Playing catch-up with local rec facilities
After being approved by Council in the regularly scheduled meeting on July 18, the condenser at the Sam Ault Arena has been replaced. The condenser had a projected cost of $89,000, which Council agreed could be taken from reserve funds. The replacement took place on August 13. It’s just one of several needed repairs that has come up recently for local recreational facilities, including the arenas and pools in both Winchester and Chesterville.
At the August 15 Coun-
cil meeting, members of Council also heard that the roof at the Joel Steel Community Centre / Sam Ault Arena needs fixing. Meaghan Meerburg, the Township’s Director of Recreation and Culture, reminded Council that the Arena in particular has been suffering from “water infiltration issues”. She pointed out that drips create small bumps that freeze on the ice, as well as small holes in the ice pad which can reach the concrete if the water digs deep enough, leaving dark spots in the ice. The affected areas can create holes with soft edges, and patches of
small, dull finishes across the ice, which can impair skaters.
“Both of our rinks do need substantial repairs,” noted Councillor John Lennox at the August 15 meeting. He also urged those watching the Council meeting to take note of the fact that the Township is actively trying to keep up with repairs through gradual maintenance, while waiting on a broader master plan that will address the deteriorating condition of some of the Township’s aging recreational amenities.
“This is patch work, patch work, patch work,”
added Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron. “I hope that the minor hockey leagues appreciate how much money that we’re putting in just for them to have their sport… To me it’s like bad money after bad money until we actually do something concrete.”
Councillor Gary Annable and Mayor Tony Fraser agreed that the interim repairs are a necessary expense. Councillor Matthew Uhrig was absent from the meeting.
“I have reservations about seeing the expense of some of the things that might be proposed as solutions to the issues in North Dundas with the facilities,” said Mayor Fraser. “We need to be comfortable with the tax dollars that will be spent for the future on these facilities.”
During the meeting, Director Meerburg confirmed the installation of the Sam Ault Arena condenser two days prior, and noted that two dehumidifiers for the Arena were scheduled to soon arrive. Combined with painting of the Arena floor scheduled for August 23, and cooling already underway thanks to the new condenser, everything is right on schedule for Winchester’s Arena.
Other highlights from the August 15 Council meeting will be covered in the September 6 issue.
Local kids Titus (left) and Liam (right) enjoy the free show of a new condenser being installed at the Sam Ault Arena
by Brandon Mayer
Memorial Mass
St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chesterville 3065 Dunbar Rd.
September 7 at 11;00
Bring lawn chairs, no rain date
VOLUNTEERING IS THE H eartbeat OF OUR COMMUNITY
All FORE the new Dundas Manor!
There were some long drives, chips and putts at two special golf events in support of the new Dundas Manor. And the results are much more impressive than some of the golf scores!
“Swinging for Seniors” was held at Cloverdale Links Golf Course over four consecutive days. When it was all over, $18,542.55 had been raised for the new home through golf games, crazy challenges, raffles and a donation from Cloverdale Links owners Gib and Elsie Patterson.
“I wish to thank the volunteers and sponsors who made this event a success,” noted Tom Clapp, one of the organizers. “It was an enjoyable event which the committee had a lot of fun doing.”
“The Manor is an important part of health care in the area. We believe in sup-
Barkley.
porting our community – and we’re happy to help fundraise to build the new home!” added Gib & Elsie Patterson. “We are looking forward to a bigger and better golf tournament for the new Dundas Manor next year!”
Thank you to members of the organizing committee and the following sponsors: Louis’ Restaurant, John Thompson Electric, Jason Munro Plumbing, Swish Inc., Dundas Milk Producers, and golf pro Kurtis
A few weeks later, two events were held at the Cedar Glen Golf Course - the “Gnomeo & Juliet Golf Tournament”, followed by a Drive-In Breakfast. The course was alive with gnomes as 72 golfers joined in the fun. The next day, classic cars were on display at the Drive-In Breakfast, with donations to the Dundas Manor campaign and Community Food Share. In all, $2,000 was raised for our region’s new long-term care home.
“I saw the gnomes fundraiser on Facebook and thought it looked like a lot of fun!”
explained organizer Melissa Laplante from Cedar Glen. “I tried to come up with a way to incorporate the gnomes into a fundraiser here at the course. There is no better charity to support than building a new
The Seaway Valley Singers soon begin rehearsals for their Christmas concert, under the direction of Robert Jones, who celebrates his 20th season at the helm this year.
The Seaway Valley Singers are calling on singers of all ages, current, past and new, to join the choir for a fun season of rehearsals starting in September.
“There are no auditions. We welcome singers of all ages and ranges (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), and while an ability to read music is certainly an asset, it can be compensated for by a good ear and a willingness to improve using the practice tracks that we make available to our singers on our website,” said Robert. “You can try us out for a few weeks before committing.”
Dundas Manor! We could all need it someday.”
“Thank you to all the organizers, sponsors and volunteers who made all these events such a great success – and so fun,” notes Campaign Assistant Cindy Ault Peters. “We are so grateful to those in our community who are jumping on board – or in this case, hitting ‘em straight – to support our campaign.”
For more details about the Dundas Manor campaign, please visit www.dundasmanordream.ca or contact the WDMH Foundation team at 613-774-2422 ext. 6169. To chat about fundraising events for Dundas Manor, please contact Cindy Ault Peters at 343-572-6345 or cpeters@ wdmh.on.ca.
Rehearsals, which begin on September 4, are held every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. Complete information and contact details are available at www.seawayvalleysingers.ca. Registration for this semester closes on October 9. Established in 1993, Seaway Valley Singers is a non-profit organization based in Williamsburg whose members come from throughout the region. The purpose and aim of the choir is to advance the knowledge and appreciation of the cultural richness of choral music, while enjoying the pleasure of singing and learning in concert with others.
culverts
The first rule of fight club
by Brandon Mayer
I love my community. Dare I add a “duh”? There is a reason I applied for a reporter job with my community’s newspaper in 2021, despite already having a mountain of commitments and responsibilities as a local educator and mental health counsellor. The open position felt like an opportunity to connect with North Dundas, which I would be stupid to pass up. More than 3 years later, I don’t regret my decision at all.
It is often said that those who take far too negative of an approach would “catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. This is true! The benefits of positivity and optimism cannot be overstated, particularly in the world we currently live in. However, there are cases when vinegar is more fitting than honey. Sometimes it seems like vinegar is taboo in North Dundas.
What I mean to say, in less cryptic terms, is that in a tight-knit place like North Dundas, us
residents take our lives into our hands when we dare speak about something we don’t like in our community. It’s as though anything that isn’t “fluffy talk” must be banned. Admitting that our amazing community isn’t perfect – since nothing is perfect –seems to be a crime of the highest order, punishable by ostracization.
