Issue 15 2023 April 20 NG Times

The Voice of North Grenville

David Shanahan named NGHS Historian Emeritus

by

Times coowner and former editor Dr. David Shanahan has been honoured with an accolade from the North Grenville Historical Society. David was named the Society’s Historian Emeritus last week, after decades of involvement with the NGHS.

The job description of David's new position reads:

"As an honour to an individual(s) who had (have) served for many years in a variety of positions with the North Grenville His-

torical Society (NGHS) and contributed through many publications based on research of the local history of North Grenville and Eastern Ontario, the position of Society Historian Emeritus is offered to such an individual by the NGHS by a motion of the Board of Directors of the Society.” The Emeritus position provides the holder with a position within the NGHS that “recognizes and celebrates the above accomplishment to members of the Society and the community of North Grenville”.

Fittingly, perhaps, David was presented with the certificate confirming the Emer-

itus position at the NGHS Annual General Meeting, at which he gave a talk on “The Undiscovered Country”, a review of Crown-Indigenous relations since the Fifteenth Century.

Society Past President Ken Mews, and current President Karen Nickleson, spoke with the Times about David's long tenure with the Society, and his accomplishments over the years. Ken explained that David has been involved with the society for decades. He agreed to take over as President many years ago when a group of mostly older women who were running the Society

felt the task had become too much for them. "It was at a time when the Society was at a bit of an ebb that David stepped in and took over as Chair, and he remained Chair for 10 years," Ken explained.

David stepped back from the Society when his employment duties and commitments with the North Grenville Times became too much to manage along with NGHS duties. However, even when he had stepped back from the Society, David was still involved with local history through the publicacont'd page 2

Brandon Mayer

Local Historian and North Grenville

tion of historical articles in the Times, and the Heritage magazine which was published last year to mark 230 years of Oxford-on-Rideau Township.

"There is no one who has contributed more to the local history of North Grenville," Ken said of David. "We felt it was necessary to recognize his contribution, and also to not make excessive demands on his time." David will give talks at Society public meetings, but will not be required to attend board meetings in his new role. His role is to give advice and consult on projects being undertaken by Society members.

"David, at one time, was almost a one person show," Karen added. "He had an office in the courthouse which he paid for, and David was paying the [phone] bills out of his own pocket." She explained that, at that time,

David was "carrying" the Society with only the help of a few volunteers. "David has been the constant over the years, keeping us afloat," said Karen. "We would have sunk without his leadership." Ken added that David has helped to advertise Society events using the NG Times.

In accepting the honour, David pointed out that, as always, we only stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, referring to the long history of the NGHS and, before it, the Kemptville and District Historical Society.

Currently, David is working as the Director of Research for Nativelands Inc., an Indigenous organisation which funds and researches claims on behalf of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Hey Day creating lots of interest!

BDH 30 for 30 Campaign achieves its goal

submitted by Amy Tibben

Beth Donovan Hospice is happy to announce that they have raised $30,000 through their 30 for 30 Campaign. In honour of the Hospice’s 30th Anniversary, donations were collected through the sale of paper butterflies, craft and bake sales, third-party fundraising events, as well as through private donations. We must thank the many businesses, community partners, and private donors who helped us reach our goal. Many thanks to B&H Grocer who was our top retail fundraiser.

All funds raised will go directly to the continued operation of our many services including In-Home visiting,

Rideau Glen Couples League 2022 was a huge success!

Equipment Lending, Day Hospice, and the Grief and Bereavement programs.

Beth Donovan Hospice serves individuals and their families as they navigate the challenges of life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life transitions. Founded through the compassion and vision of generous volunteers, Beth Donovan Hospice has been providing services for over 30 years. We serve the communities of North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford, Spencerville, North Gower and beyond. All members of the community who have any life-limiting illness or are recently bereaved can access our services free of charge.

submitted by Kelli Cumming

Avalon Pinhey and Marian McGahey, KDHA volunteers, helping at HEY DAY

submitted by Jean Gallant

Since the announcement by the Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary that the ever popular Hey Day event will be held this year, there has been a lot of interest from the community! There have been offers of donations, help, publicity and volunteers.

Hey Day is one of Eastern Ontario’s largest indoor garage sales, and this year it will be held at a new location – the North Grenville Municipal Centre (where the hockey rinks are), but you can still expect to see tables and tables full of treasures, collectibles, clothing, sporting goods, furniture, toys, purses and everything which will likely include the kitchen sink!

There are some things you won’t see there, because we can’t accept them. Things like: mattresses and box springs, large appliances like refrigerators and freezers, tires, car batteries, suitcases, TV sets, stereos, sports helmets, microwaves, computers, monitors, stroll-

ers, playpens, car seats, cribs and highchairs.

Donations can be brought to the N.G. Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, on Wednesday June 7, from 1pm to 7pm

and Thursday June 8, from 9am to 8pm.

The sale begins on Friday June 9 from 6pm to 9pm and continues on Saturday June 10 from 9am to 1pm. Mayor Peckford will be there to draw the 50/50 prize at 1pm on Saturday, so plan to purchase raffle tickets and stay to see if you’ve won! You might also want to check out the Silent Auction with lovely treasures.

We need many more volunteers – can you help? If so, please contact us by email at kdha.heyday@ gmail.com, or call 613-4474492 and leave a message. Thanks for your help!

Ongoing fundraising is necessary for Beth Donovan Hospice to continue providing compassionate support and professional care to those in our community at end-of-life, their caregivers and the bereaved. For more information on how you can help, please visit our website at bethdonovanhospice.ca or email us at bdh@bethdonovanhospice.ca

The Rideau Glen Golf Club played host to 25 couples this past summer, every Wednesday evening. Couples of all ages got a chance to meet new friends who share a passion for the game and participate in fun activities throughout the summer. Theme nights included, Proud to Be Canadian, Colour Me Happy - Variety Night and also included a BBQ meal, a potluck, and a pizza party. Couples kept score each week and then a hidden hole scoring system was used to adjust scores, which levelled the playing field for all levels. Prizes purchased from local businesses were given out on a weekly basis for "Closest to the Pin (or unicorn)" and "Longest (or shortest) Drive" Our league champs were John Tenbult and Karen Whiteman (otherwise known as Bushwhackers) and they finished with 528 points. Our final tournament day, held on September 17, 2022, was a little bit more of a traditional style scoring system with players flighted based on their standings. The "Open" flight was won by “Par-tee Timer's” Robert and Kim (Lynsey) Ferris, the "Master's" flight was won by "Reckless Driver's” Matt Melrose and Jamie Bell, and there was also a "Tour" flight. A fabulous lasagna dinner was provided by "Just Hone Cookin" Pam and Don Miller for our final dinner together. The Couples League will be back for 2023 with more fun theme nights, lots of laughs and hopefully even more faces. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for 2023, please reach out to Kelli Cumming by email - rgcouplesleague@gmail.com.

Ontario increasing support for Homelessness Prevention

submitted by MPP Steve Clark

The Ontario government is investing an additional $202 million annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million. The additional funding will help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and support community organizations delivering supportive housing.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will receive an annual total of $3,160,000 in funding through the Homelessness Prevention Program. This is an increase of $1,567,700 – or approximately 98 per cent – over last year.

The additional funding, announced in the 2023 Budget, represents a 40 per cent increase in funding by the government to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services. Under the $202 million, $190.5 million each year will be allocated to the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), which gives Ontario’s 47 Service Managers greater flexibility to allocate funding and make better use of existing resources to focus on delivering supports.

The remaining $11.5 million each year will be invested in the Indigenous

Supportive Housing Program (ISHP), which provides Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate long-term housing solutions and support services to Indigenous people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“This investment will provide life-changing support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Leeds and Grenville,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “That’s why we’ve increased funding for our homelessness prevention programs by 98 per cent, and I’m so pleased my ministry is able to take the lead on this important file. These measures complement the bold and transformational change we are implementing to tackle the housing supply crisis and get more homes built across Ontario.”

“During a time of economic challenges and change, our government is supporting those who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Ontario’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario is the right plan to support those who need it the most today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.”

The increased funding is a result of a revised funding

La Bonne Chanson

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Si vous avez quelques trous dans votre horaire. quelques heures à nous dévouer et êtes intéressée, veuillez nous contacter à l’adresse courriel qui suit : pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Grand merci!

model that better reflects the current needs of individuals who are facing homelessness across Ontario. Funding dollars are being increased to address increased needs, particularly during a time of rising inflation, and to help ensure that no service manager receives a decrease in funding compared to 2022-23 as a result of the transition to the new model. “Supportive housing provides people in need with a roof over their heads. It also connects them with services that provide a hand up to improve their circumstances, including mental health support and job training,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister for Housing. “Our government met with partners and stakeholders across the province this past fall –we heard their concerns and are addressing their valuable feedback to improve Ontario’s supportive housing system. This investment will make a real impact to support housing providers that help vulnerable Ontarians each and every day.”

