Issue 25 2024 June 27 NG Times

The Voice of North Grenville

CANADA DAY 2024

Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic Kemptville Mall info@laurieropticalkemptville.com

157 candles on Canada’s cake!

by Brandon Mayer

Who isn’t eager to celebrate Canada’s 157th anniversary? Locally, there will be much to do on July 1 as Kemptville residents mark the occasion of Canada Day 2024.

The day will begin with a pancake and sausage breakfast at the Kemptville Legion from 9am to 11am, which will include the opening ceremony and flag raising at 10:30am. The main festivities will take place at Riverside Park, with countless activities happening concurrently.

The main stage will feature different performers throughout the day, with various entertainers and vendors available to visit between 11am and 4pm. The

Family Zone will be available all day, with a splash pad, play structures, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, and a skateboard and BMX park. There will also be inflatables in the Family Zone from 11am – 4pm.

The Kemptville Pool will feature five hours of free swimming times – please check the schedule for more information. Don’t miss the Charity Bingo supporting the KDH CT Scanner campaign at the Legion from 1pm – 3pm, with free Canada Day cake at intermission!

The fireworks will take place at 10pm – watch from the viewing area at Riverside Park. Please note that the schedule is subject to change, and some activities may be weather dependent. For more information and

an updated, detailed schedule, visit https://www.northgrenville.ca/things-to-do/ events/13218/canada-dayin-riverside-park

Closer to Oxford Mills? Come join us!

In Oxford Mills, the opening ceremony begins at 11:30am sharp at Maplewood Park, beginning with the Kemptville Legion Pipe and Drums and official flag raising, and then continuing with three live bands, the Lion's Club BBQ & Raffle, Kids Games, Face painting, Medieval Swordplay demonstrations, Sunset Sweets Ice Cream cart, Crepes by Dial-a-Chef, celebration cupcakes, and wonderful community spirit! All of this and much more is what you will find in Maplewood Park on July 1!

Bring your lawn chairs

and sunscreen! Washrooms are open, limited general street parking is available, with accessible parking only on site (in the parking lot). Additional parking is available a short walk away at Crozier Park. Consider walking or cycling to the park if you can!

The Oxford Mills festivities will feature music Performances by Kemptville musician Wayne Lyrette (opener), North Grenville acoustic duo Birds of a Feather putting their own spin on popular songs, and local, beloved act Tripoly (closing act) - an acoustic trio that is formed of Elizabeth McNally, Glenna Hunter and Doug Hendry.

Bring the whole family out for a day of fun!

Kemptville Public School partners with local Giving Garden

Grade 6 classes at Kemptville Public School (KPS) have partnered with the Giving Garden to bring Real-World Learning and Indigenous Education opportunities to the students and the wider community.

The Giving Garden is located at the Ferguson Forest Centre and is a community garden, run by volunteers. Sandra Pignon, Grade 6 Teacher

at KPS, approached the group earlier this year to introduce them to the concept of Real-World Learning and to see if they would be interested in a partnership with the school. The group was excited by the opportunity, and met with the students to explain how the garden works, what they hope to accomplish, and some problems they’ve encountered that the students

could help them with.

The students went to work and developed various presentations, focusing on the concerns of the volunteers, or “clients” as they became known by the class. The presentations tackled topics such as community awareness, Indigenous considerations, and pest control.

“I was so impressed with them! They are so techy and had wonderful

presentations and didn't miss a beat,” said Giving Garden volunteer Michelle McEvoy.

Ultimately, the group decided on a few directions for the project that included the construction of scarecrows to keep birds and groundhogs out of the area, as well as the planting of a traditional Indigenous 3 sisters garden, and the design and installation of Land Acknowledgement signs throughout the space.

With the focus of the project determined, the students began planning how to best implement their ideas.

“They treated it very much like a business,” said teacher Sandra Pignon. “We had managers, district managers and so on. There were emails, letters and presentations. Research on how to plant. It really brought the curriculum to life for them. It was so nice to see them so excited for Giving Garden Day!”

The students were enthusiastic about a learning opportunity that gave

them a chance to work with their hands. Student Maddex Simon explained how they designed the scarecrows to be movable. “We’re putting tubes in the ground and we're going to have them all around the garden. Then we're going to be able rotate the scarecrows so the animals don't get suspicious about them.”

He also noted the challenges they faced, and how they had to alter their design during the process.

“We couldn't get the head on at first, so we tried different things and then just added them together and it finally worked.”

“We put all of our goals towards this and then we got to meet our goal to help with the garden,” added student Savanna Van Den Bos.

Mandie Bates, a parent of one of the students, appreciated how the project is getting students involved in their learning. “It's great to see the kids get into the dirt and really get their hands in there. We're all literally covered in dirt! Everybody is us-

ing the tools and is very respectful and they each have their tasks that are assigned. It's really, really impressive to see.”

The project has been beneficial for the students, the Giving Garden and the community.

“The garden is meant for giving. At this time of food instability, it's a perfect opportunity,” said McEvoy. “And the children are very clever, they know what's going on. So here's a simple answer that can help.”

“It's nice for them to realize that as young people, you can contribute to the community,” added Pignon. “It's very easy to be a part of and to give back and I think that's a really great lesson for them too.”

Looking forward, Pignon is optimistic that the project can continue, and the school can highlight the garden for years to come. “The Giving Garden has been very supportive and a fabulous partner, so it would be nice to see the same process happen again, and to see what their next steps are and what goals they have in mind.”

The six scarecrows have been installed and the 3 sisters garden consisting of corn, squash and beans has also been planted. The Land Acknowledgement signs that were designed by the students are being printed and will be placed at the location later this month.

Students pose with teachers and Giving Garden volunteers next to the Giving Garden sign in Kemptville

Students prepare the soil for the planting of the 3 sisters garden consisting of corn, beans and squash

Students shown with their newly installed scarecrow

Honouring Our Veterans: Students and community come together

Last fall, Robert Angi, a member of the St. James Anglican Church cemetery committee, reached out to local schools for help in locating the graves of veterans who were also members of the parish.

Birds

North Grenville District High School students responded to the call. Guided by their teacher, Rebecca MacKay, and supported by the cemetery committee, they utilized online resources and the church's archival

of prey return!

falcons will soon have company

A pair of nesting peregrine falcons have been sighted in Ferguson Forest, and they will soon have

other raptors visiting. The annual Birds of Prey Show, hosted by the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre, will once again entertain and delight local residents.

materials to identify and match veterans with their grave locations in the cemetery.

The students successfully identified 22 veterans who served in World War I and World War II who were also members

Last year it was unfortunately not possible to release the raptors for free flight. However, this year, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy will be back and we anticipate being able to see some of these magnificent birds soaring above the crowd and plunging back to their falconer’s hand.

The demonstration is expected to include 5 different raptors from around the world, including at least 3 free-flying performances, which always provide exciting moments in the show!

The exact birds involved will depend on the decision of the Conservancy, but it may include: bald eagle, golden eagle, Harris hawk, barn owl, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, American kestrel and turkey vulture. While the birds are in flight, the handlers will provide educational commentary about each one.

The Birds of Prey Show

of the St. James parish.

On Thursday, June 13, students placed weatherproof metal poppies at the headstones of these veterans, ensuring their service would be visible to visitors to the cemetery.

"Placing the poppy into the ground felt like it had purpose," said Russell Dafoe, a grade 10 student involved in the project. "It felt like the right thing to do because these veterans fought in the wars for our freedom."

Community members praised the students' dedication to remembering our local history. This collaborative effort between the cemetery committee and local schools underscores North Grenville's commitment to honouring its heroes and preserving their legacies for future generations.

will take place in the arboretum of Ferguson Forest (entrance from County Road 43). Signage and volunteers will help direct visitors.

There will be two performances, one at 11:00am and one at 2:00pm. Those attending are kindly asked to consider a donation – a suggested donation of $5 (or more) helps Friends put on events of this type and carry out our other programming. Many thanks also to local sponsors Canadian Tire, Pet Valu, North Grenville Tourism and TD Graham and Associates.

The Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre is a non-profit, volunteer organization that exists to conserve and protect Ferguson Forest for the enjoyment of the public. Visit https://www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com to learn more.

Peregrine

Owen Miller, Grade 10 Student, who placed a poppy at the headstone of Captain Truman Hurd Sr., veteran of the war of 1812 and original settler of Kemptville

Canada Day in Kemptville

Canada’s first-ever prefabricated modular CT scan suite at KDH

SDI Canada, Canadian leader in medical infrastructure, unveiled its project for Ontario’s first-ever Prefabricated Modular Cassette® for Kemptville District Hospital at an official groundbreaking event on June 18. This Cassette will house a new GE Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner and supportingspaces, as part of the hospital's diagnostic imaging department.

The Modular CT Cassette, the first installation of its kind in Canada, is a revolutionary solution for hospitals to increase treatment capacity while limiting impact on existing installations. This cutting edge technology will enable the hospital to recreate a secure environment needed to operate medical equipment, which in this case is a GE CT Scan system. This type of installation means hospitals and other medical institutions can maintain their other activities during reorganization, renovation, or expansion work. Moreover, the prefabricated modular building promotes faster implementation as compared to traditional construction. It also allows for better quality control during its construction, since it’s built in a completely controlled environment.

Meeting the needs of modern hospitals through modular solutions

The innovative technology behind these prefabricated installations effectively meets some of the most pressing needs of today’s hospitals by: - satisfying hospitals’ clinical and technological obligations

- creating a strategic, cutting-edge reserve of medical infrastructure in order to support and optimize the deployment of technology throughout the building’s lifespan.

