impacting the competitiveness of the agriculture sector.

The government’s agri-food focused budget items included new funding for interest-free cash advances for farmers; a top up of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund for farmers in Eastern Canada; reduced escalator tax increases on wines, craft beer and ciders, and spirits; support for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) preparedness; and the establishment of a Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund.

“We appreciate the federal government’s response to the needs of the agrifood sector by providing funding in key areas that support farming and food production in Canada,” says OFA President Peggy Brekveld. “Agriculture is a cornerstone of our federal economy and government support of our sector will help our continued contributions to jobs and growth, as well as expand Canada’s global reputation as a breadbasket to the world.”

Two budget items in particular were among the recommendations the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and others made to the federal government during the pre-budget consultation process earlier this winter: improvements to the Advance Payment Program (APP), a federal loan guarantee program that gives farmers access to low-interest cash advances, and financial compensation for farmers negatively impacted by federal tariffs on fertilizer imports from Russia. The government announced an increase to the interest-free limit for loans under the APP from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year. It had previously been capped at $100,000 and was temporar-

ily raised last summer to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years.

“This is a particularly welcome announcement by the government as spring planting season is around the corner and farmers continue to face pressure from rising interest rates and ongoing increases in the cost of fuel, fertilizer and other farm inputs,” says Brekveld.

In response to calls from OFA and other farm organizations to return the estimated $34.1 million in tariff monies already collected directly back to farmers, the government announced it will add $34.1 million to its OnFarm Climate Action Fund for fertilizer-related projects in Eastern Canada.

“We’ve been clear since day one that our preferred solution has always been the direct return of tariff dollars to farmers, and this announcement does make this money available to primary agriculture through a funding program with on-farm benefits, which is an alternative we had put forward in our dialogue with government on this issue,” adds Brekveld.

The budget also provides funding for a new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank and development of FMD response plans, a ten-year investment to support new dairy product innovation, and a temporary reduction in the automatic annual increase of the escalator tax on wine, craft beers and ciders, and spirits to two per cent from the planned 6.3 percent increase.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

Community Living Comedy Night tickets are

by Brandon Mayer

An annual tradition is back this year with the 10th Annual Comedy Night and Auction hosted by Community Living North Grenville. The event is used as a fundraiser for the local organization, which offers opportunities for personal growth, community inclusion and empowerment to people with developmental disabilities, and their families.

Sandra Summers, the Executive Director of Community Living North Grenville, explained that the

on sale

funds raised help support the local people that they serve, including needs such as equipment, transportation, furniture, technology, and other things that could benefit them. “Given that we haven't had a base budget increase in several years, and with the high costs of gas, food, etc., our operating budget has less dollars for these types of things,” Sandra added.

The Annual Comedy Nights were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, as were most familiar social events to prevent the spread of the virus. As with most of these events, the

Fundamentals The Resurrection

by David Shanahan

Without the Resurrection, there is no Christianity. “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” [1 Cor. 15. 13-14] That is quite straightforward, isn’t it? It was written about twenty years after the death of Jesus, and was part of a letter Paul wrote in which he passed on what he had learned about the Resurrection. It is important that this teaching had been clearly formulated so soon after the event, because it shows that there had been no time for any myths or legends to grow up about the Resurrection of Jesus.

It had already, even then, become the basis for everything Christians believed.

But on what evidence did they base this belief? Why should we believe it ever happened? We base our knowledge on historical evidence: eye-witness reports, judging between accounts and written reports to evaluate facts and remove fictional elements. So, what is the evidence for the Resurrection? In fact, there is so much it will be possible only to point out some of the more obvious arguments.

Let’s start with the very basics: either it is a true event, or it is fiction. If it is fiction, who made up the story and why? The people who first preached the Resurrection were the

Comedy Night is back this year in a triumphant return to near “normal” life.

The Comedy Night and Auction will take place on Saturday, April 22, 202 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Tickets, on sale at the CLNG office, are $50 per person or buy a table for 8 at $350. Cocktail hour starts at 6:30 PM for you to enjoy appetizing hors d’oeuvres and finger foods. Hunter McCaig with Rideau Auctions Inc. will engage everyone in an active and fun auction to raise funds for CLNG. Great items donated by our local businesses will be available to bid on

at the silent auction tables. You will be entertained by hilarious Comedians from YukYuk’s. Dianne Skoll, Michael Lifshitz, Rory Gardner and Tavis Maplesden will captivate you with their stories and bring tears to your eyes from laughing.

