Issue 22 2024 June 6 NG Times

Work begins on Shalom Small Homes

by David Shanahan

This week, the groundbreaking ceremony took place in Kemptville on an innovative housing initiative aimed at providing affordable homes for seniors in North Grenville. Shalom Small Homes Kemptville is a very practical project with the aim of providing small homes for over-55's in the community, on the basis of

affordable lifetime rental agreements. Approximately 30% of those over 55 suffer from an increasing inability to meet the rental costs of their homes, which they have lived in for years. This project, it is hoped, will allow them to live out their lives with dignity and peace. Peace is in the very name of Shalom Small Homes.

At the groundbreaking event last Monday, Janne Ritskes welcomed guests

on behalf of herself and her fellow board members of Shalom Small Homes, Cora Beking, Mary Ritskes and Cathy Ashby, Executive Director for House of Lazarus. Her remarks underlined how many groups and individuals in North Grenville have already gotten behind this initiative. Major steps had already been taken, with the Municipality of North Grenville signing a 40-year lease on property in Kemp-

tville on which to build the first four homes. The lease costs Shalom Small Homes just $1 a year, a sign of the belief the Municipality has in the project.

Once that support was received, it was possible to call on volunteers in construction, design, trades, legal advice, promotional materials, and those willing to help with the actual build, men and women of the community, as well as members of the Men’s Shed group – all giving of their time, energy and expertise to help provide an essential service to seniors in North Grenville. And it is not just a shelter that Shalom Small Homes is giving to future residents. As Janne said in her remarks:

“We are called Shalom – Shalom is a Biblical term which means peace – a peace not only of the exterior but a deep sense of personal peace. For the seniors awaiting these homes, Shalom will bring an assurance that they found their home – secure in the knowledge that in the years they have left, they can live with dignity and peace.”

Until Shalom Small Homes gets charitable status, HOL is providing a forum for donating to the work.

This is an initiative that could revolutionise the

Corey Lockwood and Jannes Ristkes breaking ground for Shalom Homes

housing situation in North Grenville, and will provide a template for people in other municipalities to do the same. It is a community helping its own, providing stable and affordable homes for older friends and neighbours: what could be a more worthy goal? A virtual tour of the planned homes, as well information about how to donate your time, energy, or money, can be found on the website: https://shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org.

M. BYRNE

North Grenville Scouting

All Section Spring Camp

of an air compressor and the Venturer Company youth.

by Scouter Melanie Low and Scouter Jen Mitchell

“1….2…..3!!! … a giant parachute billows up high in the sky and suddenly gets pulled down, entrapping 3 Scout Leader, 3 Scouts, 2 Cubs and 3 Beavers under a colourful fabric bubble filled with giggles and smiles. No matter the age, 71 of North Grenville Scouting youth and leaders had an amazing weekend at the first All Section Camp since 2017.

On May 24-26th, Rideau Provincial Park group camp sites were transformed into the North Grenville Scouting All Section Spring Camp, filled with activities such as bottle rockets, catapults,

craft and cooperative games. Youth learned how to safely build fires, cook food, set up tents and work together creating great memories along the way. Doug MacKinnon from Voyageur Council Ottawa came to share his knowledge of leather craft, allowing youth to design and create woggles and keychains, keepsakes to forever treasure. Scouter Andy taught youth skits such as the Life of a Rain Drop where youth pretend to fall from the sky, and land in a pile on the grass, often with much laughter. Tye dye bandanas hung on clotheslines to dry, and plastic bottles were shot high into the air with the help

At the all section campfire, MC Scouter Cam, with 53 years of Scouting service entertained us with stories, introduced skits and song, and somehow managed to convince Scouter Greg to chop a beloved sock in half with an axe, creating much laughter amongst the youth. But a visual that will stay with many for years to come will be the breathtaking and captivating image of Scouter Darrell confidently striding around the fire, his majestic cape covered in years worth of earned Scouting badges, and embroidered Scouting history, fanning out behind him as his powerful voice compelled all to sing along to his Fruit Salad song.

North Grenville Scouting may be a small but mighty group and are lucky to have Scouter Darrell (aka Scouter Fun) and his “Cape of Many Memories” as a great leader. He was honoured with the Order of the Caribou.

Scouter Jen, aka Scouter Akela, then ceremoniously added years worth of camp-

Repair Café last date before summer break

by Patricia Habberjam

Our Very Own ‘Repair Café‘ will be held again on June 15, 2024, in the Main Branch of the North Grenville Library from 12:01-2pm. Bring along your broken things and we will attempt to repair them while showing you how.

We have fixed a portable induction cooktop, a child’s quilt, a chicken heater, a china pony, and numerous other items.

We have the use of a 3D printer, if needed

By now, you know our philosophy and we will attempt anything. If we cannot fix it, we will tell you.

This will be our last one before we break for summer.

We hope to be back in September, ready with our tools, glue, and thread to help repair those broken items. Do not throw them out - save them for September and watch this space for our return date.

fire ashes into the weekends bonfire, and when the fire goes out, will then collect those ashes to carry on for future fires.

Weekly scouting meeting season has come to an end and summer brings a new schedule filled with hikes, paddles and trips to Camp Opemikon, North Frontenac, Algonquin and Scotland. But if your youth would like to join Scouting in September, reach out to ngscouts@gmail. A huge thank you to the many volunteers who don the red shirts to mentor and lead North Grenville’s youth in the many fun adventures Scouting offers. Leaders are always needed, so register now as a volunteer to start your very own cape of memories.

Kemptville Beavers Scouting Team Who are we and what do we do?

Beavers! Beavers! Beavers! Sharing! Sharing! Sharing!

Food insecurity is now a crisis across Canada

by David Shanahan

There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence for some time now that the increasing cost of living in this country has led to a serious rise in food insecurity, meaning an increased use of food banks among sectors of the population not known to be needing such support as much in the past. Food Banks Canada, Canada's food bank network where the mandate is: "A Canada where no one goes hungry", has issued their Poverty Report Cards for 2023, and the data confirms the anecdotal evidence.

The basic facts are stark. There was a total of 1,935,911 visits to food banks across Canada in March 2023, that’s just in one month – up 32% over 2022, and a whopping 78.5% increase compared to March 2019. 33% of food banks users in Canada are children, while only representing 20% of the population.

43.8% of food banks users in Canada are single adult households, while representing 29.3% of the population. Seniors represent 8% of Canadian food banks users, with the rate of increase far outpacing other age groups.

42.4% of Canadian food banks users are on social assistance or disability-related supports as their main source of income. 1 in 6 of those accessing food banks in Canada are employed.

Food Banks Canada report emphasises that "more than half of Canadians are less than a paycheque away from

dire financial circumstances. An illness, accident, job loss, or dangerous family situation can push anyone over the edge and into the position of having to use a food bank". In Ontario, this year's figures already show that the rate of food insecurity has reached a depressing 24.5%, while the overall poverty rate stands at 10.9%.

According to the statistics produced by Food Banks Canada, "the top reasons people accessed a food bank this year were food costs, housing costs, and low wages or not enough hours of work. People accessing food banks in Canada are more likely to be in the lowest income bracket and are therefore particularly affected by any increase in food prices. When all factors are considered, the rising cost of food is only the tip of the affordability iceberg in terms of the cost challenges faced by those in the lowestincome households. Limited financial resources and housing costs that are well over the affordability threshold of 30 per cent of one's income mean those living with low incomes are less likely to be able to manage food inflation and more likely to experience food insecurity. In addition, people working in the lowest-paying jobs were less likely to have seen any increase in wages during the year and were more likely to be working in industries where part-time work is the norm."

Locally, the situation continues to cause concern. There are three food banks serving North Grenville: the House of Lazarus (which also covers North Dundas), the Salvation

Army, and the Knights of Columbus. The fact that all three are busy and facing strong demand for their services, indicates how serious the situation is in our community.

The House of Lazarus has experienced large increase on demands for their services, and not only for their food bank program. Kim Merkley, Client Service Manager at HoL, told the Times that demand for the food bank services is up 50% from last year. “We are also up on our Operation Backpack Program. We are doing 267 children per week, that is in 12 schools,1 youth centre, 1 program within a school, and 1 nursery school.”

Donations are down, but Kim says, “we are doing okay”.

The Knights of Columbus don’t have a traditional food bank, but serve a number of individuals and families through a food voucher program. Their main work is at Christmas, and that is certainly their busiest time. But their capacity is limited and they have had to cut back on the extent f their support to families in need, owing to the cost and the lack of resources. While the Salvation Army is usually the first food bank people think of supporting, the other two services are important sources of food and support for many in both municipalities and deserve consideration when you’re thinking about helping out in this way.

