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Vol. 2, No. 31
The Voice of North Grenville
August 6, 2014
This land is their land
The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated
Maurice “Moe� Dumoulin and the Fetherston Park Moe-bile used to roam the Park now owned by the residents
by David Shanahan Exactly one year ago, the residents at Fetherston Park were facing the loss of everything they had. The Municipality of North Grenville had given them notice to leave their homes within 90 days, and this meant homelessness for
many and the loss of their homes and investment for all. Initial meetings with municipal staff seemed to lead nowhere, and members of Council were either silent, or useless, or both. One year later, the Fetherston Mobile Park Association is an incorporated body, run
by the residents, which owns the land in the Park. The property is under the control of the residents, who have been celebrating this amazing achievement by adding to the value of their land and homes through investment in landscaping, renovations and repairs. A state-of-theart septic system will be
installed later this month. All of the abandoned mobile homes in the Park have been sold and the new owners are busy getting their new homes in order. It is an almost miraculous turnaround since last summer, and it was through the hard work and dedication of continued on page 2
The North Grenville Times continued from front page the Residents Association that it has happened. With the strong support of the Association, their representatives have successfully negotiated this revolution in the lives of the community. Maurice (Moe) Dumoulin, President of the Association, has been dealing with lawyers, courts, commercial businesses, municipal staff and Ontario ministry officials, moving step by step through bureaucratic and legal obstacles. The result has been complete vindication for the people of Fetherston, as they have made practical and sociallyresponsible arrangements to make Fetherston Park an independent and selfsupporting community. The Statement of Purpose of
the new corporation speaks eloquently to the aims of the Association: “The purpose of the Corporation is to operate, administer and maintain, on a long-term basis, a mobile park, whose purpose is to provide affordable housing to its members, in such a manner as to ensure the common good and general social welfare of, and to provide assistance to, its members and their guests, on a not-for-profit basis”. The residents are busy helping each other improve their lots, create a strong community spirit, and ensure that the future of the Park remains under the control of the people who live there. It was a long campaign and required flexibility, generosity and straight
provided him with an electric golf cart so he could continue to make the rounds of the Park. The NG Times got involved with this story when we were contacted by Scott Arena, another resident, who believed that eviction was not inevitable if only their story could be told. He was right. One year later, North Grenville has a shining example of what a community can achieve by working together and standing firm for what is right. The end of their campaign marks the beginning of a new era at Fetherston Park, one which will see the property developed and improved by those with the greatest interest in it: the owners. This land is your land. Congratulations.
dealing. Moe has great respect for Mayor David Gordon and CAO Brian Carré of the municipality for the way they undertook to find a solution to the original problems. But it was the determination and courage of the people of Fetherston which brought the municipality to see that a solution was not only possible, but essential. The culmination of all this work came last week with the formal transfer of title to the land by the Ontario Courts to the Residents Association. Maurice speaks with great pride about the achievements of the past year. The community, too, acknowledge the work that he and others put into the talks, and, when Maurice hurt his back and was faced with surgery, the community
Elvis has left the building
by Pat Babin One of the largest collections of Elvis Presley memorabilia in Ontario is no longer in residence on Prescott Street, where it occupied space in Fran Thompson’s home for many years. It has made its way, we hear, to an undisclosed destination following a stopover at the Programs Room at the North Grenville Public Library last week. On July 31, at a special gathering of Youngsters of Yore, Pat Allport and Fran Thompson shared their extensive Elvis-related experiences with those present. Back in 1957, when Pat was a teenager, she personally met Elvis in Ottawa after winning a Gord Atkinson contest. Her arm was never the same following that Elvis kiss! Hundreds (literally) of Presley items were on display for all to see - from lamps to vintage books and albums, to licence plates, to figurines, to teddy bears, stamps and jewelry. The collection is mind-boggling; and moving everything to the Library necessitated three hours of involvement on the part of a team of six volunteers. Both Fran and Pat spoke about their visit to Graceland and other related experiences. Amazing, how a singer who is long gone can have such a powerful impact on his dedicated fans. Next stop for the memorabilia? Highly classified location, which will be under 24-hour surveillance! Doug Thompson possesses the KEY!
Sandy Arcand, Fran Thompson and Pat Allport rolling back the years at (below) the amazing display of Elvis memorabilia
August 6, 2014
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Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen of JVLPhoto. Actors: (left to right) – Katie Ryerson (Rosalind), Matthew J. Lundvall (Orlando), Katie Ryerson (Ganymede), Kate McArthur (Audrey), Catriona Leger (Phebe), and Geoff McBride (Silvius). by Marc Meyers A C O M PA N Y O F FOOLS will be presenting their newest Shakespearean play in Maplewood Park on August 12th. This year they will perform “As You Like It”. In previous years they have delighted Oxford Mills audiences with Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Come out to the park any time after 5:30 pm and enjoy an affordably-priced crepe dinner or dessert (served up by Erick Le Pors of Dial A Chef). Live music starts at 6 pm courtesy of the Mayplewoode Minstrels, (so you can eat and listen while you find a seat to your liking near the stage). Food and tune both wind down at 6:45 pm, allowing everyone some space to settle for the show's 7 pm start. The Fools will pass a hat after the play. The first part of “As You Like It” takes place in a castle town, where
allegiances are established, and the cruelty of the Duke made horribly clear. It was not unusual in Shakespeare's time that the masses were made to feel like puppets of the nobility, but here that is reversed (the nobles are literally puppets). This does not prevent the castle Duke from being sinister or from ruling with an iron will. It will help you to know the basic set-up. The bad Duke's daughter, Celia, is nice and the best friend of Rosalind, who is the daughter of the good Duke (a Duke who has been exiled to the forest). There is a third Duke, quite dead, whose children, Orlando and Oliver do not get along. The old man who appears in these early scenes is Adam, former servant of the dead Duke, now the mistreated servant of Oliver (though we don't see him much with his master Oliver, since that is not a happy place). The second part of “As
You Like It” takes place in a forest, which contains within it a sheep pen. Here the exiled Duke presides and here much romantic mischief ensues. Three Dukes, brothers to one another: City Duke (Frederick), Forest Duke (Senior) and Dead Duke (Sir Roland de Boys). The first two each have a daughter. The third has three sons, brothers to one another: Orlando (kindhearted and sympathetic), Oliver (harsh and unsympathetic) and Jacques (somewhat enigmatic and aloof). Jacques has attached himself to the court of the exiled Duke. The acting is superb and the costumes fun. In no other endeavour than theatre does it occur that the actors appear on stage wearing fashionable codpieces, amuse the assembled masses, and then go home. Also nowhere else will you encounter so many Kate's in one place. Behind the
scenes we have Katherine, Assistant Stage Manager. On stage we have Kate as Celia (the Castle Duke's daughter), Katie as Rosalind, (the Forest Duke's daughter), and Catriona as Touchstone (the Castle Duke's Fool, who rather attaches himself to the daughters ... like Adam we don't see him much with his master Duke Frederick, since that is not a happy place). The Oxford Mills Community Association is hosting the evening, and thanks the efforts of Mike & Ness Photo, Erick Le Pors, the Mapylewoode Minstrels, Rowan Meyer (our piper in residence), and The Brigadoon. Thanks also to all our sponsors, including O'Heaphy's Irish Pub (we recommend stopping by for Grilled Brie or a Guinness), Brewing Oasis (drop by and learn just how easy it is to make wine), and Blue Gypsy Wine (hand-crafted wine, made in Oxford Mills).