I was born in Winchester, and grew up in North Stormont. Even as a young child, I was obsessed with the Winchester area, and I can remember telling my mom while I was still elementary school aged that I was going to live in Winchester when I grew up. When I got a job as an educator in Winchester in 2016, the opportunity to live out my “destiny” and move a short walking distance to work was all too tempting. It took a couple of years to find a place, but that’s one “impulse” I’m glad I followed! And then, I almost messed it up. I was settled into my Winchester apartment and so very happy to be officially part of the
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
RE: A recent Toronto Star article about correctional officers exacting revenge against inmates, here's an idea for Premier Doug Ford: How about focusing on the prisons and the antiquated facilities and treatment, instead of making sure that alcohol is readily available throughout the province, thus increasing your yearly tax income?
Here's another idea: How about working with mayors and municipalities in the province (there are important ones that are not spelled, T-O-R-O-N-T-O), instead of being confrontational and granting their requests only when you get inundated with letters of complaint from fed-up citizenry?
We know how this works, in North Grenville. We know how it feels to have your own government
give you the shaft and ignore all of your requests for due process.
Not a Big Fan of Doug Ford.
Signed, Peter Johnson
Dear Editor, I have come across yet another thorough debunking of the misleading campaign “Axe the Tax” posited by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party, this time by the Canadians For Tax Fairness. They have just released an information piece suggesting this “Axe the Tax” campaign has hit a wall. Earlier this month, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) released a report revealing that, in terms of fuel costs, the real driver of inflation is the volatility of international fuel prices, not the carbon tax. Their
community I loved so much. But I grew up in a place where recyclables were collected bi-weekly at the road in mixed containers. This was back when – in North Dundas – recycling was also biweekly, but the containers and cardboard still had to be separated. One week, when I put the recycling at the curb, I put the cardboard bin down with the containers bin over top. I then flattened a large box and put it on the containers bin at the top of the stack. My recycling load was rejected for “mixed” recyclables. I was annoyed, because I had taken the time to research the local rules, and meticulously separated containers and recyclables.
In a moment that I have since regarded as pure stupidity, I took to the local Facebook page. I don’t remember exactly what I wrote, but it was just honest feelings. I knew at the time that the Boyne Road Landfill was over capacity. I knew that, as a person who generated very little garbage, I could easily just stuff
findings suggest that of the $0.73 per litre increase in gas prices over a year, only $0.03 was due to the carbon tax, with the bulk attributed to fluctuations in the global market.
Added to this, last year corporate Canada raked in hundreds of billions in pre-tax profits, averaging over 12 percent during the pandemic, and remaining high in 2023, well above the pre-pandemic level of about 8 percent.
Corporate profits aren’t necessarily bad if they are used as a catalyst for economic growth, and stronger wages for workers. However, recent analysis shows that investment has stagnated, and instead, corporate Canada has repeatedly chosen to prioritize stock buybacks and dividend payments, activities known to worsen economic inequal-
all my recyclables into a large garbage bag and still be within my 2-bag limit the following week (don’t worry, I didn’t). I was upset that what I thought was an obvious flat piece of cardboard on top of my containers bin was considered mixed with my containers bin.
It was less than an hour before I had to take the post down. I was absolutely ostracized, ridiculed, and shamed for complaining about the local garbage collection. It seemed like everyone took it personally, as though I struck a nerve you simply can’t touch. How dare I?
To my memory, I wasn’t even complaining, I was just asking how strict the workers are, and how best to guarantee everything gets picked up in the future. At points, the comments got personal. I learned a lot that day, primarily about how to “fit in” to my community and not be seen as an outsider. Yes, there are imperfect things in North Dundas, but we don’t talk about them. The first rule of fight club is that you don’t talk
about fight club. Why is this coming out now, many years later? Because I believe that a healthy community needs honesty, not just rainbows and fluffy stuff. When the railway crossing on St. Lawrence Street in Winchester was being repaired on August 7, twice I accidentally went that way and had to make a uturn because there was no signage on the highway. Yes, there was signage pre-posted close to the crossing, but like most people, my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders early in the morning on the way to work, and it certainly isn’t thinking “oh yes, it’s August 7, I must detour”.
I noticed a social media post from someone with a similar concern –why let people turn into a busy through-road into town only to have them do a u-turn half a kilometre later? She was ridiculed and told that there were signs posted days in advance. Yes… not in the best location though. My own experience the second time I had to turn around was that the cross-
ing was still marked with “road closed” signs on my commute to work on the morning of August 8, even though the Township had posted the previous evening that the work was complete. I’m not asking for anyone to be shamed, but a blunder is a blunder. Can I at least mention it without being torn apart? What actually inspired these musings was the simple fact that… well… I’m afraid to say it… the railway crossing at St. Lawrence Street is still anything but smooth! I know these crews are under a lot of pressure, and no, I couldn’t have done a better job myself, but isn’t honesty the best policy? Shouldn’t we be able to say “yep, the crossing was repaired but they didn’t do the best job this time around” without being worried about the first rule of fight club?
I love my community and I’m all about strong community pride, but open discussions matter too. Instead of trying to make pickles with a jar of honey, let’s stop being afraid of vinegar.
ity. In 2023, non-financial corporations spent over two thirds of their profits on these activities, enriching their already wealthy owners, and deepening inequality.
This same research also indicated that the oil and gas industry profit margins were 17.6% in 2023, and grocery stores, traditionally a lowmargin industry, doubled their profit margins from 2.0% pre-pandemic, to 4.1% in 2023. You must wonder why the Federal government is so reluctant to tax these excess profits.
The “Axe the Tax” campaign also operates on the false notion that shifting monies pegged to tackle climate change would positively affect the economy. Even conservative estimates forecast a $100 billion annual reduction in Canada’s national income by 2055 due
Nanda Wubs Huizenga
to the most predictable costs of climate change. Just recently, Canada’s largest city experienced historic rainfall and flooding that brought the city to a halt. Damages to power systems, highways and subway systems are now estimated to cost the city of Toronto over $1 billion.
Canada’s price on carbon needs to be strengthened, not abandoned. It’s time to drop the slogans and lead with policies that tackle inequality and the climate crisis together. Unfortunately, when you remember the source of the slogan in question, it cannot be a surprise considering their undying support of the oil and gas industry, and corporate Canada in general. All at the expense of the rest of us.
Colin Creasey
Dear Editor,
I have read your recent article concerning the Chavez family of Chesterville. I agree with your comment about them seeking refuge in Canada. No doubt, they had to struggle in Mexico; not only to survive, but always under threat from a cartel.
The family seem like decent people; the children have assimilated into their community and from your
article, have made friends in the Chesterville area. I have some questions concerning Immigration practices. Mr. Chavez was here since 2018 and his family followed in 2021. This last date is three years ago, why has it taken Immigration this long to proceed with their deportation actions. Something seems amiss here.
