Issue 1 2025 January 16 NG Times by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre for HoL

by Nancy Morgan

The House of Lazarus

Kemptville Hub is excited to announce a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre fundraiser on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. John’s United Church at 400 Prescott Street, Kemptville. This event aims to raise essential funds for the Kemptville Hub, which provides vital services such as income tax

assistance, housing support, and food security solutions to individuals and families in need.

Chili Tasting (5:00 PM): Sample and vote for the best chili recipes from local businesses.

Murder Mystery Show (7:30 PM): Enjoy "A Killing in Kemptville," performed by the North Grenville Community Theatre, the lon-

gest-running amateur theatre group in the area, committed to increasing awareness of community theatre through their engaging productions.

Ticket Information: Price: $50 per person. Purchase Tickets: Call Chris at 613258-7559 to reserve your spot.

About the House of Lazarus Kemptville Hub: Located in the heart of

Old Downtown Kemptville, the Kemptville Hub is an extension of the House of Lazarus, a community outreach mission dedicated to providing food, clothing, household goods, and housing support to those in need.

About the North Grenville Community Theatre:

The North Grenville Community Theatre is the longest-running amateur theatre group in the area, committed to increasing awareness of community theatre through their engaging productions.

How You Can Help:

Attend the Event: Enjoy an evening of delicious food and captivating entertainment.

Become a Sponsor: Various sponsorship levels are available, offering excellent local visibility for your business.

Donate Prizes: Contribute prizes to encourage participation and reward our chili champions.

Your participation and support will directly impact the lives of those in our community who rely on the services provided by the Kemptville Hub. Join us for a night of fun, food, and philanthropy, and help us make a diﬀerence in Kemptville.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Barbara at 613-2584526.

Together, we can strengthen our community and support those in need.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Nominations open for the 2025 North Grenville Civic Awards

The Municipality of North Grenville is pleased to announce that the nomination period for the 2025 North Grenville Civic Awards is now open. Residents are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals and groups who have made signiﬁcant contributions to the community in 2025.

“The Civic Awards Program celebrates what I love most about North Grenville – the generous and often selﬂess contributions and accomplishments that residents, businesses, and organizations make each year on behalf of each other and our community as a whole,” emphasized Mayor Peckford.

This year, the Civic Awards program proudly introduces the prestigious Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards, which may each be given annually to only one outstanding nominee of any age.

The Civic Awards are presented annually to recognize excellence and volunteerism across various categories. Awards in each of the categories below may be given to one volunteer per age group (youth, adult, senior):

• Arts & Culture

• Compassionate Care Award - New in 2025!

• Exemplary Work in the Community

• Environment

• Health & Wellness

• Heritage

• Recreation, Sport & Leisure

• Seniors

• Youth Key Dates and Timeline:

• Program Open for Nominations: January 15 – February 26, 2025.

• Nomination Deadline: February 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Nominations Evaluated and Winners Selected: March 2025.

• Civic Award Winners Announced: Early April 2025. How to Nominate: Nomination packages will be available online at www.northgrenville.ca/civicawards, with hard copies available at the Municipal Centre and the North Grenville Public Library Main Branch (1 Water St., Kemptville); completed nominations should be submitted via email to volunteer@northgrenville.on.ca, or hand-delivered to the North Grenville Municipal Oﬃce before the nomination deadline.

January 25, from 6:30 to 8:30, gather your friends at Salamanders Grill for an evening of laughter and friendly competition. Teams of four will vie to become the ﬁrst trivia champions of 2025 using their knowledge of general trivia. Tickets are $5 per person and purchased through https://www.zeﬀy.com/ ticketing/january-2525-trivia-night or email admin@ngpride.ca. Hosted by NG Pride, Salamanders Grill and Whimsical Wonders Trivia.

Lion's Club Monthly Draw Winner

Oxford Village focuses on community with donation to the KYC

Sonia Maville-Patterson, Winner of the December OTM(Trip Of The Month) club Prize of $1500.00 In the photo are Past President Lion Robert Stevenson, Lion Kathy McCoy, Winner Sonia Maville Patterson, Lion Gail Osborne, and Lion Steven Bell.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In this case, it’s Oxford Village! A community partner of the Kemptville Youth Centre for the past few holiday seasons, the local developer is stepping up again with a generous donation of $10,000.

Amanda Keyes, Oﬃce Manager at LA Group, says “We just like to support our local youth, because they are our future.”

The money will be put to good use. At the cheque presentation, KYC Operations Manager Roxanne Trumble-Elliston said, “The funding not only supplements our facilities costs but it also greatly impacts our staﬃng and the programming that we can oﬀer above and beyond the regular drop in activities.”

The youth centre oﬀers specialized programming focused on mental health and wellness as well as arts and crafts, baking and cooking, sports and excursions. More than a safe place for youth to hang out, KYC oﬀers support for youth dealing with any number of challenges.

For more information on the Kemptville Youth Centre and what they have on oﬀer this season, visit www.kyc.team, and follow their posts on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrating 10 years in business

Mayor Nancy Peckford joined KYC President Sydney Maharaj-Nicholson, Operations Manager Roxanne Trumble-Elliston, several board members and youth as Amanda Keyes, LA Group Oﬃce Manager presented a holiday donation of $10,000 on behalf of Oxford Village.

The Norenberg legacy in NG

by David Shanahan

For many years it was known as the Kemptville Building Centre, and then as BMR; but the facility on County Road 43 will now become a Home Hardware store and this brings to a close a long connection between this community and the Norenberg family. Since 1975, when Kemptville Building Supplies opened its doors, this family has been at the core of Kemptville’s, and then North Grenville’s, commercial and social life. The Times spoke with Margret Norenberg to talk about her family’s story and their contribution to our community.

Margret talked about how her family arrived here from Germany when her father was just 19.

“My parents, Karl and Christa, originally from Germany, arrived in Canada with little more than hope and determination. At just 19, my father immigrated, ﬁrst settling in the Eastern

Townships. After moving to Kemptville, he obtained employment at Eastern Breeders Inc., where he worked for several years, while simultaneously building homes in the evenings and weekends alongside his friend, Ken Hudson of Hudson Auto Body. This eventually culminated in the founding of Norenberg Construction Ltd. (NCL) in 1970.”

The Norenberg’s are an example of what immigrants bring to their new country, and the drive it gives them to give back for what they’re received.

“My parents came from modest beginnings and were driven not by ﬁnancial ambition, but by a desire to give back to the community and the country that had welcomed them with open arms. In 1975, Kemptville Building Supplies (KBS) was established. Both my mother and father were visionaries with an unwavering work ethic. My father would arrive at work well before

Repair Cafe latest updates

by Patricia Habberjam

A New Year, a New Repair Cafe story. We have been going for almost a year, beginning in February last year. This year we have extended our hours (a Huge thank you to NG Library) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

We are looking for new volunteers. We have a couple of excellent people who can fix electrical stuff, but would benefit from another woodworker, and certainly another person who can sew, not to mention a volunteer computer website tech!

We meet once a month, from January until June, and from September to November, and volunteers can come each month, or whenever the dates suit them.

The dates we have conﬁrmed for the ﬁrst part of 2025 are:

January 18, February 22, and March 22. On April 27, we will have a presence at the Sustainability Fair. Come out and see us, bring your items needing TLC, we will be waiting to help you ﬁx your broken, ripped or not working items in hopes of saving them from the landﬁll. Contact: Tricia Habberjam pmjh@snowie.ca, or call 613 258 3683.

6:00 a.m. each morning and only depart after 6:00 p.m. or later, much to my mother's displeasure, as dinners were often eaten cold when he arrived home late.”

The couple worked as a partnership, handling the work together, building up a company through sheer hard work, long hours, and dedication. As Margret describes it:

“My mother handled the payroll and all related banking matters. Together, they made a great team, and through decades of hard work, built thriving companies that provided employment to hundreds, if not thousands of people. NCL and KBC were not just businesses; they were woven into the very fabric of my parents' lives. Our family discussions often centered around the company, even during oﬀ hours. It was not uncommon for my father to receive phone calls from customers after the store had closed, requesting an extra can of paint or some other need, and he never hesitated to assist.”

In 1991, KBS moved to current location on Highway #43. The name changed to Kemptville Building Centre, but the ethos the family remained strong. The Norenbergs were generous in their support of many charitable organisations and local initiatives, playing pivotal roles in the Kemptville District Hospital, the North Grenville Library, and the Kemptville Youth Centre, and many more. The Public Library in Kemptville is named in their honour.

Karl and Christa passed on both their work ethic and sense of community to their children. Margret and her brother Eric were trained into the work from an early age.

“On a personal note”, says Margret, “I began working at the store when I was just ten years old, starting with basic General Ledger entries under my mother's guidance. As I matured, I spent weekends and summers managing Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. I also worked at the cash register for over ﬁve years while attending university. Although I greatly valued the company and its employees, I recognized that Eric and I would need to collaborate if we were both to remain there. As our visions for the future diverged, I ultimately chose to pursue a career in academia, focusing on teaching at the university level.”

Margret continues the family legacy of involvement: aside from teaching at the University of Ottawa, after initially joining the KDH Foundation Board as a Director, she became the Vice-Chair in 2015 and the Chair in 2019. Eric Norenberg was similarly committed to community support until his death in 2022 at the early age of 55. He, too, had worked on behalf of the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation, the North Gren-

ville Library and Kemptville Youth Centre, among others local projects.

