Issue 21 2024 May 30 NG Times

in store for details

Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic Kemptville Mall info@laurieropticalkemptville.com

www.laurieropticalkemptville.com

Creating an Indigenous Cultural Forest Space at the Ferguson Forest Centre

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, The Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation has partnered with Indigenous residents of North Grenville to create an Indigenous commemorative site at the Ferguson Forest Centre Arboretum.

The vision for the site has been designed by Finian Paibomesai, a local artist. The dedicated site is designed to recognize the culture, traditions and history of the area which is part of the Algonquin territory. It is a welcoming and open space that will be used to celebrate Anishinaabe culture and as a site for

cultural events.

The site is designed in the form of a medicine wheel which is symbolic of the four elements fire, earth, water and wind. The medicine wheel is also a symbol that contains many teachings about Mino-Bimaadiziwin, which means a way to live a good life.

The site will be used to share traditional Anishinaabe teachings with local residents and will be a gathering space for community to acknowledge important days for the Anishinabek people.

It will be a site for gathering, meeting, learning and reflection.

The committee of the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation working on this initiative is looking for community sponsors to help with the cost of developing the space.

For more information on this project, or to learn how you can get involved, please contact Indigenous Space Committee Chair at: FergusonForestIndigenousSpace@gmail.com.

To make a donation towards the development of this site, you can send an e-transfer to: admin@ fergusontreenursery. ca, or a cheque payable to the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation, 275 County Rd. 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0, stating “Indigenous Space Donation” on both.

Local school choir

win silver

The Chamber Choir, photo by St. Michael Catholic High School

The Chamber Choir from St. Michael Catholic High School in Kemptville was invited to compete at the Canadian National Music FestivalMusicFest Canada, where they came away with a Silver Standing. Congratulations to choir members and staff for the great achievement.

The medicine wheel design for the site has been created by local artist, Finian Paibomesai.

Finalists announced for MyView Youth Film Festival

Youth ages 10-24 across Eastern Ontario have been busy making short videos about something important to them. Eleven original films have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 MyView Youth Film Festival.

You Can Fight Climate Change by Ian Dennis and Isaac Dennis from Kemptville Springtime Melody by Elizabeth Newman from Kemptville Front of Yonge’s Happiness Journey by the Front of Yonge Public School Happiness Committee

Get Outside by Ava Derouin from Almonte

Social Media Doesn’t ‘Like’ You by Emma Yakimovich from Kemptville Community Love in Full Bloom by the Multi-Exceptional Program students at St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Kemptville

Solitude by Miles Dockendorff from Kemptville

Finding Home by Oscar Arkeveld and Chloe Waycik from Brockville

Little by Little by Cypress Darling from Ottawa

Pink Person by Eva Masson from Kingston

Where I’m From(?) by Ella Miller from Forthton

Please join us for a celebratory evening Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, at 7pm at the Brockville Arts Centre (235 King St West in Brockville). Walk the red carpet, meet the film-makers and see the nominated films on the big screen in a beautifully restored historic theatre. Winners are determined by a panel of local celebrity judges and will be announced at the evening celebrations! The Grand Prize of $1000 is jointly sponsored by McGahey Insurance and Grenville Mutual Insurance and the “I Love My Community” $750 prize is sponsored by Exit Realty Eastern Ontario. New this year are the $500 prize for best original music sponsored by Jamming Around Man Productions of Kemptville and an additional $500 prize sponsored by the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. The age-category prizes are donated by YourTV. This event is free to attend so please plan to come and see what young film-makers have to say!

Our judges this year are:

Alexa Waycik – Previous MyView Winner

Cameron Wales – Brockville City Councillor

Dale Elliott – DCE Media/Hometown TV12

Herb Cloutier – Jamming Around Man Productions

Julie Fossitt - City of Kingston

The Brockville Arts Centre & City of Brockville Cultural Services is proud to host this celebration of youth voices and film-making at the Awards Ceremony. Want to watch the nominated films ahead of time? Check out the 2024 MyView Nomination Reel on the main-page of our website at www.myviewfilmfest.ca SUPPORT

by Brandon Mayer

Residents of the Maplestone community in the east end of North Grenville have continued their battle against a new tourism development potentially opening at 4100 County Road 43. A planning meeting on April 10 saw many concerned residents address Council over the proposed project, which neighbours argue is hardly just “planned”, since much of the work is already underway. The fight is already fierce, despite no concrete decisions having yet been made.

Do the residents of the Maplestone community (and any others who may oppose the development) have a point? They cer-

tainly do, in the sense that there is some work for which the developer is seeking commercial-use approval that has, in fact, already been completed. A quick look at the photo appended to this article shows “geodesic domes” which have already been constructed, intended to be used for public “glamping” on the property.

According to neighbours who previously spoke to the Times, the domes were constructed under building permits, but under the assumption that they were for personal use. Now, the zoning amendment request on the agenda for Council seeks to allow the domes to be used commercially, for tourism purposes. The site itself was apparently

purchased and renovated for personal use, and could, in the near future, become a major wedding venue.

Given that 2+2=4, it is not difficult to see where the Maplestone residents are coming from when they claim that the way this development has been approached has been less than direct or transparent. It is tough to think of a “personal” use for not one, but six geodesic domes. Other aspects of the property renovations seem to follow this pattern – better to ask for forgiveness later than permission now.

Where the issue gets confusing is the fact that even though no decisions about the property have yet been made by Council, several residents of the Maplestone community are gearing up for a legal battle. In one concern I received by email, a member of the opposition group pointed out that the Mayor and Council have refused a meeting with concerned residents on the “advice of legal counsel”, despite having previously met with the property owner. While this does appear to show some favouritism, it is also two separate issues.

43 Expansion Project Business Owners Meeting

Meeting with a potential developer who could bring jobs and tourist dollars to the region is far different from having a meeting with a group of people who have already threatened an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal for what they deem a bad potential future decision.

Given that municipal legal fees are paid with taxpayer dollars, North Grenville residents should be grateful when Council follows the advice of legal representation. There are claims being leveled against Council that question members’ integrity – claims which will not be reported in the Times without facts to back them up. Again, with these claims being made, it should come as no surprise that Council is being instructed not to meet with the Maplestone group.

While neighbouring residents are the ones who get directly consulted when it comes to planning matters, Council’s job is to represent all residents of North Grenville. There is little doubt that the tourist dollars and employment opportunities to be potentially created by the 4100 County Road 43

development will benefit North Grenville as a whole. The escalation has essentially ensured that Council will not be able to comment on questions asked by the media. When the Times nevertheless offered to share the neighbours’ concerns which had been sent to us by email, the person who sent the email instead sent the printing offer to another group member, who asked for a phone call to clarify “where [we] want to go with this”. The call was returned, and written information outlining the Maplestone group’s concerns was promised. Well over a week later, that information has not been received.

It is clear that Council could be more transparent

here, and it is also clear that the developer should have been obliged to be more forthcoming with his intentions. What is also plain to see is that the Maplestone community could have facilitated a more open process by not coming at the issue with its teeth bared before any decisions have been made.

When either the Municipality or the Maplestone community wishes to submit comments for publication, or when developments occur in the planning matters, the Times will be happy to share these updates with the North Grenville public, as always.

Beyond here lies nothing

by David Shanahan

Looking at events around the world in the past few weeks, it is easy to believe that things are becoming increasingly out of hand and that the future is a threatening and dangerous place. To be clear, the present is a pretty dangerous place too. Looking at the neighbour to the south, it is hard not to fear for their democracy, no matter who wins the elections in November. If Trump wins, there is a clear expectation that he will introduce extremely authoritarian measures, including mass deportations, a crackdown on media, particularly those elements he sees as critical of him and his MAGA gang, and a new alliance with anti-European powers, including Russia, China and North Korea. This may seem like an extreme view

of things, but, as many have now pointed out, when someone like Trump makes wild statements of intent, it is wise to believe he means what he says. That lesson should have been learned after his last term in office, and the attempt to subvert the 2020 election results.

On the other hand, if Biden wins, things may not turn out any less dangerously. Once again, given what happened after 2020, there is absolutely no likelihood that the Trump cult, which now includes the Republican Party in general, will agree to accept the result. For the first time in US history, mainline politicians are refusing to commit to accepting election results if they go against them. That is, to be clear, they are refusing to commit to abide by democratic norms and processes. There are too many wild people, with far too many weapons, willing

Letters to the Edior

Dear Editor,

I also appreciate the debate between Dr. David Shanahan and Mr. Steve Gabell. Last week a letter published from Ed Norman had the effect on me of blurring the existing NGT debate format of the last few weeks.