The Modular CT Scan Cassette offers many benefits such as an incredible control over costs and delays. Additionally, the Cassette’s factory manufacturing process meets the highest quality standards and can provide a multitude of personalized dimensions and options – allowing a comfortable, ergonomic environment for personnel and patients alike. This means institutions can adapt the Cassette to their specific medical needs, from imaging to surgery, reception, triage, and even office space. The modular unit can even be aesthetically adapted to match existing infrastructure.

As stated above, modular technology provides the opportunity to increase procedure capacity, which can also benefit the clinical and research community as well. Turnkey installation for quick and easy implementation

At Kemptville District Hospital, SDI will deliver a fully functional CT suite within a year from the contract date – a significant achievement – especially considering its impact on patient care and healthcare system efficiency:

1. Reduced Wait Times: Quicker access to CT scans means patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes.

2. Efficiency Gains: The faster implementation of the CT suite contributes to overall healthcare system efficiency. It allows healthcare providers to streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and reduce costs associated with prolonged patient stays or delayed treatments.

3. Patient Impact: Early diagnosis is crucial in many medical conditions. By enabling earlier scanning, you're facilitating prompt identification of health issues, which in turn allows for earlier intervention and treatment. This can lead to better patient outcomes and potentially save lives.

4. System Relief: Alleviating the strain on the healthcare system is another significant benefit. Quicker scanning means fewer patients waiting for diagnostic services, which can help reduce congestion in hospitals and clinics, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

“The Cassette buildings allow for true infrastructure expansion or can be stand-alone facilities, and they are relocatable. These are post-disaster prefabricated buildings that meet local healthcare building codes,” said SDI Canada Founder and CEO Toufic Abiad. “They are designed and manufactured in the USA and here in Canada, and offer considerable benefits in terms of quality, shorter deadlines and cost control.”

Community Fundraising gives boost to client services at LLGAMH

Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) is delighted to announce that third-party fundraising efforts in the community have raised approximately $22,000 (and counting) this spring in support of client services.

"We are very grateful for the immense generosity of our community,” said Kim Gifford, Interim CEO, LLGAMH. "Community fundraising efforts help LLGAMH provide clients with extra amenities and services not covered by our funding. For example, the donation from last year's ML Memorial Golf Tournament made it possible to purchase a new client vehicle for accessing community programs, services, and appointments."

This year's 5th Annual ML Memorial Golf Tournament set a new record for the event by raising $20,000 for LLGAMH. In memory of Mike Lalande, his family, led by Mike's sister Amanda Fitzgerald, started the charity tournament to ensure Mike's story wasn't ending and recognized there was an opportunity to create change and help end the stigma around mental health.

Amanda shared: “Although the reason for starting this tournament is really sad, and we would love nothing more than to still have Mikey with us, we are honored to be able to make a difference and bring awareness to something that affects more lives than we know, all while keeping Mike’s memory alive. Without our community's continued support and the committee members' hard work, we wouldn’t be able to give in the ways we have! When my little brother passed, I knew I had to take our negative and make it into a positive – I believe we have done just that!”

In celebration of Manoll's Fish and Chips in Brockville's remarkable 90-year legacy, Manoll's committed to donating a portion of its fish & chips sales for the whole month of May to LLGAMH, which raised nearly $1,900 for the Agency.

The community fundraising efforts continued this month with the Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Board Charity Golf Tournament on June 19, selecting LLGAMH as this year's charity. All proceeds from the event were donated to LLGAMH to support client services.

THOMAS M. BYRNE

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW

Can a newcomer assimilate into a rural demographic as easily as in an urban sprawl? Certainly cities are full of varied cultures, but still, people congregate in pockets of similarities – i.e. Chinatown, Little Italy, gated communities, seniors, etc. In the rural areas, diversity is more pronounced, hence why the ability to become part of the community is perhaps quietly but strongly challenged. Reversed discriminations can occur when you acquire a status just on the basis of a different culture!

In the rural areas, churches, coffee groups, service clubs and organizations teem with relatives that have always lived in that area. Understandably, there is a common bond through history that permeates conversation and connectivity. An acceptance of habits, expectations, accomplishments and recognition is innate whereas the newcomer must "prove" themselves. Certainly a "first generation immigrant" struggles with an uncertain childhood of unfamiliar language, dress and foods, whereas the parent immigrant had that stability during their childhood. It takes incredible courage and intestinal fortitude to uproot and come to a new area, especially if the culture is different.

All one can do is be open to becoming vulnerable in attempts to "fit in." Peer pressure is prevalent in all age brackets. Knowing you are accountable for your own decisions is a must. The goal is to be true to yourself. With social media, connections regardless of distance are instantaneous and but less fulfilling than one-on-one interactions.

If you are part of an established connection, have you taken time to observe how you interact with the newcomer? Are you welcoming, inclusive and open to learning more about them? Are you entertaining their ideas with clarity and acceptance? It can be intimidating to see people always sit in the same seats limiting with whom they interact! We all are "newcomers" at some point in our life unless we are totally sheltered! Although creatures of habit, learning to assimilate is a life-long experience regardless of age.

Challenge yourself to be part of the community. Open your circle to include the "newcomer." At all times be respectful and the community will shine more brightly!

LLGAMH team members at the 2024 ML Memorial Golf Tournament

Oh Canada.....

by David Shanahan

As the world around us seems to be rapidly falling apart at the seams, this Canada Day we should be extremely grateful that we live in this country. Canada is very far from being perfect: ask the homeless, the Indigenous peoples, the families forced to use food banks, or any of those minorities wondering where Canadian tolerance and compassion went. But it is still Canada: still a light in an increasingly dark world.

At the end of the Cold War, it seemed for a moment that the world was entering a new and better phase. Democracy was a realistic hope for Eastern Europe. There were talks about peace in the Middle East. Globalisation promised a more integrated world of mutual interests and shared prosperity (except for some so-called “Third World” countries from where we would get our cheap imports).

But we’re dealing with humanity here, and we have a positive genius for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Just look at the way the world has changed since 1990: country after country tottering on the brink of populist demagoguery; a major war in Europe threatening to expand

across the continent. The same thing is happening in the Middle East, where the appalling invasion of Gaza may yet expand into an all-out war in Lebanon, and who knows where then?

Feeling bad yet? Better not look too closely at the Excited States, where an election in a few months may result in either a fascist dictatorship, or some form of civil war. The United Kingdom is also going through an election after making a serious attempt to commit economic suicide through Brexit. France if rushing into an election after the far and centre right made significant gains in the European elections. What a mess!

Doesn’t Canada seem a better option these days? Sure, two-thirds of the population want Trudeau to step down (including a good chunk of his own party), and the current alternative worries me greatly. But neither of them is planning a coup, a far-right takeover, a tendency to subvert democratic norms and traditions. The tone and the rhetoric have become more - let’s say, rude - and the attacks more personal in a way we seem to have learned from our neighbours to the south.

And that is, and al-

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Just looking through an older picture album and happen to come across an article by DAN GARDNER, a former journalist entitled "Your God is a Tolerant God"? Tell him (her) that.

"My God and my Christ is a tolerant God and that's what we want in this world " (quoted by Stephen Harper).

Chris Bentley, attorney general (at the time) stated "The proposed burning of the Koran should be of concern to all. Faith appeals to and inspires the best in us."

Michael Ignatieff: "Burning the Koran runs counter to the mutual respect and tolerance at the core of all faiths."

In the scriptures: "For everyone that curseth his father and mother shall be surely put to death: Leviticus 20:9". In my opinion, there are parents who are very cruel to their children and probably some back talk

ways has been, a characteristic of Canadian life: copying what we see down there. Whereas, in the past, people defined “Canadian” to me as “not American”, these days, there’s a much stronger, positive self-image among Canadians: we know there’s so much to be proud of here in so many areas of life. But there is still a fairly large part of the population that seems to wish we were the US, who want to repeat here what they see happening there. Does anyone really think the trucker takeover of downtown Ottawa would have happened without the MAGA example, the growing acceptance, even embrace, of political and social upheaval that has come to dominate American life, and which threatens its very existence as a democratic nation?

After 157 years, Canada stands, as we sing, strong and free. We rightly promise that we will “stand on guard for thee”. I don’t believe that it has ever been more vital that Canadians stand on guard for who they are, what they believe about and want for their nation. We are not immune to the winds of change that sweep the rest of the world. We have seen the first roots of populism, nativism, bigotry and dis-

should be the least of their worries.

"Unruly children. Adulterers. Homosexuals. Put them all to death immediately. And if man shall be a beast he shall be put to death" Leviticus 20:15.

"God not only sanctions war, genocide, slavery, bigotry, and blind obedience to authority. He commands it. And the faithful comply."

"At several points in the New Testament, Jesus says all the old laws remain in force and will forever."

"When the lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance upon those do not know God and upon those who do not obey they gospel of our Lord Jesus."

"The Book of Revelation: Wrath and retribution. Rivers of blood, graphic descriptions of Jesus annihilating unbelievers."

crimination bear fruit in this land. In this paper’s last issue, an article by REAL Women of Canada (interesting title), took an anti-foreign student stance, demanding that the foreign students not be allowed to stay permanently in Canada, since so many took part in proPalestinian protests when, it was said, they ought to have been studying and listening to lectures, like good foreign students. That concerned me greatly, since I came to this country as a foreign student and was allowed to remain permanently, becoming a citizen and working, and employing, Canadians for the past 35 years. I promote local history, publish two community newspapers, and spend my working career working for Indigenous rights. I am not unique: immigrants are what this nation is built on, and has been from the beginning. But articles such as the one by REAL Women, while sometimes holding a core of truth, are also slowly poisoning the Canadian atmosphere, and become another drop in the constant flood of ideas and prejudices that can become too widespread to counter. Canadians must be open to ideas, even those opposed to our own. We celebrate (or should) tolerance and

"After death, the Koran says "they will be inhabitants of the FIRE, abiding in it forever”.