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Kinder Wood at the FFC A new trail has been opened at the Ferguson Forest Centre, with generous support from the municipality, local business and the two high schools. The idea of the trail is to “introduce the forest and
August 6, 2014
its animal residents to our children, their families, and all who choose to stroll through these unspoiled, accessible woodlands”. The trail is a short walk, accessible to the youngest children, and is dotted along
the way with small wooden animals, nicely painted and decorated, with a small notice for each one to introduce the various animals and their habits to strollers. The only questionable part of the trail is the large sign which is set at the start of the walk. It describes the trail as a “500 feet pathway”. It is hoped the children will not copy the grammar which, aside from not being in metric, should really read “500 foot pathway”. The issue may not arise, as visitors may find it hard to reach the Trail from CR 43, where the signs for Anniversary Way, the road that leads to the Trail, are pointing in the wrong direction, away from the FFC and down Grenville Street.
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Editorial
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Growth pays for growth? Not in North Grenville by David Shanahan This issue contains some good news stories and some others too. The culmination of the Fetherston story is undoubtedly good news for everyone. A tragic injustice has been averted, and people have taken control of their future together. New affordable accommodation has been made available in North Grenville at a time when such an asset is in very short supply indeed, in spite of the astounding number of new homes that were approved by Council over the past ten years. The last time an initiative for affordable housing was put forward for Kemptville, municipal authorities undermined it and denied local people a chance at decent housing. The other major story this week is the attempt by council to pass a new Development Charges
Letters to the editor Dear Editor, I was very impressed by the very well-written article in the August 1st issue of the North Grenville Times by Mr. Peter Johnson. His response to a critique I had made of one of his previous articles was quite articulate and interesting. It showed a degree of reflection and balance, combined with acuteness of observation, which I had enjoyed in a number of his other articles over the last year. It seems that I, in haste a n d l a c k i n g s u ff i c i e n t information, have erred in suggesting that Mr. Johnson's political comments might be tinged with “partisanship”. From his article this week, I am able to determine
by-law. As you will read elsewhere in this paper, a presentation was made to Council at a poorly advertised Public Meeting. The presentation was in addition to the “discussion” of two budget amendments which raised the municipal debt load by more than $1 million. In spite of these important issues, the full Council meeting took less than an hour. The budget amendments had been previously discussed at a special Committee of the Whole meeting the previous Wednesday. This meeting, in turn, took place just two days after the previous Committee of the Whole meeting, and was scheduled for 4.30 in the afternoon. Hardly a scheduling arrangement that facilitated public involvement, was it? There are a number of questions that come to mind when considering these stories. In the case of Fetherston, Council
were presented with a recommendation by staff last year to simply evict the residents of the Park, using the excuse that the septic system made the property a dangerous place to live. Council do not seem to have been given alternatives to this drastic and disgraceful step, until the issue became public and they were forced to reconsider the eviction notices. There was a deep suspicion at the time that there was a development plan ready to be put into action once the residents had been removed. But, were that the case, it was foiled by the campaign launched by the residents to save their homes. The Development Charges by-law was presented to Council on Monday night along with a presentation detailing the cost of providing infrastructure for planned development in North Grenville over the next decade. (See the article
that Mr.Johnson's very sharp pen has cut swathes through perceived misdeeds, incompetence, corruption and plain, garden variety stupidity on the part of both of our major political parties. I find this to be an ideal quality for a writer of political commentary. Fairness and balance are at the heart of useful commentary and are not so commonly found. My original concern was that a writer with as much fire and eloquence with words as Mr. Johnson might possibly give an unfair picture of our political environment if he were not careful to be balanced and fair in his commentary. As the expression goes, “the pen is mightier than the sword”. So it is indeed reassuring to note that Mr. Johnson does
wield his “pen” with care and in the true interest of informing the readers of the North Grenville Times. While I regret the possibility of having caused consternation in Mr. Johnson's mind concerning my letter of critique, I do not regret having written that letter. While I certainly failed to seize the equitable nature of Mr. Johnson's writing in the past, my letter had one very good result: it caused Mr. Johnson to write his excellent article in this week's North Grenville Times. That result alone is reason for satisfaction on my part to accompany my sense of having dismally missed the mark in my aforementioned critique. I hope Mr. Johnson may consent to agree, at least to some degree, that the
August 6, 2014
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“Development Charges and Growth” in this issue). According to the law, at least fourteen day’s notice had to be given to the public before this meeting, and the materials being presented had to be made available for that length of time also. When asked what precise steps were taken to notify the public, Director of Planning, Forbes Symon stated: “There was a newspaper notice in the EMC, posting on our web site, direct e-mail of the notice to all those who requested notice and a direct e-mail notice to all builders and developers”. This is hardly a serious attempt to inform the public in good time. The municipality has taken steps to change this procedure in future. But the problem remains: why are Council being handed decisions to make that are clearly not well thought out? And what ever happened to “Growth Pays for Growth”? In the past ten years or so, Council have approved planning applications and rezoning applications and
have gone along with staff recommendations, even when, in many cases, it seems the municipality’s own Official Plan had to be amended to do so. Fears of life without enough Development Charge revenue has led to so many new residential and commercial properties being approved in the Kemptville area that it will cost taxpayers $100.3 million to provide infrastructure for them all. But Development Charges will only bring in $73.3 million, so how is growth paying for growth here? It may be that the second Public Meeting on the DC issue will explain away the $27 million shortfall; but the problem would not have arisen if a more controlled approach to development had been taken by the Planning Department. There have been articles in this paper arguing for such an approach for quite some time. In the case of the DC by-law presentation last week, it was clear that Council had not seen any problem with
the issue, and were quite prepared to pass the by-law without further discussion. In fact, they had called a special Council meeting this week just to vote it through. All this shows a fundamental flaw in our system of governance in North Grenville. As has been said many times before in this paper, Council are too dependant on staff for information on the issues that come before it. As a result, they usually, if not always, go along with whatever staff recommend. These are not informed decisions being made, because Council do not have enough time to get a good grasp of the issues laid before them. That, in turn, is because we don’t have enough Councillors to do the job. Yes, I know some people are tired hearing about this: but the facts speak for themselves. And if you think we can’t afford another two or three Councillors at around $15,000 each per year, think about the $27 million we have to come up with.