Rather than the pointcounter-point of good debate, Mr. Norman presented the “standard narrative” which he ascribed to Mr. Gabell. He used coy competitive comparisons seemingly attempting to prove one side correct and ‘tuther wrong!

The debate format of the NG op-ed articles is enjoyable to read. I see it as disciplined enough to avoid the ad-hominem comments, and also to reduce any standard competitive phrasing. Accordingly, certain points are enabled that may allow the reader to self-judge the strength and value of all the points presented and elucidated. The format so far has shown also, the flexibility to allow the merit of individual opinions by the two participants. In my opinion, using a more formal debate format could have fettered that elasticity too much.

The significant flaw in Mr. Norman’s response is his seeming motivation to argue that he knows best. On the other hand, the NG debate so far has left that decision to me.

I do not know if the debate is closed or will contin-

to use them and willing to support violence in their rejection of the public will.

Too many other countries seem to be on the brink of equally threatening changes in their government and policies, as authoritarian regimes build alliances with non-democratic governments in opposition to groupings such as NAT and the EU.

Yes, on the face of it, Canada is doing alright, so far. We have some nastiness erupting in our federal politics, with more and more of a focus on personalities rather than policies. Conservative leaders are not attacking the Liberals, they’re attacking Justin Trudeau. But at least they’re not advocating violence against individuals, there are no accusations of treason, no statements of intent to ignore election results should they go against them. So far, so good.

But there is a reason for the rise of authoritarianleaning politics around the world, and those reasons exist here also, though perhaps not as advanced. But when people feel left out, when they feel disadvantaged while a few are prospering at their expense, then radical ideas breed radical solutions. In Canada, as in many European countries, there is a growing divide taking place in society. People are feeling life slipping out of their control. The old assurances no longer hold.

Food Banks Canada released their Report Cards for 2023 last week, and the statistics are frightening, or should be. For example, visits to food banks across Canada rose to almost 2 million in March alone, a rise of over 30% over the previous year, and a 78.5% increase compared to March, 2019. More and more people using food

banks are employed, but cannot make ends meet in spite of having a regular income. The price of everything has brought lives into crisis: rent, mortgage, gas, food, clothes, everything seems to be moving out of reach of ordinary workers, while their incomes are stagnant. Canada is not nearly as affected by the rising cost of living as countries elsewhere, and economists in the United Kingdom, for example, point to Canada as one of the bright spots, economically, in world affairs. But it doesn’t seem that way on the ground here.

ue. Hoping it will continue, I wish to contribute (perhaps with a pinch of my levity to include a relevant quote from Dr. Stephen Hawking. His paper on the existence of God included this:

“If you believe in science, like I do, you believe that there are certain laws that are always obeyed. If you like, you can say the laws are the work of God, but that is more a definition of God than a proof of his existence… One could define God as the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of as God. They mean a humanlike being, with whom one can have a personal relationship. When you look at the vast size of the universe, and how insignificant and accidental human life is in it, that seems most implausible. I use the word “God” in an impersonal sense, as Einstein did, for the laws of nature, so knowing the mind of God is knowing the laws of nature. My prediction is that we will know the mind of God by the end of this century.”

Considering the possibility of God existing, he went on to write: "We are free to each believe what we want…”

I do hope the “DEBATE” continues. I do not see Stephen, David, or Steve arguing definitely that they are correct. Nor do I see them

using “standard narratives”, as mentioned by Ed Norman. I may believe that God does exist for us all, as at least a faith in the immutable laws of what I call “survival”ergo: life of all kinds.

To read the varied thoughts of others here, in the North Grenville Times is indeed a pleasure and to me a gift. I believe that I may even revisit my own thoughts about the Grand Design of what many are comfortable attributing to a Deity. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, Graeme Waymark

Dear Editor,

Speaking in relation to the great religious debate, I would certainly like to believe that there is a greater power, an entity, a ‘Supreme Being’ that cares; but I have great difficulty with that. Where is this “God” now for the suffering in the Gaza? Children are being slaughtered and, if not dead, they are starving and someone said on a program (CBC) that there are more children amputees than ever before in history. People are dying by the hundreds every day. Why? Why, if someone, a caring ‘Supreme Being’ that we call God cares?

This is only one example of great human suffering. What is the purpose of this? It is beyond my understanding. Sorry. Religions always seem to divide us on this

earth. Different ‘tribes’, different beliefs!

Kath Piché

Dear Editor,

My experience of dealing with The Ottawa Medical "Nightmare" and their use of A.I. It is no wonder we have "The Heart Institute" and "The Royal" Mental hospital. There are two A.I. voices that book a person's medical appointments. One is a man's voice: he states who the appointment is for, at which medical facility, the date and time. Then I press replay so I am able to confirm information and save it to my phone. THEN THERE IS THE FEMALE'S AI call. Phone rings, I answer, a female voice says, "YOU have an appointment at such and such medical facility on a particular date and time.” There could be a number of adults residing at the residence contacted and, because there are AI voices trying to sell ventilation systems, trips to Africa to meet a prince, or some kid playing a random trick, you are left dumbfounded. Being a person in her 74th year of life, the use of A.I. in a medical system is a bloody nightmare. Signed "Completely frustrated with A.I. and the many Ottawa medical facilities spread across the city!”

Josephine Herman

The Food Banks Canada report suggests ways in which governments can alleviate some of the pressures on citizens facing this growing threat to their quality of life. According to the report, provincial social assistance programs, which includes both the general welfare and provincial disability support income streams, were the main source of income for over 40% of those using food banks, but social assistance rates are so low that all household types receiving assistance live below the official poverty line in almost

every province and territory. In many cases, the real dollar value of these rates has barely risen compared to 30 years ago, and in some cases has actually declined. Trying to escape the poverty trap is proving almost impossible, as every dollar earned in income is clawed back from assistance programs. There is much more to say about this situation, but the longterm consequences of what is happening today could easily lead to widespread social unrest and an increase in support for extremist ideologies. The question is: will governments at all levels be prepared to make vital changes to policies and programs, changes that will cost money, that may not help them in an election year. How visionary can our political leaders be to see beyond the immediate, and plan for a future that is more equitable for all? They may doubt that there is a public will to make those changes, but, increasingly, that public is being drawn further into the crisis. Give them something to hope for, something to believe in, a vision to follow. Or face the consequences down the line.

Individual charged with attempted murder

Weekend Shooting In Oxford Station, Three People Charged

A 31-year-old faces attempted murder and other charges after a weekend shooting incident in North Grenville.

One person was injured May 19, 2024, around 11:00 p.m., during an assault at a residence in Oxford Station. A short time later several individuals were injured when a shotgun was fired at the vehicle they were in. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

The investigation, by the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Grenville OPP Crime Unit, has resulted in three people being arrested. A man, age 31 of Oxford Station has been charged with: Attempted murder

Careless use of a firearm

Discharge a firearm in a reckless manner

Unauthorized possession of a firearm

He has also been charged, following a separate investigation with:

Sexual assault on a person under 16

Sexual interference

This accused was remanded in custody at a bail hearing today and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on May 30, 2024.

A second man, age 33 of North Grenville has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon

Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm

Careless use of a firearm

Unauthorized possession of a weapon

A woman, age 30 of Oxford Station has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon

Uttering threats to cause death of bodily harm

These two accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on July 12, 2024.

If you have any information, contact Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

North Grenville recognised for data standards

North Grenville is proud to announce its achievement of the Platinum Level Certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD). This prestigious recognition underscores North Grenville’s unwavering commitment to data-driven decision-making and maintaining high-caliber data standards. The certification was presented to Mayor Peckford and Council by Dr. Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of the World Council on City Data at the Council meeting on May 21, 2024.

As a result of this certification, North Grenville joins an elite network of over 30 Canadian municipalities and 100 global cities within the WCCD framework that collect, share, and utilize data to drive effective and transformative decisions. The Platinum Certification, the highest level of recognition by

the WCCD, highlights North Grenville’s dedication to high-quality, globally standardized, and independently verified city data.

