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The Voice of North Grenville
Vol. 10 No. 29
July 28, 2022
Mural project shows North Grenville’s artsy side
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Painting in progress for the much anticipated Market Mural. The mural is set to be unveiled some time in August.
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A mural project spearheaded by the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee for the Kemptville Farmers’ Market has demonstrated the artsy spirit which is present in North Grenville. The project was spearheaded by Jayne Couch, who was contacted by the Board of the Kemptville Farmers’ Market on the advice of Mayor Nancy Peckford. “If Nancy Peckford said you should ask me, then I kind of can’t say no,” Jayne joked. The Market Board was interested in com-
missioning a mural for a very specific purpose. They wanted to spruce up the Bunkie that sits in the B&H parking lot, where the Market takes place. Rather than doing a mural herself, Jayne chose to pull a “call for artists” to the North Grenville Arts Guild. The request resulted in four submissions for possible designs, which were all sent to the Market Board for review. The Board then picked the design it wanted. One important aspect of this project was ensuring that the artist would be paid for their work, which
was something that the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee insisted on. “They’re really big on ‘pay the artist’,” said Jayne. “We wanted to make sure that if we had a commissioned project that was going to be presented to the entire community, then we wanted to promote issues like ‘pay the artist’. Two years of COVID makes everyone realize that you have to pay artists too. They can’t work for free.” Once the design was picked, a group of volunteers was enlisted to help paint the mural. Tammy Keith, President of the
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North Grenville Arts Guild, organized the location to create the finished piece of art, as well as the volunteers necessary to complete the project. The mural is expected to be a great tribute to the North Grenville community. While it is not expected to be revealed until next month, a sneak peak photo of the mural painting in progress does reveal one important feature – the “#LoveNG” reference. The Kemptville Farmers’ Market has been a staple in the community for years, running every Sunday from 12pm – 4pm, “rain, snow, or shine” as the Market’s website proudly boasts. The 2022 season is running from May 15 to October 30. The Market has also become notable over the years for its charitable annual Christmas Markets, where as a rule, everything sold must be homemade. The Market takes place in the parking lot of the B&H grocery store at 200 Sanders Street in Kemptville. More information about the Market can be found at https://www.kemptvillefarmersmarket.ca/. Those wishing to learn more about the North Grenville Arts Guild can visit https://ng-arts-guild. ca/.
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An Honourable visit to North Grenville
a special invitation was issued to a variety of community groups to join a round table and discuss with the Lt. Governor how North Grenville could to foster cohesion and collaboration as we emerge out of pandemic phases. There were discussions about how specific community groups coped with mental health issues, how businesses and groups adapted to nonphysical contact, and what we did as groups to promote a strong sense of community. There was representation from our Youth Advisory Committee, who felt this leadership helped the young members of this community to develop a platform for their opinions, without having to wait until they are of
by Ashley Sloan Friday, July 22, marked an extra special day in North Grenville with a visit from Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell. The visit was one of 70 stops on her travels across Ontario in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. There was a public flag raising ceremony, where members of the Youth Advisory Committee and Kemptville Youth Centre stood as Emilie Padbury raised the Queen's Canadian Platinum Jubilee flag. The Lt. Governor mentioned that her visit was to honour the Queen, and the best way to thank her was to thank those who provided service in our community. Following the ceremony
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age to vote. Representation from the rural hamlets, including Burrit’s Rapids and Oxford Mills, helped to highlight the importance of communication and inclusion in North Grenville, and the amenities that we are so proud to enjoy. Our community is based on a huge reliance on volunteering and Cathy Sheppard, representing the International Plowing Match committee, talked about how we could improve on supporting this group, so that people are more likely to step up. Robert Matheson from the Health, Wellness and Advisory Committee was able to report on success in past years There was the ParticipAction contest win last year, and we are still
waiting on this year’s results to know if NG will hold on to its title. There was a tremendous community vibe in the room that impressed the Lt. Governor, and she said that it seemed we understand how to build a community. She encouraged us to continue doing what we are doing. She said that she “believes that our way to healing is through the Arts, and our most important lesson coming out of COVID is community building” This was great news for our Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. The discussion ended with a group photo and a huge sense of pride, as we strive to provide a safe and healthy community for residents in North Grenville.
Photo by club member Sies Visser.
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OpEd
I was going to visit an ill friend this past Saturday, but St. Michaels Hospital’s 9th Floor was isolated with a COVID-19 outbreak. This also has happened on the first floor of La Verendrye Hospital (Riverside) in Fort Francis and also the West Wing of Rainycrest was added to a large list of COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the nation. The usual precautions are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but are not limited to: General visitors will be restricted to bottom floors of hospitals. Palliative patients can have up to 4 visitors, two at a time, plus 1 essential caregiver. Cohorting of staff (those exposed will be separated from non exposed medical staff). N95 masks are essential for staff and visitors in all designated areas. Emergency Units in many hospitals are closing down for periods of a few days to a week and beyond throughout the nation, especially in medical centres and hospitals in rural and small town locations. Lack of needed staff and overall staff personnel fatigue are reasons for this continual action. Staff are often taking vacations or just not returning to their employ-
•• ers. The lack of professional assistance, better pay and working conditions seem to persist throughout our medical facilities. Bill 124 has brought about controversy within the Health Ministry for various public sector unions and hospital staff members. Limiting pay increases to 1% annually has led the medical and nursing staff of Ontario's hospitals to call for both legal and labour action. They have been staffing our hospitals all this time, and the pandemic continues to spread its viral tentacles with no end in sight. All the weaknesses in our health system before the pandemic have been and continue to show themselves. Various governments seem unwilling to spend the needed funds to not only fight this virus, but also to strengthen the health system we rely upon with better wages, training more replacement workers en masse, extending COVID protocols within the system, and investigating those seniors’ homes that failed their patients in 2020-2021. For many of our national and regional governments, the health portfolio has been and continues to be seen as a money pit, sucking up funds that many administrations could use elsewhere.
UPDATE
Working in a hospital is a profession, and not charity. Paying our experienced staff will keep them here where they are needed, not just now but in the near future too. Many hospitals are receiving newbie staff without the necessary experience essential to carry on. Experienced medical staff are very much like essential managers who show their new associates how things get done. Many of our governments are at fault, putting budgetary concerns before the welfare of our neighbours. This is a global issue. Statistics place the need for new nurses within the region of the Caribbean at 7,500+, and in Latin- Central America, a further 18,330+. Imagine how many skilled medical professional passed away due to the pandemic, tens of thousands and growing daily. All of our hospitals are full, and medical professionals, namely family doctors, are still unprepared to deal with this pandemic, sending many of their patients to emergency centres. A true catastrophe, while many administrations pretend that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Steven Kaszab Bradford, Ontario skaszab@yahoo.ca
MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS
The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect. Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville.ca/events-calendar.
2022 MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
The nomination period is open until 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2022 for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election. Please visit NGvotes.ca for nomination information, announcements, and updates. Notices setting out the positions and details concerning school board elections can be found at: NGvotes.ca/election-news. Are you on the voters list for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election? Visit voterlookup.ca or simply scan the QRCode using the camera on your smart phone or by downloading a QR reader.
UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS Council meetings will be held in Council Chambers and will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/ featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/ governance/agendas-and-minutes. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@ northgrenville.on.ca Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-andminutes. • •
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend.