Sandra is thanking sponsors: Jansen Law, Atel Air, McDougall Brown Insurance Brokers, Hulse Playfair & McGarry Funeral Homes, D.R. Howell Electric, Solution One Financial, Walker & Associates. We hugely appreciate your support. Buy your tickets early as this is always a sold-out event. See you there.

men and women who had followed Jesus during his public life. After his arrest, these people ran away out of fear they too would be taken into custody. After his execution, they locked themselves into a room out of fear that they would be next for crucifixion. But something happened that brought them out into the streets shouting and singing and telling the world that Jesus was alive. What happened to them?

What did they gain from this deception, if that’s what it was? They spent the rest of their lives travelling the world telling people that Jesus was God and had risen from the dead. They suffered deprivation, torture and death. People will do that if they believe something enough, even if it is a lie. But people don’t do that for something they know is a lie. And if the Resurrection did not happen, they knew it was a lie, because they were the ones who had reported the story originally.

The first reports of the Resurrection, according to the Gospels, came from women. Under Jewish and Roman laws, women could not testify in court because they were considered unreliable witnesses. Then why would the disciples base their claims on the testimony of women? The Gospels say that not even the disciples believed the women at first, so why should anyone else?

We are told that even when Peter and the others heard the women’s story, and visited the empty tomb, they still did not believe that

Jesus had risen. That took a personal visit by Jesus to their locked room, followed by many other appearances, to many other people. At one place, more than five hundred people saw and heard him. And Paul points out that most of the five hundred witnesses were still alive twenty years later and they could be interviewed to confirm the accounts.

When the disciples of Jesus went preaching loudly and boldly in the streets of Jerusalem that Jesus had risen, why did the authorities not just parade the corpse through the streets? The men who had worked to have Jesus executed would not have hesitated to do so if the body was available to them. And as their soldiers had been guarding the tomb, they should have been able to put a stop to the disciples’ claims immediately.

Could the disciples have taken the body? The first question would be: why?

To draw more attention on themselves and become the target of more executions? They did not take the body from under the noses of the soldiers. Maybe the women went to the wrong tomb? But, again, the authorities would have corrected that misunderstanding immediately, had they been able to. Perhaps Jesus was not really dead at all? Having gone through the excruciating and tortuous process of crucifixion, been stabbed in the side with a spear, taken down and wrapped in linen with spices poured over him, left in a sealed tomb for a few days,

perhaps then he recovered sufficiently to push away a very large stone, pass by the guards and make a complete recovery in order to convince his followers that he had, in fact risen from the dead. Is any of that rational or remotely feasible?

One fact remains as true as when Paul stated it so long ago: if Jesus did not rise from the dead, Christianity is a fraud and Christians are the most pitiable people. Paul was a violent opponent of Christianity, until he met the risen Jesus. Everything changed for him then. James was the step-brother of Jesus, he and his siblings considered Jesus to be insane, until the risen Jesus appeared to him. James then became one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem and was eventually executed for his faith. These were not weak-willed men who were easily fooled into believing something. They were men who met the risen Jesus, and after that there could be no more argument. And, for two thousand years, Christians, including me, have witnessed that he is indeed risen. They have encountered him, come to know him, and his Spirit lives in them. Quite a claim. If it is not true, you can forget it. If it is true, even if you think it might be true, it is something you have to investigate for yourself. Honesty and eternity demands it.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call Joanne 613-799-0958

Delta 10" Table Saw (Model 36-325C) $400. (613)258-2604

Electric Wheel Chair

Asking $1500.00 dollars or best offer, it was used for two years it is in good shape. Phone number 613-258-7703

Cedar posts and rails for sale. Jon 613-2273650.

4X4 round bales of hay and straw for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

Champion generator, 4000 WATT, like new, 4 plug 15 amp, 120/240 volt 3 prong plug $340. nadfudt@gmail.com

R.V. screened room add on to extend your space. Good condition, no longer needed. $200. nadfudt@gmail.com

Cedars for hedging, 2' tp 10', Tamarac & Spruce. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

Property for rent for spring & fall deer & turkey hunting. Call Jim after 6pm 613-2583561

Firewood for sale. Cut, split, seasoned, mixed hardwood. $105/face cord. Call Ken 613 323 5503 20230201

Dry firewood for sale $110 a cord plus delivery fee. Call or text Jon 613-2273650

For Sale: Never used 1/3 horsepower Emerson motor. $100 firm. Call Reg - 613 258 7606

Saturn Rosewood

Acoustic Guitar, 40 yrs old never used, in original pkg, $375 or best offier. 613-567-8533

Wheelchair, Fuse 5.0 with accessories; Shower chair with coasters & commode. $375 each. Call 613-5678533.