During her presentation, Dr. McCarney remarked: “This third WCCD ISO 37120 certification supports North Grenville with a strong and robust dataset that can be applied across the organizational structure, supporting data-driven outcomes through trusted annual metrics. It has always been our pleasure to work with North Grenville, a leader in Ontario and worldwide”.

The WCCD hosts a network of innovative cities committed to high quality, globally standardized and certified city data which is critical for driving innovation and more strategic and sustainable economic development. This data supports city leaders in establishing a baseline for

Mayor Nancy Peckford on

building more resilient, smart, prosperous, and inclusive futures for their cities and their nations.

Established in 2014, over the past 10 years, the WCCD has built the most comprehensive city data platform in the world and is now working in over forty countries and has certified over one hundred cities. This vital data has applications ranging from investment attraction and economic development, innovation and business growth, strategic planning, and progress monitoring, to internal and global benchmarking, to localization of global agendas, and, overall, developing smarter, more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, and inclusive cities.

Mayor Peckford expressed her gratitude, saying “Thank you to the staff and residents of North Grenville for fostering a culture of data in our community. Our

collaboration with the WCCD showcases our municipality's clear direction toward our goals, demonstrated by our strong performance on many of the WCCD’s key metrics. In North Grenville, we understand that success is achieved by measuring progress, and this award highlights the tremendous efforts of our staff and community in striving to become the community we aspire to be.”

North Grenville is leveraging this data for strategic planning initiatives, propelling the municipality forward as a Canadian leader in economic development, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

AccessAbility Week 2024

Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca

Owner, CEO

As we observe National AccessAbility Week from May 26 to June 1, 2024, it is a time for us to reflect on the importance of inclusion and accessibility within our community. This week serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made in removing barriers and our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every

member of our community can participate fully in all aspects of life.

My colleague and CoChair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan says “National AccessAbility Week is a week for Canadians to promote inclusion and accessibility in our community and celebrate the

progress we’ve made to remove barriers. North Grenville is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has equal access to all of the services, supports, and programs that the municipality delivers.”

While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge that the journey towards full accessibility is continuous. The Accessibility Committee’s other Co-Chair, Lindsay Olmstead adds that “while the municipality has recently made some important accessibility improvements to our services and facilities, we recognize our commitment to providing accessible services requires periodic assessment, feedback, and improvements.”

In North Grenville,

we are dedicated to continuing this important work towards fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. Our efforts to enhance accessibility are not just about meeting standards but about embracing the diversity and richness that each person brings to our community. Together, we can build a more accessible future for everyone.

As Mayor, I extend my gratitude to all who have contributed to making our community more welcoming for people of all abilities. Your efforts are invaluable, and your dedication is inspiring. Let us continue to work together to create a North Grenville where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included.

The story of the FFC part 1

The green dark forest

by David Shanahan

In these days of climate crisis, wildfires raging through forests, and concern over clear-cutting everywhere from the Amazon to North Grenville, there’s a growing awareness of the value and necessity of healthy trees and pure air. This municipality is blessed with two valuable assets, one at each end of the community. To the south, there’s Limerick Forest, itself the result of reforestation after disastrous depletion of forest cover. At the north end of North Grenville is the Ferguson Forest Centre [FFC], 1,000 acres of forest, trails, and the Ferguson Tree Nursery, where trees are grown to service the surrounding region with healthy new growth.

This gift to the community is one that mustn’t be taken for granted. It has been in danger before, and may be even now, and if once it is lost, it would be an incalculable catastrophe. Enough of our land has been clearcut and

paved over, and the FFC is one bright spot ameliorating the damage to our environment. The story is a long one, with roots running “long before the white man and long before the rails”, as Gordon Lightfoot so memorably put it, “when the green, dark forest was too silent to be real”.

Before the first settlers arrived in this territory as refugees, homeless and fleeing war and loss, the Indigenous people had lived on and with the land. They adapted their ways to that land, hunting, fishing, trapping, and moving their settlements with the seasons. For generations, the land had been undisturbed; then, government surveyors had imposed their lines on the land, marking the boundaries of territory that would become private, settled with permanent structures and farms, the borders of which would take no account of rivers and streams and other natural features. New people would live on the land, but not with it, and, most catastrophic and devastating of all, the

newcomers would destroy the old trees, taking an actual delight in burning down huge tracts of forest as they cleared the land for agriculture and settlement.

For the new settlers, tree burning would be seen as a form of entertainment, as well as a practical operation to clear the land. Evening parties would be held to watch the trees burn, as though it was a gigantic fireworks display. Elizabeth Simcoe, wife of the Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, recorded this "pleasure" in her diary: “Perhaps you have no idea of the pleasure of walking in a burning wood, but I found it so great that I think I shall have some woods set on fire for my Evening walks.”

The Crown needed the giant pine trees to provide masts and timbers for the Royal Navy, and every patent issued to a new settlers contained the condition: “...saving and reserving to us, our heirs and successors, all white Pine Trees that shall, or may now, or hereafter grow or be growing, on any part of the said parcel or tract of land hereby granted as aforesaid.”

This made pine a valuable commodity, and, in turn, this led to large-scale theft of pine trees by fraudulent settlers. They would pay a downpayment on a lot, or get one free as Loyalists, then they could strip the trees and move on.

A report on one of the lots now part of the FFC noted in 1845: "Timberhemlock, beech & some few maple. Timber on Hills hemlock & some few Pine, in the vallies [sic] Tamarack, Cedar, spruce & some ash. Once covered with pine timber, but now all gone". Re-

garding another lot now part of the FFC, the report stated: "...the lot has been run over, the timber cut, hacked and destroyed". Given that large-scale settlement in the area was only really getting under way after the 1830's, this shows how much damage had been done early on, and worse, much worse, was to come.

Large areas of forest were cut down to make room for farms and homes, but, in the process, it was discovered that burn trees were also a source of revenue for land owners. To remove the deep roots of old growth trees, fires were lit and they were burned to ashes - pot ash, as it is known. This was incredible useful in everything from fertiliser, for making lye, to acting as a raising agent in baking, like baking soda. The potash industry was a major part of British and Canadian economies in the nineteenth century, and local farmers in this area would barter potash for goods and clothing from local stores. One such store was in Kemptville, in the building where O’Heaphy’s is today. The farmers usually paid their store bills in ashes, collected when clearing the land, which the merchants made into potash, and with that paid for their goods. Across the street from his store, on the banks of the South Branch, the store owner had a pot ashery and a pearl ashery, and he exported the ash on the steamboats that moored at his wharf.

This may have been good for the economy, but it was disastrous for the trees, as time would show.

Does your business go further than North Grenville? Advertise in our sister paper The North Dundas Times! Contact Nanda! Marketing Consultant Email: nanda@ndtimes.ca

Kemptville Rotary Bursary

Announcement

(Apply by June 1)

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

Parkinson’s Community Network announces new Respite Fund

Through the generous support of individuals and local businesses, the Parkinson’s Community Network has created a $10,000 Respite Fund to help support those who could benefit from financial assistance. The PCN was established in 2023 to increase access and improve services for individuals with Parkinson’s and their families, and give people the opportunity to “Give Where You Live” to support much needed services in their local communities.

The number of people with Parkinson’s is increasing at an alarming rate around the world and Canada has one of the highest rates. Although age is not the only factor, it is important to recognize that the United Counties of Lanark Leeds and Grenville have one of the largest percentages of seniors in Ontario, and that number is expected to double within 20 years. With long waitlists, people are often diagnosed when they have already had Parkinson’s for 15-20 years, and the result is that there are aging care partners trying to provide help to their loved ones with no breaks, time for themselves, or even a chance to shop for groceries.

“It took me a long time to recognize that you cannot be a good caregiver, if you do not take good care of yourself,” says Beverley Bennett, a member of the PCN, whose husband, Bob Arnold, has Parkinson’s and who also has had a stroke. “Respite care is an absolute necessity for caregivers.”“We have long recognized the need for respite in this area,” says Pat Evans, Parkinson’s Advocate and PCN member. We are so grateful to be able to partner with PEP Seniors Therapeutic Centre to assist us with making this a reality.”

To apply for these funds, visit the Parkinson’s Community Network website https://parkinsonscommunitynetwork.org/respite-care, complete the online form, or print and complete the application, and either mail it to 12 Elliot St., Perth K7H3A3, or email it to info@morepep.ca.You will be contacted by PEP to review your application. All inquiries will remain confidential. If you have questions before completing the application, contact PEP by email or call 613-201-7172.

