Issue 23 2023 June 15 NG Times

B&H mark 60 years in the community

stores and the beer stores away from them, and then the highway bypasses, that creates a major change.”

But, by then, the B&H was already a valued fixture in the life of the surrounding communities, and Jim couldn’t see the store disappear like so many other downtown businesses. “So, when I took over here in 2005, the biggest reason for me taking over the B&H was because I could not sell the B&H. It was Dad's store. I realise now, I'm not overly fond of the path that brought me to the B&H, but I'm so thankful for the opportunity.”

by David Shanahan

Everyone knows it as the B&H though its full and official title is “B&H Your Community Grocer”. Since 1963, the B&H has served as a grocery store, community centre, a place to shop, meet friends and neighbours, and tune into to what’s happening in North Grenville. Jim and Judy Beveridge are continuing the traditions inherited from Jim’s father, Keith who started the store with business partner Ken Haggett known as Red. Jim reminisced recently about the long story and the many changes surrounding the B&H over sixty years.

“60 years of the B&H?

On opening day when Dad and Red were here, Bert Loeb was here, President of

Loeb, who was the IGA franchisor who had bought the stores and convinced Dad to go partners with the guy who was the produce supervisor for the group of stores, Ken Haggett, although everybody called him Red. Dad and Red didn't realise that they still needed to buy the front end float from the previous owner; they had scraped to come up with the money they needed for the down payment and didn't have the money to pay the rest. And Burt Loeb, president of a major wholesale company at the time, paid for it. When my father asked him afterwards about signing a note for it, Burt said, "I know you'll pay me back". You know, no paperwork, nothing for $200 which was

a lot of money in 1963. And Dad paid back the loan, plus repaid it again and again with loyalty to Burt for that.

“But it was a time, and it was a community, where your word was worth a lot. Highway 16 at that time went along both sides of the store, along Rideau and Sanders. So it was a time where car travel was becoming more important, and the store had what a lot of grocery stores at the time didn't have: there was parking. And because Highway 16 was a major route into Ottawa, Eastern Ontario was really big for American tourists coming through town until it was bypassed. And then we started to see the decline. In downtowns, when you take the banks and the liquor

The ties the B&H has to the community of North Grenville are deep and are another part of the legacy Jim feels his father left him.

“It was important for my father to support the community that supported him. And he realised that when he came here to Kemptville, he lucked out. He got a location that was pretty sweet compared to what a lot of his business cohorts who were part of that original group had. He ended up with the most successful business out of all of those seven other stores. And it was that you support the community that you're part of. If it's good for the community in the long run, it's good for you.”

cont'd on page 2

Judy and Jim Beveridge

After Jim and Judy took over the B&H, the IGA franchise was leaving Ontario and they had a choice of becoming a different franchise operation, which would have meant a sharp limit on how flexible they could be in responding to increased competition and market changes, or going on as a

non-affiliated independent store. Jim believes the B&H would not have survived as a franchise.

“One of the challenges of downtown locations is the fact that it's not convenient. And you need to find a way to have different products where you're the most convenient store in the

marketplace. We're lucky enough to have the core part of Kemptville where we've had great support, but a lot of our customers actually now come from a distance. One of our flagship items is our pot pie program, which we continually struggle to be able to keep in the counter on a very consistent basis. But people come from Orleans and Kanata and people from further afield will stop in when they're in eastern Ontario. We know we regularly have product that goes to Burlington and London from people driving through here. They'll call or email their order in ahead of time and pick it up on their way back home. That is one program we would not have been able to do as a franchised operation. And

Throwback Thursday Kemptville Public School, 1873-1936

was raised to $1 a month after 1914.

The members of the Public School Board represent some of the families with the longest history in Kemptville. Names like Sanders, Kilfoyle, Ferguson and Eager were noted, and many of the leading business people in the village put time and energy into their roles of supervising the school and its activities.

the other part of it is these franchise programs typically have a very small open to buy window. So the majority of the product that they carry in the store are products that are authorised and sold by their franchisor. Where we've been able to develop a greater strength is offering products that aren't carried by the other stores and that people are still looking for in North Granville. So, in all likelihood, a lot of those products would not be in the store if I was in a franchise situation.”

Kemptville has changed almost beyond recognition in the last sixty years. North Grenville has only existed for twenty-five of those years. The B&H has seen major supermarkets coming to town, slowdowns and up-

turns in markets, lockdowns, ice storms, and the gutting of Downtown Kemptville of anchor businesses. Through it all, the B&H has been a vital supporter of every positive community initiative, charity, service club, and individual residents. Jim eyes the future with a certain quiet ambition.

“And you know, one of

my one of my goals when I took over was to get us to the 50th anniversary. And when I got to the 50, it was, yeah, we could make it to 60. And now it's, after you've done 60, what's the next, 75? Well, we’ll get up there in age, but wouldn't it be so cool if Judy and I could still be around and make the 75th anniversary?”

Fish Fry returns for 2023

The Masonic Fish Fry, traditionally a staple of North Grenville’s social calendar, is returning for 2023 and takes place at the Municipal Centre on Saturday, June 17, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for the under-12's, and is available either as eat in or take out.

now the Curling Club location), and then on to the Municipal Centre where it remained.

by David Shanhan

The B&H Grocery store in Kemptville stands today on what was once the site of this really lovely school. The Kemptville Public School served the children of Kemptville for sixty years before being destroyed in a suspicious fire in March, 1936. Before it was built, there were two school boards in the Village of Kemptville, one for the Grammar School which was in the building still standing at 205 Clothier Street west, and a Board for the two Common Schools, also still standing. One was at 402 Oxford Street, on the north side of the Village, and the other was at 12 Elizabeth Street on the south side. But in 1873, the boards merged and a new combination Public and High School was built on the site between Rideau and West (now Sanders) Street.

The two-storey brick building had four classrooms and employed three teachers for the Public School and one for the High School. Supply teachers were paid the generous sum of $1.50 per day in the Public School.

The school was very successful and drew students from around the area so that, by the mid-1880's, this building was too small to cope with the enrolment. In 1888, a new High School was built on Prescott Street, and the older building was used exclusively for Public School classes from that year on. By the time of the First World War, the levy on local taxpayers for the school was $3,000, spread across the taxpaying population since local residents made up the Board. Nonresidents of Kemptville were charged 40¢ per month to attend the school, but this

In March, 1936, the school burned down. This was just three months after an equally suspicious fire had destroyed the High School on Prescott Street, and there seemed little doubt in the minds of residents at the time that both fires were the result of arson, possibly by students. The Kemptville Fire Department turned out to try and save the building, but without success. It was estimated that the loss of the building cost around $35,000, but insurance on it and its contents was just $20,000, a serious loss for the Board. But by the end of the year, a new school had been erected on the site of the old High School, repeating the original function of the Public School in catering to both Public and High School classes.

The old Public School was replaced by a garage and, in 1963, by the new B&H Foodliner Store. As a side note, the area that is now the parking lot for the B&H, as well as that covered by the Salvation Army store, was once occupied by a few homes and stores, also long gone.

This year’s event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the B&H Your Community Grocer in Kemptville, and Jim and Judy Beveridge are sponsoring the fish fry in memory of Keith Beveridge, Jim’s father and original owner of the B&H, named after him and his business partner, Ken Haggett - hence B&H. Jim explained the background to the sponsorship: “One of the organisations, one of many that Dad was involved in, was the Masonic Lodge and Fish Fry was one that he was very much part of the early organisation of.”

There seems to be some uncertainty about exactly when the Fish Fry began, but for the first years it was held in Limerick Forest as an outdoor event, with the aim of raising funds to build the Lodge building for the Masons in Kemptville. The event was a major celebration with bluegrass music and a big bonfire. But as licensing and insurance regulations took a more dominant role, the Fish Fry moved indoors, first to the Community Centre (which is

The lockdowns of the past few years had an impact on the event as with everything else, and Jim and Judy wanted to support its return; as Jim put it: “And we thought that because they had missed a couple of years with COVID, it was an opportunity for us in memory of Dad and as part of our celebration of 60 years, to help sponsor the event, to bring it back for one more year at least, hopefully more.”

Indeed, the annual Fish Fry is one of those occasions that our community has enjoyed for so long, and its continuation is a welcome sign of normality

and tradition overcoming adversity and the isolation which has threatened so much of our communal social life. Thanks once again to Jim and Judy and the B&H for their most recent efforts in support of their friends and neighbours.

The original B&H: Keith Beveridge and Ken (Red) Haggett

The Kemptville Public School

North Grenville celebrating 25 years as a Municipality

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG

This year marks the 25th anniversary of North Grenville as an amalgamated Municipality.

In 1998, the historic Oxford-on-Rideau Township, Town of Kemptville and Township of South Gower merged to create the Municipality of North Grenville.

“We like to boast that North Grenville is a brilliant blend of urban and rural charm,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Our unique hamlets as well as the town of Kemptville have a storied history, and we are so excited to highlight what we have to offer and celebrate with the community over the coming months.”