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com

CROSSWORD

WANTED

Experienced+local farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail.com.

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

North Grenville Highschool, Tues., April 18 at 7pmJoin NG Parent Council's mental health workshop with Dr. Laura Armstrong. Learn how to support children and youth facing emotional, behavioural, or social challenges.

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St. is offering an Alpha Course on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, April 20-June 22, dinner included. Weekly registration is $5.00. email Rev. Samer Kandalaft at reverend@ stpaulskemptville.ca

April 22: Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott Street, Kemptville, two seatings 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Featuring salad, dessert and beverage. Adults: $15.00, Children 4-10: $10.00, Children 3 and under: Free. Take-out also available. For advance tickets please email fundraising@stpaulskemptville.ca or call 613715-3049. Limited tickets available at the door.

KLUB 67 Euchre – Fun, social card playing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1PM, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome $5., cash prizes.

BREAKFAST, Kemptville Legion! Every 3rd Saturday from 8-10am - $8 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under. Euchre will be held following breakfast, registration starts at 11:30 am.

Kemptville Legion: Now Open Fridays 1-7. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

North Grenville Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

BID EUCHRE on Monday, March 27 and every two weeks after until May 22 at Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

EUCHRE on Tuesday, April 4 and every two weeks after until May 30 at Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

Emergency Radio Club Meeting, by kind permission of our Mayor Nancy Peckford, on Wednesday April 12th at 7:30 pm at Kemptville Restaurant. New members are welcome. For additional information call Milfred Harper at 613-258-5375

ACROSS

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy Medium Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Matilda the Musical

FRIENDS of

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

by Zara Zrudlo

On April 15, Matilda the Musical has its opening night! It is produced by the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company (KYMTC). Rehearsals originally started in the fall of 2019, but, four rehearsals before opening night, the lockdown was announced for Covid19 and the production had to halt. The age limit for being in the play is 18, and when auditions were held again in the fall of 2022 some people were too old, or no longer interested. Now, we are a week and two days from opening night and I am so honored to be able to be a part of the production.

My experience as a cast member has been nothing

but awesome. For me, as a homeschooler, I don’t get as much time to socialize as people who go to school, so getting a chance to interact with people has been amazing and I am so grateful for the many friends I have made because of this production. During rehearsals we hang out, joke, even dance while the music director plays “The Macarena” on the piano during the break, the sense of community is incredible.

Being a part of the play has also been a very accepting and inclusive experience for me. The first time I wore my pronoun pin that says that my pronouns are they/them, I was a little nervous. I didn’t know if people at rehearsal would know about those pronouns and be accepting of them. However, I have always felt very accepted there. There is even a section in the code of conduct that prohibits ‘racial slurs or language intended to insult another person’s religion, race, or sexual orientation’. If you disregard the code of conduct, you

could be dismissed from the cast, crew, or as a volunteer.

When I first joined the KYMTC, it was with the summer camp Peter Pan.

The summer camp goes from July 31 to Friday, August 25, 2023, and starts at 9:00 a.m., ending at 4:00 p.m.. Because of that camp, I have made friends that I still have today, and it has provided so much experience in dance, music, and acting. There are still spots available at the summer camp (as of time of writing). Information is on the KYMTC website for the camp, and for auditioning for next year’s main show.

I invite you to join us at the Municipal Centre for one or more of our nine shows. Tickets are on sale at Brewed Awakenings, or online at www.kymtc.org/ main-show. It has been a magical experience for me being a part of the cast and I hope that seeing it will be just as magical for you.

Questions over YMCA role in the Kemptville swimming pool

ceed. The finances involved in running the pool every year were also discussed.

NORTH GRENVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

We are an enthusiastic, dedicated group of volunteers who love the Library. We are looking for likeminded people to join us. Meetings are once a month with summers and December off. If you enjoy taking notes, perhaps you would enjoy being our secretary. If you have IT experience, perhaps you could manage our on-line presence. If you are interested in learning more about our group, please call 613-258-1576.