Karl Norenberg died in 2005, and Christa followed in 2012, but their legacy remains in the community in which they settled, and in which they became so respected and honoured. They more than repaid what Canada, and North Grenville had given them in the decades since their arrival as young immigrants. Margret summed up she sees the contribution her parents and their children made to their home:

“For nearly half a century, my family owned and managed Kemptville Building Centre (KBC), spanning 49 years of dedicated stewardship. Ultimately, however, their legacy is one of generosity and a deep commitment to giving back to the community that so warmly embraced them.”

Pack your bags and get ready—2025 is calling, and it’s the perfect year for adventure! Imagine exploring jaw-dropping destinations that are more exciting than ever. Picture yourself diving into vibrant cultures, tasting mind-blowing cuisines, and ticking oﬀ bucket-list spots you’ve only dreamed about. Your personal travel professional is here to make planning a breeze, so you can focus on making epic memories, not stressing over logistics. With safer, smoother travel options, there’s no better time to escape the ordinary. Adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences await—don’t just dream it, book it! 2025 is your year to explore the world.

Norenberg family with staﬀ. Photo 1991

When the levee breaks

by David Shanahan

Does it feel like most of the world is starting 2025 holding its collective breath? In Canada, we’re waiting for a new, probably short-lived, Prime Minister to be elected to replace Trudeau; but oddly enough, that’s not the real focus. We’re really waiting for someone to arrive to deal with Trump when he roars back into the Oval Oﬃce next Monday. With all his bluster about tariffs, annexation of Canada, purchase of another sovereign nation, and possible invasion of the Panama Canal, there’s a sense of peril hanging over the coming months and years.

The tradition that is followed at the start of every new year is to look back on the year just ended and forward to the possibilities of the one just begun. This year just feels diﬀerent, and there is a far greater sense of dread than of optimism looking ahead to 2025. It’s not just Canada, and Pa-

nama, and Greenland that looks with concern at the incoming American President, all around the world the same sense of concern is felt, especially in places like Ukraine and Palestine, where Trump’s decisions will have enormous consequences. There is something deeply unsettling about his disregard for diplomacy, democracy, national identities, and the future of the planet - pretty big issues.

The suspicion that Trump doesn’t really understand either the issues or the consequences adds fuel to the fires of alarm, wildfires that could suddenly rage across the world after January 20. What effect will his presidency have on the actions of Putin, or Xi, or Netanyahu? How will NATO continue to restrict Russian aggression against the Baltic nations, or Poland, or whatever other ex-Soviet satellite he wants to “reclaim”? How will the military experience gained by his North Korean mercenaries in Ukraine be used against South Korea,

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, Thank you to the White Pickup:

On the 19th December at 4:20 a white pickup was speeding south in the north lane on Hyw. 44 toward the ﬁre hall.

I thank you for not hitting the car in front of me as you would no doubt have caused a fatality, and thank you to the small car in front of me for abruptly pulling oﬀ the road to avoid the pickup, I would have hit you otherwise.

I noticed your white pickup, with the green ﬂashing light, turn into the Fire hall 200 metres behind me, I really wanted to turn around and thank you in person, I really wanted to, but the green light on your dash let me know you had other things on your mind.

Common sense is less common than one might think, and that is why we have laws, and yet both failed you as you hurried to get to your destination 200

metres from a very dangerous move on Hwy 44 on December 19 at 4:20.

I am thankful that that date will mean nothing, because it could have been the date that changed many lives - the least of which would have been yours. Ian Gauthier

Dear Editor, I loved the recent letter from Peter Johnson regarding the state of our so-called democracy. He certainly articulated his frustrations well, and I am in total agreement with what he said. I, too, am disgusted by the level to which political discourse, as used by Poilievre and Ford, (particularly the former), has sunk to in our country.

We tend to disparage the two-Party system that is used south of the border, but, to all intents and purposes, we have the same thing here in Canada. This is because our First-Past-ThePost, (FPTP), voting system

and what attitude will Trump have towards his friendly dictator, Kim Jong Un?

And it’s not just political gamesmanship by world leaders that occupies our attention: there is also the sudden and disturbing rise to political activism of Elon Musk. When the world’s richest man decides to use his power and inﬂuence to destabilise European countries, as he has been doing in Britain and Germany, for example, who can stop him? What can be done to ameliorate his malign stream of misinformation he spouts daily on X to his two million readers? He owns the platform!

He is not alone in (mis) using that space. When Mark Zuckerburg removes fact-checking from Facebook, he seems to be rather obviously currying favour with Trump, and joins the long list of Republicans, business people, and politicians ready to ditch any sense of integrity or honour in the rush to join the MAGA cult of personality. And if

encourages strategic voting, where too many voters vote for what they consider the lesser of the two evils of the two main Parties, rather than vote their conscience, so nothing really changes.

The other problem is that a large percentage of our electorate do not vote. If "Did Not Vote" had been a Party in the last election, it would have had enough votes to form government. It is amazing how much power the non-voting public actually has, and when you question why they don't vote, many of them say it's because nothing is going to change. There's a self-fulﬁlling prophecy if ever I heard one. So those of you in this category; why not try, just once, voting your conscience? How are those who govern us going to know what matters to you if you don't vote? Also, if you don't care enough to exercise your democratic right, then you have no right to complain.

I strongly support Mr.

integrity and honour don’t matter any more, no matter how much they may have been a superficial aspect of politics in the past, what is there left to maintain the “guardrails” that prevent people from acting in dangerously selﬁsh and self-serving ways, to the detriment of the rest of us?

Back in January 2020, the first editorial of the year in this paper spoke about the negative effect of social media on society. It’s strange to reread some of that now: “The increased influence of social media has also brought about an increase in on-line bullying, antisocial language and commentary, racist, bigoted and misogynist attitudes, making these things more acceptable in public discourse. Trump’s tweets may be a modern version of Roosevelt’s fireside talks of the 1930's, but the content and language is certainly not the same.

In short, the past decade has seen a quantum shift in the way we interact as a society, as families, and as

Johnson's call for a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system. PR has been around a long time but keeps getting voted down by both Conservatives and Liberals. (Though not quite all of them, but not enough to make a diﬀerence). Only two of our Parties have PR in their platform, the Greens and the NDP. The problem is that neither the Conservatives nor the Liberals are interested in that, as FPTP works for them. When you can win 100% of the power with only 41% of the vote, it must be obvious to everyone that there is something radically wrong with our current system.

Proportional Representation, (PR), has quite a few diﬀerent systems, and some of them can be more complicated than they need to be. The one that seems to be touted the most would mean redrawing electoral boundaries and voting for more than one person. Why this particular system keeps

individuals. It has changed the tone and content of public and private discourse. It has given rise to increased awareness of the state of the world, and, along with this, increased concern, anxiety, even fear about where the world is heading.” That was five years ago, and Elon Musk wasn’t even mentioned!

At the time, I said that “I think we each need to think about these things. Resolve to resist the current tide and behave with respect, integrity and dignity. Refuse to lower our standards, regardless of what Trump, below the line comments, or populist politicians say and do.” But, since then, Trump has been re-elected, despite all voters know about him and his criminal record, etc..

There’s a common question asked at election time: Are you better oﬀ than you were ﬁve years ago? As a society, is there any way we can answer that positively today, as we begin this new year?

There is one possible wrinkle in all of this doom

getting trotted out is beyond me, because the general public, understandably, ﬁnds it somewhat confusing. It doesn't have to be that way. There are far more simpler systems out there, and we need a Citizens Assembly to go through them all and

and gloom. That editorial in 2020 was written in ignorance of what was to come: a worldwide pandemic that changed the script in completely unexpected ways. Who knows what’s coming this year that we cannot predict right now? As a friend of mine was fond of saying: the end is not yet. But the tide is rising, and “If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break. When the levee breaks, I'll have no place to stay.”

Oh yes, happy new year.

make recommendations. We won't be truly a democracy until the vote reflects the desires of us all.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

Shalom Small Homes Kemptville

Thank all of our Supporters in the construction of our First Four homes

Mayor Nancy Peckford

Council, Municipality of North Grenville

CEO & Staﬀ, Municipality of North Grenville

Logo – Wolf Stelzer

3D video – Haelli Jeﬀries

Legal – Paul Jansen, Jansen Law

Drawings – Ruyf Drafting & Design Inc.

Insurance – McDougall Insurance Brokers Ltd

Engineering - Kollaard Associates Inc.

Construction and Project Overseer

Lockwood Brothers Construction

And their amazing staﬀ

Site Preparation – Elmer’s Construction Ltd.

Utility Pipes – Iconix Waterworks

Slab Insulation – Kott Inc.

Slab Construction – D & C Masonry

Trusses – Satellite Building Components Ltd.

Crane Rental – Norton’s Crane Rentals

Building Materials - KBC

Electrical – D.R. Howell Electric Inc.

Plumbing and HVAC– CopperWood General Contracting Inc.

Rooﬁng -Taylor Rooﬁng

Insulation – J&J Insulating

Drywall – North Gower Drywall Kitchens – Harpstone Kitchens Ltd

Finishing – Thibadeau Construction Inc.

Painting – Abretti Painting

Eavestrough, Siding – Capital General Exteriors Inc.

Siding Installation – Olsen Aluminum Inc.

Appliances – W.L. Peters

Internet wiring - JTE Home Connections Ltd.

Hydro Post Prep – DeVries Power & Utility Backsplash /Finisher -Ernie Langanegger

Gravel – Steve Polite Sand & Gravel

Patio Stones – Hoﬀman Materials Inc.