The Food Banks Canada report has a series of recommendations for easing the pressure food insecurity is having on the people of our communities across the country, and these will be discussed in a later article. For now, however, and until everyone in this community has enough to eat without compromising on health and well-being, the local food banks need help. And the only place they’ll find it is with their friends and neighbours in North Grenville and North Dundas. We need to step up. Check their websites and Facebook pages for information.

culverts

All those years ago

by David Shanahan

There’s a saying historians love: “The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.”

Oddly enough, the more you research the past, the more you’re impressed by how little things have changed; people remain the same regardless of their time in history. This can be comforting, knowing that we can relate to our past and their ways and thoughts.

But there’s times when similarities with the past can be troubling, whether in international politics, or local government.

Way back in 1857, the people of the little village of Kemptville (or, rather, the leadership of that place) decided their future would be brighter if they separated from the wider municipality of Oxford-on-Rideau, and so they did. It took a special piece of legislation to make

the split legal, as Kemptville had a smaller population than was required for an independent body - it was less than 1,000 residents. Nevertheless, the new Village set up a municipal council to run the affairs of those 1,000 souls, consisting of a Reeve and four Councillors.

When the three entities of Kemptville, Oxford-onRideau, and South Gower were amalgamated in 1997, each of the three had a council made up of a Reeve and/ or Mayor, and four Councillors. But the decision was made at that time that the new municipality, soon to be known as North Grenville, would have the same size Council as each of the preceding municipalities: a Mayor and four Councillors. It was believed at the time, amazingly, that the new North Grenville would be able to do with a smaller staff and the Council of five would suffice for the increased size and population

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

The claim reported by Dr Gifford-Jones in his column last week that "natural remedies never killed anyone" is so wide off the mark it must be addressed.

The first principle that anyone involved with prescribing or dispensing medicines of any kind should grasp is "the dose makes the poison". This applies to any substance one can think of, including oxygen and water.

The potential adverse effects of pharmaceuticals are thoroughly documented, and many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural products - aspirin from willow bark or morphine from opium poppies are just two widely known examples. There are many natural remedies that are highly toxic and require extreme caution in using, such as digitalis, paclitaxel, colchicine, or aconite. Famously, Socrates was executed in 399 BCE using hemlock. One of the difficulties inherent in using natural products is the variation between different batches of product.

The good doctor also reports claims about enormous doses of vitamin C, even saying it can be used to treat snake bites or life threatening infections. There is some limited, low quality evidence that vitamin C may have a role as an adjunct to more conventional treatment but much more research is needed. High dose IV vitamin C can cause kidney failure, kidney stones,

of the new municipality.

Over the 26 years since amalgamation, the population has increased substantially. In fact, it has been widely reported that our population has doubled in that time, and continues to increase. The number of staff has similarly grown significantly. But the size of Council hasn’t. It has been suggested a number of times in the past decades that an increase in the number of Councillors would make sense, given these increases in population, not to mention the number of complexity of the issues dealt with by Council.

These suggestions have been rejected for a number of reasons. Some say we can’t afford another two or three Councillors, despite the relatively small cost to the municipal budget. Others, usually those on Council at the time, resent the implication that they are incapable of handling the affairs of

iron overload, and digestive side effects.

Nature has created some amazing chemistry and an unknowable number of pharmacologically active compounds. But the claim that natural remedies are inherently safe is a dangerous fallacy.

Steve Gabell, RPh, MPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Dear Editor,

It would seem to be of more importance to make sure that people have easy access to alcohol, which will be much more available in grocery stores and numerous other places. At the same time, the hospitals everywhere are overwhelmed, to say the least.

Also people who are caught impaired while driving will lose their licences. Rightly so, but do they need this encouragement of having alcohol so very available in most locations? Also, the speed limit is increased on the “big” highways. Faster speeds mostly equal more deaths, if there is a crash. Is this disputable? Add a little, or a lot, of alcohol to this equation.

Oh yes, “Buck a Beer”. Another encouragement. Ask the people who help people with addictions, and if they think this all helps in their efforts.

Kath Piché

the community without help from extra members. There were objections that the suggestion came too close to a municipal election, as such a change would require a vote by the residents, and there was not enough time to arrange such a plebiscite before the next vote.

Whatever the objections, surely it is worth having a discussion about this? Let me emphasise here that this is, in no way, a criticism of the current Mayor and Council. They have done far better than most previous Councils, and have managed to maintain a collegial approach to governance, whatever the reality may be behind closed doors. Who knows? But is it fair, not to mention efficient, to have the same number of people trying to administer a far larger municipality, both in terms of population and issues, than the same number had to deal with in 1997, much less in 1857?

The current Council is the smallest permitted under the Municipal Act: surely that says something? To add to the situation, our Councillors are expected to do a much more complex job as part-timers, with part-time pay, in spite of more recent increases in that regard.

There are, of course, arguments on both sides. A larger Council would cost more, especially if it became full-time. More members of Council would conceivably increase the likelihood of interpersonal rivalries, conflicts, etc., and make it harder to have a concerted and disciplined approach to administration. But that is a danger whatever the size of Council, as we’ve seen in the past. A larger Council would allow individual Councillors to supervise a smaller number of committees, fewer areas of responsibility, allowing them to become more familiar with their portfolio in relation to working with

staff and keeping on top of their mandates.

Being on Council takes a great deal of time and effort. More and more, the demands on their time and energy, the need to get a grasp on the many issues coming before Council every week, and the physical and social cost to them and their families, all need to be taken into account. As a community, we definitely take for granted the job members of Council have to do on our behalf. It is time we had a serious discussion, as friends and neighbours, about what we can do to make the job more efficient, effective, and humane. And we need to have that discussion long before the next municipal election.

Dear Editor, Shoutout to Gen Labelle and the Kemptville Flower Shop

Once in a while, if you are lucky, you meet a special person who makes a huge impact on your life. That person for me is Gen Labelle, owner of the Flower Shop and Garden Centre.

When I met Gen, she and her husband Mike ran a landscape company, Intricate Interlock, which they still operate today, creating beautiful landscapes and gardens. My husband and I had just moved to eQuinelle and hired Gen and Mike to do all our landscaping, from interlock to shrubs and flowers, to planting all our trees. We developed a real friendship from then on.

One day, Gen shared her dream of purchasing the Kemptville Flower Shop. After a lot of hard work, determination and planning, she became the proud owner of this establishment.

I had the privilege of witnessing first hand just how she runs this business during the days leading up to and including Mothers Day. So many things happening at once, but Gen has a hand on all of it. I have never seen so many flowers in one place. I had no idea just how much preparation goes into transforming these beautiful plants into stunning bouquets and arrangements. The flowers and greenery are of the highest quality, Gen does not accept anything less. She and her talented staff, an

amazing group of ladies, work tirelessly to make sure every single flower is at its best before being placed in the hands of customers and delivered to all the mothers out there. Keeping tabs on all the deliveries is a task in itself.

Kudos to the drivers who delivered all the beautiful arrangements, and at a time that was convenient to every customer. To make sure everyone got served, she stayed open on Mothers Day for all those last minute orders and walk-ins. I told her she should be home being pampered by her family. Knowing that all her customers were happy, and then going home to spend time with Mike and the kids, is what makes her happy.

Gen’s knowledge of flowers, plants, and trees is nothing less than impressive. She adds a personal touch to all the work that goes on in that shop. She knows most of her customers by name and takes the time to greet them, ask about their families and sharing stories with them, all this among the chaos of trying to provide everyone with the products they ordered. She does all this with a smile on her face. She runs that shop like a well oiled machine. Gen is also very generous in donating to causes throughout the community. She is the first to offer a helping hand.

Gen’s husband, Mike, is extremely supportive and plays a big role in the everyday work of the Flower Shop. He and Gen are an amazing team. Along with the Flower Shop, they

also operate a beautiful garden centre, located just behind the Flower Shop, offering a wide variety of all flowers, plants, decorative garden ornaments and pots, soil, mulch, fertilizer, and much more.

We are indeed very fortunate to have Gen and Mike and the Flower Shop in our community. Claudia Shepheard

OPP Report

Opp charge male with sexual assault

The Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a male following a sexual assault complaint.