"Surely it is not surprising that these books can still inspire suspicion, hostility, and division." "Every now and then some strange little man will read it and decide to burn a Koran or picket a gay man's funeral or fly a jet into a skyscraper. It's true that religion can inspire the best in us. But it can also inspire hate and madness. This is a fact of enormous importance, if only our leaders had the courage to say it!”

Yours, Kathy Piché

understanding. But we have to know when a line is crossed, we have to watch out for ideas and theories that would undermine what Canada values and has built over 157 years. None of this is new. We have had ups and downs in our pastthink of the internment of Japanese and Ukrainian citizens during WW2, for

example; or the scar and disgrace of the Indian Act over 157 years plus. This year, whatever your religious or cultural qualms about the words, sing out with even greater sincerity this Canada Day: God keep our land glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

AL'S CLEAN UP SERVICES

C: 613.295.0300

Dear Editor, Anyone who had something to be repaired and missed the Repair Cafe at the Library on Saturday the 15th, doesn’t know what they missed.

I had a string of delicately wired Christmas lights, with a broken wire.

I had very serious doubts about the possibility of them being repairable.

I took them to the Repair Cafe and Mr. Joeit (anything worth knowing he knows it) worked his magic and lo and behold, "shazam" they are nearly as good as new. All for FREE and they gave me a cookie while I waited my turn to be served.

Many Thanks people – you do a hell of a public service.

Art Parks

613-215-0735 Property - HomeClean Up (Interior - Exterior) & MAINTENANCE

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www.northgrenville.ca

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

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Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca

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

Letter to the Editor 17th June 2024

The recent article in the NGT recently entitled “Rehabilitation of Steve Clark continues” seemed almost sympathetic to Clark. I personally don’t see how Clark couldn’t have known about this, but then, he probably wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Doug Ford, so did he just “bury his head in the sand”, as one of the commissioners suggested? Chiefs of Staff take orders from the Minister and aren’t supposed to do anything without the Ministers knowledge. How could putting together such a massive project right under his nose, with all the developers coming and going through his office, not get noticed by Clark? Was he just asleep at the switch, or is it more than that?

To me, Steve Clark being back in cabinet as Govern-

ment House Leader is yet more proof that this Doug Ford government is both morally and ethically bankrupt. I know that the mantra is “innocent until proven guilty”, but we rightfully hold those that we elect to a higher standard. With 2 scathing reports from the Auditor General and the Integrity Commissioner, and an RCMP investigation into possible corruption, Clark had little choice but to resign, particularly as he was personally accused of violating ethics rules. Current debates on housing are dominated by market urbanists, economists, and libertarians busy developing a critique of planning that removes “red tape” so that the development industry, its financiers and downstream speculators can build housing, unencumbered. This

Busy Council meeting

by Brandon Mayer

The regularly scheduled Council meeting on June 18 began with the usual opening remarks from Mayor Nancy Peckford, who updated audience members on topics such as the opening of the Kemptville Pool, and the recent visit of Kemptville Public School students to the Ferguson Forest Centre to help with the Giving Garden.

A presentation from Shelter Movers followed, and was well-received by Council. Heather Popazzi then presented an argument to Council in opposition of selling the 13 acres of Ferguson Forest Centre land that borders County Road 43 through Kemptville. The FFC hopes that the Municipality will sell the land – which is not

Letters cont'd

dovetails with Clark’s opinion of the current housing crisis, calling it BANANAS, (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything), which became a part of the provincial governments rationale to open up the Greenbelt, using the housing crisis as cover.

Is Ford wrong for thinking that Ontarians will forgive and forget not only himself, but others involved in his complete betrayal on the $8.3 billion Greenbelt land swap scandal? I hope not, and trust that the RCMP will be able complete its criminal investigation into the deal before the next election.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

Dear Editor,

In a recent interview with CTV news, Mayor Peckford expressed concern about government workers returning to work in September and having to drive to work. Part of the lifestyle of living in a rural town like Kemptville or rural area of North Grenville is having to drive. Driving to a hockey or football game, driving to shop at big box or outlet stores, driving for health care or to work – it’s part

high quality land for growing – and then donate the proceeds back to the FFC to help it stay financially afloat.

Heather presented a multi-faceted argument against the land sale. She argued that allowing development on agriculturally zoned land would set a dangerous precedent. She also argued that as the North Grenville community grows, the growth of more usable forest spaces should be considered as well, rather than the elimination of such green spaces in favour of commercial development.

A current petition being circulated has hundreds of signatures opposed to the FFC land sale. Following Heather’s presentation, Mayor Peckford explained that there would be no decision made during the meeting regarding the FFC

of the lifestyle. Kemptville has grown over the years but it doesn't have it all. While some workers may not be happy having to drive to work 3 days a week, it is better than 5.

In the interview, Mayor Peckford said she has offered a Kemptville Campus Building for work space for the workers. I am sure the older building needs to be upgraded, and at what cost? I am sure taxpayers have no interest in paying for this. The government will have no interest, with empty office space just 44 minutes away via 416 in Ottawa

A better use of unused space in Campus buildings would be to convert them to affordable housing units –even a few units would help and benefit the community as a whole to help manage the affordable housing crisis. Mayor Peckford should give this serious thought. Driving is part of the lifestyle of rural living and for those that don't like it, it’s time return to the city.

D Lewis

land sale, since staff and Council had previously decided that they need more time to consider the proposal. Deputy Mayor John Barclay asked Heather if she has met with the FFC board, and she confirmed that she has met with the board twice and presented alternative ways to raise the funds they require besides the proposed land sale.

The Municipality’s Clerk, Chloe Preston then read a deputation that was sent in for reading during the Council meeting in response to the anticipated presentation from Heather. The deputation contradicted Heather’s arguments, saying that the specific land proposed for sale is not needed for the FFC to continue providing the benefits to North Grenville that it already does. The deputation suggests

that those who oppose the land sale simply don’t like change, while arguing that often nothing good can come without change. It further suggests that many of the signatures on the petition were gathered under false pretences.

The next item on the agenda was a presentation regarding the final report on North Grenville’s Community Economic Development Strategy. As part of the extensive ensuing discussion, Mayor Peckford mentioned the possibility of using a Kemptville Campus building as a government office building, so that federal employees living in North Grenville can reduce their commuting times as they are gradually moved away from work-at-home arrangements back into the office. The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce

Dear Editor, I want to make a comment on Heather Popazzi's article, "Residents rally to save Ferguson Forest Lands". I am not against saving the Ferguson Forest lands, although the 13 acres presents fields too small to work, and with poor soil for the Ferguson Forest Centre to use. I would like to disagree with Heather Popazzi's statement "The Ferguson Forest Centre is dedicated to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship." Maybe the Ferguson Forest Centre practices this, but the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation does not. Take a look at the 4.5 acres that the Disc Golf Club has taken over in the Crown Land, just northwest of the Pump House. All of the undergrowth has been cleared or trampled, leaving the ground bare under the trees, which means the carbon stored in that soil is now being released into the air. Now there is no plant life to hold the water when it rains and to let it soak in for the trees to use. On the west side of the disc golf course, there is a low area where the water will run into, flooding those trees and eventually killing them.

the north grenville

board chair, Will Pearl, also gave comments on the strategy report. The majority of the budgetary considerations for the implementation of the plan will be made in next year’s budget.

Council received reports regarding the Police Services Board, followed by an update from CAO Karen Dunlop regarding the aforementioned FFC land sale request. CAO Dunlop explained that staff expects to have a recommendation prepared by the fall.

Routine matters followed. For example, the sale of bottled water will be banned at Municipal facilities to promote more sustainable practices, including the installation of water bottle filling stations to reduce plastic waste.

The only planning matter – presented by Director

During the Bird Walk this spring, an Ottawa Field Naturalist was commenting on the loss of the White Trilliums that used to grow there, a flower that takes seven years to bloom, only once. and when it is picked or trampled it dies. Where there were five species of birds nesting in that area, there is now only one. The biodiversity of the forest is gone. This is one of the reasons Canada has lost 3 billion birds since 1972.

It was the decision of the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation to allow the Disc Golf Club to set up in the crown land, which by the way is Indigenous and Public Lands, without consultation with either group. Therefore I cannot see where the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation is showing dedication to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship.

Lynn Paibomesai

Dear Editor

Just a quick note to say that I was delighted to see, in last weeks NGT, Brandon Mayer’s editorial “Right Idea, Wrong Scope”, commenting on my

letter regarding Doug Ford and the provincial Conservative Party. This is exactly what I like to see; a free exchange of ideas without ideology getting in the way. There is so much disinformation out there that it takes a bit of work to find out just who is manipulating facts, and for what reason. The latest one that I have seen is the Conservative mantra of “Axe the Tax”, where Michael Barrett has conveniently left out several facts to give a completely wrong impression. More of that some other time.

Just for the record, Brandon, I am not a Liberal, and apology accepted. FYI, it certainly was not my intention to give anyone the idea that I support Trudeau. I believe that he should step aside for the good of the Liberal Party, not that I am going to vote that way anyway. I am a Green, and have been so for many years, because Greens have a climate plan that ties into social programs as well as environmental. We need, as they say, to lift all boats.

Trudeau lost me a while ago when he declared a climate emergency, then bought a pipeline the very

Amy Martin, was regarding a request to lift a holding provision for 311-315 Rideau Street in Kemptville to further the plan for an 8-unit apartment building. The only agenda item for Public Works –presented by Director Mike Finley – related to a tender for rehabilitation work for Kemptville’s water mains.