Considering the immigration volume that has taken place in the past few years, one has to wonder about this case. How many of these “irregular immigrants” (as PM Trudeau has put it), have been returned to their place of origin? We have also heard of someone receiving a deportation order and then simply disappearing.
From my perspective, the policy on immigration in Canada appears to be somewhat foggy. Writing to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration or Eric Duncan would probably be an exercise in futility and be answered by a bureaucratic form letter. One has to hope that this family may be returned to Canada in the near future.
Thank you, Allan Meabry
$56,000 OTF grant helps Habitat for Humanity
On August 9, a representative for local MPP Nolan Quinn turned the key for Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties’ new van. He met with the Habitat team to learn more about the $56,000 Resiliency Fund Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to purchase a new vehicle. The project will build resiliency and sustainability to expand ReStore donation pick ups and assist with revenue generation opportunities.
“I’m pleased to see Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties acquire a new van, which will significantly enhance their operations. This vehicle will be immensely valuable as it allows staff to efficiently reach rural areas necessary
for collecting donations,” said MPP Nolan Quinn. “Our government firmly believes that everyone deserves a home, and Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties is doing an extraordinary job in making that belief a reality.”
Thanks to this contribution from OTF, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties has purchased and wrapped a new van that will be used across their service area. This vehicle will help ReStore staff and volunteers get to donation pick ups faster and in more rural locations. Revenue generation in general will be supported through ReStore donations, ReMove projects and more. All of this is in support of Habitat Cornwall’s affordable housing portfolio.
“We greatly appreciate
the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant means we are able to reach our valued donors faster and more efficiently, allowing Habitat Cornwall to make a greater, local impact. And that is made possible by funding this new vehicle,” says Leigh Taggart, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties.
As rental and housing prices continue to rise across the province, working with key community stakeholders to offer the opportunity for affordable housing is more important than ever. By increasing revenue through the ReStore, Habitat Cornwall is better supporting local, affordable housing, while also assisting with waste diversion.
“Whether it’s helping
people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Habitat for Humanity deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."
Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties is currently completing their 21st local, affordable home. Not only is this the 21st home, but the third active construction in 2024. Habitat Cornwall believes access to affordable housing is a basic human right and strives to make this a reality.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic wellbeing, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Life with Connor the Weatherman
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Life with Connor the Weatherman. This column will be yet another chase day story from my Chasecation to Tornado Alley this past May. Last column I talked about the best chase I’ve ever had on May 23rd, where we saw an amazing tornado and amazing storm structure. This next story comes from May 25th!
After our amazing day on May 23rd in Southwest-
ern Oklahoma, we actually drove to Texas to try and chase on the 24th. It wasn’t a guaranteed chase day, but we decided to try it out anyway because we were close to the target area, only 2 hours from where we stayed the night in Vernon, Texas. Nothing much ended up happening, just a few tornado warned storms, but none of them came close to producing anything. So, we drove back into Western Oklahoma for our May 25th target. We stayed the night in Elk City, Oklahoma, in an-
ticipation that May 25th could be the biggest day we’ve had yet on this trip. The Storm Prediction Centre in the US issued a Moderate Risk for severe weather (level 4 out of 5), with a 15% chance for strong to violent tornadoes in Western and Central Oklahoma. All signs were pointing to a crazy day.
The team woke up at 9:00am on the 25th to have a meeting as a team as to how we wanted to play the day out, considering this was the biggest risk for tornadoes of the trip, and we wanted to
$4.44 million more! We can do it… together!
Dundas Manor resident Joan Dunlop likes to plan ahead. So she’s keeping tabs on the construction of the new Dundas Manor. After all, she will soon call it home. “On my first day, I’m going to lay down on my new bed, read and eat candy,” Joan smiles.
Joan says she can’t wait for all the new and improved things the new home will provide. And as the exterior takes shape, attention is turning inward. Planning is moving from the bricks and mortar to everything that is needed inside the new home – from furniture to flowers to even forks. Gifts to the Expanding the Circle of Compassionate Care campaign will help with that too.
stay safe. We talked, looked at models, and decided that we actually didn’t even need to leave Elk City where we had slept the night. So we hung around, went and had lunch at a burger joint, got filled up with gas, and played the waiting game.
Eventually, storms started to fire in the Texas Panhandle and moved towards the Oklahoma border. Our target storm ended up being a bit further north than we were, so we drove to a small town called Vici, Oklahoma and waited for the storm to come right at us. It was showing signs of rotation as it came at us, as we could see it on the radar. It looked good initially, until the storm started to kind of split in half.
We drove further to the east of Vici, near Mutual, Oklahoma, and the storm started to get its act back together very fast. We saw the rotating occlusion from
fundraising efforts right alongside the construction work. As the walls go up, so do the gifts for Dundas Manor. We’re not there yet, but we know we can do it –together!”
“It’s a beehive of activity and we are so proud to show off the new Dundas Manor to our community,” adds Dundas Manor Administrator Susan Poirier. “There is so much to do, and the campaign will support the purchase of everything from new beds to new curtains to new patio furniture – everything we need to make Dundas Manor a comfy home for our residents. They deserve nothing less.”
“We are grateful to everyone in the community who is supporting the campaign to build the new Dundas Manor and everyone who is considering making a gift,” sums up Kristen Casselman. “If you have given a gift, thank you. If you can give a little more, that would be wonderful too. We need everyone’s help to make this dream a reality for the residents and our community. Please help us keep the magic going!”
“We are in the home stretch, with just $4.44 million more to go,” says WDMH Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman. “The WDMH Foundation continues to lead the
afar start to ramp up quickly, and soon thereafter, a weak elephant trunk tornado touched down right near Mutual, Oklahoma (elephant trunk meaning a small and long tornado). We were a few miles away from the tornado, but close enough to see the circulation on the ground and snap a few photos of it.
That tornado would be the only tornado that storm would produce. The storm struggled for its entire life cycle afterwards, due to so many other storms being around, and interactions between them and our storm hindered it from developing further and dropping more tornadoes.
As a whole, the day did not go as planned for every
For more details about the Dundas Manor campaign, please visit www. dundasmanordream.ca or contact the WDMH Foundation team at 613-774-2422 ext. 6169. To chat about how you can help fundraise for Dundas Manor, please contact Cindy Ault Peters at 343-572-6345 or cpeters@ wdmh.on.ca.
storm. There were more storms than models predicted, so the environment was not as clean as it should have been. There were only a few tornadoes in Oklahoma, and about 10 in Texas, so in hindsight, Texas actually ended up being the better target.