resultant article by him was worth the effort on my part. As I said last time, I do look forward to Mr.Johnson's future comments. I do so with anticipation and some measure of trepidation. Anticipation, because I am now reassured that his critiques will be balanced and fair. Trepidation, because I am now venturing into the political sphere myself in this October's municipal Council elections. I shall be watching for Peter Johnson's mighty pen with interest, and that is certain. Jim Bertram
"jewel" of our community. All dog owners that I have come in contact with have demonstrated a great respect for the area. People pick up after their dogs and those dogs that need to be on leash remain on leash. I am aware this is a space that needs to be shared. In the winter, we keep our ears open to avoid a run in with snowmobilers. In the fall, we dress brightly in order to avoid unwanted attention from bow hunters. We all seem to manage to make it work. So why can't the forest be shared with those of us who want to let our dogs go for a run? As I'm sure many of you already know, space is becoming a hot commodity in Kemptville. Residential and commercial developments have eaten up large areas of the town with no end in sight. Green space is getting harder and harder to find. I recognize that, as it stands now, this is a law that bylaw officers have a duty to respond to, but could there not be some thought put into making certain sections of the Ferguson Forest dog friendly? D. Way
Letter to the Editor I had a very pleasant experience recently I would like to share with NGT readers. I had been wanting to buy a prosthesis bra for many years and had heard stories of how heavy these bras were and so consequently kept putting it off. Finally I decided to visit our TLC medical supply store at the Sanders Mall in Kemptville. I was so amazed at the service and the selection was far beyond my expectations. I want to thank the kind ladies of this store for their personal service and recommend any cancer mastectomy person who is having doubts about a prosthesis to visit TLC. I highly recommend them. Elaine Pratt
Dog Walkers of Kemptville Unite! Recently, bylaw officers have started to enforce North Grenville's policy that dogs need to be on leash at all times in the Ferguson Forest Centre. This leash law is one that many (including myself) have been guilty of disregarding in the past. I visit the trails of the forest nearly every day to allow my dog some space to run and interact with the countless other dogs that regularly enjoy this
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Development Charges and Growth by David Shanahan The report made to Council in connection with the proposed new by-law on Development Charges for North Grenville contains a number of interesting projections and plans for the future of the municipality. Population: The current population is calculated at 16,133. This is expected to rise to 22,581 by 2024. By the time the development area has been fully built up [Buildout], it is thought that population will have reached 29,390. This is, of course, assuming that all development takes place, all buildings are sold, etc. This means an increase in population between now and Buildout of 13,257. Units: At present, there are 6,238 residential “units� in North Grenville, consisting of single family homes, apartments, condos, etc. By 2024, that number is expected to be 8,913, and by Buildout, the calculated number is 11,713, almost double what it is today. Areas of Growth: Most of the increases in population and building will take place in what is called the Urban Service Area of Kemptville. Only a small part of this growth is planned for
the traditional downtown area (population increase of about 654 and an increase of 432 building units, of which a large number will be in the tower development planned for the Riverside Park area). The rural area is expected to see a population increase of about 2,169 in 885 extra units between now and Buildout. These figures raise questions about the proposed changes in the Development Charges being proposed in the new by-law. According to the Report, there is a serious shortfall of more than $27.3 million between what providing infrastructure for all the approved development will cost the taxpayer and what will be recovered through Development Charges in the next ten years. Given that financial gap, why would the municipality raise Development Charges in the downtown Kemptville area, where Development Charges are not imposed anyway, and lower them in the very areas where most growth is expected, in the Urban Service Area outside Service Area 1? In other words, where there will be most development taking place, Development Charges are being lowered. Where least growth is expected, in
Progress meets the past
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August 6, 2014
Just behind North Grenville in levels of fees is the City of Kingston. The proposed changes do not alter that situation. But that gives a somewhat warped view of the actual position. If you only look at the Development Charges in the Kemptville area, which is the area of greatest development by far in North Grenville, then the rate of charges as displayed in the Report to Council leaves North Grenville far down the list. According to this chart, North Grenville charges less in Development Charges than Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, or Arnprior. Once again, however, the information is confusing. The figure used in the Report to show levels of current and proposed Development Charges in the Kemptville area uses the
downtown Kemptville and the rural area, the charges are being increased. The actual changes, in dollar figures, are actually insignificant. Charges in rural areas go from an average of $5,189 per unit, to $5,491. In downtown Kemptville (Service Area 1), they rise from $7,509 to $7,760, though, again, this area is effectively charges-free. The main development area sees charges drop from an average of $17,624 per unit to $17,309. The d i ff e r e n c e s a r e q u i t e minimal, but why lower the rate? Where does that put North Grenville in relation to other municipalities in the region? Aside from the City of Ottawa, only Russell Township has higher overall Development Charges than this municipality.
With all the talk about Development Charges, Growth and progress, some very practical problems are becoming obvious on our municipal roads. Over the past few months there have been at least four incidents of large moving or transport trucks ending up in the ditches beside roads that were never designed for such large vehicles. This has happened on Van Buren and Guy Roads (pictured), as well as on Townline Road and Bedell Road. This is a natural result of an increasing traffic of people moving into the area, and the issue will be addressed gradually as roads are widened to handle the larger vehicles. It is expected that the widening of CR 34 into a four-lane will help ease traffic congestion being experienced these days, as more and larger roundabouts are added to the route.
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rates for the downtown area, and the level shown for North Grenville as a whole, shows the rate charged for the main development area outside the Kemptville core. There is a great deal more information in the Report that requires clarification and explanation, and it is hoped that the second Public Meeting agreed to by Council and due to take place in early September will provide the information needed to make an informed evaluation of the proposed Development Charges by-law.