Traffic light issues cause disruptions at County Roads 43 and 44

The bulk of the March 29 Council meeting was used to address a proposal for the YMCA to take over the implementation of programming at Kemptville’s outdoor public swimming pool. The positive benefits of such a partnership were presented to Council, and it was also pointed out that such a relationship would be reviewed annually to ensure that it is still in the Municipality’s best interest.

Discussion took place at the meeting regarding the responsibilities of the YMCA and the continued responsibilities of the Municipality should the agreement pro-

One of the main benefits put forward is that having the YMCA as a partner will help solve the problem of staffing shortages for the pool, which has caused difficulty in previous years.

The YMCA has experience in staffing across many different programs, and many locations, year round.

Local resident Sarah Godwin addressed Council after the presentation, speaking against the idea of contracting the running of the pool to the YMCA.

One of her concerns was that there has been a lack of transparency about the potential agreement, par-

ticularly because she had to find out about it from emails that her children received, as workers at the pool in the summer. Sarah feels that not enough details of the logistics involved have been explored.

Deputy Mayor Barclay and Councillor Strackerjan provided some reassurance to her, noting that there will be a focus on putting “no fail” items in writing in the coming weeks to ensure that the logistics of the proposed agreement are better fleshed out.

No decisions were made at the March 29 meeting regarding the potential agreement with YMCA, with more discussions planned.

by Brandon Mayer

Last week, technical issues with the traffic lights that direct traffic at the intersection of County Roads 43 and 44 in Kemptville caused much frustration for motorists. The issues with the lights came and went several times, with drivers likely assuming that the issue had been fixed before having it reappear. When traffic lights are not working, motorists can still use the intersection, but it must be treated as a four way stop. This applies to any traffic light intersection where the lights are malfunctioning or when the power to the lights is out.

There was much horn honking and rapid braking observed at the intersection during the times last week when the lights were malfunctioning. Many motorists were clearly annoyed with the delays, and others were

unsure of what to do. Sometimes, when traffic lights are malfunctioning, temporary stops signs will be set down to remind drivers to treat the intersection as a four way stop, but this was not the case last week.

The problems began early in the week. As of the March 29 Council meeting, problems were still being experienced, as confirmed by acting CAO and Director of Public Works, Karen Dunlop. Mayor Peckford reminded people at the start of the meeting that traffic

light intersections experiencing a power outage, or malfunctioning traffic signals, should be treated as a four way stop. It was also stated during the meeting that some of the connections for the traffic lights are under water, which is part of the reason for the delay in repairs. As a side note, Mayor Peckford reminded residents that construction on the new roundabout at the intersection of County Roads 43 and 22 (South Gower Drive) will start in the coming weeks.

Drivers navigate the intersection of County Roads 43 and 44 in Kemptville on March 29, where the traffic lights were malfunctioning. Photo by Ashley Sloan.

by Brandon Mayer

The Man Who Built Churches

wholeheartedly sought funding in England, to pay for curates, educate theological students and build Gothic Revival Churches.

In 1868, St. James Parish Hall was contracted and built. In 1869, construction was begun on his 11th church, St. John in Oxford Mills, followed in 1871 by St. Paul’s Marlborough, St. Anne’s Oxford Station in 1878 and St. Augustine’s at Acton’s Corners in 1879.

Much of John Stannage’s years at St. James were spent across the Atlantic in England on marathon fund raising trips. The money and gifts he gathered were doled out as he chose and directed.

on Main Street (Clothier Street West), to be called the ‘Archdeacon Patton Memorial Church’.....the spire of the old church, knocked out of line of perpendicular by the gale..., still remains in that condition and looks very much as if another ‘puff’ would scatter it.”

It is believed that 50% of the cost of the new St. James, and up to 90% of the costs of the four satellite churches, were raised by Stannage in England. Of his success, he wrote in his diary that he had created “more churches, parsonages, school houses, and endowments than any one individual in Canada”.

by Doug MacDonald

Almost two hundred years ago, in 1826, the Church of England established the Rideau Townships pioneer mission Parish of St. James. The first parish church was St. James, built at Clothier’s Mill (Kemptville) in 1827 by the missionary Henry Patton.