After our chase, we stayed the night in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was supposed to be our final night of the trip. We ended up extending the trip another day, but that will be another story in itself (that day actually contributes to multiple stories, some funny, some painful). I will talk to you all in a couple weeks. Thanks for reading!
featuring Connor Mockett
Help keep your child on track with their school routine
by Brandon Mayer
School isn’t just about book learning. It’s healthy for kids in ways that are too many to count. Much like adults, children and youth need vacation, and the summer provides exactly that. It’s a mental and physical break from the stresses of everyday life. For working parents who put in 8+ hours a day in a high stress job, we may be inclined to ask –what stresses?
We may get envious of our kids who have a 6 hour day that includes at least 90 minutes of rest or play time. However, it’s important for us to remember that kids are kids! As psychologist Jean Piaget put it: “Play is the work of children”. All of the experiential learning (motor skills, social skills, healthy active time, etc) that takes place in conjunction with book learning at school is hard work for our young,
developing friends. And it’s also extremely important and healthy for them!
While the 3 major school breaks each year – summer, Christmas, and March break – are all very important for selfcare in much the same way as adults must take vacations, we can’t underestimate how valuable it is for kids to get back into the school routine in September.
School provides:
- Social experiences and the continued development of social skills
- A reason for stricter and better enforced bedtimes
- Experience in the art of sitting still and paying attention
- A set schedule
- Individual responsibilities, such as completing homework and getting to class on time
- A guaranteed lengthy period away from screen time
Some kids may not be excited about the return to school, but they’re probably not excited when being told that ice cream is not an appropriate breakfast option, either! It’s the job of parents to guide our kids in what is best for them, and regular school attendance certainly makes the cut.
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School refusal due to anxiety is common, especially in kindergarten. Separation Anxiety Disorder can often onset in middle childhood as well. A basic tenet of psychology is that the only effective treatment for anxiety is exposure. That is to say: don’t reassure your child that you can pick them up any time they are feel anxious, and don’t fall into the trap of taking a “reset day” at home, thinking your child will want to attend school tomorrow. It can be hard, but the best approach is to push through, and ensure your child attends school every day. The anxiety will subside.
For any stay-at-home parents or those paying high summer childcare costs, don’t worry –you’ve made it this far, and it’s almost time to breathe!
U14/U16 local soccer team takes home the trophy
by Brandon Mayer
It was a different kind of soccer season this year for North Dundas youth in the U14/U16 division. With just two local teams, the players on both sides really got to know each other, since they played each other every week! Few introductions were needed, since in such
an advanced age group, most of the players had known each other for years.
The two teams this year were Gold and Orange. The Orange team was strong throughout the season, taking all but one of the wins in the weekly matches between the beginning of June and the end of July. Already very well versed in soccer skills, the players this year were
by Mary Lennox
A Luncheon was held on August 14 at Millview Apartments in Winchester for Phyllis MacIntosh, who celebrated her 99th birthday on August 16.
Councillor Gary Annable presented Phyllis with Certificates from MP Eric Duncan, MPP Nolan Quinn, and Mayor Tony Fraser.
The Night Train Big Band Summer Concert 2024
On Wednesday, August 28th, the Night Train Big Band returns to the stage to celebrate its 46th anniversary. This band, which had its humble beginnings in Winchester in the summer of 1978, is structured like a conventional big band, with trumpets, trombones, saxes, piano, bass, and drums. But they are not your 1940's tribute swing band! Rather, this band draws on music from the\ last 8 decades – featuring everything from Glenn Miller to Lady Gaga, Sinatra to Bily Joel, and the Beatles to the Blues Brothers.
When asked what kind of music they play, Al Lummiss, the musical director, often replies, "We play the music of your life. The songs we all grew up listening to and that still hold a special spot in our lives."
Join the band for their annual summer concert as they bring their brand of big band fun to the Winchester United Church (519 St. Lawrence Street, Winchester) for one night only on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:00 pm.
This is "pay what you can" event. See you there!
working on functioning as a team and supporting each other, while avoiding the temptation to just stand by and watch an interesting play unfold.
In the final match of the season on July 29, an official referee was hired for what was to be the only “official” game of the season – winner takes all. The Gold team pounded out a surprise win,
taking home the trophy with a score of 5-2.
Congratulations to the Gold team, and great job to all youth who participate in local sports. There is no healthier way to get out and enjoy what your community has to offer!
It’s one of our favourite days of the year – and this day has happened for the past 20 years! On August 12th, more than 60 tractors passed by Dundas Manor as part of Farmer John Cinnamon’s tractor parade.
“Farmer John and Grandma Linda have been organizing this event for two decades and we can’t thank them enough,” notes Jennifer Hill, Activity Programs and Services Director. “Everyone loves a parade!”
Residents lined the front of the home and peered out windows as the flotilla of tractors went by, including some true antiques on a flatbed truck.
“Thank you as well to the Dundas Manor team members who worked so hard to get as many residents as possible outdoors for the event,” adds Administrator Susan Porier “All the smiles and waves were definitely worth it. We already can’t wait until next year!”
Chesterville fair 2024 Schedule of Events
4:00
4:00
5:30
6:00
Pull Registration Opens
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Music at the BGM Entertainment Tent
7:00 pm Truck Pull
9:00 pm – 1:00 am Friday Night Headliner: The Junction Boys Saturday, August 24th
9:00 am – 9:00 pm Agricultural Hall Opens!
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Summer Spotlight Junior Dairy Show
9:00 am – 3:30 pm Horse Show
10:30 am – 5:00 pm Chainsaw Carver
10:30 am – 5:00 pm Blacksmith
10:00 am – 6:00 pm Get Up & Grow On Pousse @ the Ag Hall
10:30 am – 6:00 pm Kids Crafts @ The Kids Zone Tent
11:00 am – 8:00 pm Midway Opens
11:00 am -8:30 pm Music throughout the day at the BGM Entertainment Tent!
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm Zoo Crew!
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Karaoke Competition starts at the BGM Entertainment Tent!
1:30 pm Magic Show @ The Kids Zone Tent
3:30 pm Magic Show @ The Kids Zone Tent
5:30 pm Magic Show @ The Kids Zone Tent
6:30 pm Demolition Derby Registration Opens!
7:30 pm Demolition Derby Starts!
9:00 pm – 1:00 am Saturday Night Headliner – The County Lads
Sunday, August 25th
8:00 am – 9:00 am Tractor Pull Registration Opens
8:00 am – 10:00 am Sheep Registration for Sheep Show Opens
9:00 am – 4:00pm Agricultural Hall With Homecraft and Displays
9:00 am – 10:30 am Church Service
9:00 am – 10:30 am Baby Show Registration Opens @ The Kids Zone Tent
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Sheep Show Begins @ the Barn
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Zoo Crew
11:00 am – 3:00 pm Get up & Grow on Pousse @ The Ag Hall!