The final agenda item was a motion from Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan for the Municipality to officially state its support for nurses and nurse practitioners to have an increased scope of practice in Ontario, thereby helping to alleviate some strain on the healthcare system. Council voted in support of the motion.

The packed meeting lasted for well over two hours. next day, the cost overruns of which are eye-watering. It has been my experience that the Liberal Party knows what to do, but seldom does it. That may be because of a bloated bureaucracy where nothing gets accomplished because there are too many fingers in the pie.

As for Brandon’s listing of the scandals currently plaguing the prime minister, we are on the same page there. He needs to sort out said bloated bureaucracy and get something done, and quickly.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

TIMES

CANADA DAY in Oxford Mills

613.258.7878 / Pixeleyecare.ca info@pixeleyecare.ca 3000 County Rd. 43, Unit B3, Kemptville

Happy 70th Anniversary

Robert & Marion Arnott

Love from Judy, Jim, Andrew, Lindsey, Colleen, Kyle and Beau

Kemptville Legion

Charity Bingo July 1, 2024

o r a t 1 0 : 3 0 a m

1 1 : 3 0 a m - P a r a d e l e a v e s f r o m H i l l t o p M a n o r & f o l l o w s S t

L a w r e n c e S t r e e t N o r t h e n d i n g a t B l o c k h o u s e P a r k

F o l l o w i n g t h e p a r a d e , O f f i c i a

B l o c k h o u s e P a r k i n c l u d i n g :

M a y o r C a m e r o n

Doors open at noon, Bingo is 1-3pm 14 games half the take 1winner take all jackpot 50/50 draw will take place CANADA DAY CAKE served at intermission

Must be18 and older to play All Legion profits from this event will be donated to the KDH CT Scanner Fund

Any questions, email Mike Amirault mikeamirault@hotmail.com

The Confederation Party

by David Shanahan

Canadians, when they think about the Fathers of Confederation (which is rarely) probably imagine them as rather stern and colourless individuals. They see the old photographs taken in Charlottetown in that summer of 1864, the old-fashioned clothes, the profusion of facial hair and the dour faces, and they judge them rather harshly. The rather odd fact of history is that the scheme of Confederation, as hammered out in September and October of that year, was carried out through long evenings and nights of parties, copious consumption of alcohol, and massive amounts of food, singing and dancing.

There was also, of course, serious discussion, constitutional debate, careful guarding of local and regional interests, and all the other aspects of creating a new country. But the long days of late summer of 1864 were the days in which Canada, as a new nation, was forged.

When the Canadians effectively forced the Maritimers to invite them to the conference they were planning in PEI that August, it forced the Lower Colonies to finalise plans for their meeting, which was to discuss uniting in a new Acadia, a single Maritime Province that would be stronger and more secure than its individual parts. But it cannot be said that there was a great deal of optimism among those politicians that such a union was possible, or even desired by most of the inhabitants. But the arrival of the Canadians changed all that.

Before they left for Charlottetown, the members of the Canadian Coali-

ity. This meant, not just a new nation, a new political structure, but a new nationality, a new identity and culture which would transcend the old divisions of ethnicity, religion and provincialism that had marked and retarded British American development for so long.

Parliament Hill

tion Government locked themselves away on August 4 to draw up a detailed plan of how a confederation of the British American colonies would work. They had already discussed the concept at length in George Brown’s Committee in May, and now they surprised themselves at how quickly, and with what unanimity, they were able to draw up a proposal to put before the Maritimers when they travelled there in September.

One member of that Government was not present for those sessions: he was away on a rather special mission. On the day the sessions began, August 4, Thomas D’Arcy McGee departed on the government steamer “Queen Victoria”, along with one hundred journalists and politicians, on a social visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They had been invited by the St. John Board of Trade in an effort to improve commercial relations between the various British colonies. The timing of the invitation has been the source of some controversy ever since. Was it simply coincidence that this tour took place just before the gathering at Charlottetown? Was the invitation by the Board of Trade “inspired” by McGee and the Canadians?

Whatever its origins, the visit was a huge success. Receptions, parties, dances, speeches, all followed each other in a blur of good times and fine fellowship. McGee’s reputation as the best orator Canadian politics has ever known was enhanced, as he spoke again and again of the dream he had been promoting ever since he had arrived in Montreal in 1857: a New National-

By the time the visitors re-embarked on the “Queen Victoria” and sailed back up the St. Lawrence, Maritimers were much more aware, and much more open to, these ideas of Union, Confederation and new nationality. McGee and friends had done a great deal to create the atmosphere which would make the Charlottetown Conference such a success.

He had hardly returned home to report on his success than he was back aboard the steamer, this time accompanied by the rest of the Canadian delegation, and was heading back down river to begin the series of meetings at which the new nation would be designed, new and revolutionary ideas of sovereignty and co-ordinate powers would be developed, and many long nights of dancing, singing and drinking would cement new friendships and associations which would dominate political life in the coming Dominion for decades to come. McGee’s role continued at Charlottetown. As the only Canadian delegate to have actually toured the Maritimes in the past, speaking in halls and clubs on a number of visits since 1858, he introduced many of these men to each other for the first time, and became the common factor, the link between powerful personalities who might not otherwise have settled down to work together as quickly and openly as they did.

Ironically, the man who became known as Confederation’s Social Convenor, in addition to being the Prophet of Confederation, would be the one man among them who would not live to enjoy the fruits of their labours. The witty and eloquent McGee would effectively be the first martyr of the New Nationality, shot dead on Sparks Street in 1868.

by David Shanahan

There are very few more potent symbols of Canada and Confederation than the Centre Block on Parliament Hill, with its magnificent Peace Tower, which speaks of Canada’s precious role in peace-keeping and peace-making over the past 150 years.

But the Centre Block is not the original home of Canada’s House of Commons and Senate. In 1916, after standing for just over fifty years, the first Centre Block was destroyed in a disastrous fire, leaving only the Library standing unscathed.

The first Parliament building on Parliament Hill was built between 1859 and 1865, before Confederation was a definite scheme, and was designed as the home of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council of the Province of Canada. The Assembly had been moving between Toronto and Montreal since 1844, and it was not until the last day of 1857 that Queen Victoria announced that the capital would move permanently to Ottawa.

The contract for building the new Parliament building was awarded to Thomas McGreevy of Quebec City, Canada East on 27 November 1859, and the original contract cost, which covered both the Centre Block and Victoria Tower, was $348,500. The building had been scheduled to be completed by 1862, but delays and amendments meant that it was many years after that before the final scaffolding was removed. Nevertheless, the Legislature began to use the building in June 1866. The final cost of the Centre Block and Victoria Tower ballooned to $1,750,720, or around five times the original estimate.

Tel:

Fax: 613.258.7761

info@jansenlaw.com

Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

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

613.258.7462

Happy Birthday Canada

Photo: Parliament buildings, May 1868, still unfinished. Photo: LAC PA-8976

North Grenville Trivia

1. How many mayors has North Grenville had? Name them.

2. How many municipalities joined to make North Grenville?

3. When did Kemptville celebrate its centenary?

4. Which Kemptville native became Premier of Ontario?

5. What year did the Bytown and Prescott Railway arrive in Kemptville?

6. There were two railway stations serving Kemptville before 1970. Where were they?

7. What once stood on the green space at Clothier Street East and James Street?

8. How many Concessions are there in North Grenville?

9. What is the oldest church building in North Grenville, though perhaps no longer used as a church?

10. One family founded both Kemptville and Oxford Mills. Who were they?

11. Wilson’s Inn was an overnight stop for the stagecoach between Ottawa and Prescott. Where was it?

12. Where was the Oxford Snie and what happened to it? (Yes, Snie!)

13. When did the first newspaper open in what is now North Grenville and what was its name?

14. What was the original name of Beckett’s Landing and why?

An alternative July celebration

by David Shanahan

Canada Day is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular holidays in the country, a time when we all celebrate the country, its history, character, and everything about it that makes Canada a special place to live. I thought it would be interesting to see how the day was marked in the past, especially a century ago, because historians like to see things in centuries and decades (we’re strange like that).

To my absolute shock, looking at local newspapers for 1924 to see how July 1 was marked in Kemptville, Oxford-on-Rideau and South Gower, I found that it wasn’t marked at all! Although July 1 had been proclaimed a statutory holiday as far back as 1879, to be known as “Dominion Day”, it seems that the festivities were hijacked, as it were, by a very different event two weeks later. July 12 has traditionally been the major event in the calendar of the Orange Order, a tenaciously Protestant organisation founded in Ireland in 1795 to celebrate the victory of William of Orange over James II at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland in 1690. A battle in an English Civil War, where, as Irish ballad says: “Two foreign old monarchs in battle did join. Each wanted his head on the back of a coin. If the Irish had sense, they’d drown both in the Boyne!”

The Order was known to be virulently anti-Catholic, pro-union with Britain, and came to dominate politics in Ontario through the Nineteenth and most of the Twentieth Centuries.

In 1924, and for some years later, the Order held annual gatherings in Smiths Falls, when up to 60 wooden crosses were burned in a traditional Orange display of “loyalism”.

In 1924, the local newspaper carried an advertisement for the AndersonLangstaff store on Prescott Street with the caption: “Are you ready for July 12th?”, with an image of William of Orange and the date “1690”. The influence of the Orangemen was seen in the speech given by the Premier of Ontario, local Kemptville native, G. Howard Ferguson, to an Orange gathering in Prescott on July 12 in 1924 attended by about 10,000 people. Around 800 had travelled from Ottawa on a specially-chartered CPR train.