Celebrating North Grenville’s 25th Anniversary

To celebrate the quartercentury milestone, Council will be holding its monthly Council meetings in the historic hamlets:

- Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 7:00 pm – Maplewood Hall, 92 Maplewood Ave, Oxford Mills

- Tuesday, July 4, 2023 , 7:00 pm – Bishop’s Mills

Community Hall, 38 Main St., Bishops Mills

- Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 7:00 pm - Burritts Rapids Community Hall, 23 Grenville St., Burritt’s Rapids

- Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 7:00 pm - South Gower Pavilion (South Gower Park), 669 South Gower Drive, Kemptville

Local community associations will host an informal reception at 6:30 pm prior to each Council meeting.

In addition, a culminating event will be held in Kemptville on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 7:00 pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

The event will include a presentation of a new Mayoral Chain of Office to past and present Mayors of North Grenville. The Chain of Office will belong to the Municipality in perpetuity and be updated as new may-

ors are elected and serve.

Citizen advisors were invited to informally participate in the design of the Mayoral Chain of Office, including:

- Cahl Pominville (former Councillor/Municipal Clerk)

- Roy Brown (former Executive Officer Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212)

- Heather Render (former Deputy Clerk)

- David Delaney (former Councillor)

“We look forward to celebrating our unique history and the shared stories that unite us as a community,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

More details will be shared on the municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca and through our social media channels.

About North Grenville

North Grenville is a caring, vibrant, and cohesive community, with a commitment to sustainable growth and a high quality of urban and rural life for all.

Born out of the ice storm of 1998, the Municipality of North Grenville has seen a number of key milestones and initiatives over the last 25 years including but not limited to:

- a new and expanded regional hospital,

- a new centrally-located library,

- municipal-wide curbside waste, recycling and organics collection,

- a new and expanded Fire Hall and ladder truck, and new OPP Station,

- a central Municipal Centre, that hosts 2 ice pads, a community theatre, and rental space for community events,

- expanded commercial development, particularly along CR 43,

- expanded outdoor recreational amenities including the soccer fields at South Gower Park and more recently, the revitalization of Riverside Park,

- the transformation of the former Kemptville College to the municipally-owned Kemptville Campus,

-new schools for a growing

population with four school boards (English public, English Catholic, French public and French Catholic),

- hosting of the 2022 International Plowing Match,

- being crowned Canada’s and Ontario’s Most Active Community as part of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge (2021 and 2022). Prize money was used to expand outdoor recreational amenities in the hamlets and Kemptville.

North Grenville is a perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Visit often exciting large events such as Kemptville LIVE Music Festival (July 20-24, 2023), Kemptville Buskerfest (May long weekend), and Poutine Fest with over 50 different kinds of Poutine to choose from, plus interesting shops, family attractions, and fantastic restaurants and patios.

The unique geography within the Municipality includes an abundance of forests, farms, and rivers - including the UNESCO designated World Heritage Rideau Canal and our own tributary, the South Branch River, also known as Kemptville Creek, where residents and visitors alike boat, fish, and swim, or skate on in the winter!

Our charming rural hamlets offer a small town feel – each with their own unique rural culture.

Today, farming, tourism, and local businesses form the backbone of the local economy.

Balancing a high rate of growth while maintaining the rural character of our community and protecting natural assets is, and will remain, a significant priority, as affirmed by the North Grenville 10-year Community Strategic Plan.

Municipality launches 2023 North Grenville in Bloom Photo Contest

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality

of NG

The Municipality of North Grenville is inviting residents to submit photographs to its 2023 North Grenville in Bloom photo contest.

“Now that the weather has cleared and we can all enjoy outside time again, we encourage you to showcase North Grenville’s natural and urban landscapes that help make up the fabric of our amazing community,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

The North Grenville in Bloom Photo Contest is open to a variety of categories:

- Gardens

- Landscapes

- Environmental Action

- Local Heritage Sites

- Floral Displays, and

- Urban Forestry and Trails

Prizes will be awarded to the winning photos and runners-up for each category.

First-place prizes will amount to $50, and runnersup will be awarded $25

worth of prizes.

There will also be a $50 prize awarded to the “People’s Choice” winner chosen through online voting on the North Grenville Communities in Bloom Facebook page.

“We encourage residents to get out and to take a look at North Grenville’s gardens and landscapes through a new lens, to capture our community in all its natural beauty,” added Councillor Debbie Wilson. “We have many talented and passionate gardeners in North Grenville, and look forward to seeing just how creative our community can be.”

The North Grenville in Bloom Photo Contest runs until July 17, 2023.

Chosen photos will be shared on municipal communication channels and in the Communities in Bloom profile book.

About Communities in Bloom

Earlier this year, the Municipality of North Grenville

Municipality to apply for Housing Accelerator Fund

by Brandon Mayer

A busy Council meeting took place on June 6. There was a closed session portion to discuss human resources matters, presentations and reports were received, approvals granted for contracting quotes, designation of certain lands as surplus, by-law considerations, and other routine business. As usual, it would be impossible to cover all of the Council meeting business in an appropriately succinct article, but every meeting agenda has items that stand out more than others.

One topic of discussion at the meeting that is surely to be of interest to North Grenville residents is the Municipality’s intention to apply for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s “Housing Accelerator Fund” (HAF). The name of this fund may be alarming to some who already feel that new local housing is already “accelerated” enough. Others are likely to applaud the initiative of taking advantage of available funds while supporting sustainable residential growth.

What is the HAF? Simply put, the Fund is intended to incentivize additional housing in municipalities by providing money to help cover some of the “behind the scenes” costs that are associated with

announced its participation in Communities in Bloom Ontario.

Communities in Bloom aims to promote civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification through community involvement and the use of green spaces.

Residents, businesses, and community groups are invited to take part by submitting photos to the North Grenville website for the creation of our profile book, and taking part in touring the beautiful landscapes and green space within the community to help support the initiative.

There is also an opportunity to register local gardens and landscapes in the Communities in Bloom judges’ tour, to be held in August.

For more details on the contest including the official rules and regulations and how to enter, visit: https:// www.northgrenville.ca/projects.

tional housing units the HAF would be expected to provide over a three year period.

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville.ca/events

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Please see the Council agenda for further details on how to participate in Council meetings. All Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/ featured and on the Municipality’s website at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca Council agendas are available at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) – Maplewood Hall, Oxford Mills

• Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) – Bishop’s Mills Hall, Bishop’s Mills

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

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

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Advisory Committees

new housing developments. Specifically, the funding can be used for HAF action plans, investments in affordable housing, investments in housing-related infrastructure, and investments in communityrelated infrastructure that supports housing.

There is only a limited amount of time during which applications are accepted for the HAF. Mayor Nancy Peckford praised the efficiency of staff in working on the application for what she called “a very important federal funding opportunity that could significantly enable some affordable housing” locally. Philip Mosher, the Municipality’s Deputy Director of Building and Planning, provided a presentation for Council on the best way to make the application for the HAF successful. He outlined the specific infrastructure improvements for which the Municipality would propose to use any HAF funds received. These options include sewer upgrades, and programs to incentivise affordable housing. Deputy Director Mosher also explained that the application will be better received if it explains how the funds will benefit residential growth long term. The application needs to lay out details on how many addi-

One factor that is considered when applications for the program are reviewed is the level of commitment of a municipality to increase the housing supply. Successful candidates generally need to have a goal of exceeding minimum growth expectations. While this aligns with both federal and provincial housing visions, it does not sit well with some.

Councillor Kristin Strackerjan spoke after the presentation in the Council meeting to raise concerns about the “more homes built faster” attitude. She believes that there is a need to ensure that we are investing in “the right type of homes for North Grenville”, rather than just seeking out “more growth”. In contrast, Mayor Nancy Peckford voiced support for the initiative. Deputy Mayor John Barclay voiced his support as well, and thanked staff for the diligent work that has been done.

The final draft of the HAF application is expected in the coming months, though the exact time window of the application is not yet known.

As usual, readers can keep up with the detailed business of their local government by visiting the Municipality’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@ NorthGrenville/streams.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee currently has room to accommodate more members. Visit northgrenville.ca/committees for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-2589569 ext 171

TAX BILLS

All 2023 final tax bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Municipal Office at 613-258-9569. The due dates are June 30 and September 29. Payments can be made in person by cash or debit. Credit card is available only when paying online through the North Grenville website.

ParticipACTION

Get active North Grenville!

ParticipACTION Community Challenge is back starting Thursday, June 1 until Friday, June 30, 2023.

Get active throughout the month of June and track your minutes on the ParticpACTION app or website. For more details visit: www.northgrenville.ca/GetActive

NORTH GRENVILLE IN BLOOM

North Grenville is participating in Communities in Bloom, which is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the aesthetic appeal of communities across Ontario. North Grenville is looking for residents and businesses to participate by sharing photos and details of their blooms. We will be putting together a profile book and tour of the community for the judges visiting the second week of August.

If you’re interested in taking part in the initiative, including contributing to the profile book, tour, or submitting your beautiful photos of local gardens and landscapes, visit the North Grenville in Bloom project page on northgrenville.ca/projects. For more information, contact vision@ northgrenville.on.ca.

general@northgrenville.on.ca

www.NorthGrenville.ca

Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441

Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201

Fax: 613-258-1031

By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca

613-258-9569 x211

Police Administration: 613-258-3441

Animal Control: 613-862-9002

X does not equal X

by Brandon Mayer

Small towns talk, and they love to talk about bad drivers. Sure, people who live and work in large cities can’t drive either, but the small town vibe is different. Bad driving in a community where everybody knows everybody gets a lot more personal. Residents here also have a perceived sense of “ownership” over their streets and roads, so the arms tend to fly up in a classic “what on earth are you doing?!” gesture when they see someone going too fast. A popular sentiment is, “if you run over my child or dog speeding down my street, the police will be the least of your worries”. I agree!