Doug Ford proposing new powers for mayors by Brandon Mayer Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made a controversial proposal, which would see the mayors of Ottawa and Toronto get the power to override Council members on certain matters. The proposal has not yet been tabled in written form, but has been discussed by Ford in interviews, with local MPP Steve Clark also weighing in. Many concerned politicians and citizens are asking what the purpose of such legislation would be, particularly because disagreement and voting are key elements of democracy that are effectively removed when one political figure can overrule others. However, the Premier is strongly defending his decision. “I just think it’s the right thing to do, since all the responsibility falls on the Mayor, he needs the ability and the responsibility to make decisions,” Ford told reporters. July 29, 2022
The new powers would only be for the Mayors of Toronto and Ottawa, though after a trial run of approximately one year, the powers could be expanded to other large municipalities as well. The details of the policy are not yet clear, with Ford saying that more will be revealed at a later date. What is known thus far is that mayors would be given the power to overrule Council decisions, but Council members could “overrule the overruling” with sufficient votes. Toronto Mayor John Tory spoke to reporters in favour of the proposed change, saying that such a change has been under discussion for decades, and that a strong mayor system would be beneficial. However, other politicians have voiced strong concerns over the proposal, particularly because it would detract from the powers of other Council members. Local MPP Steve Clark, who is also the Minister of
Council Meeting (Closed) – Meeting Room 1 – Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Council Meeting (Open) – Council Chambers – Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Municipal Affairs and Housing, was another supporter of the proposal, suggesting that it would help the current housing crisis. “We need to make sure that local councils have every tool that’s available to them to get shovels in the ground,” he told reporters. Despite this, Ford seemed confused when asked about the link to affordable housing, and instead said that the change would be intended to speed up “any decision”. Mayor Nancy Peckford provided the Times with some thoughts on the matter. "Premier Ford's strong mayor proposal is specific to big city mayors and is not a model that Canadian municipalities have embraced up to now,” she said. “This said, I am proud of how North Grenville's Council has worked together to foster a strong spirit of collaboration throughout this term. While we may disagree from time to time, which is healthy, I believe we are best
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Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – August 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
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Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee - August 3, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.
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Tourism Advisory Subcommittee – August 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for an exciting career in municipal government? Visit northgrenville.ca/careers to stay up to date on career opportunities with the Municipality.
The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130 , Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441
Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002
able to serve the community through thoughtful dialogue and deliberation." Ford is hoping to have the proposed extra powers available to mayors before the municipal elections scheduled for October.
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Editorial
All progress is good progress by Brandon Mayer It is that time of year again? Are education worker labour strikes looming? I’m being funny, of course, as labour contracts in the education system typically run for three years. However, with the polarizing debates that tend to happen in the general public when these labour disputes occur, it can start to feel like they happen more often. If I crudely break down the arguments for and against education workers’ labour disputes into two groups, we have the “They Already Make More Than Most People and Should Be Happy and Stop Holding Our Children Hostage” group, and then of course there is the “You Couldn’t Pay Me Enough to Teach and Supervise Other People’s Kids All Day So Give Them a Huge Raise” group. Full disclosure: I am an education worker, but I’ll admit that I have dabbled in feelings on the “suck it up and be grateful” side. I can understand why a person making $15/hour, 40+ hours per week breaking their back
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in a factory with no paid leave days and awful working conditions could become infuriated when those with better working conditions start complaining. After giving my head a shake, however, I realize that all progress is good progress. Laws that govern basic fair working conditions – such as minimum wage – only came about because of people fighting the good fight historically. Ontario had its first minimum wage legislation enacted in 1920, and I would wager a pretty penny (or perhaps a pretty nickel in this economy) that there were workers in 1920 who opposed the legislation over fears that it would kill jobs. But most of us can now agree that minimum wage is critical to any labour market for many reasons, including the fact that it prevents people from being taken advantage of when they are down on their luck. Recently, we have seen a few spikes in Ontario’s minimum wage which now sits at $15 per hour and is slated to increase to $15.50 per hour in October. These spikes reflect a simple fact:
life is expensive. Many people oppose minimum wage increases, particularly large ones, because of the strain they can put on small businesses. Fears remain that minimum wage increases kill jobs, but studies suggest otherwise. And while it may seem unfair to work your way up to a wage of say, $20 per hour in a more skilled job, only to have minimum wage workers come nearer and nearer to your salary, I continue to contend that all progress is good progress. The smaller the gap between minimum wage and wages for more skilled jobs, the more pressure on employers in the latter category to raise those wages in turn. In many cases, this is the only way workers can expect to see their wages keep up with inflation. Back to the education sector, this logic of “all progress is good progress” must apply somewhere, right? In education, there are actually two main fights that go on. One is between teachers and the Province, and the other involves negotiations between the Province and support staff, such
as Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Custodians, and Office Administrators. These CUPE workers (pronounced “QP” for those in the inner circle) are the ones preparing for their fight in the coming months. They typically make between $30,000 and $40,000 yearly, compared to their teacher counterparts who can expect to earn in the ballpark of $100,000 yearly after securing a permanent position with sufficient experience. In fact, Ontario has the highest paid teachers in the world – if you want the naughty thrill of knowing another adult’s exact annual salary, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/public-sectorsalary-disclosure and search for your child’s teacher’s name. If their salary is over $100,000 yearly, it will be listed. On average, close to half of the teachers in your child’s school should be listed. It's safe to say that teachers have made progress in earning a good living with more favourable work conditions that in previous decades, and this progress can help CUPE workers
as well. The huge gap in teacher vs. CUPE salaries can be partially explained, and partially not. Some valid reasons why teachers make more money include their longer working hours (for assignment marking, lesson preparation, etc), the specific education requirements they must meet, and the length of time it takes to find secure employment. Further to the last point, new teachers can almost certainly expect to wait over a decade for a permanent position, and life up to that point is fraught with the uncertainty of not knowing whether they will have a job year by year. A battle like that is one that not many would be willing to fight without the hope of a good living at the end. Despite their clarity, these reasons for teachers earning more fail to account for the sheer size of the wage gap. School support staff work in high pressure, everchanging environments, for close to the same hours as teachers. Some get assaulted by students during their regular duties and have to wear Kevlar for protection. For parts of their day, sup-
port staff perform the same duties as teachers, such as supervising large groups of students during lunch and recess. Furthermore, the flexibility of support staff is a key to the functioning of any school. If support staff weren’t flexible in their duties, schools would not be able to open reliably every day. With all this in mind, it may be acceptable that support staff earn less than teachers, but to earn only one third of a teacher’s salary? That seems more than a tad unreasonable. And surely, this wage gap will be used as a point during the bargaining process for CUPE’s upcoming contract renewal. Teachers’ progress with wages will therefore help their CUPE counterparts, and alas, true to the model, all progress is good progress.
been tough on all health care workers. We’ve tried to keep our patients, our families and ourselves safe from a novel virus in a landscape of constantly changing restrictions, guidance, and eligibility for vaccinations and treatment. As a front-line community pharmacist, the first I often knew about changes in eligibility for vaccinations was when a patient phoned up to try and book an appointment after it had just been announced live on TV by Doug Ford or one of his ministers. The issues facing our healthcare system are not unique to Ontario or to Canada, but actions that Doug Ford has taken have not helped things. Bill 124 has limited nurses and other provincial employees to pay raises of just 1% a year since 2019 – no wonder nurses feel undervalued! Ford has also removed virtually all public health restrictions to
curb the spread of COVID despite the fact we are in the midst of a seventh wave with the highly transmissible BA.5 Omicron variant – wastewater viral signals, test positivity rates, and hospital admissions are all increasing in Eastern Ontario. A politically motivated decision to end public health measures in the lead up to an election does not mean that the pandemic is over, despite what Ford wanted us to believe. Maybe Ford’s decision to scrap these measures is related to a shortage of staff in emergency departments across the Province, but I doubt he is that forward thinking. The decision to scrap licence sticker renewal fees has cost the government of Ontario $1 billion a year, which no doubt will have further impact on health care as there is now a bigger budget hole to fill. We have been fortunate that Kemptville District
Hospital has not had to close or reduce its ED’s opening hours, but we can’t take this for granted and we should continue to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID. • Ontario Greens are calling on our provincial government to: • repeal Bill 124 to allow fair bargaining and give all nurses the raise they deserve, • hire more nurses, • increase per person healthcare investments to put Ontario in line with other provinces, • and legislate ten paid sick days for workers. These measures will help prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed and go someway to repairing a system that is teetering on the brink of collapse. Steve Gabell
Letter to the Editor In his letter, Ed Norman claims that “climate change” pronouncements raise fears in many listeners. I'm not sure why Mr Norman decided to put the words "climate change" in quotation marks when there is an enormous amount of evidence from multiple lines of investigation to show that human activity has led to increasing temperatures on Earth. Just a few days before Mr Norman's letter was published, we saw widespread extreme temperatures in Europe with many countries demolishing their record temperatures by a degree or more. Germany, Denmark, France, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal all saw widespread record breaking temperatures. It hit 40c in England, a county famed for its temperate climate.