Landscaping – Frenk Van Herpen

Volunteers

Catherine and Ted Livingstone Cor Mollema, Diane Schwitzer, Gord Mosher, Roger Stark, George Hughes, Andrew Ritskes

Volunteers

Al Wessel, Alex Popescu

Cora and John Beking, Fred Monga Janice Rennick, Mary Ritskes

John and Ivan Lockwood, Nevan Patterson

Special Thanks for your faith in us. House of Lazarus

Special Thanks for your constant support North Grenville Times

We would like to say a special thankyou to all who Donated and supported us in every way they could. You made it possible! All of us together have proven that together we can do all things. We wish for each of you, that the blessings you have given be upon you in 2025!

Our goal is to build 36 more units – need 5000 donors to donate $1000 And these units will be complete if you would like to donate etransfer to sshkemptville.info@gmail.com

Visit our web site at Shalom Small Homes Kemptville

Kemptville Winter Carnival, February 1, 2025

• Information booth

• Parking attendants

• Kids Zone Co-Ordinator

• Hot Coffee / Chocolate - Beverage Server

• Ice Safety Monitors

• Decoration Committee

• Site Plan creation - Onsite

• Fire Pit Marshalls

• Toboggan Site Co-Ordinator

• Donate to Skate program

• Horse Ride Monitor Lead

• Forestry Site Lead

• Vendor Lead

• Volunteer Lead

• General volunteers

• Programming Assistant

How to make America Great again? Or, why become Canada's 11th Province?

Peter Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills, United Empire Loyalist Era Rd.

Recently, on Boxing Day, in response to Mr. Trump's 'jokes' about Canada becoming the 51st State, Pete McMartin wrote an article in the Vancouver Sun on why America should consider becoming Canada's 11th Province. I'll attempt to summer-eyes some of his reasoning... all quotes are the property of Mr. McMartin.

#1: Our Prime Minister is not a convicted felon. He, like many career politicians, is far from perfect. But, in comparison, he looks like he should be dipped in water by John the Baptist, and have an entourage of 12 bearded dudes. He can, at least, be diplomatic... and not just to the most lethal heads of state on the planet.

#2: The U.S. Supreme Court is almost as corrupt as its president. It has members on it who appear to be uniquely unqualiﬁed to judge conﬂictsof-interest, women’s rights, or

ethical conduct. Meanwhile, the only thing scandalous about Canada’s Supreme Court is … wait, what? Canada has a Supreme Court?'

#3: Life Expectancy: According to data from somewhere, in 2022, the average life expectancy of a Canadian was 81.3 years, while the same for Americans was a mere 77.43 years. Why? Pancakes perhaps? Our maple syrup is pure natural syrup. Nothing else. Theirs contains... 'high-fructose corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, salt, caramel colour, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate and artificial flavours'. I might add, if stress levels along with poor diet are contributing factors, then daily doses of Fox News are surely part of the mortality/morality statistics. Indeed, as one pundit put it - allow me to paraphrase - the day that Rupert Murdock stepped off the plane in 1974, 'twas the beginning of the present decline in that country.

#4: 'Lock Her Up': When

Is Kemptville’s climate warming up

too fast?

by William J. Langenberg, M.Sc. Env. Biol. /Climatology

The Kemptville Campus, formerly known as the Kemptville College of Agricultural Technology, has a Climate Monitoring Station, located at 450 North Latitude, and is operated by Environment Canada (Climate Services) since the early 50s.

This author completed a 30-year climate data study of this Climate Station in 1987, the data from which was shared with the students at Kemptville College in their Agricultural Climatology Class. In 1987 the average daily temperature (5.0 C) had increased by 0.5 C compared to the 30 year average (1957-1987).

The 30-year average daily temperature recorded on campus between 1981 and 2010 was 6.1 C, which is 1.1 C warmer than the 30-year average recorded in 1987.

The average daily temperature recorded on campus in 1920 was 7.5 C, which is 1.4 C warmer than the oﬃcial 30-year (1981-2010) record.

In 2024 the average daily temperature recorded at the climate station increased to 8.2 C, which is 2.1 C warmer than the 30-year (19812010) average record.

This extremely high temperature increase of 2.1 C recorded at the Kemptville Campus Climate Station Site may be the result of the gardening activities on that site and may not be due to climate change.

The gardening activities by the gardeners at the Campus Community Garden may change the wind velocity and the ground temperature, as the soil, when cultivated, releases a lot of terrestrial heat, which will inﬂuence the station’s recordings. The oﬃcial ground temperature is determined a grass level.

the MAGA savants chanted this about Hillary Clinton, they likely knew a thing or two about prisons. '...the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any democracy in the world.' By becoming our 11th province (or maybe just a territory and we'll see how well they do), they'd be part of a country that has a fairly low incarceration rate. Meanwhile, '...every single U.S. state incarcerates more people per capita than all but 28 other nations on earth.' That and their massive military must cost them a lot. To compensate, they pay their teachers and nurses shamefully little, so they make back a bit. Ah, but those chickens will come home to roost... or already have?

#5: The Longest Undefended Border in the World: If The Donald is upset by fentanyl going southward across the border, why is he not concerned about illegal firearms coming north into Canada? And again, as Mr. McMartin points out, 'If, as he

sees it, a trade imbalance exists in Canada’s favour, why is he resorting to inﬂationary tariﬀs on Canadian goods, rather than recognizing and addressing the real reason for that trade imbalance, namely, his constituents’ insatiable appetites and need for Canadian oil, gas, electrical power, automobiles, rare minerals, gold, lumber, etc.?'

This comparison could include more ways that they might benefit: less school shootings, less involvement in overseas wars, less children killed by ﬁrearms, teachersyes that under-funded lot - no longer asked to carry sidearms in classrooms, a Supreme Court that leaves decisions about women's bodies/rights where they should be - with women, and, finally, since the U.S. has only one 'friend' left in the world, becoming a part of that friend might improve their international image, immeasurably. But let's make this a tentative offer. This could backﬁre on us.

North Grenville introduces streamlined By-Law System

The Municipality of North Grenville is announcing the launch of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), effective January 2. This new program offers a more efficient, time-saving alternative to the protracted provincial court system for handling by-law disputes, including, but not limited to, parking violations, property standards, animal control, and smoking restrictions, in order to ensure a smoother experience for residents and businesses.

“The AMPS program represents an important step forward in how we handle by-law enforcement,” said Mayor Peckford. “By managing bylaw enforcement directly at the municipal level, we can resolve them much faster while maintaining fairness and transparency for all involved.”

Approved in November 2024, the AMPS program reﬂects North Grenville’s commitment to improving service delivery, with most disputes resolved within 45 days.

How AMPS Works:

The AMPS system allows the municipality to better manage timelines for resolving by-law disputes, ensuring a more streamlined process than the backlogged provincial court system. Policies are in place to maintain fairness and uphold the principles of natural justice, ensuring all decisions are impartial and transparent.

Overnight Parking Restrictions:

As part of North Grenville’s commitment to community convenience, overnight parking will only be restricted during weather events to ensure public safety and road maintenance. Residents are encouraged to register for weather event notiﬁcations through the Municipality’s website to stay informed.

For more information about the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) or to register for weather event notiﬁcations, please visit www.northgrenville.ca.

Senior Times

Beating the Winter Blues

by Jill Woodley, Seniors’ Community Services

Winter in Canada

conjures many feel-good images. Beautiful white landscapes. Icicles shining on a bright winter day. Children playing ice hockey on a frozen pond. However, as the cold days continue to roll across the country, a seasonal melancholy can settle in along with the snow.

Whether it’s due to the cold temperatures, shorter days, the holidays coming to an end, or reminders of missed loved ones, this seasonal sadness can make it hard for older adults to maintain a happy, healthy mindset.

Luckily, there are some ways to bring the spring back into your step.

Beating the winter

blues is achievable with several eﬀective strategies:

Maximize light exposure: Get outside during daylight hours when possible or sit near windows to increase natural light. Have you heard of forest bathing? This is not a traditional hike or nature walk, but a deliberate, sensory experience of being in nature.

North Grenville is full of beautiful trails, and if you can get outside for a walk in nature during the winter, we highly recommend it.

Stay physically active: Regular exercise can boost mood and energy level. Try indoor activities like yoga, stretching, or walking if outdoor conditions are unfavorable. Join our Yoga or Fitness programs! SCS has both mat and chair yoga classes. The ﬁrst class is

free for you to try. If you love it, and you will, the cost is $100 for 12 classes, with all fees donated back to the centre by our wonderful yoga instructor.

Maintain a balanced diet: Eat nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals, including complex carbohydrates and superfoods like blueberries and Greek yogurt. Our Meals on Wheels program can support your health. Meals delivered straight to your door that are both delicious and nutritious.

Socialize regularly: Connect with friends and family through in-person visits, phone calls, or video chats. Participate in community activities or volunteer work to stay engaged. SCS has a multitude of programs to help you socialize. Seniors’ Centre Without Walls is a twice weekly phone program that brings back the party line with group activities like trivia, mind games, guest speakers and podcasts. Friendly visits from our terriﬁc volunteers who can help break up the week with a phone call or visit. Join our Euchre, Skip-Bo or cribbage crew on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. And if solving the worlds problems one stitch at a

time is more up your alley, we have our Friday Yak and Yarn. Scribbling Seniors is our newest workshop that encourages creativity, discussion and writing. Come

on out a join in the fun!

The ﬁrst step is the hardest when trying something new, but once you take the leap the benefits are priceless. It is easy to join

Seniors’ Community Services. Give us a call at 613258-3203 or email hello@ seniorscs.ca. Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages too!

215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate

Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

AMO Homelessness Report Fails to Address Primary Driver

The Raise The Rates Coalition expresses deep concern over the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's (AMO) latest homelessness report, which critically fails to identify poverty-level social assistance rates as a primary driver of the province's homelessness crisis.