Many are of the opinion that a speed limit of 40 km/h is appropriate in any residential neighbourhood. It is already this way everywhere inside Kemptville town limits and I agree that this does make for a safer area in places where people are constantly moving around and children are

at play. There will always be people who find it too slow, but I’m not one of them – not for inside town limits. A lower speed provides additional reaction time and minimizes the severity of any collisions that do occur.

When it comes to outside of towns and villages, and specifically on our county roads, my opinion differs. The speed limits and some other traffic control features in some parts of these roads make little sense to me. One consideration when determining a speed limit or the type of intersection that will be used in a particular spot is whether the measure will be TOO controlling. This is not just because it would impede traffic flow, but because it tends to diminish drivers’ overall respect for rules of the road. Isn’t that fascinating? If we, as motorists, see a few seemingly pointless stop signs or a section of road with an unnecessarily low speed limit, we stop taking driving rules seriously altogether. And of course, in that case, driving becomes more dangerous

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, RE: The Children's Treatment Centre Dundas County Bike-A-Thon 2023 May 27, 2023.

The Dundas County Bike-A-Thon was a beautiful sunny day to raise monies for the Treatment Centre for abused children in Dundas County and elsewhere in the Counties.

Team Sam Laurin raised $3,195.00 in Dundas County. Congratulations to all! It's never too late to donate monies to this charity which exists without government support.

Yours truly, Douglas Grenkie Chair for Dundas County

Dear Editor,

I looked out the window and the sky was yellow. Step outside to get into the car and the smell of smoke was inescapable. Sports events can-

for all.

One of my favourite examples of this is not in North Dundas or North Grenville at all, but is actually on the Ottawa side of the border, near Kenmore. At the intersection of York’s Corners Road and Marvelville Road, a four way stop sign controls the traffic. For decades, motorists local to the area have asked, “why”? The purpose of a four way stop is to control low visibility or high traffic intersections. The intersection at York’s Corners and Marvelville is neither low visibility nor high traffic most of the year, though I suspect that visibility drops significantly in the late summer and early autumn due to corn growth. This would explain the four way stop. The rest of the year, most drivers barely slow down. I’m not kidding! It’s so common to see drivers in all four directions roll through this stop sign at 40-50 km/h that anyone could probably observe at least a handful of cars doing it in the span of a 15 minute observation. It's possible to see far in

all directions, and so if there are no cars coming, local drivers “save the brakes”, so to speak. I am not condoning this – just reporting the facts! One day when going through there, I noticed that a pick up truck waited about 30 long seconds to make sure I was going to stop before proceeding, likely because he is used to seeing cars simply speed through.

Another spot that causes confusion is where County Road 3 meets Cameron Road in Inkerman. When entering town from the northeast on County Road 3, after the initial curve, proceeding straight will bring you off County Road 3 and onto Cameron Road. Technically, drivers should signal a right turn if they intend to proceed straight onto Cameron Road. Instead, it is more common to see drivers signal a left turn to take the curve that simply keeps them on the same road they are already on – County Road 3. Some signage would probably help those who aren’t familiar with Inkerman, before they start to

lose faith in the whole road system!

The most frustrating spot for me is the new 60 km/h speed limit on County Road 43, between South Gower Drive and Kemptville town limits. The 60 km/h reduction makes sense for the intersection itself – perhaps 500 metres in all four directions approaching the intersection of County Road 43 and South Gower Drive. Instead, the speed reduction extends far too long, particularly going west from the intersection all the way into Kemptville. This 2-3 km section of road is a well paved, wide, high visibility, straight section of road with only sparse homes and businesses. If any standard section of county road in Eastern Ontario can be labelled as “X”, then this particular section of County Road 43 would be “X”. Except here, X does not equal X, because no other similar section of county road would have a 60 km/h speed limit. I get tailgated going 80 km/h through there, which tells me others agree.

As is usually the case, there are two sides to this problem. Drivers need to respect road rules and use safety common sense, but the province and municipalities also need to impose rules that match the actual traffic and environment conditions. Making everyone see road rules as useless because they are unnecessarily strict ends up making roads more dangerous, rather than safer. Ontario is already a place where speeding is seen as tolerated. Lets face it – a thin majority of drivers go 100 km/h on our county roads, and when was the last time anyone got pulled over for it?

It's time to break out the algebra. X must equal X. If it’s safe to travel 80 km/h on one stretch of road, it should be safe to go the same speed on an identical stretch of road nearby. No one is asking for a German autobahn, but a little common sense would travel a long – and more efficient – way.

celled, recess kept indoors. Endless prescriptions for inhalers. Millions of people in Canada and the US affected by air pollution warnings. This is where forty years of denial and delay on climate change have gotten us. Over 3.3 million hectares of forests burned so far this year against a ten-year average of 254,000 hectares. And we are not even in summer. Yet Premier Ford is unable to acknowledge the link between climate change and the forest fires that have affected so many.

We are addicted to fossil fuels, and this addiction poses a real threat to current and future generations. A threat to my 3-year-old daughter, to your children and grandchildren. We know we need to break our addiction to fossil fuels, and we have the tools to be able to do

so. Yet instead of investing in cheap and clean renewable energy, Premier Ford ploughs ahead with his plan to ramp up dirty, polluting, expensive fossil gas generation, adding to the pollution that causes more than 7,000 premature deaths a year in Ontario and pumping more climate-wrecking carbon into the atmosphere.

Only Mike Schreiner and the Ontario Greens have a credible plan to crush climate pollution, to protect our farmlands, wetlands, and woodlands. To build affordable, caring, connected communities where people want to live. To ensure we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and food to eat.

Steve Gabell

Dear Editor, Peaceful greetings to all residents of North Grenville.

I wanted to be the first one to get a letter in to the editor regarding this year’s heyday fundraising event. I’ve lived in Kemptville for over a decade, and since I retired last year, it was my first opportunity to volunteer to help prepare for this amazing event. I was there on Wednesday and Thursday helping to pick up products that all the amazing folks of the community dropped off to be sold Friday night and Saturday in order to raise money for the Kemptville District Hospital. What an amazing experience and what an amazing group of volunteers that I got to meet and work with.

The amount of cars that continued to drive up

hour after hour. It was truly incredible! And so much merchandise lined up on the lawn of the community centre waiting for all of us volunteers to get it into the building. By 3 PM, Wednesday afternoon, we had almost already filled the arena! Every time I went back inside with another load, I was amazed at how the volunteers on the inside had managed to sort out and start putting together displays merchandised by “department”.

I am sure not having this event due to past pandemic years encouraged people to bring in three years of items they needed to move out. We started running out of room pretty early on with more folks coming to drop off. The “sorters” were hard at work making sure that only undamaged and clean products

made their way to the selling floor. The main objective of Hey Day is to raise money for the hospital. If we accept dirty or damaged products that we can’t sell and end up having to throw it into the garbage bins, it is counterproductive to the intent of this fundraising event. Those garbage bins need to be paid for every time they’re emptied. I noticed some people getting very angry at the volunteers who had to refuse their product. I heard that there were some mean things said on Facebook about this situation and about our hardworking VOLUNTEERS and I wanted to ensure that the town realizes we are all in this together. We are doing this as a community mainly to raise money for a continued on page 6

The Outerbridges set to premiere Mysteries of the Keyhole House

submitted by Lisa Weitz

Canada’s Grand Masters of Illusion, THE OUTERBRIDGES, premiere MYSTERIES OF THE KEYHOLE HOUSE, one of the most anticipated magical experiences of 2023. The tour of the Ottawa Valley kicks off with performances from June 30-July 22 at The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls and continues to Perth July 28Aug 12, Carleton Place Aug 18-26, and Gananoque Sept 8-16. (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm -- $33 plus HST and Eventbrite fees at https:// outerbridge.eventbrite. com – full details below).

The Keyhole House is an enchanting sanctuary inhabited by Ted and Marion Outerbridge, TikTok sensations and headliners at Hollywood's Magic Castle. Beckoned by the spirits of yesteryear, these connoisseurs of all things magical were chosen by the abandoned, dilapidated home to be guardians of this historic gem. As they meticulously restored the creaking floors that carried the weight of countless footsteps, a treasure trove of cherished relics materialized before their eyes. From delicate skeleton keys to faded photographs, from a forgotten spool of thread to yellowed newspapers, a Victorian dollhouse, and even a 1918 golf ball, each

Letters to the Editor continued

good cause but also to meet new people and see friends we haven’t seen in a while. I was amazed at the amount of cars and people lined up on opening day, and so proud of how this town supports one another.

I urge anybody who has something negative to say about the way product was received or sorted to join the team and volunteer themselves next year and then I am sure you will have more empathy for why some products need to be turned away. We are all only volunteers but also like you, we are residents of this great community so please: no negative talk for this great small town event and the hard working, good intentioned volunteers who bring it together for us! Let’s keep our small town friendly and kind.