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Communication breakdown by Deron Johnston I was at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, as usual, and, during the proceedings, there was a public meeting which featured a short presentation on development charges. The presentation was a slide show about a study done by consultants that showed projections on things like: how fast our population was going to grow, what our needs as a municipality were going to be as we grew, how much money for those needs was going to come from development charges etc. I tried to write down everything that I could, but there was too much information and I simply couldn't keep up. After the presentation, those in attendance were asked if they had any questions. I didn't know where to start and I couldn't even begin to ask an intelligent question because I didn't have enough time to process all of the information and didn't have access to a copy of the study ahead of time. There were only five other members of the public there and I don't think anyone was there specifically for the public meeting. With no apparent questions or opposition to the study and its projections, the study was accepted. A few days later, a special Council meeting was scheduled for immediately after the next Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday night (Aug 5), to vote on the new development charges bylaw. What was the rush to create a special Council meeting to vote on it the next week at Committee of the Whole? Why couldn't this at least wait until the next regular Council meeting in two weeks? As for the public meeting itself, I don't think residents knew that the
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meeting was happening. I don't think that residents were given enough time to be notified about it. I also don't think the subject matter of the meeting was relayed in a way that residents could understand exactly what the meeting was about and the impact of how the information in that meeting would affect them. Granted, some people may not want to know or don't care, but for those who do, I don't think it was enough information or enough notice. Word spread quickly and I and other residents emailed the municipality to request a second public meeting to allow residents the time to read the study and then ask questions about it. Then on Friday, the municipality announced that due to requests from residents, they were cancelling the special Council meeting. In addition, they announced that a second public meeting on the study would take place on September 8th to give residents the time to read the study and ask any questions they may want answers to. There was also a special Committee of the Whole meeting held at 4:30pm on Wednesday, July 23, at which the report about the East Quadrant Well was presented and a budget amendment for relocation of the irrigation line in the Ferguson Forest Centre was discussed. I was the only attendee from either the public or the press. If it were not for the fact that I just happened to be home, I wouldn't have been able to attend either. Why was it held at this time? Why couldn't it have been held during one of the regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole meetings? I'm not sure why it was set for that time, but I don't think it was reasonable to hold a meeting at 4:30. Almost 2/3 of residents work
outside the municipality and would not be able to make it home in time for a meeting at a time like that. I'm not a fan of special meetings, or short notice. I think that by creating meetings like that, it doesn't give municipal residents and businesses time to find out that they're happening and what they're specifically about. I prefer to see Council stick to conducting Council and municipal business at regular Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. If a special meeting is ABSOLUTELY necessary, then it should be clearly communicated why the meeting is happening, where it is happening, what the meeting is about and how the contents of that meeting could affect municipal residents and businesses. Special meetings that are scheduled at unreasonable times, or on non-regular meeting days, make it appear to some as if something is being hidden from residents, or that something is being rushed through without resident input. I don't necessarily believe this to be true myself, but I could see how some people might think of it that way. In terms of giving notice of meetings, we need to do more to let people know the details. Not everyone religiously checks the municipal website. In talking to CAO Brian Carre, we discussed doing things like notifying the media through a press release when these meetings are happening, why they're happening and some details of what they're about. I also think that a special email list should be created for residents and businesses to be notified when these press releases come out. This way, you're notified by email, instead of having to go hunting for information about something that you may not know even exists. Anyone could sign up for this list, if they want to know more about what's happening in the municipality. All of these things could be accomplished without any additional cost to the municipality and it would keep everyone well informed. Overall, I think municipal staff do a good job. However, as I've outlined with some of the ideas above, I think we can do even better.
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Cook safely so your only picnic worry is the weather by Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Each year, thousands of Ontarians suffer from food poisoning due to improper food handling. The risk increases in the summer months due to the warm and humid weather, which allows bacteria to multiply faster, and because more people are eating outside without the conveniences of refrigeration and running water. The next time you're out for a picnic, firing up the grill, or preparing any meal, practice these safe food handling tips: Clean -- make sure hands, utensils, preparation surfaces and all produce are washed before eating and/or cooking Separate -- keep raw meat, poultry and fish away from ready-to-eat foods during storage and preparation Cook -- cook food thoroughly -- especially meat -- paying close attention to cooking times and temperatures, as they can vary Chill -- refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours. When transporting food, surround it with icepacks in a cooler. Additional precautions you can take while prepping food at home: Never defrost food on the kitchen counter. The outer layers of food will defrost before the inside thaws. Bacteria can grow under these conditions. Thaw meat safely either in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Marinate meat in the refrigerator, not out on the counter. If using marinade to baste cooked meat or as dipping sauce, set aside marinade before combining it with raw meat. Reduce bacterial growth by keeping chilled foods cool (4 degrees Celsius and below). Food poisoning can vary from minor to severe, with symptoms appearing from hours to weeks after eating contaminated food. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and in serious cases, can lead to hospitalization. Infected people may not exhibit any symptoms but may still be able to pass on the illness to others, so make sure to wash your hands well before and after preparing meals. Contact your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of food poisoning. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of suffering from serious and/or long-term health complications, and even death, from food poisoning.
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Fundamentals
Days of future past by David Shanahan He had a recurring dream. Not every night, perhaps once a month, or a few times a year. You know how it is with dreams: sometimes you wake up not knowing you’ve been dreaming at all. Other times, they are so intense, they stay in your waking mind for a while. But, over the years, he came to realise that these dreams were taking place and even in his conscious days he remembered their basic outline. He was always in a building. Sometimes it was an old, rambling castle. Other times it would remind him of houses he had lived in throughout his life. But these would be different than the real ones he had known. There would be doors he didn’t remember, doors which led to extra rooms, even extra sections of the house. And these rooms would lead to other rooms, and he could explore the house all through the night. And there was a frightening part of it, not knowing that these had been here all the time. And there was a wonderfully exciting part of it, knowing that there was more to find, more to explore. These dreams, as I say, would return so often that he became aware of this concept: houses that contained doors leading to rooms he had known nothing about. It both puzzled and confused him. He knew this meant something, otherwise why would he keep dreaming
about the same thing year after year after year? Dreams can be like that, can’t they? They can seem so real, that you wonder, when you wake, if it had really been a dream, or a distant memory relived. Then, one morning, as he slowly woke up, there were words in his mind that seemed to explain. These dreams were, in an odd way, showing him his own mind, his life and thoughts. Full of rooms to explore, with new doors opening to new areas of the house: things to learn and know, areas to explore. In his dreams, he was seeing himself as he walked through the houses, sometimes quietly enjoying the familiar, then the excitement of finding new rooms through doors he hadn’t known were there. But there were also the rooms that frightened him, rooms he didn’t want to enter, other rooms he never wanted to find again. Memories locked away in rooms he would not open. But, then again, new rooms that told him there was so much more to find, new memories to make, new things to learn. Doors that told him that there was so much more in this world, this universe, than he had known, or than he had been told about. He also saw that there were some who didn’t seem interested in doors: the room they were in was cosy, comfortable, familiar. Some people refused to accept that other doors led to other rooms: they were just there for reassurance, for balancing the design of the room. But he couldn’t be content with those ideas
any more. He knew that the doors led to new rooms, that was more to his house than he ever dreamed. A universe, in fact, that was boundless and wonderful and gave him such a sense of potential, possibilities. A universe that was beautiful. As he thought about the words he heard that morning, he realised, too, that this was more than a dream. It was an insight into what was really real, something beyond what he had known or imagined. He had read about the idea, he knew, from many sources. Doors of Perception. Didn’t that title inspire musicians, a band? Didn’t those who looked for doors try every kind of method to find them: drugs, meditation, fasting, sex, music, so many ways. But he had heard the words, the Word, and he knew where the dreams came from, and what they were telling him. “I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture....So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you...See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” So much to know, to learn, to explore and joy in. And, as he thought of the house of his dreams, he heard another Word: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”.