If you would like to support the Parkinson’s Community Network, please visit the website parkinsonscommunitynetwork.org, or email parkinsonscommunitynetwork@ gmail.com.

Catholic Education Week 2024

from the CDSBEO

Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the distinct identity and significant contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration around the theme “We are called to love,” took place during the week of May 5 to 10, and students engaged in many meaningful activities and reflections to deepen their awareness and understanding of the gift of Catholic education. Principal of Religious and Family Life Education and Equity and Inclusion Renée Rozon presented details to the Board of Trustees.

The week began with the annual Board Mass, held at St. Philip Neri Church in Toledo, and celebrated by Archbishop Michael Mulhall. The comprehensive resource kit of activities and reflections provided by the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) was shared with all schools, who also celebrated this important week through various activities such as liturgies, assemblies, musical performances, community clean-ups, and nature walks. The many events which took place within school communities were posted on the CDSBEO website.

“We are so blessed to have such passion for Catholic education in our schools. It is amazing to see the activities that have taken place during this very special week, and I would like to thank everyone for the work they have done to make this week so memorable,” concluded CDSBEO Chair Chair, Sue Wilson.

Regional Indigenous Education Leads’ Meeting

On May 14, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and Upper Canada District School Boards’ Indigenous Education Teams co-hosted a Regional Indigenous Education Leads’ meeting at Thompson Island Cultural Camp. In alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s mandate, this meeting provided a platform for Indigenous Education Teams from school boards across Eastern Ontario to convene, exchange ideas, and explore strategies to enhance students’ understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions.

Nia:wen ko:wa to camp coordinators Norman Peters, Louis Francis, and Marie Thompson for their warm hospitality; and to Abraham Francis and Sateiokwen Bucktooth, whose workshops were educational, outstanding, and greatly enriched the participants’ experience.

Participating school boards included Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien, Hastings

and Prince Edward District School Board, Limestone District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, and Renfrew County District School Board.

A colourful and fun “tiny house” at 15a Queen Street in Kemptville. Photo by Gerald Anderson

Unsung heroes honoured

by David Shanahan

Wednesday, May 22, saw two events celebrating the continuing work of some of the United Counties unsung heroes. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s Paramedic Service honored members of their staff as part of National Paramedic Services Week, acknowledging those who have served their communities for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service. In addition to counties recognition, Paramedic Long Service medals were also awarded at the event, recognizing personnel who had completed 12, 22, 32 years of Paramedic service and have been employed by Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service for at least five years of continuous service.

Service Chief Jeff Carss opened the event by thanking all Leeds Grenville Paramedics for their service: “Your dedication to serving others, often in the most challenging and critical moments, is nothing short of heroic. Day in and day out, you demonstrate unwavering courage, compassion, and professionalism in the face of adversity.”

The awards were presented to the paramedica by the Chair of Leeds and Grenville’s Joint

Services Committee, and Mayor of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Brant Burrow, who particularly thanked the Service for the care they had provided to his own mother through the in-home Community Paramedic Program.

The Paramedic Service is currently in the process of onboarding new recruits on both the front-line and administrative sides, which will bring additional strength and capacity to the system.

The second event to take place that same day was in Merrickville-Wolford, where National Public Works Week was marked by staff from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville's Public Works Division to collaborate with the Merrickville-Wolford Public Works Department on various park improvement projects. A combined workforce of approximately 50 men and women completed the retrofitting of picnic tables for wheelchair accessibility, installing new roofs on the baseball dugouts, replacing the bench seats on the bleachers, painting the beach pavilion, putting the raft in the water at the beach, and enhancing the beach and playground with additional sand.

Long-Service Recognition Awards were presented by the Counties Public Works

Director, Rick Kester. Attendees from the Village of Merrickville-Wolford included the Public Works Department Manager Brad Cole, Mayor Michael Cameron, Interim CAO Darlene Plumley, and Clerk Julia Jansmen.

At Counties Council on May 23, 2024, Warden Nancy Peckford recognised the work of both the Public Works Department and the Paramedic Service.

“I want to extend our sincere thanks to our Public Works employees who are dedicated to the many facets of keeping our roads and facilities operational and in top form... We know that in emergency situations, our paramedics show up highly motivated, extremely skilled, and willing to get the job done; it means so much to us to have such a high-functioning Paramedic Service.”

It was timely that both sets of workers were honoured by the community for the continuing work they do to maintain high standards in their respective fields of work.

Op-ed

Debate between Steve Gabell and David Shanahan

I am writing in response to the articles published in May 23, 2024 edition of The North Grenville Times. I have never met either of these individuals so my comments are based strictly on their writings.

Shanahan is absolutely correct when he states that Gabell’s “view of morality contains a lot of inaccurate assumptions.” Initially, his statement of claim against Jesus followers, such as Shanahan, that they pick and choose “bits” of the Bible that they wish to follow, is totally out of place. This contributes nothing to the debate, but is only an argument of distraction. It is as old as the debate between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4, when she asked, “Where should we worship?” Some say one location and others say another. Christians, for good reasons, seek to live out the admonitions of scripture, but that is often not as simple as casual on-lookers may think. Every scripture has its original audience, context, and grammatical realities. This applies to the Ten Commandments as well as all other scriptures. The Ten Commandments were originally given to early Israel as a part of their constitution after the exodus. Nine of the ten are repeated for the church in the New Testament. Hence, the church seeks to follow nine of the ten from New Testament instruction, rather than from the context of the instruction given to Israel.

The second inaccuracy in Gabell’s article concerns the history of the church. Historically, there were three great arms of the church: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Catholicism followed the Greek and Latin tradition, as has Protestantism, because it came out of the historic Catholicism, but the Orthodox Church followed the Syriac language. When Pentecost happened (Acts 2), the message of the gos-

pel went both East and West. About half of the location references in Acts 2 refer to Eastern locations. Arising from the Nestorian thought of the East came the Armenian Church, then the Orthodox church centred in Constantinople, which over time would recreate itself into the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox Church thought came to North America, not by “coming over the pond” as the other branches of Christianity did, but it came through the Russian influence in Alaska. It came around the globe in the opposite direction and brought with it the Syriac influences.

Why do I include the above reference? It is easy to criticize the movement of Christianity when looking at isolated locations and failing to see what God is doing world wide. To judge Christianity by what is currently observable in North America would lead to false conclusions. Today, the locations of rapid church growth are Africa, China, Pakistan, and Nepal. Nepal, the home of Buddhism, now is experiencing the most rapid church growth in the world. This is a country that in 1950 did not have a known Christian in the country, but today has a “born again” Christian community of 800,000.

Thirdly, Gabell would lead us to believe that the church is responsible for nearly all the evils of society. These may be his beliefs, but they carry the same validity as fake news. Yes, unfortunately, there has been bloodshed over matters of religion, but religion has also risen to counter the evils of society, including its own. With respect to colonialism, it must be said that it was the Baptists in America led by Roger Williams that advocated that

the land should be purchased from the indigenous people rather than taken by force. The Presbyterian Church came into being out of the conviction that no heretic should be put to death. There is no mention of the vast benefits that Christianity has brought to our world. For instance, there were no hospitals in ancient Rome, but ten years after Constantine gave freedom to the church there were 30 hospitals in that same city. Early Christianity was moved by compassion that was foreign to the native religions of the time. In the era of 1800 - 1914, Christian missions invested largely in education and healthcare worldwide. I was reading in that era recently, and it was said in one country (unfortunately locations escapes me at this moment) that 90% of their nurses were trained in religious schools.

With respect to the concluding paragraph of “Moral Foundations”, I am reminded of the book Animal Farm, published by George Orwell in 1945. It is an anthropomorphic satire on a just and moral society of farm animals in which the pigs decided that all animals were equal, but some were more equal than others. The reality is that, without a moral constitution, no one knows what is moral, or what enables liberty, or what gives dignity to all. What is freedom for one individual is a freedom withdrawn from another. It is for this very reason that when societies move from a Biblical based mindset to a secular mindset, the end result is typically chaos. The French Revolution is a case in point. Gabell has overlooked the most fundamental issue of all. It is the issue that separates Jesus followers and secularists. That question is: Has God spoken?