While some speakers made anti-Catholic comments, Ferguson himself was much more tolerant in his words, and the foundational principle should be that “not everybody must agree with you, but everyone is entitled to his own opinion... If Canada is to become great, we must have more of the spirit of toleration”. This may be extended to some, but not to all, as he warned against the influence of “Bolshevism and Communism”. His call for toleration was not echoed by one Order officer who boasted that the Order had spent funds on the Public Schools Defense League “to keep money from going to Roman Catholics”.

One can only be thankful that Ferguson’s ideas have prevailed, to a greater or lesser extent, in Canada today, and that July 12 has been replaced by July 1 as the main expression of Canada and its peoples.

UCDSB Trustees pass balanced budget for 2024-2025 school year

Executive Superintendent of Business Services, Jeremy Hobbs, presented the 2024-2025 draft budget for deliberation and approval by Trustees.

For compliance purposes, the budget includes revenues of $447 million (a $28.9 million or 6.9 per cent increase over 2023-24 compliance revenues of $418.1 million), expenses of $446.6 million with a projected year-end surplus of $0.4 million.

The balanced budget for 2024-2025 has no cuts to the instructional services already provided in the 2023-24 school year and includes provisions for new and ongoing initiatives.

Also included in the budget is $52.1 million for capital improvements to school facilities, an increase of 15 per cent to the Special Education budget compared to 2023-24, fully funded remedy payments from Bill 124, more positive transportation funding, and appropriate measures for managing financial risk in-year.

Hobbs noted that this budget will allow the UCDSB to continue to deliver high quality instruction to students and continue to improve and upgrade facilities while still developing strategies to mitigate long-term financial risks. Trustees voted and approved the budget. It will now be sent to the Ministry of Education for final approval.

Director’s Work Plan Status Update

Director of Education Ron Ferguson presented Trustees with the final update for the 2023-2024 Director’s Work Plan (DWP), sharing that all actions have either reached a milestone, are ongoing or have been completed.

The five areas of focus and goals of the DWP are as follows:

- Reading: The UCDSB completed the goal of purchasing new resources and using data to track progress and evaluate strategies, of enhancing collaboration between schools and ensuring all schools have access to corrective reading resources. Milestones were also reached with providing staff with Science of Reading professional development.

- Student Culture: All goals were completed and milestones reached in this area, which include: enhancing peer-to-peer support of mental health through the expanded delivery of SafeTalk and expanding mental health resources in all schools; developing and implementing a twice-annual school climate survey to support data-driven plans to improve mental health and wellness; enhancing student connectiveness by offering pre-school programming and expanding the representation of the experiences of a wider range of students in class discussions, experiences, learning material and activities.

- Real-World Learning (RWL): All goals were completed and some ongoing in the next school year. The UCDSB provided professional development on RWL, launched the UCDSB Grows initiative, which focuses on growing food and addresses food insecurities in communities, created numerous partnerships in the community to enhance apprenticeship pathways and expand SHSM programming. The implementation of Technology and Trades throughout the district for grades 7-12 started and is ongoing.

- Graduation rate / Student Success: This area also saw all items completed or milestones reached. This included the roll out of SST Lift in all secondary schools, expanding and modernizing course offerings and delivery for adult students at TR Leger, enhancing course offerings for Indigenous students to support graduation and post-secondary pathways, and active engagement of year-five secondary students to ensure graduation.

Staff Culture: Milestones were reached in this area with enhancing timely and effective responses by central staff to the district, expanding opportunities for staff to be engaged in leadership and succession planning through staff PD opportunities. The roll out and encouragement of a social recognition program was completed as well as the strategy to distribute more items electronically, such as report cards, to reduce staff workload and increase ease of access for parents/guardians. The UCDSB began to gather feedback from staff through ‘pulse’ surveys, and this is ongoing.

A draft of next year’s Director’s Work Plan was provided to trustees, and the final version of the plan will be shared at the final board meeting on June 19.

Trustee Innovation Award (TIA) Recipients

Trustee Corina Parisien, Chair of the Trustee Innovation Award Committee, announced the 2023-24 TIA recipients. These awards are given to individuals within the UCDSB who demonstrate innovative teaching and work practices. The goal is to incorporate these practices and methods into the educational system, improving the delivery of education and enhancing services that benefit both the school and the community.

The 2023-24 individual award winners are as follows:

- Shauna Burton – Teacher, Caldwell Street Elementary School

- Shannon Campbell – Teacher, Athens District High School

- Scott Currie – Teacher, North Dundas District High School

- Kellyanne MacKenzie – Teacher, Thousand Islands Secondary School

- Dan Tremblay – Teacher, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute

The 2023-24 group award winners are as follows:

- Mary-Kaye McGreevy – Intensive Support Teacher, All UCDSB Schools

- Lori Taylor – Human Rights Equity Lead, All UCDSB Schools

- Joel Exner – Teacher, North Dundas District High School

- Colleen Leslie – Teacher, Seaway District High School

- Erin Ritchie – Teacher, St. Lawrence Secondary School

- Isaac Chapman – Teacher, Perth & District Collegiate Institute

- Dean Fournier – Principal, Perth & District Collegiate Institute

- Monica Taylor - Teacher, Perth & District Collegiate Institute

- Dominique Bertrand – Principal, Russell District High School

- Abigail Fawcett – Teacher, Russell District High School

- Breanna Bedor – Teacher, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute

- Terry Gardiner – Principal, Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute

- Ewen McIntosh – Principal, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute

- Randi Tollhurst – Teacher, Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute

These individuals and groups will be formally recognized at the Board Celebration Evening on June 10.

The Food Corner

By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Some years ago, we were privileged spend some amount of time in Germany, particularly around Karlsruhe, Ettlingen and the Black Forest. We greatly enjoyed the food of the country, the hearty breakfasts, the savory products of the local Bächerei and the delicious traditional dinners. A favourite of ours was and still is Schnitzel; in particular, we love Jägerschnitzel made with pork and smothered in an onion-mushroom sauce. So, today’s recipe is a take on that marvellous German treat.

Jägerschnitzel

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops or cutlets pounded to ¼ inch thin

• ½ cup of all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup of breadcrumbs or Panko

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 1 medium sized onion, diced

• 1-8 oz can of sliced mushrooms

• 1 package of brown gravy mix

• 1 cup of water

• ½ cup of sour cream

Preparation

• Coat the pork with the flour, then dip in the beaten egg

• Coat the pork with bread crumbs, ensuring complete coverage

• Heat the oil in a large skillet set on medium heat

• Fry the pork in the hot oil until brown and cooked through

• Place the schnitzel on a serving dish and keep warm

• Add the onions to the skillet and cook till well sweated

• Then, add the mushrooms and cook lightly (they are already cooked)

• Mix the gravy mix in a one-cup measuring cup and add to your onions and mushrooms

• Don’t boil the mixture, just cook it lightly till the gravy thickens

• Then, add the sour cream and pour your completed gravy over the Schnitzel When we had our Jägerschnitzel this past week, we served it with Spaetzle, a traditional German noodle that is very easy to prepare. However, because you really need a Spaetzle maker (I was given one for Christmas a few years back), you can serve yours with a noodle of your choice or some white rice, prepared ahead of time. You should budget one piece of meat per person and if you have a larger group for dinner, just add to the recipe. You will note that I haven’t added any salt to the recipe; there is enough salt and pepper in the brown gravy mix.

I hope you enjoy this week’s recipe. All the very best from pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The needle disposal box located at the Kemptville Hospital has been moved to the New Kemptville location of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit at 80 Shaver Cres. on the Kemptville Campus. All used needles and syringes should be placed into a sharps container or needle drop box. Used needles can be also be dropped off at a local pharmacy. A List of needle disposal boxes in available on the Health Unit website under Drug Use and Harm Reduction. Or call 1-800-660-5853 and ask for someone in the Harm Reduction Program.

Greens call for extreme heat plan for schools

Ontario Greens Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy released the following statement in response to the extreme heat wave expected across Ontario this week:

“The Ford government’s failures to protect our kids from the dangers of extreme heat isn’t just irresponsible – it’s downright dangerous.

This week, temperatures across Ontario are expected to reach the high thirties to low forties. For our schools without air conditioning, that means classrooms will be just as hot.

This lack of access to cooling is dangerous for staff and students alike. It interferes with our kids’ wellbeing and learning, and creates extreme risks for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Once again, Greens reaffirm our call for the Ford government to implement an extreme heat preparedness plan that protects our kids and from the dangers of these rising temperatures by implementing mandatory air conditioning in all schools.”

Classifieds

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.