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor Our health care system is in crisis. Multiple hospitals have had to close their emergency departments (EDs) either completely or overnight due to staff shortages. The ED at Perth Hospital has been closed since July 2nd and is scheduled to reopen on July 24th, while Glengarry Memorial Hospital in Alexandria is closing the ED overnight until August 3rd. Hospitals in Mount Forest, Clinton, Seaforth, and urgent cares in Kingston and Brampton have all had to adjust their hours recently. The length of time patients spend in ED is at a 14-year high, while ambulance offload times are at a 12 year high according to the Ontario Hospital Association. Emergency medical care is literally a matter of life and death at times, and every minute counts when dealing with emergencies such as heart attacks or The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.
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strokes. The crisis affecting emergency rooms is only the most visible aspect of the crisis across our health care system. Doctors and nurses in hospitals are burnt out after dealing with the COVID pandemic since March 2020. Many people face difficulties in getting appointments with their family doctors if they even have one. Difficulty accessing family doctors leads to people seeking care from EDs for issues that aren’t necessarily emergencies or leads to chronic conditions being undiagnosed and poorly managed, causing further strain on the healthcare system. Difficulty accessing family doctors also puts more pressure on pharmacies as people request prescription extensions from pharmacists or advice on managing issues that really need medical attention. The last two years have
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Trampling 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights with a Bouncy Castle by Sarah Godwin I read David Shanahan’s opinion piece “The Need for Grace” with great frustration and dismay. I am the individual who is quoted by Mr. Shanahan and who brought a protest sign to the Canada Day festivities. With respect, Mr. Shanahan does not understand the issue Southgate Community Church is a Wesleyan church. The Wesleyan church (note I am referring to the church and not its individual parishioners) is known to be homophobic and transphobic – it has adopted official statements of the Wesleyan view on several issues including homosexuality, gender identity and gender expression, “in order to encourage laity and ministers to integrate faith and life to respond appropriately and responsibly to current cultural and public policy matters." The Wesleyan statement on homosexuality lumps the “sin” of homosexual relationships in with bestiality and incest. The Wesleyan tenets respect only maleness and femaleness as human categories assigned at birth. While all sinners (in a “state of depravity”) are to be welcomed into the Church for pastoral care, this does not constitute “approval of nonconforming gender behavior”. Moreover, the Wesleyan church states that laws and public institutions
should not have to accommodate “minorities who define themselves by gender and sexual preferences without respect or regard for the preferences and rights of the majority”. In essence, the Wesleyan tenets are that those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ are sick, must hide their true nature and act "straight". Not all Christian churches hold such views. Contrary to Mr. Shanahan’s opinion, I know many who consider themselves to be Christian and accept the worth and dignity of all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The Wesleyan tenets are extremely harmful. Those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ have experienced well documented harassment, discrimination and harm. Hiding one’s identity does not alleviate the harm but rather comes with its own well documented psychological damage. Thus, Southgate’s sponsorship of any public event is repugnant and alienating to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies. NG Pride and I were approached by many vendors, volunteers and members of the public who did not believe Southgate should be there as a sponsor. The very visible presence of Southgate as a sponsor at such an event sends a message to the
North Grenville community that 2SLGBTQIA+ are not welcome. That Church’s presence indicates that it is permissible to deny the dignity and worth of those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, and that they are only accepted if they deny their essential selves and conform to the heterosexual, straight “norm”. This goes well beyond mere taking offence. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination and harassment in the provision of a service. Protected grounds include sexual origin, gender identity and gender expression, but also (as Mr. Shanahan infers) creed. Human Rights Code protections apply to individuals, not associations, organizations or churches. Sometimes the Code protections must be balanced against one another. So, for Canada Day, Mr. Shanahan believes that the right of Southgate parishioners to have their church sponsor a bouncy castle (which as far as I know is not essential to the Church’s parishioners’ creed) should carry as much value as the right of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to feel accepted at a public event. I vehemently disagree. Refusing Southgate’s sponsorship of a public event does not require anyone to ignore their fundamental beliefs, nor does it impose a certain moral view on the Church’s
nadoes. I'm scared because we have no planet B. Steve Gabell
don’t need your blocking of others’ opinions, no matter how objectionable they are to you, 1 person?, 2 people?; by censoring anyone, you are censoring on the basis of your prejudices. And heaven knows what they are based on. If you are concerned that the election will become 'really nasty', are you deciding what is acceptable? If an election is becoming nasty, it’s because people are really fed up (I've spare your sensibilities). People are becoming more active politically, more positively active. Unless you represent the rot that’s in our election/ parliamentary system, you will applaud, support and become active also. Judy Hill (you wont print this., because it doesnt follow your views.
parishioners. This fiasco could have been avoided had the Kemptville and District Community Association listened to the ample community input from the September 2021 Promenade when Southgate’s sponsorship included its branded bouncy castle and free cotton candy, distributed by volunteers
in Southgate shirts. In response to feedback from the community, the Kemptville Business Improvement Association promptly adopted a diversity and inclusion policy which should prevent a repeat, but not the KDCA. The KDCA doubled down, had the Church back for the 2022 Canada Day events and did not publicize that sponsorship until two days
before the celebration. The KDCA offered a service on Canada Day, with financial support from the Municipality of North Grenville and the federal government. It was wrong to include a sponsor which does not respect the dignity and worth of all those in the Municipality.