No place for harassment

by Brandon Mayer

At Kemptville Buskerfest on May 18, a member of the North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance was harassed. This person wrote online that two large men – who had previously launched attacks online –made attempts to intimidate them by staring and sneering aggressively, even when asked to move on. The victim posted online: “They were standing staring at me aggressively and then started to move toward me, [one of the men] puffed his chest and then made that movement as if jolting at me like he was going to hurt me.”

North Grenville is no place for harassment, and, in fact, there isn’t any place in the world where this type of harassment should be allowed to occur. The victim repeatedly used the word “intolerant” in the social media post. I avoid using the word “intolerant”, because I feel that “tolerating” someone suggests you are doing them a favour. There is no favour inherent in respecting human rights regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Such respect is a civic duty to which we should all be upheld.

Imagine walking into a family restaurant and having someone say they will “tol-

erate” your kids being there. Imagine walking into a store and having the owner run up to you and say he “tolerates” you being in his store despite the colour of your skin. To be tolerant means you have the moral high ground. Picking on someone for their sexual orientation is not moral high ground. It’s not even moral ground. It’s a moral black hole of the very traits that this world should go on without.

After being harassed online previously, the victim in this case could have reasonably argued that they were “tolerating” the presence of these two men at Buskerfest, so long as the harassment didn’t continue. The one with the moral high ground is the one who has the right to “tolerate”. However, the harassment continued, and in fact it escalated, and the victim is absolutely correct in stating that we must take a stand against such behaviour. A mother and father were forced to watch as their child was bullied and threatened, inevitably leading to great fears about what kind of horrors could occur when they are not there to offer their protection. No parent should have to feel such fear. No individual should have to live feeling like they are “lesser than”.

Let us all hope that the Ontario Provincial Police

take this matter seriously. If there is not enough evidence for charges, or at least a formal warning – despite the victim’s assertion that there were many witnesses – then, at the very least, bystanders must be prepared to take a stand in any similar future incidents. No one should stand idly by while this type of disgusting behaviour is putting a stain on an otherwise vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community. There is no need to put oneself in danger to defend someone. There is no need to escalate a conflict or get confrontational. Sometimes, the simple act of standing beside the victim can be all the power needed to get a bully to back down.

There is strength in numbers, and it is doubtless that the majority of people in North Grenville support a community where everyone is welcome. It pains me that this even needs to be a discussion in 2024. When it comes to incidents that affect fundamental human rights, and the ability of people to live safely in their community, there is no place for silence or neutrality. Take a stand, and advocate for what’s right. There are countless moms, dads, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and friends who will appreciate it.

Riverside Park splash pad spreading fun

by David Shanahan

We ing Anniversary

The new splash pad at Riverside Park in Kemptville was a magnet for residents during the hot long weekend, with the Park and the water feature attracting large numbers of people to enjoy the newly designed water park area. The official opening of the splash pad took place on Monday, and residents can enjoy the fun every day between 8am and 9pm throughout the summer months.

Reaction to the new water feature was uniformly positive, with people commenting on the design and the overall look of the water park. Children had fun, adults too, and the more relaxed enjoyed sitting in the sun and watching the activity.

The splash pad at eQuinelle is also now open, and operates between 9am and 8 pm daily.

The community is now looking forward to also enjoying the swimming pool as it reopens to help us all cope with what we hope will be a nice long, warm summer.

Join us to celebrate Robert & Lorraine Stevenson's 50th Wedding Anniversary and Rob's 75th

on Saturday, June 1st, 1pm - 4pm 334 County Rd 25, Oxford Mills bring lawn chairs

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 - 7:00

Baldwin’s Birds

Caw! Caw! What else can one say when getting woken up at some un-earthly hour of the morning by a serenading bunch of Crows? Yep! Them, and our dear little song loving little friend, our House Wren, are taking great delight in waking us up very early in the day. It reminds me of one of our trips to England, when, no matter where we were staying, we would be woken by the constant cooing of the Wood Pigeons, which are very much like our Rock Pigeons, but a lot more vocal! They didn't just do it in the morning - it went on all day long, so at least here we have something to be thankful for.

The sudden change to hot weather has inspired more than just the Robins to use their water-bowl as

a bathing facility, or just somewhere to sit and cool off, as can be seen by one of my pictures today, where a pair of Rock Pigeons are doing just that! It is not a common sight at all to see them actually get into the water, but they look perfectly at home in it.

Something on the theme of watery fluid type substances brings to mind the appearance of one of our Hairy Woodpeckers, looking like it had been immersed in something not too pleasant! The poor bird looked like it had fallen into an oily-like, or treacle-like substance. Its head feathers were all stuck up like a Mohawk haircut and its feathers were a discolored brown. It looked a real mess, but was still feeding avidly, despite this fact. It appeared to feed here for a

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

day or so, but I haven't seen it today, yet. Hopefully, it is OK, and that whatever it got into, or was sprayed with, has not led to its demise. We didn't try to catch it, to try and clean it, since it was not showing any real signs of distress or disability in any way. My first thought was that it might have got into a honey source somehow, but that doesn't sound very rational, as no flies, or other honey-loving insects, seemed to be "bugging" it, and it didn't look sticky.

The Bluebirds have still not put in an appearance yet, at least not in our garden, but we have had two Eastern KIngbirds hanging around. Whether or not they will tarry is questionable, now that our swimming pool is uncovered and ready to go. Being "Flycatchers", who normally dwell by rivers and streams, where they hunt for mosquitoes and other aerial insects, they had been swooping down and flying across the water that had collected over winter in our black pool cover. Presumably, there were already insects to be caught, despite the weather only just starting to warm up. Maybe our waterfall feature will keep them interested, once I have got round to re-installing the pump and adding water to it. If it doesn't attract them, it will some of the other birds, who like to bathe in its shallow flowing water, where it gets the chance to form pools.

It has now become very pleasant, once again, to sit out in the garden and enjoy the birds and the sun. Hopefully, you are able to do the same, but be careful not to overdo the sun bit. Stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

We are getting some nice asparagus this time of year, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy this tasty veg in many different ways. Today’s recipe is an Asparagus Cheese Melt. One of the things you can do consistently right with vegetables is to cook them only lightly. For example, asparagus doesn’t need a lot of cooking; you want a bit of crunch to the dish. The Asparagus Cheese Melt makes for a nice, fresh spring lunch, maybe accompanied by a Gazpacho (see 28 August 2023). This recipe will serve 4 highly appreciative folks.

Asparagus Cheese Melt

Ingredients:

5 asparagus spears per person you are serving

1 cup sliced Baby Bella mushrooms

2 red peppers, thinly sliced in rings

1 cup of grated Mozzarella cheese

4 slices of your favourite Grahame’s Bakery bread

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons of Octoberfest Mustard (check Mrs. McGarrigle’s)

1 teaspoon each of dried, flaked dill weed and black pepper

CASH ONLY

PROCEEDS TO THE KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL PROCEEDS

Preparation:

- Trim the bottom end of your asparagus and boil lightly till done and still crunchy

- Combine the mayo, mustard, dill weed and pepper into a dressing

- Place your bread slices on a cookie sheet and slather with dressing

- Arrange the cooked asparagus spears lengthwise on the bread

- Arrange the sliced mushrooms and pepper rings on top of the asparagus

- Sprinkle with the grated cheese

- Broil in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt

Serve this treat immediately. You can trim with a dusting of paprika, if you wish, or some parsley flakes. A cold white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, accompanies this very well. Also, of course, you can use other vegetables on top of your asparagus, if you wish: shaved red onion goes well, and another colour of fresh pepper does also. Don’t hesitate to share your culinary inventions with me at: pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Two is company

Hairy Woodpecker - what happened?

Rock Pigeon pair relaxing and having a chat

Amazing Sky Shows

by Gary

Boyle - The Backyard Astronomer

For most of Canada and the USA, the April 8 total solar eclipse was a partial event, with most of the sun being covered by the moon. However, for those who drove to the specific 200-kilometre-wide path of totality stretching from Texas to Newfoundland, the show was spectacular. I have seen partial solar eclipses, including an annular, in the past but this was my first total.

Gathering with family and friends at a Quebec cottage, we had a ringside seat to this once-in-alifetime experience. The sky was blue and clouds to the south presented little concern. Solar-filtered telescopes allowed us to see the crater-covered lunar limb inch across

the sun's surface, while filtered cameras clicked away and others donning their eclipse glasses followed the progress. Temperatures had noticeably dropped as the sky was moving to a darker shade of blue while the excitement built. We gasped as the last sliver of sunlight was erased away – totality had begun.