9:00 am – 12:45 pm Tractor Pull Begins
11:00 am Baby Show Begins
11:00 am – 3:30 pm Midway Opens
11:00 am – 4:00 pm Music Through the day @ The BGM Entertainment Tent
1:00 pm RCMP Musical Ride Begins
1:30 pm Magic Show @ The Kids Zone Tent
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Kids Crafts @ The Kids Tent
3:30 pm Magic Show @ The Kids Zone Tent
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Homecraft Pickup
Cheers to solidarity
by Jeff Brownlee
As a frequent customer of a number of LCBOs in the region, I feel compelled to comment on a recent oped about the LCBO strike, and share some MORE facts about alcohol modernization in the province.
I’m not surprised, yet happy that the author of the piece has found a new sense of solidarity with her 10,000 union brothers and sisters after walking out on the job, leaving Ontarians definitely not “stupid, drunk and poor,” but high and dry for two weeks, during the peak of summer – all in the name of trying to protect the monopoly on ready-to-drink beverages.
Congratulations. And good luck on your continued fight – whatever that is.
Last time I checked, OPSEU LCBO members ratified a “sweet deal” agreement that includes decent wage hikes along with no retail store closures as a result of alcohol expansion. So, maybe the fight is to keep the LCBO as the main retailer of beverage alcohol? Well, that’s not a fight, it’s a reality and won’t change anytime soon.
Maybe the fight is to better serve the public? Oh wait, not once did the union ever mention the word consumer during the walkout.
So begs the question, why fight something that Ontarians want? It’s unfortunate that alcohol modernization has turned into a massive political football for all sides to kick around and distort the facts. Regardless of the motives,
and regardless of political affiliation, the stark reality is that modernizing Ontario’s antiquated beverage alcohol system is long overdue, will benefit the province and give Ontarians enhanced choice and convenience not only that we deserve, but have been craving for decades.
And despite what skeptics think, it’s a fact that tinkering around the edges with the current retail model for alcohol will also generate money for both the provincial and federal governments – more than $200 million per year – and it will create jobs.
Speaking of jobs, in the private sector, governments don’t create jobs. Nor do businesses and definitely not unions. Consumers create jobs. And if the LCBO wants to be in the retail space, continuing to serve the public, it needs to embrace that fact. Bottom line.
The LCBO is a vital Crown Corporation that generates billions annually for the provincial government because it is the exclusive wholesaler of alcoholic products for retail, bars and restaurants. Yes, you read that correctly – it has a monopoly. That means that it ensures that it makes money on every bottle, can or box that is sold in the province, regardless of what establishment sells it. Despite the union hyperbole, no government (regardless of political stripes) would drastically change a system that generates billions for public coffers.
During the strike, the biggest complaint by the union was that it was wor-
ried about jobs because it doesn’t want the status quo to change, namely it doesn’t want ANY competition with the sale of ready-to-drink beverages in other retail outlets.
How it can be afraid of a “little competition” when it has a massive competitive advantage in the industry is literally beyond comprehension.
Ready-to-drink coolers, beer and wine in convenience and grocery outlets will not drastically impact traffic at LCBO outlets. Nor will it result in a huge loss of revenue at the LCBO, especially as the union decried, “Lining the pockets of CEOs instead of going to government programs.”
The modernization of alcohol in the province will enable LCBO retail stores to sell 12 and 24-packs of beer. Yet, that’s a fact that strangely enough wasn’t promoted by the union or in the media during the strike. Or ever.
Here’s some food for thought. Instead of fighting change and being afraid of it, why not embrace it and figure out how to better serve the customer – ensure you are the gold-standard when it comes to the retail sales of alcohol. You are public servants after all. The CEO of the LCBO agrees: “There are many points of sale today that the LCBO is competing with, and that’s music to my ears. Competition will ultimately challenge my people to raise the bar,” he told the Toronto Star earlier this year. Raising the bar – why is that so wrong?
Imagine though if LCBO workers embraced the words of the CEO, welcomed a little competition, and committed to improving the retail experience for Ontarians, raising that proverbial bar, instead of “keeping up the fight” to hold onto to the status quo while pointing the finger at the government of the day. More consumers would come in droves. And more jobs would follow. And that translates into more money for government programs. The LCBO will continue to ensure it gets its share on every product sold, regardless of where they are retailed.
If LCBO retail outlets can’t compete with grocery and convenience despite their huge competitive advantages, there’s something drastically wrong with the retail model and they either fix it or get out of the retail business altogether. Regardless, the Crown Corporation would still generate billions for the government.
Despite the talking points of the union, why not accept that convenience and grocery stores are professionals at selling agerestricted products already. They’ve been selling tobacco and lottery here in Ontario, and beer as well as wine in Quebec for years. Apparently, it’s easier to complain and keep on fighting the good fight with your brothers and sisters which would keep Ontario in a more monopolistic, prohibition-era alcohol regime that even our grandfathers complained about.
Cheers to solidarity.
Change on the horizon
by Brandon Mayer
The North Dundas local business scene is changing rapidly lately. New small businesses are opening frequently, including “The Odd Shop” in downtown Winchester, a new arts and crafts store just outside of Winchester, and a new video game store in Chesterville.
The local food scene is changing as well, with shawarma added to downtown Winchester, and C&C Pizza Factory taking over from the former Big Mamas in Chesterville.
More recently, Winchester residents surely noticed that the building which formerly housed the Winchester Press will used be turned into the town’s third pharmacy.
There are now “sold” signs on the Chesterville Fat Les location, which is listed online as being permanently closed. The location had opened just two years ago.
With much growth, a little bit of loss, and plenty of change, it’s clear that the small business sector in North Dundas is functioning normally. Sometimes change on the horizon represents growth of a community, and we should all be proud to be along for the ride.
Donna Dulcie O’Halloran December 20, 1946-August 14, 2024
Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre in Cornwall on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Donna O’Halloran (nee Marriner) of Winchester, age 77. Beloved wife of the late Walter O’Halloran. Loving mother of Stephen Simpson (Rhonda) of Chesterville and Stephanie Antille (Andrew Holloran) of Winchester. Dear sister-in-law of Gordon Turner of Winchester. Donna will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Liam, Ryan, Addison, Morgan, Taylor, Alex and Eyrin. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Irene Marriner (nee Strutt) and her twin sister Diane Turner. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service will be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. If you are making your donation online or by cheque directly to the charity, please include the following note with your gift “please notify the family”. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.