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Letters con't The danger isn't that people have fears due to the climate crisis, the danger is that far too many people are not taking it seriously enough. We have a provincial government that plans to increase the use of natural gas in electricity generation and spend huge amounts to connect rural and northern communities to natural gas for heating, while the federal government buys pipelines and approves huge carbon bomb projects like Bay du Nord. I'm scared for the future. I'm scared about what kind of planet my two-year-old daughter is going to experience. I'm scared about where the food and water supply are going to come from and what conflicts we could see because of this. I'm scared because we're already at 1.2C of heating and we are seeing huge impacts from heatwaves, fires, flooding, droughts, hurricanes and torJuly 29, 2022
Dear Editor I've just read the editor’s 1/2 page piece on 'anyone who had a heart'. And I’m desolate. No one should be taking it upon themselves to tell the public what they should and should not read. Mr. Shanahan believes that we need to be saved/protected/censored from anything Mr. Shanahan disagrees with. It’s bad enough that the government, the CBC and most media owned by Postmedia (which is most media) have been happily 'protecting' our sensibilities. But an independent paper? (so maybe not so independent!). What’s really dangerous, in his mind, “is the desire to destroy so many”. No one’s trying to destroy anyone. We are adults, Mr. Shanahan, we
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The North Grenville Times
Fainting frightens, Darren Dwyer but is usually benign
Jones, Gwyneth Gwyneth Jones passed away at the Kemptville District Hospital, Kemptville, on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the age of 92, surrounded by family who saw her off to Cymru. Predeceased by her beloved husband Denis Jones and daughter Sian Jones. Survived by her children, Mali Jones, Robert Jones, and Gareth Jones. Adored grandmother (Gu) of Taylor Jones, Brittany Young (Roland), Emma Fulcomer, and Catrin Fulcomer. Predeceased by her sister Betty Jenkins. Dear aunt of Alison and Mary Parker, and great-aunt to Brendan Parker. A special thank you to Dr. Zakhem and all the staff of Kemptville District Hospital for their care and compassion. After training and practicing as a nurse and midwife in England and Wales, Gwyneth left in 1957 with her husband to begin a new life in Canada, settling in Kemptville in the fall of 1958. She was the quintessential doctor’s wife, initially working in Denis’ practice and immersing herself in family and community. She gave her time to causes and groups important to her and encouraged her children to do the same. She was an early member of the Kemptville Players, a district commissioner for the Girl Guides, a fundraiser and driver for the Canadian Cancer Society, and a driver for Meals on Wheels. She was one of the founding members, back in 1967, of the organization now known as Community Living North Grenville. She was an active member of St. James Anglican Church, serving on the Altar Guild for many years. She volunteered because she believed in the importance of giving back and how it built a sense of community. Later in life, she enjoyed the comradery of Youngsters of Yore and her regular Thursday morning coffee group. When she moved to Curry Park Apartments in 2019 at the age of 89 following the death of her husband to live on her own for the first time, she began what would be the final phase of her life as a member of a vibrant seniors community there that formed and flourished despite the pandemic. She had many roles during her life. As a spouse, she was fiercely supportive and protective, an enthusiastic travel companion and adventurer during the empty nest years, and an everpresent advocate and presence when Denis needed care during his later years. Her children would want you to know that, as a parent, Mum always let you know that you were loved and she was always looking out for you. As a grandmother, she delighted in her granddaughters and cherished every moment she spent with them. She was the keeper of the family flame, both here and overseas, making sure that we had a strong family bond with our extended family despite the miles apart. She loved the holidays and the pageantry that came with them. Christmas was big in our house; the stockings, the cookies, the nuts, crackers, and meals always made the holidays come alive. As a friend, she was influenced by her family experience. She grew up in a very social atmosphere and kept that engaging part of her throughout her life. She liked to meet and be around people. Everyone who interacted with her, from her PSWs to friends to service providers of all sorts, mentioned how much they enjoyed talking to her and how impressed they were by her practicality, her ability to cut to the heart of things, and her wicked sense of humour. No matter how you came to know her, she made an impression. Whether she was your parent, spouse, friend, patient, or acquaintance, she touched you in some way. Her children would like you to know that she also made a mean pie crust, and those same hands were pretty good at delivering babies as well. Family and friends are invited to visit the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street, Kemptville, on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. A Celebration of Gwyneth Jones’ Life will be held in the Kemptville Chapel Reception Centre on Saturday, August 6, from 11 am to 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to Seniors’ Community Services or the Canadian Cancer Society.
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OPP Report
Driver charged with impaired On July 14, at around 9:30 pm, Grenville Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint with regards to a vehicle driving erratically. Officers attended the area of County Road 44, North Grenville and located the vehicle a short distance later. After speaking with the driver, a 70-year-old male from Spencerville was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing. The male was charged with Operation while impaired - alcohol CC 320.14(1)(a), and Operation while impaired (80 plus) CC 320.14(1)(b). The accused was released and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville at a later date. Ride event On July 16 at 10:00 a.m., Grenville OPP officers were conducting a R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) on Dixon Road in the Township of Augusta when they spoke with a 17-year-old driver from Stittsville. After further investigation the driver was issued the following Highway Traffic Act (HTA) offences: Novice Driver B.A.C Above Zero - HTA 44.1(3) More Passengers than seat belts - HTA OREG 340/94 6(1)(2) Driver - Fail to properly wear seat belt - HTA 106(2) If you have any information on the above investigations or any other please contact Grenville OPP on 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn cash reward.
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The Voice of North Grenville
Winning ticket worth $7,000.00 drawn Sunday 24th. Winner Amanda Lalonde Sherbrooke. Drawing the ticket is Rotary President Nadia DiakunThibault witnessed on left by Lion Stephen Bell and on right Knight of Columbus Anthony O'Sullivan
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People have been swooning for joy since at least the 13th Century when the earliest recorded use of the word can be found. By the 20th Century, losing consciousness for love and rapture was a necessary attribute of a Southern belle. Even today, swooning has a positive connotation, defined as, “a few steps beyond being happy, but not so over the top that you scare children.” But change the language describing the same loss of consciousness and "blacking out like a light" is not so glamourous. Parents fainting with a thud on the floor most certainly gives the kids a fright. But how dangerous is fainting? And how common a problem is it? There have been some famous faints. Most recently, the 74-year-old America guitarist, Carlos Santana, passed out temporarily on stage in Michigan. Hillary Clinton had an episode during her Presidential campaign in 2016. In presidential circles, POTUS14, Franklin Pierce, was known as “Fainting Frank”. Both Bush Sr. and Jr. had unglamorous occasions. And Obama and Trump interrupted speeches to help nearby fainters. Fainting, otherwise known medically as syncope, is defined as a loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery. It’s caused by a decreased flow of blood to the brain. People may feel nauseous or dizzy. Being in the hot sun or not being hydrated are risk factors. Doing something as simple as standing up can cause a faint. Blood pressure drops, reducing circulation to the brain. For the elderly, it becomes harder for their bodies to regulate blood pressure when moving from a lying or sitting position to standing. Among even the young and healthy, fainting might be caused by hunger, anxiety, emotional swings, or alcohol and drug use. According to various estimates, about 20-30% of the population has fainted at some point in life. In most cases, getting some rest is the easy prescription. But as with most things medical, prevention is the most prudent course. While the short loss of consciousness itself may not cause harm, seniors are prone to bad injuries when they fall from a faint. It can be disastrous if a faint occurs while driving. To understand whether a fainting episode is a one-time event from a missed cue to slow down or a more serious problem involving heart trouble, doctors need to evaluate the patient. An important clue is the speed of recovery. If recovery is not swift, it’s essential to get quick medical care. Doctors will want a full patient history. An important set of considerations will be the list of medications. People taking beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors which lower blood pressure may be more susceptible to trouble on hot days or when exerting themselves. Antihistamines are powerful allergy medications, but they can also be a factor in fainting episodes. These drugs interact with the nervous system and therefore have many side effects. A change in dose should always be discussed with a doctor, and people who self-medicate by boosting their dosage are playing games with their health. Other considerations will be recent bouts with ill health, including COVID, pneumonia, or any other common respiratory infection. Getting back to good health is job number one before pushing the pace at work or in leisure. It’s not easy to predict a faint or even to see it coming in the moments before it happens. But if you detect a person turning pale and their eyes glazing over, or if you notice someone’s speech slowing down or difficulty in collecting their thoughts, get to their side and sit them down safely. Lower their head and raise their feet to restore blood flow. If recovery is slow, get medical help. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones www.ngtimes.ca
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Business profile The Stove Store, offering warmth and beauty for 50 years
For almost 50 years, this small, locally owned and operated business has been busy installing high-quality and innovative fireplace and home comfort products to its dedicated and growing base of customers across Eastern Ontario.
CO2 Down to Earth 18
From the warmth of a wood stove to heat a cabin on a winter night, to a stylish and sleek gas or electric fireplace adding ambiance and flair to a penthouse condo, from concept to finished product, The Store’s knowledgeable and experienced Sales, Service and Installation team are available to guide your every step.