"While AMO correctly identiﬁes the growing scale of homelessness in Ontario, their proposed solutions ignore the most immediate cause—social assistance rates that condemn recipients to absolute poverty," says Ron Anicich, co-chair of the Raise The Rates Coalition. "No amount of new housing alone will solve homelessness when Ontario Works recipients are expected to survive on $733 per month in a province where even a bachelor apartment costs triple that amount."

The Coalition notes that while AMO calls for $13 billion in new, needed housing investments, they remain silent on the urgent need to raise social assistance rates that have lost over 40% of their purchasing power

since the Harris-era cuts of the 1990s. The ODSP rate of $1,368 per month and Ontario Works rate of $733 leave recipients with no choice but homelessness or deep housing insecurity.

"AMO's reluctance to address social assistance rates as part of the scope of this research reflects a troubling disconnect from the reality faced by hundreds of thousands of Ontarians," says Anicich. "Municipal service managers across Ontario know that their shelters are ﬁlled with people receiving social assistance. They know their housing waiting lists are dominated by social assistance recipients. Yet AMO's report refuses to name this reality."

The Raise The Rates Coalition calls for:

1. Immediate doubling of social assistance rates

2. Automatic annual increases tied to inﬂation

3. Addition of a housing beneﬁt that reﬂects actual market rents

4. Recognition by AMO that inadequate social assistance rates are a primary driver of homelessness

"Municipalities cannot

solve homelessness while ignoring the poverty enforced by provincial social assistance rates," Anicich emphasizes. "AMO's voice could be powerful in demanding adequate rates. Instead, they've chosen to remain silent about this fundamental cause of the crisis they seek to address."

For more information, contact: Raise The Rates Coalition, raisetheratescoalition@gmail.com, or go to: www.raisetherates.ca .

UCDSB Pilots

Expanded Sports League for Students

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is excited to announce the launch of a new sports initiative that will be piloted

in 2025 called All-In Sports. If the pilot is successful, this initiative will expand sport opportunities for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students across the district.

As presented to and approved by the Board of Trustees in December, the All-In Sports league will provide all young interested athletes the opportunity to learn and play sports in a structured environment. Local competitions that will allow more students to attend more sporting events will be a focus for this new league.

Students will have the opportunity to play traditional sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc. but also learn new sports and activities such as handball, korfball and ultimate frisbee. This new league will run in addition to any intramurals that currently take place at schools, not replace it.

“As a former physical

education teacher, coach, and huge supporter of student athletics, I am thrilled that we are in a position to make the significant financial commitment necessary for this enhanced and expanded sports league that will benefit all of our students,” says UCDSB Chair Jamie Schoular.

All-In Sports will be at no cost to families but is a ﬁnancial investment for the UCDSB. This new league will follow best practices as developed by the Coaching Association of Canada and Ophea to ensure a safe, engaging but valuable sporting experience for young athletes.

A steering committee of community members, educators and coaches has been established with representation from across the district.

A partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation has also been formed. To date, 20 schools are part of the oﬃcial pilot with more than 25 schools requesting to come on board.

“Our aim is to increase student participation in sports and activities. Our hope is that the pilot goes well and that we can expand it to all elementary and intermediate schools next school year. There are numerous physical and psychological beneﬁts to being involved in sports, and we want to ensure that all students get the opportunity,” adds Chair Schoular.

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Support local and stay active in Downtown Kemptville this January

As the year kicks oﬀ and the holiday season winds down, January can feel like a quiet month. But it's actually the perfect time to get out, support local businesses, and enjoy the winter season. For those of us in Kemptville, this time of year oﬀers a chance to explore the beauty of our town while staying active and engaged.

Downtown Kemptville:

A Winter Wonderland

One of the best ways to enjoy January in Kemptville is to visit the outdoor rink at Riverside Park. Located just a short walk from downtown, this scenic rink provides the perfect opportunity for a fun winter activity. Whether you're skating with friends, practicing your turns, or simply enjoying the crisp winter air, Riverside Park oﬀers a peaceful setting for outdoor enjoyment. After your time on the ice, why not reward yourself with a warm drink or a sweet treat from one of our many local cafes or eateries? From cozy coﬀee shops to delicious bakeries, downtown Kemptville is home to some amazing spots where you can refuel and

enjoy the friendly atmosphere that makes our town so special.

A Winter Scavenger Hunt: Get Active and Explore Kemptville

But that’s not all! January also brings an exciting new activity for everyone to enjoy – the upcoming Scavenger Hunt. This fun and interactive event will take you on a walking tour through downtown Kemptville, encouraging you to explore the heart of our community. Not only is this a great way to get some fresh air and stay active, but it’s also an opportunity to discover hidden gems in our local shops and businesses. Plus, the hunt is a wonderful way to connect with friends, family, or fellow community members while supporting the businesses that make our town vibrant.

Why January Matters for Our Local Economy

January may seem slow for many businesses, but it’s also an important time to show support for our local economy. Small businesses in Kemptville, like in so many communities, rely on the continued patronage

of residents year-round.

By shopping local, dining in downtown restaurants, and enjoying all the winter activities our town has to oﬀer, you're directly helping to keep the wheels of our local economy turning. Your visit to a local store, cafe, or rink not only brings joy to your day but also supports the hardworking individuals who make Kemptville a place worth living and working.

Stay Active and Stay

Engaged

Kemptville has long been known as one of the most active communities in the region, and there’s no better time to keep that momentum going than in January. The combination of outdoor winter activities, local events like the Scavenger Hunt, and the incredible local businesses all around us makes this the ideal time to stay active and engaged. Whether you’re skating at Riverside Park, embarking on a scavenger hunt, or simply strolling through our beautiful downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active, have fun, and support the local economy.

So, this January, bundle up, get outside, and take full advantage of everything downtown Kemptville has to oﬀer. From outdoor adventures to local treats, it’s the perfect time to support our businesses and keep our community thriving all year long.

Jennie Childs Owner, CEO

Kemptville HearCANADA: Your Trusted Partner in Hearing Health

In the heart of North Grenville, Ontario, Kemptville HearCANADA stands as the new beacon of excellence in hearing healthcare. Operated by local resident, Clinical Director & Hearing Instrument Specialist, Karen McCallion. The clinic provides the community with unparalleled hearing services and personalized care including hearing tests, hearing aid checks and expert knowledge.

Karen brings a wealth of experience and a shared passion for improving lives through better hearing. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the Kemptville HearCANADA, from the state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to the warm, welcoming environment Karen has cultivated. We understand that hearing health is not just about diagnosing problems but about enhancing the overall quality of life for their clients.

At Kemptville HearCANADA, a wide range of services is available to meet the diverse needs of the commu-

nity. Comprehensive hearing tests and screenings ensure accurate diagnoses, while a selection of advanced hearing aids oﬀers tailored solutions for every individual. The clinic also provides essential services like hearing aid maintenance, repairs, and earwax removal, ensuring that clients' devices function optimally. For those experiencing the challenges of tinnitus, specialized management strategies are available to bring relief and improve daily living.

Kemptville HearCANADA has a unique and innovative approach including a boothless test room, which oﬀers a more comfortable and inclusive experience for all clients. This modern setup, combined with a soundproof room that minimizes external vibrations, ensures that every hearing assessment is conducted with precision and care.

Why should the Kemptville community choose HearCANADA for their hearing health needs? Beyond the comprehensive services and cutting-edge

technology, it's the people who make the diﬀerence. Karen is not just a healthcare provider; she is a dedicated partner in her patient’s hearing journeys. Karen takes the time to understand everyone’s unique needs and works collaboratively to develop eﬀective, personalized solutions.

Hearing health is a vital component of overall wellbeing, and Kemptville HearCANADA clinic is committed to helping the community achieve optimal hearing health. Whether you're seeking a routine check-up or need advanced hearing solutions, Karen is here to guide you every step of the way.

For those in Kemptville North Grenville and surrounding area looking for trusted and professional hearing experts, Kemptville HearCANADA is the clear choice. Call Karen at 613-258-0993 to get started on your hearing health journey today!

Kemptville HearCANADA, Helping Kemptville Hear!

School Immunization Records

Assessment Beginning This Month

South East Health Unit (formerly the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit) will conduct immunization record assessments for students born in 2020, 2017, and 2008 starting this month. Having up to date immunization records inform us of vaccine coverage rates (those that have protection against these diseases), which allows Public Health to act swiftly to prevent additional cases should cases of a communicable disease occur in the school setting.

As of December, 2024, over 3,000 students’ (born in 2008, 2017, and 2020) immunization records are incomplete or completely missing in the provincial record system for our area.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, the Medical Oﬃcer of Health will be issuing an order of suspension for each of the students who still do not have any immunization record submitted to the Health Unit by the stated deadline.

The suspension from school is for up to 20 school days, starting on the date stated in the notice (this varies by school board).

The suspension will be rescinded by Public Health when one of the following requirements is met by the parent/ guardian:

1. Provide a record of immunization using the Health Unit’s online portal. We require a copy of an oﬃcial immunization record from a Health Care Provider.

2. Provide the Health Unit with a statement of medical exemption to exempt the student from immunization requirements.

3. Provide the Health Unit with a statement of conscience or religious belief aﬃdavit to exempt the student from immunization requirements. Questions regarding the process should be submitted to schoolvaccine@healthunit.org

4. Submit proof of a booked immunization appointment to provide the student with the required vaccines by email to schoolvaccine@ healthunit.org.

5. Parent or guardian initiates a request for an exemption under the Immunization of School Pupils Act by emailing schoolvaccine@healthunit.org.