Dawn Silver

artifact whispered tales of bygone eras. But it was Ted’s compelling video-logues, marrying history with the digital age, that transported the Keyhole House into the viral universe. With over 30 million views on social media and appearances on CTV National News, a TVO documentary, and NBC’s The Golf Channel (Brooke Henderson’s grandparents had a 54-year connection to the house), the Keyhole House became international news! These videos and the true stories they tell birthed Mysteries of the Keyhole House, a simultaneously reverent, mystical and joyous show where magic becomes the master storyteller. Audiences will be transported through time as Ted and Marion Outerbridge take them through an evening of enthralling illusions, séance, and dance, creating a spinetingling spectacle of living history.

It all began when, fresh off their Hollywood appearances in search of an old Victorian home, a chance Google listing lured the Outerbridges to the home and its grand keyhole arched entryway. That was the first tell-tale sign -- after all, what magician doesn’t love a keyhole and its portal to the otherworldly!

The couple was immediately smitten with a love that was palpable and unconditional. Despite concerns from banks and building inspectors, the Outerbridges could not be swayed, and moved in on a cold November day. Ever since and ever thankful, the Keyhole House has generously returned its love with regular revelations of its storied past.

Indeed, on the very first night, Ted awoke to an aura of bright light at the foot of the bed, which they are now convinced was the spirit of Agnes Lamb, one of the first owners of the Keyhole House. To this day, the couple’s sleep continues to be disrupted by things that go bump in the night.

Ted and Marion thought they chose the house but came to realize that the house chose them. Evidence of this manifested itself when Ted discovered a book behind a hidden stairwell; he opened it to a random page only to find an illustration of a character named “Ted”! A dusty newspaper discovered in the attic featured a head-

line, “Dance Little Ladies”, a perfectly choreographed welcome to Marion, herself a professionally trained dancer. And what would a housewarming for the couple be without a gift set of keys?

The Keyhole House happily obliged by unearthing a set of 8 skeleton keys dating back to 1892 that Ted discovered behind the fireplace mantel. Serendipitously, the Outerbridges gifted the home an old gothic lantern found at a local antique shop that turned out to belong to the very architect who designed the Keyhole House. In reply, the Keyhole House’s long since silent doorbell miraculously started working on its own, revealing ethereal forces at play. It too can be said that Agnes has been known to mischievously lock and unlock the front door at will.

Delving into the depths of history, Ted’s meticulous research into Agnes, and all those who lived and loved there, has unlocked timeless stories of its former residents, many of whom played important roles in the development of this former railway metropolis including landowners, merchants, and veterans. Among them is WW1 veteran John Briggs, a returning soldier who found solace in the Keyhole House before later succumbing to a heart attack there and being buried in an unmarked grave. Ted led an appeal to the Federal Government’s 'Last Post Fund', to ensure that John will receive the military gravestone he deserves, forever memorializing his service. Through the power of TikTok videos and Ted’s captivating 'Smiths Falls History & Mystery' column in Hometown News, he similarly rallied Township funds to restore Agnes Lamb’s tomb which had fallen into great disrepair. Now adorned with beautiful limestone, Agnes, and her kin rest peacefully, knowing that their legacies will never be lost to time. Setting itself apart from other magic shows, the Keyhole House is a real-life in real-time celebration of the departed, and serves as a living, breathing bridge between reality and illusion, past and present, and the rhythmic cadence of time. Prepare to be captivated as you step into this ethereal realm, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

UCDSB puts focus on 2SLGBTQIA activities

and resources in June

submitted by UCDSB

June is widely known as Pride Month and schools within the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will take part in activities throughout the month to celebrate and show support of our twospirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA) students, staff members, and their families.

“Pride Month is another opportunity to have discussions around what it means to be inclusive and accepting within our schools. Our goal is to have every student be able to say, yes, I feel safe, accepted, and included at school,” says Dan McRae, Principal of Equity and Inclusion within the UCDSB. “In order for that to happen though, students need to feel like they are being heard and they see themselves in the day-to-day culture and life at the school all year long.”

During the month of June, schools will emphasize support for members of our 2SLGBTQIA community through planned activities and age-appropriate classroom discussions. Here are just a few of the events and activities that are planned or completed:

- on June 1, all students across the school district were invited to wear rainbow colours to school to show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA community. This was an initiative that started with The Queen Elizabeth School in Perth and grew to an open invitation to all UCDSB students and staff;

- students in the Grade 12 Social Justice course at Almonte District High School are working with the Mississippi Mills Library to celebrate Pride Month by making video book reviews

of 2SLGBTQIA-themed books to create an “Almonte’s Pick” section at the community library;

- the UCDSB Student Equity and Inclusion Committee will be hosting a virtual event for all secondary and intermediate student voice groups where students will hear directly from Queer Connection Lanark, NG Pride, Gananoque Pride Alliance, Cornwall Police Services and Russell Township; and

- the UCDSB has formed a list of Rainbow Reads for educators to share in the classroom, with books such as A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, I Love My Purse, and Morris Micklewhite

"We

and the Tangerine Dress for elementary students, and Dress Codes for Small Towns, We’ve Always Been Here and Zara Hossain is Here for secondary students. “Public education is for all students, and we truly want all of our students and their families to feel supported and accepted. Equity and inclusion, acceptance and support are not just buzzwords for us. We have made significant strides in creating safe and accepting learning environments over the last few years. We know that we have work to do, and we are committed to doing it,” says John McAllister, Chair of the Board.

Father’s Day Q&A

What is something dad always tells you?

Lincoln, grade JK: “Test the bacon!”

Isabelle, grade 2: “I love you”

Blake, grade 6: “Come here, buddy”

Trystance, grade 3: “Go clean your bedroom”

Tyler, grade 5: “Be quiet”

Everett, grade SK: “Bye, have a good day”

Liam, grade 2: “Go to bed”

Quinn, grade JK: “Use the potty” (when my tummy hurts)

Nate, grade 1: “Clean up your room”

Blake, grade 5: “Get up, let’s go!”

What is your favourite thing to do with dad?

Lincoln, grade JK: Cut the grass

Isabelle, grade 2: Daddy-daughter days

Blake, grade 6: Go to the park

Trystance, grade 3: Going to Calypso

Tyler, grade 5: Make food

Everett, grade SK: We go snowmobiling

Liam, grade 2: Playing soccer

Quinn, grade JK: When he throws me in the pool

Nate, grade 1: Playing with him

Blake, grade 5: Playing video games together

What’s dad’s favourite food?

Lincoln, grade JK: English sandwiches

Isabelle, grade 2: Chocolate and brownies

Blake, grade 6: Chinese rice

Trystance, grade 3: Pizza

Tyler, grade 5: I don’t know!

Everett, grade SK: Pie

Liam, grade 2: Ribs

Quinn, grade JK: Cheese pizza

Nate, grade 1: Breakfast sandwiches

Blake, grade 5: Steak or KD

What nickname does dad call you?

Lincoln, grade JK: Just Lincoln

Isabelle, grade 2: The Biz

Blake, grade 6: Buddy

Trystance, grade 3: Tryssie

Tyler, grade 5: Buddy

Everett, grade SK: Everett

Liam, grade 2: Bud

Quinn, grade JK: Quinnden

Nate, grade 1 : Nate

Blake, grade 5 : Sunny boy

What does dad always forget?

Lincoln, grade JK: Sometimes he forgets to cut the lawn

Isabelle, grade 2: His wallet

Blake, grade 6: He forgets me

Trystance, grade 3: To give me my allowance!

Tyler, grade 5: Usually everything

Everett, grade SK: His tablet

Liam, grade 2: Going to sleep

Quinn, grade JK: Nothing

Nate, grade 1: His keys

Blake, grade 5: To go to Circle K

How does dad make you laugh?

Lincoln, grade JK: He tickles me

Isabelle, grade 2: Bad dad jokes

Blake, grade 6: By mocking how I laugh

Trystance, grade 3: By making funny faces at me

Tyler, grade 5: Dad jokes

Everett, grade SK: By saying jokes

Liam, grade 2: By tickling me

Quinn, grade JK: By saying something funny

Nate, grade 1: By tickling me

Blake, grade 5: By telling jokes I told him a long time ago

How are you and dad the same?

Lincoln, grade JK: We cut the grass the same

Isabelle, grade 2: We look alike (my brother looks like mom)

Blake, grade 6: We are pretty much the same height

Trystance, grade 3: We both like pizza

Tyler, grade 5: We both get up early

Everett, grade SK: We both love pie

Liam, grade 2: His name is my middle name

Quinn, grade JK: We both have wavy hair

Nate, grade 1: We have the same personality

Blake, grade 5: We think the same way

How are you and dad different?

Lincoln, grade JK: I don’t have a beard

Isabelle, grade 2: I love dogs and he doesn’t as much

Blake, grade 6: He doesn’t eat as much as me

Trystance, grade 3: He’s doesn’t like cake as much as me

Tyler, grade 5: He’s an adult, I’m a kid

Everett, grade SK: We wear different clothes

Liam, grade 2: Because he’s more bald

Quinn, grade JK: Daddy is bigger than me

Nate, grade 1: I have more hair

Blake, grade 5: He’s bald and has a beard

Why do you love dad?

Lincoln, grade JK: He does all sorts of things

Isabelle, grade 2: Because he’s my dad!

Blake, grade 6: Because he’s my dad!

Trystance, grade 3: He’s funny, nice, and sweet!

Tyler, grade 5: Everything!

Everett, grade SK: Because he is funny!

Liam, grade 2: Because he plays with me!