The changes also address the recommendation in the Auditor General’s 2021 value-for-money audit on homelessness, which called for a better funding model for homelessness programs that would target areas where funding is most needed.

In addition to reducing costs in other sectors, supportive housing provides people in Ontario with an opportunity to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. Ontario will continue to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services to help those most in need.

“The enhanced funding for Homelessness Prevention will be invaluable as we develop creative and

thoughtful strategies to not only reduce homelessness in our community but to support people to become housed and remain housed,” said Alison Tutak, Director of Community and Social Services with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“On behalf of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, I am very encouraged to see this investment which is intended to increase our capacity to respond to those currently without housing,” said United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden, Nancy Peckford.

QUICK FACTS

In order to access HPP funding, Service Managers must have in place a comprehensive and up-to-date ByName List of people experiencing homelessness, along with information about their needs. This is to ensure that Service Managers have the up-to-date information they need from individuals experiencing homelessness to help connect people with the right housing and supports

as soon as they are available.

Through the Community Housing Renewal Strategy, response to COVID-19 and homelessness initiatives, over the past three years Ontario invested nearly $4.4 billion for community and supportive housing while addressing homelessness and the impacts of the pandemic for vulnerable Ontarians.

In 2022, the government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act, which takes bold action to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes by 2031. The plan also has measures to reduce municipal charges

for housing providers looking to build non-profit and affordable housing for vulnerable Ontarians.

"We are open for your convenience during these troubled times"

LAND TITLES ACT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ABSOLUTE TITLE (Subsection 46(2) of the Act) RE: PIN 68117-0102

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

OPP NORTH GRENVILLE

WEEKLY NEWS

OPP ARREST TWO YOUTH FOLLOWING BOMB THREAT:

The Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two young people following a reported threat.

On April 3, 2023, officers received information regarding a possible bomb threat to a high school in the Municipality of North Grenville.

As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from North Grenville, Ontario, have been charged with the following offences:

· Uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm

· Uttering threats - damage property

The accused, who cannot be identified under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) were released from custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville at a later date to answer to the charges.

On April 4, 2023 shortly before 11:00 a.m., Grenville County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 416 in North Grenville. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle which resulted in the driver being arrested.

A woman, aged 42 from Ottawa, was charged under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) with;

Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000

Drive motor vehicle- Perform stunt- Excessive speed

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

On April 7, at around 5:20 p.m., officers from Grenville County OPP responded to a traffic complaint regarding a vehicle all over the road travelling south on Highway 416 in North Grenville Township. The vehicle was located by officers and the driver was arrested and taken to Kemptville detachment for further testing.

A man, aged 41, from Mississippi Mills, was charged under the Criminal Code (CC) with: Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

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

If you have any information on the above investigations or any other please contact Grenville OPP on 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn cash reward.

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

Sign-up to receive Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

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.

• Tuesday, May 2, 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

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m.

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m.

• Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m.

• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – Wednesday, May 3 at 4:15 p.m.

POLICE SERVICES BOARD

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

• Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Advisory Committees

The following committees currently have room to accommodate more members:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee

• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee

• Arts and culture Advisory Committee

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee

• Health Wellness and Fitness Advisory Committee

Visit northgrenville.ca/committees for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613258-9569 ext 171

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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.

613-258-9569 x211

Police Administration: 613-258-3441

Animal Control: 613-862-9002

Keeping up with no one

by Brandon Mayer

The world is everchanging. Sometimes this is for the better, and sometimes it is not. But whether we love the world we currently live in, or have a nostalgic yearning for a simpler era, we cannot deny that the world of today is vastly different from the world 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago.

One of the most fascinating advances in technology is the internet. All things being relative, the internet is still “new” to many people. Some may not even fully understand what it is. Simply put, the internet is a “network of networks” that connects computers and devices all around the world. Many scientists, programmers, and engineers worked to “invent” the internet, which officially came to be on January 1, 1983. However, it wasn’t until 1993 that the internet because a tool for the public. This is when “web browsers” (what we know today as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.) became available to access the

so-called “World Wide Web”, meaning content on websites could be accessed and edited. The fact that 1993 was only 30 years ago shows just how quickly the internet has grown.

The internet existed when I was a child, but it was nothing like the powerful and pervasive tool that it is today. Most people around my age will share humorous memories of “dial up” internet, which essentially meant that your computer had to make a call via your phone line to connect to the internet. It took a while, and once you were online, your parents seemed obsessed with getting you off as soon as possible. This is because bandwidth limits existed, and were very tiny. Using too much internet really was a thing, and so screen time limits for kids were not so much about protecting brains as they were about protecting parents’ finances – a bandwidth overage could get very expensive. Some home internet plans still have bandwidth limits (which are reasonably large anyway), but most plans are now unlimited. A bandwidth limit is the

The Times wins another OCNA award

The Ontario Community Newspapers Association [OCNA] announced the winners of their annual Better Newspapers competition, and the Times the took first place award for the Best Feature/ News Series, in a newspaper with a circulation under 9,999.

The series recognized by OCNA was written by Dr. David Shanahan, one-time Editor of the Times, and a regular contributor still. The articles dealt with Indigenous history and current issues. They covered the Doctrine of Discovery and

equivalent of today’s cellphone data limits.

With dial up internet, once we were done playing our game or chatting with our friends using a program like “MSN Messenger”, we would have to log out of the internet. This was both to prevent phantom bandwidth usage, and because the home phone didn’t work when someone was on the internet. Even though many people still get their internet via phone lines, it is thankfully possible to use both the internet and the phone at the same time in today’s world.

Why the reminiscing about the old days of the internet? I think it’s a really powerful and important tool and it’s important that we don’t take it for granted. When I was growing up, long distance communication was a process that required “life hacks”. For example, when driving home in bad weather following a visit to my grandparents’ house 15 minutes from our house, we would have to “ring them twice” when we got home. This meant that we would call their house phone, let it ring twice, and then hang up.

This would signal that we made it home okay. The short distance between our houses was still considered a “long distance” telephone call that would have been added on to our next bill, but as a rule, if the call recipient didn’t answer, there would be no charge for the long distance call attempt. So “ring me twice” was a free way to send a quick message. Today, I can pick up my cellphone in the middle of a corn field and have a high definition video chat with someone on the other side of the globe for no additional cost beyond my existing cellular rate plan. What a huge difference in only 20 years.

Circling around to my actual point: internet users, and in particular, social media users, are not lazy or antisocial, and most are not simply “keyboard warriors”. I have heard many complaints over the past couple of years that local discourse should not be taking place online. I have heard that communities are not as strong when the internet is involved, because it discourages people from talking face-to-face. I have heard that anything

found online is simply not valid or not valuable. I disagree.

First, don’t tell me that just because Bob told you the latest gossip at the grocery store, it is automatically more accurate than information disseminated in Sally’s social media post. Second, there is no way that by-chance in-person interactions and small planned social gatherings spread information as effectively as the literal “information highway” that we know as the internet. Why any active member of the community or local government official wouldn’t value the internet and social media as valuable ways to assess the pulse of the community and receive a multitude of local perspectives is beyond me. It’s like telling your employer that you are going to attend a meeting via telegraph machine when you own a device capable of video chatting. It’s irresponsible not to value the connection between members of the community, and between the community and policymakers, that social media allows. It’s easy to accuse avid internet users of simply trying to “keep

up with the Joneses”, but all this does is out you as a person who values keeping up with no one in an era where the internet is a powerful place for the exchange of really cool, local ideas.

I have great phone skills which I eagerly put to use every day as both a newspaper editor and an education worker. I also meet frequently for in-person interviews over a tried-and-true cup of coffee. But at the end of the day, I value email as well. Nothing gets lost in email translation, and it allows people working on different schedules to communicate effectively. I also value local online community groups, and their ability to keep us all connected. Face-to-face interactions and printed news will always have more value in terms of accuracy than social media, but to ignore the world we live in, and the powerful communication tools we have worked so hard to create, is a pointless waste. Forget the Joneses – let’s keep up with everyone.

the Law of Nations, two documents which have had a serious and longlasting negative impact on the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and other nations also, as well as an account of Indigenous Status in 1950.

The judge noted the “uniqueness and indigenous-based aspect of this feature. I felt the historical aspect with modern elements affecting today’s society were noteworthy and relevant, not just to this community, but to the nation as a whole.”

Another North Grenville journalist re-

ceived an honorablemention in the same category, so congrats to Jenn too.The Times have received a number of awards from OCNA over the years, including ones for our website, maintained and supervised by staff member Christine Boyer. It is a very positive acknowledgment of the importance of local community newspapers in Ontario, and a genuine encouragement to the staff of the Times, one which is deeply appreciated by all of us.