Sound

Parents/guardians needing assistance with this process are welcome to send an email to schoolvaccine@healthunit. org or call 1-800-660-5853 ext 2313.

The Health Unit has immunization clinics in ﬁve locations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Families who have received a suspension letter are welcome to book into one of these clinics if unable to access an appointment with their own health care provider.

For more information on required immunizations for school and daycare attendance, please go to our website https:// healthunit.org/health-information/immunization.

Understanding the ﬂu and how to prevent its spread

by Nadeen Halim, BSC pharmacy

Certiﬁed diabetes educator and Certiﬁed geriatric pharmacist

What is the Flu?

Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a respiratory illness primarily caused by influenza viruses A and B. In Canada, seasonal influenza typically occurs from late fall through the winter months and into early spring, resulting in a rise in illness during this period. The most common symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, chest discomfort, cough, and headaches.

How Does the Virus Spread?

Influenza viruses mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. These droplets are released when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or talks.

Is the Flu a Serious Illness?

While most people who get the flu recover without severe complications, the virus can lead to serious health issues, hospitalization, and even death. This is particularly true for high-risk groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and

individuals with certain health conditions. For more detailed information about at-risk populations, refer to the “Inﬂuenza Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide.” How Can We Help Prevent the Spread of Inﬂuenza?

1. Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.

2. Stay Home When Sick: If you are feeling unwell, try to stay home to limit the spread to others.

3. Follow Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Wearing a mask can also help reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets, especially in crowded or indoor settings.

What About the Flu Vaccine? Why Is Vaccination Necessary Each Year?

Influenza viruses change rapidly, which means that last year's vaccine may not protect you against this year's strains. New ﬂu vaccines are released annually to keep up with the ever-evolving viruses. When you get vaccinated, your immune system works to produce

antibodies that help protect you from inﬂuenza. However, because the viruses change each year, the immunity developed from vaccination may not last beyond a single year.

Key Facts About the Flu Vaccine:

Vaccination can significantly reduce the spread of the flu. You cannot catch the flu from the vaccine, as it is made from inactivated viruses. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent complications from influenza that can lead to severe illness. In Ontario, the flu vaccine is available for free to everyone aged 6 months and older.

If you have previously experienced a severe reaction to the ﬂu vaccine or are allergic to any components of the vaccine, be sure to consult your doctor.

Staying safe during flu season involves understanding the risks associated with inﬂuenza, practicing preventive measures, and getting vaccinated each year.

By following these steps, you not only protect your health but also the health of those around you.

Stay informed and take action to help protect yourself and others from the ﬂu this season.

Up to 80% of learning is related to visual tasks. Children are often unaware that they have a problem and that others do not see the world the way that they see the world. Parents want their children to be happy and to succeed. They present their children with many educational opportunities, sports and other extracurricular activities.

As busy as our lives may be, it is vital that parents take the time to have their children’s eyes assessed at an early age, by three at the latest, sooner if there are any developmental delays or family history of turned eyes, lazy eyes, or high glasses prescriptions. Sometimes parents feel that their child must know their alphabet to have their eyes examined.

A pediatric eye exam is quite diﬀerent from an eye exam for an adult. Special pediatric instruments are utilized and often cute puppets! As children grow, they have access to digital devices and although there are many educational opportunities, the visual demands placed on children’s eyes by these devices can increase the risk for future glasses. Over 50% of the children in the world now have myopia, when the rate used to be 33% and that has been proven to be linked to increased use of digital devices.

Children need to be outside daily to stimulate the periphery of their eyes, which can help the development. To encourage parents to take their children for early eye exams, EYE SEE I LEARN certiﬁed optometrists also provide the ﬁrst pair of glasses to a junior or senior kindergarten student for free. Take care of your children’s eyes and book an OHIP covered eye exam yearly.

Dr. Eamon is a local optometrist who enjoys providing eye care to people of all ages.

Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy

Located in Kemptville and Brockville

613-706-2571

courtneyjamestherapy.com

207 Prescott St., Kemptville

22 Courthouse Ave. Suite 202, Brockville

Nutrition, Independence, and Peace of MindMeals on Wheels

by Mackenzie Blair, Seniors' Community Services

Maintaining independence is essential for seniors who cherish living in the comfort of their own homes. At Seniors' Community Services in Kemptville, we understand how important it is to have access to nourishing meals without the hassle of cooking, shopping, or cleaning. That’s why our Meals on Wheels program delivers delicious, healthy meals directly to your doorstep—making life easier and safer for you or your loved ones.

The Convenience You Need

We take the stress out of meal preparation with ﬂexible, easy-to-order options:

Hot and frozen meals: Choose from freshly delivered hot meals or stock your freezer with meals ready when you are.

Simple ordering: Order by phone or in person for a seamless experience—no need for online systems.

Personalized menus: Meals are tailored to fit various dietary needs, including low-sodium and diabetic-friendly options.

More Than Just a Meal

Our Meals on Wheels program oﬀers beneﬁts that go beyond great food:

Nourishment without effort: Enjoy balanced, home-style meals without the physical burden of cooking.

Daily check-ins from caring volunteers: Each delivery doubles as a friendly visit, enhancing safety and social connection.

Health and happiness through connection: Combat loneliness and stay socially engaged with the warmth of regular friendly interaction.

Why Nutrition Matters

Healthy eating is critical for maintaining energy, vitality, and immune health. Meals on Wheels prioritizes:

Balanced, wholesome ingredients: Designed to support heart health, strong bones, and overall wellbeing.

Delicious, satisfying options: Mealtime should be enjoyable, and our meals are crafted to make every bite a pleasure.

A Gift of Peace of Mind

Imagine the peace of knowing your loved one receives a warm, nutritious meal and a kind visit every day. Meals on Wheels is a lifeline—not just for seniors but for families, too. It’s a practical solution that brings comfort, safety, and independence to those who matter most.

Take action today:

Call us, visit us in person or online to learn more about how Meals on Wheels can make a diﬀerence.

Share the gift of care by telling a friend or neighbor who could beneﬁt!

Empower independence, support well-being, and bring joy to everyday living—all with a simple meal delivery service.

Contact Seniors' Community Services in Kemptville now to get started.

Don't Just Dream—Achieve: SMART Goals for the New Year

by Talia Hreljac

It’s January, which means you’ve probably already set a few lofty goals for the new year and written them down in a shiny new journal. You’re all set to conquer 2025—right? But let’s be real, those goals (and probably that journal) are likely to be abandoned by February. But what if this time, you didn’t let that happen? What if you actually set goals and found the tools to pursue them consistently?

Don’t worry – you don’t need to aim for the stars to make progress. Even small goals that improve your life are totally worth pursuing. And that’s where S.M.A.R.T. goals come in.

So, what exactly are S.M.A.R.T. goals, you ask? Let me break it down for you:

S: Speciﬁc – Your goal should be clear and well-deﬁned. The more detailed you are, the easier it is to stay focused. No vague goals like "I want to get healthier." Aim for something like, "I will walk 30 minutes every day."

M: Measurable – You need a way to track your progress. This means numbers, milestones, or some way to measure how you’re doing. For example, "I will save $200 a month for the next six months" gives you a clear target.

A: Achievable – It’s important that your goal is within reach. Aim for something that challenges you, but isn't so out of the realm of possibility that it becomes demotivating. So maybe not "I’ll run a marathon next week" if you're just starting out, but perhaps "I’ll run 3 times a week for the next month."

R: Relevant – Make sure your goal aligns with your bigger life plans. It should matter to you and be so-

mething that moves you in the direction you want to go. Don’t waste your energy on goals that don’t resonate with your values or priorities.

T: Time Bound – Every goal needs a deadline. This creates urgency and keeps you accountable. Whether it's a month, a season, or the entire year, setting a clear timeline ensures you stay on track.

When you stick to these S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, you’ll find that achieving your goals is a lot more feasible. Having clear goals

helps create your own personal "North Star." These goals will evolve and shift over time – and that’s totally okay. They’re not set in stone, but rather a guiding light helping you navigate toward the life you want.

Time ﬂies as we get older. So instead of complaining that another year has come and gone with little change, why not promise yourself to put in some real eﬀort for the next 12 months and see where it takes you? You just might surprise yourself.

And hey, speaking of

goals, this week’s paper features a Bingo Card from Let’s Network NG. The idea is simple: list 24 goals you want to achieve in 2025. As you hit milestones, mark oﬀ your card. When you get a Bingo, treat yourself to a reward—hopefully from one of the fabulous local businesses in our community! Good luck with your goals, and let’s make 2025 the year of actual change!

The Jesus mythunderstanding

by David Shanahan

There is a claim which surfaces every now and then, which asserts that Jesus of Nazareth never actually existed; that he was a myth made up by people to legitimise their activities. It should be noted that historians do not make this claim, as the evidence for the historical reality of Jesus is convincing. But, as we are discussing mythunderstandings, it is best to get this one out of the way early on.

There are a number of sources outside the New Testament documents which refer to the historical Jesus, both in Jewish and Roman writings. After the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the dispersal of the Jewish people, the vast collection of oral law and commentary on the Old Testament was ﬁnally encoded in written documents, the Talmud. In these records, there are references to Jesus, the disciples, and others, though not at all in a positive way. Jesus is accused of being a heretic teacher who misled the people, performed wonders, and who said he had come to destroy the Law. He was executed as a heretic on the eve of Passover. Five of his disciples are named, and the Talmud says that they healed the sick.