Quinn, grade JK: Because he’s my dad!

Nate, grade 1: Because he buys me lots of stuff!

Blake, grade 5: Because he’s my dad!

Kemptville's Got Talent

process the challenges of relationships.

Outside of this hobby, Keeley enjoys cheerleading, coaching at Kemptville Infinity, and being part of Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding where she is in the Pathfinder level. She is part of the group from the Sisterhood going to Alberta this coming July.

by Mary-Anne Leang

14 year old Keeley Brown was this year's winner of Kemptville's Got Talent (KGT) which was hosted at Buskerfest on May 20th. Judged by Bob Windsor from Eddy & the Stingrays, event sponsor Tonya McRae of Kemptville Painting and Councilor Kristin Strackerjan, prizes were also awarded to Kayleigh Styles and Kemptville Infinity Spirit Team. Special guest appearances were made by Meagan Cumming and Paulina Hrebacka.

Keeley is a self taught

singer/songwriter and this is the first time she has brought her vocal and guitar talent to the stage. Prior to KGT, Keeley had only, on one occasion, performed publicly singing a duet with John Wilberforce when she was 10. When asked how she got started, she said that she taught herself to play guitar during covid. Her mother, Shannon Brown, says that Keeley has always had an artistic talent. When she was 8, she tried her dad's drums and then borrowed his guitar to write her first song called The Chicken. Her song-

writing and interests have certainly come a long way since then. Shannon adds that Keeley has always enjoyed performing, whether acting, cheer or music and is always driven to improve.

When asked how her songwriting started, Keeley said she started writing poetry and then wanted to put it to a tune. She says she writes primarily to share emotions and process challenges in life. At KGT, Keeley performed 2 cover tunes and one of her original songs called Cold Reality which she wrote to help

You can have a chance to see Keeley perform live at the trip unit's fundraising rodeo and rib bbq dinner event on Sunday, June 18th at the Kemptville Legion. Activities start at 1 and Keeley will be the opening act during dinner prior to John Wilberforce taking to the stage.

KGT's organizer, Herb Cloutier, was very impressed by this year's talent. He added that they plan to start promoting KGT in the winter next year so people have more notice. In the future, Herb hopes that our local talent, whether musical, dance, comedy or other performances continues to grow and that people are comfortable stepping forward to perform at KGT next year for a chance to win some great prizes.

Oxford Mills Guiding Trip Unit hosts Stampede Day & BBQ this Sunday

by Ann Lalonde

Bon Voyage to the Oxford Mills Pathfinders and Rangers! With just a few short weeks to go before departing on the adventure of a lifetime, the Guiding Trip Unit is hosting their farewell fundraiser, Stampede Day & Rib BBQ, this Sunday, June 18, at the Kemptville Legion. There is something for everyone at this event! These youth are super excited about travelling to Alberta to take in the sights and sounds of the Calgary Stampede, they wanted to bring a version of it to Kemptville. Giddy ‘up!

1pm kicks off the event at the Kemptville Legion with an Adult (16+) horseshoe tournament.

2pm Chuckwagon Scavenger Hunt participants will meet at the Kemptville Youth Centre. Teams of up to 6 people are encouraged to pull their homemade chuckwagon downtown as they walk around downtown Kemptville and decipher clues to get to the final destination in time for the next activity.

3pm Rodeo Games will take place behind the Legion, including barrel racing and ‘bull’ roping. No live animals here, but you are welcome to ride your broomstick or pool noodle horse! Plenty of great prizes for these activities at Stampede Day. We thank many local businesses for the ongoing support and supplying great prizes!

4pm Line Dancing begins inside followed by the Grandstand Show. The public is encouraged to sing or perform on stage too! Our very own Pathfinder, and winner of Kemptville’s Got Talent, Keeley Brown, will be playing her guitar and singing her way to stardom.

5pm Enjoy a delicious Rib BBQ while the Grandstand Show continues featuring acoustic performer and songwriter, John Wilberforce. Bring your cowboy appetite to this BBQ and fill your plate with homemade buns, baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans and cobbler for dessert for only $25. Hotdogs and Vegan wieners are also available for $10.

Takeout also available. To reserve your tickets, call 613-229-1575, or email oxfordmillstripunit@gmail. com or find our advertisement on Facebook. The Guiding Trip Unit wants to extend their appreciation to the whole community for their generosity and support throughout the last year and $20,000 of fundraising! They look forward to seeing you at their Farewell Fundraiser – Stampede Day and Rib BBQ this Sunday.

Tickets

available at: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212, Kemptville Bowling, Moose Mart, 515 Prescott Street, B&H Foodliner, Jonsson's Independent Grocer, Fast Eddies Diner, R. Rose Automotive, Kemptville Lions Club Members, Turcotte General Store, Heckston Follow the draws at: facebook.com/kemptvillelions

National Indigenous History Month

As part of National Indigenous History Month, June 21 has been designated as National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Canada has issued a special design to mark the occasion. It contains three illustrations: an eagle representing First Nations, a narwhal representing Inuit, and a violin representing Métis. These illustrations are placed around the sun and surrounded by multicoloured smoke that represents Indigenous traditions, spirituality, inclusion and diversity.

Treaty Facts

by David Shanahan

June is National Indigenous History Month, and the Times will be publishing articles and information to promote the aims of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Did you know that when the Royal Proclamation was passed in 1763, almost all of present-day Ontario was recognised as “Indian Territory”, and Europeans were forbidden to trespass and settle there? The Territory included all the land west and south of the Ottawa River, with the exception of a small strip giving the Crown possession of land on both sides of the Ottawa River. All of North Grenville and North Dundas was included in the “Indian Territory”.

In just 120 years after the Royal Proclamation, the only “Indian Territory” left

were the various Reserves of today. In a series of “treaties”, many of which remain undocumented, the way was cleared for European settlement across Ontario. The terms of these treaties may seem a little strange in retrospect.

A treaty made in 1783 described the land taken as stretching back from the Bay of Quinte “as far as a man can travel in day”. How far is that? On May 9, 1791, the Mississauga surrendered all the Canadian side of the Niagara River, including the Falls, to a depth of four miles from the river. In return, they got 300 suits of clothing.

In another treaty from the 1780's, the place where the land surrendered was to be described was left blank. Apparently, they were going to fill in the blanks later. They forgot. It was not until 1923 that another treaty

was made to sort out the confusion.

A treaty was made in 1796 with the Chippewas of the Thames for a parcel of land twelve square miles in size, in order to build a capital city for Upper Canada. The Chippewas received £12,000 in goods in return for the land. The town never became the capital, but it is today the City of London.

Many of the treaties signed before 1800 were never actually written down. There is no treaty document, no official record of what was agreed to, or what was taken by the Crown. Most of the land taken under treaty in southern and western Ontario was to make room for European families and discharged soldiers who had fought in the American War of Independence or the War of 1812.

In 1836, Governor Fran-

cis Bond Head travelled to Manitoulin Island for the annual distribution of presents. On the way, he decided that the island would be a perfect place for all the Indians in Upper Canada to live. He believed that the indigenous population was doomed to extinction when faced with the encroaching tides of European settlers. Better, he thought, to allow them to die out in peace on an island that would allow them to follow traditional ways of life. So, he agreed to give up Crown rights to the Island, giving it to the Indians forever in order to open it to all who wished to resettle there. Twentysix years later, in 1862, the Crown forced through a second treaty to reverse Bond Head’s agreement, and the Island was opened to settlers while the indigenous people were confined to Reserves.

UCDSB celebrates National Indigenous History Month

June 5, 2022 – The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), which is situated on the traditional Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee territories, has a deep connection with Indigenous education. As June is National Indigenous History Month, the UCDSB will be enhancing its focus on Indigenous education this month, providing schools across the District with additional opportunities to learn about and celebrate Indigenous peoples and culture.

Age-appropriate classroom teaching and resources were provided to UCDSB educators, including the Strawberry Moon and Summer Solstice ceremonies. One particularly exciting opportunity for students in Grades 4 to 12 is a virtual celebration hosted by the Olympic gold canoe-kayaker and Canada's Sports Hall

of Famer, Alwyn Morris.

Alwyn Morris, a member of the Turtle Clan from the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake, has achieved tremendous success as a competitive canoe-kayak sprint athlete. His Olympic Gold medal performance in the 1000m Kayak Sprint Double in 1984 not only inspired a nation but also solidified his position as one of the most influential Indigenous athletes of all time.

"We are excited to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous People's Day with our students and educators," says Kelty Grant, UCDSB Principal of Indigenous Education. "By providing resources and engaging activities, we aim to bring Indigenous perspectives into our classrooms and create a learning environment that fosters understanding,

respect, and appreciation. Through initiatives like the virtual presentation by Alwyn Morris, we hope to inspire our students and promote a sense of pride in Indigenous heritage."

Another opportunity taking place this month is the fifth annual Spirit of the Drum Powwow being held June 10 and 11 on Duck Island in Smiths Falls. Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute partnered with the Town of Smiths Falls to bring communities together to celebrate the rich culture of Indigenous peoples who live and work in our shared communities. The Powwow will include traditional dancing, drumming, singing, craft vendors and food.

Classroom and at-home learning resources and activities related to Indigenous history and culture are posted to the UCDSB Virtual

After getting the first treaty on Manitoulin in 1836, Bond Head had the Saugeen peoples agree to surrender one and a half million acres of their land - and paid them nothing in return.