On May 26, 2024, the OPP received a complaint regarding a sexual assault that occurred in North Grenville. As a result of the investigation, a male, 31 years of age, from North Grenville, Ontario, was arrested and charged on May 27, with the following Criminal Code offences:

- Sexual assault

- Overcome resistance by administering or attempting to administer a drug - two counts

- Uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm - two counts

The accused was held for a bail hearing on May 28, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville, and remains in custody.

It is never too late to report a sexual assault to police. If you have any information about this incident or any other sexual assault, please call the Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Two overnight break and enters in augusta township

Several firearms stolen, appeal for information

Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating two overnight residential break and enters, where several firearms were stolen.

On May 29, 2024, shortly after 7:00 a.m., the OPP received a report of a break and enter that occurred overnight at a residence on McIntosh Road. Officers learned multiple firearms were stolen from the residence.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the OPP received another call for a break and enter having occurred overnight, on Klitbo Road. Officers confirmed several firearms were also stolen from that residence.

At this time, it is unknown if the incidents are related. The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Services.

If you have any surveillance footage of the areas or information about these incidents, please call the Grenville County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can leave your tip online at Crime Stoppers or call 1-800-222-8477.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Proposal (RFP) RFP-2024-02

Homelessness Prevention Program –Supportive Housing – Case Management

This RFP is an invitation to prospective proponents to submit proposals for Supportive Case Management services for twenty-five units of supportive housing (cabins) in the City of Brockville.

The Supportive Case Management is intended to offer 24/7 supportive living environment for residents, which will include offering them structure, supervision, support and life skills to become more independent.

Issued Monday, June 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST

Closing Friday June 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST

For more information please email: Alysia.radke@uclg.on.ca

Get Fit in Virtual Reality

Lao Tsu, the ancient Chinese philosopher, said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Unfortunately, a lot of people are speeding to the wrong destination, each year putting on extra pounds and becoming more sedentary. But people do have choices. Make a change now to be more active, one way or another, or anticipate the inevitable earlier than necessary.

What’s a new way to get active that may seem unappealing to those who haven’t tried it yet? New research suggests that virtual reality (VR) might be the ticket, including for older adults. Strapping on a bulky headset and learning to use the technology are the first obstacles, but the benefits for those who get into the game are impressive.

VR can take many different forms, but here we are talking about computer-based equipment that enables users to interact with a simulated environment while getting feedback on performance.

In one study, a group of older citizens was supervised using VR equipment to engage in stretching, aerobic, and coordination exercises. In comparison with another group not exercising, the study participants improved their fitness, flexibility, strength, cardiorespiratory performance, balance and agility.

The technology can be fun. Admittedly, a pleasant walk around the block with the family dog is a wholesome tradition. But don’t preclude the idea of descending into the basement to where the kids have hooked up the VR equipment. It remains to be seen if older citizens will take up VR games for fitness, but science suggests we should promote it.

VR is emerging as a promising tool in the treatment of more than just general fitness. For Parkinson’s disease, innovative use of virtual reality games is proving more effective than traditional approaches to improve gait and balance and to reduce the risk of falls.

Researchers are now exploring the potential for VR exercises to produce better results in reducing pain, improving disability, enhancing range of motion, and increasing treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

VR is being used in the treatment of mental health problems too, with promising results in treating anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance-related and eating disorders. Among older adults, the technology is helping make more accurate diagnosis of cognitive impairments.

Researchers are also finding that people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can benefit from VR experiences that evoke a sense of the familiar. At University College London, a VR game is being tested for effectiveness in identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s by assessing how well people navigate simulated surroundings.

A study conducted by Stanford University immersed seniors into virtual reality experiences such as parachuting, playing with puppies, or taking in panoramic views of remarkable places around the world. Researchers are measuring the extent to which participating in VR activities improve outlook and social connectivity.

Retirement communities and assisted living residences are taking note of the entertainment value, but also in the physical, mental and social elements of VR.

But it’s the effectiveness of VR in weight loss and general fitness that deserves more attention – for children, adults, and seniors alike. A study published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise involved two similar groups of people riding exercise bikes at the same level of resistance, with one group wearing VR headsets. “The data collected led to the conclusion that working out while wearing a virtual reality headset will lead to a higher heart rate, and in turn can lead to burning more calories during a workout.”

So treat VR as another option for exercising, and enjoy all the extra benefits.

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What’s up at NGPL this June Musical Instrument Lending Library coming to NG

The North Grenville Public Library is excited to announce a Musical Instrument Lending Library will be opening this August to enhance equitable music education for North Grenville and surrounding area residents. What is a Musical Instrument Lending Library?

A Musical Instrument Lending Library (MILL) is exactly the same as a typical library, but instead of lending books, it lends musical instruments. MILLs provides musical instruments on loan to community members to increase the accessibility of music education and build life skills through the love and practice of music. North Grenville’s MILL is possible through the Municipality of North Grenville’s Community Grant Program and through the hard work of dedicated community members.

“I am beyond excited to see this vision come alive!” said Herb Cloutier, local business owner, musician, and long-time supporter of this project. “With the help of the Municipality of North Grenville, the North Grenville Public Library, and the Kemptville Campus, we have the ingredients I feel, to not only launch a MILL but build a strong foundation for many years.”

Focusing initially on stringed instruments, such as guitars, the MILL hopes to expand its collection over time so the community can have free access to an extensive range of musical resources. “My musical journey has provided a path for lifelong enjoyment,” Cloutier added. “I have always felt the need to share the feeling that playing an instrument can provide. As our community grows, a Music Lending Library will grow, providing access to a variety of instruments to all ages.”

The North Grenville Public Library welcomes community feedback and assistance with this project; the Library will be accepting volunteer applications and donations of gently used musical instruments later this spring. For more information, visit: www.ngpl.ca/mill.

Sam’s Annual Fishing Derby & Breakfast Bar Saturday, June 22 9:30 am -11 am

Join Library Sue at the dock in front of Salamanders for a catch and release event! Bring your own fishing rods or borrow one from the Library! Muffins, fruit and water will be available.

Sam’s Fishing Derby is an annual event that happens at the end of June, where children of all ages gather at Salamander’s dock for a catch-and-release fishing derby. Participants bring their fishing rods and we supply the worms! The event is hosted by the family of Sam Tobias and the North Grenville Public Library. During the fishing derby, participants contribute what they can to Sam’s Children’s Book Collection at the library, in honour of Sam and his love of books and fishing.

Please see our donation page for details on how you can contribute and help grow this wonderful collection of books!

www.northgrenville.ca

What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events

Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings

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

Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca

Hands-on learning at Oxford-on-Rideau

by

The Grade 6s of Oxford-on-Rideau PS

This school year at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School in Oxford Mills, Mrs. Martin’s 6th grade class has truly embraced the art of “learning by doing”. One endeavour that the class has been tackling for over seven months is their Habitat Garden project, which is gradually adding an additional garden to Crozier Park. A Habitat Garden is a garden that mimics a natural, native plant and insect habitat. The purpose of the one made by Mrs. Martin’s class is to bring back pollinators to Crozier Park.

Thanks to the diligent work of a group called North Grenville Habitat Gardeners (NGHG), and the Environmental Action Advisory Committee (EAAC) of the Municipality of North Grenville, Crozier Park already has three Habitat Footprint Gardens, with the one installed by the Oxford-onRideau students set to be the fourth. Phillip and Nadia are two members of NGHG and EAAC who have been acting as mentors to the students throughout the project. The students first met the pair in November of last year, and then officially began their project in January.

“In February, we started the stratification process by planting our seeds in soil in biodegradable bamboo to-go boxes,” explained Mrs. Martin. “One partner took the seeds home and placed them in the fridge to stimulate winter and let the seeds sleep.” The seeds were

refrigerated for 6-8 weeks before being placed on the classroom light stand (which was generously donated by Wild Flower Group of the CMC) to begin the germination process. The successful plants were moved into small plant pots, while students whose plants were not successful were able to use a “plan B” plant grown by Philip.

The Habitat Garden project taught the students about far more than just gardening. They also gained experience with bureaucracy and governance, as a group of them needed to present in front of the Environmental Action Advisory Committee and Mayor Nancy Peckford at the Municipal Centre in order to get permission to add another footprint to Crozier Park. The lessons that the class learned about biodiversity were a great part of their science studies. The class has also completed writing assignments about their project, and they even used math to measure how many plant pots could fit on the light stand and window ledges. They also practiced handling money, as well as interacting with the community at the Sustainability Fair.