The main Jewish source for the historical existence of Jesus comes in the histories written by Josephus Flavius around 90 A.D. In his “Antiquities of the Jews”, a 20-volume history of his people, Josephus refers to many of the people mentioned in the New Testament, including the Herod family, Pontius Pilate, the priests Annas, Caiaphas, Ananias, and others. In volume 18, he relates the story of John the Baptist’s death in the fortress of Machaerus on the orders of Herod Antipas. This account, and the one he gives of Herod’s death, parallel closely the accounts of the same in Luke’s second volume, The Acts of the Apostles.

Specifically relating to Jesus, Josephus relates the murder of James, the brother of Jesus, at the hands of Ananias: “..he assembled a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus, the so-called Christ, whose name was James”. In the most direct reference to Jesus, about which there has been disagreement over the authenticity of some phrases, he provides clear evidence for the historicity of Jesus. Leaving out the disputed words, he says:

“And there arose about this time Jesus, a wise man, [ ] for he was doer of marvellous deeds, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure. He led away many Jews, and also many of the Greeks. [ ] And when Pilate had condemned him to the cross on his impeachment by the chief men among us, those who had loved him at ﬁrst did not cease; [ ] and even now the tribe of Christians, so named after him, has not yet died out.” [Antiquities, xviii. 3.3]

This, note, was recorded by a Jewish historian, not a Christian, and places him in the same time period and context that we ﬁnd in the New Testament.

Other secular sources also contain references to Jesus. A letter from a Syrian named Mara Bar-Serapion to his son, some time after 73 A.D., refers to three models of righteous living his son should emulate. One was Socrates, another Pythagoras, and the third was “the wise King” of the Jews. All three has died unfairly at the hands of their people, and no good came from their deaths. “What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished...the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. ...Nor did the wise King die for good; He lived on in the teaching which he has given.”

There are a number of references to Jesus and Christians in Roman historical writings. Around 110, Tacitus, in a history of the Emperor Nero, wrote about the famous ﬁre that destroyed Rome, which Nero tried to blame on the Christians. Tacitus called them: “a class of men, loathed for their vices, whom the crowd styled Christians. Christus, from whom they got their name, had been executed by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilate when Tiberius was Emperor; and the pernicious superstition was checked for a short time, only to break out afresh, not only in Judea, the home of the plague, but in Rome itself...”. Clearly, Tacitus was not a sympathiser!

Another Roman reference to Christians comes from Pliny the Younger, Procurator of what is now modern Turkey, and a philosopher to boot. He wrote to Emperor Trajan seeking advice on how to deal with Christians, as they did not worship the Emperor, as was required by law. The interesting section of his

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 15

Kemptville Horticultural Society

Starting at 7:00 pm

January Meeting This evening our speaker with be Linda Desroches on the topic of "Gardens of Scotland" Everyone welcome.

At the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Rd. #43, Kemptville

January 20

Spencerville Agricultural Society, January Meeting

Starting at 6:00 pm

Have you ever considered being a part of the Spencerville Agricultural Society? This is your opportunity to join our committee! We will kick oﬀ the night with a social hour followed by our AGM. We are already planning for the 170th Spencerville Fair, September 11-14, 2025! If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details.

Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

January 23

Garden Party at the Merrickville Legion, starting at 2 pm. It will be an interactive virtual session with the Royal Botanical Gardens. Learn the history, experience the gardens, ask questions. Followed by refreshments. Free admission! We have limited space so if anyone is interested we would like them to register by emailing merrickvillelionsprograms@gmail.com.

letter describes the practices of the sect:

“..they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang an anthem to Christ as God, and bound themselves by a solemn oath not to commit any wicked deed, but to abstain from all fraud, theft and adultery, never to break their word, or deny a trust when called upon to honour it; after which it was their custom to separate, and then meet again to partake of food, but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.”

[Epistles, x, 6]

In short, the historical record, outside of the

New Testament, contains enough references to Jesus and his life and death by non-Christian sources to refute any idea that he was not an actual ﬁgure in time and space. He was no myth.

Of course, the most complete source of information are the 27 documents which comprise the New Testament. Once again, these are generally accepted by historians of the ancient world as reliable sources of material, and it is usually the opponents of Christianity who reject them. They are now worth some study to see what myth understandings may apply to them.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOP LOCAL

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families. NO MONTHLY SUPPER THIS MONTH. The ﬁrst supper of 2025 will be on Thursday 23 January.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

NG Duplicate Bridge Club, 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

Friendship Lunches are oﬀered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will oﬀering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@gmail.com At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:309:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"

Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the ﬁrst and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.

KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given.

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, January 21, February 4, 18, March 4, 18, April 1, 15, 29, May 13 and 27. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, January 28, February 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22, May 6 and 20. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com North Grenville Men’s Shed

A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.

Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed. com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.

-Support neighbourhood character -Keep Money in Your Community -Keep Small Communities Intact -Help the Environment

FOR SALE

Futon bed/couch, blue & white, very good condition. 100$. call 613-258=6108

2 NEW hearing aid

batteries Premium

ONE R312 Lithium Rechargeable in Kemptville HALF PRICE $25. Call 613-258-7501 or hrvpwll@gmail.com

Honda Fit Winter Tires on rims 185/R160 15 M+S $300 Kemptille 613-258-7501

ALL House HUMIDIFIER Cabinet style on wheels FREE in Kemptville 613-2587501

Four steel rims 17” fit Hyundai only $90.00 for set only 18000km . 613 258 1058

GOLDEN GROWING

613-215-0735

4 Kelly winter tires with rims for sale 225-60R16, $300.00. 1 winter. 613-258-1167

Chevrolet contoured all weather floor liners set 2015 -2022 Chevy Colorado extra cab $40. contact Dan nadfuct@ gmail.com.

Coil Binding Machine with electric coil inserter (Coil Mac EC1), $500 (OBO). Assorted coils included. email classifieds@ngtimes. ca

Gozone home fitness mini stepper, hardly used. $20. nadfudt@gmail.com

MISCELANEOUS

Looking to rent farmland in North Gren-

GARDEN CARE

Cultivating Care Through Gardening Seasonal Garden Maintence Contracts for 2025 & Gift Cards now available! Contact: goldengrowing247@gmail.com

BACKYARD ASTRONOMY

ville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

Looking to harvest cedar trees for cedar hedges from land owner. Joanne (613)799-0958

Home share. Private bedroom, bathroom and office. All utilities and satellite wifi/tv included in the monthly rent $1400. Beautiful country home near Perth ON. 613-2767438

LOST

Lost orange and white cat (Lilly) in Kemptville. If found please call/text 613-301-7077.

ACROSS

1. One and only 5. Breezy

10. Self-satisﬁed

14. Arab ruler 15. Love intensely

16. Tropical root

17. Resisting authority

19. Freshwater mussel

20. How old you are 21. Beside

22. Long stories

23. Ceremonial peace pipe

25. Pertaining to cod

27. Physically sound

28. Sporting dogs

31. Chocolate

34. Savory

35. Faucet

36. "Oh dear!"

37. Twice twenty

38. Arouse

Winter Sky, Bright Planets

by Gary Boyle -

The Backyard Astronomer Canadian winters can be quite harsh at times. Between the bone-chilling cold and piles of snow, this time of year plays host to the bright winter constellations. Orion – the Hunter is the most recognized pattern in the entire sky. The three stars appearing in a row signifying his belt, lie on the celestial equator meaning both the northern and southern hemispheres can see this group of seven stars portraying the Hunter battling Taurus the Bull.

Early sunsets allow one to begin star gazing and photographing the sky after dinner compared to around 10 pm in summer. Along with these seven bright suns, other constellations around Orion also display brilliant stars. In all, a dozen bright points of light reign the sky. Hanging down from the belt stars namely Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka is the imaginary sword. That misty patch of light is the Orion Nebula, a region of gas and dust located about 1,500 light-years (ly) away and measures an estimated 24 ly wide. Keep in mind one light-year measures close to 10 trillion kilometres. Within this region, new stars are being created as pockets of gas and dust slowly condense and collapse onto

themselves. As the star grows, so does its internal pressure and temperature until the star lights up in a thermo-nuclear reaction. Amongst the brighter constellations of Auriga, Gemini, Canis Minor and Major as well as Taurus are two brilliant planets. First is Jupiter located high in the night sky in the constellation Taurus. Jupiter is presently around 632 million kilometres or 35 light-minutes away whereas the orange-coloured star named Aldebaran to the lower right is 66 light-years from us. This star is referred to as the "angry eye of the bull" and is a foreground star of the much farther star cluster called the Hyades situated 154 lightyears away. The Pleiades of "Seven Sisters" is a fantastic sight in low power binoculars and in mythology is the "heart" of the Bull.

Moving east we come to the constellation Gemini consisting of the bright stars Castor (51 ly) and Pollux (33 ly). Below and lining up with these two suns is Mars. Referred to as the red planet, it appears bright orange and will be close to Earth on January 16. This close approach occurs every 26 months thus allowing a good opportunity to see Martian surface features with a telescope. On the night of January 13, Mars will either be occulted and hidden by the moon for up

to an hour or have a very near miss, depending on where you live in North America.

And let us not forget the planet Venus now in the lower western sky. It sets around 8:30 p.m. local time. To the upper left is the planetary jewel of the sky, Saturn. Taking on a yellowish hue, Saturn is now 83 light-minutes away. Venus and Saturn will be in conjunction (appearing closest in the sky) on the night of January 18. Today's astronomy apps will help you identify the planets and learn the constellations. The night sky is a place of wonder that can be enjoyed all year round.

Clear skies.

Known as "The Backyard Astronomer", Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 60 Canadian radio stations as well as various television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy. com.