The two Robinson Treaties of September 1850 were originally supposed to get control by the Crown of a strip of land along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior. Instead, more than 52,000 square miles of Indian Territory were included in the two documents. One of the major indigenous leaders at the time, Shingwakonse, believed the treaties were a prelude to a joint venture by Crown and Nations to develop resource industries in the north of the Great Lakes. Instead, once the treaties were signed, the Nations were informed that they were now under British law and were excluded from any

commercial operations in the region. They could only fish for their own domestic use.

Considering the wealth extracted from the lands under the Robinson Treaties, which stretched from North Bay to past Thunder Bay, and north almost to Hudson’s Bay, in the form of timber, fish, copper, gold, uranium, and other resources, it is incredible to think that, in return for ceding this vast treasure house, each individual indigenous person living under those treaties is paid, to this day, the princely sum of $4 per year. And this was an increase in the annuity paid until 1874, which was $1 per year each.

The treaties are legal documents, but the Crown, whether Canada or Ontario, has consistently failed to meet its obligations set out in those documents. And so it continues in our own time.

Learning Commons for anyone to use.

Also, the UCDSB is also currently working on a Land Acknowledgement project, customizing formal recognition for each school and the traditional territories they are situated on. This is a year-long project that is in collaboration with Indigenous members of the community.

“Providing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike access to rich and authentic programming about Indigenous culture and history is vital to ensuring we are being true to our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation,” says Chair of Board John McAllister. “I’m very proud of all we offer in this area and excited about where we are going.”

Street Piano Jam with Bradley Smith, June 17

submitted by Lisa Poushinsky

Know how to play an instrument and looking for a place to play it? When the Library is a rockin’, don’t bother knocking. Join Bradley Smith at the Street Piano for the 2023 Street Piano Jam series. Whether you’re a new performer or a pro looking for a place to make music on a Saturday afternoon, this jam’s for you. Come to listen and/or to play, all levels/ genres /instruments welcome.

This is the first of the Street Piano Jam series, with two more jams taking place on July 15 and August 12. Bradley Smith, host with the most, will entertain you with his favourite tunes between musical get togethers (such as his delightful rendition of “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” by Tom Lehrer). No stranger to the stage, Bradley has been playing piano, singing, and running jams and open mics for over 50 years. When not performing 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 17, 2pm. Also July 15 and August 12. 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.)

Two local youth earn highest youth award in guiding

50th Wedding Anniversary

Please join us in celebrating Kevin & Ethel Ferguson

June 24th, 2023

2 to 4pm

Southgate Church

1303 French Settlement Road

Roberts, W. Mark

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d)

by Ann Lalonde

The Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding has finished off another wonderful year. They held their annual Advancement and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 6 at the Oxford on Rideau Public School. Each unit presented each member with their earned badges and gifts and those who are moving up to the next level received their Advancement Certificates, and Guiders received recognition for their volunteer service as well.

The highlight of the Awards evening however, was to honour two Rangers (the oldest youth level of Guiding) completing the program. Both Amanda Leang, and Bryanna Mitchell-Massey have been members of the Oxford Mills Sisterhood for over a decade, so it was a moment of mixed emotions as they stood for the last time in front of their

Mitchell-Massey

peers to be honoured for their Guiding achievements.

Both young ladies worked extremely hard over the last two years to earn their Gold Trailblazer Awards – the highest achievement to be earned as a youth member in Girl Guides of Canada. To say the Sisterhood is proud

of Amanda and Bryanna is an understatement. To achieve this prestigious award, they have had to complete all 8 parts of their program, organize and execute a community service project and be responsible for a cookie campaign, all while leading the younger girls in unit activities. Their leaders have provided numerous references and letters of support for both Amanda and Bryanna to be considered for additional awards and scholarships.

Both young ladies were selected to receive the Youth Commitment Award and the Outstanding Youth Award, receiving certificates, pins and additional letters from MPP Michael Barrett, the Girl Guide Commissioners and Youth

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Interpretation is usually validated by experience in conjunction with education or knowledge. Interpretation with zero reference point is simply speculation. The ability to discern interpretation independent of a basis of reference, results in abstract or null points. We must validate experience!

At one time, the basic colours were the colours in our 8-pack crayon box,

whereas now the hues are so varied it leaves one feeling you don't know your colours. Is it red, ruby, wine, maroon, burgundy, blood, fire engine, and the list goes on. Someone who is visually impaired has no reference point if they have never seen colour at any time. Once a reference point has been instilled, the colour or action takes on a deeper meaning. Your experiences leave you with a taste for or against a behaviour or an

Ambassadors. The Awards presentation finished off with a slideshow of their many years in Guiding and, of course, no evening is complete without cake and refreshments.

It is with dedication, commitment and hard work that they achieved all of these honours while both working part time and maintaining academic success, both graduating grade 12 from North Grenville District High School this year.

It has been a pleasure seeing Amanda and Bryanna grow through Guiding and we wish them much success as they follow their post secondary educational journey in the fall.

Congratulations Amanda. Congratulations Bryanna.

In hospital, surrounded by love, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in his 65th year. William Mark Roberts, loving father of Liam and Emma. Dear brother of John (Sharilynn Reith) and Leslie Gulick (Jeff). Predeceased by his parents; W.E. (Ed) Roberts & Doris (nee Madden), his sister Marlene and his brother David (Anna). Loving uncle to Kelly-Ann Johnson (David), Coulson Roberts (Justine), Stephanie Dales (Behn), Matthew Gulick (Emma Martin), Laura Gulick and Kristen Burn (Ryan). Great uncle to Anastasia Turner, William and Tori Johnson, Madden and Harrison Roberts, Nash and Teddy Dales, Callum Gulick and Blake and Gavin Burn.

Mark was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who willingly served our great country. He was exceptionally proud to be a Canadian.

Special thank you to Mark’s friends Todd Mitton, Ray Ethier, Kelly McMahon and John Lothian who provided him with love, companionship and support over the last 2 years as Mark battled his illness. True friendship comes through in times of need.

The family wants to thank the staff of the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital. Mark spent the last 8 months of his life under their excellent care. The compassion and respect he received could not be surpassed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Friends visited the family on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Alan R Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place. Funeral Service was held in the chapel on Monday at 11 am. Interment Springhill Cemetery.

action. That may be labour, or a dentist appointment, etc. that evokes varying interpretation. All are valid.

Linguistically, the angst can be eased with a change in terminology. Replacing "should" with "I'd like to" instantly reduces the presenting stress. "I can't", with a qualifier such as "I can't this summer", puts a manageable time frame to the limitation. We each have a moral responsibility to regulate our responses to interpreta-

tion, keeping everything in context. Our self care and concern for the community may mean our interpretations need to be addressed by an outside force. If it is a fire, then you need to call the fire department and ensure your safety. If it is a lack of compassion, perhaps toxic relationships need to be reevaluated.

With summer approaching, many are concerned with boredom for the youth. There is every opportunity

to acquire your local fair board entry lists to get your creative juices going. Again, your interpretation of your youthful summers can be a positive motivator for accountability and initiative to acquire new skills.

The more broad your experiences, the greater your interpretation will be! Go for it: you have one life to live, live it well.

Amanda Leang, and Bryanna

2023 Kemptville Branch Navy League Duck Race

Farm severance off the table

by Nelson Zandbergen courtesy of Farmers Forum

The Ford government has pulled the plug on a controversial proposal that would have permitted some farmers to convert some of their prime agricultural land into housing lots. A dozen farm organizations came out swinging against the farm lot severance idea after it was proposed in April.

ister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark later assured unhappy farm leaders was only meant to accommodate generational change on the farm.

cording to the groups’ joint statement, which urged the government to instead direct development to urban and rural settlement areas.

1st prize Andrew Vignuzzi

2nd prize Debbie Brittain

3rd prize Clare Cloete

4th prize Sarah Woods

5th prize Cendrine Hesson

6th prize Bob Rowe

7th prize Matt Terriah

8th prize Chuck MacInnis

9th prize Manfred Kwitschau

10th prize John & Joanne Havekes

11th prize Gail Zeron

12th prize Chantal Arsenault

13th prize Tony Gundy

14th prize Robert Orme

15th prize Natalie Blais

16th prize Denice Christopher

17th prize Sarah Woods

18th prize Wendy Boal

19th prize Juile Parker

20th prize Dan Mellon

The Triumph of the Bromes

submitted by Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History

Brandon Mayer’s recent article “Weed Spraying Facts” provides facts about the excuses that are used for roadside herbiciding, but neglects the question of what’s lost by this practice. Even the final account of why one might put up “No Spray” signs doesn’t include the floral or insect biodiversity that are the major reason the signs are deployed.

The article pitches subservience to the Noxious Weeds Act as a justification for the spraying, but doesn’t give a history of this practice, or present the other options for roadside management, though the floral diversity along provincial highways suggests that this Act doesn’t compel such spraying. If you want to see if your roadsides are scheduled to be sprayed in any year, go to the Counties website at “services/ roadside-spraying” – this year in North Grenville, a selection of municipal roads east of Hwy 416 and north of Millars Corners.