In 1866, on the eve of Confederation, John Stannage, a complex and ener-

getic “high Anglican”, became the sixth Rector of the Parish. Immediately, a headon, unrelenting program of organization, fund raising and building was initiated. Prior to arriving in Kemptville, Stannage had built ten churches in Nova Scotia and in Upper Canada. In the villages surrounding St. James, he envisioned several small satellite churches. Using his money-raising talent, he

At St. James Vestry in July, 1874, under the persuasive guidance of Stannage, it was agreed to replace the 1827 frame church and obtain funds to erect “a neat stone church” to honour the first Rector of the parish.

Reported in the Ottawa Free Press on August 24, 1874: “The Rev. John Stannage, the much respected rector of the village, has on foot a movement to build a new Episcopalian Church

In the final years of the 1870's, his focus was on the new St. James. In May, 1878, the cornerstone was laid for the village church of cut blue limestone in the Canadian Gothic tradition. With the faith, fund raising entrepreneurship and vision of John Stannage, the talent of Montreal architect William Tutin Thomas, and the skill of the craftsmen and stone masons, a church of symmetry and beauty was created.

North Grenville Sustainability Fair features

local music and local food!

submitted by Municipality of North Grenville

Time to get your Earth

Day ears and taste buds

ready for local food and music at this year’s Sustainability Fair & EV Show!

Coming to the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Sunday, April 16th, 2023 - 10am-3pm, this annual fair is hosted by Sustainable North Grenville and offers an array of local and sustainable shopping options in the Market Hall, a selection of interesting presentations, a Kid’s Zone,, the region’s biggest Electric Vehicle show, and the allnew ‘Green your Home’ area..

While you are enjoying the Sustainability Fair, you can also enjoy some local food, with a concession courtesy of Bruce Enloe and Nicole LeBlanc - former owners and chefs from the Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill in association with Catered Affairs. Options include locally sourced, natural and organic ingredients, and feature Bruce’s (famous) central Texas-style

hardwood smoked beef brisket along with vegetarian choices and beverages.

Musical performances kick off at 10 am with rhythm and boogie-woogie blues player George Buys. Next, enjoy L. Poushinsky performing piano driven, jazzy originals sung in her lush, tremulous soprano… Then at 12:30 it is Andre Courtemanche one Kemptville’s coolest characters on acoustic guitar, performing classic covers and instrumentals. Wrapping things up at 2 are the beautiful harmonies and mystical strings of Tripoly (Doug Hendry, Elizabeth McNally, and Glenna Hunter). The music can be found near the concession area in the main hall. Here is a little more information on the artists:

10:00 am George Buys (singer-guitarist-songwriter) will bring the smiles with his rhythm and boogie-woogie blues– listen and smile along with his fun song choices, guitar skills, and the best blues harp around… George has a long and storied history of performing in the area

including numerous shows at the Branch/South Branch/ Amanda’s Slip, playing guitar with the Roosterman Blues Band, regular solo appearances at the Kemptville Farmers’ Market, hosting the Literary Follies, playing bass with Jazz Latte and even drums with the Swing Bridge swing band out of Merrickville.

11:15 am L.Poushinsky is a Kemptville based singer / songwriter rockin' jazz lover! Catch her solo or with friends as L.Poushinsky spans the musical spectrum, embracing folk, rootsy rock, cabaret, and jazz with her vocal theatrics. Wearing a vintage dress and sunburst stratocaster (occasionally accessorized by a ruby red Korg stage piano), Poushinsky combines keys, guitar and vocal chops with a stage presence reminiscent of the great jazz vocalists. Add some of the best players around and you get a smokin' live show every time! Choosing her sets from 4 albums of original material, L.Poushinsky wows audiences with her shivering

By early 1880, an exhausted John Stannage had organized the official opening of the church for St. James Day, Sunday, July 25, 1880. St. James was his 15th church and considered it his “Great Work”. Sadly, John Stannage died on May 13, 1880 and is buried in St. James cemetery. Today, St. James remains one of the most attractive churches in Ontario (the blue limestone now weathered to

voice, sparkly piano, snakey guitar, and songs stretching from graveyard rock to jazz to pure pop poetry. More recently, we’ve all benefited from her efforts to bring an all new music scene to Kemptville by organizing the effort behind the uber-cool Kemptville Street Piano… Visit L.'s FB page for links to music and more.