Natural Succession (2)
From its humble beginnings, The Stove Store has grown to become a full-service company for all of your indoor and outdoor comfort needs. Its staff are home comfort experts for wood, pellet, gas, and electric fireplace options to heat your home or outdoor spaces, home heating systems, geothermal heat pumps, air conditioners and indoor air quality products. The Stove Store also has a large selection of outdoor products, including pizza ovens, fire pits, cooking grills and custom outdoor kitchens. The Store also provides a long list of after-installation services, including chimney sweeping, annual fireplace and heating and cooling system tune-ups and maintenance, water heater service and indoor air quality products, to name a few. The Stove Store has over 50 models of fireplace options in its showroom, from something small and subtle to an in-wall style with lights and crystal accents. There is also a wide range of fireplace and wall coverings and hearths to choose from to show off your new fireplace or stove. The Stove Store has something here for everyone. Big or small, any heating source you choose, The Store can make it happen.
photo is by Rachel Everett Fry
The popularity and repeat business of The Stove Store has kept it alight for 50 years and we will be celebrating that milestone this fall with an open house and cookout on Saturday September 10th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
by Philip Fry Natural succession does not proceed in a straight timeline from a disturbance to a stable climax habitat community, nor does it do so without the intervention of all the species present, including humans. As each species collaborates in the building of a shared habitat, small and large-scale disturbances continue to happen – a tree is uprooted by the wind, a water course is partially dammed by enterprising beavers, coyotes arrive from prairies to the west and prey on the local deer and rabbit populations, weather patterns change – and each event transforms the immediate habitat and sends its development on bifurcating paths. A patch of light falls upon a previously shaded forest floor, marsh plants find new homes at the edges of the beaver pond, vegetation is no longer so heavily browsed by rabbits, and the functions of whole habitat system are challenged by changes in rainfall and temperature. That is what is happening now. Intervention by the human species has been an integral part of habitat development in our region since the end of the last ice age about 10,000 years ago. Over the centuries, indigenous peoples learned how to participate in the on-going transformations of their surroundings by developing collaborative technologies based on their intimate knowledge of the specific plant and animal life thriving on their terrain.
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July 29, 2022
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The ranges, or if you will, the overlapping territories inhabited by various species are integral to the development of collaborative technologies. Most not human species have evolved with geographical limitations to their dispersal – a mountain range, an ocean, radical shifts in habitat requirements. In a sense, they have developed built-in technologies to deal with the limitations of their habitat. They rarely self-displace themselves from one range to another, but sometimes they travel when they are caught up by an exceptional means of transportation. That is how the dog strangling vine arrived from Eurasia thanks to European settlers in the 1800’s and how a more recent arrival, the emerald ash borer, came from East Asia, most likely in a shipment of imported goods. Human communities have adopted different approaches to the range limitations of their habitats. Some, like the indigenous peoples of our region, developed technologies of collaboration, that is, forms of partnership with the landscape and the other species dwelling in their shared habitat. European peoples chose a different view and manner of dealing with their environment, chiefly by developing powerful technologies of transportation and exploitation of their habitats. If a parcel of land was not visibly transformed by cultivation and building, it could be declared terra nullius, a no-man’s land up for grabs. When Europeans left their homeland range
to “discover,” inhabit and exploit “new” worlds, they ignored the workings of the indigenous peoples’ collaborative technologies, and justified their take-over of the land by calling upon the terra nullius doctrine. If that were not painful enough for indigenous populations, it was made much worse in Canada by the deliberate attempt to erase their customary way of life through the forced attendance of their children at residential schools. There are signs of hope, however. The colonial mindset is slowly being recognized for what it is, and the customary values of indigenous practices are being deliberately unforgotten by projects aimed at reconciliation and healing of the painful wounds inflicted by the colonial enterprise. An excellent local example is The Healing Place, located at 8040 Shanly Road (Highway 20), just north of its intersection with Ventnor road. The gardens there are collaborative works, bringing together a number of First Nations and nonindigenous partners. Set on a parcel of farmland deeded by its owner to the South Nation Conservation Authority, The Healing Place is being created with the enthusiastic coordination of Chris Craig. The garden design is based on the medicine wheel, the cardinal directions, the four pillars of life (mind, spirit, emotions, and the physical world) and the four elements (water, air, fire and earth). Differences in the customary teachings and practices of the participating First Nations are integrated into the design and events at the Garden, and the collaboration of non-indigenous people is welcomed. For more information, go to: The Healing Place.com; or Plenty Canada.ca. If you wish to contact me, write to: wildflowerguy@gmail.com.
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A Turtle Story
Mayor Doug, Donna and the Turtle Crossing sign submitted by Donna Ross County Road 23 roadside has become a popular turtle nesting spot this May and June. Because the road runs close to the Rideau River in some sections, the loose gravel beside the road is the perfect location to dig
a nest and lay eggs. And so, it was in mid-June that I was alerted by cyclists that a turtle was making her nest in front of our home. It was amazing to watch and then to see her ramble off back to the river. I called her Tess. What to do? I had to
I have now read and learned a great deal about the lives of turtles, especially the Painted and Blanding’s Turtles which are common in our area. They are amazing creatures and need protection from cars, especially in the spring and late summer when the mothers and hatchlings find their way back to the water. So, if you see what appears to be a rock... slow down, it could be a turtle crossing the road! If you decide to stop to nudge them across the road, always do that in the direction they are heading. Please keep an eye out for turtles crossing roads anytime between April and November. All Ontario turtles are now considered Species at Risk, due to the many human-related threats. For inforation about Ontario turtles, please visit the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s website: Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre – Making Ontario a safer place for turtles.
protect the nest and the eggs from predators. My husband and I rigged up signage on reflector stakes and covered up the nest with chicken wire. And now we watch and wait for the hatchlings to crawl out and instinctively head for the water. Gestation period is 50 days, so we have a birthing date of mid-August! Having witnessed the nesting and seeing turtles move across the road this spring, I wanted to do something to bring awareness to the yearly occurrence of crossing turtles. It is devastating to see ones that have been hit by a car, many still struggling to live with deep cracks across their shells. I decided to make a request to Merrickville-Wolford Mayor Struthers about Turtle Crossing Area road signage. He contacted the County and within a week two bright yellow roadside signs were erected on the east and west side of County Road 23, two kilometers apart, in the section of the road that runs close to the river.
Baldwin's Birds
Non-Water birds in water!