Allan Hutchinson September 13, 1936- August 3, 2024
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, Robert Allan Hutchinson entered his eternal home in heaven and met his Lord and Saviour. Al was the dedicated husband of the late Olive Derby Hutchinson for 58 years. He was a faithful father to his three biological children: Mark (Emily), Martha (Roger) Hutchinson-Patterson, Blair (Karen) and his chosen daughter, Vicki (Jerry) Loewen. Al will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Loewen, Melissa (JD) Goodzeck, Rebecca Loewen, Mallory (Curtis) Guichet, Willowna, Jared, Austin, Esther, and Emmalyn Hutchinson.
Al was the son of the late Ross and Matie Hutchinson of Winchester, Ontario. He was predeceased by his brother, Gord, and is survived by his brothers, Rev. Roydon (Norma) Hutchinson, John (Cheryl) Hutchinson, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Hutchinson. Al will be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Al was a steadfast and hardworking man who served the Lord, his family and his community as he farmed for 62 years on his treasured Derbydale Farm on Maple Ridge Road, Winchester, Ontario.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all who provided exceptional care: Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Jessika Barnard (CCAC), Paramed Personal Support Workers, and Doctors Mary Naciuk and Shelby Allison.
Family and friends visited the Winchester Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry funeral home on August 8, 2024. On August 9, a celebration of life service and a reception were held at Harmony Community Church. The burial took place at Maple Ridge Cemetery.
The family appreciated the following thoughtful gestures: food, cards, phone calls, flowers, visits, and donations to the Dundas Manor Building Fund and the Harmony Community Church.
What is the difference between vitamins D, D2, and D3?
Healthcare worker morale plummets
How many times have we seen people in a pharmacy looking at the D vitamins. They’re standing on one foot and then the other and wondering which one to purchase. They are not alone. Let’s start with D.
Vitamin D is very important for human health. One of its primary purposes is the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to keep bones healthy and strong. If we develop a deficiency in these two minerals as we age, our bones lose their strength year after year, and we develop a disease called osteoporosis, meaning week bones. This can result in bone fractures, and it may lead to spending time in a wheelchair.
Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the skin that trigger the production of vitamin D in the body. The best way to get D is to get out in the sunlight. Exposing your skin to the sun, without sunscreen, for 15 minutes a few times a week, to generate vitamin D is an effective way to maintain bones. You also get D from eating fish, egg yolks, meats and fortified cereals, and from drinking milk and
orange juice. If you are on a vegan diet, it’s harder to get D from foods. Vegans need vitamin D supplements.
The next question is, what is the difference between D2 and D3? They have different molecular structures. But here is the surprise. They are metabolized by your liver and kidneys into the same active form of vitamin D! So they also support good health through the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to increase bone and muscle strength.
There are other benefits. These vitamins support the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. Remember we have told you again and again that high doses of C increase immunity. Now we can add that D2 and D3, by becoming D, also fight immunity. This is an important point as today an increasing number of people are developing diseases due to a lack of immunity.
Vitamin D also helps to regulate blood sugar, support brain function, increase cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of certain cancers.
The sun is so vital a source. Those who live in
PSA Testing - FREE
If you are a man over 40, save Saturday, Sep 14 for a FREE PSA (Prostatespecific antigen) blood test. Join us at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, 556 Louise Street in Winchester from 8am-11am for a Prostate Cancer Awareness Clinic. Parking is free for clinic attendees.
Nurses, unit clerks and community volunteers will be on site to share information and give a simple blood test to monitor your prostate health. As in previous years, the blood tests will be taken in the chemotherapy unit,
northern climates won’t get much D from the sun during the winter, even if standing out naked and freezing! The problem for indoor elderly people is compounded by aging skin and organs that don’t function as effectively.
Does it matter which vitamin D supplement you purchase? It’s not one of the great decisions we have to make in life. There is some research that shows that D3 is more easily absorbed by the body and is therefore more effective.
What’s more important is that you talk with your doctor about this vitamin, as some medications, such as steroids and statins, can involve interactions.
In general, what is the recommended dosage? The first thing to remember is that vitamin D is fat soluble, unlike vitamin C which is water soluble. This means that vitamin D is stored in the body. This also means that it can build up in the body and lead to vitamin D toxicity, which can harm your health. For children 1 to 18 and for adults, the dosage is 600 IU (15 micrograms). If you are 70 or over, it increases to 800 IU (20 microgram).
Many people are afraid of the sun due to the potential development of malignant melanomas. But researchers have also shown a relationship between skin cancers and low vitamin D levels. So over abstinence, moderation is the answer.
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which is in the “outpatient registration” area of Winchester District Memorial Hospital.
Please bring your health card and a current email address (if you have one). Each participant will be registered by a unit clerk.
Part of the registration will include sending a link to your email to activate a myChart account.
There is a short video about PSA testing by Dr. Morash (Urologist from The Ottawa Hospital) that you will be asked to watch in the outpatient waiting room. Participants will then
from CommunityWire
A new peer-reviewed study released today in Kingston warns that Ontario’s hospital workers, most of whom are women, are in deep turmoil as they labour through an intensifying staffing crisis that is harming their well-being and compromising patient care.
Running on Empty, published in New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, is co-authored by Dr. Margaret Keith and Dr. James Brophy, who since 2017 have spearheaded three previous studies on working conditions in Ontario’s health care sector. Dr. Craig Slatin, a U.S. health researcher, is a co-investigator.
“Health care workers are warning us about the future of our public system,” said Dr. Keith. “They expressed a profound sense of dissatisfaction, despair, sorrow, anger, and frustration about their working conditions and the quality of patient care. There was an overarching sense of being unsupported, overworked, and disrespected, which is being driven by chronic underfunding and understaffing.”
Ontario ranks at or near the bottom of the country in key healthcare funding measures and has the lowest per-person hospital spending of any province, with 18 per cent less hospital staff compared to the rest of Canada, noted Dr. Keith.
The study says that although staffing concerns predate the pandemic, working conditions have worsened since 2020 as patient volumes have surged without a sufficient increase in staffing. Consequently, workers
come into the chemo unit and have their blood drawn (one tube) by a nurse. This blood will be collected in our computer system and sent off to the lab for processing. With the hospital's Epic system, participants who create a myChart account will be able to view their results online within about a week. Those who do not use email or myChart, will expect to have their results mailed to them within 3-4 weeks, as we have done in previous years. Results of the blood test will be automatically sent to Dr. Elzayat, our urologist overseeing the
are perpetually asked to take care of more patients and work overtime, causing exhaustion and burnout.
A worker quoted in the study said, “Our phones never stop ringing being asked if we can come in and cover a shift. You can be leaving work and get a call before you even get to the parking lot asking, ‘Can you stay?’ You can do that once in a while, but it’s literally every day.’”
As staffing shortages cause unprecedented emergency room closures, long wait-times, and higher number of patients per staff, workers witness a marked decline in quality of care. An operating room nurse told the researchers:
“We see individuals who have been sitting in their beds for a day or two, sometimes three or four, because the operating rooms get so clogged. And when that individual gets to us, they’re so filthy, they reek of their own feces. The beds haven’t been changed or the individual has not been properly turned and positioned. They’re getting pressure ulcers, which a patient should never get in the hospital.”