Dear Editor

In addition to those acknowledged in your article, we must all express gratitude to members of our Municipal Road Crews who worked tirelessly throughout the storm clearing blocked roadways. Hurd Street, in front of my house, was only one of dozens of calls requiring their manpower and equipment (more than once in my case). Huge gratitude to them, and to our local Council to waive brush fees, and add extended hours, at the waste transfer station. We are indeed well serve!

Diana Scanlan

Baldwin's Birds

that's what life is all about, isn't it!?

With having fairly large windows in our living room, we get to see more than just the immediate garden birds! Recently, we have been treated to the sight of a flock of Turkey Vultures, who rise above the tree-line to the southeast of us and soar round and around until they disappear from sight. This tends to happen later in the day, but is still quite the display. Sometimes their presence is accompanied by some flocks of Canada Geese, who are either leaving or dropping into the creek in that same direction.

The Bluebirds are back!

Hoping that this fine sunny day finds you in a lot happier situation than a lot of you were in a few days ago, and not still now, as a few of my friends are, still having to fight the good fight against the horrible water damage done in their houses. Every one of you has my deepest sympathy, if you are still in this situation. Good luck!

Our avian friends are, no doubt, as relieved as we are to be back into more acceptable weather conditions, as spring slowly dries out all their feeding grounds and makes them think of building either new nests, or refurbishing some used last year. Robins are

hopping across the lawn, stopping now and again to listen for the slightest hint of grubs being just under the surface for them to get and eat. Other birds are now very evident such as the Cowbirds, the male of the species strutting about impressively with wing feathers raised as a display, for the females who are supposed to be impressed! The female Rock Pigeons are supposed to be impressed too by the puffed up and strutting males, in their clan, as they try to woo them. Many of the other birds don't just have food on their minds either, when they make their approaches to a female of the same breed as themselves, but then again,

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Have you ever commandeered or been commandeered? Usually, the first reflection is on pirate ships commandeering the merchant ships on the high seas. However, commandeering is still occurring today in many facets of life. Those being commandeered may or may not know they are in a submissive situation, either by acting subconsciously or simply by feeling helpless to change the dynamics.

Some cults operate totally by making the "members" adhere to strict, unexplained behavior, thoughts or beliefs. One always needs to know the "why" of actions and beliefs to make an informed decision. Following on blind commands breeds co-dependency and feelings of insecurity. If your con-

Fish Oil: Superhero of Supplements

role of the digestive system is to capture them for use as energy.

Today, our special bird treat is that of seeing our first Bluebirds of the year. Yes! They are back in their beautiful bright blue suits with red bibs and white lower chest colors all shown off to perfection in the brilliant sunlight. Great! They are not the only ones who show up better in the sun than some of the darker birds, but the male Goldfinches are rapidly changing into their brilliant yellow plumage as well. If you have had some of them with you all winter in their duller coats, start looking now and watch the transformation almost happening before your eyes and enjoy. Look after yourselves and stay safe. Cheers,

John Baldwin

You may be forgiven if you are unfamiliar with Aquaman, a superhero who breathes underwater, communicates with sea creatures, and possesses superhuman strength and agility. But revisit past columns if you haven’t learned that fish are the real superheroes. Why? Because when mere mortals consume fish, their bodies gain extraordinary powers to fight the arch-nemesis of illness.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have remarkable health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

To gain these benefits, eating enough fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, isn’t easy, especially with high food prices. For a fraction of the cost, fish oil supplements are a nobrainer.

ing to the release of gas, which causes burping.

For those who are affected by burping, taking fish oil supplements can be a real problem. Not only is the burping unpleasant and embarrassing, but it can dissuade people from taking fish oil altogether, leaving them without the health benefits.

The likelihood of experiencing burping or other gastrointestinal side effects may also depend on the dose and formulation of the supplement being used.

But our bodies contain a lot of water, and these oily triglycerides therefore can pass right through the body’s digestive system and out the other end, all benefits missed. The purpose of using enzymes is to convert the fats from a triglyceride to a monoglyceride. Monoglycerides are the form of fat that our body must convert fish oils into, so having it pre-digested into a monoglyceride makes it easier for our system to absorb, and thus less burping.

nections dictate how, where and when in all fields or your life, one needs to take stock of the fundamental core beliefs. Unfortunately, some domains include religious or political foundations. The likes of kidnappings/concentration camps or any form of isolation by enforcement, breeds helplessness through abuse and deprivation. Some relationships operate on the same premise.

Even today, some people commandeer other people's children to fulfil their own insecurities and their need to continue a phantom world. The parent who has a deceased child or severely handicapped child may try to compensate for their perceived "void" by "taking over" the assumed parenting of a child/teen/young adult they perceive as vulnerable. Money does talk, so

they offer the less fortunate child every opportunity, rather than nurturing independence. This then fosters a type of hero worship in return by the child. That co-dependency pattern is difficult to break. After all, if every wish is granted, who would want to walk the path of earning? This is unhealthy and detrimental in the long run.

You can't change someone else's behaviour: just your own. Try your best to communicate your concerns with an "I feel..." statement. Recognize your own self worth and be cognizant of your own thoughts and behaviors. If you are being commandeered by someone – reach out for help to break the cycle. You are special and worth-while just because you exist!!!

What’s preventing some people from taking this superhero of supplements?

Some people suffer from "fish burps". It’s what happens when your digestive system lets out a little aquatic airfare, and a pungent reminder of your fish oil supplement.

The prevalence of burping or other gastrointestinal side effects when taking omega-3 fish oil supplements can vary depending on the individual. Some studies report that 30% of individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping, heartburn, or diarrhea. Most people experience no effects at all.

Why do people burp from fish oil? The main reason is that fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be difficult for the body to digest, lead-

And that’s where there is a good solution to the burping problem. Look for a fish oil supplement that offers a form more readily accepted by the stomach. One example to be found at health food stores is Certified Naturals Omega3X fish oil containing MaxSimil, which is pre-digested with enzymes, leading to better absorption and making it much less likely to cause burps.

To explain, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are often found in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main form of fat in the human body and in the food we eat. They consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. In consuming omega-3 fatty acids, the

In another approach to reduce burping, some supplements involve gelcaps that are enteric-coated for delayed release, but these can contain undesirable plasticizers.

For some, no matter how good the supplement, burping can remain a problem. Try refrigerating the capsules and taking them with food. Remember, accepting a little burp is better than forgoing the benefits. If persistent or severe burping persists, talk to your healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition or allergy.

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KEMPTVILLE ROTARY BURSARY ANNOUNCEMENT (Apply by June 1)

Up to FOUR awards ($1000 each) will be presented annually to students who are graduating from any High School in North Grenville or who reside in North Grenville but are graduating from any alternative program (i.e.- T.R. Leger, Home Schooling or Distance Learning). For full information and how to apply, go to:

Student Bursaries Available | Rotary Club of Kemptville (kemptvillerotary.ca)

Op-ed Positively 4th Street

by Peter Johnson

My parents had the bad luck of being born in 1921. They experienced, firsthand, the 20's and the dirty 30's. My brothers and I had a much better childhood than they. The eldest was born during the war, my younger brother and I, a few years after it. My mother's version of ‘Planned Parenthood': put five years between each child. That way, each of us got her undivided attention until it was time to get swallowed up by the very strict, extremely regimented Ottawa Board of Education.

Both my mother's and my father's parents came to Canada from other countries: my parental grandparents from Norway, my maternal grandparents from Scotland, via Ireland. Both of these generations knew hardships - hardships far beyond anything that my brothers and I ever experienced. My Norwegian grandfather, Rikard, at the tender age of 15, headed north to the Arctic Circle and worked in a gold mine. 15! He saved enough money to book passage to Canada: not the United StatesCanada.

A characteristic of many Norwegians, most Highland Scots, and the tide of Irish immigrants to this country, when faced with adversity, was to put their heads down and plow ahead. Complaining was not in their nature, as a rule. That was viewed as a character flaw, or a weakness. They most certainly never bleated,‘That offends me'.

Back to 1921: people born in that year reached the age of majority in 1939. In September of that year, Canada de-

clared war on Germany after it had invaded Poland. My father no sooner graduated from Ottawa Tech, than he took the train to Toronto and enlisted in the RCAF. He was all of 18. I found a letter he wrote to my mother on very old RCAF stationary. He didn't think he was doing anything heroic; he was just doing what he thought he had to do.

The basketball team at his high school, which graduated the year before, signed up together, were tail-gunners in RAF bombers, and were all dead before the year was out. (check out ‘The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner', by W.H. Auden for a grissly bit of poetry).