Like turning off a light switch, we were bathed in instant twilight. There was now a dark hole in the sky with a blue-white ring surrounding it. Neon pink solar prominences came into view, along with the faint wisp of the solar corona. To the lower right, the brilliant planet Venus popped into view along with fainter Jupiter to the upper left. The three minutes and twenty seconds of totality passed far

too quickly and the light switch turned back on. It was an emotional day I will never forget. The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027, tracking from Morocco to Somalia lasting more than six minutes.

But this was not the last time the sun would be in the news. Our daytime star is ramping up its current cycle of activity as solar maximum is expected to peak in July, 2025. At the beginning of May, a series of sunspots became visible on the limb of the sun, as they normally do. Over the next few weeks, sunspot AR3664 would grow into a monster. The area spanning sixteen earths across, unleashed multiple solar flares of the serious variety. In one day, no less than six Coronal Mass

Ejections (CME) were heading toward Earth, and the warning was issued by Spaceweather of a severe geomagnetic category 5 storm for May 10. A G5 storm is the highest on the scale, with the possibility of power grid problems resulting from these solar blasts. It has been 20 years since a severe warning was issued.

The Friday night display of the Northern Lights was one of the most intense I have seen in quite a while. Palettes of bright green and red lit the ground as they shimmered in all directions, including south. The overhead corona was spectacular as well. We did battle passing clouds, but the overall collision of solar particles with our magnetic region around the poles played out in all its glory. There

were reports of the aurora being witnessed in Florida and Puerto Rico, which is rare.

If this is an indication of how the sky will entertain us this summer, I cannot wait for the next event. There might be future storms, depending on solar activity. Keep checking the Spaceweather link on my website for the ongoings of our sun.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

Nexus 4 wheel Walker $160 21" wide with seat, 31"max. height, with removable basket. 613-223-6705

2 rims with tires 235/65 R-17 for Kia Sorento. Call 613-989-5211

Pegasus mobility scooter, like new. Asking $1600 or best offer. Call 613-258-7020

Canna Lilies and Gladiolus, started in greenhouse, 1 for $5, 2 for $9, 3 for $11, 5 for $18, 8 for $22 or 10 for $24. Call 613-824-5252

Ladies Norco Monterey 17" frame. Shimano disc brakes, 24 speed. $300. Text or call 613 890 3512.

Golf equipment, men's right handed; including golf bag with 2 wheel cart, plus extras. Call 613-340-2729

Arctic King window air conditioner. Paid $250 in 2023, used 1 month. Asking $200. Call 613340-2729

Mixed hardwood firewood. $120 per face cord. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.

4X4 round bales of hay, stored inside, suitable for horses. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.

Vintage Coleman camping items: propane lantern, 2 gal jug, 1 gal jug. Call 613-2583596

Folding camp shovel, 2 almost new sleeping bags. Call 613-2583596

Horse manure for gardens, high in nitrogen. By the load or bag. Century old horse shoes for luck. Call after 6pm 613-258-3561

Spring sale for cedars from 3ft to 6ft. Also tamarack, spruce, pine and white birch. Call after 6pm 613-258-3561

27"Samsung TV Brand new, with wall mount, was put in a spare bedroom and has never been used, asking $100. 613-215-0884

Sony 50" TV complete with stand,surround sound, speakers & dvd player has not been used in years, just collecting dust, asking $400. 613-215-0884

An old Gibbard 9 drawer dresser, solid, heavy wood with mirror, mint condition 70" long asking $150.. 613-2150884

104 yr old rough cut pine boards. Call Fred 613-850-9072

WANTED

Bee hives to pollinate buckwheat in Oxford MillsBishop’s Mills area. Three sites, 100 acres in total. Call or text Wendell 613889-9228

Would like to purchase spruce seedling. Jackie 613-821-6161

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

Looking to rent farmland in North Grenville & surrounding areas. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

GARAGE SALES

June 1, rain or shine. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St. Yard Sale 8 am

ACROSS

1. Location

5. Stinging insect

9. Shrub

13. Ripped

14. Thespian

16. Type of sword

17. French for "State"

18. Flair

19. Jewish month

20. Committee

22. Choosers

24. Pretentious person

26. Days in a week

27. Height

30. Stop

33. Subtleties

35. Bypass

37. Type of cereal grass

38. World

41. Twosome

42. Diving bird

45. Most severe

48. Medium-sized penguins

51. Performers or painters

52. Cut short

54. Fizzy drink

55. Meeting arrangers

59. Pie slice

62. Curved molding

63. Dialect

65. Smell

66. Winglike

67. Bowed stringed instrument

68. Arm bone

69. Allows

70. Large number

71. T T T

DOWN

1. Stair

2. Infinitesimal amount

3. Conducted business

4. Rapprochement

5. Past tense of To be 6. Play parts

7. Eye infections

8. Canvassed

9. '50s nonconformist

10. Style of hairdo

11. Burn the surface of

12. Not his

15. Pass a rope through

21. Boor

23. British tax

25. On-board prison

27. Kiss and cuddle

28. Coronet

29. Snake-like fish

31. Style of horse riding

32. Reliance

34. Between FAH and LAH

36. Kiddies

39. Sheep sound

40. Makes a mistake

43. Rodent dam builders

44. River to the North Sea

46. Put away

47. Secret lair

49. Style of building columns

50. Wears away

53. Warble

55. Anthracite

56. Look at flirtatiously

57. Tidy

58. One and only

60. Disappeared

61. Ages

64. Cut grass

COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca

613-215-0735

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.

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

KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes

Friendship Lunch every Friday at St. Johns United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. The meal begins at 11:30 and is free of charge. A good will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Drawing from Life - Portrait and figure drawing clothed models. Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street. Artists at all levels are welcome. Drop in fee $15. For information contact gowjb5@gmail.com

Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13, 27, September 10, 24. Registration from 6:30 p.m., play from 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, May 28, June 11, 25, July 9, 23, August 6, 20, September 3, 17. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

Kemptville Farmers' Market: Many local farmers, producers and makers. Every Sunday from noon til 4pm, May 12 - October 27. Located at 301 Rideau St, Kemptville, across the lot from B&H Grocers

UPCOMING EVENTS

Yard Sale, Spring Market and BBQ, June 1, rain or shine. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 319 Prescott St. Yard Sale 8 am, Plant and Bake Sale 9 am, BBQ at 11 am. Huge selection of items, something for everyone.

Afternoon High Tea at St. Ann Rectory in Merrickville Saturday June 8. You are invited to join us at 230 Main Street, Merrickville, Ontario. The parishioners of St. Ann will be serving home made sandwiches and desserts along with quality teas and coffee.

The Tea will have two sittings: noon to 2pm and 2:30 to 4:30pm. Seating is limited at the Rectory. Reservations may be made by calling: Audrey at 613.283.5033 or Janet at 613.284.6741. Tickets are $35. You may hold the winning ticket for a table or door prize.