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

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

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

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

Friendship Lunch has shifted into summer mode. A lunch will be served on JULY 5TH , JULY 19TH, AUGUST 2ND and AUGUST 16TH. Regular weekly lunches will resume on SEPTEMBER 6TH. Lunches are served at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

Drawing from Life - Portrait and figure drawing clothed models. Fridays, 4pm to 7pm, St. John's United Church 400 Prescott Street. Artists at all levels are welcome. Drop in fee $15. For information contact gowjb5@gmail.com Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, July 2, 16, 30, August 13, 27, September 10, 24. Registration from 6:30 p.m., play from 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ ymail.com

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

South Gower Cemetery Service Sunday July 7 2:30 pm guest speaker Rev. Samer Kandalaft, music by the Gallagher Family

FOR SALE

EMMO Blue 3 wheel mobility scooter. Call 613-258-2272

8500 BTU window air conditioner. 3/4 hp shallow well jet pump. 613-282-1836

TASCO 675x60 mm power refractor telescope. Bounty Hunter metal detector. 613282-1836

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

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

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

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

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

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Containers

5. Act moody

10. Mimicked

14. Debauchee

15. Sound

16. What we're called

17. Act of showing affection

19. Curtail

20. Hairpiece

21. Ice a cake

22. Gladden

23. Emblem of power

25. Example

27. Craving

28. Whiplash preventer

31. Go rapidly

34. Askew

35. Petrol

36. Heap

37. Leases

38. Financial institution

39. Every last one

40. The business of selling goods

41. Speaks

42. In a furtive manner

44. US spy agency

45. Pulverization

46. Cut

50. Pottery fragment

52. Not inner

54. Sash

55. Soft drink

56. Home improvement

58. With competence

59. Pee

60. Small island

61. Young males

62. Aromatic compound

63. Asterisk

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

DOWN

1. Beers

2. Style of building columns

3. Gentle prod

4. Observe

5. Devoid of vegetation

6. Hearsay

7. Lyric poems

8. Salves

9. Tiny circle

10. Deer horn

11. Legal assistant

12. Broadcast

13. Greek district 18. Not before

22. Countercurrent

24. Combustible pile

26. Anagram of "Soak"

28. It comes from bees

29. Went under

30. Sounds of disapproval

31. Resorts

32. Pottery oven

33. In a criminal manner

34. Helpers or benefactors

37. Precipitation

38. Bleats

40. Lose traction

41. Coronet

43. Sets out

44. Cunning 46. Rock

47. Raise

48. Deadly virus

49. Eatery

50. Sign of healing

51. Vagabond

53. Module

56. Regret

57. Poetic contraction

Solution to last week’s Crossword

OXFORD VILLAGE

Now se ing IN KEMPTVILLE

SPECIAL PRICING ON SELECT HOMES

Find fulfillment in Oxford Village, a new neighbourhood from Mattamy Homes where the countryside, urban amenities and a sense of community are woven into your everyday in Kemptville. Live surrounded by nature escapes, stay connected with social hubs and enjoy easy access to everything you need. Visit us today to explore a variety of Townhomes and Detached Homes with special pricing!

LIMITED HOMES AVAILABLE!

Single Car Garage Townhome The Equinox | 2,120 sq. ft. STARTING FROM THE MID $500 s

Visit Our Sales Centres

Single Car Garage Detached Home The Renew | 2,381 sq. ft. STARTING FROM THE HIGH $600s

Contact: 613-215-1522 | sls_oxfordvillage@mattamycorp.com

Location 1: 2600 County Road 43, Unit #32A, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Hours: Monday – 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday – Friday: Closed Saturday – Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm

Location 2: 3454 Greenbank Rd, Barrhaven, ON K2J 4H7

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm

mattamyhomes.com/ ontario/ottawa/kemptville/oxford-village Follow us: @mattamyhomes

Craftsman (CR)

Craftsman (CR)

Happy Canada Day

by Paul Maurice, Director, OFA

Crime is a reality for all Ontarians, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas. That’s particularly true of visible issues like theft, trespassing, or property damage, but fraud, cyber crimes, human trafficking and domestic violence – while less visible – are also cause for concern and vigilance.

There used to be somewhat of a perception that rural areas were safer or less of a target, but that is no longer the case so it’s important to be aware of possible risks and to take steps to protect yourself and others in your community.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture works hard to raise awareness of rural crime and ensuring

farmers and rural residents know how to minimize or prevent these kinds of occurrences. This includes working with law enforcement and partners like Crime Stoppers, known for their anonymous tip lines where people who’ve witnessed a crime can make a report, as well as for the cash rewards they pay if a tip leads to a crime being solved.

To help get the message out, OFA is hosting an upcoming webinar with Sarah Bowers-Peter, program coordinator with Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington, who will talk about the organization’s role as an intermediary between the public and police, as well as highlight key types of crimes that people could be exposed to and should be aware of.

Fraud is a growing

Be vigilant to protect yourself against rural crime

challenge across society in general, and rural residents are as vulnerable as anyone else to being targets of phishing scams, hacking, misrepresentative emails or attempts to swindle them out of money.

Along with that are general risks that come with living in an increasingly digital, connected world, including farms where more and more digital systems are being implemented. Cyber security incidents, whether it’s compromised information, financial fraud or data that is held hostage until a ransom is paid, are on the rise.

Outdated, unmaintained systems running old software no longer being updated is one of the most common vulnerabilities and is widespread, especially in small businesses – and this includes farms where research shows 90% of farming systems aren’t up to date and have no software patching or updating policy.

Theft is an ongoing threat in rural areas as criminals are becoming more brazen, helping themselves to vehicles,

equipment, livestock and more. Along with that, incidents of trespassing into fields for recreational activities or to grab that perfect selfie, as well as illegal dumping of everything from garbage and building materials to contaminated soil are becoming more prevalent.

I’m a farmer and a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture representing farmers in York, Peel and Simcoe, and that’s certainly the case in these regions. That’s why rural residents are encouraged to be vigilant, post clearly visible no trespassing signs, and invest in lights and alarms to make it harder for intruders to remain unseen.

As well, it pays to install good quality locks on buildings and to never leave keys in vehicles, tractors, ATVs or forklifts, etc – they are tempting targets. And try to resist the temptation of posting on social media when you’re going to be away!

Less visible but definitely happening across the province are crimes like human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s not

something that is widely talked about, which makes it easier to take place, and many people don’t know what signs to look for. Here too, Crime Stoppers or law enforcement can be a way to report suspicious activity anonymously and confidentially.

Preventing crime is always better than apprehending someone after a crime has been committed, so it pays to be informed and aware of what the risks are. The OFA has a tip sheet on protecting your farm against theft and trespassers, as well as a recording of a cyber security webinar; both are available at ofa.on.ca, as is registration for the Crime Stoppers webinar on June 26.

If you see suspicious activity, consider having it checked out by reporting it to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you have an observation or information that may help solve a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477), or via their website at https:// ontariocrimestoppers.ca/ submit-a-tip/submit-a-tip.

In Memory

Eric Leslie William Gutknecht

September 6, 1992 – June 25, 2010

Of all the special gifts in life, however great or small

To have you as our son, was the greatest gift of all

A special time, a special face

A special son, we can’t replace

With aching hearts, we whisper low

We miss you son and love you so.

How did colour blindness become racist?

by Chuong Nguyen and Mark Milke

It turns out that there are more white Canadians in poverty than all other ethnicities combined, and yet, as a new study from the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy also notes, considerable government “anti-poverty” resources exclude those Canadians on the basis of… skin colour.

Fifty years ago, the goal of progressive policymakers was to be colour blind. Today, “Thou shalt not be colour blind!” is the new “anti-racism,” at least according to progressives.

The lack of logic is eerily cultish and begs the questions: How did we get to the point where not judging someone by their skin colour is considered racist?

Blame bad ideas and politicians.

For example, in 2018, the federal government developed its new “antiracism strategy,” and focused on those presumed to have “lived experiences of racism and discrimination,” with a particular focus on Indigenous Canadians.

Those leading the charge may be well-meaning, but an ideology that defines “anti-racist” as colour-conscious in 2024 and forces everyone into one of two corners – the oppressor or the oppressed – is not merely simplistic but dangerous. Case in point: the tragic suicide of Toronto school principal Richard Bilkszto last year, blamed in part on his denouncement and humiliation by an ‘anti-racist’ training consultant, Kike Ojo-Thompson.

So where did this come from? The popularity of “anti-racism” can be traced back to the rise in prominence of Ibram X. Kendi, a best-selling author and scholar of American race relations. In 2016, Kendi published Stamped From the Beginning.

It was an earnest attempt to look at the history of racist ideas in America – but full of simplistic thinking and wrong causeand-effect links. At least Kendi got part of his antiracism assumptions correct, writing that “[N]o racial group has ever had

a monopoly on any type of human trait or gene – not now, not ever.”

However, Kendi then did a 180-degree turn, accusing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideas of containing the seeds of hidden racism. In his 2019 book, How to Be An Anti-Racist, he asserted that “The language of color blindness… is a mask to hide racism.”

As a work of scholarship, How to Be an Antiracist did not meet the standard of academic rigour. But as a work of propaganda, it exceeded anyone’s wildest imaginations. ‘Antiracism’ became the buzzword in American and Canadian political discourse after the killing of George Floyd in June 2020. The social unrest sparked by this act of injustice boosted the sales of Kendi’s book, all the while making its author the most sought-after authority on America’s ‘racial reckoning’.

Ibram X. Kendi’s name is becoming synonymous with ‘anti-racism’. But the thinking public will take him less and less seriously, once they take the time to examine what ‘anti-racism’ truly means.

For one, Kendi’s work is simplistic. For example, core to his thinking and analysis is that all differences in outcomes between cohorts (defined by colour) are the result of racism. He omits education levels, cultural differences, family dynamics, geography (Indigenous, like all Canadians, earn more in cities than in rural areas), and much more that matters to financial success or failure.

The good news is that Kendi is at least clear about his true intentions: “What’s the problem with being ‘not racist’? It is a claim that signifies neutrality… [T]here is no neutrality in the racism struggle.’”

But the bad news is that Kendi’s ‘anti-racism’ is not that – precisely because he wrongly assumes all differences in outcomes are a result of racism, which is monocausal. This leads him to state “The only remedy for past discrimination is present discrimination.” This is how modern ‘antiracism’ can advocate dis-

crimination and claim to be anti-discrimination at the same time.

It’s also why Columbia linguist John McWhorter remarked that “Third Wave Antiracism is not a philosophy but a religion,” and why it’s only a matter of time before the public realizes that Kendi-ism is nonsensical or racially divisive, or both.