With all our recent hot weather the birds, who we don't normally associate with it, take to the water! Obviously they don't completely submerge themselves in it, but they do like to splash about in it to either cool down or rid themselves of some of those pesky fleas and other annoyances. Robins are particularly fond of taking a quick bath in whatever small pool/ puddle of water they can, provided that they have still got a foothold! We have a bird bath at the front of our house and a Robin is a regular visitor to it and enthusiastically splashes July 29 2022
away for quite sometime. Of course this depletes the bath somewhat, but either the rain or we replenish it for them. The depth isn't too great so they can manage quite comfortably in it and once they have lowered the water level some of the smaller birds have a go in it too, such as the House Finch (female in picture), and the Chipping Sparrows. In a previous article, I alluded to our pair of Bluebirds who were occasionally flying straight from their perch on an adjacent nesting box and flying directly into the one they had used earlier, for no apparent reason. Yesterday I got a good
view of the female atop this nesting box with a mouthful of Insects, which she then took down into the box below! Presumably there are youngsters in the nest and she is now feeding them, but none of this is going at a hurried pace, so I am still not convinced that this is the case! I'm probably wrong, as usual (ask my wife!), as I probably am about the tiny House Wren, who is still making overtures at nesting in one of the other nesting boxes. His partner has also been seen entering this box with food too, so perhaps it is "catching!" Maybe you have also seen some strange activity of your own in your garden. At least, if you have, you will have experienced the thrill of being able to watch the birds " doing their thing" first hand and being able to share in their activities too. Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin --
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THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor
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United Counties move ahead on CR 43 and Kemptville Courthouse plans by David Shanahan The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) has discussed two major projects relating to North Grenville. At the UCLG Council meeting on July 21, it was announced that the Joint Services Committee (JSC) had awarded a tender to renovate the former Kemptville Courthouse into 10 affordable units. A numbered company, 2195292 Ontario Limited, submitted a bid of just under $1.8-million for the project. In a statement by the UCLG, the background to the project was laid out. “As part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis, the provincial government created the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to support community agencies and encourage longer term housing-based solutions to homelessness, including acquisition and renovation of facilities. The Joint Services Committee also approved the recommendation for the Counties to enter into an agreement with the Municipality of North Grenville to lease the building long term.” The ongoing operational costs of the Court House Apartments, located at 15 Water Street, will be supported with the rental revenue. The Counties Council received a status report on the ongoing County Road 43 Project, which has been in the planning stages for a few years now. So far, the UCLG has begun tree and brush clearing around the County Road 43 bridge. Some zoned agricultural property along the north side of County Road 43 at the Ferguson Forest is being included in the widening and there will also be a number of trees removed along the right-of-way and around the existing bridge. These losses, according to the UCLG, will be offset with the creation of “a wetland habitat beneath the new bridge and the addition of trees, shrubs and other plantings”. To reduce climate change implications, recycled products such as asphalt and the concrete additives slag and/or silica fume will be used during construction. Heavy equipment is also equipped with filters and exhaust systems and fluids that the UCLG say will greatly reduce emissions. The final design for the expansion of CR 43 includes enhanced pedestrian crossings, which will also cater to cyclists and those with disabilities. Other enhancements include “3-metre wide multi-use pathways, detectable warning plates and depressed curbs at crossings, accessible pedestrian activated signals at crossings, pedestrian lighting, numerous benches strategically placed along the pathways and trees and shrubs for shade and aesthetics”, according to the Councties’ report. Residents of North Grenville and all those who use CR43 regularly, will be well aware of the increased traffic density along the route between the 416 and Somerville Road over the last few years, as housing developments have been built, adding greatly to the number of vehicles on the roads, particularly when people are travelling to and from work, and on weekends. There will inevitably be even more congestion as work on the bridge begins, and residents of Wellington and VanBuren Streets are concerned that much of the traffic will end up using their streets to get around the CR43 works. www.ngtimes.ca
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CROSSWORD
Classifieds eds Classifi FOR SALE
Annabelle hydrangea large size. $5 each or 5 for $20. Nancy 613 761-0878 Danby Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU. Asking $250.00. Call 613-2582753 Walker with seat; electric active cycle, manual exercise cycle. Call 613-5678533 Wheelchair, Fuse 5.0 with accessories; Shower chair with coasters & commode. $375 each. Call 613-567- 8533. Old horse machinery for lawn ornament or for use. No 1 horse hay. Call Jim 613-258-3561
Travel trailer Jaco, 5th wheel, fully loaded, 28ft long, perfect condition. Must sell. Call Jim 613258-35612 No. 6/4 wire cabtire 18 meters; No, 6/4 wire liquidtight 15 meters; $175.00 each or both for $300.00. Bill 613-8501584
WANTED
Part-time Dance Instructor with a sense of humour required for group of 30-60-something women wanting to dance away our "pandemic pounds". Please come and teach us some cool moves such as Modern, Jazz, London Soul, Hip-Hop, Disco, or Belly, We'll try anything. Contact ailto:brhallrental@ gmail.com
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July 29, 2022
1992 Ford Econoline E150 Palm Spring's edition. B.C. vehicle, no rust, 396000 kms. 5.7 litre engine, tested and certified $2500. Phone: 613-791-0204 Hearing aid with charger, hardly used. Call 613-5678533 Polaroid 24" reg tv. Hardly used. Nick 613 890 3512 Hardwood firewood for sale $110/face cord. Minimum 3 cords for delivery. Jon 613-227-3650.. Small square and large round hay bales for sale. Jon 613-227-3650 Cedar posts and rails for sale, various sizes available. Call Jon 613-2273650
SERVICES RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair. Call George at 613 462 7637
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Hedge Trimming
ACROSS 1. Potato 5. Chop finely 9. Tequila source 14. Car 15. Whale 16. Shoestrings 17. Sycophant 19. Breath fresheners 20. Hebrew dry measure 21. Academic references 23. Brevity 25. Home 28. Not in 29. Donkey 32. Overseas 33. Estimated (abbrev.) 34. Expectorate 35. College bigwig 36. Not outer 38. An abandoned calf or lamb 39. Large northern deer
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HELP WANTED GENERAL LABOURER NEEDED for construction company to start immediately. $18-$22/hr depending on experience . Harvey (613)227-8850
40. Bounder 41. "Stick" of frozen water 43. Observe 44. Dike 45. Liqueur flavoring 46. Choosers 48. Tailor 50. Infant's illness 54. Spooky 55. Someone too lazy to read 57. Coniferous forest 58. Adhesive 59. Nights before 60. Not dirty 61. Several 62. River barriers DOWN 1. Out of harm's way 2. Any soft or soggy mass 3. Mormon state 4. Acts of endowment 5. Furrow maker
6. Apprehend 7. Vista 8. Tough guy 9. Not quite 10. Ways to walk 11. Skin disease 12. Animal doctors 13. S 18. 8th letter of the Greek alphabet 22. Elementary particle 24. Extremists 25. Hell 26. White poplar 27. Slow down 29. Quickly 30. Move furtively 31. Horse 33. Finish 34. Cut 37. Convention clip-ons 42. Sorceress 44. Humiliate 45. Place with a skylight 46. Siberian antelope 47. Stringed instrument 48. Marine mammal 49. A Great Lake 51. Molten rock 52. Any thing 53. British tax 54. And more 56. Golf ball support
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
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KDH Board of Directors welcomes five new members The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board of Directors welcomes five new members, elected at its 62nd Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2022. “I am pleased to welcome Ginette Bebeung, E r i n B o n o k o s k i , J e ff Panciuk, Dr. Yves Pelletier, and Helen Zipes to the Board of Directors and look forward to the insight and leadership they will bring to KDH,” said Elizabeth MacPherson, Board Chair. “They join KDH at a critical time, when the communities we serve are depending on us to help navigate through the current crisis in Ontario’s hospitals symbolized by staff shortages, overcrowded emergency departments, and rising numbers of alternate level of care patients.” Ms. MacPherson congratulated current Directors Margaret Harrison and Stephen Saslove (Treasurer), who were re-elected to serve for a third term. She also thanked outgoing Board Chair, Robert Morais The KDH Board of Directors is composed of 14 elected and 7 ex-officio Directors, including a municipal council member. The Board has responsibility for overseeing the operations of the Hospital and guiding its future in the health system.