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, June 9 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

1st Annual Father's Day Car Show! This event is FREE for the public to attend and only $10 per car registration! Sunday, June 16th, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM, Spencerville Fairgrounds. For more information, please check out our website - www.spencervillefair.ca

EUCHRE FUNDRAISER FOR THE KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION in support of the CT Scanner Campaign. On Saturday, June 22 at Pierce's Corners, aka the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30; play starts at 1:00. $10 per player. For information, contact debiar@ymail.com

The many ways you can VOLUNTEER in North Grenville

KD Hospital

Andre Rancourt andrerancourt16@gmail.com

SKBP Venturers skbp.venturers@gmail.com Girl Guides theleangs@gmail.com

NG Art Challenge jayne.couch@yahoo.com

NG Art Guild northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com

Beth Donovan Hospice amy.tibben@bethdonovanhospice.ca

Oxford Mills Community Association susannelarner@gmail.com

Kemptville Youth Centre brucewehlau@hotmail.com Friend of the NG Library blrousseau26@gmail.com

NG Historical Society karenrepta@gmail.com

Rotary corabeking54@gmail.com

Christian Reformed Church sidypma@gmail.com

United Church gowjb5@gmail.com House of Lazarus cashby@houseoflazarus.com

Youth Alliance: ng.rainbowyouth@gmail.com

Seniors' Community Services jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca Shalom Small Homes shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org The NG Library sjones@ngpl.ca Friends of the Forestry Centre ldpaibomesai@gmail.com

Kemptville & District Community Assn. wdembleton@gmail.com

BIA shelleybmitchell@gmail.com Pride chair@ngpride.ca Lions Club mikeamirault@hotmail.com

Knights of Columbus, Council 5333 Leeds Grenville Big Brothers Big Sisters Vanessa.martin@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca Canadian Guide Dog Assoc Info@guidedogs.ca Jags kemptvillejags@gmail.com Pentacostal Church kohls.s.m@gmail.com United way Ed@uwlg.org North Grenville Giving Garden michelleroussellemcevoy@gmail.com

Kemptville Farmers' Market kfmmanager1@gmail.com

Kemptville Restore kemptvillerestore@habitat1000islands.org

Fellowship of Christian Farmers: For everyone who is interested in the formation of the North Grenville Chaptermeeting at the Pentacostal Church (1964 County RD 43) on Wednesday June 26 at 7pm. Contact Capt Milfred Harper at 613-258-5375

Kemptville Legion Charity Bingo. July 1, 2024, Bingo is noon-3pm. 14 games half the take. 1winner take all jackpot 50/50 draw will take place. Canada Day cake served at intermission Must be18 and older to play. Profits will be donated to the KDH CT Scanner Fund. Questions, email mikeamirault@hotmail.com

Arthur Matson

March 17, 1969 - May 24, 2024

Our son-in-law, the irrepressible Arthur, died last Friday in hospital in Ottawa after a long and brave battle with cancer. He leaves behind Doireann and their two teenage girls, as well as parents, siblings, brothersin-law, friends, and so many who valued him and his unique ways. It is impossible to explain what it was about Arthur that made him so special to us. He had a sharp wit, a keen intellect, a curious mind (in every sense of the word), and a smile that was infectious, and often gleeful.

Arthur had a warmth that meant you never said hello or goodbye without getting a hug from him. He used his skills as a Research Geographer with Natural Resources Canada to develop and lay out his own incredibly complicated board game. He supported Arsenal, and finally got to see them get somewhere this season, a reward for patience and loyalty. He is remembered for his homemade Star Wars bicycle gear and helmet, and his sense of the absurd, which he brought to new levels. On a memorable trip to Ireland, he would take off on long solo hikes up mountains. We would drive around the country enjoying long talks about everything, interspersed with companionable silences as he took in the scenery. That is a memory I cherish.

The regular Dim Sum lunches with his equally wacky brothers-in-law, who his mother-in-law called her three stooges (accurately), were a precious memory over the last couple of years. She and Arthur were close friends, and he would regularly call to request more loaves of her freshly made bread, and whatever other supplies he might need. He summed things up at the end with the classic, and inevitably Star Wars, phrase: “I am one with the Force, and the Force is one with me!”

Arthur was a wonderful person, flawed, as we all are, but with a genuine love for those he was close to, and a character that remains one all those who loved him will remember and value for life. In the words of praise used in my country, and meant as an ultimate compliment: he was a man you don’t meet every day.

Art on the Waterfront 2024

It’s almost that time again – Art on the Waterfront returns to Chesterville this year, bringing you more local vendors, artists and musicians than ever before!

This two-day free event runs from Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 2 and offers fun and excitement for the whole family. From the Kids Zone and its many activities to the music, food and drinks offered over in the bar area, and the skilled artists and artisans coming together to showcase and celebrate their crafts, we’ve got a lot to offer this year, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.

A pancake breakfast at the Gathering House will

precede this year’s opening ceremony, which will feature the unveiling of a new redesigned Main Street mural done by Art on the Waterfront Committee Chair Carrie O’Neill. According to her, the mural is half old and half new in design, both paying homage to the town’s past by incorporating elements from the previous mural while also celebrating how the community has evolved over the years, by proudly featuring events like Meet Me on Main Street and Art on the Waterfront.

With more than seventy artists in attendance this year, the event also features a demonstration zone, with exhibitions by groups

like Therien Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing, Wild and Free Spirit Line Dancers, and the Ashley Thomas School of Dance, promising to “wow” the audience with their awesome skills.

Kids will be able to enjoy a bunch of fun activities in our Kids Zone—both days of the event will feature inflatable bouncy castles (Tribeck Inflatables), train rides (JMS Train Rides), a model train show (Seaway Train Show), and various arts and crafts. On Saturday there will also be the Junkyard Symphony Rhythm and Recycling Workshop, a radical ride of rhythm where participants learn the importance of rhythm in music and life, as well as a colouring contest. Meanwhile, Sunday’s events include a talent show on the main stage, and a performance by Hey Buster, a dad-band from Ottawa that plays “Kindie music”: songs with lyrics aimed at kids under 10, and music

Prince Edward Flying Club

with a singer/songwriter, indie rock vibe.

Over in the bar area, we’ll have all the cold, refreshing drinks and the warm, delicious food (courtesy of the North Dundas Fire Service and the Chesterville & District Lions Club) you’ve come to expect, along with an incredible lineup of local musicians, including Evil Creek, RedFox, Mainstreet Revival, Slo’ Tom & The Handsome Devils, and many more!

So, whether you’re looking to get the kids out of the house for the weekend, enjoy some warm food, cold drinks and good company, or even just wanting to spend some time shopping around and supporting local artists, Art on the Waterfront has something for everyone!

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.artonthewaterfront.ca.

We look forward to welcoming you all again this year!

Saturday summer concerts at the Kemptville Street Piano

by Lisa Poushinsky

To music fans throughout the region and beyond, I am thrilled to announce the return of the Kemptville Street Piano Summer Concert Series! Taking place, rain or shine, on Saturdays from 1 to 3pm at the North Grenville Public Library, the concerts are for all ages, free to attend, dog friendly, and start June 1, continuing weekly until August 31.

The lineup this year has something for everyone,

including R&B piano great Jeff Rogers, blues guitar queen Jesse Greene, internationally renowned cello monster Raphael WeinrothBrowne and his ensemble Musk Ox, art-folk bilingue trio Moonfruits, heart-breaker chanteuse Tara Holloway, and beloved local acts and events, such as our monthly Street Piano Jam (hosted by Bradley Smith).

New for 2024 are added workshops, song-writer circles, and happenings made

possible by Ontario Presents’ Slow Touring Project, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. Events will be updated throughout the summer on calendars found on the NG Library website (https:// ngpl.ca) and www.northgrenville.ca (click the green “calendar” tab at the top of the home webpage). Don’t forget to check the Kemptville Street Piano FB page for the latest info about all things Street Piano!

The art of Julie Mercier

"Making art brings such joy to my life"

Julie Mercier is a self-taught artist hailing from the beautiful province of Ontario, Canada. After she retired from a career in graphic, web, and interface design, she discovered a passion for acrylic painting. She absolutely loves painting animals and people, and tries to capture their essence by portraying them up close and personal. Her artistic journey is all about finding her style by experimenting with complementary colours, bold hues, and looser, less detailed strokes. Her ultimate goal is to create a heartfelt connection between you and her artwork.

She is proud to be affiliated with some amazing art associations such as the Ottawa School of Art, the Manotick Art Association, the Merrickville Arts Guild, and the North Grenville Arts Guild. Her artwork has been showcased at some of the finest venues like Cline House Gallery, Gallery 55, Shenkman Art Centre, Heritage House Museum, the Ottawa School of Art Boutique, and the Fulford Place Museum.

Julie continues her journey as an artist and to learn and grow constantly. She will be showcasing her art at the upcoming Art on the Waterfront in Chesterville this coming weekend.

Like her on facebook or visit her web site: www.studiojuliemercier.ca

"Making art brings such joy to my life"

Drawing Circle

The North Grenville Public Library is wheelchair accessible, with airconditioned bathrooms and free parking. Need special accommodations to enjoy the show? Contact Lisa at kemptville.street.piano@gmail. com. The series is graciously funded by the Municipality of North Grenville and the Government of Canada. Season three, here we come! Can’t wait to see you there!

The Friday Drawing Circle is extending the spring session to June 28. This open studio is open to artists at all levels, ages 14 and up and the models are clothed. Please join us on Fridays from 4pm to 7pm at St. John’s United Church, 400 Prescott Street. Cost is $50 for four weeks or $18 drop in.