Mrs. Martin’s students agree that a hands-on learning experience is superior to learning solely in a classroom setting. The students report that hands-on learning has less opportunities for distraction, since the process is so engaging. On May 17 and May 24, the students were at Crozier Park to

complete preparations – they dug the sod, cleared the dirt from it, and added soil and rocks to form the shape of the Garden Footprint. They even raised their own money to fund the project – initial fundraising raised $454, plus an additional $132 at the Sustainability Fair.

This project has taught the students many important life skills, such as how to take care of plants, how to prepare a garden, and the ways in which plants help the environment. It came with some challenges, such temperature and humidity variations in the classroom, but the students always persevered. Many students reported having their own gardens at home, which gave them foundational skills for the school project.

Ultimately, the project is an effort to help take care of the Earth for future generations. When asked why he wanted to help Mrs. Martin’s class with the project, Philip said: “Very simply, because our young people are the future, and they can do so much to help fight the problems raised by climate change and the loss of biodiversity.”

The Oxford-on-Rideau students are proud of their rural schooling. “Going to school in a rural area is fun because there are less people,” said student Andy. Student Jano added that “living in a rural area is quieter”, while student Lily said “you have more property and more space between houses.” Two of the students connected rural

schools with environmental sustainability.

Lucas said “if you are going to school further away from the area you live, there would be more gas and therefore more pollution”; while Mackenzie added “you can bike to school with less traffic… you have space to breathe!” So, what are the next steps for the project? The plants will be planted in the Habitat Garden on June 14. There will then be

a launch event on June 18 (with a rain date of June 19), with invitees including the Mayor, parents and guardians, grandparents, students from other classes, members of the Environmental Action Advisory Committee, and even the UCDSB’s RealWorld Learning Team! Some students were eager to express their interest in inviting celebrities like Taylor Swift and Dwayne Johnson to the event, but it was agreed that

may be… less than practical! The event is scheduled for 10am at Crozier Park, with an official ribbon cutting and a few speakers. Way to go, students! You’ve made North Grenville proud!

Kemptville Street Piano Jam with Bradley Smith

by Lisa Poushinsky

June is here, and how sweet it is to start the music this summer with a jam at the Kemptville Street Piano. Love to play music? When the library is a rockin’, don’t bother knocking. Bradley Smith is back for year three to host the first jam of the season. Whether you’re a new performer, or a pro looking for a place to make music on a Saturday afternoon, this open mic’s for you. Come to listen and to play, all levels/ genres/instruments welcome. NEW THIS YEAR is an earlier start timesee you at 1pm!

Bradley Smith, host with the most, will entertain you with his favourite tunes between acts. No stranger to the stage, Bradley has been playing piano, singing, and running jams and open mics for over 50 years. When not perform-

ing solo, Bradley plays Southern Rock, 80’s Rock, and Country music with several bands. What? The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents Who? Street Piano Jam with Bradley Smith When? Saturday June 8, 1pm. Also July 6 and August 3. Where? North Grenville Public Library terrace How much? Free!

(Cash donations welcome, or see the featured section on our FB page for the link to our GoFundMe campaign.)

Learn more about Bradley Smith at www. suckerforaballad.com

What is a Street Piano? It’s a piano placed in a public area that encourages passersby to stop and play. Why a Street Piano? Who is it for? Street Pianos draw pedestrians, turning any location into a concert venue / cultural hub. By

giving residents an instrument to play together, this project encourages locals to share their knowledge, initiate their own ‘play’, and create relationships, setting a precedent for positive experiences in Kemptville’s public spaces and inviting foot traffic to downtown businesses. Learn more about street pianos at www.streetpianos.com.

When and where are the concerts taking place? This year, the concert series takes place, rain or shine, on Saturday afternoons at 1pm from June to the end of August on the North Grenville Public Library terrace. The library is wheelchair accessible, with air-conditioned bathrooms and free parking. Need special accommodations to enjoy the show? Contact Lisa Poushinsky at kemptville.street.piano@gmail.com. Dogs on leashes welcome!

,The series is graciously funded by the Municipality of North Grenville and the Government of Canada. Check the Kemptville Street Piano Facebook page for regular updates on all things Street Piano, including concert details and access to the Street Piano calendar. www.facebook.com/ KemptvilleStreetPiano.

@ExploreNorthGrenville #LoveNG #RediscoverOntario #Kemptville #NorthGrenville @oldtownkemptville

Meet Rob Barclay, the lonely saxophone player

by Marguerite Boyer

Last week was a tough week for me, emotionally. On a particularly bad day, I drove to the B&H to pick something up. As I got out of the car, a lonely saxo-

phone player was playing, "Let it Be". The music was uplifting. I was also happy to see that he was back again.

Many of you may have noticed him around town,

Drawing Circle

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. JUNE 7, NO GROUP SESSION

busking in different places. Rob Barclay has been playing Saxophone for over 30 years now. Originally from Ottawa, he now calls Kemptville home. Rob has a fairly successful monetized YouTube page, and he does session recordings for many other artists. He performs at weddings, restaurants and live events.

Since moving to Kemptville, he has performed at two of the Kemptville Downtown Promenades,at all three Kemptville Buskerfests, and four of the Kemptville and Merrickville Christmas Promenades.

By far his favourite thing to do is Busking. It is a very intimate thing. Just to see how music can trigger so many emotions and memories in people, is really a beautiful thing. He has had some wonderful conversations through his interactions with all sorts of people.

While he performs in a few different towns and villages, Kemptville is his favourite location. His new hometown is full of amazing artists and musicians, and the community continues to show their support for him.

In Rob's words, "Having a community like this that tries to keep the Arts alive, and having a local musician like Herb Clothier encouraging and pushing for more music in the community, has been incredible and inspiring. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support, I hope to see you next time I am busking.

The Academy of Expressive Dance

It was a dark and stormy night....

Well, actually--it wasn't, but all good creepy stories have to start somewhere! The Academy of Expressive Dance has once again created an original performance (it's 34th on, in fact!) that will be held at the Urbandale Arts Theatre at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, June 8 & 9 at 2:00pm.

Director and founder, Kemptville native Andrea Gaw, is the creative force behind the Academy, which opened its doors here in Kemptville in 1991. Since then, the Academy has always been community orientated and a safe haven for our youths from the age of 3 through adults.

This is NOT your "average" dance recital....

If you have never seen one of our spectacular performances, you are truly missing out. Full storyline, original costumes, sets, choreography... It is a treat for the whole family.

This year's story is quite dark, and based on the ballet, "Swan Lake". Go into the shadows and minds of not one black swan, but three Black Swan Sisters who must fight each other to the death to claim the evil magician, Von Rothbart's, power. Told through ballet, jazz, tap, and pantomime... this is a perfect escape into another world.

FB event page: www.facebook.com/ events/880404536921667.

Tickets: www.academyofexpressivedance.com. #supportlocal #supportlocalartists #swanlegacy

Ah Cappella –A Unique Vocal Concert

On Thursday, June 20, 7:00, Cedar Lane Studio and Taylor Burke Realty are pleased to bring to Kemptville a unique concert to benefit the Beth Donovan Hospice – Ah Cappella – a concert featuring voices without instrumentation. What makes this kind of musical presentation mesmerizing are the layered harmonies upon which the music is built. And what distinguishes this concert are the varied approaches and types of harmony presented by each of the three vocal groups performing.

Cuppa Joe has been entertaining audiences in the Ottawa region for 15 years. Amongst Ottawa venues they’ve performed at Zolas, Pressed, the NAC’s Fourth Stage and Gigspace. Inspired by the sounds of The Manhattan Transfer and tunes like Java Jive, Cuppa Joe’s jazz-based repertoire includes a variety of their arrangements, along with those of New York Voices and other close harmony groups, augmented by songs of popular artists like James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Beatles.

Village Voyces began in 2008 as a small ensemble interested in singing madrigals. Since then the group has expanded to twenty auditioned singers exploring a cappella music from the renaissance to contemporary times. Based in Spencerville, the ensemble draws from a wide area and has performed from Cornwall to Brockville and north to Ottawa.

The Humming-Birds formed as a quartet in 2014 in the musical production, We’ll Meet Again, under the direction of Louise Atchinson. Known for blended voices and close harmonies, our repertoire ranges from a cappella singing, to back-up by piano, violin, or band.

The Humming-Birds have performed in musicals over the past 10 years in the North Grenville area: in a revised version of We’ll Meet Again, Gentle Voices, Chic to Sheik, Shake Rattle and Roll, as well as in The Man With the Bogart Face with the Kemptville Players, and in Louise Atchinson’s celebration of life concert. We have put on concerts for community groups, and sing somewhat regularly at churches, community events, Christmas events, for service groups, at celebrations, and in retirement residences.