It was a very different time. We can read about it, but only they knew the horror of what life was like for them... and they had barely reached voting age. There was no bragging, no horror stories, only silence as those who returned kept their awful memories to themselves. Most impressively, there was no whining, no complaining about how life had treated them so poorly. It is quite a contrast to what we are seeing today.

Fast forward to the present. It must be very confusing for the people who came here from Ukraine to see what little things can upset some Canadians. Another story: when I was teaching in Merrickville, a brother and sister showed up in my class one Monday morning. Their family had fled communist Poland. Their parents, both university professors, were targeted by the regime. They fled with their children to the safety of Canada. The younger sibling, an extremely bright

young girl of about 12 or 13 years, told me a story, once she had developed some impressive English skills.

In her school in Poland, a large middleschool, the students had an expression that they used to describe a very good day for them: "Like a day in Canada". That stopped me in my tracks. To this day, more than 40 years later, I can visualize her telling me this. In other countries around the world, Canada is looked upon as a safe haven, a sort of 'paradise'. A place where every day must surely be simply wonderful.

Back to the Ukrainians who have found refuge here: they must find it strange that we can get all worked up over the smallest things; getting angry because one has perceived that they have been slighted. Why bother? How much is your time worth to you? Do you not have better things to do with your time and creativity/productivity? Is that all that you have to contribute to society... to your community?

We have so much to be thankful for...but that sounds trite. In 'Positively 4th Street', Bob Dylan summed it up this way:

"I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes

And just for that one moment I could be you

Yes, I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes

You'd know what a drag it is to see you."

We don't want to be that person, do we?

Next Curbside order May 4 & 5

Please Preorder the day before or sooner for next day Curbside pick up 2 - 5pm. For Full Menu, to Order & Pay ONLINE visit 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.

Chicken Parmesan or Eggplant Parmesan

Crisp Breaded Chicken Cutlets or Eggplant with Parmesan, Mozzarella & Marinara Sauce|

Creamy Pasta Alfredo | Chef's choice of veggies | Caesar Salad | Garlic Bread | Dessert

Baja Fish Tacos or Tofu Tacos (Vegetarian)

Battered Fish or Tofu | Flour Tortillas | Pickled Red Onions & Jalapenos

| Cabbage Slaw | Smoky Chipotle aioli | Lime Wedges | Dirty Rice | Cheese | Pico de Gallo | Taco Salad Kit | Dessert

Mother’s Day

Brunch

treat mom to a fantastic feast

Sunday, May 14, 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 & DessertsCoffee, 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

The race is on!

by Ashley Sloan

The Merrickville Heritage Classic Annual Road Race is back in person on Saturday, April 29, for its eighth run. The 2k, 5k, and 10k races are scheduled at 8am, with a 3-hour run time limit, starting from the

Merrickville Community Centre. The half Marathon is still being held virtually and can be tracked using your smart phone or other tracking device.

This means there will be road closures from 7:30am until 11am, and anyone still

Phone:613 329 0209

in the race would need to move off the roadway and obey all traffic rules after the roads reopen at 11.

Cindy Chandler, 2023 Race Director, is anticipating around 300 participants to join this year’s race. "Our mission is about promoting

healthy, active living for all ages. We have racers from the surrounding areas and as far away as Western Canada"

The annual road race has a friendly vibe, fun atmosphere, and a beautiful location along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. A special feature of this race is that the medals are designed and manufactured here in Merrickville by the Alloy Foundry Company LTD.

This is a sanctioned race by Athletics Ontario, and run times will be added to the stats of anyone who holds a membership. Runners are being chipped timed, so keep your bibs visible! Medal presentations for top 3 in the male and female 5k and 10k catagories will take place in

the Community Centre after the race.

Local clubs enjoying soccer and baseball, as well as the Merrickville Trail Society, are former recipients of funds raised by the Race as part of their mission to promote active living.

Cindy also gives a huge “Thank you” to the founding members of the Merrickville Heritage Classic Annual Road Race who have worked tirelessly on the Run Merrickville Organizing Committee: Lori Reynolds, Sally MacInnis, Chuck MacInnis, Joanne Watson, Colleen Watson, Maria Ferguson, and Karen Murphy. "This Race started with an amazing group of people who have recently, after seven years, decided

that it may be time to pass the baton and find their successors. They have graciously stayed around to support the new board and to volunteer in some capacity on race day."

As early bird pricing has closed, accepting late registration in person is still available on Friday evenings 5 -8pm, or Saturday mornings from 6:30 -7:30 am (cash only). You can find pricing info for each of the races on the website. If you would like more details about the event, or would like to cheer on the racers, you can check out the website www.runmerrickville.ca.

Farmers face unintended consequences of new federal housing tax

by Crispin Colvin, Vice President Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis, and different levels of government are introducing various measures to try to ease the pressure. For the federal government, one of those measures is the Underused Housing Tax Act that became law last year.

It is a one percent tax on the value of vacant or underused housing, and the new federal legislation requires that individuals who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as private corporations and partnerships – which includes farms – who own residential housing must file an Underused Housing Tax return even if they don’t have to pay any tax.

REMODELED SUITES IN AN ENHANCED COMMUNITY

their business or, for example, make it possible for a son or daughter to become part of the farm.

Much of that farmland often includes a farmhouse and as those older, smaller farms are absorbed into larger ones, farmers inadvertently become the owners of multiple residences. And regardless of whether those homes are subject to the new tax or not, the new legislation requires that farmers must now file a return under the Underused Housing Tax Act.

A separate return has to be filed every year by April 30 for each property a farm corporation owns, and if that return isn’t filed, the penalties are substantial – up to $10,000 or more.

awareness and meeting with elected officials and government staff to explain the issue of multiple dwellings in rural areas when farmers buy farmland, and the unintended consequences this legislation now has for the farming community.

Late last month, the federal government announced it is delaying any fees or penalties until October 31, giving affected property owners an extra six months to file their first return under the new act. Although this is a welcome reprieve to give us more time to make sense of the legislation, it doesn’t address the greater longterm impact and burden it places on farm businesses.

COMING JUNE 2023

The legislation was designed to address urban homes, condominiums and apartments that have been purchased for investment purposes, often by foreign buyers, and are now unused or not used to their full extent. Farmers don’t play a meaningful role in Canada’s rental housing market, but they’re now forced to deal with the unintended consequences of these new rules.

That’s because many farmers do in fact own more than one residence, but not because they’re keen to be landlords or residential investors. Rather, their interest lies in the land, and they’ve bought additional farmland over the years to expand

As farmers, we are in the business of farming, not real estate, and although most of us are exempt from paying the actual tax, many may still be unaware of the new legislation, its requirements, and its penalties. The paperwork is onerous and time consuming, and the information available on government websites is not terribly detailed or easy to understand.

That’s why the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), along with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and other farm organizations, has been actively advocating for the federal government to exempt farmers from having to file an Underused Housing Tax return.

We’ve been raising

Farmers are caught in the middle of governments trying to find housing solutions and the unique realities of farm businesses who unintentionally find themselves with multiple dwellings through the purchase of additional farmland.

OFA and our partner organizations will continue to advocate strongly for a filing exemption for farmers, but while we do, we encourage all farmers to make sure they file their Underused Housing Tax return in order to avoid the substantial penalties, and to contact their accountants with any questions.

There are also resources available on the OFA website, including a webinar we hosted last month in partnership with BDO to give background and answer questions on the issue.

The Merrickville Heritage Classic Annual Road Race: everyone welcome!

Intersectionality

aid them as much.

The Weather with Connor

by Zara Zrudlo Intersectionality

is a term that has become more common in the past five or so years. It was coined even before that by scholar, writer and activist Kimberlé Crenshaw. While the term is common, there are a lot of conflicting definitions. So, what exactly was Intersectionality intended to mean?

Intersectionality is a way to bring people’s overlapping identities into the light. A person can have multiple identity factors that influence how they experience life based on their race, socioeconomic status, gender, Indigeneity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc. We can use intersectionality to design better policies and social systems that take into account the entirety of people’s identities. For instance, policies that promote women’s rights are very important; however, they may not help a gay, Japanese woman with a disability. That policy would only address the female part of a person’s identity, it wouldn’t combat the ableism, homophobia and asiaphobia that person experiences. Therefore, the policy wouldn’t reach and

Let’s use a Black woman applying for a job as an example. She doesn’t receive the job even though she has twice the qualifications that the other applicants do. She asks the company about it, wanting to know why. They simply tell her that she isn’t qualified enough, which doesn’t make sense. While she is there, talking to the company, she gets a look at the employees. There are a ton of white women, and a few people of color who are men. However, there are no women of color. The company is too big for it to be a coincidence. She tells the company this, but they tell her that she doesn’t make any sense. There are people of color working there, and there are women. But there are no women of color, no people with those two overlapping identity factors.

