There is a limit of 1 person at the kiosk at a time

your field of oversight to the actions of the federal government as well – to its attempts to extend its spending without parliamentary supervision and control until the end of 2021; to its successful at tempts to sideline the federal parliament and ensure that the PM’s daily commentar ies represent the entirety of federal politics for some time to come. And so on.

Finally, government overreach is a real and growing problem. It is not limited to one party or level of government. If we can’t rid ourselves of petty party affiliations in assessing such problems, we will not be able to adequately deal with it. Can we do that? Jim Bertram

Dear Editor,

I’m writing in response to the piece entitled “Fun damentals of Journalism” by Victor Lachance in the June 10, 2020 edition of the North Grenville Times.

I agree with Victor La chance that the North Grencommunity. With the demise of many small local newspa pers, the paper plays a crucial role in keeping the residents of North Grenville informed about what’s going on in the community. I therefore hesitate to be critical.

Now that the subject has been raised, however, I have to say that I have always been annoyed and disturbed and by David Shanahan’s “articles” proclaiming his religious beliefs. I feel that these articles take away from the paper’s credibility and are not in keeping with the rest of the paper’s content. I think I can safely say that Victor Lachance and myself are not the only readers who find them distasteful.

As far as the question: “Can an Editor not express an opinion in his or her own paper?”, I agree with Vic tor Lachance that he or she certainly can (perhaps not so frequently or at such length), provided that it’s identified as an opinion.

Perhaps a column could be started for a discussion of matters of personal religious or spiritual beliefs. It could be called something like “What I Believe” and readers could be invited to submit their opinions on the subject. This would acknowledge that there are many different beliefs and that we are all entitled to them.

David Shanahan’s faith is obviously strong, but his views are not shared by all readers of the North Grenville Times, myself included.

ville Times is an asset to our

A Thank You song

by David Shanahan

Arthur McGregor is a well-known and respected musician in these parts, and the founder of the late lamented Ottawa Folklore Centre. Like so many others, he has been affected by covid-19 in a very personal way. His mother, aged 91, is living in an assisted living home in Mississauga. Because of lockdown restrictions, Arthur has not been able to visit her in person for some time, but he and partner, Wendy Moore, have been using Zoom to keep in touch.

A request from his mother inspired Arthur and Wendy to write a special thank you song for frontline workers. As Arthur explains: “For her birthday, we Zoomed her a performance of our songs that she loves. The show lasted about a half hour. At the end, she asked if I could write a song about the people who have been helping her through this tough, lonely time. So I did. It’s called ’Thank You All’ and it’s dedicated to all the front line workers.” shared them with us. I find

Personally, I don’t think that any religious beliefs can be proven and that a newspaper is not the place to sermonize. We need to keep an open mind and respect the faith and beliefs of others. Jennifer Charles Oxford Mills

To the honourable Steve Clark,

I hope you are well during these challenging times. As you know, high school graduations throughout the province are postponed until further notice. This year is a special year in Kemptville regardless of the restrictions. This year is the year that our French catholic high school proudly celebrates our first graduates from l’Académie catholique Notre-Dame!

I am writing you today as a parent who solicited your help in making this dream come true. As a past school board trustee, I know that you have always supported our children and our families. I have no right speaking on behalf of any parent today, but I’m certain they would concur when I say thank you. Thank you for believing that our kids could grow and learn in our community. Thank you for listening to every parent and presenting our petition to Queen’s Park. Thank you for continuing to support our community as it grows on the Kemptville Campus. Merci d’être là pour nous. Best regards, Anouk

Dear Editor,

Thank you for “Who won the War of 1812". Very im portant, in my opinion, to underdstand just how that went down. Laura Secord was a hero. Also, it appears, that the Britidsh Commander, James Fitzgibbon, was a very wise Irishman and a hero. We should be paying homage to Techumseh, of course.

It is definitely a blight on us that have British heritage to turn on those people who saved us, stealing their lands, and we still have no respect for what little they do have left. Think pipelines. Not in my back yard.