Tickets to the concert are available online at www.eventbrite.com/e/ah-cappella-tickets874009083697?aff=oddtdtcreator, or at the door for $15.00. Proceeds from the concert will go to Beth Donovan Hospice.

Joining voices in prayer

VanderMeer, the former choir director of The Kemptville Men's Choir, was asked by the activities co-ordinator at Kemptville District Hospital, to assist with some prayer services for the long term care patients. Beth felt that these should be done with music, so she asked a few choir members to assist in the programs. On this occasion, (Wed. May 29th), the men joined Beth in the long-term care area of the hospital to sing some of the choir's favourites.

Friendship Lunch

Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League Launch 2024 Season

by Joan Beauregard

Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League is back in the swing, with 139 enthusiastic players; all keen to be back in the swing.

With the new season we have some new faces on our Executive Committee. League members welcome Jenny Thibert, Jennifer Gow, and Nancy LeBrun in their new roles, and thank Mary Garrett, Barb Townson, and Sandi Ochoski for their service on the Executive in previous years.

The season kicked off with the usual Meet ‘n Greet in April, and we’re now into our regular round of weekly play, tournaments, and fun-days.

May brought the annual Havelin Tournament, our alternate shot, stroke-play event, with forty-six ladies cheering each other on. Everyone had a great time and many laughs were shared, on the course, and afterwards on the deck. Congratulations to our winners: First Place - Frankie Baird and Leslie Cheal; Second Place - Brenda Condon and Donna Lush; Most Honest Golfers - Janne Ritskes and Sheri Kropf; Prize for Returning with their starting ball - Frankie Baird and Leslie Cheal.

Our end-of-month fun day was a ‘blind partner’ tournament, with winners having the best combined score of pairs matched by a blind draw after the round. Our winners were Cathy Valcour and Thanh Simpson. The weather gods again threatened; however, we finished play before the drenching rain. Thanks to all who came out to play and enjoy a tasty BBQ, ably catered by Pam & Don Miller of Just Home Cookin.

Looking forward to an event-filled June: we have 2 at-home tournaments - the Jean Hyndman on June 13 and the Super Seniors on June 20. We have also been invited to join two “Friendly” tournaments, with the leagues at Glen Cedars and Prescott. Later in the season, we look forward to hosting the Ottawa Valley Intersectionals for our division.

A great start to a new season, and lots more to come!

Beth

2024 Havelin Tournament first Place: Frankie Baird and Leslie Cheal

Pictured with Mrs. Vandermeer, from left to right are: Wayne Spears, Peter Johnson, Paul Vavasour, Don Buwalda, Derrick VanderMeer and Brad Weaver. (Peter Johnson)

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.

A Finger Pointing at The Moon: Interpretation, Certainty, and Insecurity

by Darrell Nunn

I also have been following the great debate between Steve Gabell and David Shanahan with interest. I have alternately agreed and disagreed with specific statements made by each of them; I have also noticed that each selectively responds to certain ideas and not others..

Over a lifetime I have been very grateful for my exposures to much detail, personal exploration, discussion, debate, and dialogue about science, religion, and spirituality. As I near the end of my life, I alternately struggle with, accept, and am even comforted by the various, often presented as incompatible "truths," as interpreted by various articulate, seemingly certain apologists.

Is it a human trait to search for certainty? How much do we trust words to provide "truth" in grammatical, definitive form? Why do we often, in this search for certainty, sometimes be sloppy, or unconscious of the fact that the words -- think, feel, perceive, believe, know -- are supposed to have differences in meaning, although we will probably disagree about the specific meanings and/or overlaps among these words. (We could, I suppose, go to a dictionary to mediate, but a famous linguist observed "A dictionary is a historian, not a lawgiver." (metaphorical words) Personally I have trouble with words

such as 'absolutely,' 'definitely,' 'certainly.'

What follows is not so much an argument as a 'provocation,' an exploration of the finitude of human knowing in the face of the infinite, as explored differently by both science and religion.

Buddha is reputed to have said, "I am just a finger pointing at the moon; do not mistake my finger for the moon." Whether or not he actually said it is not the point. The comment reveals that metaphor is often more insightful precisely because it grapples with the many possible meanings in words in the face of imponderables.

Shakespeare has a character say, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy." And Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you" (or, depending upon the translation, "among you”). And the concept of 'kingdom' itself, as applied to the infinite, is clearly metaphorical, so how do we definitively decide on its exact meaning?

David Shanahan has entitled various previous articles "Mythunderstandings." Admittedly, a clever verbal construction. But I rebel against the common use of myth to mean false and fact to mean true.

Historically, religion has depended upon both mythos (myth) and Logos (word? logic? Jesus?, God?) as approaches to understanding

God. It is only since the early 1900s establishment of 'The Fundamentals' (fundamentalism) that some Christians have put all interpretation to Logos, and decided that the word myth has no place in Christian interpretation.

Alan Watts (admittedly a buddhist) wrote a book called "The Wisdom of Insecurity". I find the title strangely comforting. Of course, we seek to be certain about many things, even as we know that certainty and security are 'aspirational' ideas. What is to conclude? I leave that to you. But here is a poem by Walt Whitman.

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,

In the mystical moist nightair, and from time to time,

Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

I want you to know...

by David Shanahan

Darrell Nunn’s approach to “certainty” is one that is quite common these days: a distrust of anything that smacks of an absolute claim to “truth”. The statement that we can know nothing for certain about God or an ultimate reality has some substance when it comes to humanity’s ability to grasp whatever may be beyond our experience or understanding. Most religions consist of rules, ceremonies, structures that allow a bottom-up type of approach to God. We try and find him/her/it through our attempts to contact or understand what may be beyond our senses. Yet, we seem to know, no matter where in time or culture we may be, that there is Something to try and get in touch with. That, in itself, is an interesting fact of humanity.

Christianity, and Judaism before that, tells a different tale. It says that God has contacted us, has revealed things about himself we cold not otherwise have known. The first way is through what is called general revelation: the universe in which we live. Thousands of years ago, David put it into words: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge”. [Psalm 19]

Writing to the Christians in Rome around 56 A.D., Paul says: “what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly

seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”. Research in various branches of science in recent decades has demonstrated many aspects of the universe that show how intricately the universe supports human life and the ability to do science itself: the fine-tuning of the universe, its intelligibility, rationality, the fact of consciousness, morality, love, honour, beauty, music, language, the irreducible complexity that makes macro-evolution impossible, and so much more.

But back to certainty: Darrell refers to the Logos idea, which was a common concept in Greek philosophy and stood for the rational principle that governed the universe. In John’s Gospel, it is used as a name for Jesus, pre-existing before creation and the one through whom everything that is came to be. Significantly, Logos is translated “Word”, because God has “spoken”, communicated, revealed himself to humanity. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are full of statements about bring certain, sure, knowing truth, because God has communicated, spoken, told us things about himself, the origin of life, the universe and everything. Things we could not otherwise know, or know for sure.

Many times in the New Testament occurs the phrase “I want you to know”, and Jesus himself promised that “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Why then, are there so many who don’t believe this, although Paul said they are without excuse? To be honest, I think

there are very many who simply don’t want it to be true. There is a fear, a rejection, of what God’s existence means for them and their apparent independence. There are many who are in love with the idea of a journey, an intellectual discussion that is never meant to reach a conclusion, a destination. People will believe what they are told as long as it is conforms to their assumptions or what they’ve been told. They will read books, discuss issues, argue the details, without ever intending to truly consider the arguments, like those who, when faced with the overwhelming scientific evidence for design throughout the universe, from the micro to the macro, reject the facts and resort to: “it just looks designed, but it isn’t”.

To quote Jesus: “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”

One last thing in relation to Darrell’s opening sentence: “each selectively responds to certain ideas and not others”. This is solely because of space. Trying to keep these articles as compact as possible. As you can imagine, they could go on forever!

Senior Times

June is Seniors Month: Let the Celebrations Begin!

by Jill Woodley

June is a vibrant month, full of anticipation for the summer ahead. It is the month that highlights, and raises awareness for, multiple causes. For Seniors’ Community Services, June is Seniors Month, and a time to celebrate older adults and the extraordinary contributions they bring to this community, and to our country.