However, before the public wakes up to Kendi’s ‘anti-racism’ bathed in racism, the tragedy of living by lies is that the most vulnerable suffer while those who promote the lie pat themselves on the back.

Consider when race and not financial need is the criterion for antipoverty funding. Few in poverty benefit, as Matthew Lau and David Hunt find in their new study for the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. For instance, well over 80 per cent of each Statistics Canada cohort – including black and Indigenous Canadians – are not in poverty. Thus, race-based funding under the guise of “anti-poverty” overwhelmingly benefits those who are not in poverty, while excluding the truly poor. Specifically, the government’s black-only and Indigenous-only antipoverty programs each exclude around 95 per cent of poor Canadians. How is such policy fair – or sensible?

In Canada, poverty is not linked to race, yet ‘anti-racism’ is what drive the poverty-reduction agenda.

For the sake of the actually disadvantaged, it is time we reject ‘anti-racism’ and its pseudo-scholarship and racial-identity politics. Thankfully, the High Priest of Antiracism has successfully painted himself into a corner. It’s only a matter of time before more people see Kendi’s contradictions.

Chuong Nguyen is a research associate with the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy and host of the Unlicensed Philosophy podcast.

Mark Milke, PhD, is the author of The Victim Cult and the president and founder of the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy.

Surgical Rule Number One:

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it

The most important lesson is often taught in the first class. This was the case at Harvard Medical School where a professor of surgery gave sound advice to students aspiring to hold the scalpel. He told them, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Another professor echoed this advice when he said, “There is no such thing as minor surgery.” How tragic when this simple message is ignored and the result is death.

It should not happen. But it did recently in Canada, twice. Two children died following tonsil and adenoid surgery, shocking the nation with a wake-up call to alert that common procedures are not riskfree. What went wrong is being investigated.

But it’s a nightmare occurrence for the doctors and families alike. And we must all learn anew. Surgery is never minor, and if it is not needed, don’t go for it.

Tonsillectomy is considered major surgery by the Otolaryngological Society. But one can bet most families would not perceive it as such. Rather, it’s seen as a quick, easy procedure to remove troublesome tonsils and/ or adenoids.

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system. Repeated infections or difficulty breathing lead to the decision for a surgery deemed safe. The main risk is bleeding up to 10 days after the operation.

Needless surgery caused the demise of comedian Joan Rivers. She joked about going under the knife to tuck this and that. But it would be one too many. She died from

cardiac arrest during a cosmetic procedure.

The youngest victims are newborn babies having undergone circumcision and dying due to hemorrhage. Yet, day after day, this procedure continues to be done. Why? Some people believe it should be performed for religious reasons. Others cite medical reasons, that it decreases cancer of the penis, a very rare disease, or decreases urinary infections in the first year of life. But does this mean all breasts should be removed at birth for fear of cancer or the nose to avoid infections?

Some critics say circumcision violates the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. After all, prior to newborn circumcision, no doctor or parents gain the consent of the child.

Ultrasound is often used during a medical workup to help diagnose a problem. On occasion, an ultrasound will find large stones in the gallbladder that have been present for years without causing trouble. On the other hand, small stones can enter the cystic duct that carries bile to the intestines. This results in severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.

The best treatment for large silent stones is to leave them alone. If they start to cause pain, surgery would be needed. But the best treatment, in the absence of trouble, is to leave them for the crematorium. Why? Because during removal of the gallbladder, there’s always a chance of injuring this small narrow duct. It happened to Athony Eden, one of England’s Prime Ministers, and is extremely difficult to repair, four subsequent surgeries in his case.

Everyone knows heart surgery can be a life and death procedure. Don’t be fooled into thinking that common surgery is free of risk. Indifference becomes tragedy when something terrible happens.

Medical journals are full of surgical complications. They occur when too much skin is removed, when botched procedures make it hard to pass urine, or when mistakes lead to amputation of part of the penis. The foreskin is loaded with blood vessels and nerves that have a sexual function, not a surgical imperative.

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

Baldwin's Birds

I'm either needing to Feed, or needing a Scritch!

Mum and Dad birds have be en busy over the last week and a constant to-ing and fro-ing, to satisfy the hungry young that they have brought into the world, is being carried out with great intensity! The Bluebirds and the House Wren have been particularly busy in our backyard, and the Wren has still been very vocal as well. It’s amazing how much noise such a small bird can make. The Bluebird on the other hand makes very little noise, and it’s amazing how swiftly they appear and disappear, when coming to their nesting box. You have to keep a sharp eye out for them, otherwise they will have been and gone before you can flit an eyelid. But that doesn't mean that they cannot be seen, for they will perch for quite a long time when not involved in feed-

ing duties, and they are very photogenic whenever they do decide to perch for a while.

Other birds are obviously doing the same kind of thing with their youngsters too. Chickadees and the Downy and the Hairy Woodpeckers are regular visitors, with their offspring tagging along with them, picking up the tricks of feeding from our various feeders.

I'm not sure if there was a lesson being taught to anyone in particular, but a Grackle picked up a peanut and then commenced to soak it in the bird bath, presumably to soften it, although with a peanut he probably wasn't having too much success! Smart of him to think of it though!

I watched another bird – a Robin, go to the birdbath to take a drink, but then it obviously thought about taking a bath. It

was in quite a quandary, and I thought that it might have been conscious of me watching from the garage door. However, it got disturbed by something else and the bathing thought was gone, along with him! At 30 odd degrees Celsius, he probably needed a quick splash to cool down – ah well, next time!

I hope that you are getting some good sightings of your own birds and are also managing to keep cool too!

Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin

The End of an Era: Celebrating 22 Years of Class Axe Guitars:

by Bruce Enloe

For 22 rocking years, Class Axe Guitars has been more than just a music store in Kemptville; as anyone who has driven by the famous mural knows, it has been the literal “Mount Rockmore” of the local music community – a haven for musicians, and a testament to the enduring power of music. The store is officially closing at the end of July, but everything is on sale now and nothing will be restocked - so if you’ve been putting off buying your dream axe, well, it’s time to rock!

As we approach the end of this era, let’s take a beat to celebrate the incredible journey of Class Axe Guitars and its founder, Bob Besharah, whose vision and dedication will leave their guitar-shaped mark on Kemptville for many, many years to come.

The Backbeat of Kemptville’s Music Scene

Since its establishment,

Class Axe Guitars has been the go-to destination for music enthusiasts in the area. Whether you are a budding guitarist, a seasoned musician, or someone simply looking to explore the world of music, Class Axe has always offered a warm, welcoming space filled with high-quality instruments, lessons from talented teachers, expert advice, and a sense of community.

Bob Besharah, the passionate, famously cranky, and hard-working owner, has been the driving force behind the store’s success. His commitment to providing excellent service and fostering a love for music has earned the shop a loyal customer base and a sterling reputation that extends well beyond the town line. Bob's expertise and genuine love for music have made the store not just a place to buy instruments, but a place to meet fellow travelers and forge connections and friendships that will last long beyond our short time spent drooling over his famous vintage guitars in the vault.

Founding the Kemptville Live Music Festival

Bob's contributions to the local music scene extend well beyond the store. Long before he founded the Kemptville Live Music Festival, Bob used to host oneday concerts in the backyard

of the Class Axe store on County Road 43. These events, known for their fun, friendly atmosphere and exceptional quality of music, were a welcome and highly anticipated community draw.

In the summer of 2014, driven by a vision for something more expansive, Bob approached the community and the Municipality of North Grenville with a proposal for a major music event. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and a dedicated group of volunteers soon formed the organizing committee for what would become the first Kemptville Live Music Festival. This team followed Bob’s lead and worked incredibly hard to design and implement a professional, well-organized, artist friendly festival that would present top notch musical performances to attendees, catering equally to the public, the artists, and volunteers alike.

The inaugural festival in 2015 drew just over 5,000 visitors from as far away as Toronto, Montreal, North Bay, and Syracuse. By 2019, attendance had soared to 24,000 visitors over four days, transforming Kemptville into a loud and celebratory music lovers’ destination. Though the pandemic brought a temporary halt to

the festivities in 2020 and 2021, the festival made a triumphant return in 2022, once again drawing music fans in droves to its home on the Kemptville campus. Though Bob stepped away from the festival in recent years, it is safe to say that his presence is felt in every note ringing out from that magical twilit stage in the forest that he was the first one to imagine.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As Class Axe Guitars winds down its final weeks and months, it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to a cherished institution. The announcement of the store's closure marks the end of an era, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful memories and the positive impact it has had on our community.

To mark the end of this chapter, Class Axe Guitars is winding down with sales on everything in the store over the coming days and weeks and will finish up by hosting a garage sale near the end of July 2024. This event will not only offer music lovers a chance to purchase the last few instruments, equipment, and memorabilia, but will also be a chance to celebrate Bob and his store’s history and legacy. It will be a time to gather, share stories, and honour the incredible journey of Class Axe Guitars and its founder and constant presence.

Looking to the Future

While the closure of Class Axe Guitars is undoubtedly a loss for Kemptville, the spirit of music that Bob has cultivated will continue to resonate.

Friendships (and bands!)

that were formed, musicians inspired, and the community he strengthened will endure, reminding us for years to come of the power of music to bring people together. As we say goodbye to Class Axe, we really have to extend our deepest gratitude to Bob for his unwavering efforts. His contributions have left a permanent mark on all of Kemptville, and whether he knows it or not, that legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

So, thank you, Bob, for 22 years of music, memories, and community. Your impact on Kemptville will never be forgotten, and as we move forward, we will continue to carry the last few bending bluesy notes of the 22 year guitar solo that was Class Axe Guitars in our hearts.