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History
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Days of future past
Robert Bedingfield’s store in the 1870’s and (below) the building as it is today by David Shanahan Over the decades, Kemptville has lost some of its oldest and most historic buildings. Some were destroyed by fire, others demolished before their time. But there are those whose time had come and which could not be saved. It is likely that, in the very near future, another of these landmarks will disappear from Clothier Street east, as the Bedingfield building is scheduled for demolition. Not many people will recognise that name. They know the place as the Bright Spot Restaurant, or maybe the Moonlight, its most recent incarnation. But, as the pictures on this page show, it was once the store of Robert H. Bedingfield, described in 1903 as “a first-class harness salesroom with the workshop in the rear. Here he carries on every thing known to the trade in the line of harness, saddlery, trunks, valises, etc.” Robert H. Bedingfield was one of three sons born to Robert C. Bedingfield and his wife Sophia, who came from Norfolk in England. Robert H. was the only one born in England before the family moved to Canada in 1830, spending thirteen years in Montreal before moving to Kemptville in 1843. By then, his two brothers, John and William, as well as a sister, Sophia, had been August 6, 2014
born. The elder Robert worked as an assistant to Joseph Leeming, an entrepreneur w ho operated a store in what is now Rowland Leather’s premises, before moving to Montreal, where he became extremely successful in an import/ export business. Leeming had a clear influence on the Bedingfields, who moved from the Methodist church to join the new Baptist congregation Leeming had started on Clothier Street west in 1847. Leeming had started business in a small store just south of the bridge on Prescott Street, and it was there that Robert H. began his own business career, building up trade until he could afford to buy his own premises on Clothier Street. Part of his training involved working in the U. S. for five years, where he met his first wife, Juliett. In 1870, he bought part of the lot owned by Robert Leslie for $1,100, a sign that Robert was doing well financially. He built the store pictured here and started his harness salesroom. In 1882, he bought the parcel behind the store and opened his own workshops on land that had once been owned by his patron, Joseph Leeming. Robert C. had died the previous year, but had lived to see his son become a successful businessman in his own right. A nice
and influential man in the region. He served as Reeve of Kemptville for eight years in a row, and was Warden of the United Counties in 1870. But life was not all success and prosperity for Robert. His wife, Juliett, died in 1872 aged just 38. Their daughter, Eddeah Rebecca died, in 1883 at only 23. Robert married again, this time to a local woman, Mary Ann Barnes, whose father had owned the very first store Robert had opened on Prescott Street. Twenty years younger than Robert, she lived until 1920. They had one child, a daughter named Ivy Belle, who
family fact is that the elder Bedingfield and his wife, Sophia, are identified on their gravestones in the Kemptville Union Cemetery simply as “Father Bedingfield” and “Mother Bedingfield”. Their children had all prospered after the move to Kemptville. In 1903, John was described as “wealthy and living in New York”. William married into the Kernahans, a leading family in town, and operated his own saddlery and carting b u s in es s o n P r es co tt Street before selling in the 1880's and moving to Ottawa. Sophia married John Wolf, a wealthy
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died aged 27. There was tragedy as well as success in the Bedingfield family. After Robert died in 1906, Mary Ann sold the store to Horace Hutchins, who was killed at Vimy Ridge in 1917. Creswell Johnson bought the building in 1920 and carried on Hutchins’ business, operating a taxi, or shuttle bus service around town and between the train stations. This business carried on for twenty-five years until Johnson’s death, when the building was bought by Garnet Van Allen in 1946. Times change and people had their own cars to get about in, so the new business on the site was a garage and car dealership. It carried on under various owners, Del Seymour, Bill Todd, Kemptville Motor Sales, before completely altering its identity by becoming a restaurant in more recent times. The Bedingfield family were part of a closelyknit and inter-related community in the Village of Kemptville during its years of growth. The building Robert H. erected back in the 1870's saw the development of the village from saddles and harness to horse-drawn buses, to modern cars and trucks. The change from industry to food service was also a reflection of social and economic change in the area. The Bedingfields gave Kemptville a location that symbolises the history and heritage
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of the town. When it goes, so will our last tangible link to that family and the long chapter in the story of North Grenville that it represents.
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Fragile Crossings
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The Energy East Pipeline - What Have We Got To Lose?
Dr Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad prepare for another cross-Canada trek with their home/lab/studio on wheels A proposed route for the Energy East pipeline has been flung across Canada, to transport tar sands bitumen to off-shore export from the east coast, and Dr Schueler and Aleta Karstad are launching an independent assessment of the characteristics of the rivers and streams that the Energy East Pipeline would cross. They are an example of the amazing pool of expertise and talent we have here in North Grenville, and they are once again putting their talents at the service of their community, both local and national. On August 1st they began their expedition through eastern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, as they locate water crossings all along the proposed route of the Energy East Pipeline, noting the health and
diversity of vulnerable watersheds, sketching, painting, and writing, identifying amphibians and invertebrates large and small, and searching for species at risk. In September they head for Alberta, and will slowly work their way eastward along the pipeline route, surveying and painting precious and beautiful rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and wetlands, all so vulnerable to spills of diluted bitumen. It's not a matter of how few spills there may be, but where and when. Fred and Aleta's work will focus national attention on exactly what we stand to lose. They will survey as many crossings as possible, self-sufficient along the route in their truck and trailer, with the expeditionary methods they developed through forty years of exploring
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Canada's natural history. To help fund the trip, a crowd-funding campaign has been launched, by which individuals can donate to the costs. Any sum, from $10 up, is welcome, and Aleta has provided incentives and rewards in the form of her artwork for those who join the cause. If they fail to reach their goal of $9,500 for twenty full site surveys, they will still complete the expedition, but with briefer visits and fewer paintings. Fred has found, through reviewing many Environmental Assessments done by the proponents of industrial projects, that important indicator species are often not looked for by staff biologists or hired consultants. Some species are usually neglected in site assessments for
landscape-altering enterprises. Reptiles and Amphibians are often missed in official Environmental Assessments based on single visits because they can only be observed at certain seasons, and in certain weather, or times of day. Base line studies at many of the waterways the pipeline would cross have already been made by Fred and Aleta on their previous expeditions across Canada, and each visit to a fragile crossing gives us a more complete picture of its natural community. They have the additional resource of Fred's database to search through more than 110,000 records for earlier observations they have made near many of the crossing sites. By November, 2014, the proposed pipeline
route from the Alberta tar sands to the Bay of Fundy will no longer be 'unknown' territory. The work of this dedicated, experienced, and highlyrespected artist/biologist team will show us the unique beauties of these fragile crossings, and help us to know the names of creatures with whom we share our environment all of whose lives will be threatened if the Energy East Pipeline project proceeds. Fred notes that: "There are risks. We have limited time and have to cover vast distances. The remoteness of many crossings from roads will be a challenge. However, we travel efficiently and are experienced in doing field work under time stress. We also have developed methods for quick visits. Finally,
we are experienced in connecting with local people - naturalists, concerned citizens, and community organizations, who are always happy to share information and help out." Although Fred and Aleta's address is Bishops Mills, Ontario, they are at home all across Canada, exploring lakes, rivers, creeks, and wetlands, and they love to tell people about the wonders of nature that everyone sees but few understand. Their goal is to help individuals make sense of their place in the landscape on a local scale, and to help decision-makers to think about sustainability from an ecological perspective. Funding this important and essential research trip is something with which we can all help. “The local arts and food venue in Kemptville, The Branch Restaurant, recently held a fundraiser for our expedition, raising $750 for us - a good start, which will help pay for retrofitting our ‘new’ 2003 Ford pickup”, says Aleta. A promotional video has been produced by Triune Productions, and it can be seen, and donations made, on the Fragile Crossings page at: https://www. indiegogo.com/projects/ fragile-crossings#home. The NG Times will be providing updates on the Fragile Crossings project throughout the campaign.