Aging can be difficult at times, but it is essential to remember that even though our physical appearance changes, our spirit does not. Some people in their 70s and 80s are much younger than some people in their 20s or 30s. It all comes down to one thing: our outlook on life – The Senior Zone

This year we are celebrating Seniors Month in a few ways. For the month of June, we have partnered with Judy and Jim Beveridge, owners of B&H Grocery, to showcase our services and raise vital funds. When you buy your groceries, there will be an opportunity to donate and learn more about SCS. The people in the posters at the check-out and on the front windows are real clients and volunteers. They proudly represent the programs and services that support seniors and adults living with physical disabilities. Learn more about SCS, and support your local B&H Grocery store too! It is a win-win.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is

primary support in North Grenville for seniors who are aging at home, and we welcome you to attend and hear more about our organization and get involved. Please RSVP your attendance prior to June 15 by email at hello@seniorscs.ca, or by phone 613-258-3203.

We are looking to expand our office and transportation driver volunteer teams. Be an ambassador for SCS behind the desk or behind the wheel. Every volunteer job is important!

June is a special month for SCS – devoted to recognizing the seniors who are the brightly coloured threads intricately woven through the fabric of this community. Join us in cele-

our Seniors BBQ. This year, we invite you to attend our celebration in honour of the remarkable seniors during this month of June – Seniors Month. On Wednesday, June 26, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills, we will once again gather for this very special event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 19, at 613-258-3203, or email antonia.reynolds@seniorscs. ca. What to bring, you may ask? Just a smile, your appetite, and a lawn chair. Donations are welcome too!

The Seniors Centre Without Walls also has a full menu of special guests for Seniors Month! This telephone program lets you enjoy socializing from the comfort of you own home. Join us for Sarah Green Well Being on Tuesday June 4 and 25, when she will speak about all things health, from sugar to sleep, moving your body to watching your salt. Sarah is down to earth, fun, and ready to answer your questions.

On Tuesday, June 11, Jen MacDonald from Hygiene Now will talk about the newly unveiled Canadia Dental Plan for Seniors. If you have questions, Jen can help! To register for SCWW, please email jill.woodley@ seniorscs.ca, or call the Centre at 613-258-3203. And last, but certainly not least, SCS will be hosting our AGM at 215 Sanders on June 25 from 10:45 to 11:45 am. For the last 43 years, SCS has been the

brating this June, and watch for highlights on our social media pages and follow along.

Happy Seniors Month!

The collapse of civilizations is possible Senior Times

Ralph C. Martin

I am not a prophet. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, much less next year or beyond that. However, as a scientist, I read scientific literature and books about ecology, agriculture and dynamic systems and at this point, I am compelled to say that the collapse of civilizations is, at least, possible.

“The world’s top climate scientists expect global heating to blast past a 1.5C target and they envisage a ‘semi-dystopian’ future, with famines, conflicts and mass migration, driven by heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms of an intensity and frequency far beyond those that have already struck.”

final stage of a cycle to be endured.” Rees acknowledges that “barring a nuclear holocaust, it is unlikely that Homo sapiens will go extinct.” Even if you only read one scientific paper every decade, ponder this one.

Bill Rees in his well written 2023 scientific paper, ‘The Human Ecology of Overshoot’ warns that “the growth of the human enterprise (population and economy) on a finite planet is the greatest factor contributing to plunging biodiversity. Reduced human populations almost everywhere are necessary to preserve remaining patches of nonhuman life on Earth.” He bluntly states, “the human enterprise is effectively subsuming the ecosphere” and “wide-spread societal collapse cannot be averted— collapse is not a problem to be solved, but rather the

In another seminal 2023 paper, ‘Earth Beyond Six of Nine Planetary Boundaries,’ Richardson et al., update the 2009 and 2015 planetary boundary papers. Biogeochemical flows, in 2023, were more pronounced with phosphorus flows from fresh water to oceans at 22 Tg per year, twice what is recommended, and the total of human generated nitrogen at 190 Tg per year, more than 3x the planetary boundary limit. Biosphere integrity also still exceeds the safe operating space, with the human appropriation of net primary productivity now over 23%, contrasted with a preindustrial level of 10%. The other breech of biosphere integrity is the rate of species extinctions, up to hundreds of times higher than the average rate over the past 10 million years, and it is accelerating.

The four planetary boundaries newly crossed in the 2023 paper are: i) land use change, which is mostly indicated by the decline of forest cover since preindustrial times, ii) climate change with atmospheric CO2 concentration at 417

Kemptville Legion

Charity Bingo July 1, 2024

Doors open at noon, Bingo is 1-3pm 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

All Legion profits from this event will be donated to the KDH CT Scanner Fund Any questions, email Mike Amirault mikeamirault@hotmail.com

ppm, well beyond 350 ppm and radiative forcing at 2.91 W per sq m, in contrast to 1 W per sq m, iii) novel entities, including synthetic chemicals, microplastics, endocrine disruptors, organic pollutants, nuclear waste and nuclear weapons and iv) freshwater change with deviations almost twice recommended levels.

In a recent interview, Wade Davis, an author I highly respect said, “Doom and gloom will never encourage people to action. Only hope and the promise of a better world will lead to action.” He argued that we survived WWII and other crises and in the end we will be fine. I defer to the 1972 book, Limits to Growth. At this stage of our human journey, it is appropriate to recognize the threat humans have become to the entire global ecosphere and to understand it is possible to proceed too far along this path. This knowing may be crucial to choosing in time to walk more respectfully on a path within ecosystem limits.

Seth Klein in his book, ‘A Good War,’ also compares our current crises to that of WWII and his suggestions for action are practical but unfortunately, mostly ignored. Nevertheless, Ecojustice is holding governments’ and corporations’ feet to legal fires.

Before acting to adapt, take a breath and reflect on Cynthia Bourgeault’s advice, from her book ‘The Wisdom Way of Knowing.’ “Rather than rushing around in exhaustion to exercise our ‘choices’ in clothing, cars, jobs, and vacations, to maximize the selfhood that is illusory anyway, we could learn to give and take with life in the effortless freedom of inner authenticity.”

Coming full circle, I don’t know what will happen in the future. Neither do I know what will not happen. In the time we have left as individuals and civilizations, we can at least appreciate and respect our singular home, Earth, where we belong with other species and elements. Thomas Berry, a wise eco-theologian, asserted that the Earth project is primary and the human project is derivative. Our role is to live accordingly, regardless of outcomes.

Ralph C. Martin, Ph.D., Professor (retired), University of Guelph. Information on book, Food Security: From Excess to Enough at www.ralphmartin.ca

Framing - Drywall - Laminate

- Demolition - Decks - Painting - etc ... Bill: 613.774.2922

OASIS PAINTING

CLASSIFIEDS

classifieds@ngtimes.ca

613-215-0735

FOR SALE

Firewood - soft- $60 per cord. Call Reg at 613 258 7606

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.

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 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, 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

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.

North Grenville Record Sale. It is Sunday June 9th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Burritts Rapids Community Hall. A multi-vendor music sale with free admission.

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 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

$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.

MISCELANEOUS

Lonely Gay Male, 60's. Seeks other for friendship, companionship. Spend

sometime together, outings, meals & playing cards. Just to keep each other company. E-mail only dwight_gifford@hotmail. com.WANTED

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.

For further information and to RSVP please contact the Central Admin Office at: 2830 County Road 43, Kemptville (613) 258-7177

The many ways you can VOLUNTEER in North Grenville

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

KD Hospital Andre Rancourt andrerancourt16@gmail.com

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

ARTS: 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 phil.seymour@bell.net 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

EVENTS FOR JUNE 2024

BINGO

1 & 3rd Wednesdays - 1-3pm KLUB 67 EUCHRE 2 & 4th Wednesdays - 1-3pm FOLK CLUB Tuesday June 11th & 25th7-9:30pm FUN DARTS

Thursdays - 6:30pm registration 7pm start OPEN

Friday's - June 7, 14, 21, 28th -open 3pm-close OPEN MIC Sunday June 16th Open 2-5pm downstairs COUNTRY CLASSICS Sunday June 23rd 2-5pm GENERAL MEETING Wed. June 19th-7:30pm