Municipal roadside herbiciding ended in the 1980s due to public protests. Then, the one good thing done by the Harris government in the 1990s was to reduce funding for roadside mowing, which has led to continuing spectacular floral displays along the remaining provincial highways, and was initially emulated by counties and municipalities. In the 2010s, herbicide

salesmen increased their sales by exploiting concern about “Poison Parsnip,” and indiscriminate spraying suddenly resumed. My first thoughts on this kind of thing, dating back to the 1960s, was the "Theorem of the Stupid Worker," which proposes that managers assume their employees are so incapable of learning to distinguish species of plants that they just have to spray indiscriminately. We saw a lot of this as herbiciding was resumed, where Parsnip spraying often took out Milkweed – the food plant of the at-risk Monarch Butterfly – but missed the Parsnips, though recently there has been somewhat better discrimination.

The herbicides used in this spraying only affect broadleaved Dicot plants, leading to what is called the "Triumph of the Bromes," where the roadsides are green mostly with wind-pollinated invasive alien grasses, such as Brome Grasses and Reed Canary Grass. There’s also a lot of the non-native dicot Bladder Campion along many roads, and this species is resistant to commonly used herbicides, as is, to a lesser degree, the flouncy Cow-parsley (Anthiscus sylvestris), which is spreading along roads in Brockville and Kemptville. One of the under-emphasised features of much of eastern Ontario is the absence of native species which haven't been able to recolonize after a 19th Century of intense wood-

It’s been decades since farmers were allowed to “sever” — or carve out — single residential lots from prime agricultural land, under a long-defunct policy that allowed them to build retirement homes. The recent proposal would have again permitted some farms to sever as many as three housing lots, which Min-

“It has never been our intention for severed lots to be transferred or sold to nonfamily/farm owners, nor for these lots to have anything more than single-family homes,” the minister wrote in a May 29 letter to the President and Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). But the proposal to allow up to three severances is now off the table.

“We will not be moving forward with the proposal on rural lot severances,” Clark’s press secretary, Victoria Podbielski, said in a May 31 statement.

The Ontario Farmland Trust, which opposed the new severance allowance, estimated that between 145,000 and 510,000 housing lots would be carved out of Ontario farms, equivalent to losing 1.25% to 4.3% of the Province’s farmland. Oxford County planner Dustin Robson told Farmers Forum that his county alone would have seen as many 18,500 new residential lots carved out of local farms.

Huron-Perth OFA director and Seaforth dairy farmer Ethan Wallace applauded the proposal withdrawal.

cutting, tillage, and grazing. There’s now a long-delayed movement of introducing forest floor herbs (“spring wildflowers”) to plantations and secondary forests, and the same thing ought to be done with native species along roadsides. This is the “pollinator garden” movement. Since roadsides make up such a large portion of public lands, establishing native flora on the roadsides should be a major goal of biodiversity management.

In addition to ending herbicide spraying (except for very particular problems with invasives such as Dogstrangling Vine), this restoration of roadsides should also include the scheduling of mowing with regard to the seasons of bloom of roadside flowers in each community and habitat. There's also the question of the nutrient status of the roadsides. Roadsides accumulate mineral plant nutrients (fixed nitrogen, phosphorus, & potassium), both from the nutrients in precipitation that runs off the pavement, and from the bodies of road-killed animals.

In the prairie provinces, the roadsides are cut as hay, taking off a substantial amount of nutrients in the plant material. In Ontario, the cuttings are just left to decay, and I think that the resulting accumulation of nutrients encourages roadsides to be dominated by grass. Lower nutrient levels in roadside soil makes room for diverse flowering herbs, though of course excessive nutrient

depletion might lead to erosion, so there's a balance that would need to be maintained if mowed roadside biomass was to be removed and used in some way.

Some of us are beginning the process of diversifying roadsides by sowing the seeds of native Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) along roads near Bishops Mills. The Environmental Advisory Committee is discussing pollinator gardens on municipal land along Wellington Road, and South Nation Conservation has sown native prairie species in much of the new Mill Run Conservation Area. We have to hope that management will increasingly take into consideration all aspects of the utility and ecology of the roadsides.

“Farming is often a multi-generational family enterprise, and our government has been asked by many farmers to make it easier for the next generation to live and work in the same place where they grew up,” she said by email. “At the same time, we have clearly heard the concerns that have been raised about the need to preserve Ontario’s farmland – and we share that goal.”

The government is still accepting public feedback on the proposal through the Environmental Registry of Ontario and recently extended the submission deadline to Aug. 5. The OFA, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and 10 other farm organizations had banded together on May 18 to complain about allowing more rural severances at a time when Ontario is already reported to be losing 319 acres of farmland daily to development. The prospect of more houses going up amid farms would also make it “difficult or impossible” for livestock farmers to operate, expand and grow their farms, ac-

Wallace said he was “very thankful the government took the opportunity to listen and hear us, and to change their plans after seeing how it could affect rural Ontario and agriculture.”

He acknowledged that Ontario does “need to find a way” to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade — a Ford government goal — in light of the housing crisis. However, Ontario farmers still have the option of building at least one extra house (called an “accessory” dwelling) on their farms under existing law, according to municipal officials. In many municipalities, they are eligible to build two new homes for a total of three dwellings on the farm. Another proposed update to the Provincial Policy Statement would standardize and limit the number of farmhouses on one farm property to three across the Province.

Minister Clark introduced a separate, unrelated piece of legislation, Bill 97, related to rental housing which has no bearing on the farm-lot issue but, because of the timing, is often conflated with the severance proposal.

Winners list submitted by Cheryl Pretty

Now booking orders for new crop small square bales of hay. Call or text Jon. 613-227-3650

2016 JAYCO RV, JAY FLIGHT SLX. 21'6". In good condition. Email nadfudt@gmail.com for details and picture

Harmonica Phe 64

Chromonica, 4 Octaves, professional model, M Hohner, Germany. Contact 613-567-8533

Mandolin, Veritona, 6 string, made in London England. Contact 613567-8533

Free AKC Reg Male & female yorkies puppies Need a good home and great companion if interested contact : jacbow2023@gmail. com

Spring and Summer

Potted Canna Lilies 18-20" tall. Ready to be planted outside after last frost. 1/$4.75, 2/$8.50, 3/$11.25, 4/$15.50. Contact Carman 613-824-5252

For sale Cat accessories Tent bed, 2 cat flaps (doors), Interior and lockable exterior/interior, small cat tree, water & food dispensers. Call 613-713-3347

For sale Household Items

2 coral velvet armchairs, 1 upright upholstered chair, light green, cottage style wooden screen door 33 3/4 in. by 79 1/2 in. Call 613713-3347

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

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

Cedar posts and rails for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

4X4 round bales of hay and straw for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

Cedars for hedging, 2' tp 10', Tamarac & Spruce. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

Dry firewood for sale $110 a cord plus delivery fee. Call or text Jon 613-2273650

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com

WANTED

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off

CROSSWORD

acreages from landowners. Please call Joanne 613-799-0958

Experienced+local farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail.com.

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

FOR RENT

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

CASUAL EMPLOYMENT - PART TIME

Afternoon and evenings, weather dependent Light duty work. Must be a resident of Kemptville, Transportation provided.

$20 An hour to start. No experience required CALL 613 894 5210

CLEANING SERVICES

MOVING IN OR OUT CLEANING OR OCCASIONAL SUPER CLEANING

Jackie 613-821-6161

CEDAR HEDGING / YARD MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES. REFERENCES

Rob: 613.795.1845

COMMUNITY EVENTS

RECURRING EVENT

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

BREAKFAST, Kemptville Legion! Every 3rd Saturday from 8-10am - $8 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under. Euchre will be held following breakfast, registration starts at 11:30 am.

Kemptville Legion: Now Open Fridays 1-7. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

NG Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

EUCHRE on Tuesday, June 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5 and 19 at Pierce's Corners also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road.

Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and play starts at 7:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

Type of salmon

5.

$5

starts

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Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy Medium Hard

Baldwin’s Birds

A Real Head Scratcher!

I've had quite the dilemma this week as to which bird is which! There are times when this happens and it drives me to distraction when it does. For quite a while, we have had a couple of House Finches feeding with the Goldfinches, but the other day something didn't just look the same when the birds arrived to join the Goldfinches. What on earth could it be, they certainly looked the same

The Weather with Connor

north-northeast of Alexandria. I left in the afternoon around 1:00pm, and around 2:30pm, storms had started to initiate in Quebec and began moving southwest towards Eastern Ontario.

but there was something not quite the same about them, but what was it? So into the bird-books to see what the difference was between what I was seeing and what I was thinking I should be seeing. The answer, as near as I can determine, is that I was now seeing a Purple Finch and not a House Finch, the similarities between the two being quite amazing. There is a lot of red on both birds, but the House Finch has a brown eye band and not so

much red on its rump. Even the books and electronic media acknowledge this fact, so I don't feel such a fool in not realizing these differences more quickly too! No doubt you have had this happen to you quite unexpectedly when catching only a fleeting glimpse during one of your own bird sightings.

Despite this deviation from the "norm", everything bird-wise in the garden has been progressing well and the Bluebirds have now

left their nesting activities, having brought their young brood into the world successfully. We didn't see the young at all this time, which isn't unusual, we have found. The Wrens, on the other hand, are still busy to-ing and fro-ing to one of my nesting boxes just for a little while longer. No doubt all will suddenly go quiet in that direction soon as yet another breeding season is completed and more birds take wing. Maybe you too have had a chance to watch nesting activity take place in your own backyard and if so, I hope it has brought you as much joy as the birds do for us in our garden and backyard. Stay safe and well, Cheers, John

Baldwin

featuring Connor Mockett

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to another week of The Weather with Connor. I’ve got plenty to talk about in this week's column, from the first storm chase of the year, to the ridiculous wildfire smoke from Quebec.