12:30 pm Andre Courtemanche has been performing locally for over 30 years, as a solo artist and in various genres, bands and combos from folk to finger style, rock, and pop… well known for skillfully strumming and singing soulful acoustic sets at various venues, Andre’s go-to covers include Cat Stevens, Beatles, Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’, and Pink Floyd’s ‘Pigs on the Wing’... all interspersed with long stretches of instrumental string weaving acoustic guitar magic… One thing is certain, everyone is always happy when Andre shows up with a guitar. Well guess who is showing up at this year’s SNG Fair? …and did I mention he’s bringing

a guitar?

2:00 pm Tripoly is a trio featuring Fiddlehead Soup's Glenna Hunter and Doug Hendry, who have teamed up with the silkenvoiced Elizabeth McNally. Tripoly performs a mixture of traditional and folk music featuring lush harmonies and sensitive arrangements. Their beautiful voices will surely leave us all with a fine glowing smile to carry us home from our lovely spring fair.

For more information, please visit our website www.sustainablenorthgrenville.ca, find us on facebook

soft beiges). The handsome exterior is complimented by the simple beauty of the interior. The plaster on lathe walls pierced by magnificent stained glass windows, most significant of which is the glorious Stannage triptych above the altar dedicated: “To the glory of God and in memory of John Stannage”, donated by his sorrowing family - wife Eliza, daughter Anne Elizabeth and his five adopted sons. (Sustainable North Grenville) or email sngfair@ gmail.com.

The 15th Annual N. G. Sustainability Fair

Sunday, April 16th 10am-3pm North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville

selling your home?

The Weather with Connor

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to The Weather with Connor. In this week's column, I thought I’d do another Q&A, to answer some of your questions related to the weather. All questions are pulled from my Facebook comment section. Let’s get started.

Q: Does barometric pressure affect such things like migraines and arthritis?

A: Yes actually! The more the pressure drops, the more likely things such as headaches can occur. Drops in pressure can create an imbalance in the pressure inside of your sinuses.

Q: How is windchill calculated?

A: For example, say the temperature is -18, and the wind is blowing at around 25km/h. That would make the windchill -28. As the wind increases, it takes away heat from your body, which drives down the temperature of your skin and internal body temperature.

Q: Given the unseasonably mild and windy conditions we’ve had again this year, do you suspect we’ll have another major weather event like a tornado or derecho later on in the spring or early summer?

A: It’s impossible to know what types of storms will happen a month and a half from now. My educated guess is that we’ll have an active storm season, but that does NOT mean tornadoes and derechos all over the place. With

a winter as snowy as we just had, all that snow melts and puts moisture into the ground, which is good for storms to work with in the summer. But again, we have to wait until it's actually storm season to get a better idea on what the spring and summer could potentially be like.

Q: What is your best resource for accurate information?

A: I get the majority of my information from websites like weatherbell. com and pivotalweather. com. All of my photos I use during my forecasts are from weatherbell, but I look at both websites. Pivotalweather is used much more in the summer as it has better resources for severe weather events.

Q: What is the difference between freezing rain and ice pellets?

A: Freezing rain is just rain that comes down and freezes on impact, but ice pellets are rain drops that have already frozen on the way down to the surface.

Q: Is Twister your favourite movie?

A: No, actually. I’m not even a huge fan of the movie. Some funny moments in it for sure, but I’ve seen better.

Q: How long does it take you to figure out your forecast?

A: Some take longer than others. If it’s a difficult forecast with many precipitation types involved in different parts of the region, it can take up to two hours. However if it’s kind of a slam dunk with what’s going to happen and I already know what I’m going to talk about, those ones are shorter, around thirty minutes.

That’s it for the Q&A this time around. I’d like to do one of these every couple of months just to answer any new questions that you fine folks come up with, because there are always things going

on with the weather and this is the best way to talk about it.

Aside from questions, just a few short points about the upcoming month of April.

The beginning of the month will remain active with systems coming through. There are multiple opportunities to have good rain days for snow melt, and multiple opportunities for days to be WAY above normal temperature wise. As I’ve said on Facebook, I believe there will be no snow on the ground by April 10th, just because of that rain and temperatures.

I will say though, temperatures do look like they’ll flip flop quite a bit from being above seasonal to below seasonal. There are no long stretches of time of having above normal or below normal temperatures, it’s all back and forth to start the month.

This concludes another The Weather with Connor column. Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you in a couple weeks!

Love Your Feet