The research was done in collaboration with the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions-Canadian Union of Public Employees (OCHUCUPE), based on extensive interviews with 26 hospital workers including nurses, personal support workers, housekeepers and clerical staff.
The findings of the qualitative study complemented recent polling of 775 OCHU-CUPE members.
Survey results for Kingston hospital workers showed that 70 per cent have anxiety, 43 per cent dread going to work, and 50 per cent have trouble sleeping.
what is particularly jarring is the feeling of being abandoned by the government and often their own employers,” said Dr. Brophy. “It’s like your house is on fire, and everyone can see it, but no one’s coming to help. It makes you lose faith in the system.”
The sense of hopelessness and despair among workers is captured in numerous quotes peppered throughout the study. A trauma department nurse said, “You think it can’t get any worse - and it just got worse. I was going through increasing panic attacks before work, crying before I got out of the car. I loved going to work when I first started. Now I dread it.”
Michael Hurley, coauthor and president of OCHU-CUPE, said that he was “stricken by the government’s relaxed attitude towards the staffing crisis”, noting that a leaked document from earlier this year showed Ontario would face a shortfall of 20,700 nurses and nearly 50,000 personal support workers by 2027.
event, as well as the participants' family physician to determine if any further follow up is needed.
As always, participants may call Claudia Gasper (WDMH's cancer coach), Dr. Elzayat, or their family physician if they have any questions about the result of their test. These contact numbers will be sent via myChart message or regular mail post event.
This special awareness event is presented by the Winchester District Memorial Hospital with the support of the Ottawa Motorcycle Ride For Dad, the Nation
“The sharp decline in their working conditions is harming their mental and physical well-being. But
Valley ATV Club, the Black Walnut Prostate Cancer Support Group, and Prostate Cancer Support Ottawa.
We hope to see you there as we fight prostate cancer together and keep families together.
“The impact of the staffing shortages is felt every day by hospital patients and their families, and these problems will only get worse if they remain unaddressed,” Hurley said. “You’d think that the government would be acting on a war footing and taking bold steps to ramp up recruitment and retention. That they would legislate nurse-to-patient ratios to protect morale and give nurses confidence that they can provide quality care; that they would ensure wages keep up with inflation, rather than continue real cuts to income, and that they would offer free tuition, pay while training, and [support] a massive expansion in nursing and allied training programs.”
Instead, he said, Ontario continues to “witness real dollar funding cuts that are strangling the health care system” and causing staff to leave in despair by the thousands.
“We have seen some tinkering from the province, but nothing commensurate with the severity of the crisis. We had an astounding 870 emergency room closures last year, and we cannot allow that to become acceptable,” he said. “The government must act now.”
For Rent
Beautiful 1400 sq.ft. Apartment for Rent in Chesterville. 2+1 bedrooms in a triplex. Bright kitchen with Laurysen cabinets, fridge, stove, laundry on site. Tenant controls energy efficient utilities. Lots of parking with snow removal. Large backyard with lawn mowed. References. First and last. $2000.00 monthly.
613-448-2350
CHURCH Directory
Southgate Winchester Campus
539 Main Street, Winchester Phone: 613-258-6123
https://southgatechurch.com/ Services: Sundays at 10am (Kids program for toddlers - Gr 6)
Play Group for parents of babies to preschool meets Wednesdays at 10am.
The Pulse Youth (Gr 6 -12) meets bi-weekly on Fridays at 7pm.
The Ladies Group meets bimonthly. Contact the church office for more info
The Gathering House 2 Water Street
Chesterville, ON K0C 1H0
613-448-1758 Sunday church service 10 am. Nursery and Sunday school available for children.
Various adult Bible studies throughout the week. Details at thegatheringhouse.ca
STEM program & Youth group Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chesterville Fair. Experience the heart of the community at the 2024 Chesterville Fair! August 23rd - 25th For details go to https://www.chestervillefair.com/ Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario
The Fall session of the Seaway Valley Singers begins on Wednesday September 4. Rehearsals Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Christian Reformed Church, Williamsburg. Come try us out. Info 613-220-3420, www. seawayvalleysingers.ca.
Savour the Field: Au Coeur du Champ" event at Simply Baked Catering. September 7th, 10am-4pm.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Event September 14 8-11am FREE PSA Testing! If you are a man over 40, save Saturday, Sept. 14th for a FREE PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Join us at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, 556 Louise Street, Winchester, Ontario. Parking is free for clinic attendees.
Music in the Park Sept 14 Spencer Scharf 10:30am/1:30 pm 100 club Park sponsored by Lofty Nest./ No Limits Auto Parts/ Precision Diesel
Winchester Raises the Roof We are so excited and grateful for this special event in support of the new Dundas Manor! Saturday, September 14th from 10 am to 9 pm
The Ontario Provincial Police’s Golden Helmets Precision Motorcycle Team will bring its family-oriented spectacle to downtown Winchester
Other scheduled events: Garden Party Market, Fries for Charity, Winchester Bike Night
More information on the day’s events can be found at https://bit.ly/raisetheroof4dundasmanor.
Kutebah
ACROSS
1. An abandoned calf or lamb
5. Garbage
10. Brute
14. Cain's brother
15. Hawaiian greeting
16. Bucket
17. Undersea sailor
19. Cans
20. Estimated (abbrev.)
21. Lawn covering
22. Door pivot
23. Cravings
25. Any factual evidence
27. Lair
28. Every 2 years
31. Landslide detritus
34. Starting handle
35. Falsehood
Playgroup drop in 10:30 am on Fridays
HUB youth drop in 7 -10 pm
Fridays
Cafe Mon & Fri 9 am -4 pm Wed 12 -4 pm
Solomon’ Porch
Nationside Pentecostal Church
Pastor Scott Sayers
Meeting Sunday 10:30am. 9 William St. Chesterville, Ont. ( The Nelson LaPrade Centre) Box 292 Chesterville 613-448-2272 nationsidepentecostalchurch.ca
Winchester Pastoral Charge Winchester United
Church/Hope Springs
United Church
Summer Schedule- all services at 10:00 a.m.
July 7 Winchester United July14 Hope Springs U.C. July 21 Winchester United July 28 Hope Springs U.C. Aug. 4 Winchester United Aug 11 Hope Springs U.C. Aug 18 Winchester United Aug 25 Hope Springs U.C.