New Board Members
Ginette Bebeung A technology leader and certified Director (INSEAD Business School) with more than 20 years’ experience in technology and innovation, Ginette Bebeung brings expertise in corporate governance, organizational strategy, global operations, supply chain management and strategic negotiations to the Board. With a background in Information Technology, she specializes in Digital Transformation and has applied her skills on five continents. Ms. Bebeung serves as Executive Vice President, Governance and Strategy, with Searidge Technologies of Ottawa. Erin Bonokoski A senior strategic communications and public affairs leader, Erin Bonokoski brings experience in both the public and private sector. She gained political and government relations insight working across federal government departments, and served as Director of Strategic Communications in the Office of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Ms. Bonokoski is Vice President and National Practice Lead, Campaigns and Creative, with Crestview Strategy of Ottawa. She has experience in governance of a health care not-for-profit as Director of Communications and Public Affairs with Health
Sound of music
by Ashley Sloan The sound of music was alive and well in downtown Kemptville last Sunday, as the Kemptville Street Piano presented a classical duo who performed in front of an intimate crowd at the NG Public Library. Jennifer King, a pianist, singer, and songwriter, performed a few classical pieces that she had worked on, and then loved them enough to mash in her own written work. A piano may have 88 individual keys that hold a note inde-
July 29 2022
pendently, but the beautiful sound that Jennifer's hands played would capture your soul on the high notes and gently release you back on the low. The opening performance was Sonetto 104 del Petrarca by Franz Liszt. She had studied it in a music history class in Grade 9 that was taught by her Mom. Jennifer fell in love with it. She said, “I just heard a song at the centre of it, with all kinds of fireworks built in around this central melody”. She asked
Standards Organization and Accreditation Canada. Ms. Bonokoski and her family live in Kemptville. Jeff Panciuk Jeff Panciuk is a Senior Technical Analyst and Team Lead of the application services team at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). At CHEO for the last 28 years, he has been a leader in the IT field for the past 18 years. Mr. Panciuk has been involved in implementing the electronic health record solution at CHEO for 12 years. He holds three certificates from Epic, the electronic health information system that KDH will be implementing this fall. He has hospital experience in all aspects of software, hardware, operations, and innovation. He was born at KDH and now lives back in the community with his family. Dr. Yves Pelletier D r. Yv e s P e l l e t i e r (Ph.D.) brings more than 25 years of experience in policy development, government relations, research and innovation, human resources management, and project management to the Board. He serves as Associate VicePresident, Francophonie, at the University of Ottawa, and has served with other Canadian universities. He also worked in government both at the federal and provincial level, including As-
sistant Deputy Minister for Post-Secondary Education for the Government of New Brunswick. Dr. Pelletier holds a Ph.D. from Queen’s University. He currently sits on the Board of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and Osteopathy Canada. He is a resident of North Grenville. Helen Zipes Helen Zipes is an experienced healthcare leader and consultant. She is a former physiotherapist with more than 35 years’ experience. Ms. Zipes obtained her B.Sc. (P.T.) from McGill University and her M.B.A. from the University of Ottawa. She spent 28 years at The Ottawa Hospital. Her career at TOH culminated in the Senior Management Team role of Clinical Director of Rehabilitation and the Academic Family Health Team. Ms. Zipes has chaired and participated on regional, provincial and federal committees and is a former member of the Fitness to Practice and Discipline Committee of the Board of Physiotherapists of Ontario. She currently serves on the Board of FOCUS Accreditation. The complete list of Board Members is available on the KDH website: h�ps://www.kdh.on.ca/ your-hospital/board-ofdirectors/
if she could learn it, but her teacher had not taught Liszt before and felt he was such a showman, and so virtuosic, that the piece wasn't meant for such a young student. Jennifer persisted, her teacher relented, and she played it at her first professional concert at the Orford Arts Centre when she was 16. “It's been part of my repertoire ever since, like an old friend for much of my life”. Her original work comes from her life experiences, and as she shared a song written by her brother, who had passed away last year, she sang it with great emotion. For the second half of the 2-hour performance, she was joined by Susanne Doherty ,a dear friend and wonderful mezzo- soprano. They began their performance with a fun little song with a story about
an oyster. As Susanne sang, she gave a lovely performance that had the audience in smiles and laughter. The weather held off, with just a few rain drops, but the wind carried the music down the river for neighbours to hear the beautiful voices and sound from the Street Piano. The host, Lisa Poushinsky, thanked the sponsors: the Municipality of North Grenville, RTO9, and the Government of Ontario, which made this initiative possible. If you have not yet had an opportunity to catch these live performances, they are held on the north side of the North Grenville Public Library and accessible for everyone to enjoy every Sunday at 2:00 pm. Seats are limited but you can bring your own.
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THE FOOD CORNER
By Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Whether you are vegan or a meat lover, vegetables done on a barbecue are delicious and very easy to make. Once again, you will wish to take care in the preparation and cooking, so that you don’t end up with mush, rather than perfectly grilled vegetables that still have a nice crunch. Barbecued vegetables can be a main dish or accompany other dishes, such as the Chicken on a Barbie recipe from last week. So, here goes!
Veggies on the Barbie
Ingredients – First, the Vegetables Chicken 2 red peppers, with seeds removed and cut into 1 inch strips 2 yellow peppers, also with the seeds removed and cut into 1 inch strips 2 green peppers, done same as above 3 small zucchinis cut lengthwise in 1 inch strips 3 small eggplants, cut lengthwise in 1 inch strips 10-12 baby Portobello mushrooms A couple of dozen asparagus spears with the fibrous ends trimmed off A dozen green onions cleaned and trimmed Ingredients – Then the Sauce ¼ cup of olive oil 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons of lemon (or lime) juice 3 cloves of minced garlic 3 tablespoons each of fresh parsley and fresh basil Some black pepper Preparation Turn your barbecue on to low-medium heat Combine the sauce ingredients and coat the vegetables Cook your vegetables, one species at a time in a grill pan (the one with holes in the bottom): First the zucchinis Then, the egg plant Third, the peppers Fourth, the asparagus spears Fifth, the green onions Finally, the mushrooms Cook each – lovingly – till they are done but still crunchy Keep them all warm in a glass plate set at the back or to the side of the barbecue’s main flame When done, drizzle the remaining sauce and a bit of ground pepper over your vegetables A grill pan is readily available locally and is a must for great barbecued vegetables. Don’t place the vegetables directly on the barbecue grill. The trick is to treat the vegetables with care according to their particular cooking time to get fabulous results. You can serve them as is or on a bed of basmati rice. Next week, we will go for Shrimp on the Barbie, prepared Hawaiian style. Take care, enjoy and continue being in touch via pcormier@ranaprocess.com. www.ngtimes.ca
The Voice of North Grenville
The North Grenville Times
History Section
Ku Klux Klan in Smith’s Falls
KKK meeting in London, Ontario, 1925 by David Shanahan Racism and bigotry is not unknown in Canada, although we often like to think that we’re in a better place in that regard. Sometimes it is best to let history speak for itself. The following are excerpts from the local newspapers for September 1927 and 1928. They record the annual gathering of the Ku Klux Klan at Smith’s Falls, when Klan members from all over the district gathered to intimidate and impress. It is hard to believe that this happened in this area so recently, or at all. However, the Klan had a significant increase in
support in Ontario in the 1920's, and tapped into a relatively widespread fear among the rural parts of the Province following the end of the First World War that Canada was losing its Protestant British identity. The popularity of Klan meetings faded by the end of the decade, although it remained popular in Western Canada until recently, but it is a chilling reminder of what has happened, and what can happen, when bigotry and prejudice are given freedom. KLANSMEN HOLD C O N C L AV E N E A R SMITH’S FALLS The fiery cross of the
Ku Klux Klan blazed forth in Smith’s Falls last night when the K.K.K. held their annual gathering in a field on the outskirts of the town. A huge throng turned out to attend the meeting and hundreds of motor cars entered the field. White robed members of the Klan rode through the crowds keeping order and now and then shouting commands in gruff disguised voices but others, whether intentionally or in forgetfulness, raised their masks and rode around with their faces in full view. The Klansmen wore the usual peaked hood and white robes and the robes were decorated with the Klan insignia on one side and a green maple leaf in a red circle on the other. The horses wore white covers and hoods with the letters K.K.K. painted upon them in bright red. [August 20, 1927] Escorted Off Field Only Protestants were allowed into the grounds and those entering had to pass sentries. Four Klansmen guarded the gate, and