Creating policies that combat transphobia or policies that combat racism won’t be as effective as creating policies that combat transphobia and racism together! Otherwise, people who are trans and Latinx won’t feel the positive impact of the policies.

Looking at someone’s gender and race as things that can overlap rather than two completely separate things is the root of intersectionality. For instance, in the media, when you see people who are 2SLGBTQIA+ most often, they will be white. Taking intersectionality into consideration in hiring practices, and in the way we act around other people, is really important.

Especially if we want to live in an aware, equitable and safe world.

Some people interpret intersectionality as changing the social hierarchy. This is definitely not true. Intersectionality is about removing any social hierarchy so that there is no ‘top’ or ‘bottom’. It can help everyone can feel safe, heard and supported. It doesn’t require the people at the top to sacrifice anything or to be trampled on by others.

Intersectionality simply asks us to be aware of the way that multiple identities can overlap and increase discrimination for people. It asks us to view the world differently and acknowledge our privilege. That can be an uncomfortable journey, and make sure to talk to people or reach out for help if you need. However, just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go there. If we leave the problems of discrimination alone, they will only get worse. We have to learn, we have to go to the uncomfortable places. In summary, people who have multiple identities, (such as being 2SLGBTQIA+ and being a part of a racialized group) face discrimination from both of those together. They face more discrimination than someone who is part of a racialized group but is not 2SLGBTQIA+, or someone who is 2SLGBTQIA+ but is white. We need to structure society and build government policies so that those with multiple identity factors are included and not left on the margins.

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another week of The Weather with Connor. This week, I just wanted to talk about one thing. That big destructive ice storm back in the first week of April that wreaked havoc across the region. I’d like to talk about that ice storm on April 5 and the days leading up to it, knowing it was coming as a forecaster.

For at least five days ahead of that storm, most (if not all) weather models had that ice storm happening. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it, mostly because it’s not uncommon whatsoever for models to show a big ice event multiple days in advance, only for it to not happen at all. Besides that, though, everyone involved in the weather knew a storm was coming that week, even if it was just going to be regular rain.

April 3 then comes around. That’s a Monday, and two days from the ice storm arriving. At this point, models are still locked and loaded, showing a major ice storm impacting the region before a switch to rain. For models to be showing the same outputs and timing for ice, I started to sound the alarm in my brain that this is probably going to happen. It was at this time I started making Facebook posts well

Good nutrition for adults and the elderly

submitted by Saman Shaikh, RD., M.Sc. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark DHU

Good nutrition is important for adults because it provides energy and nutrients to maintain health, and helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Being informed about nutrition, and practicing and building skills for balanced eating, can help you overcome challenges with eating well, such as deciding which foods to choose or not having enough time to prepare meals.

As an adult, you can foster good nutrition by:

• Choosing a variety of vegetables and fruit, whole grain foods, and protein foods that you enjoy

• Reading labels to help you make good food choices

• Planning your meals and snacks in advance. Choose some recipes to prepare and make a grocery list, so that you have everything on hand when you need it

• Preparing for busy days by prepping ingredients in advance, making and storing meals in the fridge or freezer to have on hand, or cooking in double batches so that you can save leftovers for quick meals

• Having ready to eat or grab and go snacks like vegetables and fruits available, or by carrying a reusable water bottle

• Eating meals with others if possible. This can give you a chance to connect with family and friends, and share your food culture and traditions

• Being mindful. Enjoy the food you are eating without distractions and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues

• Making healthy drink choices, including water, unsweetened lower fat milk, or plant-based fortified beverages

• Remember that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Eat a variety and balance of foods, and focus on overall health rather than body size.

• Good nutrition is also important for elderly people because it can help keep you healthy and strong as you age, which can help you maintain your independence and quality of life. Eating well as you get older can also help you prevent or manage chronic diseases, and it can help keep your bones and muscles strong.

Here are some ideas for eating well for seniors:

• Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fruit, whole grain foods, and protein foods

• As we age, our sense of taste or smell can change. Try different herbs and spices for flavour instead of adding salt. You can also change the temperature or

in advance of the storm, so people could prepare themselves for later in the week.

Tuesday, April 4, was the day before the ice storm would come in. This was the day I posted my big forecast for the event, stating that a damaging ice storm is on the way. I knew this wouldn’t be a fun storm for a lot of people, and that tree damage and power outages were all but guaranteed. Fun fact, that forecast eventually was seen by just shy of 45,000 people.

And so here we go with April 5, which will now be forever known in my head as The Ice Storm of 2023. Everything happened right on schedule. An early morning arrival into the Ottawa Valley, and then a mid morning arrival for the rest of the Eastern Ontario region.

This storm was absolutely spectacular, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. For basically the entire ice portion of the storm, which was the morning and a little bit of the early afternoon, it was a continuous thunderstorm. Thunder-ice, actually. I have never heard a thunderstorm during a major freezing rain event like that. I was totally astounded.

Of course, during a thunderstorm, precipitation is coming down at an extremely heavy rate. Usually it’d be rain, but in this cause it was the ice, which made the ice accumulate on trees incredibly fast. That’s another thing I’ve never seen in my life, how fast that ice accretion happened. In only three hours, from 8:30am11:30am, there was already about 15mm of ice on tree

branches. 15mm in itself would be a bad ice storm, but this only happened in three hours, with multiple hours left in the storm.

Around the Winchester area, freezing rain lasted until 3:00 or 3:30pm that afternoon. It poured for the entire time, and the ice ended up accumulating 10mm more onto the tree branches, for a grand total of 25mm of ice at my home in Winchester.

From about 1:30pm onward into the evening, all you could hear outside around town was trees snapping. There were full trees, big tree branches, really just any branches on trees coming down from the heavy weight of the ice. My backyard of trees looked like it had been hit by a tornado. Also, Winchester was very lucky not to lose power during this whole situation, which many of us were thankful for because of sump pump reasons.

Make no mistake, this was absolutely the worst ice storm in Eastern Ontario since the Ice Storm of 1998. I’m not comparing the two, 1998 was obviously worse with 100mm of freezing rain in a lot of the region, I’m just saying this was the worst ice storm since. It’s definitely the worst one of my life, being that I wasn’t even born yet in 1998..

An incredible late season event. And what happened the week after? It was summer outside. 30 degrees on Thursday, April 13. Funny how that works, isn’t it? Spring can be wild sometimes!

texture of foods to make things more interesting

• If dental changes make certain foods difficult to eat, try choosing or preparing foods differently to make them easier to eat

• -Stay hydrated, and choose water, unsweetened lower fat milk, or plant-based fortified beverages

• Plan and prepare your meals when you have more energy. Choose some recipes and shop for what you need so that you have everything on hand. Prep ingredients ahead of time, make and store meals in the fridge or freezer, and cook in batches so you can use the leftovers later

• Due to changes in lifestyle, you may only need to prepare food for 1 or 2 people, so keep this in mind if you’re used to cooking for more people

• If you’re not used to cooking, choose simple recipes with few ingredients, which require little or no cooking.

• Eat meals with others if possible. Try joining a diners group, eating with a neighbour, inviting a family member or a friend over, or planning a potluck with friends

For more information, visit healthunit.org, call us at 1-800-660-5853, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Also visit Canada’s Food Guide at Canada.ca/foodguide.

The Kemptville Legion Meeting Hall

an exhilarating tale of empowerment

Historical Significance

submitted by Roy Brown

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 Kemptville was granted a Charter, dated April 17, 1932, under the authority of what was then known as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. During the early years, Legion meetings and social events were held in the old Kemptville Armoury Building (present day Pte. B. Williamson Memorial Hall) and at other public venues in the Town of Kemptville.

As the local membership base increased, the Legion members took that opportunity to design, fund and erect their own meeting hall. The Town of Kemptville Municipal Council kindly provided a parcel of land for the proposed structure at the entrance to Riverside Park and a group of Legion members began sourcing materials and building supplies to commence erecting the building.

It is interesting to note that the majority of the lumber and other building materials came from a military "H" hut at a former Canadian Army Camp in Brockville, Ontario. The building was dismantled piece by piece and transported to the Kemptville Legion site. Volunteer labour, in-kind donations and fundraising were essential in covering the costs to erect the Legion Building. The Grand Opening took place on Saturday, July 6, 1957 and was held in conjunction with the Kemptville Centennial Celebrations that year and the July 6, 1944 Anniversary of D-Day.

A major renovation to the building was undertaken in the years that followed, but the dates are not known. The new addition was designed to increase the overall size of the building, in order to incorporate what was described as being an Auditorium along with kitchen facilities.

The original Auditorium, later known as the Upper Hall, has become an important community hub that is used by numerous organizations, groups and individuals for meetings and social events.