39. Mister

40. Forests

41. Divinity

42. Hurries

44. Band performance

45. Value

46. Mammals like camels

50. Earth tone

52. Monastery head

54. Paintings

55. Verse

56. Fear of heights

58. Fertilizer component

59. Ending in a piercing point

60. Frolic

61. Peddle

62. Triﬂing

63. Anagram of "Sent"

DOWN

1. Glacial ice formation

2. Alpha's opposite

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

3. Besmirch

4. Before, in poetry

5. Billfold

6. Blockhead

7. Midday

8. Pharmacists

9. "I agree"

10. Foolish

11. Arge pasta tubes

12. Acid related to gout

13. Sticky substances/td>

18. Female demon

22. Countercurrent

24. Unidentiﬁed ﬂying objects

26. Pretentious

28. Poets

29. Person's manner of walking

30. Agile

31. Money

32. Mishmash

33. Gymnastic feat

34. Odontalgia

37. 12 inches

38. Bristle/td>

40. Had on

41. Profundity

43. Ball

44. Unkempt

46. Cut short

47. Line

48. Anagram of "Naira"

49. Doesn't go

50. Creative work

51. The central part

53. Spoiled child

56. Viper

57. Choose

73’s fall short for strong ﬁnish before holiday break

Locked, loaded and delivered...Emile Trottier magical moves reversed to Eric Sweetapple on the line, over to Franco Canevari to ﬁnd his target during Wednesday evening 5 - 2 loss to Nepean Raiders.

by G.J.

the sportsguy

Wednesday night did not have the outcome that Kemptville anticipated, as Nepean Raiders pummelled them 5 to 2, with the exhibition of the goon squad in full display as the oﬃcials lost control from the bell.

The evening was a solemn affair, as GM Terry Nichols paid respects to a beloved human being with a moment of silence on the passing of Brian Wilson. A 73’s relentless volunteer who expressed his boisterous vocals as game announcer, and was also known as Santa Claus to many with his facial adornment and jovial character, he will be missed, but never forgotten, by the 73’s family and this community fortunate to have his acquaintance.

The 73’s pulled their net minder at 17:44 and 18:31 with Nepean capitalizing with an empty netter from Luka Benoit with helpers from Campbell and Houben 18:51. This was all she wrote to award Nepean the 5 to 2 walkaway battle with battered bodies on both sides and disappointment for the home fans. Kemptville outshot Nepean 34 to 26 with 0/6 PP to ½ PP.

the second stanza as they capitalized on a PP from Small with Payie to Loic Prud’homme at just :29. Kemptville managed to spoil Ty Ferguson SO when S. Canevari threw it to Stubblings on his bicycle to ﬁnd Alexis Beaulieau in the circle at 4:37. Loic Prud’homme assisted from Small with Bouwer for his second and insurance for Carleton Place at 4:57.

On the road into Brockville to meet with the Braves for a Thursday evening campaign that was a back and forth sixty with the 73’s falling short 2 to 1. Brockville drew first blood to open the initial twenty with a combination from McNally to Jesse Lumsden to blow the rubber past Mason Jones at 17:19.

The second salvo erupted into a preliminary prize ﬁghter card as the scrums continued after each whistle as Nepean stayed with their game plan and 28 minutes were spent in the sin bin for both combatants. Frame two closed out scoreless, as the Nepean and Kemptville stoppers stood tall during the ﬁasco around them.

D. McDougall with Graves cycling low onto the tape of Sydney Loretto on the dot to drive the rubber water bottle high to bring Kemptville within one at 13:43 and then the wheels fell oﬀ. Man advantage for the Raiders as Taylor penetrated with Carter Williamson PPG to drift it by Mason Jones for the insurance at 16:37.

Nepean opened the first with pulverizing intensity, as they pounded their opponents into oblivion when they recognized the weakness of Kemptville’s flatness. A 73’s defensive error allowed Williamson with Owen Kinghan to place a healthy rebound behind Rylan Donovan at 1:31 to put Nepean on the sheet. Another 73’s defensive debacle gave Owen Smetham, with helpers from Dickey and Kahriman at the 2:23 mark, to make it 2-zip in the first 5 minutes. The Raiders’ game winner on an attack controlled the trenches from Houben with Benoit to set up Deklyn Campbell to chase a befuddled Rylan Donovan to the bench for a 3-goal advantage at 6:45. Kemptville debunked a Otsirakatste Brant shutout when Trottier flew over the line with Sweetapple reversed to Franco Canevari hugging the point and launching it top shelf at 11:51.

Sweetapple transitioned to D. McDougall with Emile Trottier perched on the dot to drive it home by Rylan Gerlich in the ﬁrst minute of the second at :30 to even it up. A game winner for the Braves when assisted from McNally and Dinis to Zach Biniaris at 5:27 for tie breaker. Final frame opened and closed scoreless to give Brockville a 2 to 1 victory after Kemptville pulled their stopper without results at 18:44. Brockville hammered Kemptville 43 to 20 SHG with 0/6 PP to 0/3.

Another road outing on the other side of Highway 29 for a Sunday matinee to be humiliated with 7 to 1 shellacking by the Carleton Place Canadians. Kemptville had extra man in the ﬁrst frame that Carleton Place manipulated to their advantage for the game winner for a shortie from Finn Barton with helpers from Kay and Culley to put it behind Mason Jones at 3:51.

The ﬂood gates opened wide for the Canadians in

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOP LOCAL

Carleton Place with extra attacker awarded Loic Prud’homme PPG with an assist from Small and Payie his hattie at 7:00 of the third. Bleeding was stenched when man advantage for the Canadians from Bouwer with Kay to Ryan Small PPG at 18:20 to overwhelm Kemptville 7 to 1. Carleton Place peppered Kemptville 41 to 25 SHG.

Three back-to-back home stands to commence the new year schedule with Hawkesbury Hawks for Sunday matinee and then Wednesday night with Renfrew Wolves, to wrap up with Pembroke Lumber Kings on friday night.

Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall.

# 1

Rylan Donovan

-Support neighbourhood character -Keep Money in Your Community -Keep Small Communities Intact -Help the Environment

Paving the Way for Local Business: Surviving County Road 43 Construction

by Talia Hreljac

Unless you've been living under a rock (and let’s be honest, we’ve all had moments like that), you’ve probably noticed the ongoing construction on County Road 43. The road’s getting a much-needed upgrade, expanding from two lanes to four. It’s a change that will deﬁnitely pay oﬀ in the long run; but, for now, it’s wreaking havoc on the local community.

While it’s tough on everyone, it’s the businesses along 43 that have really felt the pinch. With construction encouraging people to avoid the road, those businesses are struggling with less foot traffic and visibility. It’s become a case of “out of

sight, out of mind,” and for many, December was the worst month on record. As if small businesses didn’t have enough to contend with already - the juggernauts of online shopping, rising rents (did you know there’s not much of a cap on rent for retail spaces?), and the ﬁerce competition from bigbox stores - there are other factors that have made it incredibly hard to be a small business owner.

For some, it’s becoming a real uphill battle. One local business even mentioned that their rent had gone up so much, and the local support has gone so far down, that they’re genuinely worried they won’t be able to keep their doors open in the next

few years.

This is where the community comes in. If we want to keep Kemptville’s charm intact, we need to rally behind the businesses that make North Grenville so special. Sure, it’s easy to get online and vent about how Kemptville’s “losing its small-town feel”; but just imagine how it’ll feel when we lose the shops and restaurants that have been part of our town for years. What will County Road 43 look like after the construction if all you see are “for rent” signs instead of those beloved local businesses?

So, here’s my challenge: take a drive down 43 (bonus points if you embrace the Mario Kart vibes and

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

Two for the price of one

enjoy the turns – it’s like a racecourse out there). Stop by a few businesses, grab a coﬀee, pick up a gift card, or even shop for that perfect present for someone special. Supporting local is a winwin – you get something nice, and the businesses that support our community get the boost they need to stay aﬂoat.

Remember, folks, this construction is a short-term pain for long-term gain. Once it’s ﬁnished, County Road 43 is going to look fantastic. But let’s make sure our local businesses are still around to reap the rewards of that upgrade!

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

I am a huge fan of cranberries. They are versatile as a jam, sauce, juice or wine all year round. As a key ingredient in today’s recipe, Hot Cranberry Pudding, they are a great treat for this time of year as we recover from over-eating our turkey or ham during the holidays.

Hot Cranberry Pudding:

Batter Ingredients

• 2 cups ﬂour + ¼ cup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup milk

• 1 large egg and 12 tablespoons of softened butter

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Sauce Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ cup brown sugar, ﬁrmly packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup 35% cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• ¼ cup dark rum (as desired)

Preparation

• In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients except ¼ cup of ﬂour and the cranberries

• Beat until smooth for about 2 minutes

• In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with the ¼ cup of ﬂour you kept aside

• Stir in the berry mixture to your pudding batter by hand

• Pour into a greased 1 ½ metal mould

By the time you get to read this the Christmas Time celebrations will be over and life may be back to some sort of normality, whatever that is. Meanwhile our avian friends are still actively showing their presence to us in their own remarkable ways.

My title may have got some of you confused as to what I am getting at. Well, let me clarify it a little for you, since it is not all that clear from just my pictures of the Red Breasted and White Breasted Nuthatches. These are, of course, the subject of my article, being very regular visitors to my hanging feeders. Thus I get two for one, from this combination of these beautiful little birds.