Photography by Jane Rutter Facebook: Jane Rutter Fine Art Photographer

13 properties protected along the Rideau

The Rideau Waterway Land Trust (RWLT) and Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN) are pleased to announce that 13 properties representing over 143 hectares of wildlife habitat within the 200 km long Rideau Corridor were recently assessed and found to meet the pan-Canadian standards as Protected Areas.

“Rideau Waterway Land Trust aims to protect the Rideau Corridor's biodiversity and ecological heritage, so achieving federal recognition for these properties is significant! We are grateful for our partnership with FABN because collabora-

tion is pivotal for protecting our region's natural landscape and wildlife. We are working toward our collective goal of meeting Canada's 30x30 target,” Caroline Spang, Land Stewardship Manager, RWLT.

The newly recognized Protected Areas include: Covington Cottage, Kate's Island, Jack's Island, Warren, Island 296, Mosquito Lake Islands, Islands in the Bog, MacDonald's Wetland, Lady Kingsmill, Sherwood Bay, Edward's Wetlands, Island 8, and Van Niel Woodlands. All 13 locations are located within the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere

Region, which is recognized internationally, nationally, and provincially for its exceptional natural and cultural value. These Protected Areas are situated on the shared territory of the Haudenosaunee and Algonquin Anishinaabeg.

Expanding the network of lands with Protected Area status would not be possible without the invaluable partnership and collaboration between RWLT and FABN, as well as generous funding support from Kawartha Credit Union and the City of Brockville. In 2022, FABN received funds from Environment and Climate Change Canada

to work with local conservation groups to assess and report areas meeting the pan-Canadian standards to count towards Canada’s biodiversity targets. The most recent targets include the international commitment to protect 30% of land and water by 2030 in Canada, or “30x30”.

Land and water protection measures in the Rideau Corridor are essential not only for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors, but for the Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus), Common Nighthawk

Hugh will primarily practise in the areas of criminal law and family law. Connie will continue to assist clients with their real estate, will and estate matters.

Hugh is originally from Kemptville, leaving after high school to have a distinguished 30-year career with the Ottawa Police Service.

Hugh is extremely pleased to be back in the neighbourhood that he grew up in and ready to help serve this great community.

(Chordeiles minor), Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides), and Butternut (Juglans cinera) - which are all species at risk of extinction.

Additionally, the preservation of these lands contribute to greater habitat connectivity for migratory species.

Christine Grossutti, Conservation Project Manager at FABN, says, "RWLT should be commended for the care and attention they give to the lands entrusted to them. It's been a pleasure working with them to achieve international recognition for their contributions to conserving our region's biodiversity."

FABN is currently seeking new areas to assess, such as lands owned by municipalities that benefit wildlife in the long term. Municipalities and other organizations are encouraged to contact FABN if they have sites that they feel would be eligible for assessment.

A full list of all Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas can be seen in the online map.

Rideau Waterway Land Trust is guided by their mission to preserve important natural lands and habitats in the Rideau Corridor and foster a healthy future for our communities.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is a not-for-profit organization who contributes to strengthening sustainable community development, celebrating the interconnectedness of nature, livelihood, well-being and culture, for this and future generations.

Blandings Turtles at Rock Dunder, Rideau Waterway Land Trust

Warren, Rideau Waterway Land Trust

A too uncommon theory of medicine

Are your health care providers trained in integrative medicine? It’s not an area of medical specialization, like gynaecology or gastroenterology. Think of it as a theory of medicine.

Doctors practicing integrative medicine respect the roles of prescription drugs and surgery when the situation calls for these treatments. But they also study and embrace the potential for natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and traditional practices in both health promotion and disease treatment.

Hippocrates, born in 460 BC, was the most influential philosopher of integrative medicine. He believed the human body should be treated as a whole, not as the sum of its parts. Benedict Lust, born in 1872 in Baden, Germany, is regarded as the “Father of Naturopathy”, a form of alternative medicine whose legitimate members promote evidence-based natural remedies.

Then there is Linus Pauling. Through his research, he advanced the prevention and treatment of disease by studying how the body benefits from optimized amounts of substances which are natural to the body. Pauling was a molecu-

lar biologist. His practice of orthomolecular medicine acknowledges the body’s biochemical pathways and genetic variabilities that interact with diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and brain-related conditions.

Dr. Andrew Saul was the founder of the Orthomolecular Medical News Service, and with his death earlier this year, we lost one of the world’s foremost advocates for evidence-based natural therapies. He made it his life’s work to pass on a wealth of knowledge, including the message that natural remedies never killed anyone. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can’t make that claim.

Saul practiced what he preached. His home included a garden full of vegetables, and he stressed that for a few dollars it would produce thousands of dollars of fresh produce for his family. Saul’s news service shares research papers from esteemed scientists from around the world. But it’s the simple messages that stick, and his reminders about the importance of vitamins are worthy of note.

Take the 80-year-old tennis player who had to stop playing his favourite game due to severe leg cramps. He

wasn’t getting oxygenated blood to his leg muscles. After taking natural vitamin E, he was back on the court. Vitamin E increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is the other reason E can stop anginal heart pain.

Saul chastised dermatologists for telling patients to keep out of the sun and to use sun block. He championed the need for 3,000 to 5,000 units of vitamin D daily to decrease the risk of multiple sclerosis and maintain our sense of balance as we age.

What irritated Saul the most? It was the failure of doctors to accept that vitamin C carries out so many vital health functions, and that it fights the number one killer, heart disease. He pointed to medical studies showing its effectiveness in fighting viral diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis, meningitis, polio, and even the lethal bite of a rattlesnake.

He repeated over and over that no one had ever died from an overdose of vitamin C. If you take more than your body can use, it is excreted in the urine. Another fact he underscored was that the dose is so important – the greater the degree of infection, the greater amounts of C needed to cure it.

Saul reported that, in patients desperately ill with infection, in the process of dying, one decision could save them – that is, huge doses of vitamin C, such as 300,000 milligrams administered intravenously.

His final advice? Hospitals are the locus of death. So stay away, or get out of them quickly.

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2024 Champions of Mental Health campaign launched

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is proud to announce the launch of nominations for the 2024 Champions of Mental Health Awards. This annual campaign acknowledges the importance of accessible and inclusive mental health and substance use health services through increased awareness and education.

Nominations will be accepted via the CAMIMH website in the following categories:

The Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for YouthAny Canadian 21 years of age or younger who has shown leadership in their community in promoting mental health and/or substance use awareness, or any organization dedicated to providing services for youth.

Media - Any media personality or outlet who has contributed to public awareness of mental health, mental illness and/ or substance use health.

Workplace Mental Health - Any employer or employee who has contributed to creating a mentally healthy workplace for staff.

Community Organization - Any organization that has provided great public service to community members experiencing mental illness and/or substance use.

Community Individual - Any person, who through personal commitment has increased awareness about mental illness and/or substance use services, or reduced stigma in their

community.

Parliamentarian - Any provincial, territorial, or federal Parliamentarian who has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda in Canada.

Innovation- Researcher or Clinician - An innovative person or organization who, through their work, has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda.

“CAMIMH is thrilled to launch the Champions of Mental Health Campaign after its exceptional success in 2023. Champions provides individuals and organizations across Canada with the opportunity to collectively recognize the significance of accessible and inclusive mental health services. This campaign celebrates Canadians whose work supports ongoing efforts to advance conversations on the importance of timely access to services and destigmatizing mental health and substance use problems,” said Florence Budden, CAMIMH Champions Chair.

“We are proud to honour seven outstanding Canadians every year who are dedicated to making im-

provements in the mental health sector as Champions of Mental Health. They are vital contributors to our mission of spreading awareness and creating innovative mental health support systems. These Champions spark real change through their active commitment to mental health and substance use health advocacy,” said Anthony Esposti, CAMIMH Co-Chair.

CAMIMH encourages Canadians to nominate their outstanding peers by completing the online nomination form on our website at www.camimh.ca/champions-form. Submissions will be accepted until June 30, 2024. We thank all who apply and will contact the winners by the beginning of August.

As a national alliance, CAMIMH continues its advocacy work throughout the year to encourage federal investments in mental health, particularly achieving mental health and substance use health parity. For more information, please visit our website at www. camimh.ca.