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

ACROSS

1. Majestic 5. Mild expletive 9. Epic fail 13. Wine 14. Allied 16. Prospector's find 17. Put ____ words

18. Muse of poetry

19. Double-reed woodwind 20. Scallions

22. Switchboard workers 24. Propagates 26. Attempts

27. Activate 30. Abrasion

33. Animals

35. Alpha's opposite 37. Browning of skin

38. Be similar 41. Lair

42. Intelligent

45. Not oldest

48. Satisfy

51. Bosoms

52. Expend

54. Legal wrong

55. United

59. Scandinavian

62. Sloth

63. Was laid up 65. Cash drawer

66. Anagram of "Site"

67. Colonial reporter

68. Follow

69. Traded

70. Glimpse

71. Terminates DOWN

1. Wicked 2. Durable wood 3. Enteric 4. Barbecue 5. East southeast

6. Form of money transfer

7. Adjust

8. Dissuades

9. Floating wreckage of a ship

10. Timber wolf

11. Scent

12. P P P

15. Column style

21. Hit hard

23. Designed for flight

25. Flower stalk

27. Play parts

28. Muscle spasm

29. Chapter in history

31. Walker

32. Cast out

34. Hog's home

36. Picnic insects

39. Cygnet's father

40. Ache

43. Saved

44. Adhesive strip

46. Used in advertising signs

47. Strangle

49. Glacial ice formation

50. Complete

53. Salami shops 55. Swear 56. Be aware of

Type of fastener 58. Profound 60. Slipped

L L L L

Arid

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Big shoes to fill

by the Board of Management of the Old Town Kemptville BIA

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area (BIA). Buskerfest blew through town and was a wild success. After months of arduous work from the organizing committee and dedicated volunteers, in excess of 7,000 people attended. They enjoyed great weather (finally!) and the excellent family entertainment provided by a variety of skilled buskers. Many thanks to our title sponsor Urbandale Construction and all the generous contributions from other communityminded businesses in

North Grenville.

The BIA Board of Management completed a draft of the BIA’s 20242025 Business Plan and presented it to the membership on May 29. Going forward, the Board is committed to exploring ways in which the BIA can become more self-reliant; not having to depend on funds from the Municipality to help cover administrative costs. The Board is also committed to building on the success of Buskerfest with less reliance on Municipal grants. The full 20242025 Business Plan can be downloaded from our website at https://downtownkemptville.com/ draft-otk-bia-business-

plan-2024/

Finally, our Executive Director, Deron Johnston, submitted his resignation to pursue an opportunity in Orillia as their BIA’s Executive Director. Upon news that he was leaving, there was an outpouring of thanks from residents and business owners for his efforts in promoting, not just the downtown, but the entire community. His farewell party on May 23 at Salamanders was packed, with well-wishers spilling out to the patio. There was a lot of laughter, and not a few tears, as people expressed their appreciation and fondness for him. Over the past decade, Deron has made many friends. He has certainly made an impact on this community, too. Two weeks ago, there was a Letter to the Editor that expressed it very well. “ He volunteered (often as a Board Member) with many community organizations. These include The Oxford Mills Community Association, the Kemptville Farmers’ Market, Beth Donovan Hospice, and the Kemptville Youth Centre. He served on the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee.” Deron will leave a giant hole in this community.

He will be missed.

The question now is, “Who will fill the vacant position of Executive Director?” The job posting is already online at https:// downtownkemptville. com/job-posting-executive-director/. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification, in confidence, to bia@ northgrenville.on.ca by June 18, 2024, no later than 4 p.m. EST. Reporting to the Chair of the BIA’s Board of Management, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization in accordance with the strategic direction set out by the board of directors in the 2024 Business Plan: https://downtownkemptville.com/draftotk-biabusiness-plan-2024/

This position requires strong leadership qualities and excellent communication skills, including both written and verbal; the ability to effectively market local businesses; they must be computer and social media literate; be self-motivated and able to work effectively on a team, as well as independently.

If this is you, we’d love to hear from you.

Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca Are

Phone: 613 329 0209

Photo by Marguerite Boyer

The War Amps Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

The Lasting Legacy of War Amputees

On June 6, 1944, a pivotal moment unfolded as thousands of Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach in Normandy, in the heavily German-fortified coast of France. As the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, The War Amps pays homage to the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the invasion, and the resilience of those who returned home severely wounded, many missing limbs.

These were young men from small towns and the inner cities embodying the true spirit of citizen soldiers during the Second World War. Driven by patriotism, adventure, or simply a sense of duty, they enlisted with the Canadian Army, unaware that they would become the vanguard of the allied invasion of Europe.

Among them were individuals like Ron Reid, Gavin Hickey, Bob Ross, Jim Parsons, Bill Neil and Dave Ingram. Ron Reid, of Torbay, Newfoundland, suffered severe injuries upon landing on Juno Beach. Amidst relentless enemy machine gun and

mortar fire, he lost his left leg above the knee.

Gavin Hickey, hailing from Durham Centre, New Brunswick, was a mere 19 years old when his regiment stormed Juno Beach. Wounded during the battle for Carpiquet, he lost his left leg below the knee and his left hand.

Bob Ross of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was injured during heavy enemy shelling at the Battle of Hill 195, resulting in the loss of his leg above the knee. Many years later, he reflected on his experience and shared, “It was an ordeal. I don’t think I would do it again because maybe I couldn’t come back the next time.”

Jim Parsons, a local of Sherbrooke, Quebec, landed on Juno Beach on D-Day and fought his way inland. Later that year, he lost his left hand and forearm due to an injury. He received a Mention in Dispatches for his bravery in hauling his troop commander out of a burning tank despite having a badly shattered arm.

Bill Neil, from Winnipeg, and Dave Ingram, of Edmonton, Alberta, were also severely injured during the invasion. Neil, wounded

in the Battle of Falaise when his armoured car was hit, lost his left arm above the elbow. Ingram lost his left leg above the knee and part of his right heel after stepping on a landmine during a sniper patrol.

When they returned to Canada, these brave soldiers became members of The War Amps, which was started by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to help each other adapt to their new reality as amputees.

Rob Larman, a Senior Advisor at The War Amps and a leg amputee himself, said, “In the Battle of Normandy, many Canadians died or suffered wounds they had to carry for the rest of their lives. As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s important that we never forget.”

The War Amps awardwinning Military Heritage documentary - Juno Beach (2 minutes) offers a glimpse of Canada’s D-Day contribution and can be found on their YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rj6qDSG5NkI

The Heroes of Normandy

by

Guy Black, Recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

Death struck deeply into those who waded ashore on June 6, 1944. Struggling to quickly move from their landing craft to the sand of Normandy beach. Burdened by the heavy weight of their equipment, and the sights and sounds around them. Before them lay a terrifying array of obstacles waiting to trap, maim, and destroy anyone who attempted to challenge the terrible might of the nazi occupation of France.

Service men and women came from all across Canada. Local militia units like the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun) and the Essex Scottish Regiment were mobilized for active war service. These part-time “Saturday Night” soldiers were busy in their armouries and drill halls, recruiting and training its new members. Some would find themselves “storming Juno beach” on June 6th, while others arrived sometime later, joining the 3rd Canadian Division as they consolidated their foothold on the Normandy coast.

The liberation campaign slowly progressed mile by bloody mile across France until Paris was freed on August 25, 1944. In its wake were left countless dead and injured, destroyed towns and cities. Names of places became etched into the memories of the soldiers who fought in battles like Bourguébus Ridge, Carpiquet Airport, Caen, the Falaise “Gap”, Vaucelles, and Verrières Ridge. The campaign to liberate France from its occupiers would end up taking the lives of 5,021 Canadian soldiers.

The number of war veterans who fought in the liberation campaign have steadily declined as the years have passed. Fortunately, some of these remarkable old soldiers are still living. They are resilient people who followed a path of duty, endured hardship, faced danger and experienced things we could never imagine. Through the National Order of the Legion of Honour medal program, the Embassy of France in Canada continues to bestow their nation’s highest medal to our veterans who are proudly known as the liberators of France.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Mixing rice with grains is a great way to get healthy nutrition. It also provides for plenty of energy. Today’s Cajun Rice Pot is a great example. Once again, it is a very simple recipe, with lots of payoff.

Cajun Rice Pot

Ingredients:

1 can of drained and rinsed kidney beans

1 can of drained and rinsed black beans

2 X 8 ounce cans of tomato sauce

1 container of vegetable broth or 1 ½ cups of water infused with vegetable concentrate

½ cup of long-grain white rice

2 teaspoons of vegetable oil

1 medium sized onion, finely chopped

1 green pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeno peppers with seeds removed and finely chopped

1 teaspoon chili sauce

Preparation:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a largish saucepan (that has a lid)

2. Cook the onion, green pepper, and chiles until sweated and tender

3. Add everything else and mix thoroughly

4. Bring to a boil

5. Reduce the heat, cover your pan and simmer until the rice is tender

You can take this tasty vegetarian dish straight to the table to accompany other fare or as a main dish. You meat eaters can add cubes of pre-cooked chicken or pork in the amount you so desire. You can also vary the heat level of the spices from low to fiery, depending on your taste buds. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some dry parsley leaves on top of your final product.