Winchester Baptist Church
486 Main Street, Winchester Phone: 343-649-2204
https://m.facebook.com/groups/ WinchesterBaptistOnt/ Services: Sundays at 11:00
(hymn sing 10:45)
“Snack and chat” (lunch) after the service on the last Sunday of every month
Join us for prayer every Tuesday evening anytime between 6:30pm and 8:00pm Come and celebrate with us the 165th anniversary of our congregation, Sunday September 15, 2024 at the 11:00 service
36. Fertilizer component
37. Accomplishing
38. L L L L
39. Carpet
40. Monetary units of Serbia
41. Secret meeting
42. Teacher
44. 18-wheeler
45. Neighborhood
46. Leg artery
50. Bias
52. Rent
54. Whichever
55. Unit of power
56. Air-intake device
58. Affirm
59. Coral reef
60. Assistant
61. Plateau
62. Assail
63. Foot digits
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Enclosed
2. Bad treatment
3. Arrears
4. Type of tree
5. Colony of rabbits
6. Assumed name
7. Male offspring
8. Actors
9. Hearing organ
10. Choice
11. Profitably
12. Finger jewelry
13. Apart from this 18. Acquiesce
22. Blow a car horn
24. Bright thought
26. Sounded a bell
28. A very prickly woody vine
29. Afflicts
30. For fear that
31. Certain
32. Gunk
33. Governs
34. Having a corolla
37. Information
38. Therefore
40. Agreement
41. Countdown clock
43. Against
44. Answer
46. Legend
47. Relative magnitudes
48. Battery terminal
49. Harps
50. Propelled through the water
51. Wash
53. "Aeneid" figure
56. Taxi
57. Consume food
Summer tour highlights diversity of Ontario’s agriculture
by Louis Roesch, Director, OFA
Ontario is a large province, and its geography is as diverse as its people. That diversity is also evident when it comes to agriculture. Ontario’s farmers produce more than 200 different agricultural commodities, from milk, eggs and meat, to fruits, vegetables, flowers, crops for feed and fuel, and more.
My family and I farm in southwestern Ontario, and I also represent farmers from Essex and Chatham-Kent on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). We’re an advocacy organization that speaks on behalf of Ontario farmers, bringing agricultural and rural issues to the attention of policymakers.
I am joined at the board table by 17 fellow directors who come from all regions of the province, and we are each most knowledgeable about our own local areas. However, as directors, we collectively make decisions about the priorities and policies of our organization on local, provincial
and federal issues.
That means we must also know about the issues, challenges and opportunities happening in other parts of Ontario, and although we can do that by reading, talking and listening, nothing beats the impact of a first-hand experience.
That’s why the OFA hosts a summer meeting and tour for its directors in a different region of the province every year –and this year, I’m pleased and proud to welcome my fellow board members to Southwestern Ontario for a tour of farms and agricultural businesses in our area.
There are many things that set our region apart, but one of the biggest is our climate. Because of our southern location, our growing season is about two months longer than that of our fellow farmers in Northern Ontario. We can start planting potatoes and sugar beets as early as March for example, if the soil is ready.
As well, we can grow a second field crop after green peas, winter canola or winter wheat once the first one is harvested, and the climate is warm and sunny enough that we can grow crops here that aren’t found in other parts of the province, like sugar beets.
We’re known for our field-processing vegetable production, from toma-
toes, cucumbers and peas, to sweet corn, green beans and more. In fact, more than 90 per cent of processing tomatoes grown in Canada come from Chatham-Kent and Essex – that’s about 400,000 tons of tomatoes with a farm gate value estimated at $360 million.
We also produce most of Canada’s processing peas, green beans, sweet corn and pickling cucumbers, and we are the only region in the country that grows seed corn.
In addition to fresh vegetables like brussels sprouts and carrots, the Lake Erie shore is ideal for growing fruit like apples and peaches, and is the site of one of Ontario’s designated wine regions.
And of course, the Leamington area is home to one of North America’s largest greenhouse clusters, growing mainly peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers indoors, but also increasingly strawberries and other crops. More than 70 percent of that greenhouse vegetable production is exported, feeding people down the U.S. eastern seaboard and beyond.
The land in this part of Ontario is very flat and you’ll find a significant number of the province’s man-made drains, dikes, water pumping schemes and bridges down here.
This diversity of farm-
ing spells opportunity, and our proximity to the U.S. border means farmers in this area have both unique potential and unique challenges not all other regions share.
At the same time, getting to know other parts of the province lets us discover that we share some commonalities we didn’t know existed.
Last year, we visited Eastern Ontario, where farmers deal with railway crossing problems not unlike in my region, and also face decreasing availability of farm business services like veterinary care and meat processing.
The year before, we were hosted in the Niagara Region, home to most of our edible horticulture production, as well as the Welland Canal and a major exporting port in nearby Hamilton.
These are important issues and dynamics to know about and understand when you’re faced with making decisions that can impact the entire agriculture sector in the province.
The Essex Federation of Agriculture, the host of this year’s event, organized the very first tour for OFA board members and since then, it’s become an anticipated and interesting part of our annual event calendar.
Baldwin's Birds
Birds on the go!
The recent changeable weather has altered some of our birds’ regular patterns of activity, as their young have finally fledged and are now making their own way in the avian world, of which they are such an important part. They are no longer the unruly teenagers they once were, but are now slightly older and wiser birds, competing to establish their own "pecking order" in the hierarchy of their particular society! Of course, the usual center of attention is whatever food they can find and compete for, so with their increased numbers, things can get a bit more tense on that account! Obviously,
many of the juveniles have to move away to a new territory in order to be able to fend for themselves and not have to compete with their own parents, as they too seek food.
Food, of course, is not the only concern for the birds, as we ourselves know of the necessity to find water, especially on these very hot days that we have been experiencing. Our birdbaths and other water-containing vessels become very important to them and us, as you well know, when these days are upon us and we all seek some sort of relief from the heat and subsequent dryness that ensues! Bird baths
become very busy all of a sudden and birds we don't normally associate with bathing or drinking from them either "take the plunge ", or take a drink, which is what I have witnessed quite a lot of recently.
Grackles gather as families on the side of the birdbath and one of them might be brave enough to get in and, in its exuberance, splash the others! Great fun!
Another less adventurous bird to land on the bath was a Downy Woodpecker, who nervously sipped the water to slake its thirst, after eating some very dry peanuts at one of my feeders! Of course, to do this it had to stand, in an
Pet of the week
upright position (or as near as it could be) to do this, which is quite an unusual physical body attitude for it to be in! Well, it succeeded and took a long drink from the bath before flying off. A lovely unusual sight to behold, for the short period of time which had elapsed, from its landing to its departure.
Maybe you too have seen some unusual bird behaviour, in this respect, during the abnormal heatwave. I hope so, but stay safe and well, whilst doing so. Stay cool and enjoy!
Cheers, John Baldwin
My sweet boy, Catticus Submitted by Melissa Penney