At the General Membership Meeting of Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the Upper Hall was commemoratively named as the “VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL” with the intent that all who enter therein, will remember and reflect upon the sacrifices of Canadian and Commonwealth Veterans who served; continue to serve; and to those who ultimately forfeited their lives to protect our Rights and Freedoms.

by Barbara Lacelle, Artistic Director

KYMTC

Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company is back and staging Matilda April 15 - 30 at the Urbandale Arts Centre in Kemptville. Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. The musical's narrative centres on a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. Matilda the musical has received widespread critical acclaim winning 7 Olivier awards including Best New Musical in 2012 and 5 Tony awards in 2013 including Best Book of a Musical.

Working with these young people has been my privilege. They are hard working, caring

and full of passion and they are excited for you to come and share this amazing adventure with them. It has been hard for them because they lost three years of KYMTC and therefore 3 years of taking chances and growing their skills but they make up for it in energy.

Three years ago, we were so close to staging Matilda. It was heartbreaking for everyone, but especially the young people who had been working since the previous September. As a company it was also devastating because we had paid for everything and received no revenue to cover expenses. The major expenses for each production we stage total over $25K and these include securing the rights, renting the scripts, rehearsal space, the venue, musicians and insurance. This amount does not include costumes, sets, props, lighting and sound

equipment, etc. I am explaining this because we had to raise our ticket prices this year and that hurts you. We try very hard to keep our ticket prices low so that everyone can enjoy the show. Everything has gone up. Also, we do not charge the kids to be in this program and we do not get paid. All ticket revenue goes to pay for the next show.

Jack Lalonde, RSE, President, Operator

Serving The Ottawa, Dundas and Cornwall Areas Residential,

Valleyairwaymechanical @gmail.com

http://oliverpaintingottawa.ca/

Matilda is an exhilarating tale of empowerment. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter said the stage show captures "the unique flavour of Roald Dahl’s classic 1988 children’s novel", and added, "this funhouse fairy tale is by turns riotous and poignant, grotesque and menacing, its campy comic exaggeration equaled only by its transporting emotional power”. We are hoping that you will come out and see this wonderful, heart warming musical that is chocked full of energy and naughtiness.

Grand Opening of the Legion Hall on July 6, 1957

“Matilda”

the KYMTC cast of Matilda

Happy HappyEarth Day Earth Day

Join in to celebrate Earth Day

by EARTH DAY CANADA

Earth Day Canada is inviting communities and organizations to mobilize during the month of April and get ready to celebrate our planet on Earth Day, April 22. While many Canadians want to help better the planet, it can be daunting to know where to start. Earth Day Canada’s mission is to guide people towards action through easy access to local activities available in their event calendar and educating them on how to reduce their environmental impact.

Earth Day Canada is a charitable organization that helps individuals, municipalities and organizations reduce their impact on the environment. In addition to organizing a large-scale awareness campaign on April 22, Earth Day Canada deploys environmental programs and projects with a proven positive impact in various areas such as waste management, the fight against food waste and sustainable mobility.

To help draw attention to this year’s call to action, Earth Day Canada launches Picture a Better Planet campaign in collaboration with creative agency Sid Lee. Recently, young activists have garnered the media’s attention to the pressing environmental issues impacting everyone by throwing soup at famous art that resonate with every generation. Building on this tension, the campaign uses the famous artworks themselves as spokespersons in the quirky campaign to encourage everyone of all generations to join in environmental engagement activities and support environmental organizations by joining their actions or donating to them.

“With this campaign, we are inviting Canadians to reengage in the important environmental movement. We want people to know that Earth Day Canada is a facilitator for companies, communities, and individuals looking to participate in green initiatives to connect with organizations nationwide that are doing work that benefit our shared planet and home”, says Valérie Mallamo, Executive Director at Earth Day Canada. “We welcome everyone to join an event listed on our calendar and also register their own event on our website. When people are informed on the various ways they can create a positive environmental impact, it becomes easier for them to mobilize others to better their local communities and beyond.”

To view Picture a Better Planet and to see the full calendar of events visit www.earthday.ca/betterplanet.

The campaign is also on Earth Day Canada’s social media platforms.

The Food Corner

By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Ok, so I think I’m on a dessert spree : must be the spring weather. We put four tables out on our Salamanders patio since the weather started being nice and we have folks waiting in line for them. This week’s recipe is Baked Bananas à l’Orange, a fancy name for a very simple recipe. It’s also an easy way to get some potassium into your system.

Baked Bananas à l’Orange

Ingredients

1 banana for each serving, so let’s go with 6 for this recipe

¼ cup of orange juice

¼ cup of Triple Sec or Cointreau (orange liqueur)

1 cup of 35% cream

5 tablespoons of sugar

Another three tablespoons of orange liqueur

1/8 cup grated orange peel

Preparation

1. Heat your oven to 350F and spray a glass pan lightly with canola oil

2. Peel the bananas, slice them lengthwise and place them in the pan

3. Drizzle with the orange juice and orange liqueur

4. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 15 minutes or until the bananas soften

5. Meanwhile, beat the cream until stiff with the sugar and additional liqueur and refrigerate

6. When ready to serve, place one warm banana (2 halves) per serving on a dessert plate

7. Drizzle any leftover juice over them, top with the whipped cream and trim with orange peel

A scoop of vanilla ice cream also works well with this recipe and dark coffee or some Earl Grey tea would highlight the flavours. Mind you, sipping more of the orange liqueur is ok too…Enjoy! Cheers from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

TRAVEL TALK

Invest in Planet Earth through eco friendly travel trips

by Scott Waldron & Diane Wilson

The theme for Earth Day this year is “Invest In Our Planet” and what better way to do that than to get out and explore it in an eco friendly travel way? There are so many different adventures to choose from and our travel partner, G Adventures, has a great line up to choose from for adventure-seeking travellers in search of a meaningful way to discover the world.

Turn Travel into Impact

G Adventures has partnered with Planeterra, a leading non-profit that is using community tourism to change lives, celebrate cultures and protect the natural environment. Their goal is to help local organizations and communities use tourism as a catalyst to improve the lives of community members as they provide travellers with better experiences.

G Adventures has 13 different tours to choose from in partnership with Planeterra and would provide travellers with an opportunity to support this very worthwhile cause as they explore new adventures throughout the world. Here’s just a few adventures that might intrigue you.

Indochina Discovery

This adventure is for the 18 to-Thirtysomethings that have an adventurous spirit and tastebuds! Spend 30 days travelling throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos visiting ancient sites, vibrant cities, and discovering new local flavours at the markets and villages along the route and some relaxation on beautiful golden beaches.

Peru Family Experience

Have you always wanted to see the wonder of Machu Picchu up close? Do you want to be introduced to the mysteries of the Inca to the amazing creatures found in the Amazon? This 9-day family adventure could be the one for you.

Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure

This 14-day adventure combines the best of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Udawalawe National Park, and the cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy before you set cruise for some snorkelling and white sand beaches with crystal-clear water. This tour has it all.

G Adventures also offers the Jane Goodall Collection Tours that help to support wildlife in Africa. This selection of wildlife-focused tours were endorsed by world renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, whose mission was to protect wildlife and empower local communities.

Speak to your travel professional at Gravitate Travel about how they can help your family discover the wonders of Planet Earth.

When you’re ready, we can assist you in making all the right travel choices. Go to www.gravitate.travel and click on the Let’s Talk icon on the top right hand side.

TICO # 50026003 709 RIDEAU STREET, UNIT 2 / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0

hate symbols

by Brandon Mayer

“Hate” is a strong word. That is an argument that was used in a recent community debate that started after a concerned parent posted a picture on social media, showing a swastika painted on a light pole in the parking lot of North Grenville District High School.

“Hate” is indeed, a strong word. That is why some parents encourage their children not to say things like “I hate broccoli” or “I hate school”, teaching them to find different words to express themselves instead. However, “hate” is a word that applies appropriately to the swastika. Just like “genocide”, “Holocaust”, and “antisemitism” are strong words, we should not shy away from using a strong word – “hate” – to identify the kind of ideology that fuels such horrors.

The symbol in question was spotted on a light pole in the NGDHS parking lot while the parent was waiting to pick up her child from South Branch Elementary School (parents at South Branch routinely use the high school parking lot for pick ups). The symbol appears to be painted on using white paint. The parent notified staff at South Branch, who assured that they would pass the message along to NGDHS staff so that the symbol can be removed.

While many agree that the symbol is grossly inappropriate, some local parents argue that labelling the painting of the symbol as a “hate crime” is overzealous. Kids will be kids, after all, and some may not even realize what the symbol means. While it’s true that raking the culprits over the coals is not going to do any good, we also shouldn’t make light of an act such as the painting of a swastika in a school parking lot. If anything, it can be an opportunity to connect with youth, explaining the potentially harmful power of mere symbols, and the deeply personal reasons why there are many people in our community who should not have to look at such a symbol.