All the best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Oh to be the Balsam Ragwort, brilliant on the Limestone Plain

Oh to be the golden emblem of that cedary terrain! by Fred Schueler – Fragile Inheritance Natural History

In early June, the shallow soil of many of our nutrient-poor oldfields and roadsides are spangled with low swathes of the yellow blooms of Balsam Ragwort, Packera paupercula (until recently Senecio pauperculus), small flat-topped clusters of

daisy-like blooms, 20-30 cm tall, on stems clasped by small fern-like lobed leaves.

“This is the most variable species of its genus in North America, and some ‘phases’ have been treated as separate species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and races” (Flora of North America), but our populations are quite uniform. The Smiths Falls Limestone Plain “is the largest and most con-

tinuous tract of shallow soil over limestone in southern Ontario. Due to the gentle gradient, drainage is poor and wetlands are numerous” (MNRF). White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis, is the characteristic tree on both wet and dry shallow-soil sites, and in the late spring the green of the Cedars is often flanked by these golden Ragworts.

Balsam Ragwort, Packera paupercula, south of Bishops Mills. [Aleta Karstad photo]

War Amps D-Day collage

UCDSB Students

“We Were Here” Project

On May 27, 12 schools from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) gathered at the North Grenville Municipal Centre for a showcase event, highlighting their participation in the ‘We Were Here’ initiative, in collaboration with The Hill 70 Memorial Project.

At the showcase, The Hill 70 Memorial Project announced its donation of $21,000 towards sending a group of 21 UCDSB students and educators to France next school year. During the trip, they will further their research and share their findings with a broader audience, continuing their mission to honour and remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives over a century ago.

‘We Were Here’ aims to bring history to life by commemorating Canadian soldiers from the First World War.

In the Spring of 2022, approximately 120 soldiers were discovered in Loos-enGohelle, France, while construction crews were digging a foundation for a new hospital. In the fall of 2022, the UCDSB, in partnership with Big Ideas Group Consulting, Hill 70 Memorial Project, and many others, began The Hill 70 Project: Lost. Found. Always Remembered. Since then, students across the district have been meticulously reviewing service records and attestation forms, uncovering key details about the lives of these soldiers, while also coming up with innovative

ways to remember the fallen soldiers. Some of UCDSB schools projects include:

Athens District High School’s ‘A Journey Through Time’, where as part of their learning, students transformed a hallway into a replica of a WWI trench and engaged in a reenactment;

Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School’s interactive honour roll project has students creating QR codes with soldier biographies to add to the school’s veterans honour roll;

Kemptville Public School was the first elementary school in the UCDSB to participate in building the online database;

North Dundas District High School students are creating metal crosses with

LE CEPEO DÉVOILE LES NOMINATIONS ET MUTATIONS DE SON ÉQUIPE DE DIRECTIONS ET DIRECTIONS ADJOINTES EN VUE DE LA PROCHAINE ANNÉE SCOLAIRE

Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) est heureux d’annoncer les nominations et les mutations aux postes de directions et de directions adjointes de ses écoles pour l’année scolaire 2024-2025.

Amélie Arsenault, direction adjointe à l’é.é.s.p. L’Académie de la Seigneurie, est nommée à la direction de l’é.é.p. De la Rivière Castor.

Martine Quesnel, direction adjointe à l’é.é.p. Francojeunesse, est nommée à la direction de l’é.é.p. Rose des Vents en affectation intérimaire.

Thomas Rinshed, direction à l’é.é.p. Mille-Îles, est muté à la direction de l’é.s.p. OmerDeslauriers.

Chantal McAlpine, direction à l’é.é.p. Cité Jeunesse et l’é.s.p. Marc-Garneau, est mutée à la direction de l’é.é.s.p. Maurice-Lapointe.

Anick Roy direction à l’é.é.p Rose des Vents, est mutée à la direction de l’é.é.s.p. L’Académie de la Seigneurie.

Chanda Hutt, direction à l’é.é.p. Le Prélude, est mutée à la direction de l’é.é.s.p. Carrefour Jeunesse.

Jean-François Thibodeau est muté à la direction de l’é.s.p. L’Alternative. Directions adjointes:

Sonya Mazerolle, direction adjointe de l’é.é.s.p. Carrefour Jeunesse est mutée à la direction adjointe de l’é.s.p. Pierre-de-Blois.

Stéphane Bellfoy, direction adjointe à l’é.s.p. Louis-Riel est muté à la direction adjointe de l’é.é.s.p. Carrefour Jeunesse.

Danik Forgues, direction adjointe de l’é.é.s.p. Rivière-Rideau est muté à la direction adjointe de l’é.s.p. Louis-Riel.

Jean-Gardy Dumoulin, direction en affectation intérimaire à l’é.s.p. L’Alternative, est muté à la direction adjointe de l’é.s.p. Gisèle-Lalonde.

Jean-Sébastien Caron, direction adjointe à l’é.s.p. Gisèle-Lalonde, est muté à la direction adjointe de l’é.s.p. De La Salle.

Caroline Boivin est nommée à la direction adjointe de l’é.é.p. Francojeunesse.

Mélanie Lalonde est nommée à la direction adjointe à l’é.é.s.p. Rivière-Rideau.

Dyhia Hadri est nommée à la direction adjointe à l’é.é.p. Grande-Ourse

Nous sommes honorés d'accueillir ces nouveaux membres qui contribueront, aux côtés de chacun d'entre vous, à la mission du CEPEO visant à favoriser l'épanouissement de chaque élève, apprenante ou d'apprenant.

QR codes with local soldiers’ histories; Pakenham Public School’s ‘Pakenham Military Scavenger Hunt’, where students are creating picnic tables with QR codes for members of the public to find and learn about local fallen soldiers; and R. Tait McKenzie Public School’s research project that prompted a missing WWI veteran’s name be added to the Almonte Cenotaph.

Cameron Jones, UCDSB Principal of Real-World Learning and Student Success, praised the students for their dedication and the depth of their research. During the showcase event, he emphasized the importance of storytelling in making history relevant and meaningful for today’s youth.

"Today, there is power in storytelling. This project connects students with the lives of soldiers from over 100 years ago, making their stories come alive. By learning history through the eyes of those who lived it, our students help keep their memories and sacrifices relevant."

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

NGDHS Students bring home Gold at EOSSAA Track and Field

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) athletes won more than 30 gold medals at the 2024 Eastern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (EOSSAA) Track and Field Championships, held May 23 and 24 at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville. Two students from North Grenville District High School won gold at the event: in the Novice Class, Ethan Hunt won the Boys 300 Meter Hurdles, and in the Senior and Open Class, Rowan Deam won gold in the Boys 2000 Meter Steeplechase.

Thousand Islands Secondary School won the overall team titles for both boys and girls, besting 61 schools and earning a total of 476.5 points in all divisions.

Athletes who placed within the top six of each event will be competing at the East Regionals Track and Field Championships May 30 and 31 in Ottawa, a qualifying event for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track and Field Championship held June 7-10 in London, Ontario.

Canada

District School Board report

Director's Work Plan

Update on the Student Ambassador Program:

Executive Director of the Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education and Training, Matthew Raby, and Principal of Equity and Inclusion Dan McRae, updated trustees on the progress of the UCDSB Student Ambassador Program. This program launched approximately 12 weeks ago and provides supports for student ambassadors to feel both valued and encouraged as schools continue to welcome international students.

Principal McRae explained that it is a threetier program – bronze, silver and gold – which acts as entry points for schools to launch the Ambassador Program. Raby reported that the momentum in the UCDSB has been strong, with 13 out of 21 secondary schools participating – three at the bronze level, six who upgraded to silver and four gold level schools.

Update on Feasibility of UCDSB Operated Before & After Program-

ming:

In January 2024, trustees passed a motion to look at the possibility of expanding after school programming in our elementary schools at the lowest cost possible to families. Executive Superintendent Hobbs provided an update on the status of before and after programs in the UCDSB, a preliminary financial analysis and pricing, risks and further considerations.

Superintendent Hobbs explained that with the lack of funding to support this sort of program, the UCDSB would have to operate it on either a cost recovery basis or divert funding from day school operations to support it fully or partially. The UCDSB will continue to assess demand at sites that don’t have before and after programs, seeking private partners to provide services at reasonable prices as a first step.