Think residential schools and how Sir John A, and others, destroyed their lives for the most part. They are still struggling with horrible social injustices. A very close relative of mine once referred to a young woman in Ot tawa, who the police “very roughly” took down in the Byward Market, and handcuffed and was treated very badly, which, in my opinion, appeared unjustified. The person referred to her as the “garbage of society”. I think she was indigenous. We have a lot to learn.

Thank you, David, for teaching us. It’s difficult. Some of us do not learn so well.

Dear Editor,

You requested comments regarding the Fundamentals of Journalism articles in the June 10 edition of the NG Times.

I will write a brief message in support of your articles on the Fundamentals of Christianity. I have followed these articles for many years and have enjoyed your perspectives on the details of Christianity as you have your willingness to share your faith publicly is inspirational, rather than lacking in integrity.

I am a Christian (Catho lic) and that may give me a biased opinion toward favouring these articles over one who professes to belong to a different faith tradition, or one who identifies as agnostic, or atheist. I am not an expert on journalistic integrity, but I see no harm in these articles. No one is being forced to read the articles and one certainly does not have to agree with them.

I hope you continue to write these articles. I hope too, that individuals who disagree may be given the freedom to share their ideas with us, as Mr. Lachance did. Thanks, Tony Camillone

Kath Piché

You can listen to the song here: https://youtu.be/Iijuu MYo4Ys Thank You All

words: Arthur McGregor and Wendy Moore, Music: Arthur McGregor We’ve got to thank you all For answering the call Keeping covid to a crawl You’re keeping us safe We all think you’re fine You’re standing at the front line Not trying to get a headline Just giving folks their breathing space Doctors, nurses and corner store clerks Care staff, cooks and postal workers Paramedics, police, folks who stock the shelves, The people helping those who can’t help themselves. Fire fighters, mental health and addiction counsellors Grocery staff, cleaners and food servers Folks who drive the buses and deliver our goods Custodians, shelter staff, in our neighbourhoods…..

The Voice of North Grenville Lieutenant Governor’s Canada Day message

Happy Canada Day, Ontario!

Today is a day worthy of celebration, even as, in common with citizens around the globe, we continue to face a crisis virtually unknown to living generations. The world has been turned on its head. My first thoughts are with those who have succumbed to COVID-19, and their families.

The stories of the last few months tell of hardship and inequality. They have exposed weaknesses in the economic and social systems upon which we rely, and have confirmed our interdependence with those beyond our neighbourhoods and our country. We grieve collectively.

But in equal measure, we are witnessing empathy, collabo ration, creativity, and courage. Deserving of special gratitude are the many frontline workers who are bravely leading us through this crisis, and also the millions of people across Ontario, especially seniors, who are, at great personal cost, doing the right thing and staying home to prevent the spread of the virus.

We see all orders of government working in common cause, making evidence-based decisions; businesses and industries demonstrating ingenuity as they retool; civil society empow ered by digital tools to nurture cohesive communities; scientists and researchers racing with single focus to develop a vaccine; and arts and cultural organizations, in solidarity and kindness, bringing moments of awe and wonder into our homes.

There is an unmistakable hunger for normalcy. As we all do our part in the coming months to envision what a “better normal” could be, let us dare to dream of a world that works for everyone. Perhaps the first step is to listen to those who are hurting and to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversa tions about what we have learned and what needs to change.

As Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in Ontario, I pay tribute to Indigenous people who have stewarded these lands for thousands of years and countless generations. There is inspiration in the special relationship between First Peoples and the Crown. May we also pay attention to people from all walks of life, including those marginalized and impoverished, who continue to raise their voices in support of social and economic justice. We all deserve to live with dignity.

Throughout this journey, I have been reassured and inspired by you, the people of Ontario. Together you have demonstrated uncommon generosity of spirit and an exceptional drive for resilience.

Ours is a caring nation. It is together that we will save lives and livelihoods. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. And that is why, in the midst of adversity, we celebrate the promise of Canada.

Due to the Ontario government’s COVID19 restrictions, the annual cemetery service at St. Mathew Presbyterian Cemetery at East Oxford is cancelled for June 28th, 2020.

The cemetery remains open for visitation of family and friends.