Being a professional educator, I understand the counterargument. Kids really will be kids. The day before writing this, I spotted a rather large rendering of mail genitalia that appeared to be sketched using a water bottle on the pavement of my school’s parking lot. It is also not uncommon to find swear words etched into trees or picnic tables. These things may represent “bad behaviour”, but they are not likely to cause the type of emotional harm that can come from painting swastikas or words with deep offensive meaning such as the “N-word”. To compare an inappropriate image with a symbol that literally represents hate and genocide is like comparing a frog to goat.

It is not likely that the identity of the person who painted the swastika in the NGDHS parking lot will ever be found. Good people do bad things, which is probably even more true for youth. No one is suggesting a witch hunt and a haranguing, but parents also need to take a clear position that hate is not a joke, and that it has no place in our community.

Should we break out the handcuffs? No. But restitution can go a long way, as can a meaningful conversation with a dedicated, loving parent.

Why we really should denounce

FOR SALE

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

Websters Library of World Greatest Music Composers VOL16, includes 16 classical albums. Best offer. 613567-8533

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 613-227-3650.

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

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

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

WANTED

Senior male of 67 looking for 1 bedroom, in the Kemptville, Smiths Falls or Perth area. Required for June, August at the latest. Willing to pay up to $1,000 a month.

Contact Dwight at dwight_gifford@hotmail.com

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call Joanne

CROSSWORD

613-799-0958

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.

FOR RENT

Property for rent for spring & fall deer & turkey hunting. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

County Road 43 expansion update

We don’t control the mail

by Marguerite Boyer

by Brandon Mayer

Whether or not you’re a resident of Kemptville, it’s likely that you have a reason from time-to-time to travel along the stretch of County Road 43 that runs through town. It is no secret that there is a plan to widen part of the in-town portion of the road. With plans for the project announced last year, some residents are starting to ask – “when?”

Although the project is confirmed, there are two reasons why the road widening has not yet begun. One is that the tender has not yet been issued. The other is that

the bridge over the Creek will be replaced before the road widening can begin.

“We expect the tender for bridge and road expansion to be issued by May 2023,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “If all goes well and the award is granted, construction of a new bridge will begin between mid summer and late fall. At this stage, a new bridge will be built before the old one is demolished.”

That leaves the question – when can motorists expect the road to be widened? The Mayor had an answer for that as well. “In 2024 and 2025, the 43 road expansion will also be undertaken,”

she said.

Traffic on County Road 43 can be quite congested at peak times of the day, with delays just to drive the relatively short stretch from one end of town to the other. Vehicles trying to turn onto County Road 43 during peak times also face quite a challenge in finding a safe gap in the traffic. This is why a section of the road will be widened with extra lanes, a project that was years in the making before finally being confirmed in April of 2022.

Mayor Peckford advised that an update will be provided once the tender for the job is awarded.

Every now and again, we get a call at the Times from someone complaining about the Post Office. Usually, it is because they didn’t get their copy of the Times, and I have to tell them that they need to call the Post Office to let them know. However, you can’t phone the post office in North Grenville. If you need to talk to someone, you have to go in, in person. The Times goes out as bulk mail and reaches, or is supposed to, every home in NG. This week, my caller was different. He wanted to stop having the paper delivered to his home. That is fine, but I told him this is something he has to take up with the Post Office, it is out of my hands. But he was not happy with my answer and seemed to think I could do something about it. Then he went on to tell me about how the Post Office, the Municipality and the Times had actually made the decision to change his mailing address. For some reason, he thinks we have great influence with mayor and council and the post office. It's impressive that a

local paper has this much influence!

You know, I don’t even wish this to be true. Well, maybe I wish we had more influence with the post office. But noone should have that kind of power. Yes, I do consider myself well acquainted with the present council. Not that I personally hang out with any of them other than occasionally meeting them for a coffee or a drink, to discuss articles, etc…

This council has been the most approachable one I have known in the 30 years of living here.

But this caller then went on to talk about last year's election, and how we misinformed the public. I don’t know why he, and others like him, think North Grenville citizens are not mature enough to think for themselves and look at the facts. And, once again, may I point out that the Times is liable for any lies we might print. Newspapers and other mainstream media have to be very careful. We are held accountable, different rules for us than for social media posts. Just take a look at what is going on right now with

Fox News in the States. Misinformation is dangerous, so I would hope that the residents of NG are a lot more intelligent than to simply accept everything they read or hear without question.

During last year's election, I saw a lot of misinformation on social media as well as downright lies, about the Council and about the paper. But, in the end, the voters made their decision, because they used their intelligence rather than what they saw posted on social media.

One local resident recently posted some very negative things on social media about the OPP, misinforming the public on the reality of the situation. The OPP is not perfect but legitimate criticism never needs to use misinformation of lies to make a point. The truth matters, and the truth is, the Times doesn’t control anything!

by David Shanahan

George Howard Ferguson is, at the same time, one of North Grenville’s most famous and most unknown sons. This local boy made good was Ontario’s ninth

Premier, and his achievements in that office had a lasting impact on the province, and 2023 marks the centenary anniversary of his election as Premier, a position he held until 1930. In appearance, the young Howard Ferguson looked like a banker; as he grew older, he resembled a genial uncle, or grandfather, with a round and beaming face. He served on the Village of Kemptville Council, and was Reeve of the village for three years (at that time, Councils were elected every year). When he became Premier in 1923, he had already established a solid political base in the

area, and his re-election at each election was always, it seemed, an inevitability.

But there was quite a dark side to Ferguson’s political career, one that seems to be relatively unknown in North Grenville. Even his official biographer had a hard time putting a good face on aspects of his life in politics. The title of the biography says nothing about his achievements: it is simply called: “G. Howard Ferguson: Ontario Tory”. But perhaps that describes the core nature of Ferguson’s career. Chapters of the biography have titles such as “Tory Hatchet Man”, “Hides on the Fence”, and, most indicative of his role as Premier, “Boss Ferguson”.

Howard was always drawn to the wilder side of life. In his days at the University of Toronto, his roommate was Stephen Leacock, who would become in the future a famous writer and humourist. The two ran the student newspaper and Howard was known as a man who enjoyed a good time with his

friends. This led to a problem when it came to graduating. Howard and Stephen had to get one more credit, but their subject, Mathematics, was not by any means their strongest. Stephen discovered that they could get a credit in Ethnology instead, if they could pass the exam which was taking place the following day. The professor in the subject had written a textbook, so the two students read the book overnight and scrapped through to graduate on schedule.

Throughout his career, Ferguson gained a reputation of doing whatever it took to succeed, and of using friends and contacts to prosper. He was accused of being just a little too close to the timber and mining companies that had dealings with the Department of Mines and Forests when he was Minister, of deliberately courting controversy when he needed to raise his profile with the public. And this was not just the case with his provincial career. It was in Kemptville that Ferguson honed the

many talents he took to the provincial scene. His time on the Kemptville Council was equally tempestuous: in fact, there have been very few times in this community’s history when local politics were as polarised. In fact, it was only in recent times that it came close to the depth of feeling and level of controversy that Ferguson inspired between 1898 and 1905.

Ferguson’s time on Council was a series of fights, injunctions, conflict and argument, in which Ferguson showed his qualifications to move up to provincial levels of political infighting. Then, having challenged the sitting MPP, a fellow Conservative, Ferguson was elected to the provioncial Legislature, but faced years of internal party conflict and opposition by the disgruntled ex-MPP, who claimed that illegal methods had been used to get Ferguson elected. In 1911, Ferguson suddenly introduced a motion in the Ontario Legislature that “no language other than English

should be used as a medium of instruction in the schools of this Province". It was the first time he made a name for himself, both in the Legislature and among the public at large. It was seen at the time to a be a rather crude attempt to gain support from the anti-French segment of the population and the Tory party, and this willingness to court controversy to further his own career was to become a trademark of his long and successful time in Ontario politics.

Howard Ferguson learned his trade in the cut and thrust of the Kemptville Village Council, not what you would consider the most dynamic political body, but made such by Ferguson’s drive and ambition. He became, as his biographer admits, the Tory Hatchet Man, the member his leader could depend on to get down in the mud and do what was necessary. Hardly the image you would want for your favourite uncle or grandfather, is it?

Mayor Peckford and other dignitaries attend a sign unveiling for the County Road 43 expansion project in the spring of 2022.

G. Howard Ferguson Centenary

G. Howard Ferguson: Apprentice Premier

G. Howard Ferguson, the young politician

Local disc golfer heading to the World Juniors

During the school year, he practices for an hour per day after school.