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First 15 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word SERVICES
Faced with a drinking problem? Perhaps AlcoholNutritional Counselling to ics Anonymous can help. customize a wellness plan Contact 613-316-6329 or onfor all your health concerns. line: District 48 aa w h o l e su m a p p r o ac h.co m 613-258-7133 Cinderella does housework, laundry & ironing, gardenSpinning lessons, 2nd & 3rd ing, shopping, closet & baseSun. each month, on spindle ment re-organization. 859or wheel, free spindel and 4644 wool. 613 269 4238. Keep your parents or spouse Braided mat lessons, 2nd & at home. Cinderella has cer3rd Sun. each month at Be- tificate in Alzheimer, Demenginning Again School. 613 tia & Parkinson care. 859269 4238. 4644 Qualified English tutor: read- Helen’s Sewing Room All ing, writing, grammar, etc...I kinds of sewing 613 258 5584 make it fun! 613-269 2367. Looking for Avon Products? Call Joan at 258 7644
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Old Town Kemptville, 10 House Cleaning-Every work- Prescott St. - commercial ing Mother and Father needs retail space, 800 sq.ft., avail. a House Wife. Sandi 613-219- immediately. 258 0552. 7277 Kemptville 3 bedroom, w/ HANDYMAN, no job too big or separate kit/kiv/sin/fam on too small. I can do it all.Free main floor. Gas heat, nice estimates and references yard, parking for two cars, available. Paul 613-791-8597 walking distance to amenities, no pets. $1190.00 per DRUM LESSONS - Professional month + utilities Gary Durie, drummer/teacher accepting 613-720-5004 students. All levels welcome! Bryan Valeriani 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca FOR SALE Rock My House Music Centre offers lessons in Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drums, Bass and Vocals. 613 258 5656
Inglis Washer & Dryer great shape can deliver in Kemptville area $175 for the pair. Call 613-720-0942
Bugatti laptop case, black leather, 3 zippered compartments; new $100. 613 215 0651
Bowen Therapy. Restore your health. Pain, Respiratory, Digestive & more. 613-799-3315. www. BowenKemptville.ca Antique Railway Bell, 17” diam., made by Crystal metal. I Can Sew It: Rhonda Cybul- Best offier. 613 258 4519 skie-613-258-5248 Rhonda@ ICanSewIt.ca Mastercraft spin saw kit, used once -$95; another brand Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, new tool kit, $75. Email for Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R photos:Gilliantrojan@gmail. #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 com or call 258 5558 House Cleaning - Kemptville area. For quote call 613-294-0385 or dhlacombe@gmail.com
HAY 4x4.5 rounds, 600 lbs, mostly grass, excellent quality, Jon 613-227-3650
Property Clean up, yards, garages, basements, loads to dump,anything removed. 613258-7955
WOOD seasoned mixed hardwood, cut and split, delivery from $95 a cord, Jon 613-2273650
Sienna Fine Arts Art Classes and Supplies www.siennafinearts. com 613-878-9706
Dog crate (large metal) - $40; 3 large dog beds (used) - $15 ea; Very large dog house, custom built - $300; 613-258-5558.
Commercial/Residential cleaning- Kemptville area. For quote email Mrandmrsclean613@gmail. com or call 613-867-2184 August 6, 2014
Pug cross, house raised with children in rural setting. Good with other dogs, crate & house trained, will be 25-30 lbs, dew claws removed, health
checked, female, very friendly. Will deliver, pics by email: houseflip@hotmail.com or call 613 797 5215. $425.
Aug 9
"Cruise the Creek with the Friends of the Ferguson Forestry Centre". Join us for a leisurely 2 hour paddle on the South Branch (Kemptville Creek) at 10 am. (Rain date Aug 10). A representative from Drifters Outdoors will guide us along the river. Meet at the Anniversary Park Boat Dock in the Ferguson Forest Centre. Bring your own kayak or canoe, or organise your own rental. Remember your lifejackets! Open to all, and free. Information: Call Monica W allace at 613 258 6544 or email at monwallace4@gmail.com Aug 12 A COM PANY O F FO O LS will be presenting As You Like It (W . Shakespeare) in Maplewood Park (Oxford M ills) at 7 pm. Come out to the park any time after 5:30 pm and enjoy a crepe dinner or dessert (served up by Dial-AChef). Live music starts at 6 pm courtesy of the Maplewood M instrels. The Fools will pass a hat after the play. Aug 14-17 Bluegrass Festival, Spencerville Fairgrounds, featuring some of Ontario’s finest Bluegrass bands. See website: www.southgrenvilleblugrassfestival.ca Aug 16 Kemptville Legion Best Ball at Rideau Glen Golf Course. Putting Contest at 10 am – Shot Gun Start at 11am. Cost $65 per person (includes green fees, golf cart, steak BBQ at the Legion). Registration call Chico Horricks at 613-978-7828. Deadline Aug 5, 2014. Sept 7 Kemptville Legion Dinner Dance, 1-5 pm. Dinner at 5. M usic by Ron Donnelly. Silent auction and door prizes. Cost $15.00 per person. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxillary. Contact Sally Thorburn 613-292-7311 or Marg Parker 613-258-5291 for tickets.
Firewood, cut, split and delivered $100/cord. Call Peter at 258-5504 HOUSE FOR SALE-317 Joseph St. 3 bedroom. Must see gardens. $299,000. 613-258-5151 WANTED Retired senior needs old car batteries - making canon balls (weights used for deep sea fishing). 258-6254 Wanted- Black Currants & Gooseberries (or other fruit) for jam & jelly sales to aide the Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary-a registered charity. Call Billy 258-4529
Weekly and recurring events W ed
WORK WANTED Thurs
Painting Int/Ext, hedge trimming, house cleaning, eavestrough, interlock, concrete, driveway sealant. Kelsy 613-215-0904
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Need a bathroom remodel? Experienced, licensed plumber specializing in bathroom renovations, drywall, tile and carpentry. 613 519 5274 Fri
HELP WANTED Grenville Gardens offers a wide range of gardening services for commercial and residential properties in the North Grenville area. We are currently looking for enthusiastic, experienced labourers.License and plant knowledge an asset. Please send resume to heatheracranek@gmail. com
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The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first W ednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44. For more info see ngphotoclub.ca. Bingo- First and third W ednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church,, 2659 Concession Street every 3 rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed! Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1 st & 3 rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. BNI Netw orking Group Breakfast- Alumni Building, University of Guelph, 7-8:30am. Call 613-258-0553 for more information. Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "Info, contact Sandra at 613258-2691. M others of Preschoolers Support Group-St.John’s United Church, 6:30-8 pm. W hether you’re a townie, rural, stay-at-home, working, teen, adoptive, specialneeds, single or married, MOPS is for you! For more information, call Angie Brown at 613-223-3979. Kemptville Cruise Night, Hwy 43 Car Club, May 2 to Sept. 26 at Food Basics – 6 - 9 pm. Rod Rafter, 613-258-7567 or www.Hwy43CarClub.com for more information. Beth Donovan Hospice Companion W alk for those Living in Grief. Please join us at 11:50 am in the parking lot of the North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Road. Hospice volunteers (wearing red) will lead the walk. For more info, call the Hospice 258-9611. The Canadian Foodgrains Garden M arket, 8:30 -11:30 am, St. John's United Church parking lot, 400 Prescott St. There will be fresh organic vegetables, homemade baking, plants and preserves. Kemptville Kinsman Farmers' M arket, 200 Sanders St. (the B&H parking lot) 12-4pm, rain or shine. Come and meet your local producers and checkout our FREE Kid Zone". Free co-ed Ultimate Frisbee, 10:30-noon at Riverside Park. All skill levels welcome, 16+. Kemptville and Area W alking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.