I’ll start with the storm chase. On Friday, June 2nd, we had the first thunderstorm day across parts of Eastern Ontario and into Southwestern Quebec. Widespread severe thunderstorms were expected, and that morning, Environment Canada issued their first Severe Thunderstorm Watch of the year.

I did my forecast the night before, doing my usual severe weather style forecast for my Facebook page. During that time I started to hone in on a target area for my chase, which I shared the next morning on the 2nd. That area ended up being the town of Dalkeith, Ontario, a small little town just

I’ll admit, I got a bit antsy sitting around Dalkeith waiting for the storm to come to me, so I ended up driving towards it. That decision ended up being bad, as I ended up in Hawkesbury, and then chased that storm for far too long as it died. I ended up in Rigaud, Quebec (which is about 30 minutes from Montreal), which put me out of position for the other storms that were occurring back closer to home in Ontario.

I tried to race back home to get back in front of the storms, but I was unsuccessful. I got closer to some storms around Alexandria, but was never able to get in front of them. I ended my chase in St. Andrews, Ontario (which is just north of Cornwall on HWY 138). Thankfully, with me messing up my chase, I didn’t miss much because the storms were quite messy and unphotogenic. I’m very antsy for a good chase, but that looks like it will have to wait for a while until the second half of June.

Now I’ll pivot to something more wide-

spread. During the week of the 5th-11th, the region dealt with the worst wildfire smoke we’ve ever seen. Thick and yellow smoke made its way through the region, with the worst of it coming on Tuesday the 6th and Wednesday the 7th, both during the overnight and early morning hours.

The photos out of Ottawa were astounding. Smoke was so thick, street lights were coming on because it was dark enough outside for them to be on. The smell outside was very obvious, it smelt like a campfire out there. Visibility was down to about 1-2km. For people with breathing issues, this smoke kept them in the house with nowhere to go.

Smoke was less on Thursday the 8th for most of the region (except the Ottawa Valley and westeastern Ontario) as blue sky came back. Friday the 9th was better as well. Thankfully, both of those days were better, because that was the worst smoke we’ve ever seen here.

Thank you for reading, I’ll see you next time!

Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League season starter

submitted by Joan Beauregard Rideau Glen Ladies Golf League is back in the swing, with 153 enthusiastic players, a new record for our league.

The 2023 season kicked off with the usual Meet ‘n Greet in April, and we’re now into our regular round of weekly play, tournaments and fundays. So far, the weather-gods have favoured us, and we’ve had full fields each week.

May brings the annual Havelin Tournament, our alternate shot, stroke-play event that pits balanced teams for a lovely trophy and bragging rights! This tournament has a history going back to 1970 when the trophy was donated

by the Havelin family. Always popular with golfers of all levels, we had 46 ardent ladies cheering each other on and a good time was had by all. After a chilly start, the wind held off and the sun eventually warmed us all up. Our winners were: 1st Place - Brenda Macumber and Louise Scherer; 2nd Place - Janne Ristkes and Belinda Nelson. Congratulations to our winners!

Looking forward to June, we have 2 Thursday tournaments: the Jean Hyndman on June 15th and the Super Seniors on June 22nd.

Our end-of-May fun day started with a hidden-holes tournament with scores ad-

justed by removing the strokecounts of 3 holes randomly selected. What absolutely beautiful weather to kick off our first month-end event. Thanks to all who came out to play and enjoy a tasty, social lunch ably catered by Pam and Don Miller of Just Home Cooking. During lunch, our league co-ordinator Mary welcomed everyone then gave a few League updates and announcements. Last, but not least, presentations of recognition awards and prizes for the tournament. Recognition pins for Birdies went to Leslie Cheal, Georgia Crawford, Su Ouellette, Judy DeGrosbois, Sandy Ochoski , and Susan Sampson. Our fun-day tournament winners were Donna Lush (Front) and Bonnie Thibaudeau (Back), and Runners-up Marg McCornoch (Front) and Marie Coady (Back). Closest to the flower basket winners were Janette Fattizzo (Front) and Doreen O'Sullivan (Back). Doreen actually hit the basket, I guess you can't get any closer than that. . . Closest to the Pin (Hole no. 7) was Suzanne Nesbitt.

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

Distracted driving: One of the most serious road safety issues in Ontario

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG

The North Grenville Police Services Board is urging drivers to put down their devices and avoid other distractions while driving.

“The reality is distracted driving is one of the most serious road safety issues on Ontario roadways. It is the number one killer on the roads, causing more deaths than impaired driving and speeding,” highlighted Mayor Nancy Peckford.

It is estimated that 8 in 10 accidents are caused by distraction.

Driving while distracted is dangerous because it takes the driver’s eyes and attention off the road and compromises the safety of the driver, passengers, and other people on the roads, including other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Distracted driving can include talking on a phone, texting, reading, using a GPS, watching videos, eating or drinking, smoking, personal grooming, or even adjusting the radio.

In Ontario, it is illegal to use a phone or other hand-held device while driving – including while stopped at a traffic light, stop sign or when stopped in traffic for any reason.

Fines for distracted driving in Ontario are among the highest in Canada. Penalties for a first conviction can include a fine up to $1,000, three demerit points and a license suspension.

“The good news is distracted driving is preventable. Be prepared for active driving - put your phone away before you get behind the wheel and be alert,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay and Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board.

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

For more information on the campaign visit www.northgrenville.ca/roadsafety.

Tips to Avoid Distractions while Driving:

- Put your phone away: Before you drive, switch your phone to silent mode and put it out of reach. Do not text, use apps or read emails. Let calls go to voicemail or have a passenger respond for you.

- Review your route: Set the GPS and review all maps and directions.

- Prepare your kids and yourself: Make sure children have everything they need before you go – reading materials, toys, food and drink. And make sure you’re ready, too – including having all your personal grooming done before you get behind the wheel.

- Drive actively: Avoid eating or drinking and keep two hands on the wheel.

- Pull over: If you must answer your phone, pull over to a safe location or use a Bluetooth device.

2023 Havelin Tournament first Place: Brenda Macumber and Louise Scherer

The health consequences of cats

toys or bedding – and especially in handling cat poop – neglect to wash their hands. Salmonella can be caught this way.

Other bacterial infections can be caused by flea bites or fights with other infected cats. Cat scratch disease, for example, can be transmitted to humans by the lick of a cat. It’s normally not serious, but infection can lead to fever, eye infection, and more severe symptoms in children and people with weakened immune systems.

infected wildlife.

Dog lovers may want to skip this week’s commentary. For cat lovers too, this column may prove a disappointment. A health risk assessment of household cats might be all you need to recommit to a dog.

Cats are the darlings of the Internet. And that may be the safest way to enjoy them.

There can be no doubt that cats provide crucial companionship for many people. Their entertainment powers rival dogs. But here are a few thoughts on the ways cats can have an impact on human health.

First, the killer instinct of cats has a startling effect on biodiversity. About a decade ago, the journal Nature published a study that estimated domestic cats kill 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals annually! More recently, in Australia, a study found

that the hunting success of feral cats, especially in areas affected by wildfires, has contributed to the collapse in population of small mammal species.

While charming household cats may not be successful in killing larger prey, that doesn’t stop them from trying. It’s amazing to learn that nearly half of house cats have physically attacked their owners!

Most of these incidents are not serious. But when provoked, cats know to direct their sharp teeth and claws to the face of their victims. These are the injuries that result in emergency room visits.

What are some of the other perils of living with cats? Numerous diseases can be transmitted by cats, including bacterial infections. The cats usually become infected by eating contaminated raw meat. Humans touching these cats, their food,

Hookworms are another concern. These tiny worms are found in cat feces and in the soil and sand used by infected cats. Humans walking barefoot in contaminated areas can pick up the worms. The larvae penetrate the skin causing red, raised tracks that are very itchy. Fortunately, the worms can’t survive in their human host, so the problem goes away without treatment within a few weeks most of the time.

Ringworm is an infection caused by fungus spread by touching an infected animal. Roundworm is a parasitic disease transmitted by swallowing the eggs, something children can easily do when playing in sandboxes and then not washing their hands.

Thanks to laws requiring vaccination, rabies in cats is rare. But watch out for feral cats that may have come in contact with

Toxoplasmosis may be the greatest concern. It’s caused by a parasite found in soil, water, meat, or poop from an infected cat. Most commonly, people become infected when they do not wash their hands after cleaning a cat’s litterbox. There can be serious health consequences for people with weakened immune systems, including neurological disease. Pregnant women need to stay away from the litterbox and any other areas exposed to cat poop due to the risk of birth defects associated with toxoplasmosis.

With such a disparaging commentary on cats, we are certain to receive a ton of reader mail reminding us about dog attacks, dog-borne diseases, and other dog drama. But long-time readers will know that for us, there is no contest.

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Wednesday, June 21, 2023 @ 6 PM Kemptville Pentecostal Church 1964 County Rd 43, Kemptville

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

EVERYONE WELCOME