Art in the Foyer (the Municipal Centre)

Thanks to a generous donation by an anonymous resident some 14 years ago, our community has been able to enjoy works of art in the foyer of our ever-busy Municipal hub. June brings us a new installation of paintings and photography by local artists for another 4 month period.

Back then, the ‘Chicks’ of Gallery 6 located in the Victorian Pantry were asked to coordinate the display, since they had the talent and the contacts. One of the original ‘Chicks’ has kept the tradition going, of supporting both up-and-coming and seasoned artists and photographers with the opportunity to publicly display their works at no cost.

If you are an interested artist please contact Carol at csplar@cogeco.ca

The Art of Carol Pillar

Art is part of what makes Carol Pillar, and creating of course, in whatever form that may be.

South Branch Serenade

ville, successfully selling her work.

Drawing, stained glass, candle-making, jewelry, ornaments, cat toys, herbal teas, wreaths just to name a few! So although Carol may not be painting as she enters her senior years, there never is a shortage of creative things to do.

Carol has had her share of art lessons, starting in High School, Vocational Art at Commerce HS, Commercial Art at Algonquin, classes at Nepean and Ottawa School of Art, and over the years attended art shows, studio tours, markets, arts & craft shows, either solo or with the North Gower Artists Society or the coop Gallery 6 in Kempt-

Presents

Serenade South Branch

Every Thursday Night Throughout July and August 5:30 - 7:00pm Rotary Park in Downtown Kemptville

Paddle up to the Basin by the Library or Come Down by Foot with your Blanket or Lawn Chair and Enjoy the Sounds from Local Musicians.

Watercolour was her favourite medium with forays into acrylic painting, pastel and charcoal drawing of landscapes and challenging water scenes. A sketch book always goes along with her on travels to capture special ‘Canadian’ details. An eye for detail is Carol’s forte, and continues to be in her unique career as an Illustrator for the Underwater Archaeology Unit of Parks Canada. Detailed drawings of historical artifacts and shipwreck site plans for the HMS Erebus & Terror are the most current subjects. A few can be viewed on this website under ‘Artifacts’ or ‘Archaeology of the Erebus & Terror’ https:// parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ nu/epaveswrecks/culture/ archeologie-archeology

For many years Carol also has found great enjoyment in sharing her skills and encouraging others to develop their creative talents by teaching classes and workshops for all ages. Encouraging local artists to ‘get their work out there’ is the very reason she oversees the Art in the Foyer display at our Municipal Centre.

But this story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Carol’s second career in Holistic Nutrition that began as a ‘mature’ student in 2012. It truly is an extension of her passion to share knowledge and encourage others, in this case for wellness, and still includes plenty of creating, whether it be programs, protocols, natural personal care or stress reducing products. You can visit https://wholesumapproach.com to learn more! She believes the satisfaction of creating plays a direct role in your state of wellness.

Don Munz has been an active participant in the beautification of downtown Kemptville for many decades. Not only is he a very accomplished artist, he was instrumental in creating the murals downtown, with the participation of North Grenville District High School students, which was, at the time, situated on Prescott Street. He also designed many of the downtown business facades, particularly on Prescott street. Don is the person who was behind having those three lovely old posters printed up and mounted along the South Branch, across from Salamanders. They make a lovely effect at night, illuminated beside the bridge. He was also behind the creation of the flower baskets that adorn the bridge downtown.

Now in his 90's, Don continues to share his vision of transforming the downtown into a more interactive surrounding. His latest idea is 'Serenade Across the Water' a musical adventure which will be launched by the BIA July 4, with the help of Paul Cormier, Herb Clouthier, Jamming Around Man and many other volunteers. The Series is FREE of charge for all. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Rob Barclay, Saxophonist Extraordinaire on July 4, the first musician to help launch this event.

Don's original thought was to have musicians play on the public dock beside Salamanders, but, due to safety reasons, this has been moved to Rotary Park, and this musical interlude will be held every Thursday night throughout July and August, between 5:30 - 7:00pm. There are many ways you can take in this display: by either paddling up to the basin by the Library, or coming down on foot with your blanket or lawn chair and enjoying the sounds from local Musicians.

As always, thank you Don, for having this vision, and for making North Grenville a better place to live.We love your creative ideas and we are so pleased that the BIA with its many volunteers were able to quickly make this dream come to life!

Oasis, acrylic

H

The Municipality of North Grenville, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est (CECCE), and the Kemptville Campus are pleased to announce the establishment of a permanent French Catholic school.

This development marks a significant milestone for the Municipality of North Grenville, enhancing educational and recreational opportunities for the community.

Previously, the CECCE rented space for operations, and establishing a permanent home on Kemptville Campus signifies a pivotal transition, offering a dynamic future environment for educational activities, and reinforcing North Grenville’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive educational landscape.

Mayor Peckford ex-

Municipality welcomes permanent French Catholic School on Kemptville Campus

pressed her enthusiasm, stating, “On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville, we are delighted to see the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est establish a permanent home on Kemptville Campus, much like the Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO), which purchased 7 acres and 2 buildings in 2018. Our community is proud to support the growing number of Francophone and Francophile families who will benefit from more educational opportunities.”

In addition to the school, the Municipality of North Grenville is excited to announce that the Municipality and French Catholic Board are pursuing the feasibility of establishing a multirecreational sports dome on Campus.

by Lynne Ferguson-Bourguignon, Volunteer, CLNG

Generosity and kindness continue to be well and strong in our community.

On Wednesday May 29th, Kemptville Physio hosted their annual BBQ in support of Community Living North Grenville (CLNG). During the BBQ, a lady generously donated $50.00 and didn’t want anything for her contribution. We offered her free tickets for the Personal Empowerment Group (PEG)

A P P Y C A N A D A D A Y

Mayor Peckford continued, “The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est solidifies the strong desire by both parties of exploring the viability of establishing a multi-recreational sports dome on the campus in the near future. This facility would serve not only the students, but also a diverse array of recreational and sports groups from North Grenville and surrounding areas."

The Kemptville Campus Board Chair shared his excitement about the new development. "I am thrilled to welcome the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est to our campus," said Brian McKee. "The establishment of a permanent home for the French Catholic school and the de-

quilt. This quilt was made by people who care about CLNG and are directly involved with agency, and the raffle draw was to take place at the BBQ. “Oh, that is not necessary, I thank you very much I just wanted to support Community Living.” Thank you nice lady whoever you are!

Another person driving a Lockwood Brothers truck, gave $20.00 for a $5.00 BBQ Platter. Thank you whoever you are! The person that won the PEG quilt was Sabrina from Ottawa.

Did you know the Lisa Team offers a free home evaluation? Call Lisa Deschambault today!

velopment of a sports dome align perfectly with our mission to create a vibrant and inclusive community space with a particular focus on education, training and sports. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on our students and the entire community."

The Municipality of North Grenville and the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est look forward to the development of these projects and the positive impact they will have on the community.

The continued stories of quilts in Kemptville

A few days later, we launched another raffle, Kelly’s “Canada” quilt that she (my childhood girlfriend) specially made for CLNG. This quilt is to raise funds for events put on by CLNG Events Committee in support of community inclusive activities. The quilt includes a Canada wide map, graphics of whales, geese, moose, wolves, salmon, beaver and maple leaves on the underside.

The kindness and generosity continued a few days later when distributing flyers to businesses on Prescott Street. The first stop to ask if they might put up a poster was at SuGold’s Jewelry and Gift Shop. They said “for sure” with great enthusiasm. She said “I would be happy to purchase some tickets and we could sell tickets too!” She bought tickets, and the SuGold store is also selling tickets on our behalf. Wow! At the last stop, I entered Helen’s Sewing Room with the same request to put up

a poster and was asked if I had tickets. She liked the quilt very much and Helen and her sister both bought tickets. Her sister has made many, many, many quilts.

Well, it didn’t end there. The next day my husband and I walked to Brewed Awakenings for coffee. I brought flyers On the way back returning by Prescott Street, I stopped at Bodhi Tree Yoga. Darn the door is locked, I was too early. There was a lady sitting outside the building obviously waiting for her yoga class. I asked “Oh would you do me a favour? Could you ask if one of these flyers could be posted on their bulletin board? It is a flyer for a quilt raffle for CLNG.” She replied “Oh sure!” As I walked away, she yelled… oh do you have tickets with you? I’ll buy some!” I did not have tickets with me. I said “Oh thank you.” She replied “No problem, I will etransfer for a couple. Have a great day!”

There is more. I met my neighbour in the middle of the street to say hello and chat. I threw in the latest volunteer project I was helping with. Kelly ‘s “Canada” quilt… I told the story and she lamented that she loves quilts, and I asked “Do you want to see it? I have it in the house.”

Oh sure. She loved it, stated “how many tickets do you think I have to buy to win it?” She went over all the details on the quilt, provinces, moose, beaver, whales, ducks, loons, salmon, maple leaves… She said “I’ll get my sister to buy some tickets too!” Yippee!

One more. I am a rookie golf player at the Rideau Glen’s Golf Club and asked if I could display it and bring some flyers, “BRING THE QUILT!” was the re-

ply. The ladies were very generous buying tickets. Last thing… it appears that we have received raffle ticket purchases from the following Provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Vancouver, Quebec, and Ontario (obviously).

The quilt will be at the Kemptville Farmers Market June 23rd, B&H Your Community Grocer June 24th and 26th at lunchtime, Oxford Mills Canada Day at Maplewood Park from 10am to 2:30pm, and Kemptville Canada Day in the display area 2:45pm to 5:30pm. Tickets are also available at the CLNG building, 2830 County Rd 43. The raffle draw will be held Thursday, July 4th at 3:00pm at Community Living North Grenville. Happy Canada Day!