FIREARMS AND HUNTER SAFETY COURSES Beginning Sept. 2nd Evenings, in Kemptville. Minimum age 12. Pre-registration required, limited seating. Tony Gundy Home:258-7816 Cell: 355-2607, Office 258-1876
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52. Hollowed out 54. Flippant 55. Pauses 59. Another time 62. Chilled 63. Path 65. River of Spain 66. Not now 67. Not late 68. Killed 69. Fizzy drink 70. Dam 71. Exam DOWN 1. On the road 2. Alley 3. Possible 4. Roiled 5. A law enforcement agency 6. Quiet time 7. Operatic solos 8. Wound 9. Hot sauce 10. Court order 11. Small island 12. Mousses
15. Scour 21. "Your majesty" 23. French for "State" 25. Identical 27. French Sudan 28. Graphic symbols 29. 52 in Roman numerals 31. Unfit 32. Kisses 34. How old you are 36. Being 39. An unskilled actor 40. Snare 43. Spiny anteater 44. Gait faster than a walk 46. Urgent request 47. Biggest 49. Gladden 50. Foursome 53. A special loved one 55. Strikes 56. Reflected sound 57. Sow 58. A lustrous fabric 60. Angers 61. Nothing (British) 64. Alkaline liquid
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ACROSS 1. "Oh my!" 5. Level 9. Branchlet 13. Light bulb unit 14. Prickles 16. Backside 17. Against 18. Of a pelvic bone 19. Tab 20. 10 in a decade 22. Honorees 24. Colored part of an eye 26. Fungal diseases of plants 27. Inorganic 30. Calculator 33. University 35. 1000 kilograms 37. Toss 38. One more than seven 41. Mayday 42. Arm of the sea 45. Earpieces 48. Hush-hush 51. Listlessness
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August 6, 2014
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Green Party Poster Design Contest 2014 Want to be the “Change you wish to see in the world?” You can with our 2014 Poster Design Contest! The Leeds-Grenville Green Party is looking for Presentations that reflect the values of Sustainability and Democracy central to the Earth Charter and the Green Party of Canada’s Vision Green. Open to all Leeds-Grenville residents and groups! Themes may include, but are not limited to: Participatory Democracy, Food Security, Green Economy. The Winner receives $1,000.00 2nd Place receives $500.00 3rd Place receives $250.00 Judges will be comprised of one representative from each of the sponsoring organizations [Earth Charter Canada, Leeds-Grenville Green Party, Citizens Forum for Democracy] and will take place at our Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday October 4, 2014 All final presentations should be submitted by mail to: Earth Charter Canada, 3801 Weir Road Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0.
Commemorating the Treaty of Fort Niagara: 250 Years of Shared History The province, the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, the Anishinabek Nation, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Six Nations Legacy Consortium are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1764 Treaty of Fort Niagara this weekend. The Treaty, signed on Aug. 1, 1764, is an agreement that was solidified through the exchange of wampum belts and a ceremonial gathering. It reaffirmed peaceful relations and the long-standing military alliance (the Covenant Chain of Friendship) between the British Crown and First Nations in eastern North America. It is considered one of the foundational documents in the relationship between First Nations and the Crown. To commemorate the anniversary, there will be a re-creation of the King's Fire and a celebration at Fort George in Niagara-on-theLake to symbolize the treaty process. The Ontario Government has officially accepted that “Treaties are the legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Prior to contact with Europeans, First Nations were independent nations. The treaties they made with the Crown reflect a mutual commitment to working together on areas of common interest and mutual benefit”. The August 6, 2014
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government has launched a public education campaign to inform residents of the province about treaties, and their place as foundational documents in Canadian constitutional history. In words which are slowly becoming familiar in this country: we are all treaty people, and the Treaty of Niagara has tremendous significance to the history of Ontario and Canada generally. The subsequent history of treaties has not been a positive one. Once the military importance of First Nations decreased after the War of 1812, and with the introduction of what was called the Civilisation Policy after 1830, successive Canadian governments at all levels ignored, neglected, or simply broke any agreements that hindered their activities, reducing indigenous people to the same level in law as children, without the power to make decisions over their own destinies. In spite of lip service about honouring and respecting aboriginal heritage and culture, this attitude is still prevalent today. The recent slashing of research budgets for First Nations by more than 60% is a clear sign that there is little real interest in knowing the facts of history on the part of the federal government. The 250th anniversary of Niagara should mark the start of a rethinking of attitudes and responsibilities on all sides. Treaties are legal, binding, and lasting, even after 250 years. www.ngtimes.ca
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A Community issue by David Shanahan As we head into August and face the end of this summer season, parents and children around North Grenville are beginning to think about going back to school. For many, it is an exciting time as they consider a new year in High School, or reuniting with friends. Others dread the return, school not being their favourite place, and schooling far from their favourite pastime. It is literally that: a way to pass the time until they can get out. For too many others, however, it is a time of fear. The start of another year of trips on school buses, long days in classrooms and corridors, waiting for the next punch, shove, jeering laugh and name-calling. Bullying is a vague term, really. It involves so much more than the traditional physical attacks, the open and intimidating campaign of making life miserable for the victims. There has probably never been a time in our society when we were more aware of what bullying can do, what it does to young people, what tragedies it can lead to. We have even developed our new forms in this technological age, when the words “cyber-bullying” have been coined to describe an entirely new venue for the bullies to operate in. It can have the added advantage of anonymity, with apparently no fear of retribution or punishment. But that is one of the myths of bullying. Laws have been introduced, and measures taken to deal with on-line bullying, intimidation and rumourmongering. Schools and school boards have introduced programs and procedures to try and stem the campaigns of harassment and persecution that go on in every school in the country. For example, St. Michael’s Catholic High School have a wide range of tools available to them in this area, and an integrated approach to the issues involved in bullying, its causes, its effects and encouraging communication is seen as essential in the school community. Richard James, Principal at St. Mike’s, August 6, 2014