However, I did get a diﬀerent combination of two for one the other day, when two of the Red Breasted Nuthatch variety both landed on my peanut feeder at the same time. I just had time to grab my camera and get a quick shot, before one left. Unfortunately their vertical separation on the peanut feeder’s suspension cable was such, that they were quite a bit apart from each other to give my photograph enough of an impact required to show it to you all! Sorry about that, but I shall certainly keep trying to get one. I hope that you enjoy the single bird versions that I have included.

Hopefully you have been able to utilize the Christmas time, to get better views of your own garden birds and are getting as much enjoyment from seeing them as I myself do. Enjoy them and the rest of your holiday season, but stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

• Cover tightly with aluminium foil

• Place a metal rack on the bottom of a roasting pan

• Pour boiling water to just below the rack and place the mould on the rack

• Cover and cook at a low boil for about 2 hours

• Make sure you keep adding boiling water to keep water level the same throughout

• Check with a probe after two hours; you can then remove the foil and unmould your pudding

While your pudding is in its ﬁnal stages, you can prepare the sauce by combining all of the ingredients over medium heat. Serve warm with the sauce poured generously over each serving. Yum! All the very best from Paul at pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.

Leeds & Grenville Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Join us on Monday, February 3 at 7:00 pm via Zoom for our ﬁrst presentation of 2025! Author and speaker Jill Morelli will speak about Family Search research techniques. Her topic is “Be a Super Sleuth: Accessing & Using Images and Full Text Search”.

Did you know that Family Search is placing their recently digitized material online in less than 24 hours after it is scanned? Did you know that they are placing them, not in the Catalogue, but in Images? This makes the images tab (under Search) the most up-to-date repository of FS records--not the Catalog. Did you know that using Artiﬁcial Intelligence, you can conduct an all-word search for certain documents in their “Lab”? What is a Super Sleuth to do? We will learn how to access these two features of FS to ﬁnd your ancestors. Treasures await!

Jill Morelli, CG, CGL is a writer, lecturer and co-founder of the online Applied Genealogy Institute, providing handson educational opportunities for intermediate and advanced genealogists. In 2017, she founded the Certiﬁcation Discussion Group, an online series discussing her certiﬁcation journey in order to demystify the process for others. Jill is past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, co-chair of SGS Centennial 2023, program director for the Puget Sound-APG chapter, and a member of many local and national genealogical societies.

To register for this presentation, visit our Branch website leedsandgrenville.ogs.on.ca for more details.

Redbreasted Nuthatch showing distinctive black eye bar

An upright Whitebreasted Nuthatch

No eyebar on Whitebreasted Nuthatch

Who can solve the Chronic Disease crisis?

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world. He got the title thanks to innovative thinking and masterful moves in the business world. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk intends to apply economic efficiencies in fighting the crisis of an obesity society by making weight loss drugs cheap.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan, and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors super low cost to the public. Nothing is even close.”

GLP inhibitors are a class of medications that help manage blood sugar in people with diabetes. Ozempic is the brand name for one such product that is enabling pharmaceutical executives to join the ranks of the ultra-rich.

But are these powerful synthetic drugs the right way to ﬁght the problem? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is another of Trump’s controversial appointments. He will be the next U.S. Secretary of Health, charged by Trump to end the chronic disease epidemic. Kennedy believes promoting a better lifestyle is the answer. In his own post on X, he said "ultra-processed food is driving the obesity epidemic.”

So, who is right? Neither of them is a doctor; but we mustn’t hold that against them. Doctors haven’t done nearly enough to address the steady destructive progress over several decades of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. North America was not a land of obesity in the past. But it is today, at a huge cost. And now the scales have tipped, and the ﬁght is on, one way or another.

Kennedy is right that lifestyle is the answer, but hell will freeze over before companies put healthy products ahead of corporate proﬁts. Processing things is what companies do.

Kennedy faces another major human conundrum. Study after study show that following good nutritional guidance does lead many people to lose weight and gain better health. But history shows that humans are not angels. They get tired of diets, go back to eating what they enjoy, and obesity returns with a vengeance. So, Kennedy’s plan gets a failing grade.

Is Musk’s plan to get innovative, costly drugs into the hands of the masses the better way? The new class of weight loss drugs are effective in helping people lose weight and fight Type 2 Diabetes. But there are consequences of turning to drugs to make life easy. Year after year, synthetic drugs result in thousands of deaths, and negative side effects can accumulate when they’re used for prolonged periods of time. Doctors, politicians, and businesspeople who fail to acknowledge the risks associated with drugs are not being honest. People who turn to synthetic drugs without pause are ignoring their options.

Musk’s plan has this and other challenges: how does he propose to lower the cost of weight loss drugs while also slashing federal spending on health? And how will he corral health insurance companies that are now starting to say no to coverage for such drugs? So, there’s no high grade for Musk either.

Meanwhile, the health of North Americans is declining as the medical complications of obesity and diabetes march on. Blindness, heart attack, kidney failure, and sometimes amputation of both legs due to gangrene are the complications of diabetes. The only winners will be the ones who knuckle down with the determination and dedication required to lose extra weight. They will follow Abraham’s Lincoln’s advice about having legs. Use them!

No drug oﬀers a glitzy reward free of repercussion. Shakespeare wrote, “A substitute shines as brightly as a king, until a king be by.”

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

Introducing the South East Health Unit

On January 1, the South East Health Unit Board of Health met for the ﬁrst time, oﬃcially launching the merged public health agency made up of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

The newly formed Board passed the necessary bylaws for the South East Health Unit to function and elected Jan O’Neill, Hastings County Mayor, as Board Chair; and Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac Councillor, as Vice Chair.

“It’s truly an exciting time for our three legacy agencies,” said Jan O’Neill, Board Chair for the South East Health Unit. “Speaking for the Board, we’re committed to working together to ﬁnd new and innovative ways to best serve our various communities.”

The South East Health Unit Board consists of four municipal representatives from each legacy agency, and, as of Jan. 1, six provincial representatives:

· Councillor Conny Glenn, City of Kingston

· Councillor Jeﬀ McLaren, City of Kingston

· Councillor Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac

· Warden Nathan Townend, County of Lennox & Addington

· Reeve Richard Kidd, Lanark County

· Mayor Robin Jones, County of Leeds and Grenville

· Councillor Peter McKenna, Town of Smiths Falls*

· Councillor Anne-Marie Koiner, Town of Gananoque*

· Councillor Sean Kelly, City

of Belleville

· Councillor Bill Roberts, Prince Edward County

· Mayor Jan O’Neill, Hastings County

· Councillor Michael Kotsovos, City of Quinte West

· Barbara Proctor, Provincial Representative

· Melanie Paradis, Provincial Representative

· Dr. Jeﬀrey Allin, Provincial Representative

· Chris Seeley, Provincial Representative

· Dr. David Pattenden, Provincial Representative

· Stephen Bird, Provincial Representative

* Note that there are four municipalities (City of Brockville, Town of Smiths Falls, Town of Gananoque and Town of Prescott) who jointly appoint two Board members who represent all four municipalities.

The responsibilities of the South East Health Unit remain the same as those of the legacy agencies: to provide public health-based programs that help prevent illness and injury, promote health and wellness, and protect residents from environmental health hazards.

“The merger has given us a unique opportunity to transform how we deliver public health services in our combined communities. It’s truly an exciting time for public health in the Southeast region,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Oﬃcer of

Sloan, Shirley Jean

(Nee Summers)

September 24, 1931-December 24, 2024

Peacefully at home on Tuesday December 24, 2024. Jean Sloan age 93 of Heskston. Beloved wife of the late Bill. Loving mother of Marilyn, the late Dawn Baker, Murray (Reta), and Randy (Leslie). Cherished Nan of Cory, Melissa (Sean), Craig (Melanie), Sam (Ally) and great-grandchildren Kolton, Lilly, Taylor, Chloe, Grace, Olivia, Aubrey, Madison and Nicholas. Predeceased by her parents Lorne & Elizabeth Summers and her siblings Evelene, Gordon, Lehman, Glenna, Hilton, Idena, Carman, Judy, Dalton, Isabelle, Walter and Sidney. Survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be held at South Gower Cemetery Spring 2025. By family request donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

Health and CEO for the South East Health Unit.

Efforts are underway to develop new branding for the South East Health Unit, which is expected to take several months.

In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material from the former health agencies. You will also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit. The South East Health Unit appreciates your patience as we transition to our new brand.

Office addresses, phone numbers, websites and social media accounts have not changed at this time. We ask that the public continue to interact with their local public health office as they usually would until otherwise directed. Please check the following website for more information: Residents of the Counties of Lanark and Leeds & Grenville: www.healthunit.org. Call 1-800-660-5853

Michael Charles McEwen

1942-2024

It is with profound sadness we mark the death of our beloved. Michael McEwen, of Perth, Ontario, died in his facility at Southbridge in Kemptville, Ontario. Michael was a loving son, dutiful husband and nurturing father who cherished his family, all of his life. Proud alumni of Kemptville Agricultural College; farming his land and tending to livestock was his life’s work. He served his community as treasurer for BBD&E ﬁre department, both a municipal clerk and a councillor, alongside a four decade career in the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Son of Margaret Mary McEwen (nee Tinney) and Howard Duncan McEwen (both deceased). Cherished by his wife, Donna (nee Tilley), children Samuel McEwen (Matthew Rippeyoung), Sarah Taylor (Wayne), Mairéad Frizell (Paul), Eileen Kristalyn (Christian). Adored by his grandchildren Anika, Marek, Reese, Sadie, Nia and Greta.

Cremation and private services have taken place. Spring internment to be announced.

Our family thanks the compassionate staff at Southbridge who cared for Michael through his final years. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Rideau Valley Trail Association.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your ﬁelds, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand”. - Irish Blessing