“We are overjoyed and very proud as parents to watch our son Brock play and compete in a sport that he truly loves,” said Holly. “His passion for disc golf is the driving force behind his many successes on the course. However, Brock is just as happy practicing and playing casual rounds with his dad and the many members of the Kemptville Disc Golf Club.”

ment, the Junior Division of the Ottawa Disc Golf Plaid Jacket Championship, in the fall of that year.

by Brandon Mayer

Local disc golfer, 12-year-old Brock Dowdell, is advancing in his sport in a way he could have only dreamed. He has been invited by the Professional Disc Golf Association to attend the World Juniors in Peoria, Illinois during the week of June 26 to July 1. “When he got the email… he was blown away,” said Brock’s mother, Holly.

Brock was selected to attend based on his performance in 2022. He will play in the Mixed Amateur category as he turns 13 in July.

back to his very early childhood. “Before Brock was born, there were disc golf baskets all over the yard,” said Holly, explaining that they would play with neighbours and friends for fun.

Brock explained some of his history with disc golf and other sports. “I first began throwing discs around as a toddler, but it was until I was 10 years old in Spring 2021 that I began playing disc golf with my father at the Ferguson Forest Disc Golf Course and quickly developed a keen interest in the sport,” said Brock. “I enjoy other athletics immensely including hockey, badminton, and pickleball.”

Brock likes to practice as much as possible year round.

“I spend the vast majority of my spare time dedicated to my development as a player as well as promoting the sport within my community,” Brock added. “I play disc golf year-round in leagues and tournaments, even in our cold Canadian winters. I also spend a lot of time researching, learning about discs and all brands, as well as following my favorite professionals on YouTube.”

The question of how Brock became involved with disc golf is a story going submitted by North Grenville Police Services Board

Brock watching his father play for years competitively encouraged him to want to play as well. He started to play in 2020 with his own PDGA # 197393. Brock has participated in several tournaments in Hamilton, Quebec, Kingston and locally in Kemptville. His father, Dwayne Dowdell, designed and installed the Kemptville disc golf course. Brock can be found there all summer practicing his skills and helping teach people who are new to the sport.

“This can be a challenge in Canada where our winters make it difficult to practice outside,” Brock added. “The short game of disc golf (putting) is something I can practice in the winter with a disc golf basket in the basement. Another challenge is having to travel all over the province on weekends to compete in tournaments, much like many other sports at the highest level.”

Brock began playing disc golf seriously in 2021, winning his first tourna-

Brock appreciates the amazing support of his parents and grandparents. He and his father have conducted in-person disc golf information clinics at local community events, including the 2022 International Plowing Match and The North Grenville Healthy Living Expo. “I even had the opportunity to teach our North Grenville Mayor, Nancy Peckford, how to putt into a disc golf basket,” Brock added.

Brock is determined to make disc golf a life-long endeavor. “Above all, pursuing the joy of disc golf and sharing it with others is very important to me,” he said. Fundraising has begun to support Brock’s journey to the World Juniors. Anyone wishing to contribute can email brockabeedowdell@ gmail.com, and all are encouraged to keep an eye out on social media for upcoming raffle baskets.

Slow down in Community Safety Zones – Fines doubled

As the weather gets warmer, more students will be walking and biking to and from school.

The North Grenville Police Services Board is reminding motorists to slow down in Community Safety Zones and School Zones.

“Road safety and active transportation is a priority for Council. Consequently, we have made a number of changes to make it safer for students to walk and bike to and from school,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford.

Community Safety Zone: A Community

Safety Zone is an area where public safety is of special concern, such as areas around schools. Fines are doubled if caught speeding in the area.

School Zone: A School Zone is an area within 150 metres on either side of a school which has a lower speed limit during school hours.

“Community Safety Zones are clearly marked with road signs and we encourage motorists to slow down in these zones.

And a reminder - if caught speeding in a Community Safety Zone, the fines are doubled,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

Community Safety Zones are located along

County Road 44, Concession Road and Clothier Street. Slowdown in school zones and be extra cautious.

A crossing guard is also available at the intersection of Concession Road and County Road 44 every weekday before and after school.

Safe Walking Route Maps: The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, along with their active school travel partners, developed safe walking route maps families can use to incorporate active travel into their day.

If it isn’t feasible to walk the entire way, consider parking a block or two away from the school

and walk the rest of the way. This will help reduce congestion in school parking lots and is a great way to be active. The maps can be downloaded at www.northgrenville. ca/roadsafety.

Community-wide speed limit reduction in Kemptville: A reminder that the Municipality of North Grenville has implemented a community-wide 40 km/h speed limit in the urban core of Kemptville and rural subdivisions.

Led by the North Grenville Police Services Board, the Road Safety public awareness campaign aims to promote safe driving behaviours and make roads in North

Grenville safer for all users.

For more details on the road safety campaign, including safe route school maps, visit www.northgrenville.ca/roadsafety.

Schools in North Grenville with a Safety Zone designation:

1. Oxford-on-Rideau Public School (50 Water St., Oxford Mills) –School Zone with speed limit of 50 km/hr.

2. Kemptville Public School (County Road 44) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 60 km/hr.

3. Rivière-Rideau/ Académie Notre Dame (Kemptville Campus)County Road 44 (south of Concession Road) - Com-

munity Safety Zone with speed limit of 50 km/hr.

4. North Grenville District High School and South Branch Public School (Concession Road) – Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 40 km/hr.

5. Holy Cross Catholic School (Clothier Street) –Community Safety Zone with speed limit of 40 km/hr.

6. St. Mike’s High School (County Road 43) – School Zone with speed limit that changes during school hours from 60 km/ hr to 40 km/hr.

Local disc golfer, Brock Dowdell

KDH Auxiliary presents annual donation

by COVID-19 again in 2022: for the third year in a row, they were unable to hold Hey Day, their annual giant garage sale, and were only able to reopen their Café and Gift Shop at KDH mid-way through the year, after seeing it shuttered in March 2020 with the onset of the pandemic.

by Jenny Read

The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary has donated $60,000 to the Hospital in the lead-up to National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, 2023.

This year’s annual donation will be used to support the purchase of three

new patient beds and a mobile nursing station for the inpatient medical unit, as well as a cardiac monitor for the recovery room.

The gift represents an amazing accomplishment for the KDH Auxiliary, whose main fundraising activities were hampered

Linda Carnegie, President of the KDH Auxiliary, explained that the sizeable donation was made possible by the generosity of the North Grenville community and the volunteers’ vigorous fundraising efforts, including hosting a very successful British Tea as part of the Quilt Show and International Plowing Match held on the Kemptville Campus in August, 2022.

“The Auxiliary is now a very small unit of dedicated members and vol-

unteers,” stated Linda. “However,” she added, “I think you will see that we have KDH in our hearts and minds. We work tirelessly to support staff and patients. Our dollars, although modest in the big picture, are dedicated to enhancing hospital services.”

KDH’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Vassallo, gratefully acknowledged the donation, which brings the Auxiliary’s total contribution since its founding in 1959 to a staggering $1.86 Million.

“Thank you from all KDH staff and physicians to each and every one of our volunteers for your unflagging support,” he said. “We deeply appreci-

ate both your fundraising efforts and your countless hours spent volunteering, either in the hospital or at home, devotedly creating comfort dolls for our smallest patients, fidget quilts for residents with dementia, and colourful gowns for palliative patients. In all these ways, and others I haven’t mentioned, you make a difference at KDH every day!”

In addition to the reopening of the Auxiliary’s Café and Gift Shop, 2022 saw the return of the volunteers to their previous roles in the hospital, including acting as greeters at the ER entrance, helping on the Interim Long-Term Care/Convalescent Care Unit, tending the hospital

gardens, and more. Volunteers also help raise awareness about the Auxiliary by participating in local parades and markets.

Linda Carnegie happily noted that Hey Day is back this year and will be held at a new venue – the North Grenville Municipal Centre – on June 9 and 10, 2023. Arguably the largest garage sale in Ontario, Hey Day requires well over 100 volunteers and months of planning to make it happen, including sorting and displaying the goods donated by the community, and then selling them – as well as refreshments and raffle tickets – at the event.

Another volunteer-run event resuming this year is the Memorial Service held at a nearby church in memory of patients who passed away at KDH over the previous year. The service is organized by the Pastoral Care Team and will be held May 11, 2023.

The KDH Auxiliary always welcomes new volunteers, including students. To learn more, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at kdh_ volunteer@kdh.on.ca.

During National Volunteer Week, KDH traditionally recognizes its volunteers at an Annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea. This year the event will be held in person, on April 21, 2023.

KDH Auxiliary President Linda Carnegie (left) and Treasurer Brenda Steacy (centre) present the volunteer organization’s annual donation to Frank Vassallo, KDH's CEO