described some of these tools that have been developed in the school. Advancing into the technological, social media world, a special “Empower App”has been developed that can be downloaded free of charge by students on their phones. This allows them to report any concerns they may have about specific incidents, patterns of behaviour, or individuals, without fear of retribution or loss of privacy. Young people can see what’s happening in the school, but may not want to get involved in person out of fear that they, too, might become subjects of harassment. Social media outlets are used through a web site and Facebook page. T h e s c h o o l ’s w e b site has a section on Mental Health, which includes anti-bullying initiatives and options. The school has a support worker, Anita Gillard, who handles bullying and other issues that adversely a ff e c t s t u d e n t s . T h e procedures available to her include a Restorative Circle approach, learned from the healing circles of First Nations’ society, in which both parties in a situation are brought together to communicate and try to resolve issues. OPP Community Officer, Cathy Lindsay, gives regular presentations to students, and both Student and Parent Councils are important parts of the strategic approach by the school. Students who are experiencing any form of bullying or intimidation in school need to make use of these kinds of programs and services, and are encouraged to do so in every school in North Grenville. Yet the problem persists and sometimes it seems as if it is getting worse with each school year. Students who are being attacked, physically, psychologically, or online, and for whatever reason, need to know they are not alone. They must be rescued from a sense of isolation and desperation through knowing that so many others are going through something similar, even in their own school. They need to know that school years are usually the worst years of your
life: but they end and there is a future afterwards. In the meantime, reach out for support in dealing with what life at school is throwing at you. It used to be that young people were bullied because of their looks, their clothes, being too good academically, being bad academically, being athletically gifted, or unable to catch a baseball. These days, all of those categories still exist, and others have been added. Sexual orientation is an issue that seems to attract bullies like a magnet. Some female students use their gender to prevent their victims from reporting their bullying activities: they threaten to accuse others of sexual assault, inappropriate touches or names, and so on. Bullies can be very good at accusing the victims of the very things they themselves are doing to their victims: a preemptive strike. But bullying should not be seen as simply a problem for the school system to solve. Bullies and victims come to school from family and social backgrounds, and these are often part of the story. It is also estimated that one in five, that is 20% of students are suffering from some form of mental health issue. David Coombs, of the Upper Canada District School Board, is taking on responsibility this year for safe schools in his district as the Superintendent of School Effectiveness School Operations. He sees bullying and mental health of students as a community issue, one that can only be dealt with effectively on a wider basis than just individual schools, or school boards. Next week, we’ll begin a series with David on this wider look at bullying and what can be done to address it as a community.
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The North Grenville Times
Rotary in North Grenville turns 80
Express yourself: Making pain visible
by Anne Walsh Pain is difficult to communicate with words. If you are visibly injured, people express sympathy. They see the cut, blood, stitches, bruises and they lend a hand. However, many individuals are in pain every day. Their pain is not visible. They look healthy and they are expected to get on with life. Invisible pain can be anxiety, grief, chronic pain or migraines, it may be ptsd or postpartum depression, infertility, miscarriage, domestic violence, sexual abuse, guilt, shame, suicidal thoughts, unemployment or bullying (to name a few). Invisible pain has many faces but mostly goes unnoticed. As an art therapist, I have often reached out to these individuals and suggested they express their pain by making it visible. This provides relief for the sufferer as well as an opportunity for empathy. Their pain can be externalized, seen and acknowledged. Some of
August 6, 2014
the stress and tension that worsens the sensations of pain can be reduced. On July 12th, 2014, a car crash gave me a glimpse into the world of chronic pain. Following the accident, I experienced h e a d a c h e s , a n x i e t y, nausea, profuse sweating, back pain, exhaustion and dizziness. I needed to sleep two to three times every day. My children were frightened. Where was the fun-loving mom who would take them to the park, stop for ice cream on the way back and make up silly stories at bedtime? Was she the same woman who got up in a haze, watched them play, asked them to be careful when they hugged her and went back to bed for a rest? Luckily, my symptoms didn't persist or worsen. I got better, stronger, energized and I was back to my old self before the summer holiday was over. However, I didn't know if my brain would heal or how long it would take. This experience has really taught me how crippling it can be to suffer from pain every day. I understand the link between pain, mood and quality of life. I decided to turn my experience into a healing opportunity. On Friday, September 12th, 2014 (exactly two months after the accident), I invite anyone who lives with some form of invisible pain to come to Nik's Place
The Voice of North Grenville
(also known as Community C o n n e c t i o n s ) a t 11 3 Prescott street between 7 and 9pm to make their pain visible through art. I will have tables set up with paper, paints and pastels. There will be rolls of paper for groups who would like to paint together and make a statement. Participants can draw or paint their pain then write a message from their pain to the public on an index card and staple it onto their art. Individuals can take their art home or leave it behind. People can come and go as they wish. This activity is free and all are welcome. See you there!
by David Shanahan The Rotary Club of Kemptville is celebrating 80 years in the community in 2014, and newly-installed President, Donovan Arnaud, is determined to make it an enjoyable anniversary. The highlight of the year will be what Donovan calls “a big birthday party” at the Municipal Centre on November 22. More details of the party will be provided over the coming months, but, in the meantime, plans are going ahead to celebrate the people and the work that have made Rotary such an important part of life in North Grenville for all those decades. The entire rasion d’étre
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of Rotary is fellowship and service in the community, and the encouragement of high standards in professional and personal life. Rotary in Kemptville has been a source for fellowship and friendship for many men, and, in latter years, for women also. The first meeting back in 1934 grew out of an earlier social service group called the One Hundred Club, which had been in existence since 1929. Learning about Rotary and its aims and ideals, the members of the Club applied to join Rotary International, and so the first official meeting of the Rotary Club of Kemptville took place on November 24, 1934. The new President wants to impress on the people of
North Grenville that it is, above all, a place to find friends and a meaningful way of contributing to the community, both at home and internationally. Donovan appreciates that there have been times in the past when people saw Rotary as a club for a more elite group in society, but emphasises that those days are long gone. “Rotary must reflect the times it’s in”, he believes, “and some traditional rituals and traditions need to be looked at again”. He believes this anniversary year is the perfect time for the Rotary Club of Kemptville to renew itself. The new President knows he has a strong and energetic Executive to work with in 2014, to ensure that the anniversary is both a time of appreciating the past achievements of eighty years and also one of renewal and refreshment, to ready itself for the decades to come. Changes are ahead for Rotary in North Grenville, possibly even a name change to reflect the municipalitywide membership of the Club. Donovan wants people to know that they can look forward to Rotary meetings and events, as a way to meet and develop friendships, and to find meaningful projects through which they can help improve the lives of people here and abroad. What the Rotary Club of Kemptville has in its favour is a long and solid tradition, a history that can be built upon, and a future that is promising.
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