once inside a visitor met a white figure carrying an old-fashioned sword. Inside the grounds more mounted members of the Klan trotted here and there keeping an eye open and more than one who had got safely by the main guards was escorted off the field. A steady stream of motor cars continued through the grounds all day and many American and Quebec licenses were noted. The field was decorated with hundreds of Union Jacks. Many children were noticed among the crowd and some were tiny tots who were hardly able to toddle along, and had to be assisted by bigger brothers and sisters. Hundreds of women also attended the meeting. After darkness had fallen the crosses were ignited and the blazing symbols could be seen even from the centre of the town. The crosses were five in number and ranged from 30 to 70 feet in height. The largest cross presented an impressing scene as it burst into flames and illumi-
nated the field, showing the white-robed figures. [Sep. 1, 1927] LARGE RALLY HELD BY KU KLUX KLAN AT SMITH’S FALLS Ku Klux Klansmen from every part of the district gathered in Smiths Falls for their annual demonstration and this year the event was witnessed by one of the largest crowds that ever thronged the field on the outskirts of the town. Several hundred motor cars drove to the field and many new members were initiated. The Klan demonstration had been expected for several days and Smiths Falls citizens awoke on Saturday morning to find that members of the invisible empire had been busy during the night at several of the most important street corners the symbolic letters KIGY were painted upon the streets, and a huge arrow directed the curious to the large field where the demonstration was being held. The letters, KIGY mean Klan is Gathering Yonder. Klansmen in full regalia
patrolled the grounds this afternoon and evening and the rule of admitting only white gentile, protestants was once again very strictly observed. Picturesque scenes were witnessed as the whiterobed Klansmen rode here and there directing traffic and keeping a watchful eye on everything. Five crosses were set ablaze this evening to wind up the ceremonies. Four of the crosses were some 40 feet in height while the fifth towered about sixty feet above the grounds. It is estimated that three or four thousand people visited the grounds during the day. Speakers harangued the crowd from platforms and soap boxes scattered here and there, and there was much to impress and entertain the curious. [September 13, 1928]
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The Voice of North Grenville
The North Grenville Times
WHAT WHAATT IS IS YOUR YYOOOUR UR PROPERTY PROPERRTTTYY WORTH WORRTTH IN I N THIS T H I S EVER E VVER E R CHANGING CCHANGIN H A N G I N G MARKET? MARKET? Call Lisa today for a free market evaluation. Lisa Deschambault Realtor ®
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Science and Faith – A Critique I agree. As humans, it is indeed hard to be 100% objective 100% of the time. However, this should not deter us from trying. Another point is to debunk the misrepresentation of atheism. Theism is generally understood as the belief in the existence of a god or gods. Atheism (a-theism or a-theos from Greek) is simply not having that belief. It is not a philosophy or a fundamental belief – it is the absence of a belief. There is also the need to differentiate between the word fallible and falsifiable. Fallible means that we are all capable of making errors or logical fallacies, as noted by Ms. Campbell. Falsifiable means that something – whether in naturalism or supernaturalism – is open to scrutiny in such a way as to be capable of being shown to be false. Yet another is the response that the series put Naturalism and Supernaturalism in a sort of conflict. While there may be something to discuss there, it was not the intent of the series, and I think a fair reading of the whole series should demonstrate that. Both Naturalism and Supernaturalism offer what it is they offer,
by Victor Lachance As readers may have noticed, I wrote a three-part series on the subject of finding an accessible and reliable path to future knowledge and truth. From my perspective, the series failed to do what I hoped it might do, which was to engage readers in a discussion about how we as people of many different views can talk about big questions. As I stated in the Introduction article, the series was not about actually discussing those issues, but about how we can go about discussing them. Perhaps I failed to make this clear enough, or maybe having the three parts spread out over several months just wasn’t a good way to do it. But the series as a whole would have been too long for a single edition of the Times. The reason I think I failed is two-fold. No one actually responded specifically to the question of finding an accessible and reliable path to the truth. Instead, the responses, except for Jane Campbell’s, focused more on the merits of Christianity. Nevertheless, there were some points that I wish to respond to, starting with Ms. Campbell with whom
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but the series was about an accessible and reliable path to knowledge and truth. Perhaps a useful next step would be to look at how we can structure discussions and debates using common points of agreement. For example, it would be great to have responses from readers on the following premise: A person who makes a claim has the burden of proof for that claim. On the burden of proof: if you claim that there’s a new type of car that can cook up a pizza over the engine, I can of course go by Brandon Mayer along with part of what you are claiming. I know what a A local man is speaking car is, I know that a car engine generates heat, I know out on behalf of his business what a pizza is and I know and his staff after his staff what a properly cooked received what he believes pizza should taste like. So, to be unfair parking tickets the only thing left is the at his office building. Rob claim that such a car exists. Lunan’s office building – If so, I’d love to have one. which houses his accounting But if you say “prove that such a car doesn’t not exist” business – is a commercially that I cannot do – in logic zoned building on Elvira you can’t prove a negative. Street East in Kemptville. Instead, I can ask that you The building has a short prove that such a car exists. driveway, and two off-theAs much as I might like to road parking spots in the have such a car, if you can’t front. Staff have been parkprove that it exists then I ing in these spots without simply can’t believe you and issue for years, but earlier for the purposes of eating this month, that changed. pizza, I will have to stick to “On July 7, our employthings that can be proven to ee contacted us and said she cook up a pizza. got a parking ticket for parkHere’s another example: If I say to you that I spoke ing in her usual spot,” said with my dead mother last Rob. “From reports on social night (like a former Prime media, it looks like many Minister did), you might others in town were also say that you don’t believe ticketed on the same day.” me. If I then say to you, To make matters worse, Rob “prove that I’m wrong”, and his wife (who is also his I’ve now shifted the burden of proof to you – you have business partner) were away to somehow prove that my on vacation at the time, after dead mother did not speak having spent three years to me last night. If I then working without any time say, “well since you can’t off. They paid the ticket from disprove my claim, it must afar so that their employee be true”, that would now be a wouldn’t incur more penallogical fallacy, and therefore ties, but now they want a an invalid claim refund, and a resolution so In the interest of space, that the problem does not this is the extent of my critique. I regret that this may happen again. Rob is particularly upset disappoint those who rebecause of how long the sponded, but if I delved into a debate about Christianity, building and its parking I would be defeating the situation have existed withpurpose of the series. I also out incident until now. The think it would be unproduc- building was constructed tive to do so in the absence in 1986, which Rob points of an agreed upon approach out is a full 12 years before to discuss it. For the moment the Municipality of North then, I look forward to readers’ responses about who has Grenville was even formed. Rob reported that in talking the burden of proof. 12
Local business owner wants parking issue resolved with North Grenville By-law Manager Jeff Baribeau, he learned many other noteworthy things. “Back [in 1999], there were no onstreet parking restrictions, so staff could park anywhere on the street,” he said. “However, that changed sometime between 2009 and 2012 when the three-hour parking restriction was made.” Rob also learned that the By-law is only enforced when someone complains. “The parking spots straddle the culvert and were grandfathered in as off-road parking spots for the commercial building to function,” said Rob. “Our staff has been parking there without incident for several years now since we bought the building.” He argues that the Municipality should never have allowed commercial zoning for his building if there wasn’t enough parking available for up to the eight employees that the building can house. “Overall, this goes to show a lack of planning at the municipal level,” said Rob. “As the community grew, and continues to grow at a fast pace, more free parking areas should have been made available. What are our employees supposed to do? Park by the pool and walk 20 minutes to work in a snowstorm? That doesn't play well in a tight labour market, or any market.” Now, Rob is taking aim at what he calls “disturbing municipal staff behaviour”. He pointed out that many public servants do not understand what it takes to run a business, which includes
paying bills and retaining employees. “Ticketing employees for parking where they have a right to park is not helping things,” he said. “Are we green and growing or bureaucratic and bumbling?” Mayor Nancy Peckford weighed in on the issue, telling the Times that "Mr. Lunan alerted my office to his concerns and I immediately asked municipal staff to review if a ticket was, in fact, warranted. If it wasn't, it will be rectified. Council also expects to review whether or not the current parking By-law for the downtown is suitable given the evolving needs of our local business community and residents." For now, a solution has been offered – Jeff Baribeau suggested that parking permits be issued for the employees of the office, so that By-law officers know not to issue tickets to office employees for street parking. However, Rob does not believe it is a permanent solution, since permits can be withdrawn, and future managers may not have the same policy. For now, it will have to do.
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